Are you worried about what to pack for an Alaska Cruise? Don’t let that angst ruin anticipation of a wonderful trip. I’ve packed for plenty of Alaska cruises, including Seabourn, Regent, and UnCruise. This article will show you what to pack for excursions and evenings on the ship.
Too many folks become caught up in worrying about packing for an Alaska cruise. With my practical Alaska cruise packing tips, you’ll look forward to your cruise rather than dreading preparing for it.
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What to wear on a cruise to Alaska?
What to pack for an Alaska cruise? I’m asked this question a lot. And my answer is always the same: not as much as you think.
With the typical Alaskan cruise ranging from one to two weeks, your Alaska cruise packing list should include clothing layers for outdoor fun with mix and match outfits for evenings, including formal night—if the cruise will have one.
In fact, as couple travelers, you and your partner could probably manage with one checked bag between you, a rolling carryon for her plus a personal item bag. He’ll be fine with a backpack, which you can also share on those fabulous Alaska cruise excursions. This advice remains the same for solo travelers, too.
And, if you’re an especially efficient packer, there’s no reason why you can’t pack your Alaska cruise attire into a rolling carryon, even when including cold weather gear.
Remember, lightweight, layered clothing is your friend. I traveled for 21 days in China using only a rolling carryon and a personal item bag. You can do it, too!
What to pack for a 2-week Alaska cruise
If you read my luxury cruise reviews here at My Itchy Travel Feet, then you know that I love to bring fancy cruise wear for dressing up on cruises. But that’s not the case for Alaska, where the cruise is all about active travel fun. Here are my suggestions for what to pack for a two-week Alaska cruise:
Daywear for Alaska
When it comes to what to wear during the day on an Alaska cruise, I opt for layers with items that will work well on the ship or on excursion. Even on scenic cruising days, I know that I’ll be outside on deck admiring Hubbard Glacier or another beautiful Alaskan scene.
Alaska weather is changeable. You never know if it will be cloudy and cold, sunny and warm, or rainy and whatever. Packing an assortment of layers that dry quickly—no bulky clothing allowed—prepares you for any situation.
Cute Alaskan cruise outfits for casual nights
In Alaska, most of the nights onboard ship will be designated casual night—elegant casual, country-club casual, whatever term the cruise line uses. And that’s just fine with this baby boomer.
With so many outdoor adventures, Alaskan cruises are busy enough that there’s not a lot of time for night life. I mainly wear pants because I look better in them rather than skirts or dresses.
Boomer Travel Tip
Know your style and what looks best on you. For me, the mix and match clothing at Chico’s or J.Jill is perfect for cruises.
Accessories are an easy way to extend the life of an outfit, making it feel different each time that you wear it. A scarf or eye-catching necklace can instantly change your look without adding bulk to luggage.
Alaska cruise formal nights
Although Alan and I love dressing up for formal nights, we leave the dinner jacket and long gown at home when cruising to Alaska. In fact, we’d do the same on any 7 to 14-day cruise. During port-intensive cruises, there’s not enough time on ship to make bringing the formal wear worth it.
I’ll pack a pair of dressy black pants, sparkly top and shoes, especially if I’ve adhered to the two pants/five top/1 par of shoes list I mentioned for casual nights in the packing list that follows. If you really want to cut down on clothing, wear the black pants from elegant casual night in place of an additional pair of dressy pants.
For an Alaska formal night, Alan wears a sport coat and dress pants or khakis, perhaps without a tie as they are usually optional. He’ll bring one, though, just in case he changes his mind.
No need to worry about formal nights on an expedition cruise because there aren’t any.
Two-week Alaska cruise packing list
Do you need help packing for your Alaska cruise? Check out myAlaska cruise packing tips.
Here’s a packing list that should cover a 2-week cruise in Alaska. Feel free to print this out. One of these days, I’ll create a fancy downloadable for you (once I learn how) so stay tuned.
Day time
- 1 pair water resistant safari pants. On 14-day Alaska cruises, make this 2 pair of safari pants.
- 1 pair jeans for on the ship or walking around ports. Don’t wear jeans on active excursions, especially if you’ll be around water or where it might rain. Nothing is worse—or colder—than wearing soggy, wet jeans.
- 2 safari shirts that go with safari pants or the jeans. On warm days, roll the sleeves up.
- 2 long-sleeve crew-neck shirts (or turtlenecks) to layer underneath safari shirts or to wear with a quilted vest. Or make this one long-sleeve crew-neck shirt and one short-sleeve solid color tee, just in case the weather is warmer than you think it will be.
- Quilted sleeveless vest for layering with a long-sleeve shirt over jeans or safari pants.
- Fleece jacket, choose a colorful one for showing up against snow scenes in photos.
- Water-resistant jacket, same advice as for the fleece jacket—color rules!
- 1 set of thermal underwear. You probably won’t need these however they don’t take up much room so pack them anyway.
