Packing for an Alaskan Cruise: Embrace the Layers!
I’ve never had any issues with packing for any trip—that is until I had to pack for my cruise to Alaska! How was I to fit all of those layers into my suitcase? I don’t know what I would’ve done if the airline didn’t allow up to 70 lbs of luggage. I might have worn some of the heaviest items and removed/stored them once in flight.
1. The Art of Layering: Forget everything you know about packing light. In Alaska, layers are your best friend. Start with a warm underlayer, add a cozy sweatshirt or fleece, throw in a waterproof jacket, add a bubble-type coat, top it off with something to cover your ears and warm gloves. You’ll be prepared for any surprise weather the Last Frontier throws your way.
2. Binoculars and Cameras: Wildlife spotting is practically a sport in Alaska. Don’t forget to pack your high-quality binoculars and a camera with a good zoom lens (some phones today have incredible cameras). You’ll want to capture those majestic whales breaching (if you are super lucky–I’ve only seen tails and humps) and the adorable sea lions playing “king of the castle” on the buoys in the middle of the ocean.
3. Sensible Footwear: Leave those flip-flops at home unless you plan on getting in the hot tub. Waterproof hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes are your go-to footwear here. Whether you’re exploring icy glaciers or wandering through quaint coastal towns, comfort and traction are key.
4. Formal Night, Alaska Style: While most cruises have formal nights, Alaskan cruises tend to be much more relaxed. Who has room to pack a snazzy outfit for those delectable dinners? Swap out the cocktail dress for a cozy sweater and dressy slacks. Bonus points for accessorizing with a stylish scarf!
6. Organizational items: Heavy-duty metal wall hooks are great for hanging heavy coats and extra layers (in case you aren’t in a massive suite, which I was not). A shoe organizer can also be hung on the hooks or over the bathroom door and can organize much more than just shoes. I used it to hold all my toiletries since the sink area was insufficient for my daily routine.
The Universal Packing List (for any cruise):
1. Travel Documents: Passports, cruise tickets, luggage tags (print them out before you leave), and any necessary visas or IDs. ALWAYS double-check these essentials before setting sail.
2. Medications and Toiletries: Remember to bring seasickness medications, motion sickness patches (just in case), and any medications and personal toiletries you can’t live without. I found minimal rocking in the inside passage.
3. Comfortable Day Bag: Whether you’re hiking in Alaska or exploring a beach town, a sturdy day bag is essential for carrying essentials like water bottles, snacks, your camera, and hopefully, a layer of clothing that you thought you needed but was too warm to wear.
4. Entertainment: Just in case you don’t see anything that interests you for the day (which I can’t imagine, but it happens to some), books, e-readers, or your favorite playlists. Long days at sea or cozy nights under the stars are perfect for diving into a good book (check out the ship’s library) or enjoying some relaxing music (if you can’t find your genre in one of the many drinking establishments, which, again, I believe will seldom happen, if at all).
5. Adventure Spirit: Pack a sense of adventure and curiosity. Embrace the unexpected, try local cuisine, and make memories that will last a lifetime. Don’t set an expectation for Caribbean-like weather, even if it is the middle of August; keep in mind that Alaska has a huge rainforest along its coasts and is probably way north of where you are traveling from.
Happy sailing, adventurers, and may your suitcase be filled with everything you need for your Alaska cruise!
