Planning for an Alaskan cruise is one of those pinch-me travel moments. Soon enough, you'll be touring glaciers, enjoying cozy sea days and catching jaw-dropping wildlife sightings and scenery. But before you can set sail on your snow-capped adventure, there’s one BIG task standing between you and those glacier views: packing your bags! If you’re anything like me, you’ve already started mentally packing weeks in advance. But no matter when you decide to get your packing done, packing smart is the way to go — especially when considering unpredictable weather, cool temperatures and outdoor excursions.
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FAQs
- What should I pack for the weather on an Alaska cruise? Alaska weather can change quickly. Pack layers, including a waterproof jacket, warm mid-layers and moisture-wicking basics. See below for specifics.
- Do I need a heavy winter coat for an Alaska cruise? It depends on when you go and what you plan to do. Early May and September sailings are colder and may require a heavier coat, especially for excursions such as dog sledding on snow or glacier tours.
- What shoes should I bring on an Alaska cruise? Comfortable, waterproof walking shoes are a must. Bring one nicer pair for evenings onboard and flip-flops or sandals for the pool areas.
- Do I need rain gear for an Alaska cruise? Yes. A waterproof jacket with a hood is highly recommended.
- Should I pack binoculars for an Alaska cruise? Yes, if you have them. Binoculars are great for spotting whales, glaciers and wildlife from the ship or on excursions.
What you pack for an Alaska cruise will obviously look very different from what you’d bring on a Caribbean sailing. The tips in this post are a basic guide on how to pack for an Alaskan cruise, no matter the cruise line. If you're headed out on a Disney cruise, we've got you covered here with our ultimate Disney Cruise Line packing list. Now, without any further ado, let’s hop in and talk all things Alaska cruise packing list so you'll be prepared and ready to explore The Last Frontier!
Alaska Cruise Packing List
Before you even unzip your suitcase, it helps to understand how your cruise stateroom is laid out and how much space you’ll actually have. Cruise staterooms are well-designed, but storage can be limited. You’ll typically find hanging closet space, shelving and a few small drawers. Depending on the bed setup, suitcases may be able to slide under the bed once unpacked. We recommend doing a Google search for your specific cruise line and stateroom number. You may find reviews, including photos of your stateroom layout, so you can get an idea of what to expect once onboard.
We always recommend packing one suitcase per person, plus a small carry-on. We're a less-is-more kinda family, just so our stateroom doesn't feel too cramped once we're all settled in. However, when packing for an Alaskan cruise, you'll have bulkier items to account for. Just make sure to double-check the amount of luggage that is allowed per person. Generally, cruise lines allow up to two bags per person, plus a carry-on. Packing cubes are useful since bulkier items such as sweaters, pants and cold-weather gear can take up more space. Packing cubes help keep everything organized and easy to access, especially when you’re layering up and down throughout the day.
And for your carry-on, it should include anything you’ll want immediate access to on embarkation day, such as your travel documents, sunglasses, medications, phone charger, chapstick and a light jacket. You may even want to pack your swimsuit if the weather is cooperating on embarkation day! Once your checked luggage is collected at the terminal, you won’t see it again until later in the afternoon.
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What You Don’t Need to Pack
Before you finish packing, it helps to know which items can stay at home (saves you time and fewer things to pack!). Cruise staterooms have all the basics and bringing too many extras can crowd the space.
You can skip packing the following:
- Bath towels, pool towels and bed linens
- Shampoo, conditioner and basic soap
- Hairdryer for in-room use
- Life jackets
- An in-room safe for valuables and travel documents
- Select baby conveniences such as travel cribs, diaper disposal units and bottle warmers (depending on the cruise line)
There are also certain items that cruise lines don’t allow for safety reasons. Packing these can lead to extra screening or delays at the terminal, so it’s best to leave them behind altogether.
Items that should stay at home include:
- Irons, garment steamers and appliances with heating elements
- Surge protectors and extension cords
- Candles or anything with an open flame
- Drones and recreational equipment
- Large coolers, except those used for medical or infant needs
- Homemade or perishable foods
Since policies can vary slightly, we always recommend reviewing the cruise line’s prohibited items guidelines before you start packing. Knowing what’s already provided and what’s not allowed helps ensure a smooth embarkation day.
Travel Documents
As with any cruise, your travel documents should never be packed in your checked luggage.
Keep these items in your carry-on or personal bag:
- Passports or other accepted proof of citizenship for all travelers
- Valid photo ID for adults
- Cruise reservation confirmation
- Pre- and post-cruise travel details such as flights, hotels or transfers/rental cars
- Proof of travel insurance, if applicable
- Signed authorization forms for minors traveling without both parents (for Disney Cruise Line)
Once onboard, these items can be safely stored in your in-room safe.
