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Additionally, bring any over-the-counter medications that you may need such as ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or motion sickness pills if you’re prone to seasickness. Don’t forget to bring any prescription medications, as well. Hair ProductsWhile Alaska is stocked full of plenty of shops in the ports all selling hair supplies including shampoos, conditioners, oils, etc., it’s best to bring your own from home. The shops near the cruise terminals charge exorbitant prices for these basic necessities, so you can save yourself a lot of money by packing your own.
Merrell Moab 3 Midi Waterproof Hiking Boot
For me for Alaska, a regular backpack to haul on a day trip is too heavy and bulky. I bought two of these Bago Daypacks…one in hot pink for the Caribbean and a black and grey one for Alaska. Also pack one pair of sneakers or super-comfortable walking shoes. Just make sure they’re broken in, have tread and not totally mesh. Next, you really should bring already-broken-in hiking shoes with a tread. They weren’t comfortable for me in the arch so back they went.
I packed for a 7-day cruise with just a carry-on suitcase and backpack - Cruise Blog
I packed for a 7-day cruise with just a carry-on suitcase and backpack.
Posted: Thu, 14 Jul 2022 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Cruise Essentials to Bring on an Alaska Cruise
Instead, opt for waterproof hiking pants or something that will dry quicker. A flannel or winter coat with insulated boots is the perfect combination. In the summertime, shorts, leggings, tank tops, and athletic tops are perfectly fine. If you aren’t going hiking or on a boat, flip-flops are great to wear, too. Something to note is that Alaska cruises tend be more casual than Caribbean and Mediterranean cruises. When making your own Alaska cruise packing list, you may want skip dressy evening wear and stick to casual and smart casual outfits.
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For ladies, a longer sleeve cocktail dress, gown or pantsuit is perfect. Since the weather in Alaska is unpredictable and can vary, the best way to dress for days on land is by layering your clothing. In this way, as the day warms up and you become more active, you can remove layers and be comfortable.
Whether you’re looking to lounge on the deck or take a dip in the pool or hot tub onboard, you’ll want to be prepared and make sure it’s on your packing list for Alaska. It’s also good to have if you plan on doing any water activities such as fishing, kayaking, or paddleboarding so you don’t get your everyday wear wet. You'll likely encounter rain or take a water-based shore excursion on your trip up north, so bring a dry bag or dry pack to protect your equipment. For drier days, consider a day pack to stash any extra layers you're not wearing. You’ll also want a daypack, dry sack, and belt bag for carrying all your necessities on the ship and during trips ashore.
REI Co-op Women’s Trailmade Pants
I’ve cruised to the Last Frontier multiple times, including on big ships like Norwegian Encore. It’s one of my favorite destinations in the world and one of the top cruise itinerary recommendations I make when people ask me where to sail. There’s a freshness in the air, a staggering amount of wildlife to watch, and as for the beer and seafood... But with an Alaska cruise comes unique packing challenges.
Merrell Waterproof Hiking Boots
Best of all, they are cheap, don’t take up any space, and have a lot of uses. If you are packing, Ziploc bags can help you keep organized. While on your trip, they can keep things like a phone dry in a pinch. And back in the cabin, they can help you keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones.
These months provide the warmest weather, longest days, and the best chance of spotting wildlife such as bears, whales (among a variety of majestic sea life), and eagles. Yes, formal nights on Alaskan cruises are a tradition and a wonderful opportunity to dress up for an elegant dining experience. Know those $2 plastic rain ponchos that come in a little pouch? With the weather changing constantly depending on where you are, a lightweight plastic pouch can be a lifesaver if you’re caught in a shower. Plus, it can be a good thing to help keep camera equipment or other valuables dry in a pinch.
FAQ: Alaska Cruise Packing List
That means you can often keep in touch, text, and check your email via your phone. Even if you’ve taken a cruise before, you might be surprised to realize that your cabin door and ceiling are actually metal. It means you can bring along some magnetic hooks like these and use them to hang things around the room. Whether you need space to hang outerwear or a swimsuit to dry, having these hooks adds a ton of extra space to your cabin. My formal clothing was worn each evening as per the cruise dress code. I probably could have worn the same top for the semi-formal dinners, but it was more fun to have options.
We recommend steering away from jeans, as you will get wet and they will be uncomfortable. Alaska gets a lot of rain in the spring and summer months. Things like umbrellas, ponchos, raincoats with hoods and extra socks are advisable in case you get caught in a downpour. In this post we went over what to pack for an Alaska cruise, which includes an Alaska cruise packing list for men and women and useful cruise accessories. When people say to dress in layers for Alaska, it starts with thermal undergarments.
That means leave the liquor and beer at home; you’ll have to purchase it on the ship if you want a drink. You can buy bottles in port, but they will be held until the end of the cruise and returned the night before you arrive home. TowelsOf course, your cabin will have towels in the room but many people wonder about larger beach towels for hanging out by the pool or hot tub on their cruise.
The good thing is that swimsuits don’t take a lot of room in luggage, so even if you don’t use it, it’s not a big deal. If you're used to cruising around tropical islands, you'll find an Alaska cruise packing list is different from your Caribbean one. Spend some time learning about what you should pack for an Alaska cruise so you're prepared for the changeable weather and terrain of the 49th State. Alaska cruises certainly aren't anything like a day at the beach. So when it comes to packing, what ends up in your luggage likely won't resemble the bikinis and Hawaiian shirts you'd choose for a tropical getaway.
Even on an Alaska cruise, consider reliable, versatile outdoor gear a necessity. You can also reduce the amount of clothes you bring to Alaska by relying on laundry services. This portable charger is the one I recommend using (link contains affiliate link that costs you nothing extra). I'd also recommend bringing a camera with a zoom lens or a cellphone that takes high quality photos. You should also bring enough chargers and enough memory cards for the hundreds of photos that you will likely take.
Even though your cruise ship will still have two formal nights, unless you’re on a luxury cruise, typical “formal” isn’t over the top on an Alaska cruise. My Alaska packing list covers everything you’ll need to pack for a 7-day Alaska cruise, like my Holland America Eurodam Inside Passage cruise. If your cruise is longer or you’ve chosen a cruise and tour, I also include how and what to pack. I hope my Alaska cruise packing list and tips help you to be prepared for one of the most incredible cruise and land experiences of a life time. Knowing what to pack for an Alaska cruise can make your journey to new lands even more seamless, allowing you to make the most of your vacation. As you begin crafting your Alaska cruise packing list, allow every item to stir your imagination and spark a sense of excitement for the extraordinary experiences that lie ahead.
If you do a water activity such as kayaking, the operator will loan you waterproof gear. Alaska weather can be unpredictable and varies by elevation. Many of our members suggested taking a backpack that folds up and can be stored in your pocket until you need to use it (to store extra clothing layers that are peeled off or souvenirs bought in port). The sacks are very lightweight and have a drawstring to keep your belongings safely tucked away. The waters along the Pacific Coast and across the Gulf of Alaska can be particularly choppy, so if you get seasick, be prepared with a remedy. Getting ready and packing for an Alaskan cruise can be challenging, but well worth it!.
Or maybe you prefer a larger cruise ship like Holland America’s Eurodam, or Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas. If you're intent on a Gulf of Alaska cruise, book a northbound route so you'll cruise the Gulf at the end of the trip when you have your sea legs. If you get seasick easily, also think twice about round-trip cruises from Seattle that spend days cruising in the open ocean. Waterproof clothing, from jackets to shoes to pants, is never a bad idea for combating the Alaskan weather. If you're happy with a couple of historic tours and a guided hike, you could likely budget $500 or less per person for shore excursions in Alaska.
