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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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!