The Best Items To Pack For An Alaskan Cruise
As many of you know, my daughter Ashleigh lived for several years in Juneau, Alaska. She loved so much about it – the nature, the people, the summers. What she didn’t love about it was the RAIN and the SNOW. It finally got too much for her, and she moved back south. But, there are advantages to having a child live in Alaska. Such as a free tour guide, lol! (Although since she was in college then, the term “free” might not apply.” Anyway, I enjoyed our visits to the great state and thought some of you may have it on your bucket list. So today, I’m sharing the best items to pack for an Alaskan cruise.
Joe and I visited Alaska a couple of times. Once in May and once for the 4th of July. I froze both times. Lol! I was lucky since I could wear my daughter’s clothing and shoes. Juneau is the state capital of Alaska, and it is beautiful. It is a temperate rainforest, which means it has lush vegetation, but it rains a LOT. The one item I would suggest investing in to keep warm and cozy is a waterproof jacket. Once you get cold and wet, it is hard to warm back up.
Layering is the way to survive in Alaska. Joe has an undershirt, a long-sleeved zip fleece shirt, a lightweight warm jacket, and a waterproof shell.
I’m wearing a tee underneath a hooded sweatshirt, a warm and lightweight jacket, and a waterproof shell. The only thing that was mine was the sweatshirt I bought while there. Lol!
(I’ll share a few other photos from my trips to Alaska at the end of this post.)
The Best Items To Pack For An Alaskan Cruise
Prepare to get wet! It rains often in Alaska, but you won’t see anyone carrying an umbrella. Ashleigh said that was the quickest way to spot a tourist, lol. A rain jacket is a lifesaver, and this one, with its wind-resistant and water-repellent features, makes it perfect for the unpredictable Alaskan weather. Plus, it’s lightweight and made from 100% recycled fabrics, so it keeps you warm and eco-friendly. With plenty of pockets and an adjustable waist, it’s practical and stylish for all your adventures on deck or shore excursions!
For those brisk and rainy days on your Alaskan cruise, make sure you have the Columbia Women’s Switchback III Jacket tucked in your bag. This jacket is not just lightweight; it’s fully waterproof, making sure you stay dry whether you’re exploring misty fjords or caught in a sudden downpour. The adjustable stow-away hood is super handy for quick weather changes – a must.
Layering is always a good idea. This vest would be perfect for keeping you warm without weighing you down, and it’s great for those chilly mornings or breezy evenings. It’s also water-resistant and can be packed away into its own little bag, making it easy to carry wherever you go. With its handy zip pockets and neat collar, it’s both stylish and practical! It’s available in several fun colors if black isn’t your favorite.
The Best Items To Pack For An Alaskan Cruise
Consider packing a Long Johns Set Base Layer for those colder days on your cruise. This thermal underwear is SUPER soft, keeping you warm without irritating your skin. It’s made to wick moisture away, so you stay comfortably dry even while moving around. Plus, it’s stretchy, which means you won’t feel restricted as you walk around seeing the sites!
Don’t forget to pack a scarf for your Alaskan cruise—it’s a must-have! This scarf is stylish and incredibly warm, made from a blend of wool and cotton that feels great against your skin. It’s large enough to wrap around you for those breezy evening walks on the deck. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors, so you can pick one that matches your outfit or stands out as a fashion statement. It won’t take up much space and is lightweight, so no heavy carry-on bags!
The Best Items To Pack For An Alaskan Cruise
Hiking boots are a must! We saw so many great sites. Thankfully, it was cold so we didn’t have to worry about bears! These boots are designed to handle any terrain, making them perfect for those adventurous shore excursions. They’re durable and waterproof and provide excellent traction, another MUST. With these on your feet, you’ll be ready for long scenic hikes or exploring the rugged Alaskan wilderness without a second thought!
