Alaska Packing List: Top 15 Essential Items for Your Alaskan Cruise

As a travel agency passionate about ease of travel, we’re excited to share insights on cruising to Alaska and tips to make preparing for your adventure so much easier! Imagine breathtaking landscapes, fresh air, abundant wildlife, and delectable seafood and drinks.

Alaska’s cruise season runs from April to October with more sought after sailings late May to early September, offering a mix of mild summer days (55-70°F) and cooler nights. Here’s our top tip: focus on Waterproof Layers. Alaska’s weather is a blend of seasons in a single day, and being prepared means staying comfortably dry.

For those leisurely cruise dinners, pack a mix of casual and elegant attire. Think comfortable pants, sturdy hiking boots for those land excursions, and a cozy fleece for a touch of luxury and warmth.

Alaska’s raw beauty is sure to leave you in awe. Our packing advice? Bring essentials that let you immerse fully in the experience, making memories that outshine any weather. Shop our top 15 items listed below.

Alaska Cruise Essentials: Your Guide to Packing Smart!

1. Outdoor Ventures Waterproof Lightweight Fleece Lined Rain Jacket for Women or Men: A lightweight, waterproof jacket is a must. This one from Outdoor Ventures is breathable and offers extended coverage.
2. Nikon Trailblazer 8×25 ATB Waterproof Black Binoculars: Perfect for wildlife spotting, these binoculars are waterproof, compact, and affordable.
3. Merrell Moab 3 Midi Waterproof Hiking Boot for Women or Men: Durable and weatherproof, these boots provide great support for Alaskan terrains.
4. Smartwool Classic Full Cushion Crew Socks for Women or Men: Wool socks for warmth and moisture-wicking, crucial for keeping your feet dry and comfortable.
5. Earth Pak Summit Waterproof Backpack: An 18-liter waterproof backpack to carry and protect your essentials during excursions.
6. Coal Yukon Brim Beanie: A fleece-lined, brimmed beanie for warmth and sun protection.
7. Sonoram Merino Wool Liner Gloves: Touchscreen-compatible gloves that keep your hands warm and dry.
8. Polarized Sunglasses: Polarized sunglasses for glare reduction and UV protection.
9. Hydro Flask All Around Tumbler: A 28-ounce tumbler to keep drinks hot or cold during your excursions.
10. Quick Dry Terrain Pants for Women or Men: Versatile and quick-drying, these pants convert easily into shorts.
11. Long-Sleeved Hoodie, UPF 50 for Women or Men: A stylish, UV-protective under layer for unexpected sun exposure.
12. Canon EF 75-300 mm Telephoto Zoom Lens: Ideal for capturing distant wildlife and landscapes with a DSLR camera.
13. Sawyer Products Picaridin Insect Repellent: Effective and safer than DEET, this repellent protects against mosquitoes.
14. Columbia Steens Mountain Full-Zip Fleece Jacket for Women or Men: A water-resistant, warm fleece jacket with zippered pockets.
15. Bonine Non Drowsy Motion Sickness Relief: For motion sickness relief, these chews are a natural alternative with a pleasant flavor.

These are our top must haves! Pair this list with your essential day to day wear and you’re good to go. Less is better when it’s a realistic option and this list fits into a carry-on increasing your ease of travel. We truly hope you enjoy your cruise and that we’ve helped make the packing process a little bit easier!

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