Essential Alaska Packing List for Summer Trips

Embarking on a summer cruise to Alaska is an adventure filled with breathtaking landscapes, wildlife sightings, and unique excursions. However, packing for this journey can be a bit tricky due to the variable weather conditions and diverse activities you'll encounter. To ensure you're well-prepared for everything from chilly glacier views to warm, sunny hikes, I've compiled an ultimate Alaska cruise packing list. This guide will help you pack smartly, so you can focus on enjoying the stunning scenery and making unforgettable memories.

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Summer Alaska Cruise Packing List to Prepare You

We cruised on the Carnival Luminosa for an Alaskan cruise for 35 days in July 2023 and the first part of August on a five-week back-to-back cruise. This was my first time to Alaska, and I did find several surprising Alaskan cruise packing items I didn't think to pack.

Sunglasses

On an Alaskan cruise, you can expect some foggy mornings. I was surprised that sunglasses were needed on the foggy days. We had some foggy days at sea when we could barely see the water. Even though it was so foggy out, it was super bright.

Another reason to bring sunglasses is to view icebergs and glaciers. The sun reflecting off the icebergs and glaciers created a brilliantly bright morning where sunglasses were essential. If you're planning a glacier excursion, sunglasses are a must. Although my glacier excursion was canceled, I would have been grateful to have my sunglasses if I had been able to go.

Sunscreen

This may not surprise you if you're thinking, "Well, it's July and August, so of course you need sunscreen." But if you're like me and associate Alaska with icebergs, glaciers, and cold weather, sunscreen might not come to mind. I checked the weather before my trip, and it ranged from the mid-50s to mid-70s. The summer sun can be quite intense, especially in July, with temperatures sometimes reaching the upper 70s to low 80s. We experienced a few days in Juneau and Skagway that hit the low 80s.

In the summer months, Alaska has long daylight hours. At the end of June, Juneau sees 18 to 19 hours of daylight. In July, there's still about 18 hours of sunlight, gradually decreasing to around 15 to 16 hours by the end of July and early August. That's a lot of sunlight, so it's crucial to protect your skin with sunscreen.

Mosquito Repellent

Oh, my goodness, another item I wish I had brought! When thinking of Alaska, I imagined cold weather and didn't consider bugs and mosquitoes in July and August. We attempted a hike in Juneau in July, and the mosquitoes were terrible; I think the flies were biting too.

We had to cut our hike short on our fourth day in Juneau due to the bugs. We saw some beautiful sights on the way up, but we couldn't continue through the woods. Another excursion, a visit to Liarsville, was also uncomfortable because of the mosquitoes.

Don't make the same mistake I did—bring mosquito repellent to enjoy your Alaskan cruise without the hassle of bugs.

Gloves

This might seem obvious, but I was unprepared. Despite knowing the weather would be in the mid-50s to mid-70s, I didn't pack gloves. Every Monday morning, from 6:30 to 7:00 am, we watched the icebergs as we went through the fjord. Taking pictures and holding binoculars made my fingers cold. Next time, I'm bringing tech gloves so I can still use my phone and camera comfortably.

Gloves are also essential for glacier excursions. Don't forget to pack them, even in the summer months.

Sleeping Mask

Given the long daylight hours in Alaska during summer, a sleeping mask helped me sleep if I went to bed before midnight or wanted to sleep past 4:00 am. The sun could still be seen at midnight, and it would rise again at 4:00 am. It's hard to maintain a sleep schedule with the extended daylight, so a sleeping mask can be very helpful.

Swimsuit

Swimming might not be the first thing you think of on an Alaskan cruise, especially if you're traveling in early spring or late fall. While I didn't swim in Alaska, I was glad I brought my swimsuit for the heated pools and enclosed swimming areas on the cruise ship. The lido deck was always a comfortable 80 degrees, and the pools were often empty, providing a great opportunity to swim.

