Alaska Cruise Packing Tips From An Avid Traveler

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Alaska Cruise Packing Tips

By Heidi Sarna

I’ve been to Alaska many times over the years, having done nearly a dozen cruises there, on big and small ships, but mostly on the small ones, my favorites. And I’ve learned some things along the way; what to pack and what to leave behind.

My Alaska cruises have been with UnCruise Adventures (loved it!) and Cruise West a few times back in the day (UnCruise now owns some of their ships). I’ve also sailed on some of the biggies — Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and Princess. I took these cruises with colleagues, friends, with my parents (UnCruise with Dad and Celebrity with Mom; I know my market!), and later, with my husband and sons.

I shared my last Alaska adventure, which was with UnCruise aboard the 74-passenger Wilderness Explorer, with my dear friend Robin, who like me, enjoys hearty hikes and a bit of exercise.

While an Alaska cruise isn’t for everyone, if you’re a nature lover who appreciates stunning scenery and unspoiled landscapes, and the chance to get your feet wet and see some wildlife, then Alaska is for you.

So how to prepare for an Alaska cruise? Especially, how to pack for a small-ship cruise to Alaska?

I travel a lot and cruising is my “job” — I’ve been on more than 125 cruises so far! — so I’ve learned a thing or two about what to bring and what not to bring. Sure, sometimes I still make packing mistakes, but then it’s a lesson for the next trip.

And on each quirky cruise I take, I also pick up a new packing hack or two from other passengers.

Here Are My 11 Alaska Cruise Packing Tips

Layers Layers Layers.

You’ll need to put on and peel off throughout the day, as hiking for example, may get you heated up, while kayaking or skiffing near a glacier on a cloudy day will put a chill in the air. Alaska temps in the summer can vary from the cool damp 40s in the mornings to the balmier 70s on a bright sunny afternoon. Go to your nearest REI, The North Face, Patagonia or Athleta store, all brands that make an effort to imbibe fair and sustainable business practices, including some being certified as B Corps companies (or wherever you like to shop for sporty stuff) and get a few long-sleeved wicking tops for layering. Also you’ll need a warm fleece (good for standing out on deck admiring the stunning scenery, drink in hand!). Pack several pairs of comfortable leggings or similar work-out pants that aren’t too thick, so you can wear one on top of another if need be. And one under your waterproof rain paints.
The multi-purpose scarf.

I’m a scarf person, and so I always bring one or two. When it’s cold, they can be wrapped around your head if need be or of course around your neck. They can also give a little style and color to your outfit. The dress code on UnCruise and other small-ships in Alaska is super casual, even at mealtime, though I always enjoy putting on something else for dinner than what I wore all day (though that’s ok too). And so a nice sweater and scarf come in handy.
Rain jacket with hood.

A thin (read not bulky!) waterproof or water-resistant rain jacket is important; with a hood even better. Rain is common in Alaska. On my last Alaska cruise, while we didn’t have huge rainfalls, there were some drizzly times when I was grateful for my raincoat and hood while hiking, kayaking and on skiff rides.

Hats and hooded raincoats are key on an Alaska cruise. * Photo: Heidi Sarna
Waterproof or water-resistant pants.

Full disclosure, I didn’t pack any on my last Alaska quirky cruise and I regretted it. I’m definitely getting a pair before my next sporty cruise. Waterproof or water-resistant pants will keep you dry on bushwhacking hikes (slipping into the moist peaty alpine tundra is possibility!) and kayaking excursions (splashing happens!).
Hiking boots & sneakers.

I wore my favorite New Balance sneakers and a pair of light-weight ankle boots much of the time while on deck and in towns. For excursions, UnCruise, for instance, offers a big bin of waterproof “Wellington-style” knee boots that folks can borrow for the week — made by companies like Xtratuf and Grundens — with good grips for hiking in wet muddy places (which is part of the fun!). I used these and they were excellent and comfortable. That said, our sailing wasn’t full; if you’re on a full sailing, I wonder if a few people might not get their right size or the best pair? Several passengers did bring along their own wellies, so if you got ‘em, bring them, they’re vital.
Plenty of socks.

Bring enough of socks (at least 7 or 8 pairs for a weeklong cruise); they’ll get wet sometimes and won’t always dry quickly in a damp environment like Alaska. Make sure some are the tall kind to go over your calves when wearing the tall boots on hikes. My traveling friend Robin always packs a pair of Teva sandals which she enjoyed wearing around the ship, without or without socks, to give her a feet a break after a day of hiking. It’s a good idea.
Hat & gloves.

Another mea culpa, I didn’t bring gloves on my recent Alaska UnCruise; I just didn’t think I’d need them. Wrong! Luckily the smart friend I was traveling with brought an extra pair that I used all week. You’ll want a slim pair when kayaking and on skiff rides and hikes near glaciers. Most days I wore a baseball cap to keep my hair back and for the visor to keep the sun or rain out of my eyes; some folks also brought a knit hat for cooler times.
Waterproof dry bag or Ziplock bags.

Some folks put their cameras or phones in dry bags; always a good idea. As I prefer a smaller more streamlined crossbody bag (see next tip) that I can wear across my chest or around my waist under my raincoat, I use a Ziplock bag for my phone for easy access to photo taking.
Small backpack, fanny pack or crossbody bag.

I’d definitely avoid large bulky backpacks, they’re a pain to hike with — they get caught on trees and branches, and don’t fit well in small kayaks. I prefer a fanny pack or crossbody bag, as I mention above; they’re smaller, can fit under layers, and are large enough to carry the basics — your phone, camera, bug spray, tissues and that sort of thing. For instance, consider a convenient High Above hip pack.
Bug Spray, sunscreen, sunglasses & hats with visor.

There can be annoying gnats at times on hikes, so some bug spray will come in handy. Likewise, even if it feels cool outside, you can still get sunburn on your face and any other exposed parts, so pack sunscreen as well. Baseball caps or a visor will also help keep gnats off your face and shield you from the sun. Sunglasses at times will also come in handy, as the bright white of glaciers and snow can be blinding at times.
Bathing suit!

Yes, if you’re considering a polar plunge in the chilly Alaska waters, or a dip in the hot tubs some small ships offer, then bring your bathing costume!

Alaska Cruise Packing Tips including bringing a bathing suit for polar plunging or hot-tubbing. Photo: Heidi Sarna

Alaska Cruise Packing Tips including bringing a bathing suit hot-tubbing.

Relaxing in a hot tub, here on the UnCruise Wilderness Explorer feels great after a day of hiking. * Photo: Heidi Sarna

What Not To Bring

As mentioned above, I’d leave big bulky backpacks at home.
Same for bulky winter coats. Layers allow you stay warm, while still keeping things streamlined.
In terms of suitcases, many small-ship cabins don’t have large closets or under-the-bed space, so leave big luggage at home too. Pack in bags that can be flattened and stored easily.
As dining is casual, no need to lug aboard full sets of clothes just for dinner. I use scarves to dress up a sweater or fleece at dinner. And of course you can repeat and wear clothes multiple times.

Let me know if you have any questions about Alaska cruise packing tips. Happy to help!

Reach me at Heidi@QuirkyCruise.com.

Alaska Cruise Packing Tips from Heidi Sarna

Here Heidi displays several of her Alaska packing tips all at once — cross body bag, high boots, leggings, rain coat and layers! * Photo: Robin McAdoo