How to Make your Alaska Cruise Travel Easier: Tips

Table Of Content

• Figure out your transportation logistics to and from the airport, hotel, and cruise port
• Water Bottle
• Other Items For Your Cruise Packing List:
• The 19 Best Cruise Accessories You Need to Pack in 2024
• Cruise Packing Checklist: Other Items to Bring
• If you haven’t booked travel arrangements yet, now is the time

You’ll also want a daypack, dry sack, and belt bag for carrying all your necessities on the ship and during trips ashore. Ideally these will be water-repelling, but definitely lightweight and packable. Even if these aren’t normally on your packing list, bring them. “It’s always important to stay hydrated when embarking on an excursion,” agrees Chun from Holland America Line. She notes that a variety of Alaska’s shore excursions, like mountain hikes, long days spent sightseeing, small boat rides, or going up to high altitudes on a glacier or helicopter, can trigger dehydration. I’ve tried several brands, but prefer DripDrop Hydration Electrolyte Powder Packs because they are formulated for fast electrolyte absorption and contain less sugar than other brands.

What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise, According to People Who've Taken Them - New York Magazine

What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise, According to People Who've Taken Them.

Posted: Mon, 23 Sep 2019 07:00:00 GMT [source]

Figure out your transportation logistics to and from the airport, hotel, and cruise port

Plus, merino wool has quick-dry, moisture-wicking properties that keep it breathable and cooling when you start sweating (clutch for summer days and physical excursions). Anti-microbial properties also translate into less odor and longer life between washes, so you can wear it worry-free and repeatedly on the same trip. My first Icebreaker base layer was a go-to when I backpacked around the world for three years, from European winters to Southeast Asian summers. In total, I wore it for over a decade; it never shrank and always performed. Overall, I recommend aiming to create a capsule wardrobe that you can mix and match throughout your cruise, with the addition of these clothing items that are a must for an Alaskan cruise.

Water Bottle

Some people might skip the waterproof pants, but there’s no reason to skip the water protection for your legs after you’ve worked so hard to keep your head, body, and feet dry. That said, you only need to bring one pair of waterproof pants — as long as they actually work. For starters, they come from a tried and trusted brand, and are made from a reliable, breathable, waterproof, and windproof fabric that is both rip-resistant and Bluesign-approved.

Other Items For Your Cruise Packing List:

You’ll also likely want to bring some bug spray to protect yourself against Alaska’s state bird, the mosquito, especially if you’re traveling during the summer months. Now, after several more trips to Alaska and just being better-traveled overall, I know where I went wrong — and I’m here to share my essential Alaskan cruise packing list with you. If you're used to cruising around tropical islands, you'll find an Alaska cruise packing list is different from your Caribbean one. Spend some time learning about what you should pack for an Alaska cruise so you're prepared for the changeable weather and terrain of the 49th State. And while you should pack a jacket, it’s also a good idea to bring along a rain slicker. This jacket is light enough to wear on warmer days, but also keeps you dry while you’re out and about.

If you plan to do any hiking or other active outdoor adventures, warm hiking socks that keep your feet dry are super-important. You won’t need a thick winter hat, even at the very beginning or end of Alaska’s cruise season. I always just pack a lightweight, breathable beanie that dries quickly. Here are some essentials to pack for an Alaska cruise in colder weather.

The 19 Best Cruise Accessories You Need to Pack in 2024

Poor packing could lead to uncomfortable consequences, from shivering in the rain to missing out on experiences and excursions. 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. Always consider layering items when packing for an Alaska cruise, regardless of the time of year you’ll be sailing.

Cruise Packing Checklist: Other Items to Bring

It’s one of my favorite destinations in the world and one of the top cruise itinerary recommendations I make when people ask me where to sail. There’s a freshness in the air, a staggering amount of wildlife to watch, and as for the beer and seafood... 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.

If you haven’t booked travel arrangements yet, now is the time

The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler - The Points Guy

The best Alaska cruise for every type of traveler.

Posted: Mon, 05 Feb 2024 08:00:00 GMT [source]

Check the tour’s cancellation policies—and whether or not they provide a guaranteed arrival back to port before your ship's departure—before booking. Princess has more balconies and suites than any other cruise line in Alaska, allowing you to maximize your glacier-viewing experience at every turn. You may also want to pack binoculars for an even closer look at all the splendor the Great Land has to offer.

or 2 zip-up fleece jackets

Your ship might stock some, but you'll want your own for spotting whales, bears, eagles and other wildlife and for close-up views of glacial ice and other wilderness from the ship and on shore. If you plan to do a lot of hiking, you might want to bring a retractable walking stick for uneven surfaces. You don't have to pack for an Alaska cruise as if you are going camping, but it's important to bring the appropriate amount of adventure and travel gear. If you don't want to get dressed up at all, you can dine in your ship's more casual eateries.

Know those $2 plastic rain ponchos that come in a little pouch? With the weather changing constantly depending on where you are, a lightweight plastic pouch can be a lifesaver if you’re caught in a shower. Plus, it can be a good thing to help keep camera equipment or other valuables dry in a pinch. Cruise ships will have hot tubs that you can soak in while watching the beauty of the area float past. And many ships these days also have heated pools or indoor solariums where you can take a dip in relative warmth, no matter the weather outside.

If your ship doesn’t have a sliding glass dome over the pool, you may not need to pack a swimsuit at all. Sandals or these thin, easy to pack flip-flops are always good for the pool and don’t take up much space. It’s really important to remember that it is can be very chilly out on deck, especially at night.

The sun will be harsh on your skin as the air is clearer and thinner in Alaska. You also need to protect skin from sun-glare off the white expanses of ice and snow. Wearing sunscreen is very important to ensure you don’t get badly sunburned. Take plenty of SPF50 and wear it at all times during the day. If you don’t have a camera or the one you have is really old, this cruise is a good time to invest in a new one. An Alaska cruise is really an unforgettable experience and you will want to preserve those precious memories.