Alaska Cruise
Cruise Travel Tips: Packing list for an Alaskan cruise
Suggestions on how to pack for all types of Alaskan cruises.
You’ve bought your airline ticket, selected your cruise line, booked your passage and planned your itinerary. There’s only one thing left to do before setting sail on your dream Alaskan cruise—and that is to pack your bags. But what should you bring?
Obviously preparing for an Alaskan cruise is different, and more complicated, than packing for a Caribbean cruise. There are several factors to consider before filling those suitcases. When is your cruise scheduled? What is the length of the cruise? What route will the ship take? Are you planning to explore destinations in depth, or merely observe them from the comfort of the luxury liner?
Knowing your cruise route is important when packing for your trip. There are three routes available—the Inward Passage, Northbound Gulf of Alaska and Southbound Gulf of Alaska routes. Having a basic understanding of Alaskan weather in the spring and summer seasons is also key when choosing what to take and what to leave behind. The cruise season lasts from May to September, and during those months temperatures vary considerably. In the spring the air is still cool, with highs in the 40’s and 50’s during the day, plunging to the 30’s at night. In the northern part of the state the temperatures can dip even more. Moderate weather prevails in the summer. Highs range between the 60’s and 80’s; with lows in the 40’s and 50’s. Many Alaskan cruise lines offer warm weather amenities such as indoor swimming pools and outdoor hot tubs.
In order to accommodate the changes in temperature both indoors and out, it’s important to pack warm outerwear along with cool summer wear, but above all, your clothing should be comfortable. Dress in layers, especially if you plan to spend more than a few minutes on shore. A sturdy jacket or anorak, turtlenecks, flannel shirts, cotton sweaters, khaki pants, jeans, silk thermal underwear, thick socks and rugged hiking boots are must have items, along with a swimsuit, a couple of t-shirts, shorts, and tennis shoes.
There are also occasions on board that require semi-formal or formal dress, yet during these dinners and shows comfort is the fashion rule. Eschew sequins and spaghetti strap gowns, instead choosing silks and brocade dresses with capped, short, or even long sleeves. Most men wear sports jackets during formal occasions, but a tuxedo isn’t out of the question. Also, don’t forget a nice pair of strappy sandals or dress shoes, or you may end up wearing your hiking boots with that expensive evening gown or tux. And since cruises are famous for their delicious and abundant buffets, banquets and feasts, pack a pair or two of elastic-waist pants, in case you over-indulge.
Clothing, while important, isn’t the only thing you should bring with you on your trip. Alaska is a beautiful state with majestic views of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. Cameras are a must, along with lots of film. A good rule of thumb is to calculate how much film you normally use on a regular vacation then double it. Perhaps even triple the amount if you plan to do a lot of exploring. If you have access to a panoramic camera, make sure you bring it along.
Other necessary items you should have on hand include insect repellent--since Alaska is teeming with mosquitoes--an umbrella, rain slicker, sunscreen and sunglasses. You will also need lotion and lip balm, as the wind and fluctuating temperatures can dry out your skin.
Although packing for an Alaskan cruise is a little more involved than packing for other cruises, you will find the extra preparation is well worth it.
You’ve bought your airline ticket, selected your cruise line, booked your passage and planned your itinerary. There’s only one thing left to do before setting sail on your dream Alaskan cruise—and that is to pack your bags. But what should you bring?
Obviously preparing for an Alaskan cruise is different, and more complicated, than packing for a Caribbean cruise. There are several factors to consider before filling those suitcases. When is your cruise scheduled? What is the length of the cruise? What route will the ship take? Are you planning to explore destinations in depth, or merely observe them from the comfort of the luxury liner?
Knowing your cruise route is important when packing for your trip. There are three routes available—the Inward Passage, Northbound Gulf of Alaska and Southbound Gulf of Alaska routes. Having a basic understanding of Alaskan weather in the spring and summer seasons is also key when choosing what to take and what to leave behind. The cruise season lasts from May to September, and during those months temperatures vary considerably. In the spring the air is still cool, with highs in the 40’s and 50’s during the day, plunging to the 30’s at night. In the northern part of the state the temperatures can dip even more. Moderate weather prevails in the summer. Highs range between the 60’s and 80’s; with lows in the 40’s and 50’s. Many Alaskan cruise lines offer warm weather amenities such as indoor swimming pools and outdoor hot tubs.
In order to accommodate the changes in temperature both indoors and out, it’s important to pack warm outerwear along with cool summer wear, but above all, your clothing should be comfortable. Dress in layers, especially if you plan to spend more than a few minutes on shore. A sturdy jacket or anorak, turtlenecks, flannel shirts, cotton sweaters, khaki pants, jeans, silk thermal underwear, thick socks and rugged hiking boots are must have items, along with a swimsuit, a couple of t-shirts, shorts, and tennis shoes.
There are also occasions on board that require semi-formal or formal dress, yet during these dinners and shows comfort is the fashion rule. Eschew sequins and spaghetti strap gowns, instead choosing silks and brocade dresses with capped, short, or even long sleeves. Most men wear sports jackets during formal occasions, but a tuxedo isn’t out of the question. Also, don’t forget a nice pair of strappy sandals or dress shoes, or you may end up wearing your hiking boots with that expensive evening gown or tux. And since cruises are famous for their delicious and abundant buffets, banquets and feasts, pack a pair or two of elastic-waist pants, in case you over-indulge.
Clothing, while important, isn’t the only thing you should bring with you on your trip. Alaska is a beautiful state with majestic views of mountains, glaciers, and wildlife. Cameras are a must, along with lots of film. A good rule of thumb is to calculate how much film you normally use on a regular vacation then double it. Perhaps even triple the amount if you plan to do a lot of exploring. If you have access to a panoramic camera, make sure you bring it along.
Other necessary items you should have on hand include insect repellent--since Alaska is teeming with mosquitoes--an umbrella, rain slicker, sunscreen and sunglasses. You will also need lotion and lip balm, as the wind and fluctuating temperatures can dry out your skin.
Although packing for an Alaskan cruise is a little more involved than packing for other cruises, you will find the extra preparation is well worth it.
Source: essortment.com