Everyone—and I do mean EVERYONE—we saw in Alaska was wearing Xtratuff boots. Ashleigh wore hers daily, winter or summer, with pants or shorts. I can see why! These boots are 100% waterproof, making them perfect for any weather you might face. They also feature a slip-resistant outsole so you can move confidently around the ship or during shore outings. Stylish yet functional, these boots are a cruise must-have for staying safe and dry!
I wore Hunter waterproof boots in Alaska, which kept my feet dry. However, my boots weren’t insulated, so my feet would have been cold if my daughter hadn’t come to my rescue. She gave me a pair of inserts to put in the bottom of my boots and a pair of Merino wool socks to help keep me warm and toasty. When we went to the Mendenhall Glacier, I had multiple people offering to buy my boots. Lol!
Here’s another great layering piece. This cardigan is perfect for wearing over your dinner outfit or keeping warm while stargazing on deck. It’s button-down design, and soft acrylic make it easy to throw on when the temperature drops. Plus, it comes in a variety of colors, so you can choose one that suits your style or pack a couple to mix and match!
Don’t forget to pack a pair of stylish sunglasses like these from SUNGAIT. With two pairs in each pack, you can switch between matte amber/brown and matte black/gray gradients to match your outfit or the day’s activities. They offer UV400 protection, making sure your eyes are shielded from both UVA and UVB rays, ESSENTIAL when you’re out on the water or exploring sunny ports. Their unbreakable TR90 frames are light on your face and tough enough to handle any adventure.
Even in the summer, Alaska nights and mornings can be col. Be sure to pack this cozy beanie, gloves, and scarf set. It’s fleece-lined for extra warmth, so you’ll stay comfortable without the itch, even in the coldest weather. The gloves are touchscreen-friendly, so you can use your phone or tablet without taking them off—perfect for snapping photos of the stunning scenery. The set comes in several colors, making it easy to match with your outdoor gear or cruise wardrobe!
Depending on the weather, you might get to take a dip in the pool while on the ship. So, don’t forget to pack a swimsuit! This stylish tankini offers adjustable shoulder straps and light control, so you’ve got some slimming help, but you’ll still be able to move, lol. It’s perfect for lounging by the pool or soaking in a hot tub on deck, especially with its SunWell UPF 50+ protection to keep you safe from the sun’s rays. Plus, its sleek design ensures you’ll look as fabulous as you feel, whether you’re poolside or beachside.
Are you Gurls heading to Alaska anytime soon? Been there, done that? I would love to hear your thoughts!
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Thank you for this post, this will be so helpful when I start shopping/packing, we are headed to Alaska for a cruise Labor Day week.
That will be a lot of fun!
Love the beautiful pics!! That blue ice is so cool. And you look stunning in everything.
I’m ur mom’s age. I love the bathroom if it were in ur home. Not in mine.
Don’t you just love Alaska! We went on an Alaskan cruise probably about 6 years ago in July. Your daughter is so pretty! We are headed to Colorado in June and it is still cold there so I need to dig out the warmer clothing! Thank you for a great post with lots of good choices!!
Blessings,
my son started going to Juneau since he was in like 2nd grade with his dad. They both love to hunt fish hike and all things Juneau offers.
my son mover there about 5 years after graduation. last summer there was big flood. He lived in that 2nd Condo where the roof of that house went under the condo. I absolutely loved staying with him in the Condo. I love the misty rain all day. we would still go on walks with the kids and go hike and all the stuff yall are talking about. I don’t do boating nor cruise. I loved walk and strolling my grand daughter each day. even in the misty rain. I loved watching everyone fish for the Salmon. During Salmon season, you don’t only compete with all the locals and tourists trying to fish, you have to compete with the seagulls and the birds. if you can real in your own fish you catch, you are each person are allowed 6 fish/ Salmon a day. I totally enjoyed watching all that was fishing.
I am 66 years old and want to move up there and raise my granddaughters. yet, there is a reason it won’t work out.
if you go t Juneau and you have a chance and want to do something that the whole family would enjoy, look up or go visit and have a family fun day at Riddle Valley Games.
it’s not like you may be thinking.
he moved up there and transfered from a Texas Walgreens in order to own his on Business. plus all the summers he went there, he feel in lo e with all there is to do. The weather does not bother him or his family. they all love it as much.
