What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise

An Alaskan cruise is unlike any other.  For our family it was the first time we weren’t setting sail to the Caribbean, so we needed to do our research when it came to what to pack!

THE BASICS

What’s the Weather Going to be Like?

Our cruise was 7 days long, so aside from taking into consideration the number of days of clothing we would need, we had to consider the weather!   This wasn’t going to be a bathing suit, coverup, shorts, and flip-flops kind of a cruise – it was going to be a moderate weather Seattle/cold Alaskan cruise.

Avoid Unnecessary Target Stops

We also understood that we were not going to a faraway land where we couldn’t get some necessities should we forget to pack something, but did want to be as thorough as possible.  You don’t want to spend a premium on sunscreen or medicine onboard the ship, but if needed it is available.  (On an aside, there hasn’t been a vacation that I’ve been on that we haven’t stopped at a Target for one thing or another.)

Luggage Inventory Check

Scan through your luggage and make sure you have the right pieces – whether it is enough luggage or the right sizes.  Airlines usually charge for checked luggage, so you want to be mindful of that.  Also, when packing checked luggage be sure to be considerate of the weight.  If you go, in some cases, even a pound or two over the airline’s limit (usually 50 pounds), they will ding you with a nice fee.  You don’t have to go out and buy new luggage if you’re missing what you need.  Ask friends and family first before making the investment.  Below are some of my favorite pieces to have on hand:

CLOTHING

Clothing, for me, was the hardest to decide on.  We wanted to experience all that Seattle has to offer (and it has a lot!) before the cruise, so we needed to take that into consideration as well as the forecasted weather for Alaska.

My best advice when it comes to packing for this vacation (including the short jaunt in Seattle) is to layer.  You can always take off a layer or two if you’re warm, but I’d rather be snuggly than freezing.  Also, I pack items that I can mix and match easily.

I packed the following for myself (and mirrored for the kiddos):

• Pants (3-4 pairs) – the number depends on your preference
• Tights (for layering beneath the jeans – you’ll thank me)
• Coat – preferably something that is easily packable (see below for recommendations)
• Scarves – both to spruce up an outfit and warmth (see below for recommendations)
• Gloves – keeping the hands and neck warm is KEY
• Hats – beanies or earmuffs
• Long sleeve tops (4)
• Sweaters (3 minimum) – lightweight/cardigans/zip sweatshirts
• Rain boots
• Bathing suits – more for the kids than the adults.  You’d be surprised but my boys went on the slides regardless of the temperature
• Undergarments (10 sets)
• T-shirts (4-6)
• Pajamas (3 sets) – my husband likes it to feel like Antarctica in the room, so I opted for flannels and long pants, but that is entirely up to you!
• Sneakers or shoes that you know you can walk comfortably in for a long time
• Socks (10 pairs)
• One “nicer/dresser” outfit – our cruise did not include “dress up nights”, but we did go to some of the upscale restaurants
• Crossbody bag – perfect for excursions

TOILETRIES

I am of the mindset that it is better to be safe than sorry so I tend to pack on the heavier side when it comes to toiletries and medications.  Here is my (possibly over the top) list:

• Toothbrushes and toothpaste
• Poufs – I go to WalMart and grab small loofahs for each family member.  We use them on vacay and then toss them the day we leave!
• Prescription medications – these should be packed in your carry-on bag!
• Body soap – whether it is bar soap or liquid, I recommend packing your usual go-to.  The cruise usually provides toiletries like this (shampoo and conditioner too) but I like to pack what I am most used to
• Shampoo, conditioner, and other hair products (same reason as above)
• Razors and shaving cream
• Tweezer – not only good for your eyebrows!
• Hairbrush – and hair ties
• Blow dryer – Cruises conventionally provide blow dryers, but I am a stickler when it comes to my hair dryer (flat irons as well…)
• Lotions – body, face, eye
• Cosmetics
• Extra Ziplock bags – I can’t tell you how many times the bags either rip or get soaked…
• Sunscreen – you are susceptible to the sun’s harmful rays even if it’s cloudy out

First Aid

• Thermometer
• Fever reducer – Tylenol/Advil/Motrin
• Bandaids
• Benadryl or other allergy medicine

ELECTRONICS

Even if you don’t opt for the onboard WiFi, you are still going to want to make sure you pack these electronics necessities.

• Phone chargers/cables
• Power banks – You’ll be taking a lot of photos on the ship and most definitely during excursions!
• USB Hub – there are never enough outlets in the room to charge everyone’s devices (I promise).  Plug this hub into an outlet and thank me later!
• Camera (aside from your phone)

MISCELLANEOUS

• Magnetic dry erase boards to put on the outside of their cabin door – it’s a perfect way for family and friends to leave messages for you.
• Lanyards – perfect for holding your room key!

Of course, there may be other items that you may need, but I hope this list helps!  If you have any additions, please add them to the comments below!