Alaska Cruise Packing List
Clothing & Accessories
Keeping comfortable in Alaska is all about layers. Temperatures can vary significantly between ports, glacier viewing days and onboard activities. One moment you’re bundled up on deck watching glaciers calve, and the next you’re warming up indoors with a hot cocoa.
Most Alaska cruises sail from May through mid-September, with temperatures that can range from the 40s to the 60s. Travelers may experience sunshine, rain, wind or cooler conditions on the same day. The weather also varies by port and excursion, which is why packing layers and waterproof gear is our number one tip when packing for an Alaska cruise.
Daytime Attire
Plan for comfort, warmth and to stay dry throughout your sailing.
- Long-sleeve shirts and T-shirts for layering
- Lightweight sweaters or fleece pullovers
- Insulated vest or packable down jacket
- Casual pants or jeans
- Water-resistant jackets and pants
- Thermal base layers, especially for glacier viewing days
- Pajamas and comfortable loungewear
- Workout clothes if using onboard fitness facilities
- Swimsuits and cover-ups for pools, hot tubs and spa areas
- Warm hat, scarf and gloves
- Warm wool socks
- Sunglasses
- Evening Wear
- Smart-casual outfits for main dining rooms and lounges
- Dressier attire for optional formal or semi-formal nights and specialty dining locations
- Accessories such as scarves or jewelry
Footwear & Outerwear
Footwear is especially important for Alaska itineraries, as many excursions involve walking, uneven terrain and damp conditions.
- Waterproof walking shoes or trail sneakers
- Sturdy boots with good traction
- Dress shoes for evening dining
- Flip-flops or sandals for stateroom and pool areas
Outerwear essentials include:
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Insulated coat or heavy jacket
- Hiking or waterproof pants
- Backpack for excursions
- Lightweight jacket or sweater for indoor areas
- Travel-sized umbrella
Toiletries & Personal Care
Cruise staterooms provide basic toiletries, but you may prefer your own brands, especially in cooler climates where skin tends to dry out more easily.
- Shampoo and conditioner, if you prefer your own
- Facial cleanser and skincare products
- Moisturizer and lip balm
- Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss
- Deodorant
- Sunscreen
- Razor and shaving supplies
- Hairbrush, comb and styling products
- Makeup
- Feminine hygiene products
- Prescription medications and over-the-counter essentials
- Insect repellent
- Small first aid kit
- Hand sanitizer
- Sleep mask to block out the midnight sun
Electronics & Entertainment
Between wildlife sightings and scenic cruising, you’ll want a few tech essentials close at hand.
- Cellphone and charging cables
- Portable power bank
- Camera
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Headphones or earbuds
- Tablet, e-reader or book
- Binoculars for spotting whales, eagles and glaciers
- Travel adapters if flying internationally
- Refillable water bottle
Babies & Toddlers
In addition to what you bring from home, cruise lines make traveling with little ones much easier by offering several helpful baby-friendly amenities onboard. For example, on a Disney Cruise Line, a complimentary Pack 'N Play and diaper disposal units are available upon request — just let your stateroom attendant know once your room is ready on embarkation day. You can also checkout a stroller, a bottle warmer and a sterilizer from Guest Services. You’ll also find complimentary high chairs in all onboard dining venues.
Pack the basics, including:
- Weather-appropriate clothing and sleepwear
- Warm layers and hats
- Diapers and wipes
- Baby food, formula and snacks
- Bottles and feeding supplies
- Baby sunscreen and swim diapers
- Stroller or baby carrier
- Comfort items and favorite toys
Alaska Cruise Packing List Tips
Here are a few final tips to make packing smoother for your Alaskan adventure:
- Think waterproof first, as rain and mist are common.
- Pack layers so you can adjust throughout the day.
- Bring magnet hooks to hang jackets, bags or hats inside your stateroom.
- Pack binoculars for glacier days and wildlife viewing.
- Bring a small day bag or backpack for shore excursions and port days.
- On most cruise lines, guests 21 and older may bring a limited amount of wine, champagne or beer onboard in their carry-on bags, not checked luggage.
- Be sure to leave prohibited items such as candles, irons and other heated appliances at home, as these can delay luggage delivery.
- A pop-up hamper also helps keep dirty clothes organized.
Now you’re ready to sail the Alaskan shores with confidence. Still have questions about our Alaska cruise packing list? Hop down to the comments and let us know!
Related: How to Choose a Cruise Line — Which One is Right for You?
Related: The Top 5 Best Cruise Lines for Families
Hoppy planning!
