Packing Guide for an Alaskan Cruise

I'm embarking on my 2nd cruise to Alaska and I keep noticing a trend on Facebook pages and Cruise Critic - "WHAT DO I PACK?!" 

My cruise is 9 nights with 6 ports and 2 sea days. I also want to make a little disclaimer - I do not have to fly as I currently live in Seattle and will be taking the train back from Vancouver. So needless to say, luggage weight is not an issue for me this time.

Here I am in Canada (via Skagway) at the beautiful Emerald Lake.

My first cruise to Alaska was 5/26/16 and I scoured the internet for YouTube videos & packing lists on what to pack/how to pack. I wanted to make this blog post and transfer this onto Cruise Critic in hopes it helps others. This will be my 9th cruise overall, but packing for Alaska is a much different beast than warm-weather cruises.

If you take away ONE thing from this post, it's that you should always pack in layers no matter what month you visit Alaska via the seas.  The most important layer is your outermost layer - your rain layer. 

Rain Jacket 

This is my North Face rain jacket/wind breaker (not featured: the hood). Make sure you have a rain-proof jacket because this will be your best friend.  Depending on what time of the year you visit Alaska, you may only need this layer on top of your clothes.

 Coat

Next layer I use when it's not raining - this is my Patagonia Nano Puff jacket. It looks really thick, but it's really lightweight and keeps you warm when you are out on deck glacier watching. (not featured: the hood, I promise it's there!)
I don't recommend a heavy coat, but definitely have a thicker layer handy if you plan to be exposed to the elements (sightseeing on deck or have an excursion planned that may require some warmth).

Jacket

I don't travel without my North Face fleece. This piece right here is a lifetime investment, just like the rain jacket. I wear this on planes, at home, and most certainly, in Alaska. You'll see me wearing this indoors or when it's a little chilly (and not raining) outdoors. Invest in a good one, it will last you a lifetime!

Outerwear

These are a couple pieces of light-weight active wear that I take with me for chilly indoor/outdoor tempts when I don't have to worry about rain. I tend to lounge around in yoga pants/work out pants and these two items go perfectly when it's a little cold. I don't think it's necessary to bring two for a 9 night cruise, but it's pretty hard to choose between the two.

Flyaways

I know men have no idea what this word means, but the ladies know the value of a solid flyaway. I also love cardigans, but find myself purchasing more flyaways as they are typically thicker and more useful (in my opinion). 

Speaking of flyaways, I have two others that I'm wearing on embarkation day and the first sea day. I've paired them with the shirt I'll wear underneath so you can see where I'm going with layering. I'll be able to re-wear any of these 3 flyaways as a layering piece later in the week (especially on the ship). 

See where I keep going with this? LAYERING!!!

Embarkation day shirt/flyaway -

First sea day - 

Tops

Now that you are starting to get the picture with building layers, let's discuss tops.
I have a few "extra" tops to wear with jeans/capris for sea days and just in case. You never know what you are going to feel like wearing, so I like options. The good thing about tops is they typically do not take up a lot of room, so it doesn't hurt to pack a few extra options.


I do plan to wear one of these tops en route to the hotel on the day prior to embarkation, so one will not get packed. I plan to wear jean capris the day before and the day of embarkation.

Note: pack different colors so it feels like you have a lot of options.

(This longer, black top is going with blue LuLaRoe bottoms for debarkation day; it will be a long travel day!)

Sweaters 

Let's move on to my port day outfits. Because I have no idea how the weather is going to turn out, I am planning to wear a short-sleeved shirt under a lightweight sweater. I tend to be hot-natured, but weather in Alaska in late May is unpredictable. This pairing really worked on my previous cruise, so why try to fix something that's not broken? 
Plus, if you get hot, take off the sweater.

*Please note the layering! 

Red sweater; paired with a black t-shirt.

Blue/white striped sweater; paired with a wild orange shirt.

 

Tan sweater; paired with maroon shirt.

Black sweater (with elbow patches); paired with a blush Piko top.

Now that we have established an everyday look, let's talk about night time. I personally prefer to shower and change into something a little dressier at night. Alaskan cruises tend to be more casual, so do not be surprised when you see a dining room full of jeans (and possibly even shorts).

We booked a 6 night specialty dining plan, so I wanted to be sure I had enough dresses plus an extra. I'm also packing a few blouses to pair with jeans for the nights I won't feel like putting on a dress. We plan to eat outside of the ship while in Victoria, so there will only be 2 nights in which we do not have reservations. We will likely try out the sushi place or MDR those 2 nights. 

Evening Attire

2 swing dresses from Old Navy

A couple of simple dresses from Old Navy 

                                More formal dress options (I do not wear evening gowns)

This dress is dressier than it looks - here's a close up so you can see the thicker material - 

Blouses in lieu of dresses 

Shoes

Now that you have reached this point, you've probably wondered about shoes. I once brought 11 pairs of shoes onto ONE 9 night cruise. You heard me right, ELEVEN! 
I know I am not a minimalist, but I have really cut back on shoes. 

To go with dresses and evening attire, I have a couple of options depending on if I want to dress up or down an outfit.

Dressier option

Casual option

Everyday shoes for ports and walking around the ship

These are my Bobs - I LOVE these and will wear them the most of all my shoes. They are slip on and make walking easy. I do not recommend walking long distances as they do not offer the back support that tennis shoes do.

These are my Columbia water shoes. I know they are not pretty, but I love them. They offer a little more back support than flip flops and will be great for trekking in wet areas.

