A Comprehensive Packing Guide for an Alaskan Cruise

Preparing to set sail on an Alaskan cruise? You may be headed there to hike through Denali National Park and Reserve or fish for salmon. Maybe you’re hoping to spot wildlife like whales or hear the “thunder” of a glacier as it cracks. Whether this is your first cruise or you’re a seasoned sailor, packing can make all the difference in your vacation experience.

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What should you pack for an Alaskan cruise in the summer? Though temperatures can range from April to September, it’s a good idea to pack solid walking shoes, sun protection and versatile clothing for layering. Don’t forget to pack an eSIM USA plan to help you stay connected amidst your wondrous travels. 

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Of course, there are many other items you’ll want to consider bringing along to maximize your experience. We’ll also take a look at what not to bring on an Alaskan summer cruise, like too many shoes, expensive jewelry, excessive cash, and heavy outerwear. 

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The following guide is designed to help those preparing for an Alaskan cruise ensure they have everything needed for a fun trip during the summer.

General Packing Tips

Before diving into specifics, make note of the length of your trip. Pack enough outfits for the duration of your time on the cruise plus two additional days. Refer to this guide’s sections for a detailed packing list covering clothing, electronics, and more.

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The best way to pack for a summer Alaskan cruise is to use compression bags to save space, layer clothes, and choose items to mix and match for varied looks. To prepare for summer weather in Alaska, check the forecast, pack layered clothing, and ensure you have essentials like sunscreen, sunglasses, swimwear and a water bottle.

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What should you pack for an Alaskan cruise that’s different from other cruises? Thermal layers, hiking boots and trekking poles may come in handy – depending on what you plan to do during your shore excursions. Also, consider bringing a high-powered camera and a tripod if there are opportunities to photograph wildlife. 

Clothing and Accessories

What to Wear

How cold does it get on an Alaskan cruise in the summer? It depends on when you go. April and May tend to be on the cooler side (since they’re still technically spring). June through September offer warmer temperatures that allow for shorts and sandals. Alaska is usually warm in the summer, so you don’t need to bring heavy clothes. The best way to layer for an Alaskan vacation is to use thermal layers (when necessary), wear versatile clothing that can mix and match, and top your outfit off with a rainproof outer layer. 

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Should you bring a swimsuit on an Alaskan cruise? Yes! Whether you plan to cruise in the summer or in a colder part of the year, many cruise ships have pools on board that can be utilized year-round. 

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Should you bring waterproof clothing to Alaska? It’s not a bad idea, since the weather can change quickly and dramatically. At the very least, having a rain jacket is a good idea. If you plan on hiking or spending time outdoors during your excursions, waterproof hiking boots and pants will also be a good idea. Don’t forget to bring a rain cover for your day pack!

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Here is a comprehensive list of the clothing you’ll need to bring: 

• pajamas
• socks
• undergarments
• thermal base layers
• long and short-sleeved casual tops
• fleece and/or light jacket
• casual pants and shorts
• dress pants and top(s)
• cocktail or formal dress(es)
• swimsuit(s) and cover-up
• athletic clothing
• rain jacket and/or insulated jacket

Footwear and Accessories

The best shoes for an Alaskan cruise in the summer are comfortable walking shoes and potentially hiking boots. That may include sneakers or sandals, depending on the weather. Don’t forget to bring polarized sunglasses as well as a hat to keep the sun off your face and neck. Are flip-flops necessary for an Alaskan cruise? While you likely won’t want to wear them off the ship, they’re definitely handy for those times you want to spend at the pool or indoor waterpark on board. 

Here is a list of footwear and accessories to consider packing: 

• sandals
• comfortable walking shoes
• casual shoes
• hiking boots
• belt, scarf, hat(s)
• sunglasses
• jewelry

Toiletries & Personal Care

Bringing your preferred toiletries ensures you have everything you need during your trip, although most ships provide basic items (see below for items not to bring). Protect your skin during a summer Alaskan cruise by using sunscreen for sun exposure while outdoors. Consider bringing aloe vera if you know you burn easily (or if you simply forget to put on sunscreen!) Do you need bug spray in Alaska? Yes! There are 35 different species of mosquitoes, in addition to other bugs. Avoid the bites and make sure to spray down before going outside. 

Remember, whatever liquids you pack, make sure they comply with airline regulations.

Here is a list of toiletries and personal care items to pack for your trip: 

• toothbrush, toothpaste & floss
• deodorant
• face wash & moisturizer
• hairbrush or comb
• hair accessories
• tweezers & nail clippers
• wet wipes or body wipes
• perfume or cologne
• razor & shaving cream
• makeup & makeup remover
• cotton swabs & cotton balls
• feminine hygiene products
• lip balm
• hand cream & sunscreen
• ear plugs & eye mask
• contacts & contact solution
• pack of tissues
• bug spray

Health & Medications

Ensuring you’re covered health-wise means bringing prescription medications, a travel first-aid kit, and any necessary over-the-counter medications. Preparing a travel first-aid kit is easy: include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal necessities. Purchasing travel insurance covers any unforeseen medical emergencies and is often a good idea. 

