What to Pack
Packing for an Alaska cruise is a little different than a typical beach vacation. The weather can be unpredictable — expect temperatures between 50–75°F with a chance of rain at almost every port. Layers are your best friend!
Clothing
Pack plenty of layers — think lightweight base layers, fleece mid-layers, and a waterproof outer shell. A good rain jacket is absolutely essential. You’ll also want at least one or two dressy outfits for formal nights on the ship. Comfortable walking shoes are a must for port days, and waterproof boots are a bonus, but not absolutely needed.
Dressy Outfits
Dressy Outfits can be your choice of dress. Some men prefer suit and tie, some prefer jeans or khakis and Polo or golf shirts. Some women prefer their formal dress attire, and some prefer dress pants and a blouse. Please note, dress attire is NOT required for formal nights, it is your choice. Some people like them for the picture opportunities on the ship. Also, if you reserve a premium dinner restaurant, they WILL require pants and polo or golf shirt/blouse at minimum. Main dining room and buffet has no requirements for pants and shirts/blouse.
Gear & Accessories
Binoculars are a game changer on this trip — you’ll use them constantly for glaciers, wildlife, and scenery. Make sure your camera phone has plenty of storage. A small day pack or backpack is handy for port excursions. We like the stringer backpack on the links page. Sunscreen is still important even on cloudy days, and hand warmers are great for Glacier Bay day. NOTE: Glacier viewing day (scenic cruising) they usually have coffee and/or hot chocolate out on the pool deck – so take advantage of the warmth!!!!
Medications & Health
If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring medication (Bonine) or Sea-Bands — the Inside Passage can get choppy but not wavy and rolling of the ship, just VERY mild noticeable swaying. Pack any prescription medications in your carry-on (for at least 2 days), not your checked luggage. A small first aid kit with band-aids, pain relievers, and antacids is always handy. Don’t forget sunscreen and lip balm! IN YOUR CARRY ON, you should have important medications, cash, passport, and ship boarding documents (just in case)
Documents & Essentials
Your passport is required — especially for Victoria, BC. Bring a copy of your cruise documents, travel insurance info (we strongly urge everyone to get travel insurance), and any excursion confirmations. American cash is accepted in Victoria, but you will get Canadian cash back. We use a credit card free of foreign transaction fees.
Electronics
Bring a power strip or multi-plug adapter for the cabin — outlets are VERY limited. Usually only 2 per stateroom. Surge protected power strips are NOT allowed. We have one listed on this page. A portable charger is great for long port days. Don’t forget the watch charger!
Tips & Reminders
Label your luggage clearly before embarkation day. Pack a carry-on with essentials for the first night since checked bags can take a few hours to arrive at your cabin. And most importantly, don’t overpack! You’ll be doing a lot of walking.
How to Pack
Pack as much as possible in your carry-on luggage, and avoid those airline luggage fees! We typically check one suitcase. That being said, you want at least one day’s clothes in your carry-on along with your toiletries, and daily meds and passport. Once we get to Seattle, you’ll change it up just a bit. In your backpack, you’ll pack one days clothes, and important meds, passport, and ship boarding documents, then check EVERYTHING else at the luggage porter by the ship. The goal is to ONLY carry-on your backpack and purse, so you’re not dragging luggage around while you’re exploring the layout of the ship. Sometimes (not often) it takes until late in the evening to get all of your luggage to the stateroom. It is not uncommon for us to be on the ship around 11 am, and the staterooms typically do not become available until 2-3 pm.
And don’t forget to leave room for all those souvenirs you purchase both on and off the ship!!!
Alaska 2028 