What are the most important things to bring on an Alaska cruise that you absolutely need?
Packing for an Alaska cruise seems like it's more difficult than a Caribbean trip because of the unpredictable weather, activities, and things you want to see.
I've curated an entire Alaska cruise packing list, but I know what you're thinking, "What are the absolute must-haves that I don't want to forget for my Alaska cruise?".
With that in mind, here are the top 10 things you should bring to Alaska. I think these will ensure you don't miss out on something critical for enjoying this type of cruise.
Binoculars
When you tell someone you're going to Alaska, there's a good chance binoculars are the first thing they recommend to you.
Alaska's natural beauty is phenomenal and you're quickly going to be glued to the windows to see the next moment. While cruise ships get close to the shore and glaciers, you're going to wish you have a way to zoom in.
Binoculars allow you to more easily spot a bald eagle in a tree, bear walking along the shoreline, or seal on a piece of ice.
Also, don't go crazy with buying one. You don't need something fancy, as a compact pair with decent magnification (8x or 10x) will do just fine. Ideally, try to borrow one from someone you know to save you on spending money on something you may not use again for a while.
I thought binoculars would be a waste, but then after a day or two I was surprised how much there was to see.
Waterproof, hooded jacket
One of my favorite buys for my Alaska cruise has been a light jacket that is waterproof and has a hood.
The reality is it's going to rain during your cruise, but you shouldn't let that stop you from enjoying your time there. Ports like Ketchikan and Juneau are known for their wet weather, and even if it’s not pouring, you’ll likely encounter drizzle or mist at some point.
A good waterproof jacket with a hood, such as a Columbia waterproof jacket, is going to be a solid investment.
Look for one with a longer cut so it keeps legs dry. Bonus points if it has big pockets.
Staying dry is how you can enjoy being outdoors, even if it's raining.
Comfortable shoes
You're going to be out and about exploring Alaska, so having a good pair of shoes is important.
I'd recommend a pair of comfortable shoes, such lightweight hiking shoes or trail runners. If you're going to buy them for this cruise, make sure you wear them a few times at home to break them in.
Some experts recommend waterproof shoes, and I think that's only necessary if you're going to be hiking in the woods. I think if you're not going to be on hiking trails, waterproof shoes are unnecessary (and there are a lot more non-waterproof shoes to choose from).
You don’t need heavy boots unless you’re planning serious hiking, but don’t rely on basic sneakers either.
Pack a backup pair of casual shoes for shipboard use.
Pack with layers
Packing for an Alaska cruise is all about layers. It gets repeated a lot, but it's the truth.
The idea is to have three layers:
- Base layer
- Heat trapping middle layer
- Waterproof outer layer
The base layer is what you'd probably wear around the ship, and it should be comfortable and also ideal if the sun is shining and it gets warm out. Think long sleeve shirt and jeans.
The middle layer is like a fleece or merino wool pullover for insulation. You put this on if you're feeling cold.
Then top it with that waterproof light jacket I mentioned earlier in this article.
This system lets you add or shed layers as the temperature and conditions change throughout the day.
Seasickness remedies
Even though much of your cruise will pass through the usually calm Inside Passage, there’s always a chance your ship will encounter choppy waters.
No matter how much you cruise, getting seasick could happen. Even I occasionally get seasick on certain cruises.
Motion sickness wristbands, ginger chews, Dramamine, or scopolamine patches all help, so it's just a matter of finding what works for you.
There's also no shame in proactively taking them. Some treatments work best if taken before you start feeling sick. The saying "better safe than sorry" applies here as well.
Reusable water bottle
A good reusable water bottle is as useful in Alaska as in the Caribbean.
Between long walks in port and time spent outdoors on excursions, having convenient access to water is important.
I used to think these water bottles were all about lowering the environmental footprint (which they are), but it's so much better to have one that can carry a greater quantity and keep it colder longer.
Royal Caribbean allows you to bring them onboard and refill, though not directly. You need to get a reusable cup and then pour that water into your bottle. Favorites include a Hydroflask or Yeti cup or Stanley cup.
Carrying your own bottle helps you stay energized, avoid headaches, and feel your best.
Sunglasses
You'd be forgiven if it never crossed your mind to bring sunglasses on a cruise as far north as Alaska, but you really ought to bring some.
Alaska can be surprisingly bright, especially when the sun is out and reflects off ice or snow, such as a glacier.
Rather than squint your way through the trip (or worse: pay exorbitant prices in a tourist shop), be sure to pack sunglasses.
Make sure you have polarized lenses, because they cut glare from the water and improve visibility.
If you wear prescription glasses, don’t forget a pair of clip-ons or prescription sunglasses.
Daypack
A small, comfortable backpack is very useful on an Alaska cruise to carry all the things you might need.
Because layering is so important, you're going to need somewhere to put the clothing you don't need at the very moment. That's in addition to accessories and other things you'll need during your time ashore.
Use it to store your layers, gloves, snacks, a camera, a reusable water bottle, and any souvenirs you might pick up. It also keeps everything organized and in one place, which is especially helpful if you’re traveling with family or trying to move quickly between stops.
Choose a daypack with a few compartments and ideally made from a water-resistant material. The two bags a lot of cruisers recommend: Waterfly bags or a Columbia nylon backpack.
Plus, you can use it on other itineraries too, like when you go on a cruise that visits the beach.
Gloves and a hat
I thought gloves were silly to bring on my first Alaska cruise, but don't underestimate how cold it can be on the ship while you're outdoors.
The wind chill factor, especially on the ship, makes bringing gloves and a knit hat very important. Pack them and thank yourself later.
Look for gloves that still allow you to use your phone so you don't have to constantly take your gloves off if you want to snap a photo.
A simple beanie or insulated cap works well. It doesn't have to be anything fancy.
Shorts and short sleeve shirts
Another seemingly crazy packing tip is to bring clothing for warm weather.
This one surprises people that you could use a short-sleeve shirt on an Alaska cruise. When the sun shines, it can be quite warm outside and nice to be in a t-shirt.
It’s also a perfect base layer when the weather shifts back to cool. Choose something breathable and quick-drying
If you’re worried about bugs or sun exposure, a short-sleeve hiking shirt with UV protection and the option to roll down sleeves is a good hybrid. It’s a small item that makes a big difference on the right day.