Additionally, check the CDC website for recommended vaccinations based on the stops for your cruise. Before you travel, think about packing the following items: 

• prescription medications
• travel first-aid kit
• OTC pain medication
• motion sickness tablets
• antacids or digestive enzymes
• cold & flu pills
• vitamins or supplements
• required vaccinations or health forms

Electronics

The best gadgets to take on an Alaskan cruise in the summer are a portable charger, a high-quality camera, and an e-reader or tablet for entertainment. If you’re traveling to Alaska from another continent, a universal travel adapter is necessary to charge devices due to the different plug types and voltages in the U.S.

Here is a list of electronics you should pack for your trip on an Alaskan cruise: 

• universal power adapter
• portable battery pack
• GigSky Cruise data plan
• chargers
• earphones or noise-cancelling headphones
• e-reader
• cellphone
• computer or tablet
• camera, lenses & batteries
• tripod 
• GoPro
• straightener or curling iron

All new customers receive a free eSIM service with GigSky! To get your 100MB of free data, simply download the GigSky app and create an account. Then, choose the destination where you want to use your free trial. 

Travel Documents

Essential documents like your passport, valid ID, and airline tickets are necessary for travel – and should be no-brainers. Other travel documents are helpful to have, like copies of your IDs. Also, ensure your passport isn’t set to expire within six months of your trip; you may be denied entry if a passport is too close to its expiration date. 

Here is a list of the documents you should pack for your Alaskan cruise: 

• passport
• valid ID/driver's license
• cruise tickets
• boarding passes
• copies of passport & IDs
• travel insurance
• medical documentation
• debit/credit cards & cash
• travel itinerary & confirmation emails

Vacation Essentials

From kayaking to whale watching to panning for gold to hiking, there are many enjoyable activities during your shore excursions on your Alaskan cruise. Regardless of how you plan to spend time on the ship and in port, you’ll want to be prepared. Typical gear that’s good to bring on an Alaskan cruise is a water bottle, bug spray with DEET and plenty of sun protection, like polarized sunglasses. A backpack is handy for carrying essentials during your daily travels. 

Here’s a list of vacation essentials to pack for your Alaskan cruise: 

• backpack or purse
• water bottle
• portable charging cable
• wallet and coin purse 
• reusable shopping bag
• handkerchief
• polarized sunglasses
• sun protection (including reef-safe sunscreen)
• waterproof phone case
• travel picnic tarp
• binoculars
• umbrella
• wet bags/zip-top bags
• quick-dry towel
• trekking poles

On-Board Essentials

Not all of your time will be spent in the wilds of Alaska. There will be days when you’re at sea, enjoying the breathtaking views of the glaciers and crystal blue waters. 

Here’s a list of on-board essentials to pack for your Alaskan cruise: 

• pool chair towel clips
• costumes for theme nights
• compression bags
• book or other reading material
• slippers
• deck of cards
• pen
• travel pillow & blanket
• keycard lanyard
• magnetic hooks
• reusable tumbler or mug
• magnetic whiteboard and marker

What to Avoid Packing for an Alaskan Cruise in the Summer

Now that we’ve covered what to pack on an Alaskan cruise, let’s dive into ways to maximize space in your luggage and ensure you’re only lugging along what you need. While people often ask what to pack, they usually don’t ask, “What should I not bring on an Alaskan cruise?”

A few of these items are simply unnecessary – like snow pants, heavy gloves and hats, and bulky snow boots. While Alaska is cold in the winter, it’s actually hot in the summer! Thus, these items are likely unnecessary if you cruise between April and September. 

Other items take up space and are unnecessary – like too many fancy outfits and too much swimwear. Some items are provided by the ship, like hair dryers and irons. So leave those items at home. 

Finally, many people wonder if they need bear spray in Alaska. Many cruise ships ban the product on their vessels, so bringing it along is not a good idea. 

Here’s a list of what not to pack for an Alaskan cruise in the summer: 

• bulky parkas or jackets
• snowpants 
• snow boots
• heavy winter accessories (hats, gloves, etc.)
• excessive formal wear
• too many dress shoes
• too many swimsuits or sandals
• hair dryer
• iron & clothing steamer
• too many suitcases
• bear spray
• excessive cash

Special Considerations

In addition to packing all of the above items (and avoiding the most recent list), you may have some special considerations for you and your travel companions. If you’re traveling with kids, include items like kids' entertainment, snacks, and essential baby supplies when packing for your Alaskan cruise. If you’re wondering how to physically pack for an Alaskan cruise with kids, we suggest prioritizing comfort and convenience with easy-to-pack and quick-access items.

Conclusion

Cruising in Alaska from April to September is a fun season that allows you to appreciate the beauty of this wild part of the world. Once your trip is planned, it’s time to pack your bags. By following this comprehensive packing guide, you will be well-equipped to enjoy a stress-free and enjoyable Alaskan cruise.

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Make sure to download our FREE Alaskan Cruise Packing Checklist. It includes all of the items on this list plus a special discount on GigSky eSIM data plans! Download it today and get packing. Then, download the GigSky app and purchase your data plan for your trip. 

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Happy travels!