An Alaska cruise is a bucket-list adventure filled with breathtaking glaciers, incredible wildlife, and rugged coastal landscapes—but packing for one can be tricky! With unpredictable weather, a mix of outdoor excursions and onboard experiences, and limited access to stores once you set sail, having the right gear is essential. After experiencing our own 7-day Alaska cruise, we’ve put together the ultimate packing list with everything we personally brought, plus other highly recommended items to help you stay warm, dry, and comfortable. Whether you're wondering what to wear, which travel essentials to bring, or what gear will enhance your trip, this guide has you covered! Check out our Alaska Cruise Essentials Amazon list to see our personal recommendations for all the items mentioned in this guide and more!
And if you need help booking your Alaska cruise (or any dream vacation for that matter) reach out to our friends at LuxRally Travel! Their services are free to use, plus, they can get you access to extra onboard credit, perks, and discounts!
⬇️ Watch our Alaska Crusie series on YouTube for a closer look at our experience! ⬇️
Clothing Essentials
Alaska’s weather can change in an instant, so packing the right clothing is all about layering. Mornings can be chilly and damp, afternoons mild and sunny, and evenings frigid and windy—sometimes all on the same day! Whether you're exploring glaciers, spotting wildlife from the deck, or enjoying a cozy dinner onboard, having the right layers will keep you comfortable. Here’s what you’ll need to stay warm, dry, and ready for any adventure or occasion:
▪️ Base Layers: Start with moisture-wicking long underwear to keep warm during outdoor excursions. We recommend using Merino Wool base layers if possible, but they can be expensive, so if Merino Wool isn’t in the budget, synthetic base layers will work as well.
▪️ Mid Layers: Pack sweaters, sweatshirts, flannels, fleeces, and/or puffer jackets/vests for added warmth. Check out our Alaska Cruise Essentials Amazon list for our recommendations.
▪️ Outer Layers: A quality waterproof rain jacket is crucial to stay dry during unexpected showers or rainy port days. Natalie has been using the Columbia Women's Pardon My Trench II Rain Jacket for the past 2 years and loves the stylish design and functional application. And after nearly 6 years with my Eddie Bauer rain jacket that has been discontinued, I will likely be upgrading to the Columbia Men's Watertight II Rain Jacket. But if you’re looking for a slightly more budget-friendly option, I also have the Columbia Men's Glennaker Lake II Rain Jacket that I can recommend.
▪️ Pants: Opt for synthetic pants that dry quickly; avoid cotton (i.e. jeans) as it retains moisture. There are many options when it comes to hiking/active pants and I (Matt) have tried at least 6 different brands, and these Puli golf pants as well as these CRZ Yoga golf pants are some of the best value I’ve found. As for women’s options, Natalie leans towards leggings, like these CRZ Yoga Butterluxe High Waisted Leggings for most outdoor adventures but they also have some great active pants as well
▪️ Footwear: Comfortable walking or hiking shoes are essential for shore excursions. Consider waterproof options since wet conditions are likely. We’ve both been wearing Adidas as our main hiking boots for a while now and have no complaints. Natalie has the Women's Terrex Free Hiker 2 and I have the Men's Terrex Ax4 Mid. But if you’re looking for something with a little more stylistic versatility, try out some Blundstones or Thursdays!
▪️ Accessories: Don't forget a warm hat, gloves, scarf/buff, and wool socks to protect against the cold, and sunglasses (preferably polarized) to reduce glare from glaciers & water. Check out our Alaska Cruise Essentials Amazon list for all of our accessory recommendations.
▪️ Formal Wear: Check with your cruise line for any formal nights and pack accordingly. While formal dress isn’t required on most cruises, it’s fun to join the festivities and put on your “Sunday Best”. For Natalie, a nice dress or two and some ballet flats did the job and I (Matt) brought a button-down shirt and a wrinkle-free blazer. You can find our personal recommendations on our Alaska Cruise Essentials Amazon list.
▪️ Swimwear: Don't forget a swimsuit and sandals for the ship's spa or pool areas. I (Matt) have been loving the vintage style and comfort of these Maamgic Mens Swim Trunks and Natlie’s go-to swimwear is this Blooming Jelly Womens High Cut Bikini Set. And for flip-flops/sandals, we prefer these Quicksilver or Havaianas with no cloth so that we never have to pack up wet flip-flops.