Shorts and Flip Flops

Yes, shorts and flip-flops in Alaska! I didn't expect to need them, but after flying to Vegas before heading to Seattle for the cruise, I packed them anyway. The temperatures in Juneau and Skagway occasionally reached the low 80s, and I was glad to have my shorts and flip-flops for those warmer days. Despite expecting to be comfortable in jeans, the warm weather made me appreciate having lighter clothing options.

Packing Essentials for Alaska

• Binoculars - Used them every day.

• Camera - Don't forget your SD card.

• Rain gear/Raincoat or umbrella - August and September are the rainiest months.

• Hiking Pants - Very comfortable, and some tour guides wore the same ones.

• Hiking Shoes - Sturdy and comfortable.

• Sling Backpack - Convenient for excursions.

I had all these items with me and was thankful for them. My binoculars were cheap but did the job. If you forget yours, they sell some on the cruise ship. I recommend a pair of binoculars with a good zoom. Additionally, my hiking pants and shoes were comfortable and waterproof, essential for the occasional rain.

Pack in Layers!

I know you have heard it before, but you want to make sure you are packing in layers.

Alaska weather can go from chilly in the morning, cool and drizzly in the afternoon, to a brisk evening air.

So, be sure you have the following items as well:

• Jeans and/or lightweight pants (I wore my hiking pants around the ports and on shore excursions, but jeans in the evenings around the ship).

• T-Shirts (4-5) (I also recommend a lightweight long-sleeved shirt if you are not one for layering).

• 1 to 2 Sweatshirts or sweaters for the evening. I got a super cute Juneau sweatshirt in the town.

• Socks (warm thick socks for glacier excursions)

• Sneakers (waterproof) or even a hiking boot. I only wore hiking tennis shoes, and they were great for both the port and walking around the ship.

• Hat (I didn't wear a hat, but as you see my hubby did and I probably should have to keep the sun off my face and my cruise hair under control).

• Jacket (I know I have already said this, but make sure you have a good water-resistant jacket). This is the travel jacket my hubby brought; took up no space at all when packing).

Women's Joggers Lightweight Hiking Pants Zipper Pockets

Men's Ankle High Waterproof Hiking Boots Lightweight Shoes

20X50 Binoculars for Adults High Powered Waterproof Binoculars

Cruise Packing Essentials

Motion Sickness Medication

Motion sickness patches are essential for me. Dramamine also works well for any motion sickness. Even though the Inside Passage is typically calm, rough seas can still occur, especially in open waters. Using a patch can help prevent dizziness, nausea, and vomiting, ensuring you enjoy the stunning scenery and wildlife without discomfort. Whether you're prone to seasickness or just want peace of mind, having a patch on hand can make your cruise more enjoyable and stress-free.

First Aid Kit

You can make your own first aid kit with essentials or buy a travel kit. With various outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking, and wildlife excursions, minor injuries or health issues can arise. Having a first aid kit on hand ensures you're prepared to treat cuts, scrapes, blisters, or minor illnesses quickly.

Waterproof Phone Case

A waterproof phone case is a must-have for an Alaskan cruise. Whether you're exploring glaciers, kayaking, or encountering rain, a waterproof case will protect your phone from water damage. It allows you to capture stunning photos and videos of Alaska's breathtaking scenery without worrying about your device getting wet.

Charger Block

Surge protectors are prohibited on cruise ships. While some cruise lines allow you to bring a power strip, it’s best to pack a charger block with no cord.

Update: Royal Caribbean does not allow multi charger blocks. However, I have been informed you can bring multi-USB charger blocks. Please let me know if you have heard differently.

For More Packing essentials for any cruise, be sure to check out the Ultimate Cruise Packing List.

Alaska is a bucket-list destination for many, so don't just throw things into your bag and hope for the best, as I did. You'll likely forget something important. I've created a packing list you can download for free to help you plan and organize your trip.

Don't forget to check out YouTube for all my Alaskan cruise vlogs.