THE ADVENTURES OF ED AND SERENITY

An Alaska cruise is unlike a Caribbean cruise. You can experience sunshine, rain, wind, snow, glaciers, and surprisingly warm temperatures—all in the same trip.

The secret to packing for Alaska is layers.

You don’t need to bring your entire closet. You need the right clothing and gear so you can adjust quickly as the weather changes.

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1. THE GOLDEN RULE: PACK IN LAYERS

Think of your Alaska wardrobe as three layers:

Base Layer

Worn next to your skin to keep you comfortable and dry.

– Moisture-wicking T-shirts
– Long-sleeve moisture-wicking shirts
– Thermal underwear for colder days
– Avoid relying entirely on cotton—it stays wet longer

Mid Layer

Provides warmth.

– Fleece jacket
– Lightweight sweater
– Hoodie
– Vest
– Lightweight down or insulated jacket

Outer Layer

Protects you from the elements.

– Waterproof or water-resistant jacket
– Waterproof pants
– Windbreaker
– Packable rain jacket

The goal is flexibility. You can remove layers when you’re warm and add them when you’re standing outside watching a glacier calve.

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2. JACKETS AND OUTERWEAR

Your outerwear is some of the most important gear you’ll pack.

Bring:

– Waterproof rain jacket
– Warm insulated jacket or puffer
– Fleece jacket
– Lightweight windbreaker
– Waterproof pants
– Packable jacket that fits easily into a day bag

A waterproof jacket is much more useful than simply bringing an umbrella.

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3. PANTS AND BOTTOMS

Pack pants you can comfortably wear while walking and sightseeing.

Recommended:

– 2–3 pairs of jeans
– 1–2 pairs of comfortable travel pants
– Waterproof pants
– Leggings
– Joggers
– Comfortable casual pants for the ship
– Optional dressier pants for dinner

You probably won’t need shorts every day, but bring at least one pair.

Alaska can surprise you.

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4. SHIRTS AND TOPS

Bring a mixture of short- and long-sleeve shirts.

A good starting point:

– 3–5 short-sleeve shirts
– 2–3 long-sleeve shirts
– 1–2 fleece or warm tops
– 1 sweater or hoodie
– 1–2 nicer shirts for dinner

Don’t forget that cruise ships are often climate controlled, so having different layers is useful inside as well as outside.

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5. SHOES

This is one area where you don’t want to cut corners.

Bring:

Comfortable walking shoes

Your primary pair should already be broken in.

Waterproof walking shoes or hiking shoes

Especially important for excursions involving trails, forests, waterfalls, or uneven terrain.

Casual shoes

For walking around the ship.

Optional dress shoes

For formal nights or specialty restaurants.

Pro tip:

Pack waterproof footwear rather than assuming your favorite sneakers will be enough.

Wet feet can ruin an otherwise fantastic day.

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6. SOCKS

Don’t underestimate the importance of good socks.

Pack:

– 5–7 pairs of everyday socks
– 2–3 pairs of warm wool or thermal socks
– Extra socks for rainy excursion days

Merino wool socks are an excellent choice because they provide warmth without being excessively bulky.

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7. HATS, GLOVES AND NECK WARMTH

Even during the summer Alaska cruise season, glacier viewing can be cold and windy.

Pack:

– Warm beanie
– Baseball cap or sun hat
– Lightweight gloves
– Waterproof gloves if you’ll spend significant time outdoors
– Scarf
– Neck gaiter
– Ear warmers

A compact pair of gloves takes almost no room in your luggage.

Bring them.

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8. SUN PROTECTION

Yes, you’re going to Alaska.

Yes, you still need sunscreen.

Bring:

– SPF 30+ sunscreen
– Lip balm with SPF
– Sunglasses
– Hat
– After-sun lotion or moisturizer

Glare from water, snow and ice can make the sun surprisingly intense.

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9. RAIN GEAR

Rain is part of the Alaska experience.

Bring:

– Waterproof jacket
– Waterproof pants
– Compact rain poncho
– Waterproof backpack cover
– Dry bags
– Zip-top bags

Don’t forget:

A small waterproof pouch or zip-top bag is perfect for protecting:

– Phone
– Wallet
– Camera
– Passport
– Excursion tickets
– Electronics

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10. DAY BAG

A good daypack may become one of the most-used items on your cruise.

Look for one that is:

– Comfortable
– Lightweight
– Water-resistant
– Large enough for layers
– Small enough for excursions

Pack your day bag with:

– Phone
– Portable charger
– Sunglasses
– Sunscreen
– Water bottle
– Rain jacket
– Gloves
– Hat
– Extra socks
– Snacks
– Camera
– Binoculars
– Small first-aid kit
– Zip-top bags

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11. BINOCULARS

Don’t skip this one.

Binoculars can dramatically improve your Alaska experience.

You may spot:

– Bald eagles
– Whales
– Seals
– Sea lions
– Bears
– Mountain goats
– Glaciers
– Waterfalls
– Other wildlife

You don’t necessarily need an expensive pair.

