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Checking the weather forecast before you pack is essential for any cruise, but especially when cruising to Alaska! In general, springtime is dry and cool, autumn is rainy and cool, but summer weather (when most people cruise in Alaska) can change from day to day. Even the most passionate cruisers will find an Alaska cruise totally different from any other cruise they have experienced. We take you through the most important items to pack for a cruise to Alaska so you’ll be fully prepared for the changeable weather, amazing glaciers and incredible wildlife of the 49th State.
Columbia Pouration Rain Jacket
The best time to cruise Alaska - The Points Guy
The best time to cruise Alaska.
Posted: Wed, 11 Oct 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
One thing that’s also useful is one of these cell phone dry bags. Just drop it in, close the clasps, and you have a secure way to keep your phone dry while still being able to use it. A dark, unfamiliar cabin on the interior of the ship… what could go wrong?
Where to Cruise in Alaska
There aren’t real limits on how much you can bring (within reason). Liquids are allowed in your bags, and there are even porters that will take your bags at the terminal and then they are delivered to your cabin. Best of all, they are cheap, don’t take up any space, and have a lot of uses. While on your trip, they can keep things like a phone dry in a pinch. And back in the cabin, they can help you keep dirty clothes separate from clean ones. When we cruised to Alaska, we found the packing to be a bit challenging.
The 19 Best Cruise Accessories You Need to Pack in 2024
A few performance tees—short or long-sleeve depending on the season—are great as layering pieces or on their own. I prefer the quick-dry type instead of 100% cotton for travel. I always take my 30L backpack when I cruise in Alaska, and it’s the perfect size.
Rain Jacket
It’s too cold for fingers to be left uncovered but you can peel back the fingertips and then pop them back on when the wind gets a bit too chilly. Icy cold hands are bound to happen in the cold wind on an Alaska cruise. Gloves rather than mittens will protect your hands from the outside elements and help you enjoy your time on board a little more. Pool water on the deck, rain or spilled drinks can all be serious falling hazards.
Best Clothes to Pack for an Alaska Cruise
What's the Best Cruise Line for Alaska? - Cruise Hive
What's the Best Cruise Line for Alaska?.
Posted: Thu, 29 Jun 2023 07:00:00 GMT [source]
There are no fees for your bags like you might find on an airline and there are no real limits on how many bags you can bring. With the wind and the sun, it’s easy to get chapped lips on your cruise. Bring along some lip balm — and a couple of spares — and carry them with you at all times.
The powder coat exterior is dishwasher safe and promises to remain grippy without chipping. Once you’re back home and dreaming about that time you went dogsledding in Alaska, the tapered tumbler should fit into the cup holder in your car. If you’re planning to stare down some glaciers, you’ll be glad to have these polarized sunglasses in your possession. While a brand like Maui Jim might be more likely to conjure visions of Hawaii or Key West, the quality of their lenses applies to any place with sun. Long a Ray-Bans type of girl, I wouldn’t have normally considered these sportier frames, but my dad was so obsessed with them that I had to see what the hype was about — and they delivered. If you already have a trusty backpack on hand but want to make sure it doesn’t get soaked through on your various Alaskan adventures, consider a rain cover like this one from Osprey.
Versatile clothing that can be worn in several different situations is ideal as it allows you to pack less. For example, instead of bringing one heavier coat in case it gets cold and windy, it’s a better idea to bring something lighter that can be worn with layers. This way you aren’t packing bulky items you’ll only wear once or twice. Remember that much of your time is actually going to be spent on the cruise ship. So bring your swimsuit and you can take a dip in the hot tub or even lay out if the weather is warmer and sunny. The good thing is that swimsuits don’t take a lot of room in luggage, so even if you don’t use it, it’s not a big deal.
More Alaska cruise essentials:
Use them to keep your phone dry, important documents safe, keep snacks packed away and even put your dirty clothes in large Ziploc bags. You’ll find many uses for them and they take up very little space in your luggage. Many people forget their shampoo and conditioner when traveling. While cruise ships offer complimentary toiletries, you might prefer your own products that you know work well with your hair. I will also bring my lightweight Manfrotto travel tripod to set up on deck or to take on a nature walk shore excursion.
If, for instance, a show is offered on the second, fifth, and last evening of the cruise, try to book the first day available. Alaska’s landscapes are spectacular, so you’ll want to brush up on your photography skills before your cruise. While you can purchase packages once onboard, the cost may be significantly higher than what you could have booked ahead of time. Plus, because you can cancel add-ons for a full refund up to 48 hours before your sailing, you have flexibility in case you change your mind on these purchases later on. Planning to book cruise add-ons like drink and specialty dining packages? One must-do before you board an Alaska cruise in 2024 is to pre-purchase these add-ons.
Opt for moderate summer clothing on an Alaska cruise in August and the summer months leading up to it; pack for cooler shoulder season temperatures in May and September. Remember a cap, gloves, and a versatile scarf for chilly moments, even in summer. Trust us – warm wearables are valuable in all seasons, as rain showers and persistent winds sneak up. Packing for an Alaska cruise is nearly as important as boarding the ship. If you want an unforgettable Alaska cruise, it’s essential to pack appropriately.
And when you are out and about, there is usually plenty to bring along with you like a camera, extra layers, and more. If you’ve never taken a cruise, you might be surprised at the lack of outlets in a cabin. Now imagine trying to plug in phones, battery chargers, hair straighteners and more.
Keep yours safe in a passport holder in your cabin safe where it won’t get damaged or lost. A collapsible backpack will be great to use when out on land trips. Fold it away neatly in your suitcase when not in use to save on cabin storage space. Just pull it out and fill it with essentials when venturing out on a day trip. A waterproof bag will keep your belongings safe when traveling on land if you encounter a sudden downpour, or even snowfall.
Additionally, shouldbecruising.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes receive a commission from purchases made through our links. This will be a new Ports of Call for us on our 2nd Alaska cruise. To save space in your luggage, consider using a vacuum compression bag to shrink that lofty puffer into a tiny package. I first learned about Picaridin several years ago from our travel doctor.
Cruises are typically offered in three-night, seven-night, and even up to 28-night cruises. On average, a seven-night cruise ranges from $500 to $5,000, depending on the cruise line and state room of your choice. The price typically includes all on-board expenses such as food, room, and on-ship activities. Whether you’re looking for an all-inclusive multi-day Alaska cruise package or simply a day cruise to see wildlife and glaciers, there are many options to choose from. US cruisers often forget that their phone plan works in Alaska’s port cities (and occasionally out on the water when you’re close to a cell tower).