Riddle Vallly Games. it is down in the “Valley” in Juneau, Alaska. I belive they open each day around 11 and close at midnight. Family friendly.
My daughter loved it there too. She would have probably stayed there except all of her family was on the east coast. She finally decided to move back, but she is still struggling to find where she wants to settle.
I’ve never been to Alaska. I don’t know if I’ll ever go, but having lived in Wisconsin for 13 years, I can tell you all those clothes would be very valuable up there as well.
Thanks for these tips! My husband & I are headed to Alaska the last week of July. I enjoy your blog so much!
Thank you sooooo much for sharing this article. Better yet love the idea I can click on the links for your clothing ideas. We are boarding our cruise from Seattle. I’m always cold and he’s always warm. Your story convinced me I’m not going to look goofy all bundled up.
This was so great. However when we moved to The Villages, Fl two years ago I got rid of my northern wear. We will be going on a cruise & land in July. do have a few turtleneck shirts, jeans some sweaters, a heavy jacket & a rain jacket with a hood. I also have several running shoes as well as suede boots. I will pack a swimsuit & a wool scarf.
What else do I need? I don’t want purchase a lot because I won’t need heavy clothes in Florida.
Thanks for your help. You are so AWESOME❤️
This is so helpful. We are scheduled for a July cruise and lands vacation. I am cold most of them time so these are great tips! Thank you
Ooo I need to save this post. We are wanting to go next year! Thank you!!
We are going on an Alaskan cruise in a couple of weeks – I think I am prepared for the outdoor weather but really in a quandry about what to wear at night. I would like to get dressed up a little bit – would love to hear your advice about what to wear at night – casual dress, dressy pants?
Sue, if you were on land, I would say dress casually. Most people do not dress up there. However, the cruise might be different. I would take something more dressy, but probably not chiffon or things like that.
How timely for this to appear. We will be taking an Alaskan cruise the week of Memorial Day!! Thank you for the tips and tricks.
Ooh how I loved this post! Always dreamed of an Alaskan cruise! Great pics & great advice!
Thanks for posting! We leave on our Alaskan cruise in about 3 weeks and I wasn’t sure how much cold gear I needed. I had googled the weather and it didn’t look too bad. I guess I need to rethink my packing!
Very informative post if I ever take an Alaskan cruise. We’re having a very rainy spring this year. Good thing is our lakes are full. I’m wearing my hooded rain jacket a lot lately. I never use an umbrella. I think it’s too much trouble. I’m glad you are feeling better.
Love your Alaska pictures, I agree completely with your choices for clothing. It was cool in August, too. Are you keeping your beautiful grandcat, Tom, indefinitely? He has beautiful blue eyes!! Both of my cats have blue eyes, but his are stunning. Hope you continue to feel better.
Laurie, Tom will be going back soon. He likes me, but he LOVES his mommy.
We just returned from our Alaskan Cruise May 12th. It exceeded my expectations. Layering is the way to go. We had heavy snow in Skagway and nearly froze!
Oh how I would love to visit Alaska. Everyone I know that has been there has loved it..
thanks for the Alaska information, we are cruising to Alaska next July. I would love to hear from the rest of the girls that are cruising this year with some tips for next year!
Rose
I was so happy to see your Alaska post. My husband and I are going with another couple in July. I am going to share this with my friend.
Thanks so much for this. We are going in August.
Alaska is beautiful!
Wish I had your additional suggestions before our trip
Thanks
Love all the Alaska pictures that is on my bucket list! Xtratuff boots are a must for us farmers in NC too! Very comfy & can worn for farm work, hurricanes & snow! Hope u feel better soon! Tom is beautiful!
Good pics and good travel items for Alaska ! I wish I had those boots and socks when we were there.
Have a cruise booked for August. Many things you have on your list I was going to be looking for as recommended things to pack so good to have ideas of brands and just what to look for. Thanks!!