A compact pair that you can easily carry is perfect.

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12. CAMERA AND ELECTRONICS

Alaska is one of those destinations where you’ll probably take more pictures than you expect.

Bring:

– Smartphone
– Camera
– Extra batteries
– Memory cards
– Charging cables
– Portable power bank
– Extra charging block
– Waterproof phone pouch
– Lens cloth
– Small tripod or selfie stick if permitted by your cruise line

Important:

Keep your electronics protected from rain and spray.

A waterproof phone pouch can be inexpensive insurance.

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13. CRUISE CABIN ESSENTIALS

Some of the things you need most have nothing to do with Alaska.

Consider packing:

– Magnetic hooks
– Over-the-door organizer
– Small nightlight
– Luggage tags
– Packing cubes
– Collapsible laundry bag
– Travel-size detergent
– Reusable water bottle
– Small toiletry bag
– AirTag or luggage tracker
– Small flashlight

Magnetic hooks are especially useful.

Many cruise cabin walls are metal, allowing magnetic hooks to provide extra hanging space.

Always check your cruise line’s prohibited-items list before packing magnets or other cabin accessories.

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14. BATHROOM AND PERSONAL ITEMS

Pack your normal toiletries, including:

– Toothbrush
– Toothpaste
– Shampoo
– Conditioner
– Deodorant
– Razor
– Shaving supplies
– Hairbrush
– Hair products
– Makeup
– Moisturizer
– Lip balm
– Hand lotion
– Travel tissues
– Wet wipes
– Hand sanitizer

Cruise ship bathrooms are compact, so travel-size products can save valuable space.

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15. MEDICATIONS

Bring enough prescription medication for the entire trip plus extra in case of travel delays.

Keep medications in your carry-on rather than checked luggage.

Also consider packing:

– Pain reliever
– Motion-sickness medication
– Stomach remedies
– Bandages
– Blister treatment
– Allergy medication
– Any medications you regularly use

If you use prescription medication, keep it in its original labeled container when practical.

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16. MOTION SICKNESS

Alaska waters can be calm—but they can also be rough.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, plan ahead.

Consider:

– Motion-sickness medication
– Sea bands
– Ginger products
– Prescription options if recommended by your healthcare professional

Don’t wait until you’re seasick to decide what you’re going to use.

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17. FORMAL NIGHT AND DINNER CLOTHES

You don’t need to bring an entire formal wardrobe.

For most cruises, a simple combination works:

Men

– Dress pants
– Button-down shirt
– Polo
– Dress shoes
– Optional jacket

Women

– Dress
– Dress pants
– Blouse
– Sweater or wrap
– Comfortable dress shoes

Remember: Alaska cruises are generally more about comfort and adventu

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18. SWIMWEAR

Pack a swimsuit even if you’re traveling to Alaska.

Why?

Cruise ships may have:

– Pools
– Hot tubs
– Saunas
– Spas

A hot tub overlooking Alaska’s mountains and glaciers is an experience you don’t want to miss.

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19. FORMAL AND CASUAL ACCESSORIES

Consider:

– Small purse or crossbody bag
– Wallet
– Belt
– Jewelry
– Watch
– Sunglasses
– Reading glasses
– Travel umbrella

A small crossbody bag is especially useful in ports.

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20. DOCUMENTS

Keep important documents in your carry-on.

Bring:

– Passport
– Government-issued ID
– Cruise documents
– Boarding information
– Travel insurance information
– Airline information
– Hotel reservations
– Excursion confirmations
– Emergency contact information
– Copies of important documents

Consider keeping digital copies in a secure location as well.

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21. WHAT TO PACK IN YOUR CARRY-ON

This is extremely important.

Your checked luggage may not arrive in your cabin immediately.

Pack a carry-on containing:

– Passport/ID
– Medications
– Phone
– Chargers
– Wallet
– Travel documents
– One complete change of clothes
– Underwear
– Basic toiletries
– Swimsuit
– Light jacket
– Camera
– Valuables

If you fly to your embarkation city, remember that your luggage also needs to survive the airline portion of your trip.

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22. PACKING CUBES

Packing cubes are especially useful for Alaska because you’re dealing with bulky layers.

Consider separating:

Cube 1: Shirts

Cube 2: Pants

Cube 3: Underwear and socks

Cube 4: Cold-weather accessories

Cube 5: Excursion clothing

Cube 6: Formal/dinner clothing

It makes finding things much easier in a cruise cabin.

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23. LAUNDRY

If you’re taking a longer Alaska cruise, don’t feel like you need enough clothing for every day.

Use the ship’s laundry facilities or laundry service if available.

A small collapsible laundry bag is extremely useful.

You can also pack a few detergent sheets for emergency sink washing, subject to your cruise line’s rules.

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24. WHAT NOT TO OVERPACK

You probably don’t need:

– Multiple heavy winter coats
– Five pairs of shoes
– A huge collection of formalwear
– Lots of bulky sweaters
– Large umbrellas
– Excessive toiletries
– A different outfit for every night
– Expensive outdoor gear unless you’re doing specialized excursions

Remember:

Layers are better than bulk.

