Packing List for an Alaska Cruise: What You Need to Bring
Alaska is a breathtaking destination, offering a unique blend of rugged landscapes and pristine wilderness. Cruises to this northern frontier highlight its natural beauty, but it’s important to remember that Alaska’s weather can change drastically depending on the season. Whether you’re facing extreme cold or mild chills, packing the right gear is essential for a comfortable journey. Plus, you’ll want to protect yourself from insects like ticks, mosquitoes, and biting flies, which are more common in Alaska than you might think.
With all of these details in mind, if your cruise to the Last Frontier is coming up and you’re not sure how to start packing, we have you covered. The following is your packing list: Alaska Cruise Edition.
Essential Clothing for an Alaska Cruise
First and foremost, layering your clothing is crucial. Anything from rain to cold winds and high humidity levels can put a damper on your trip if you don’t pack the right kind of clothing.
Layering Basics
Base layers should include moisture-wicking items like undershirts. Any materials that soak up water, like merino wool or synthetic blend fabrics, are ideal.
For middle layers, you can insulate your body with fleece or down feather jackets. Both of these products have simultaneous cooling and warming properties, depending on what you need. They’ll protect you from the chilly air without overheating you.
Your outer layers are most important during extreme weather conditions. Always bring a waterproof jacket and windproof parka to combat Alaska’s volatile climate on your cruise.
Permethrin-Treated Clothing
Don’t forget bug protection—permethrin-treated clothing is a game-changer. It keeps pesky insects like mosquitoes and ticks away, so you can enjoy Alaska with less worry about bug bites. Insect Shield has a variety of travel-friendly bug repellent options including long-sleeved shirts, jackets, pants, and accessories.
Footwear
You may want to bring a few types of shoes on your Alaska cruise. Consider the types of activities you plan to do on the cruise and at the various stops. Shoes you may want to bring include comfortable sneakers, waterproof hiking boots, and sandals. Your sneakers will see the most use when walking around on the cruise ship for various activities. Waterproof hiking boots allow you to traverse Alaska’s great outdoors without soaking your socks. And sandals are perfect for lounging by the ship’s pool.
Accessories
Don’t forget: Staying warm goes beyond your initial layers of clothing! Depending on the season or weather forecast, you’ll want to pack things like hats, scarves, and gloves to protect your skin from the bitter Alaska wind. We also recommend buying a pair of polarized sunglasses to reduce any glare from the ocean or ice structures.
Gear and Gadgets You Can’t Forget
When you’re in Alaska, you’ll want to view the local wildlife, take pictures, and have fun with other activities. And the following items will certainly help with all of that:
Binoculars
Bringing along binoculars will ensure you can clearly see wildlife from the comfort and safety of the ship. They’ll also give you a clearer view of mountains and things in the water. You can even use them to go birdwatching or visit a nature preserve on shore.
Cameras and Memory Cards
Pack a high-quality camera with extra memory cards so you can accurately capture your entire trip. Alaska has stunning landscapes and wildlife, so you won’t want to miss out.
Chargers and Electronics Protection
To keep your devices powered throughout your trip, bring portable chargers, be they battery-powered or plugged in at night, to ensure you’re always powered up.
You’ll also want to bring a waterproof dry bag to protect your devices while you’re traveling. The bag will also protect important documents like your passport and photo ID.
First Aid Kit and Medications
Bring a first aid kit with any supplies you think you might need. If you take prescription medications, include those as well.
Personal Care and Health Essentials
Staying comfortable is key when it comes to thoroughly enjoying your Alaska cruise. Packing these personal care items will ensure your comfort throughout the entire trip:
Bug Repellent
Topical repellents, as well as insect repellent clothing, will help you best enjoy your trip and avoid bug bites.
You can also send your clothing to Insect Shield and get it treated with permethrin. Once treated, they’ll repel mosquitoes, ticks, ants, flies, chiggers, and midges, and the resulting protection will last up to five times longer than do-it-yourself permethrin sprays.
Sunscreen and Lip Balm
Cold as it may be in Alaska, the sun’s rays can cause skin damage and dryness no matter where you are. Apply face sunscreen and lip balm with a decent SPF each time you go outside, even on rougher days.
Motion Sickness Remedies
If you get motion sickness, consider bringing non-drowsy anti-nausea medication or herbal remedies with you. Sometimes, even mints and gum can help with motion sickness. Whatever works for you is worth bringing on the ship!
Packing for Shore Excursions
When it’s time to step off the cruise ship and explore Alaska, having the right gear can make all the difference. Here are some essentials to consider for your on-shore adventures:
Outdoor Gear
Alaska's weather can be unpredictable, so it’s good to be prepared with layers. Waterproof hiking boots are ideal for wet or rugged terrain, but depending on your activities, regular sneakers might be just fine for lighter excursions. Moisture-wicking clothing will help keep you comfortable as you explore.
Bug-Repellent Socks and Clothing
Wooded and grassy areas are home to several species of ticks in Alaska, parasites that feed off of your blood and are capable of transmitting diseases. To protect yourself from ticks and other pests, pack insect-repellent socks and travel clothes. Our permethrin-treated clothing and accessories will help keep biting insects at bay throughout your trip.
Backpack or Day Pack
Lastly, you’ll want to pack a separate water-resistant backpack that can hold your essentials as you venture out into the Alaskan wilderness. You don’t have to bog it down with too many items, of course, but you should make sure it’s sturdy and comfortable enough to carry around frequently.
What to Pack for Formal and Casual Evenings Onboard
Ideally, you’ll pack both casual and formal attire for your time on the cruise ship. Some cruise lines even have dress codes for formal dinners and date night activities, so it’s best to always check before finishing your packing list for an Alaska cruise.
As for casual wear, keep it comfy. Bring loungewear outfits like t-shirts, jeans, joggers, and other comfortable pieces that you can relax and have fun in.
Final Tips and Packing Reminders
As you round out the final details of your packing list for an Alaska cruise in August, September, or any other glorious travel month, heed these last-minute reminders.
First, keep your travel documents, like your passport and boarding passes for the cruise ship, in one place for easy access. And make sure to store a digital copy somewhere in case you lose them.
Secondly, try to pack efficiently. Use packing cubes to save space in your suitcase and fit in everything you need to bring. Bulky outerwear can be tough to work around, so plan ahead for how you’ll fit everything into your bags.
Lastly, remember to have fun and enjoy Alaska in all its natural glory!
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