Alaska Cruise Packing List: What I Actually Brought (and What You Should Too)
When I cruised Alaska in May, I packed for every season in one suitcase. I started in Anchorage where it was in the 30s and 40s during the day. Packing for an Alaska cruise can be tricky. That’s why I created this Alaska Cruise Packing List here.
By the time I reached Vancouver, it was the warmest day of the year and in the 80s.
That’s the reality of Alaska. You’ll need winter gear, summer clothes, and plenty of pieces you can layer.
If you’re wondering what to bring, here’s my Alaska packing list. It includes clothing staples from my What to Wear on an Alaska Cruise guide plus a few travel essentials that made my trip so much easier.
Elevate Your Escapes is a top producing, award-winning luxury cruise seller, and a top 30 ranking, Gold-Tier Certified Virgin Voyages First Mate (travel agent). We’ve sailed on countless voyages around the world and bring first-hand experience to our readers. We work with top luxury lines including Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Explora Journeys, Silversea, Princess Cruises, Holland America, Celebrity, Norwegian Cruise Lines, and more.
SEE OUR VIRGIN VOYAGES PACKING LIST
AND OUR “WHAT TO WEAR” GUIDE HERE
Alaska Cruise Packing List (Quick Overview)
- Waterproof coat + fleece
- Soft leggings + base layers
- Sneakers + waterproof boots
- Wool hat + socks
- Daypack + water bottle
- Binoculars
- Swimsuit + sandals
- Packing cubes + AirTag
Clothing You Can Layer
Alaska weather changes by the hour, so think in layers instead of single heavy items. You’ll want a mix of warm basics and a few lighter pieces for those rare but glorious sunny days.
- Base layers: Soft leggings – the ones I lived in on the ship and off. They’re so soft!
- Warm fleece: Patagonia, The North Face, or Colombia fleece zip-up – you definitely need a comfortable warm layer. These fleece zip-ups are my go-to. I have several.
- Waterproof coat with hood – because rain can come unexpectedly throughout the day. I like to keep warm.
- Wool hat and socks – these are essentials for keeping warm
- Sturdy sneakers for walking – use these for day trips like whale watching or glacier paths
- Light waterproof boots – take these out on a rainy, muddy day or going a bit off the beaten path. I usually wear these boots if there’s any chance of my feet getting wet or sneakers getting too dirty. They wipe easily.
- Hiking boots (women’s) – Only worth packing if you’re doing a true hiking excursion. I did fine on paths in waterproof sneakers. Top-rated! // Men’s Hiking Boots
- A few dressier pieces for dinners onboard – some Regent Seven Seas Cruises restaurants or Explora Journeys restaurants are more chic. But, Virgin Voyages restaurants, like Brilliant Lady’s Rojo, invite you to lean back in your casual wear
See our full “What to Wear on an Alaska Cruise” Guide here.
Daypack and Walking Gear
Alaska cruise shore excursions mean a lot of walking, sometimes on uneven ground, and a good backpack makes it easy to carry layers, snacks, and water.
- Lightweight waterproof daypack – I keep all my daily essentials in this bag.
- Reusable water bottle – it’s environmentally-friendly and ensures you’ll always have water on-the-go. Many attractions don’t have water easily accessible. Cruise lines also offer water refill stations! I always keep water with me.
- Binoculars – great for spotting wildlife from the deck (Most luxury cruise lines like Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Explora Journeys will provide binoculars. Virgin Voyages does not, as Virgin Voyages is not all-inclusive.)
Packing Helpers
Alaska cruise cabins are comfortable but not huge. I like to stay organized so I don’t waste time digging through piles of clothes.
- Packing cubes – keep your luggage organizes, especially because you’ll be packing for multiple seasons at once. I like to organize by the weather – warm vs. mid vs. cold temperatures.
- AirTag for luggage – most will check luggage for Alaska – these will help you keep track of exactly where your luggage is. I also use AirTags for my keys!
Pool and Spa
Yes, you really will want to pack a swimsuit for Alaska. In addition to the outdoor pools, most ships have heated pools and hot tubs outdoor, and lovely spas inside!
Embarkation cities of Vancouver and Seattle will probably be summer weather when you arrive, too.
I also loved having a robe and slippers for balcony mornings (Luxury lines, like Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Explora Journeys provide these. Virgin Voyages, outside of Rockstar and MegaRockstar categories does not).
Picture yourself lightly swinging on the Brilliant Lady hammock in this robe!
- Swimsuit – any style you love! You’ll at least likely get to take a dip in the outdoor pool while further south, like in Seattle or Vancouver.
Long Flight Essentials
Getting to Alaska means long flights, and I like to pack a few extras to make the trip more comfortable.
- Travel pillow – the one I use, though bulky! It’s the most comfortable.
- OR Travel pillow – foldable option for packing light
- AirPods or a MUCH less expensive alternative – ZZU, that I also recommend
- AirFly wireless transmitter – connects your own headphones to airplane screens. I use this on all my flights that don’t include soundproof headphones.
What I Overpacked on my Alaska Cruise (Learn From Me)
- Too many sweaters — layering mattered more than bulk
- Extra shoes — I wore the same boots outside 90% of the time
- Heavy jeans — leggings were warmer and more comfortable
Luxury cruise lines and status programs have complimentary laundry options. Take advantage so that you carry less on your journey!
Final Thoughts
Alaska is one of those places where you’ll wear a winter coat in the morning and short sleeves by afternoon. When packing for your Alaska cruise, trick is layering and bringing a few extras to make travel easier.
Consider this your Alaska cruise layering guide. Start with sturdy basics, add in gear that helps you stay comfortable, and don’t forget the little things like packing cubes and an AirTag. They make a bigger difference than you’d think.
If you’re planning an Alaska cruise and want to see exactly how I styled these pieces day by day, head to my What to Wear on an Alaska Cruise guide. It breaks down outfits for excursions, sea days, and onboard dinners — so you can pack once and feel prepared for everything.
Hire me to plan your Alaska trip!
el@elevateyourescapes.com
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