Alaska Cruise Packing List: Complete Guide & Essentials
Discover Alaska Cruise Must-Haves
By Mary Luz Mejia | Published on November 05, 2025
Alaska's wild and rugged terrain, coupled with its ever-changing weather, can make creating an Alaska cruise packing list seem like a daunting task. But getting it right and knowing exactly what to pack for an Alaska cruise is crucial to making the most of this epic adventure. When you're hiking through Denali National Park and Preserve, biking along Anchorage's Tony Knowles Coastal Trail or enjoying a day sightseeing in Juneau, this guide provides you with the packing lists and tips you need to have a great Alaska vacation. Read on to learn what to stash in your suitcase in order to stay warm, dry and comfortable, and to truly experience those priceless moments. Let's get packing!
Table of Contents
- ● Packing Checklist: Alaska Cruise Must-Haves
- ● What Clothes To Bring on an Alaskan Cruise
- ● The Right Gear: Alaska Cruise Essentials List
- ● Accessories: Alaskan Cruise Must-Haves
- ● Helpful Extras to Bring
- ● Seasonal Packing Tips: What to Bring by Month
Packing Checklist: Alaska Cruise Must-Haves
Before you set sail on your unforgettable adventure, make sure you’re fully prepared with this easy-to-follow Alaska cruise packing list. From warm layers to waterproof essentials, having the right gear ensures you can focus on exploring Alaska’s stunning landscapes and wildlife in comfort for the entirety of your Alaskan cruise.
Alaska Cruise Attire
- ● Moisture-wicking base layers — tops and bottoms.
- ● Insulating fleece or packable down jacket.
- ● Waterproof jacket with hood.
- ● Long- and short-sleeved shirts.
- ● Quick-dry pants or jeans.
- ● Warm hat and gloves.
- ● Scarf or neck gaiter.
- ● Pajamas and undergarments.
- ● Waterproof walking or hiking shoes.
- ● Casual shoes for shipboard wear.
- ● Optional: Smart casual outfit for dinner.
Alaska Cruise Gear
- ● Daypack or waterproof backpack.
- ● Camera or smartphone with charger and extra storage.
- ● Binoculars — essential for glacier viewing and wildlife.
- ● Refillable water bottle.
- ● Rain pants for excursions.
- ● Sunglasses with UV protection.
- ● Sun hat or cap.
Nice-to-Have Accessories
- ● Lip balm with SPF.
- ● Compact umbrella.
- ● Waterproof phone case.
- ● Travel pillow or blanket.
Alaska Cruise Essentials List
- ● Bug spray or mosquito-repellent patches.
- ● Sunscreen — yes, even in Alaska.
- ● Sleep mask — to black out the midnight sun.
- ● Prescription medications.
- ● Toiletries — including travel-size shampoo and toothpaste.
- ● Motion sickness medication.
What Clothes To Bring on an Alaskan Cruise
Cover your bases. Bring layered clothing, including moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers like fleece or down and a waterproof outer shell to stay warm and dry in changing weather.
Alaskan cruises sail from spring through to fall, but the most popular sailing months are during summer, when temperatures range from the low 50s to the mid-60s and occasionally reach the 70s — Fahrenheit of course. Whenever you choose to visit, it's a good idea to dress in layers. Even during the peak summer months, early mornings can be chilly.
The Basics: Alaska Cruise Attire
- ● Base layers: Lightweight, breathable short- and long-sleeved shirts keep you warm without bulk.
- ● Mid-layers: A fleece or insulated jacket or vest adds warmth. Pro Tip: Lightweight outer layers are easier to tuck away in a daypack than bulky fleece.
- ● Outerwear: A waterproof, wind-resistant shell is a must because the most popular months to see Alaska — July and August — are also the rainiest.
- ● Bottoms: Bring rain or quick-dry pants and extra pants for warmth, especially if you’re planning a full-day hike.
- ● Footwear: Waterproof shoes or hiking boots are ideal for exploring ports like Endicott Arm and Dawes Glacier. Also, bring casual shoes to wear while on board.
- ● Evening Attire: While cruises are casual, some guests choose to dress up for dinners. Pack one nice outfit or business-casual clothing.
Pack Just The Right Amount
If you're wondering how much to pack for your Alaskan cruise, consider these best packing practices:
- ● One top for every two days of travel.
- ● One pair of pants for every three days.
- ● Extra undergarments and socks — a rainy day can deplete your supply quickly.
The Right Gear: Alaska Cruise Essentials List
No Alaska vacation — on land or at sea — is complete without viewing and photographing some of the most beautiful places on the planet. To be prepared when you’re capturing glacial wonders from your balcony and heading ashore for excursions, your gear matters.
- ● Binoculars: Compact binoculars are the best binoculars for Alaska cruises, as they’re easy to pack and allow you to spot wildlife, like whales in Icy Strait Point, from a safe distance.
- ● Camera and/or smartphone: Capture the wonders of Alaska for lasting memories. Bring extra batteries or a power bank and SD cards so you’re always ready to snap that once-in-a-lifetime memory.
- ● Daypack: Waterproof and lightweight, perfect for carrying essentials ashore.
- ● Water bottle: Staying hydrated during hikes and walking tours is key. Maybe a snack or two as well, to keep you energized for exploration.
Planning to hike or kayak? Alaskan cruises offer tours providing unforgettable adventures, but be sure to pack the essential gear to make it a truly remarkable experience.
Accessories: Alaskan Cruise Must-Haves
Knowing what to pack for a cruise to Alaska requires some forethought into what weather-related issues might arise.
These small but essential items help you stay comfortable onboard and on shore.
- ● Sunglasses: Even cloudy days in Alaska can be bright due to light reflecting off snow and glaciers.
- ● Lip balm and sunscreen: UV exposure is strong at higher latitudes.
- ● Scarf or Gaiter: These can provide warmth and act as an eye cover or even a travel pillow.
- ● Sleep Mask: Alaska — the land of the midnight sun. A sleep mask is a good idea if you’re cruising to Alaska in the summer, when the sun barely sets.
Helpful Extras
What is most important when considering what to pack for a cruise to Alaska? Whatever items are most important to you. One of the best packing tips for all vacations, especially trips to Alaska, is to make sure you bring items that will make the adventure more enjoyable and comfortable for you. What you feel is important to pack will, in part, depend on the excursions you have planned.
- ● Rain pants: If you plan to embark on outdoor adventures, like whale watching or exploring local wildlife, staying dry will ensure the experience is a positive one.
- ● Compact Umbrella: “Rain, rain go away,” doesn’t always work. An umbrella is key to exploring places like Juneau.
- ● Waterproof Phone Case: Keep your tech safe on rainy days or boat rides so you can share your excitement on socials and snap pictures when a magical moment appears.
- ● Bug Spray: June and July are rife with mosquitoes in Alaska, so bug spray is an important extra item.
- ● Seasickness Medication: Make sure you can enjoy every moment, every splash, every spray. Bring anti-nausea and seasickness medication to enjoy moments on and off the ship.
Seasonal Packing Tips: What To Bring by Month
Alaska’s cruise season spans May through September. Your Alaska cruise packing list will vary depending on your month of travel.
| Month | Packing Notes |
|---|---|
| May |
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| June |
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| July |
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| August |
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| September |
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Start Your Alaskan Adventure
Checking every box on your Alaska cruise packing list, no matter what month you’re traveling, is key so that each day is as magical as the one before. That way, you’re ready to check off every Alaskan adventure on your bucket list.
Ready to cruise the Land of the Midnight Sun? Explore Alaskan cruises and start planning — and packing — today.
