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I’ve cruised Alaska up and down the Inside Passage at least a dozen times plus four cross-Gulf voyages. My cruises to Alaska happened in every month of the cruise season. How to pack for an Alaska cruise in still-chilly May, in hot and buggy mid-July or possibly rainy September, all follow my basic packing guidelines.
Should You Pack Shorts for an Alaska Cruise?
Yes, you will be visiting some places where the weather might be chillier than back home, but you will not encounter truly Arctic conditions. Away from the viewing sites of magnificent glaciers and icefields that brought you to Alaska, you might even encounter weather suitable for shorts and T-shirts. This winter coat was a lifesaver during those chilly days on the ship and is well worth the investment.
Alaska cruise outfits: ideas of what to wear
What to pack for an Alaska cruise, especially for first-timers, can be a little challenging. Maybe your Alaska cruise is on a small ship adventure cruise like Alaskan Dream Cruises or UnCruise Adventures. Or maybe you prefer a larger cruise ship like Holland America’s Eurodam, or Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas. In the world of fashion, accessories are the cherries on top. Alaska’s cool breeze calls for warm Gloves, Hats, and Scarves. They’re perfect for keeping you warm through those days and nights at sea.
Got questions on what to wear on an Alaskan cruise? Ask here!
In this post I share what I wore during the day on Alaska excursions, as well as cruise outfits for casual and formal nights. You’ll find several photos as well as recommendations for clothing, accessories and other useful Alaska cruise essentials. I did a lot of research before my first Alaska cruise and wanted to make sure that I was prepared for the Alaska weather, the excursions and for days and evenings on the cruise ship.
Waterproof Dry Bag
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Both of these are perfect options for an Alaskan cruise and pair well with leggings and rain jackets. Hunter rain boots could also be a good option depending on how much space you have in your suitcase. As much as you can hope for incredible weather during an Alaskan cruise, you should be prepared to experience rain throughout your vacation.
Use Seattle airport’s port valet service when disembarking in Seattle
The weather on an Alaskan cruise can vary greatly depending on the time of year and the specific regions visited. Generally, summers (June to August) in Alaska are mild with temperatures ranging from degrees Fahrenheit, but it can drop lower, especially in the evenings. Lastly, carry all necessary toiletries, medications, and personal items in your carry-on. Cologne or PerfumeWhether you’re getting dressed up for dinner or want to smell nice during the day, having a signature scent can go a long way in making you feel good. Opt for a travel-size version that’s preferably made of plastic instead of glass so it won’t take up too much space in your suitcase and is unlikely to break. SunglassesNo matter what time of year you’re cruising in Alaska, sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from the bright sunshine reflecting off the sea or ice.
Bring plenty of pants and a rain jacket, along with shorts, tank tops, and other lightweight clothing. You’ll see a lot of locals wearing jeans, which are great on dry days. Get yourself a warm hat that covers the ears, waterproof gloves, insulated hiking boots, various types of wool socks, and waterproof pants and jackets. We recommend steering away from jeans, as you will get wet and they will be uncomfortable. I hate hauling heavy backpacks and I also hate flimsy daypacks, so I find the L.L.Bean Stowaway Pack is a perfect compromise. The roughly 22-liter capacity is the perfect storage size for day tour necessities, while the lightly padded shoulder straps and breathable mesh back paneling come in handy for long or hot excursions.
Optional Items to Consider on an Alaskan Cruise
In my experience on Alaskan cruises, people are less concerned about what they wear at dinner each night because they’ve had a long day exploring the ports. The ship isn’t necessarily the destination as much because Alaska’s beauty and wilderness is really the draw for these cruises. If you are sailing at the very beginning or end of the Alaskan season, you might want to consider packing a waterproof coat with a warmer lining, like sherpa or fleece. A light puffer jacket would travel well for an Alaskan cruise as well. The weather in Alaska is undeniably best in the summer during the cruise season with more daylight, less rain and warmer temperatures. However, you can still experience rain, snow and chilly temperatures throughout the year.
Other Things You Should Pack For a September holiday On an Alaskan Cruise:
Therefore, booking a flight too early in the day could cause you to miss the flight if you encounter delays. Stressing over making it to the airport in time is not worth it; instead, the general rule of thumb is to avoid booking flights before noon. More often than not, flight prices will increase significantly as your travel date approaches. Waiting to see if the price drops almost always results in paying more for your flight, so it’s important to get your flights booked to avoid wasting money. Hopefully, if you have an Alaska cruise booked this summer, you’ve already booked your airfare to and from the cruise port. If you have not done so yet, we recommend booking flights as soon as possible.
When onboard, you usually won’t have to bundle up in heavy winter gear. For the time spent on the cruise ship, pack jeans, comfortable pants, and lightweight shirts. Bring some lightweight pajamas and thick winter oriented sleepwear. Cruise ships are known for having formal dinner parties and access to these parties is only permitted to guests dressed in cocktail attire. A tuxedo is not required but is an acceptable form of attire for cruise dinner parties. Women should pack a cocktail dress, dressy shoes, and formal, dinner party appropriate accessories.
Doing research will help you pack correctly, plan your travel logistics without any issues, and book that once-in-a-lifetime excursion you’ve dreamed about for years. If you made it to the end of this article, chances are you’re already following our final tip on this list, and that is to read as many tips as you can about Alaska cruises before you set sail. Dinner in the Main Dining Room is a traditional part of any cruise experience, but think twice before selecting your dining time. Watching a ship tour will help make your first few days onboard stress-free, as you will already have a general understanding of what is offered onboard, as well as the location of popular venues.
The closest major airport to Seward is Anchorage, which is over two hours away by car. Due to this, you might want to consider taking a Royal Caribbean shuttle or the train from Seward to Anchorage, which must be scheduled in advance. Although your cruise itinerary might say you arrive at 6AM on disembarkation day, this does not mean you can get off your ship at 6AM. It takes time for your ship to dock, get cleared by local authorities, and prepare for disembarkation.
Sign up for our monthly newsletter, Under the Midnight Sun, with the latest updates about new multi-day tours and day trips from Alaska Tours. When selecting luggage, also consider its size in relation to your cabin. Research the cabin’s dimensions and storage capacity to ensure your clothing, gear, luggage and, of course, you and your travel companion, all fit cozily. Part of the lure of Alaska travel is exploring its majestic outdoors. Even on an Alaska cruise, consider reliable, versatile outdoor gear a necessity. You might be on a cruise, but you’ll find yourself on your feet more than expected.
If you book your desired excursions prior to your cruise, the listings will tell you if you need specific equipment or clothes. Having the appropriate shoes for the adventures you book is crucial. Remember, nights on board will be even colder, so you'll also want plenty of cold-weather items. You can minimize your luggage by trying to pack apparel you can mix and match, such as tops and bottoms in the same color family.
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