Figuring out what to pack for an Alaska cruise can be tricky. Unlike most cruises, which typically have a consistent temperature, you’ll encounter varying climates on an Alaska cruise. During your Alaska Cruise, you can see temperatures that shift from morning to mid day to evening, so it’s essential to be prepared for all kinds of weather.
When you’re packing for a cruise to Alaska, make sure to bring all the essentials you would need on any other trip, such as:
- Casual clothes
- Dinner attire
- Technology
- Accessories
- Toiletries
In this article, you will find:
- Clothing to pack
- Non-Clothing Essentials
- Miscellaneous items
- What should I pack for June?
- What to pack for July
- What to wear in August?
- What to pack for September
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Clothing
Not only do you need to consider varying temperatures, but you might also take Alaska tours that are very adventurous, more so than most sightseeing and beach-type activities. Because of this, you’ll want to pack activewear for a variety of experiences, like kayaking through fjords, spotting wildlife outdoors, and ziplining through forest trees.
- A mix of short and long-sleeved T-shirts
- Puffer or fleece vests can be layered for versatility
- Lightweight insulated jacket
- Waterproof rain jacket or windbreaker (look for jackets that can easily be rolled up )
- Base layers made of insulating, moisture-wicking fabric
- Scarf
- Comfortable pants
- At least one pair of water-resistant nylon pants for rugged experiences
- For warmer seasons: convertible zip pants that can easily transform into shorts
- Wool and wicking socks
- Waterproof shoes or boots
- Sweaters
- Hats and gloves
- Swimsuit for heated pools & the hot tub!
- Sunglasses
- Dinner or “Smart Casual” clothes
- Evening Chic clothes
- Workout Clothes
- Accessories (jewelry, an evening bag, hair accessories, and evening shoes)
Non-Clothing Essentials
Now that you know what you need to wear, let’s consider the other items you won’t want to leave out of your Alaska cruise suitcase. Consider that one of the highlights of traveling to Alaska is seeing wildlife in its natural habitat. So, it’s smart to bring a quality handheld camera & a good pair of binoculars.
- Backpack
- Binoculars
- Camera (because do you really want to capture all those gorgeous landscapes and wildlife on a phone?)
- Cell phone dry bag
- Insect Repellent
- Outlet adapter with USB ports
- Phone chargers
- Portable chargers
- Sunscreen
- Water bottle
- Waterproof bag
Miscellaneous items
- Socks
- Toiletries
- Magazine or books
- Ear plugs
- Travel documents
- Wallet
What should I pack for an Alaska cruise in June?
A June cruise to Alaska is popular because of the long daylight & low chance of rain. In June, daylight lasts between 18 to 20 hours, and the average temperature varies from a high of 40 degrees to mid-60 degrees Fahrenheit. Bring along:
- At least one pair of polarized sunglasses (to protect your eyes from all that sunshine)
- A good sleep mask (in case you need absolute darkness to fall asleep).
What to pack for a cruise to Alaska in July
July has the warmest temperatures & they can range from the low 50s to a high of 60 degrees. Be sure to pack:
- A mix of short and long-sleeved T-shirts
- Waterproof pants that can convert into shorts
- Rain gear
What to wear in Alaska in August
In August, rain odds in Alaska go beyond 50%, which means you can expect to see a fair amount of rain during your visit. Temperatures will also begin to get cooler as the month progresses, with lows near 40 and highs in the low 60s. On an August cruise to Alaska, remember to pack:
- All waterproof gear: rain jacket, poncho, waterproof shoes, & water-resistant pants
- Warmer sweaters
- Scarves
- Hats
What to pack for an Alaska cruise in September
By the time it’s September, it’s shoulder season, meaning fewer tourists but cooler weather. Temps will continue to drop, with highs only around the mid-50s & lows going to the mid 30s. So, if you booked a September cruise to Alaska, make sure to bring:
- Heavier layers of clothes
- Thick wool sweaters
- Warm Socks
- Hats
- A warmer jacket
- A sturdy pair of gloves
September is also very attractive to travelers because there’s a better chance to see more wildlife than ever, and you might also have the opportunity to see the breathtaking aurora borealis, a.k.a. the Northern Lights, an amazing natural light display that colors the sky in a number of different colors at night. To fully capture wildlife and this natural phenomenon, you should bring:
- Your best camera
- A travel tripod
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