Table Of Content

Up close at Mendenhall Glacier may not only be icy-chilly but there’s also spray off the water. Similar to the one above with the Long John’s, this is a mock turtleneck top for when I need something to keep my neck warmer. I bought one in black (and it works for dressier evenings with the pashmina) and one in purple, not expensive at all). Plus, I lived in Alaska for almost two years and own everything on this list.
Accessories and gear
Cruises along the coastline have made the Last Frontier accessible to a wider range of travelers. However, even cruise passengers should consider their activities when packing, as you may need formal wear for dinner and rain gear or winter wear for activities on solid ground. Depending on the cruise line you choose, there will likely be formal nights where you’re expected to dress in formal wear for dinner.

Columbia Pouration Rain Jacket
Moreover, it rains unexpectedly in September, so make sure you bring rain gear with you too. When traveling to Alaska, you should be prepared for rain at any time of year. September and October are the two wettest months of the year. The portion of the state where cruises stop is filled with beautiful towns and artistic scenery.
Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a cruise up north - The Points Guy
Alaska cruise packing list: What to pack for a cruise up north.
Posted: Wed, 17 Apr 2024 17:15:00 GMT [source]
Other Things You Should Pack For a September holiday On an Alaskan Cruise:
I get it, I felt the same way before we went on our Alaska cruise. While you won’t need a jacket every day in Alaska, if you are cruising during the colder months, there will be times you’ll be happy to have a thin warm puffer coat. Whether you’re doing an Inside Passage, North or Southbound Alaska cruise, you’ll want to prepared for the weather with the right clothing and gear. Alaska cruises are as popular as ever for travelers seeking out some of the state’s greatest attractions while riding in smooth-and-steady seaward style. The cruise curiosity spike isn’t surprising for regulars, who love the unique experience. However, maximizing any cruise time comes with preparation, from booking the perfect trip to filling out your Alaska cruise essentials list.
DON’T Bring Gear You Won’t Use
Temperatures tend to stay around 65 to 75 degrees, making it perfect for heading outdoors to see wildlife in full splendor. While it doesn’t really get hot, you’ll definitely need to bring bug repellent. A poncho is light doesn’t take up much room and can be easily brought on a summer Alaska cruise. Emily Concannon is the face and storyteller behind Emily Embarks and Sea to Summit Alaska. A full-time travel blogger, she is committed to sharing her top travel advice and adventures with the world.
Use Seattle airport’s port valet service when disembarking in Seattle

Search for shore excursions on websites like GetYourGuide.com and ShoreExcursionsGroup.com, and compare them to what you see on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner. If prices are lower, or if there’s availability on a tour that’s sold out on the Cruise Planner, there’s no harm in booking through a third party. Speaking of excursions, it isn’t necessary to book excursions through Royal Caribbean. While booking shore excursions on Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Planner website is convenient, you might find more options (or lower prices) by booking through independent tour operators. The last thing you want to happen is have your dream excursion sell out, leaving you scrambling to find other plans. Plus, excursions tend to only get more expensive over time, so booking early helps you lock in a lower price.
What to Pack for An Alaskan Cruise: A Complete Checklist - Travel + Leisure
What to Pack for An Alaskan Cruise: A Complete Checklist.
Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 21:11:15 GMT [source]
Don’t forget to pack short sleeve shirts and sunscreen
Due to the fluctuating temperatures and ever-changing weather, layering is crucial. Opt for a system of clothing that includes moisture-wicking base layers, insulating mid-layers, and waterproof, windproof outer layers. This allows you to adapt to temperature shifts throughout the day. I learned the hard way that dressing right is key to enjoying everything from those stunning glacier views to wildlife sightings. From my personal experience, the right clothes really do make all the difference on an Alaskan cruise.
The Ultimate Alaska Cruise Packing List for 2024
Those brown rubber boots with the light colored trim on the edges. You’ll probably see people on the airplane wearing them when returning to Alaska. When you’re out on deck or on a tour, putting your gloves on and off to take a photo is a real pain. To solve this problem, I ordered these gloves to use with my iPhone. I’ve always loved Isotoners so that’s why I went for the more expensive gloves with device-touch enabled finger tips. And…so you don’t have to constantly take them on and off to take photos with your iPhone or Android, I really suggest device-enabled gloves.
The adjustable wrist cuff helps to seal in warmth and keep out snow and water, and there are tech-touch coated fingertips on your thumb and forefingers. Moylan cautions that travelers to Alaska should still pack items like gloves or beanies, even in the warmer months. The ribbed beanie is also designed for an exceptional fit, with wide ribbing on the crown and narrower ribbing along the brim. These features come in especially handy on extra cold or windy days. I personally like that these beanies keep my head warm even when they get a little wet from snow or sprinkles and that it’s easy to adjust them to cover my ears. Plus, it comes in multiple colors and is at an accessible price point, so you can easily get more than one.
Consider that you will likely be on the top deck of your cruise ship for whale watching or sailing through the Inside Passage, so it’s best to have a pair of gloves too. I had to buy a pair of gloves on my last Alaskan cruise because my hands were much colder than I expected. As such, be sure to pack a pair of gloves and a hat for your Alaskan cruise, as your hands and ears will be cold both in-port and on the ship when sailing the Inside Passage. Packing a waterproof rain jacket is a must for your Alaskan cruise, along with an umbrella. I prefer to pack a black rain jacket because it goes with everything.
On an Alaskan cruise, the dress code typically ranges from casual to semi-formal. Daytime attire is casual with cruise outfits like jeans, t-shirts, and sweaters. Evenings might require smart-casual or semi-formal wear, especially for special events or formal nights.
Katherine Alex Beaven is a full-time travel writer who went on her first cruise in middle school. One of the most impactful and memorable trips from her childhood was a two-week cruise to Alaska. Since then, she’s returned to Alaska several times, venturing around the state by plane, by ship, and by car. For this piece, she relied on her own experience packing for cruises, trips to Alaska, and cruises to Alaska.
Journaling at the end of a long day can help you unpack your experiences and remember them in the days to come. It’s very important to consider the temperatures and precipitation levels depending on when you’re traveling to Alaska. Yes, its notoriously chilly climate, frequent rainfall, and various weather patterns make it tricky to determine what to wear in Alaska to have an enjoyable trip.
Sure, you can take pictures with your phone, but do you really want to photograph Alaska and its gorgeous landscapes and wildlife on a tiny phone? You’ll be thankful you packed your best camera on your trip to Alaska once you catch your first glimpse of a majestic glacier or humpback whale. Alaska is one of the most beautiful locations on the planet, no matter the time of year.
To help determine what to pack for dinner wear, visit our FAQ packing page. Both men and women should pack at least one or two comfortable (but not torn) denim jeans. I also bring a pair of nice unfaded black jeans that can double as dress pants on formal nights. There should be enough room in your denim jean’s legs if you need to put on a pair of silk or silk-like long “underwear” underneath. Chances of rain also increase as the summer months go by, so don’t forget to bring all of your rain-related gear, including a light roll-up waterproof jacket, when you cruise in July. July enjoys the warmest average temperatures of the summer (they can go from low 50s to high 60 degrees), which is why it’s one of the best times to cruise to Alaska.
No comments:
Post a Comment