With plenty of active adventures and beautiful scenery to admire and/or photograph, it’s no surprise that an Alaska cruise is at the top of many boomer bucket lists. However, too many folks become caught up in worrying about packing for an Alaska cruise.
Don’t let that angst ruin the anticipation of a wonderful trip. With some practical guidance on packing for an Alaska cruise, you’ll look forward to your cruise rather than dreading preparing for it.
The typical Alaskan cruise ranges from one to two weeks, your Alaska cruise packing list should include clothing layers for outdoor fun with mix-and-match outfits for evenings, including formal nights if the cruise will have one.
Honestly, you and your partner could probably manage with one checked bag each, a rolling carry-on, plus a personal item bag for a lady. Men will be fine with a backpack, which you can also share on those fabulous Alaska cruise excursions.
Daywear
When it comes to what to wear during the day on an Alaska cruise, I opt for layers with items that will work well on the ship or on an excursion. Even on scenic cruising days, I know that I’ll be outside on deck admiring Hubbard Glacier or another beautiful Alaskan scene.
Alaska’s weather is very changeable. You never know if it will be cloudy and cold, sunny and warm, or rainy and whatever. Packing an assortment of layers that dry quickly—no bulky clothing allowed—prepares you for any situation.
Casual Nights
Most nights onboard the ship will be designated as casual nights; elegant casual, country-club casual, whatever term the cruise line uses. With so many outdoor adventures, Alaskan cruises are busy enough that there’s not a lot of time for nightlife. I mainly wear slacks with an Aloha shirt and missus wears slacks with a blouse rather than dresses or skirts.
Formal Nights
Trips of 7 days usually have one formal night while 14-day cruises typically have two. However, we recommend leaving the dinner jacket and long gown at home when cruising to Alaska.
Some folks dress to the nines but we have found that we fit in quite nicely wearing our “casual night” attire. Dragging along formal wear just isn’t our cup of tea.
Two-Week Packing List
Here’s a packing list that should cover a 2-week cruise in Alaska.
Daytime
- 1 pair water resistant safari pants. On 14-day Alaska cruises, take 2 pairs of safari pants.
- 1 pair of jeans for on the ship or walking around ports. Don’t wear jeans on active excursions, especially if you’ll be around water or where it might rain.
- 2 safari shirts that go with safari pants or jeans. On warm days, roll the sleeves up.
- 2 long-sleeve crew-neck shirts (or turtlenecks) to layer underneath safari shirts or to wear with a quilted vest.
- Quilted sleeveless vest for layering with a long-sleeve shirt over jeans or safari pants.
- Fleece jacket.
- Water-resistant jacket.
- 1 set of thermal underwear. You probably won’t need these however they don’t take up much room so pack them anyway.
- Gloves, glove liners, hat, neck warmer, and warm socks.
- Shoe covers that have treads. Wear them on wet, muddy excursions or in port when it’s raining.
- Lightweight hiking shoes that can also be used for walking laps on deck. Wear these on travel days. I wear them to and from the cruise ship on embarkation and debarkation days.
- Comfortable pants/top for travel days.
Evenings
- Two pairs of pants: black and another color. Gray is good.
- Five shirts/tops that go with both pairs of pants, which makes ten outfits.
- 1 pair of shoes that will go with all outfits.
- Optional for ladies: 1 pair of fancier black pants and a sparkly top with appropriate shoes for a formal night.
Don’t forget the “must-have” items
- Bathing suit for the hot tub, yes you’ll enjoy a soak while admiring the scenery. You’ll probably want to pack a coverup to wear to and from the hot tub.
- Flip-flops or sandals for walking to and from the hot tub (or pool).
- Baseball hat or sun hat for lounging on the deck, on your balcony, or on a sunny wildlife-watching excursion.
- 1 pair of pajamas.
- Sunscreen protects your skin from the bright sun reflecting off the snow.
- Insecticide repellent towelettes for those pesky gnats, flies, and mosquitos.
- And don’t forget your underwear. I’ll leave the quantity up to you.