Spectacular pictures from your trip! Thanks for the clothing suggestions. Layering seems to be the theme!
Love all the pictures. I’ve always wanted to go on an Alaska cruise.
Going end of September for our 40th anniversary
Thanks for the into
We can’t wait
Thanks for the Alaska tips. Timing is great because we have a cruise booked for September. Time to get all the necessities.
These are all great suggestions. Here is what NOT to bring on an Alaskan cruise: SHORTS. I foolishly thought July in Alaska is like summer in the lower 48, but nooooooo.
I would add lightweight nylon hiking pants to the list. Eddie Bauer makes some good ones.
Also raingear + wool socks = essential. Good list!
I am glad you are feeling better. Alaska is beautiful. I have never been on a cruise l may have to consider one.
My daughter took one on her senior trip. She was sea sick the entire time even with anti sickness medication. Her and I are so much alike I would probably be sick as well. maybe I should stick to land.
I hope you are well soon.
Have a good day.
That would be horrible. I’ve been on cruises, but I never got sick.
Taking a NatGeo ship thru the Inside Passage of Alaska was by far the most Amazon’s wonderful trip!! We went the beginning of August and never had rain. Sadly the evidence of global warming was present. Layers are by far the best. And indeed- everyone dies we’re Xtra Tough boots!!
Those Xtra-tuffs are wonderful.
Very helpful post
I love Alaska! Thanks for the wonderful ideas on what to pack!
This post is perfect timing! My husband and I are going to Alaska in June. Thanks for all these great suggestions.
It is a gorgeous place!
An Alaska cruise is on our bucket list! Thanks for all the tips!
Thanks….timing couldn’t have been more perfect…cruising there on 6/23! We’re from upstate NY and I THINK we know how to dress for this type of weather……we live it now in MAY!!!!! Lol. Your advice is very helpful….going through my scarfs this afternoon!
Cindy, you will have a blast! Alaska is gorgeous, and I hope you have great weather.
We’re going to cruise in Alaska soon, so I am very glad you posted all this. Great tips! Thanks!
Have fun!
This is fantastic! We leave for an Alaskan cruise in 3 weeks! (Are you ever going to give Tom back? Seems you two have bonded.)
Tom is going back shortly! I had planned on taking him back before I got a cold. I want to give my daughter her cat, but not my cold. Lol!
We did the short Alaskan cruise in 2014 and our day in Juneau was rainy and cold! My advise: get a balcony room so you can sit on your deck to view the glaciers. We also love the train on the Yukon route in Skagway.
Cathy, it isn’t unusual for it to be rainy and cold. That is how it is a lot of the time, you learn to live with it.
We leave for an Alaskan cruise at the end of the month. Thanks for the tips 🙂
Thank you for this post! We have planned a cruise and land trip to AK for over a year and I have been curious what to take. I am always cold (like under 75* and I’m chilly). This will help a lot, I am sure. Thank you so much!
We went last year and it’s fun to see what you picked bs what I brought / wish I had brought. Great suggestions. I saved the plaid scarf and glove/hat/scarf set in my Fav list for Xmas. I need for our mountain house!
Beautiful color glacier
Wonderful post, Tania! My parents went on an Alaskan cruise and it was their favorite of all the cruises they took. I’m always interested in great layering ideas since I live in the Catskill Mts. Of upstate NY no matter the time of year. And aren’t cats amazing at making us feel better? 😻
My husband and I are blessed to be going on our 3rd Alaskan cruise in August. Alaska is beautiful- I highly recommend an Alaskan cruise! I froze on our 1st cruise and packed much warmer for the 2nd cruise. I am picking up the thermal underwear and the vest for added warmth on the next one.
My husband and I went on an Alaskan cruise in September 2016 on one of the last of the season. It was beautiful. We got to see whales and seals and eagles. And a glacier calving. It was loud.
Our daughter and her husband are going in a couple of days.
I recommend a cruise to Alaska.
An Alaskan adventure is definitely on My bucket list. Great suggestions on clothing