Packing For Alaskan Cruise Vacation?
My Advise: Is Keep It Simple
When we started planning for our Alaskan cruise in June, I didn’t know what to pack and so I started researching and asking everyone that I knew who had gone on an Alaskan cruise. The most common response I got was that it is going to be cold in June and be sure and dress in layers. But, what did they mean? How many layers will I need? I didn’t know and so I overpacked and wore only about 1/2 of what I took. To my credit, I will say that at end of our trip everyone on the bus to the airport was saying that they could have packed one bag instead of two. And so I am going to give you an account of exactly what I wore.
Tops, Bottoms, and Shoes
While traveling I wore leggings, a tunic shirt, sneakers, a jean jacket and carried a tote bag.
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2 white shirts
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9 assorted tops and sweatshirts
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3 pair of jeans ( 1 black – 2 dark denim)
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2 pair leggings
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2 pair palazzo pants
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1 pair sneakers
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1 pair water-proof boots
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1 pair heels
Dinner Wear
Dining on the cruise ship can range from casual to very chic. I wore palazzo pants and different tops on several evenings and I also enjoyed wearing lightweight sweater dresses and palazzo pants.
Coats, Jackets, Wraps, and Assecorites
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Jean Jacket – wore this while traveling
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Zipper Front Sweatshirt – wore aboard ship on days at sea
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Quilted Outerwear Jacket
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Rain Jacket
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Knit Wrap/Cape
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Backpack – 2 sizes
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Sneakers
Important Reminder
Be sure and pack a change of clothes in your carry-on. I was so happy I did when I arrived in Vancouver at midnight and my suitcase was in Dallas. Luckily, I had packed an extra outfit which carried me through until my bag arrived late the next day.
Casual tops and sweaters are perfect combinations for dinner outfits. Although you are in a climate-controlled environment while inside the ship, at times I did feel a chill. I was happy to have a lightweight cardigan.
Shore Excursions
Leaving the ship and taking a variety of shore excursions, we were fortunate to have excellent weather conditions, no rain, and mild temperatures. Jeans and long sleeved tees or lightweight sweatshirts were ideal. My raingear/windbreaker protected me against the wind and added all the extra warmth need.
Different outerwear for different days.
Nearing the Hubbard Glacier, this was one of those days when I needed it all, hat, scarf, raincoat, warm coat, sweatshirt. Like I was told in the beginning, “wear layers”.
Don’t Forget To Pack These Items
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Hats, gloves, and scarfs. It is going to be cool, damp and windy. Especially when you are on boat tours and near the glaciers.
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Warm comfortable socks.
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Camera: This is one of those occasions that you will want to have your best camera. You will be sure to capture some memorable photos.
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Chargers: Phone, Ipad, be sure to check your list.
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Power Strip: With all our personal electronics and limited outlets, many people pack a power strip.
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Backpack: A lightweight backpack is perfect for carrying your rain gear, water bottles, camera and other items while away from the ship on shore excursions.
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Insect Repellant: It was highly recommended and my husband is one of those individuals that the bugs love. Fortunately, we did not need it.
I hope that this list has been helpful with your packing decisions.
Thanks for stopping by today!
Rosemary
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Thank you Rosemary for a great post, I am pinning this for when we take an Alaskan cruise. I love posts like this, so helpful!
xo,
Kellyann
I am so happy that you have found this post useful. I know I struggled with the decision of what to pack when travel to Alaska. So much depends on the month I. Which you are traveling and the weather.
This is really helpful and informative. It does look like depending on activity that you won’t be wearing a lot of clothes or at least using everything. I do also agree that having an extra set of clothes in your carry-on is always a life saver!
Maureen | http://www.littlemisscasual.com
Yes, Maureen, it’s all about the weather and your activities. Plus, a lot depends on the month that you are visiting. The earlier in summer and spring the colder it is.
Thank you for the great list and all your wonderful photos. We leave this week for The Rocky Mountaineer and our Alaska cruise. My clothes are similar to yours. With a down jacket as well, as we’ll be on the cruise in September. I especially loved the photos of your clothes racks. Your outfits too. Thanks again.
How exciting Robin!
You are going to enjoy your trip so much. It makes me very happy that you found my post valuable. Living in Florida, I did a lot of research as to what to pack for our Alaskan trip.
This was the best post I have found so far. I absolutely loved that you showed the clothes hanging and then photo of you put together. You did not fill the article with fluff just facts. Very well written and going to look for more of your posts. Thank you
I agree, this is by far one of the best posts. Your photos of your clothes, color palette chosen, and accessories were so very helpful. We head out in this summer for our Alaskan cruise. Thank you.