- Gloves, glove liners, hat, neck warmer, warm socks
- Shoe covers that have treads. Wear them on wet, muddy excursions or in port when it’s raining.
- Lightweight hiking shoes that can also be used for walking laps on deck. You can also use these for the gym in a pinch. Wear these shoes on travel day.
- Comfortable pants/top for travel day (wear them to and from the cruise). This can double as an extra outfit for on the ship or port days.
Evenings
- Two pair of pants: black and another color. Gray is good. Or if you’re in a summery mood bring white ones.
- Five tops—make one a cute summer sweater— that go with both pair of pants, which makes ten outfits. On a 14-day cruise, repeat 3 of your favorite looks. For 1-week Alaska cruises, three tops will do.
- 1 pair of shoes that will go with all outfits. Pewter flats are a great choice if you can find them.
- Optional: 1 pair of fancier black pants and sparkly top with appropriate shoes for formal night.
Expedition cruisers might consider bringing a heavier jacket, but check with your cruise line, first. Many small ship luxury expeditions provide a jacket to passengers.
Of course you’ll need room in luggage to bring it home. Alan and I always forget that part, which is why you’ll see us wearing ours through the airport.
Don’t forget these must-have items for an Alaska cruise
- Bathing suit for the hot tub, yes you’ll enjoy a soak while admiring the scenery. You’ll probably want to pack a coverup, or wear a t-shirt over your suit that can double as a workout top.
- Flip-flops or sandals for walking to and from the hot tub (or pool). Make them cute enough to double as daywear or nightwear shoes, especially if the weather surprises you with a warm spell.
- Baseball hat or sun hat for lounging on deck, on your balcony, or on a sunny wildlife watching excursion.
- 1 pair pajamas. I cheat here by wearing a t-shirt and shorts that I can also use in the gym. If they become sweaty, hand wash with TSA-approved laundry packets. Using the ship’s laundromat is another option, if your ship has one. That’s Alan’s job.
- Sunscreen to protect your skin from bright sun reflecting off snow.
- Do you get seasick? I wear this motion sickness band in rough seas.
- Insecticide repellent towelettes for those pesky gnats, flies and mosquitos.Citronella coils are another choice.
- And don’t forget your underwear. I’m leaving the amount and type up to you.
If you’re worried about sweaty clothing or spilling food on clothing, bring a package of laundry packets for hand washing clothes. That’s what I do. Of course that means the clothing that you bring should wash easily by hand, dry quickly and require no ironing.
If you’re cruising on an Alaska expedition ship, reduce this list by one pair of pants and 2 tops. The relaxed style of expedition cruising means you will wear less. Some adventure cruises are so busy that you’ll find yourself wearing safari pants and a top to dinner because there isn’t time to change clothes.
Is your Alaska cruise coming up quickly? This Amazon shopping list makes it easy for you to purchase what you need all in one place. Happy shopping!
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Kirkland Signature Ladies' Water-Repellent Wind Resistant Softshell Jacket
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
I wear my red Kirkland Signature jacket on almost every adventure. The lining adds a bit of warmth, plus the outer shell is water repellent and wind resistant. It fits easily over a fleece jacket if you need to layer up for additional warmth.
Columbia Women's Benton Springs Full Zip Jacket, Soft Fleece with Classic Fit
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
Wear a fleece jacket over a turtleneck or henley shirt and you'll be warm enough for most Alaska cruise adventures. Slip a rain jacket over it to stay dry or for additional warmth. That's what I do!
Columbia Women's Saturday Trail Pant, Water and Stain Resistant
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
A trail pant that's water and stain resistant? Yes, please. What a perfect addition to your Alaska cruise wear.
Amazon Essentials Women's Mid-Weight Puffer Vest, Navy, Large
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
Layer a quilted vest over long sleeve turtleneck or short-sleeve shirt for those days when you don't need a coat but a little bit of warmth around your core makes for a comfortable cruise excursion.
Merrell Lightweight Hiking Shoes
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
Lightweight hiking shoes double as fitness shoes on my Alaska cruises. Although, with all the fun Alaska activities, who has time to work out in the ship's gym?
Waterproof Rain Boot Shoe Cover
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
Packing shoe covers that have treads is a smart move. These are perfect for covering lightweight hiking shoes rather than bringing heavy waterproof boots. And the treads provide sure footing.
EmeTerm Motion Sickness Band
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
When the seas get rocky, I put on the EmeTerm anti-nausea wristband. It really works! The motion sickness band is rechargeable and comes with conductive gel. Put this tiny tens-type unit to work on your seasickness.
Cliganic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets
Photo Credit:www.amazon.com
Clignaic Mosquito Repellent Bracelets come in a 10 Pack. The DEET-Free bands are Individually wrapped making them convenient for travel. And the bands can be worn more than once.
And there you have it. As you can see, deciding what to wear on an Alaskan cruise doesn’t have to be complicated. This is one trip where you’ll be happy that you packed light.
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