Table Of Content
As the summer progresses, the chances of liquid sunshine increase. Here is a list of must-haves to maximize your Alaskan adventure. If you’ve been scouring the internet to get the answers to these questions, I have you covered. After nine Alaskan cruises, I have plenty of experience knowing what to take to wear onboard and what you’ll use on shore excursions. If you do a water activity such as kayaking, the operator will loan you waterproof gear. Our adventures across Alaska have taught us invaluable lessons in packing right.
Alaska Travel Documents
A sweater or fleece jacket is great for keeping comfy while sipping a warm beverage from your coffee mug while looking for wildlife. The most important tip is to pack layers of clothing and rain gear. Include any medications you need, sun protection, and a bathing suit if you want to swim. Your luggage will be delivered to your room in the evening, so keep anything you might need before that with you in a carryon. Nearly every cruise line has at least one formal night on cruises under 5 days and 2 formal nights on cruises over 5 nights. Extra socks and dry shoes are important to pack for your cruise to Alaska if you are doing any excursions that might leave your feet wet.
Tripod
Ideally, you will wear waterproof shoes or hiking boots on excursions but if not, you will definitely want to bring a pair of backup sneakers. On our cruise, we went sea kayaking, and even though they provided some rain gear and boots, we still ended up soaked because it was pouring as we waited for our shuttle. And we also did a hike excursion and our hiking boots were muddy and wet afterward. The temperature on an Alaskan cruise can vary between a warm 70 to a cold 30 degrees Fahrenheit, which is why we recommend bringing a lightweight insulated jacket. The light jacket will keep you warm on the cold days of your trip but won’t be so warm that you are sweating during the warm days. It is an absolute must-have for your packing list if you can find a lightweight, waterproof jacket.
Warmers: Combat the Cold
When embarking in Vancouver and not traveling with a Canadian or United States passport, you’ll need a US travel document called an ESTA (electronic system for travel authorization). Sometimes cell phones don’t work, or computers go down and having experienced this once, I can tell you it’s a headache you don’t want to endure. So, passengers can experience a heatwave one week and cold, wet weather in the same period the following week. In the land of the midnight sun, we experience between 16 and 24 hours of daylight throughout the summer, and it can make falling asleep a challenge.
Best times to visit Disney World in 2024 and 2025
Don’t forget a waterproof outer layer, like a rain jacket or windbreaker, to protect against precipitation. Pack two pairs of durable pants, preferably one thermal and one water-resistant. Don’t forget essentials such as gloves, a warm hat, and sunglasses.
Portable Charger and Extra Batteries
If that’s not your style though, you can skip and just head to the cafeteria for some more casual dining (and it’s free). Comfort is key when picking the right shoes for your Alaska cruise, but there is some footwear you will want to make sure you include in your suitcase. Some good waterproof boot options can be found here, here and here.
Alaska Packing List for Summer Adventures – Final Thoughts
A Kindle or iPad is perfect for catching up on reading without lugging around heavy books. Be sure to pack a rain cover for your smartphone, especially if you plan kayaking trips or splashing in the ship’s pool or hot tub. This is why layering clothes is highly recommended to adapt to fluctuating temperatures. Always have a warm jacket or sweater and a rainproof layer handy. You can also do a quick search before departing to see if your ship has laundry services available, which may also allow you to bring less clothing than what I’ve mentioned below.
Complete Guide to Disney MagicMobile (what it is & how to use it)
Best of all, you don’t need to worry about your hat being waterproof. Your jacket will have a waterproof hood that you can pop on when it rains. The best part is that they can easily be rolled up and stored in our dry bag on extended port visits. Many waterproof jackets and windbreakers can be rolled up and stored in your purse or bag, which is great for days in port. And you definitely won’t want to leave home without bringing a couple of warm sweaters. Even in July and August, when the weather is warmer, you will still find that the nights can get very chilly.
Norwegian Sun Itineraries: 2024 & 2025 Schedule (with Prices) on Cruise Critic - Cruise Critic
Norwegian Sun Itineraries: 2024 & 2025 Schedule (with Prices) on Cruise Critic.
Posted: Mon, 23 Oct 2023 15:00:57 GMT [source]
Before you start, consider the timing of your visit and the activities on your agenda. Summer in Alaska is a spectacle of nature, ideally enjoyed from late May to mid-September. The peak experience arrives with the midnight sun from June 21st, offering the longest days to admire Alaska’s splendors. The next thing you want to make sure you have on hand is a good pair of tennis shoes that are comfortable. On days when there is no rain in sight it’s good to opt for some nice walking shoes you can happily explore in without the concern of getting blisters.
Alaska’s weather is notorious for its unpredictability, and sudden rain showers are not uncommon, even during the summer months. A good, waterproof rain jacket will keep you dry during those unexpected downpours, allowing you to continue your exploration comfortably. Furthermore, most rain jackets are lightweight and compact, making them easy to carry around during your on-shore excursions. Opt for a versatile style that is large enough to be layered over warm clothing during colder weather, ensuring that you’re prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. You can download a printable Alaska cruise checklist at the end of this post. It is almost guaranteed you will experience some rain on your trip through Alaska, and you will want to make sure you have some waterproof clothing to protect you from the elements.
Avoiding overpacking for a cruise can be achieved through careful planning and prioritization. Focus on multipurpose items that can be worn in multiple outfits and layering pieces for different weather conditions. For a 7-day cruise to Alaska, you should prioritize packing layers to adjust to the varying temperatures.
I wear both layers for glacier viewing and separate them for port and sea days. Alternatively, if you have a fleece jacket, layer it with a rain jacket to keep you cozy. Since the pandemic, most cruise lines have made check-in easier. You’ll provide a credit card, upload a security photograph, and do a lot of the things online that you did in port. If you’ve booked with Princess Cruises, their revolutionary Ocean Medallion technology makes cruising effortless. The most important thing to remember about Alaska is; that it can rain a lot.
Mosquito repellent, wicking layers and quick-drying are a must. Since Alaska experiences long daylight hours in summer, you may be way into the night to watch a sunset. Expect snow on the ground and muddy trails early in the season. So, pack for chilly days with warm layers and mud-proof boots or shoes. On my Alaska cruise on Queen Elizabeth, I was surprised to find almost all men in tuxedos on formal nights.
I’ve experienced two heat waves in Alaska and wore shorts and tank tops daily. Formal WearThough Alaskan cruises are known for their casual atmosphere, it’s always a good idea to have formal wear when packing. Since most cruise lines will provide at least one black-tie dinner or evening event during the trip, having at least one option is always a good idea. Opt for timeless classics such as black trousers and a collared shirt or a simple solid color dress. In my opinion, don’t worry too much about packing those heels… your feet will be under the table anyway!
No comments:
Post a Comment