What to Pack For an Alaskan Cruise in 2024: Your Complete Guide

Table Of Content

• Best Shoes And Boots For Alaska In Winter Or Summer
• Best Water-Friendly Flat for Alaska: Blondo Halo
• Not sure what to pack for your Alaskan Cruise?
• The Ultimate​ Guide to Cruise Ship Dining
• What to Wear on an Alaskan Cruise – Day and Evening
• Columbia Pouration Rain Jacket
• REI Co-op Women’s Trailmade Pants

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. Keep in mind that any swimsuits or swim shorts aren’t likely to get much mileage anywhere besides the ship’s hot tub or pools. The best part about these boots for Alaska in winter is the fact the bottom is completely rubber like a rain boot. The bottom of these shoes for Alaska are made of rubber and the inside is lined with fluffy goodness and warmth to keep your feet cozy and dry. These shoes go well from walking around in the snow to going out to eat or out with friends.

Best Shoes And Boots For Alaska In Winter Or Summer

I like that they come in a variety of women’s sizes from petite and long to wide. (The men’s version is sized by waist and inseam.) No matter the size, the fabric is thin, so it packs down to nothing in your suitcase. If only they gave out prizes for the most efficient packer. Style preferences aside, the lenses stand out for their clarity, detail, and of course UV protection.

Best Water-Friendly Flat for Alaska: Blondo Halo

A simple black wrap dress is perfect for a formal night, or even a Black Jumpsuit would look great and can be layered with any jacket or sweater. You can even go with a nice pair of black jeans and heels with a dressy top. I love traveling with these simple black heels because they go with everything from dresses to dress pants to jeans. If you board out of Seattle, it’s impossible to say what the weather will be like.

Not sure what to pack for your Alaskan Cruise?

We also hope that if you don’t already own quality boots for Alaska, you consider saving money and investing in a great pair so that you can enjoy your trip! Alaska is quite far to get to for most people so the last thing you want is to be cold and wet and to not enjoy your trip! With these suggestions, you are well on your way to having a wonderful visit to Alaska. Before you go, I recommend looking at your cruise itinerary to make sure you know what type of dress code you may have to follow.

They also provide sun protection and stretch, with the ability to roll the pant up into a capri, and in some cases, zip a piece off to convert into shorts -- that's two pairs of pants in one! Browse all men's and women's styles to find the right fit. Trade out your hiking shoes for comfy flats or dress sneakers. Jazz up casual, neutral-colored slacks (even jeans) or skirts with jackets or scarves. Start with thin, base-layer undergarments that won't bulk up your clothes and are comfortable even if the day turns out warmer than expected. The final layers of outerwear should be lightweight because you may need to stuff them in your backpack for half the day as the temperature rises.

I kept all our hats and gloves in one packing cube for easy access. I have worn my Merrell MOAB Waterproof (WP) many days in Alaska and have never had wet feet in spite of lots of rain. The Merrell arch supports and gripping soles were game changers for me.

I brought a few dresses and a pair of black pants that I could wear with different tops. You’ll want to pack short sleeve and long sleeve t-shirts, to wear under a fleece sweatshirt or hoodie. During my cruise, the temperature during the day was usually about 50F to 57F, so I almost always wore a lightweight puffer jacket as well. During your Alaska cruise, you might end up hiking the majestic snow-covered mountains so as to fully explore the rich Alaska culture. The Weekenders remind me of a classic canvas shoe with laces. While my husband likes his Weekenders, he was elated that he could replace the Vessi removable insoles with his custom orthotics to give him the extra arch support he needs.

Columbia Pouration Rain Jacket

Camera lenses are historically expensive, which is why this refurbished Canon telephoto lens for $175 is a great price. Of course, if you already own a camera from another company, like Sony, you might have to find one of their lenses, depending on what’s compatible. But if this Canon EF lens is the right fit — literally — you can expect it to be in excellent condition, boasting a smooth zoom and a way better shot of those eagles.

The result is a breathable, environmentally friendly, and utterly waterproof shoe. Vessi footwear differs from other brands because they don’t use a waterproof coating or liner. It was hard to find 100% waterproof shoes when researching the web. Most brands in North America advertise their runners as waterproof, but customers rated them only water repellent. Compact umbrella – We decided not to use one, but lots of people had them. Refillable water bottle – Great for on and off the ship especially if water isn’t included in your drink package.

If you’re going to be sloshing through lots of ice or water on an excursion, these types of boots will usually be provided for you. Are these the perfect travel shoes to take you from the beaches of the Caribbean to the rainforests of Central America? Now, don’t take my word for it, read the rave reviews from Vessi owners. Now, the sneakers aren’t meant to be completely submerged in water. But in Alaska, three of us stood in the gushing water of Nugget Falls at Mendenhall Glacier, and we came away with completely dry feet.

I hope you’ve found our Alaskan cruise packing list useful in determining both what to bring, and what to wear on an Alaska cruise. Here are a few comfort items I recommend adding to your Alaska cruise packing list. While I recommend warm, waterproof layers on Alaskan cruises year-round, you’ll need much heavier coats if cruising during October and April versus in July or August. And don’t forget to download my super amazing 5-page cruise planner.

You just never know what the weather will be like, and it’s drastically different in the towns then it is on the ship. You also have time on the ship, both relaxing and for dressier times like formal night. But if you are traveling on a budget, try this more affordable version. I loved this long-sleeved top that was both super soft and warm and stylish. It still looks cute and kept me warm enough to get from the hot tub to my room.

How to Plan the Best Alaska Cruise - Travel Alaska

How to Plan the Best Alaska Cruise.

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With snow and freezing temps, finding the warmest winter boots for Alaska is a must. Below are some of the top reader-recommended boots for your cruise. Even if these aren’t normally on your packing list, bring them.

Keep it simple with this $24 BPA-free tumbler, available in five shades and featuring a snug sipping lid that will keep sloshing at bay. Hydro Flask guarantees that with its double-wall vacuum insulation, cold liquids will stay cold for up to 24 hours, while your hot chocolate will stay hot for up to six hours. The powder coat exterior is dishwasher safe and promises to remain grippy without chipping. Once you’re back home and dreaming about that time you went dogsledding in Alaska, the tapered tumbler should fit into the cup holder in your car. What you wear over your long (or regular) underwear is considered your insulating layer. Choose synthetic materials for their coziness but also their lightness.

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You packed all those clothing layers — now's the time to use them. The coldest part of your Alaska cruise will likely be while the ship cruises through can't-miss scenery. Your balcony may give you an edge over the folks in interior rooms, but you won't get a 360-degree vista unless you're out on the top deck.