9 Packing Tips For Alaska Cruising With Uncruise Adventures

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Packing Tips For Alaska Cruising With Uncruise Adventures

By Heidi Sarna

No one does small-ship cruising better than UnCruise Adventures. The leader in small-scale Alaska cruises, the Uncruise fleet carries from 22 to 86 passengers on wide-ranging itineraries throughout the Alaska Panhandle against the backdrop of dramatic glaciers, snowy mountain peaks, forests and fjords.

Instead of a mega-ship experience hauling several thousand cruisers and diminishing the impact of majestic Alaska’s caving glaciers and deep fjords, UnCruise’s small-ship-style cruising takes you close-up for an intimate and personal experience with Alaska’s natural bounty.

To make the most of your trip, here are some packing tips I’ve put together after cruising with UnCruise last September.

Heidi shares her Packing Tips For Alaska Cruising

Here Heidi displays several of her Alaska UnCruise packing tips all at once. * Photo: Robin McAdoo

Here Are My 9 Packing Tips For Alaska Cruising With UnCruise

I’m an avid traveler who has been to Alaska many times over the years, plus many other corners of the globe. I’ve picked up some great Alaska packing tips along the way and I keep learning new things from other passengers. Hope these help prepare you for your next adventure!

Layers Layers Layers. This is a no brainer. As temperatures vary in Alaska, from the 40s to the 70s on any given day, you’ll need to peel layers off and on by the hour while hiking, kayaking and on skiff excursions. Layer with long-sleeved wicking tops, comfortable leggings or work-out pants, and a fleece or two. Read more about layering in my full tips story HERE.
Rain jacket with a hood. A light-weight waterproof or water-resistant rain jacket with a hood is key. Rain is common in Alaska, there’s no two ways about it. And a good raincoat with hood will make you more comfortable on hikes and other excursions.
Waterproof or water-resistant pants. Full disclosure, I didn’t pack any on my recent UnCruise and I regretted it. I’m definitely getting a pair before my next Alaska UnCruise adventure. Waterproof or water-resistant pants will keep you dry on bushwhacking hikes (slipping into the moist peaty alpine tundra happens!) and kayaking excursions (splashing is a reality).
Hiking boots and 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 and also. For excursions, UnCruise offers a big bin of waterproof “Wellington-style” knee boots that folks can borrow for the week — 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, pack them.
Plenty of socks. They’ll get wet and won’t dry quickly in the damp Alaska climate. Make sure most socks are the tall kind that won’t slip down into your shoe or boot in that annoying way we’re all familiar with.
Hat & gloves. Another mea culpa, I didn’t bring gloves on my 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; many folks also brought a knit hat for cooler times.
Waterproof dry bag or Ziplock bags. Some UnCruisers put their cameras or phones in dry bags; always a good idea. I prefer a smaller more streamline crossbody bag that I can wear across my chest or around my waist under my raincoat and gear; this is where I keep my phone (in a Ziplock) for easy access to photo taking.
Bug Spray & sunscreen. 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.
Bathing suit! Yes, that’s right, if you’re considering a polar plunge in the chilly Alaska waters, or a dip in the hot tubs some of the UnCruise ships offer, then bring your bathing costume!

Read my full list of Alaska cruise packing tips HERE

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Before You Start Packing, Here’s a Recap of UnCruise Adventures Alaska Options

Aleutian Islands Adventure

Go off-the-beaten-path beginning in May 2025, when the 36-passenger Safari Explorer serves up 11 days of wildlife, whales, glaciers, and remote villages in Alaska. At the far end of the Aleutian chain, visit Dutch Harbor and its Alaska King Crab Fleet. Looking for an ever longer look, add 8 days on Prince William Sound. Cabins are on this new itinerary are filling up fast. Read more here.

Prince William Sound Explorer

Beginning May 2024, sail Prince William Sound for a week aboard the 36-passenger Safari Explorer, providing a luxurious yacht experience. This UnCruise Adventures itinerary includes exploring by kayak, skiff, and hiking amongst ancient glaciers and sharing coves with puffins, eagles, otters, and sea lions. Click here for more info.

EARLY BOOKING OFFERS: Save 15% on early Alaska departures in April and May, 2024. Reference LeapAK15

Inside Passage with Olympic National Park & 2 Days in Glacier Bay

Cruise the real Inside Passage to Alaska that only the smallest of ships can navigate, a 12-day one-way adventure from Seattle, Washington to Juneau. Four ships make the spring 2024 northbound passage returning in September. Read more about it here.

Alaska’s Wild, Woolly and Wow With Glacier Bay

Unleash your adventurous spirit with our most active Alaska expedition, featuring mountain biking and co-branded with the outdoor retailer, Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI). An expanded number of nine additional sailings beginning May 2024 are seven nights roundtrip from Juneau aboard the 86-guest Wilderness Legacy. Check out the details here.

Packing Tips For Alaska Cruising With Uncruise includes a bathing suit!

The platform at the stern of the 86-pax Legacy. * Photo: UnCruise

UnCruise Adventures are all-inclusive — excursions, gear and drinks (wine, beer, spirits and soft stuff) are included in the fares!

Kids in Nature — Wild, Wooly & Wow With Glacier Bay

To partake in a spirit of adventure for the whole family six dedicated family explorations spend two full days inside Glacier Bay National Park. Roundtrip from Juneau, families will enjoy 7 nights aboard the 86-guest Wilderness Legacy with no minimum age requirement. The young ones can partake in family-oriented activities and outings like kayaking, skiff rides and hikes. These cruises begin in June 2024 and offer the perfect opportunity for families to enjoy adventures together. Here are more details.

Adult Tranquility — Wild, Wooly & Wow With Glacier Bay

A handful of dedicated adults-only (18 and older) one-week departures from Juneau beginning May 2024 include two full days within Glacier Bay National Park. These cruises are packed with active adult outings, expanded presentations, and lively happy hour events. With the sun shining, guests gather on the top deck to dance and celebrate. Exclusively for guests aged 18 and older, the first adult cruise sets sail in May 2024. Click here for more info.

UnCruise offers a handful of adults-only Alaska departures. * Photo: UnCruise

2024 Alaska Offers

Sail Solo and Save Solo travelers receive waived single supplement in select cabins on the Wilderness Legacy or Safari Endeavour. Reference LeapAKSolo.
Book 3 – Get 4 Book 4 people on select sailings on the Wilderness Legacy, Wilderness Discoverer, or Safari Endeavour, and only pay for 3. Reference LeapAK4for3
Summer Departures Save $500 per person off Alaska departures June 1, 2024, and later. Reference LeapAK500.
Double Kids in Nature Savings Save $1,000 off per child 8-18 on select Kids in Nature departures. Reference LeapAKKIN.
Group Savings Groups of 10+ guests traveling on any departure of the Wilderness Legacy or Safari Endeavour, and select dates on the Wilderness Discoverer — receive 29% savings (for Leap Year)! Reference LeapAKGroup.
Back-To-Back 15% savings when you purchase back-to-back itineraries, any ultimate itinerary, or any 7 night with added Denali National Park land package. Reference LeapAKB2B.