Last, but not least, the one thing you should not leave your home without (besides a rain jacket!).... TENNIS SHOES!! Or any good pair of walking shoes. These are my old tennis shoes (by Asics), I may bring my newer pair instead.

Bottoms

I didn't feel that pictures were necessary for bottoms, so I'll just make a list of what I'm packing. 
- 2 pairs of jeans
- 1 pair of jean capris (wearing on pre-cruise day, embarkation day, and possible on the ship)
- 3 long pairs of yoga pants/workout bottoms
- 2 pairs of capri length workout bottoms 
- 1 pair of sweat pants/joggers for the cabin/outside

Other Clothing

- 1 shirt for lounging in the cabin/on ship
- 2 sets of PJ's (shirt/shorts)



_____

Now that we have gotten clothing/shoes out of the way, let's move on to accessories then toiletries. I don't think pictures will be necessary for toiletries, so I'll keep it simple and list the items we plan on taking with us. 

Accessories/Bags

My husband and I both ordered new Patagonia backpacks last month, so we are bringing ours as the carry-on for the ship & plan to use one while in port.

My backpack - here's the link to it on the  Patagonia website.

My husband has a waterproof Patagonia backpack (in drifter grey), so we will use it in port because mine is not waterproof and we will only need one.

 

  In my backpack, I will keep ponchos, an umbrella, Kleenex, hand sanitizer, gum, lint roller, camera/case/battery, Kindle, phone/Kindle chargers and other necessities.

Purses 

I'll also bring my Patagonia 'purse' and use it as my purse in port and on embarkation/debarkation days. I wear this as a cross body bag.

For dinner and ship activities, I have a clutch.

Toiletries

Last, but certainly not least... toiletries!
I have 2 bags I use for toiletries/cosmetics  - one for makeup and the other for all of my toiletries. 

Toiletry bag -

Here's a list of all the items you can find in my toiletry bag:

- Shampoo/conditioner (travel size)
- Body wash (travel size)
- Lotion  (travel size)
- Face wash (AM & PM) (travel size)
- Leave in conditioner (travel size)
- Tooth brush
- Toothpaste, floss, & mouthwash (travel size)
- Contact solution & eye drops (travel size)
- Makeup remover wipes 
- Clorox wipes
- Lysol & Febreeze (travel size)
- Razor
- Nail kit
- Q-tips
- Tide to go stick, shout wipes, wet one's, and eye glass wipes

Examples: 

Mouthwash, AM & PM face wash

Nail kit

Mouthwash, hairspray, Lysol, Febreeze, soap dish, & Clorox wipes

OFF for Alaska is a must!

Makeup Bag 

Makeup Bag (*note - I do not wear a lot of makeup) -

Here's what you can find in my makeup bag: 

- Mascaras
- Eyeliner
- Eye shadows with brush
- Perfume (travel size)
- Moisturizer (day, night, and under eye) - travel size
- Tweezers 
- Hair clips/ponytail holders

                   Example: a moisturizer set along with eye cream and hand lotion.

Small perfume/oil

  

I also recommend purchasing some small containers so you can decant creams so you do not have to pack the full-size. I'll use this for my night cream.

I love the "Pack This" list and always pull one out when I start to pack for a big trip. These can be found online or in store. I was gifted two packs and love them - they come in a pack of 30-ish.

Medicine Bag

 I suggest a medicine bag for any overnight trip you are taking.  Take medications that work for you/family and think outside the box - what COULD happen? 

Here's what you can find in my medicine bag:

- IB profen, Tylenol, Aleve, Benadryl, Melatonin, Zrytec
- Bonine tablets, Dramamine liquid & tablets
- Creams: Cortizone, Benadryl, & Neosporin
- Alcohol pads
- Bandaids - different sizes  
- Cough drops, sinus, cold, & flu (severe)

Random Items

Here are a couple of items I highly recommend that don't make it into any category.

Small magnetic clips to hold paper  (dailies, etc)
Stronger magnetic clips, up to 30# (purses, jackets, etc.)

This is my 'already used' over the door shoe rack. I use this for miscellaneous items and hang it on the back of the bathroom door for easy access. I only bring this when I am sharing a cabin. Here's a link to Walmart; there are so many options and they are very affordable!

My friend, Tracey, sent me a picture of hers in use (I couldn't find a photo of mine in use). She also recommends suction cups for the shower (you can see it in the background of this photo). Thanks Tracey!

I do not cruise without my Belkin charging station. The official name is the Belkin Mini 5W 3-Outlet Swivel Travel Charger with Dual USB Ports - I purchased this years ago from Amazon for around $15. 

*Update: I just found out via Cruise Critic that my Belkin contains a surge protector which poses a fire risk on cruise ships. I never thought much of this because I thought a surge protected against fires. Long story short, I purchased this power strip WITHOUT surge (from Amazon). 

I hope you have found this guide helpful or at least the start to your research. I spent so much time watching videos and reading websites and tried to piece it all together before my first cruise to Alaska. This is merely a guide and you may notice some things missing from the list. We are all different, especially in terms of vacation and packing.


A few items I did not mention or picture - jewelry bag/jewelry, binoculars, travel clock, sun screen, hairbrushes/comb/wet brush, sunglasses (with case), eye glasses, contact lens container, passport, credit cards/wallet/ID/cash, Kindle, chargers, umbrella, hats, gloves, scarves, insulated coffee mugs, reusable water bottles, undergarments, swim suits, and the list goes on & on!

This guide would have become a novel if I featured EVERYTHING!

Just remember that packing isn't what it's all about. Alaska is the destination.

Happy sailing to you!