Alaska Cruise Packing List
By the NanoPack team · Updated on · Checked against official sources
An Alaska cruise is cold, wet and spectacular, even in July. The winning formula is layers you can add and shed, a fully waterproof outer layer, warm accessories, and binoculars for the wildlife and glaciers. Dress codes are relaxed, so leave the heavy formalwear at home.
Alaska Cruise essentials at a glance
- Waterproof rain jacket
- Warm mid-layers (fleece or down)
- Thermal base layers
- Hat, gloves and a scarf
- Waterproof walking shoes
- Binoculars
- Sunscreen and sunglasses (glare off water and ice)
- Motion-sickness remedy
Alaska breaks the usual cruise rules: it is cool and often wet, the weather changes by the hour, and the best moments happen out on deck watching whales and glaciers. Layers come first here, because they matter more than anything else you carry, so build the layering system first: a warm base, an insulating mid-layer and a truly waterproof shell.
The layering system
- Thermal base layers ×2
- Fleece or light down mid-layer
- Waterproof and windproof outer jacket
- Waterproof pants · for wet excursions
- Long-sleeve shirts and a couple of t-shirts
- A pair of shorts and a t-shirt · warm July port days do happen
Warmth and extremities
- Warm hat
- Gloves
- Scarf or neck gaiter
Feet
- Waterproof walking or hiking shoes · wet, uneven shore excursions
- Warm wool or thermal socks ×3 to 4
Deck and excursions
- Binoculars · whales, bears, eagles, glaciers
- A small dry bag or waterproof phone pouch
- Sunscreen and sunglasses · glare off water and ice burns
- Insect repellent · for shore hikes in summer
- Hand warmers · early-morning glacier viewing
- A swimsuit · the ship's heated pool and hot tubs
Documents and money
- Passport or ID
- Cruise boarding pass or online check-in documents · printed or in the app
- Printed luggage tags
- Cash in small bills · crew tips, port taxis, bar staff
- Credit and debit cards
- Travel insurance details and copies of documents
- Printed excursion tickets
Cabin
- Magnetic hooks ×6
- Over-the-door shoe organizer
- A USB charging hub
- Highlighter for the daily program
- Small nightlight
- Command strips and clips
- Pop-up laundry hamper
- A small clip fan
Clothing
- Tops ×1 per day
- Pants or jeans ×2
- Casual outfits or dresses ×2 to 3
- A versatile layer or cardigan
- Activewear for the gym
- Comfortable loungewear and sleepwear
Formal and evening
- One dressy outfit per formal night
- Dress shoes
- A blazer or wrap
- Accessories or jewelry
Shoes
- Comfortable walking shoes for ports
- A second comfortable pair for the ship
Toiletries and health
- Travel-size toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Deodorant and skincare
- Lip balm with SPF
- Any medication · original packaging, in your carry-on
- Motion-sickness remedy and bands
- Hand sanitizer
- Basic first-aid: bandages, painkillers, antacids
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Power bank
- Travel adapter for ports abroad
- Headphones or earbuds
- E-reader or tablet with downloads
- Camera and spare memory card
- Spare charging cables
Day bag and excursions
- A packable day backpack
- Refillable water bottle
- Cash and a copy of your ID
- Snacks
- A light rain jacket
Entertainment and laundry
- Books or an e-reader
- Playing cards or a travel game
- Wrinkle-release spray
- A stain-remover pen
- Zip-lock bags · for wet swimwear
What not to pack
- Heavy formalwear · Alaska sailings are the most casual; one smart-casual outfit is plenty
- An umbrella · coastal gusts flip it inside out; a hooded rain jacket wins
- Cotton for the deck and excursions · wet cotton pulls heat from you fast; wear wool or synthetics
- Brand-new hiking boots · break them in before the shore excursions or expect blisters
Packing tips and mistakes to avoid
Dress in layers, not a big coat
Alaska weather swings from sun to rain to wind in an afternoon. Three thinner layers you can add and remove beat one heavy coat every time, and pack down smaller in the cabin.
Formal nights are relaxed
Alaska sailings are the most casual cruises there are. There is usually still a formal or 'chic' night, but smart-casual is widely accepted. You do not need a tuxedo or a ballgown.
The things people forget
- A truly waterproof outer layer, not just water-resistant
- A dry bag or pouch for zodiac and deck spray
- Motion-sickness remedy for the open crossings
- A swimsuit, the ship has heated pools and hot tubs
What people wish they had packed
- Waterproof pants for the zodiac and whale-watch tours
- A warmer mid-layer than you think you need
- Hand warmers for early-morning glacier viewing
Frequently asked questions
What should you wear on an Alaska cruise?
Layers: thermal base layers, a fleece or down mid-layer, and a waterproof, windproof outer jacket, plus a hat, gloves and warm socks. Waterproof shoes and binoculars complete the essentials.
Is an Alaska cruise cold in summer?
Even in June to August, expect daytime highs of roughly 10 to 20 C, cooler on deck and near glaciers, with frequent rain. Evenings and excursions are colder, so warm layers matter year-round.
Do you need formal wear for an Alaska cruise?
Alaska cruises are the most casual. There is often one formal or dressy night, but smart-casual is accepted almost everywhere, so one nice outfit is plenty.
What should you not pack for an Alaska cruise?
Heavy formalwear, an umbrella (the wind ruins it, bring a hooded waterproof instead), cotton layers that soak and chill, and brand-new hiking boots you have not broken in. Alaska is casual, cool and wet, so pack for warmth and rain, not glamour.
Do you need waterproof pants for an Alaska cruise?
For the deck and wet excursions like zodiac tours and whale-watching, yes. Waterproof over-pants keep you dry and warm when spray and rain come sideways, and they pack down small when you do not need them.