What to Pack for your Alaskan Cruise

Packing for Alaska is part of the adventure—because this is not your average vacation. One day you’ll be gazing at snow-covered glaciers and towering icefields, and the next you’ll be walking through lush, emerald-green temperate rainforests. The scenery is dramatic and variable, the air is fresh, and the landscapes feel straight out of a postcard. But while Alaska is famous for its far north location, the weather—especially during cruise season—is much milder than most people expect.

That means you don’t need to pack like you’re heading on an Arctic expedition.  With the right layers and a few smart clothing choices, you can stay comfortable, dry, and ready for every adventure—without weighing down your suitcase. Let’s break down what you really need to bring for an Alaska adventure.

Layered Clothing

You’ll be heading to Alaska sometime between April and October, with temperatures ranging from the 40’s during a chilly evening to the mid 70’s on a lucky day. It’s wise to layer up with tees, long sleeves, and pants so you’re prepared for anything. For most people, a base layer is unnecessary, but if you’re from a warm climate or sensitive to cold, you may want to pack one. Snow pants are not recommended.

Rain Coat

Plan for rain and pack a waterproof jacket. With much of Southeast Alaska centered in a temperate rainforest, rain is expected most days. We recommend investing in a waterproof jacket or raincoat. Lightweight, packable raincoats are great for layering and can protect against cool winds.

Some excursions include the use of high-quality rain gear—listed in the ‘Inclusions’ section of each tour page. This is a fantastic service for adventure and fishing tours, where you may get dirty or be exposed to the elements for extended periods. Using the provided rain gear during your tour is not a replacement for packing your own raincoat, but it’s a helpful service.

Waterproof or Water-Resistant Shoes

Even if it’s not raining the day you’re in port, it will have probably rained recently, and there will be squishy mud and puddles to contend with. Whether you're an adventure seeker hiking remote trails or a comfort traveler on a bus tour, comfortable, waterproof, or water-resistant shoes are a must. There are many options for waterproof tennis shoes and boots from popular brands. If you want to look like a true Alaskan, grab some Xtratuf or Blundstone boots.

Snowboots are NOT recommended. If you take a glacier helicopter tour to walk on a glacier or enjoy dog sledding in the snow, wear comfortable, close-toed shoes. You will be given overboots that provide extra traction and are waterproof.

Winter Accessories - Gloves & Hats

Pack light winter gloves, a scarf, and a hat. You’ll want these for unseasonably cold days, for glacier tours, and when outside on the cruise.

Sunscreen and Sunglasses

While Alaska isn’t known for having lots of sunshine, it’s still very wise to use sunscreen even on cloudy days! During the summer months, Alaska’s days last longer than most, and you might need your sunglasses as late as midnight, so don’t forget to pack those either!

Cellphone with Power Bank

For many travelers, their cell phone is essential for photography, navigation, and communication. If you have a standard U.S. carrier plan from a major provider like Verizon, AT&T, or T-Mobile, Alaska is considered part of the U.S. for cell service, so using your phone there typically doesn’t incur extra roaming charges beyond your regular plan fees. If you’ve booked an excursion with Alaska Shore Excursions, your tour provider will contact you by cellphone with any last-minute details.

In our experience, a day spent exploring Alaska’s charming towns and breathtaking natural scenery can drain your phone battery fast—especially when you’re snapping photos and sharing them with friends and family. We recommend packing a portable power bank when you leave the ship so you can stay charged all day and never miss a moment.

Backpack

Bring a backpack or another kind of hands-free tote to carry your things while in port. Most cruisers spend between 4 and 10 hours off their ship exploring each port and enjoying excursions. Carrying a raincoat, hat, sunglasses, power bank, etc. in a backpack saves you a trip back to your trip, plus you’ll have somewhere to carry souvenirs you may choose to bring home.