FIRST TIME CRUISING TO ALASKA? Here's what you’ll want to pack
- Cruising with Lynnie
- Mar 19
- 3 min read
Packing for a cruise to Alaska is a little different than packing for the Caribbean. Weather can change quickly, rain is common, and glacier viewing days can be surprisingly cold — even in the middle of summer.
If you pack smart, you’ll be able to stay comfortable while enjoying everything Alaska cruising has to offer.
❄️ EARLY / LATE SEASON CRUISES (APRIL, MAY, SEPTEMBER)
These sailings can feel much closer to winter conditions.
➤ Warm waterproof jacket – Alaska ports like Ketchikan and Juneau get frequent rain, so waterproof gear is much more useful than a basic hoodie.
➤ Thermal base layers – perfect for layering when temperatures drop during glacier viewing.
➤ Warm hat, gloves, and scarf – standing on the open deck while sailing past glaciers can get cold quickly.
➤ Waterproof shoes or boots – many excursions include walking on wet docks, trails, or uneven terrain.
➤ Wool or thermal socks – keep your feet warm and dry during rainy port days.
➤ Hand warmers – great for early morning wildlife viewing or glacier cruising.
☀️ SUMMER CRUISES (JUNE, JULY, AUGUST)
Summer is the warmest time to cruise Alaska, but the weather can still change several times in one day.
➤ Light layers (hoodies, long sleeves, fleece) – mornings and evenings are usually cooler.
➤ Rain jacket or poncho – sudden rain showers happen often.
➤ Comfortable walking shoes – Alaska ports are very walkable and many excursions involve light hiking.
➤ Sunglasses and sunscreen – sunlight reflecting off glaciers and water can be surprisingly bright.
➤ Light gloves or hat – still useful for glacier viewing days.
➤ Shorts or lighter clothes – some summer afternoons can reach the 60s or even low 70s.
No matter when you cruise, layers are the key to staying comfortable in Alaska. 👉 I put together a list of Alaska cruise packing essentials that cruisers love. Find my list HERE!(ad) 👇👇👇
🐋 ALASKA CRUISE MUST-PACK ITEMS
These are items many Alaska cruisers say they were glad they packed:
➤ Binoculars – wildlife like whales, bald eagles, sea lions, and sometimes bears are often spotted from the ship or shore.
➤ Waterproof backpack or daypack – helpful for keeping your phone, camera, and extra layers dry on excursions.
➤ Portable phone charger – long port days and scenic cruising can drain your battery quickly from photos and videos.
➤ Motion sickness remedies – some Alaska sailings include open water where seas can be rougher.
➤ Camera or extra phone storage – glaciers, wildlife, and scenery mean lots of photos.
➤ Lip balm and moisturizer – cold air and wind can dry out your skin quickly.
➤ Small umbrella or compact poncho – great for quick rain showers in port.
➤ Refillable water bottle – perfect for excursions and staying hydrated during active days.
➤ Swimsuit – many ships have heated pools and hot tubs that feel amazing after a chilly day in port.
➤ Daypack for excursions – easy to carry layers, snacks, water, and rain gear.
🧊 WHY THESE ITEMS MATTER IN ALASKA
Many Alaska itineraries include scenic cruising in places like Glacier Bay National Park, Tracy Arm Fjord, or near Hubbard Glacier.
These days are often the highlight of the cruise — but they’re also when you’ll spend the most time outside on deck watching glaciers and wildlife, which is why warm layers, binoculars, and waterproof gear can make a big difference.
Excursions in ports like Skagway or Juneau can also include train rides, hiking, whale watching, or glacier tours — so having the right shoes, rain gear, and a daypack makes exploring much easier.
Alaska is one of those cruises where packing the right gear can really improve your experience, especially if you want to spend time outside enjoying the scenery.
💬 CRUISERS: What’s one thing you packed for Alaska that you were really glad you brought?
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