One of my all-time favorite cruises are Alaska itineraries, and there are a handful of things I'd recommend everyone bring.
I just took my third Alaska cruise, and have spent years researching and recommending to my readers how to plan the perfect Alaska trip.
While I have my own Alaska cruise packing list, I wanted to share the most important things to buy that go beyond any other kind of cruise. These are the essentials that could easily make your trip so much better.
After trying these items out again on my last cruise, here's what you ought to put at the top of your packing list.
Sunglasses
If there's one thing you won't think to bring to Alaska, it's a good pair of polarized sunglasses because you're not anticipating how sunny it will be.
On our Alaska cruise, it was sunny every day. In fact, we barely had any rain at all. While the weather for your cruise might not be as good as mine, it's still worth preparing yourself for the sun.
Trust me, you don't want to be left without them and squinting your way through your day. And those cheaply made souvenir sunglasses in various gift ships are always overpriced.
My two favorite brands of inexpensive, yet good quality sunglasses, are Knockarounds and Blenders. They look good, last a long time, and it's not the end of the world if you lose them.
Make sure you get polarized lenses to cut down glare from the water.
Two warm layers
Here's where overpacking comes into play: the clothes you need to keep you warm.
I recommend packing two (three at the most) warm layers to swap between during your cruise. You can re-use them, so you definitely do not need to pack one for every day of your cruise.
My all-time favorite that I still bring is an L.L.Bean Quilted Sweatshirt. They don't make it anymore, but you can find similar products that offer a full zip to help regulate how warm or cold you want to be.
I also bring a heavy duty flanel-lined hooded sweatshirt.
Alternate between the two, or layer them on top of each on glacier day. Trust me, you don't need to waste the space (or money) on a parka jacket.
A lightweight, hooded waterproof jacket
Since it will probably rain at some point during your cruise, I'd recommend a lightweight rain jacket that is easy to put on anytime you need it.
I've been hauling around this one from Columbia for a few years and it's perfect for Alaska. It's not heavy, so it can go on top of my fleece or just a t-shirt if it's warm outside.
It has a built-in hood so I can wear it when it's drizzling or during a heavy downpour.
Avoid the rubber rain jackets that are difficult to fold or pack.
Binoculars
Probably any Alaska cruise article you read recommends binoculars, and for good reason.
I thought I didn't need them when I went to Alaska, but the truth is they're very useful. On the day you're sailing into a fjord to visit a glacier, there is so much to see around you and binoculars are essential.
While you can observe a lot with your naked eye, binoculars really make a difference. This is especially true with kids, because younger ones have a hard time focusing on what you're trying to show them.
Regardless of age, there's a curiosity factor too. Spotting seals, eagles, or a piece of wood that looks like a bear, having binoculars will really help enjoy all that's around you.
Royal Caribbean sells binoculars on their ships, but you're going to overpay for them.
Vortex binoculars are a great brand that won't cost you a ton, but you don't have to worry about them being too cheap either.
Knit hat and gloves
I threw a knit hat and gloves into my suitcase at the last minute, but I was really glad I did once we arrived at Dawes Glacier.
It was warm enough in the other ports that these weren't necessary, but between the colder temperatures and wind inside Endicott Arm fjord, it got downright chilly.
I'd recommend a knit hat to keep your head warm and retain more heat. I don't know that ear muffs are necessary, but if you're going to be on the helipad all morning, it wouldn't be a bad idea.
Slim gloves are also a good idea, but make sure you get ones that work with touch screens. You're going to be using your phone to take a lot of photos, so you want gloves that will work won't require you to take them on and off.
Comfortable water-resistant shoes
I brought water-resistant shoes to Alaska, but they were so uncomfortable I threw them away instead of bringing them home.
I don't think you need to buy waterproof shoes unless you plan to go hiking in the woods. Water-resistant shoes are good enough for dealing with rain.
Once you buy them, wear them around your hometown to break them in. Don't let them sit in the closet until your Alaska cruise approaches.
Seasickness medication
Better to be safe than sorry, I always bring seasickness meds with me on every cruise I take.
Buy a non-drowsy option, like Bonine, and take it as soon as you start to feel a little off.
Even when sailing the Inside Passage, it can get rocky. The chances of rough seas increase if you're cruising from Seattle or Anchorage.
Daypack
You will want to have an easy to carry, yet durable, backpack for when you venture into port.
Our backpack would hold rain jackets, cameras, a reusable water bottle, and the inevitable deluge of souvenirs we'd pick up along the way.
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.
T-shirts
Seriously, you're going to wear more t-shirts than you think while in Alaska.
Your cruise ship will be warm enough that a t-shirt and pants is perfect, so you can plan on that as your base clothing choice.
Even in port, I'd wear a t-shirt underneath my fleece and/or rain jacket. When the sun came out, I was glad to have had a t-shirt.
