Alaska Cruise Packing List: What to Wear & What to Skip
What I Actually Wore on My Alaskan Cruise (So You Don’t Overpack)
Let’s be honest, packing for an Alaskan cruise can feel like prepping for all four seasons in one suitcase. Between the “just in case” mindset and the unpredictable weather, it’s really easy to overpack. (Ask me how I know…)
So here’s my real talk: after a 7-night Alaskan cruise, these are the things I actually wore, what I didn’t need, and what I wish I’d packed differently.
Whether you’re sailing with Celebrity, like us, Princess, Holland, Royal or Disney, this guide will help you pack smarter and lighter without missing a thing.
✅ What I Actually Wore:
1. A couple of lightweight sweatsuits - Perfect for travel days or sea days! Also super easy to pack.
2. 1 heavier coat and 1 lighter pullover - I rotated between these on sea days depending on the weather. The pullover was also great for the airplane. I chose a waterproof ski jacket for my heavier coat for the warmth and it was waterproof.
3. Waterproof pants - These were a must for our Whale Watching excursion in Juneau and walking around the rain in Ketchikan. I opted for ski pants here too and they were perfect.
4. 4 pair of jeans - Good for dinner or walking around port towns. I wore these on embarkation day and disembarkation day. I also wore jeans on our Skagway and Victoria day - the days we had sunny, dry weather.
5. Base layer tops (long sleeve or thermal) and bottoms - Great for layering under hoodies, sweatshirts or jackets. I would pack enough to have one for everyday or plan on doing laundry and re-wearing them.
6. Athletic shoes + waterproof hiking shoes - I wore my waterproof pair of Sorel hiking boots for all ports and excursions, and my athletic sneakers on the ship. Extra tip: I sprayed my sneakers with a waterproof spray before the trip I feel like it really helped keep my feet dry
7. Knit beanie + gloves - I brought several of each. I wore them at some point every day. Gloves that are touch screen friendly are helpful for taking pictures and videos while out enjoying the scenery.
8. 1 nice dinner outfit - No need to go overboard on formal wear unless you love dressing up. We only had one “chic night” on our cruise. And only about half of the people on our ship actually participated.
9. A couple of sweatshirts and t-shirts. Again, easy to layer and comfortable.
❌ What I Packed but Didn’t Need:
A nice outfit for dinner each night. Dinner is so casual on Alaskan cruises. Most people kept on their day clothes to go straight for dinner.
Ugg boots - I had planned on wearing these on sea days, but we had so much rain and mist, they would have been ruined. Yes, I do waterproof them, but I didn’t want to risk it.
What I Wish I’d Brought:
More base layers – Layers really were key. I wish I had one for every day except our disembarkation day in Seattle.
A couple of extra scarfs
A small wristlet bag for running down to breakfast or dinner when I didn’t need my larger crossbody or backpack. I ended up buying one in the shop onboard.
Extra ziplocks/dry bags – For wet gloves or storing snacks on excursions.
Onboard Tip: You Can Do Laundry!
Most cruise ships have laundry rooms or offer paid laundry service. I wish I had packed less and did laundry mid way through. It’s what I will do next time. Don’t be afraid to re-wear.
Final Alaska Cruise Packing Tips:
Layers are your best friend.
Waterproof is important.
Pack less than you think. Repeat outfits proudly. Plan to do laundry.
Alaska is about the scenery, the wildlife, and the fresh air. The simpler you pack, the easier it is to enjoy every chilly, breathtaking, once-in-a-lifetime moment.
Thanks so much for reading! If you found this post helpful, you’ll love my posts on other travel tips and destinations. Click to scroll through and find inspiration and for your next vacation.
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