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25. ALASKA-SPECIFIC EXCURSION GEAR

Your packing list should also depend on what you’re doing.

Whale Watching

Bring:

– Binoculars
– Warm layers
– Waterproof jacket
– Gloves
– Hat
– Camera

Glacier Excursion

Bring:

– Warm layers
– Waterproof outer layer
– Gloves
– Hat
– Sunglasses
– Camera

Hiking

Bring:

– Hiking shoes
– Moisture-wicking clothing
– Waterproof jacket
– Waterproof pants
– Small backpack
– Water bottle
– Insect repellent
– Bear-awareness supplies as appropriate for your excursion operator

Helicopter or Flightseeing

Bring:

– Layers
– Sunglasses
– Camera
– Gloves
– Motion-sickness medication if needed

Always follow the specific instructions provided by your excursion operator.

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26. BUG SPRAY

Alaska has mosquitoes.

How much you’ll encounter depends heavily on where and when you’re traveling and what you’re doing.

If you’re hiking or spending significant time outdoors, pack insect repellent.

Consider:

– Insect repellent
– Long-sleeve shirts
– Lightweight pants
– Hat

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27. THE ALASKA CRUISE “JUST IN CASE” KIT

Keep a small emergency kit in your luggage:

– Small first-aid kit
– Blister bandages
– Pain reliever
– Motion-sickness medication
– Stomach medication
– Allergy medication
– Hand sanitizer
– Wet wipes
– Sewing kit
– Stain remover pen
– Zip-top bags
– Small flashlight
– Extra charging cable
– Portable battery

It doesn’t take much room and can save the day.

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28. A SAMPLE 7-DAY ALASKA CRUISE CLOTHING LIST

For one person, a practical starting point might be:

Tops

– 4–5 short-sleeve shirts
– 3 long-sleeve shirts
– 1–2 fleece/sweaters
– 1 hoodie

Bottoms

– 2–3 pairs of jeans
– 1–2 comfortable travel pants
– 1 pair of waterproof pants
– 1 pair of shorts

Outerwear

– 1 waterproof jacket
– 1 warm insulated jacket
– 1 fleece

Shoes

– Comfortable walking shoes
– Waterproof hiking/walking shoes
– Casual/dress shoes

Accessories

– Warm hat
– Baseball/sun hat
– Gloves
– Scarf/neck gaiter
– Sunglasses

Other

– Swimsuit
– Pajamas
– 7+ pairs underwear
– 7+ pairs socks
– 2–3 pairs warm socks

Adjust the quantities based on your cruise length, laundry plans and personal preferences.

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29. THE ALASKA PACKING CHECKLIST

CLOTHING

☐ T-shirts
☐ Long-sleeve shirts
☐ Fleece
☐ Sweater/hoodie
☐ Insulated jacket
☐ Waterproof jacket
☐ Jeans/pants
☐ Waterproof pants
☐ Shorts
☐ Underwear
☐ Warm socks
☐ Pajamas
☐ Swimsuit
☐ Dinner/formal clothes

SHOES

☐ Comfortable walking shoes
☐ Waterproof shoes/hiking shoes
☐ Casual shoes
☐ Dress shoes

WEATHER

☐ Rain jacket
☐ Waterproof pants
☐ Gloves
☐ Warm hat
☐ Sun hat
☐ Scarf/neck gaiter
☐ Sunglasses
☐ Sunscreen
☐ Lip balm with SPF

EXCURSIONS

☐ Daypack
☐ Binoculars
☐ Water bottle
☐ Camera
☐ Extra socks
☐ Insect repellent
☐ Waterproof phone pouch

CABIN

☐ Packing cubes
☐ Magnetic hooks
☐ Laundry bag
☐ Nightlight
☐ Luggage tracker
☐ Travel-size toiletries

HEALTH

☐ Prescription medications
☐ Motion-sickness medication
☐ Pain reliever
☐ Allergy medication
☐ Bandages
☐ Blister treatment
☐ Hand sanitizer

DOCUMENTS

☐ Passport
☐ ID
☐ Cruise documents
☐ Travel insurance information
☐ Excursion confirmations
☐ Hotel/flight information

ELECTRONICS

☐ Phone
☐ Camera
☐ Chargers
☐ Power bank
☐ Charging block
☐ Extra batteries
☐ Memory cards

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THE BOTTOM LINE

Don’t pack for one type of Alaska weather. Pack for all of it.

Your best friend on an Alaska cruise isn’t a giant suitcase full of clothes.

It’s a good layering system:

Base layer + warm layer + waterproof outer layer.

Add comfortable waterproof shoes, a good daypack, binoculars, sunscreen, rain protection and plenty of socks—and you’ll be ready for the adventure.

Because Alaska isn’t a cruise where you just watch the scenery.

You want to be outside experiencing it.

THE ADVENTURES OF ED AND SERENITY

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