What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise

Alaska cruise packing differs meaningfully from Caribbean or Mediterranean cruise packing. Temperatures range from 40°F mornings on glacier excursions to 70°F afternoons in port; rain is frequent; the active shore excursions (helicopter tours, glacier walks, salmon fishing, kayak tours) require different gear than warm-weather cruise excursions. The kit below handles a 7-day Alaska cruise without overpacking.

The bag itself. Standard cruise carry-on rules apply (most lines allow one carry-on plus one personal item or a checked bag per person). For Alaska cruises specifically, slightly larger checked baggage is justifiable because of the layering items. A 25–30 inch checked bag plus a carry-on for cabin needs is the right setup.

Layering for Alaska weather. The three-layer system: merino wool or synthetic base layer top (for cool mornings), a fleece or synthetic puffer mid-layer for warmth at rest, and a waterproof shell jacket. Alaska weather changes throughout the day — you'll add and remove layers, especially during shore excursions. Cotton anywhere in the system is dangerous when wet; merino and synthetics only.

Bottoms. Two pairs of comfortable pants suitable for outdoor activity (hiking pants, jeans, or technical pants). One pair of insulated waterproof pants if your itinerary includes specific cold excursions (glacier walks, helicopter glacier landings). Long underwear if your trip is in May or September shoulder seasons when temperatures can drop below 50°F.

Footwear. Two pairs of shoes minimum. One pair of waterproof hiking shoes or boots for shore excursions (Tofino Bay walks, glacier excursions, kayak tours). One pair of comfortable shoes for the ship and casual port walking. Wool socks (two pairs) for the colder excursion days. Avoid cotton socks — they accumulate moisture and produce blisters.

Cruise-specific dress wear. Most Alaska cruise lines have at least one or two formal nights per week. Pack: one suit or sport coat for men, one cocktail dress for women. The dress code is generally less formal than tropical cruises but still requires real evening attire. Smart-casual is the daytime norm onboard.

Specific Alaska excursion gear. For helicopter glacier tours: warm gloves (the operator may provide some, but personal gloves work better). Real waterproof boots if you're walking on the glacier. For kayak tours: warm waterproof clothing, pogies (paddling mittens) sometimes provided by the operator. For salmon fishing: warm waterproof clothing, a waterproof bag for catch and electronics. Read each excursion's specific gear recommendations 1–2 weeks before sailing.

Cruise comforts. Cabin essentials apply: power strip (without surge protection — cruise lines prohibit surge protectors), a magnetic hook for the steel cabin walls, refillable water bottle, motion sickness prevention (Alaska's Inside Passage can be rough in occasional weather, even within the ship's stable design). A waterproof phone pouch for shore excursions involving water.

Tech. Real waterproof camera or weather-sealed regular camera (the spectacular wildlife and landscape photos often require better than phone capability). A 10,000mAh portable charger (cold drains lithium-ion batteries faster than warm conditions). Universal power adapter (Alaska is US standard but cabin outlet quantity is limited). Polarized sunglasses (snow and water glare on Alaska excursions is intense).

Health items. Sunscreen (yes, in Alaska — the snow and water reflect intense UV), lip balm with SPF, hand cream (the dry air on the ship and during cold excursions affects skin), motion sickness medication (Bonine, scopolamine patches if recommended). A small first aid kit including any prescription medications.

What to skip. Tropical-vacation clothing (you won't need it). Excessive formal wear beyond what your specific cruise line requires. Bulky cotton sweaters that won't dry. Shorts (you'll rarely wear them in Alaska weather). The well-packed Alaska cruise bag focuses on layered cool-weather gear, not the warmer-weather basics.