What to Pack for Alaska Cruise in August: 10 Days, 1 Bag
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Embarking and disembarking in Seattle or Vancouver can make air travel easier and cheaper than one-way Alaska cruises, which require flights to smaller, more expensive airports in Alaska. If you’d like a small ship cruise to Alaska, but crave a bit more adventure, expedition cruises might be more your speed. Check out lines like Alaskan Dream Cruises, Lindblad and UnCruise Adventures, which focus on immersive nature and wildlife experiences. The vibe onboard these ships is also more personalized due to their limited capacity. You'll need to set aside a good chunk of money to spend on shore excursions when you're in Alaska.
Final Thoughts on What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise
Don’t think you have to pack all of these items, but those that catch your interest should be brought along. Clothing will make up the bulk of what you’ll bring on a cruise, and rightly so. With so many different scenarios to dress for when sailing to Alaska, just know that you’re going to want a little of everything.
Waterproof Shoes
In general, the dress code tends to be more casual at dinner. While there are still formal nights on Alaska cruises, you'll see far more guests opting for just jeans and a collared shirt rather than a suit or tuxedo. Sweaters, sweatshirts, and fleece or down jackets will help keep you warm no matter the weather, and they’re easy to take off if it gets too hot. Your base layer will be a short or long sleeved t-shirt and a pair of jeans, leggings, or other lightweight pants.
Tips for taking the stress out of Alaska cruise packing
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. SunglassesNo matter what time of year you’re cruising in Alaska, sunglasses are essential for protecting your eyes from the bright sunshine reflecting off the sea or ice. Look for a pair with polarized lenses that will reduce glare and block out UV rays, as well as frames that are comfortable and won’t slip off your head too easily.
The main thing to remember when packing for an Alaska cruise is to plan for any and all types of weather conditions. Always bring a few days’ extra pills and keep with you in your handbag or carry-on. If your ship doesn’t have a sliding glass dome over the pool, you may not need to pack a swimsuit at all.
What to Pack for an Alaska Cruise: 10 Must-Pack Items
If it’s warm when I travel, I put it into a freezer ziplock bag and squish the air out of it. It’s also water resistant (not waterproof) and a windbreaker. Whatever Alaska cruise itinerary you choose, I’ve covered all of it in my Alaska packing list.
Alaska Cruise Cost: Amenities and Time of Year Make the Difference
Their wool is softer and thinner, making it easier to regulate body temperature and keep your tootsies warm. The fibers also magically wick away sweat and moisture, keeping your feet not only dry but less likely to smell like you were walking around all day. I’m positive that the majestic, untamed beauty of Alaska will fill you with wonder and awe quite unlike any place you’ve been before.
Waterproof Phone Case
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.
What to Pack for Alaska in the Summer What to Pack for Alaska in the Summer - The Traveling Spud
What to Pack for Alaska in the Summer What to Pack for Alaska in the Summer.
Posted: Thu, 19 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
These cruise items and travel gadgets will help to make your cabin more organized and comfortable during your Alaska cruise. If you’re planning on hiking in Alaska, packing a lightweight walking stick or collapsible hiking polls will be very useful. Make sure to bring along some chap stick or lip balm for warm sunny days in Alaska, as well as the windy ones. When the sun reflects off the glaciers, polarized sunglasses will be essential.
Bringing your own pair of compact travel binoculars is an Alaska cruise must-have! Whether you’re on an excursion or looking out at the incredible scenery and wildlife from your balcony on the cruise ship, make sure to have one per person. These are the must-haves to pack for shore excursions and day trips in Alaska.
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. For this piece, she relied on her own experience packing for cruises, trips to Alaska, and cruises to Alaska. She also collected expert insights and tips on essential packing items for an Alaskan cruise from top Alaskan cruise operators Princess Cruises, Lindblad Expeditions, and Holland America Line. Together, these cruise operators have over 170 years of experience cruising to Alaska. Do yourself and the environment a favor and bring along a reusable water bottle like the Hydro Flask Stainless Steel Wide Mouth with Flex Cap for your cruise.
Merrell is so confident in this design that they named them the “mother of all boots” (Moab). What I like about this design in particular is its length. Coverage past your hips keeps more of you protected from the elements, including up to 60 mph winds. I also like all the customizable details put into this jacket, from an adjustable waist and vented hem to zippered pockets and a stowable, three-piece hood. Beyond black and beige, this women’s rain jacket comes in pretty shades of light blue, pink, and purple.
Last year, I also picked up a pair of stretchy black fleece-lined yoga/leggings pull-on pants at, of all places, Walgreens. They’re super comfortable, loose in the waist and look good enough to wear around the ship with a long tunic. Also in this article is a printable packing list to get you on your way to the Last Frontier. What to pack for an Alaska cruise, especially for first-timers, can be a little challenging. Maybe your Alaska cruise is on a small ship adventure cruise like Alaskan Dream Cruises or UnCruise Adventures.
At nights — especially when the ship is sailing and there’s a breeze — it can get cold on the ship. It’s a good idea to pack along a warm hat, preferably one that will cover your ears. You may not need it all the time, but you’ll be thankful that you have for those times when it’s too cold to go out with your head uncovered. 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. In other words, just because you are headed for a cold area, don’t leave the swimsuit at home.
Depending on you and your cruise, you might also want to have a pair of dressy flats or comfy dress shoes and/or a pair of versatile everyday shoes or everyday sneakers that are only worn on board the ship. Merino wool is the perfect performance material for a trip to Alaska, where the temperatures can vary from day to day and even from place to place. The Icebreaker 200 Oasis Lichen Long Sleeve Crew gets top marks because it’s warming enough to make for an ideal base layer while being lightweight enough to be worn on its own during warmer days. 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.
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