This post may contain affiliate links. Please read our disclosure policy.
I have a confession to make: when I started packing for my first Alaska cruise, I was totally lost. I’m a warm-weather vacation girl at heart, and I’m used to packing flip-flops and sundresses. Packing for Alaska is a whole different ball game!
The weather in Alaska is wild, one minute I was in a tank top soaking up the sun on the deck, and an hour later I was pulling out my hat and gloves because the cold coming off a glacier is no joke.
After a few trips, I’ve finally mastered the art of the Alaska suitcase. Trust me, if you follow this list, you won’t be the one shivering at the railing while everyone else is enjoying the view!
The “Golden Rule” of Alaska Packing: Layers, Layers, Layers!
If you take one piece of advice from me, let it be this: dress like an onion. You want layers you can peel off and put back on as the weather shifts.
- The Base Layer: Think moisture-wicking tees or tank tops. The ship’s interior is cozy, so you don’t want to be stuck in a heavy sweater at lunch!
- The Middle: A good fleece or a puffer vest is your best friend.
- The Shell: This must be windproof and waterproof. Alaska mist is real, and a regular hoodie will just get soaked.
My #1 Must-Have: The 3-in-1 Jacket
I am telling you, if you buy one thing for this trip, make it a high-quality 3-in-1 jacket. It’s a waterproof raincoat and a warm fleece that zip together. You can wear them separately or together, so you basically have three different coats in one spot in your suitcase. It’s a total game-changer!
The Vertical Storage Cabin Hack
Cruise ship cabins are notoriously tight on space. If you have a family of four in one room, it can look like a tornado hit your suitcase by day two! Here are my favorite ways to fix that:
- AirTags in Every Bag: Put an Apple AirTag in your checked luggage. Cruises handle thousands of bags on embarkation day, and seeing exactly where your suitcase is on your phone is the ultimate peace of mind.
- Magnetic Hooks are Non-Negotiable: Did you know almost all cruise ship walls are metal? Bring a pack of heavy-duty magnetic hooks (look for the 25lb+ ones). Stick them to the walls to hang your wet rain jackets, day bags, and lanyards. It keeps your gear off the tiny desk and helps everything dry out faster.
- The Over-the-Door Organizer: This is my secret weapon. Hang a clear over-the-door shoe organizer on the bathroom door. Instead of shoes, use the pockets for your “everyday essentials”—sunscreen, sunglasses, chargers, lip balm, and those ship cards. You can see everything at a glance, and it keeps your counters completely clutter-free.
Cabin Essentials & Gadgets
- The Yeti Coffee Mug: Ship coffee cups are tiny! If you’re a coffee lover like me, bring your Yeti. It stays hot while you’re whale watching from the balcony.
- Multi-USB Power Strip: Most cabins only have one or two outlets. We bring a (non-surge) power strip so we can charge all our phones and cameras at once.
- Wrinkle Releaser: Irons are a big “no-no” on cruise ships (fire hazard!). Pack a travel-sized bottle of Downy Wrinkle Releaser to keep your dinner outfits looking fresh.
What to Wear to Dinner
Don’t stress about Formal Night! While some people go all-out in gowns, most people go for “Smart Casual.” A nice pair of dark jeans, a cute top, and some flats are perfect. My motto? It’s your vacation wear what makes you feel great!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a raincoat? Yes! Even if the forecast says sun, Alaska mist is a real thing. A lightweight stow-away rain jacket is a must-pack for your daypack.
How many bags should I bring? Alaska is one of those trips where you’ll probably hit your airline weight limit. Between the heavy jackets and layers, it adds up fast. Use packing cubes to squeeze it all in!
Is it really that cold in the summer? It varies! It can be 70 degrees in the afternoon and 40 degrees by the time you reach a glacier. That’s why those layers are so important.
Planning your excursions next? Don’t miss my guide on What Alaska Cruise Excursions to Book to make sure you see the best of the Last Frontier!
What an awesome Pin, thank you so much, planning on an Alaska cruise, very helpful information, do you know where I can get prices, having trouble finding out, thank you and have a wonderful day
This is perfect. We are going this year only a week before on Carnival. One quick question…what type of fleece and heavy jacket did you take? I am going to get the same north face raincoat as you. I am nervous I am going to overpack since I am packing for what seems like two seasons! TIA!
Hi! I took a Northface Fleece and jacket – the packable down that they have everywhere (even Costco) would be perfect! Bring lots of layers and you will be great! Let me know if you have any other questions – it is AMAZING!!!
Unfortunately they actually will turn you away at the dining room. Our guys hadn’t planned on doing formal night so did not bring formal attire, but changed their minds when they saw the menu. They had on nice shirts and dinner jackets with nice, dark jeans. We were told we could not be seated as the gentlemen had on denim and to try the buffet instead. Yes, this was Princess, who I love, and we made sure to pack the appropriate attire on the next cruise. But yes, they will turn you away.
That is so crazy – must matter who you encounter -we saw a ton of people in jeans on the formal night!
Was it an Alaskan Cruise? I hear the Alaskan cruise formal night was less formal and the way your guys were dresses would be acceptable. From what I am reading about Alaskan cruises they say you may wear denim without holes.
I can’t wait, we are headed to Alaska on Holland America, Sea, land and sea for a total of 18 days
Why did you bring your passport on a trip to Alaska?
Great question – we stopped in Victoria, British Columbia!
All cruises have to stop in at least one international port – so you will always need your passport!
I LOVE the packing list! So helpful! I never know what to bring and I always over pack! BTW, it’s so fitting that Princess Pinky Girl travels on The Ruby Princess! Can’t wait to see where you are off to next!
Awesome photos!!! It makes me want to go right now. Thanks for all your wonderful suggestions on your blog. They are so helpful. I will definitely consider using Princess for our future trip to Alaska. 🙂
As usual, I’m saving your packing guide. I used your guide when I went on a Disney Cruise, and it was spot on!!!!
This info is super helpful…now I just have to convince my “Adam” to go 🙂
DO IT! You guys will love it!
Thanks PPG! I didn’t know which cruise line we were going to choose. It’s Princess for sure now. Im sure your packing list will come in handy.
I am traveling to Alaska in August. It is pretty funny that we are traveling on the same ship that you went on. Your packing list was very helpful. Is there anything else I should bring if I am traveling in August? I look forward to reading more posts by you.
That’s so funny, Robin! You will LOVE it! The Ruby Princess is great – and the staff is amazing! Let me know if you have any other questions I can help you with!