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When figuring what to pack for a cruise to Alaska, it’s all about knowing what you plan to do on your incredible adventure to the 49th state. Plus, I lived in Alaska for almost two years and own everything on this list. However, the shoulder months of May and September can offer discounted rates and less crowded ports. So, depending on your travel style, you may want to consider traveling during the less popular months if you’re looking for more of a budget-friendly or “off-the-beaten-path” experience.
REI Co-op Rainier Long Line Rain Jacket
You can appreciate it more if you plan ahead and have all of the necessary items with you. Then pack your luggage and be ready to have the time of your life while creating memories. Binoculars are a must-have Alaska cruise packing item, especially if you’re interested in wildlife watching.
Base layers
By dressing in layers and packing the essential clothing items mentioned above, you will be well-prepared to enjoy your Alaska cruise in May while staying comfortable and protected in any weather conditions. 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. Speaking from experience, you’re going to need some functional, hiking-type all-terrain pants and shorts for an Alaska cruise. Go from pants to shorts to pants again with these convertible, quick-drying bottoms (and take up less room in your suitcase, too). Taking a page from our “less is more” cruise packing manual, these pants pull double wardrobe duty. The zip-off bottoms might seem a bit dorky at first, but function over fashion is where it’s at when you’re gallivanting around the Great Outdoors.
Formal Wear
I’ve cruised Alaska up and down the Inside Passage at least a dozen times plus four cross-Gulf voyages. My cruises to Alaska happened in every month of the cruise season. How to pack for an Alaska cruise in still-chilly May, in hot and buggy mid-July or possibly rainy September, all follow my basic packing guidelines. The Alaska cruise season typically runs from late April to early October, with the peak season being June, July, and August. These months provide the warmest weather, longest days, and the best chance of spotting wildlife such as bears, whales (among a variety of majestic sea life), and eagles.
Plus a carry-on and/or backpack for electronics, toiletries, documents and meds. It only took me two cruises to Alaska to figure out what I should have packed…or left at home. My point is, most likely you’ll need to pack cruise clothes and land clothes. And of course, the month you choose to cruise Alaska can be significant to determine what you’ll pack.
How To Pack For A Shoulder Season Alaska Cruise - TravelAwaits
How To Pack For A Shoulder Season Alaska Cruise.
Posted: Fri, 13 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
Layers
Even if you’re covered up, you’ll want to make sure to pack a bottle of SPF to keep your face and neck safe from sun rays. One of the highlights of taking a cruise to Alaska is all the wildlife you’ll be exposed to during your trip. This is a must especially when going on an Alaska whale-watching cruise. In addition to clothes, there are a few extra items that will go a long way in making your cruise to Alaska a memorable experience. For example, one of the highlights of traveling to Alaska is spotting wildlife in its natural habitat.
Comfortable pants
Important Travel Documents (& Copies!)When putting together your Alaska cruise packing list, it’s important to bring all of the necessary documents with you. This includes a valid passport or proof of citizenship, any visas you may need, as well as your ship ticket and a valid driver’s license or other forms of ID. You should also make copies of these documents to have in your luggage and to leave at home in case they are lost or stolen.
What Type of Pants Should You Pack?
We booked an Airbnb for a night mid-trip that had a washer and dryer. Here’s a complete list of what to pack on a cruise to Alaska, from clothing to gear and extras. Learn what to pack on a cruise to Alaska and how to stay comfortable in Alaska’s changing weather. To minimize joining the masses during high season, consider a shoulder-season sailing (in late April, May or September), or select a ship that embarks midweek.
Oral Hygiene ProductsWhen packing for your Alaskan cruise, it’s important to include some essential oral hygiene products. Bring a toothbrush, toothpaste (or powder), floss, and mouthwash that will keep you feeling fresh throughout the voyage. Hair ProductsWhile Alaska is stocked full of plenty of shops in the ports all selling hair supplies including shampoos, conditioners, oils, etc., it’s best to bring your own from home.
These accessories will add convenience, comfort, and practicality to your Alaska cruise experience. Remember to pack any personal items that you consider essential, such as reading materials, travel journals, or even a travel pillow for added comfort. Having a variety of clothing options allows you to adapt to the changing weather conditions and different activities onboard and onshore. Remember to pack clothing that can be easily mixed and matched, reducing the need for excessive items. The solution is bringing some disposable wipes to help finish the job.
Style preferences aside, the lenses stand out for their clarity, detail, and of course UV protection. Polarization cuts glare from the water and the ice in addition to pavement, reducing eye strain. These Maui Jims are considered unisex, but you can choose your lens tint in bronze or blue.
We found ourselves really thrown off with the long daylight hours. If you’ve never taken a cruise, you might be surprised at the lack of outlets in a cabin. Now imagine trying to plug in phones, battery chargers, hair straighteners and more. Sure you may not be sitting on the deck by the pool in a swimsuit, but even being out and about during an excursion is enough to get burned. So while most of your body is likely to be covered up in warmer clothes, it’s still a good idea to pack sunscreen for exposed areas like your cheeks, ears, and neck.
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