Alaska is an absolutely beautiful state with miles of magnificent wilderness that adventurous travelers can explore and enjoy.
If you are planning to take a cruise to this breathtaking State, you may be wondering what to wear in Alaska.
Most cruises will go to Alaska between the summer months of May to September when they experience the warmest average temperatures.
However, you may find some ships that cruise there during the springtime or late fall.
Even if you go during the summer, it is crucial to be prepared for the different temperatures and types of Alaska weather you may experience while exploring the Last Frontier.
Here we've put together the ultimate cruise packing list for what to pack and what to wear in Alaska.
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Things to know before your first trip to Alaska
Before we start packing for our trip to Alaska, it's essential to know where we will be better prepared.
What is the weather like in Alaska?
The weather in Alaska can be very unpredictable. Even during the summer months, you can experience a range of temperatures, from the mid-60s to the low 80s.
It is not uncommon for rain or even snow in some parts of the State.
You will find that some days can get pretty chilly while others are hot. And you want to be just as prepared for those warm days as you are for those chilly nights.
It is essential to be prepared for all weather conditions when packing for your cruise so you are comfortable throughout your trip.
What is there to do in Alaska?
There are many different things to see and do in Alaska.
Some of the most popular activities include taking a scenic drive down the Seward Highway, exploring glaciers, visiting national parks, watching wildlife tours, and fishing.
You can take part in several cruise excursions, such as helicopter tours, glacier hikes, and dog sledding.
Getting around Alaska
Whether spending a day at port or extending your trip, the best way to see Alaska is by car. There are many different scenic drives that you can take to experience the beautiful landscape and wildlife.
Suppose you are planning on renting a car. In that case, it is essential to book in advance as there is limited availability during the peak summer months.
You can also get around Alaska by taking advantage of the State's train system. The Alaskan Railroad offers several routes that allow you to see different parts of the State.
Finally, many fantastic tour operators in and around the State will pick you up from the port. These are great opportunities to get up close and personal with this great State.
Clothes to Wear on the Ship
You'll want to pack some casual clothes while embarking on the cruise ship and wear them during the days spent on the ship.
Comfortable pants like leggings, joggers, and shorts, as well as tank tops, t-shirts, or a flannel shirt, can be worn while lounging on the ship's deck or participating in cruise activities.
Bring a couple of pairs of jeans, a light jacket, and an extrasweater. These will be versatile pieces you can wear in Alaska for colder days on the ship, during light excursions, and as casual dinner wear.
Ensure that you have a comfortable pair of shoes to wear while on the boat since you're sure to do plenty of walking.
If you plan to fit in some time to exercise while on your cruise, bring a couple of pairs of workout clothes that you can wear to the ship's fitness center or during any exercise classes they may host.
While it may seem strange to bring a bathing suit on a trip to Alaska, most cruise ships will have heated swimming pools and hot tubs where you can swim and relax under the summer sun during days onboard.
And there is nothing like soaking in the hot tub under the stars after a long day hiking.
Many cruise ships will have a formal dinner night, commonly known as the “Captain's Dinner,” where you can dress up in an elegant outfit and enjoy a delicious meal.
During this formal dinner, it is typical for cruise guests to follow a specific dress code. Women can wear evening chicco*cktail dresseswith classy shoes, dress pants, or a skirt paired with a stylish top and some jewelry.
It is important to note that many cruises don't allow flip-flops in the dining room during this formal event.
Clothes to Wear off the Ship
Packing the right outdoor clothes for yourself during your Alaskan cruise is essential, whether you're simply exploring the port or going on outdoor adventures in one of their stunning national parks.
If you plan to take a winter trip or go on more active excursions, then you should plan to bring clothes designed to keep you dry and warm.
It's also essential to have clothes that can be layered so that you can adapt to the weather throughout the day as temperatures may change.
Having moisture-wicking base layers such as wool socks, short or long sleeve shirts, and leggings will help you stay warm during cold weather.
Active excursions such as hiking, fishing, or kayaking require durable outdoor gear such as a fleece jacket, a puffer vest, and a waterproof rain jacket for any potential rainy days.