Gear and Technology
An Alaska cruise is a photographer’s dream, with stunning glaciers, abundant wildlife, and dramatic landscapes around every corner. But to capture these moments—and make your trip more convenient—you’ll need the right gear.
▪️ Camera with Zoom Lens: A digital camera with a zoom lens will help you capture wildlife and distant landscapes.
▪️ Camera Accessories: Don’t forget your camera strap, memory cards, tripod, and any other gear critical for capturing those priceless memories! Check out our Camera and Vlog Gear Amazon list to see what we’re using.
▪️ Polarizer Filter: This will help reduce glare off the water when taking photos of wildlife. There are loads of options out there, but you can’t go wrong with the tried and true Tiffen Circular Polarizer.
▪️ Binoculars: If photography isn’t your thing (or a big telephoto lens isn’t in the budget), but you still want to get a closer look at the Alaskan wildlife, then a good set of binoculars is a must! These Nocs Provisions Pros are our #1 recommendation with the Vortex Optics Diamondback HD’s being a close second. We also have a few other recommendations linked in our Alaska Cruise Essentials Amazon list.
▪️ Dry Bag: Protect your electronics and important documents from moisture during excursions. We’ve been using this Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag for more than 4 years and love it!
▪️ Multi-Outlet Power Adaptor: Most cruise staterooms have limited outlets, so if you have multiple devices to charge, you’ll want to bring a cruise-approved multi-outlet power adaptor. Personally, we use the TESSAN 65W Universal Travel Adapter on all of our travels, but we’ve used this Cruise-On Cruise Approved Power Strip in the past and had no issues.
Toiletries and Personal Care
Alaska’s fresh air and stunning landscapes make for an unforgettable cruise, but the cold, wind, and motion of the ship can take a toll if you’re not prepared. A well-stocked toiletry kit ensures you stay comfortable and ready for every adventure.
▪️ First-Aid Kit: Include basics like band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers for minor injuries or illnesses.
▪️ Motion Sickness Pills or Patches: Nothing will ruin a cruise faster than getting seasick, so take preventative measures and use a motion sickness pill or patch before any sickness sets in.
▪️ Sunscreen and Insect Repellent: Even in cooler climates, UV rays can be strong, and insects can be prevalent during certain times.
▪️ Chapstick: The cold air combined with outdoor activities can cause dry, chapped lips.
Visit our Alaska Cruise Essentials Amazon list for our specific toiletries and personal care recommendations
Additional Essentials
Packing the right extras can make your Alaska cruise even smoother, keeping you organized and prepared for every adventure. These small but mighty additions will make your trip more comfortable and hassle-free!
▪️ Backpack: A small, comfortable backpack is ideal for carrying essentials during shore excursions. It’s also a plus if it’s packable like the Osprey Ultralight Collapsible Stuff Pack. If you want something with a little more structure, try the Osprey Daylite Backpack.
▪️ Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during your adventures with a reusable water bottle. We used Super Sparrow Water Bottles for years, but recently decided to try the Owala FreeSip Water Bottle and LOVE the design!
▪️ Magnetic Hooks: Magnetic hooks can attach directly to your stateroom wall and create a space to hang any damp jackets or clothing from a rainy port day. These are the ones we use.
▪️ Cruise Luggage Tags: Luggage tag holders clearly display your name, cabin number, and other relevant information, allowing the cruise staff to easily identify your luggage and deliver it to your room. Here are the ones we use.
Packing for an Alaska cruise doesn’t have to be overwhelming—with the right gear and essentials, you’ll be ready to enjoy every breathtaking moment, from spotting whales off the deck to exploring stunning glaciers. We hope this guide helps you feel confident and prepared for your adventure! If you found it helpful, be sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel, Adventures of Matt and Nat, for more travel tips, vlogs, and destination guides. You can also follow us on Instagram @AdventuresofMattandNat for real-time travel updates, behind-the-scenes moments, and inspiration for your next trip. Safe travels, and enjoy your Alaska cruise!
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