Assured Travel’s Alaskan Cruise Packing Guide
Heading to Alaska is an absolute dream, and we are so excited for you to experience the breathtaking glaciers, incredible wildlife, and stunning coastal towns!
Packing for Alaska can be a little different than packing for a tropical getaway. The golden rule for Alaska is layers. You might start your day with a crisp 40*F morning, and later enjoy a gorgeous, sunny 70*F afternoon walking through town.
To help you pack perfectly without overstuffing your suitcase, here is our ultimate packing checklist!
The 3-Layer System
Instead of bringing one massive, bulky winter coat that takes up half your suitcase, pack pieces you can easily layer together and peel off as the weather changes.
The Base: Lightweight long-sleeve and short-sleeve t-shirts. Performance fabrics or lightweight merino wool are fantastic because they keep you warm without adding bulk.
The Middle: A cozy fleece jacket, a flannel shirt, or a packable puffer vest. Vests are our absolute favorite for Alaska because they keep your core warm while keeping your arms free!
The Outer Layer: A true waterproof, windproof rain jacket with a hood. You’ll want something that shields you from chilly ocean winds and keeps you dry if you get a coastal drizzle during an excursion.
Bottoms & Activewear
Comfortable pants or jeans: Perfect for casual days relaxing on the ship or walking around port.
Hiking or travel pants: Ideally a quick-dry nylon material if you plan on doing a lot of exploring.
Fleece-lined leggings: Cozy enough to wear around the ship, or to layer underneath your pants on glacier-viewing days.
Rain pants (Optional): Only necessary if you’ve booked rugged outdoor adventures like kayaking, zodiac tours, or glacier trekking!
Footwear
Waterproof walking shoes or sneakers: Essential for damp decks and misty trails.
A backup pair of comfortable shoes: If your main shoes happen to get wet, the coastal air means they can take a while to dry. Having a backup pair ensures you’re never stuck without comfortable shoes.
Warm wool or moisture-wicking socks: Pack a few more pairs than you think you need. Happy, warm feet make for a happy vacation!
Slip-on shoes or sandals: Perfect for walking to the indoor pool, spa, or just relaxing in your stateroom.
On-Deck Accessories
Beanie/knit hat and lightweight gloves: You will definitely want these when standing out on the open deck. The wind coming off a glacier is spectacular, but chilly!
Polarized Sunglasses & Sunscreen: The glare of the sun reflecting off white glaciers and the ocean can be incredibly bright, and that crisp air can mask a sneaky sunburn.
A soft scarf or neck gaiter: Great for blocking the wind from blowing down your jacket collar.
Other Essentials
Binoculars: Wildlife like whales, eagles, and bears often keep a respectful distance. A good pair of binoculars completely changes your viewing experience!
A small waterproof daypack or dry bag: To keep your camera, phone, and extra layers safe and dry during shore excursions.
Insect Repellent: Particularly useful if you are heading out on wooded forest trails, hikes, or near inland rivers.
Evening & Onboard Style
Smart Casual: Think nice jeans, slacks, skirts, blouses, or collared sport shirts for dinner in the main dining rooms.
"Evening Chic" Nights: On the ship's dress-up nights, things get a little more glamorous. This is a fun, modern take on traditional formal nights. For women, feel free to wear a cocktail dress, dressy skirt, pantsuit, or an elegant blouse. For men, slacks with a collared shirt and a sport coat or blazer is perfect (ties are optional). It’s the perfect excuse to capture some gorgeous family photos on board.
A swimsuit: Yes, really! There is absolutely nothing better than sitting in the ship’s hot tub surrounded by snow-capped mountains and pristine wilderness.
Assured Travel Tip: Leave the heavy winter parkas at home! They are tough to pack and too warm when you start walking around. Stick to your layers, and you'll be perfectly comfortable all week long.
We are so grateful to help you plan this incredible journey. Here is a pdf checklist to keep handy while you get ready for your trip. Please let us know if you have any questions about your specific shore excursions or dress codes before you start checking off your list!