Packing an outer layer is a great way to be prepared for any weather conditions.
You'll also want to bring a pair of hiking shorts or hiking pants, weather dependent so that you can spend hours walking in a while outdoors. Waterproof pants are highly recommended to keep you dry and comfortable.
A high-quality pair of shoes is crucial to have while spending time outdoors.
A good pair ofwaterproof hiking shoesor hiking boots will keep your feet dry and make all the difference in the world during your experience in Alaska.
You will also want to bring rain gear. The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable. Sunny one moment and raining the next. And now one wants to walk around with wet feet.
If you don't have room to pack rain boots or waterproof shoes, you can get waterproof shoe covers that you can put right over your shoes to keep your feet dry.
Accessories to Bring
Accessories are essential to your Alaska cruise outfits and should not be forgotten.
Bringing a baseball cap orbrimmed hatcan provide sun protection in warm weather, while a beanie will help keep you warm on cooler days.
Sunglasses can also be helpful as they can be worn all day, both on and off the ship. Look for polarized sunglasses that will provide extra protection for your eyes.
You can also bring a pair of thin gloves that will keep your hands warm during excursions and allow you to use your phone.
Non-Clothing Essentials
Although cute outfits are an essential part of your Alaska vacation, many non-clothing items are also vital to bring with you.
You should bring a small or medium-sized backpack or day pack, preferably waterproof, to carry your essential items with you on the days when you leave the ship.
Bringing adry cell phone bagis also essential as it allows you to continue using your phone while keeping it safe from moisture or becoming lost.
Carrying a portable phone charger with you will give you peace of mind knowing that your phone won't lose power while exploring the Alaskan wilderness.
Many cruise ships also recommend bringing an outlet adapter to make charging all your electronics simple.
Bringing an insulated water bottle with you will allow you to stay hydrated throughout your trip, especially during a day hike or kayaking.
Sunscreen and insect repellent are essential items to bring, keeping you safe from sun exposure and mosquitoes.
If you know you will be involved in outdoor activities, you can also bring bear spray, as long as the cruise ship allows you to bring it onto the ship.
Many people will also choose to bring a camera to capture the beauty of the Alaskan landscape and wildlife in a high-quality way.
A pair ofbinoculars, while not essential, can enhance your experience by helping you to witness more wildlife than you would typically see on your own.
You can even use them on the deck to look for whales, dolphins, or other marine life while at sea.
What Not to Pack for Alaska
Don't take gear you could rent.
Most people bring way too much stuff on their Alaska cruise. If you're only going to use it during your trip, consider renting gear instead of packing and lugging it.
You can rent anything from hiking poles to fishing gear, and no need to bring all that extra gear when you can rent it.
Don't take clothes you won't wear
You might be excited about that cute new outfit you just bought, but if you're not actually going to wear it on your trip, don't bother packing it.
The same goes for shoes – only bring the shoes you know you'll be comfortable walking in, which go with multiple outfits.
Don't overpack your suitcase.
You might be tempted to overpack your suitcase, so you have everything you need, but this will be a pain when you have to lug it around.
Try to pack light, so you don't have to worry about your suitcase being too heavy or too much space in your cabin.
Don't forget the basics.
Make sure you remember to pack the essentials like your passport, cruise documents, and medications. It's also a good idea to bring a small first-aid kit in case you need it.
Don't pack gear you won't use
There's no need to pack gear you won't use on your trip. If you're not going to be doing any hiking, there's no need to bring hiking boots. And if you're not going to be fishing, you don't need to pack a fishing rod.
Don't bring excessive valuables.
You should only bring the valuables that you absolutely need on your trip. Leave any unnecessary jewelry or electronics at home to avoid losing them or stealing them.
What to wear in Alaska
By following these packing tips, you can ensure you have everything you need for your Alaska cruise without overpacking.
Whether you spend time on your Alaska cruise enjoying the Denali National Park or witnessing the majestic Northern Lights, your vacation is sure to be an incredible experience that you can look back on for years to come.
