We cruised on the Carnival Luminosa for an Alaskan cruise. We cruised for 35 days in July and the first part of August on a five-week back-to-back cruise. This was my first time on a cruise ship for a month and my first time in Alaska, and I did find several surprising Alaskan cruise things to pack. This post contains affiliate links to items I used on my Alaskan cruise. I never promote an affiliate link to an item I have not used or loved. In this post, I will share 7 Surprising Alaskan Cruise Packing List Items. Sunglasses It was surprising for me to note that sunglasses should be essential on my Alaskan packing list, especially when cruising in July and August. Well, what surprised me was 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 vie icebergs and glaciers. We went through Tracy Arm Fjord every Monday, and we were out bright and early looking at the icebergs as we approached the glacier. The sun reflecting off the icebergs and the glaciers made for a really bright morning that definitely needed sunglasses. If you plan on doing a glacier excursion, you will definitely want sunglasses. Unfortunately, my glacier excursion was canceled, but I would have been thankful to have my sunglasses if I could go. Sunscreen This may not surprise you if you are thinking, well, it's July and August, and of course, you need sunscreen, but if you are like me and think of icebergs, glaciers, and anything cold when thinking of Alaska, you may not be thinking of sunscreen. I checked the weather before going, and it was anywhere from the mid-50s to mid-70s. Now, the sun can be pretty harsh in the summer, especially in July, and expect to see some upper 70s to low 80s sometimes. We did have a few days in Juneau and Skagway that reached the low 80s. The days are longer in Alaska in the summer months. The end of June in Juneau will have some of the longest days, with 18 to 19 hours of daylight. Going into July, you will still have 18 hours of sunlight, then it will go down to around 15 to 16 hours toward the end of July and the first of August. That is still a lot of sunlight hours. So, you definitely want to make sure you are protecting your skin and wearing sunscreen. Mosquito Repellent Oh, my goodness, another item I didn't bring and wish I had. Once again, when thinking of Alaska, I was thinking of the cold things and not even thinking about bugs and mosquitoes being a thing in July and August. We tried to take a hike in Juneau in July, and just wow, the mosquitoes were awful, and I am pretty sure the flies were biting, too. I spoke to our naturalist on the cruise ship, and first, let me just say that Emily, the naturalist, is amazing and full of so much information. I told her about the mosquitoes, and she said they can be pretty aggressive. We just could not do the hiking trip we set out to do on our 4th Juneau day in Alaska. We did get to see some gorgeous sites on the way up, but we just weren't going to make it through the woods. Also, we had an excursion in Skagway, the White Pass train, coupled with a visit to Liarsville, and it was a little miserable in Liarsville as it was smack in the middle of the woods. Sadly, I couldn't wait to get back on the bus and get out of there. So, don't be miserable on your Alaskan cruise in the summer; be sure to bring mosquito repellent. Gloves Well, once again, this might seem like a no-brainer when packing for Alaska. I think my mind was just all over the place when packing. I definitely was not prepared or organized when packing for this trip. I looked at the weather and saw that it was in the mid-50s to mid-70s the entire time, and I didn't think that warranted needing gloves. I was wrong! We were out early from 6:30 to 7:00am every Monday morning to watch the icebergs as we went through the fjord, and taking pics and holding the binoculars made my fingers cold. I did tell myself if I get to come back, I am not just bringing gloves, I am bringing tech gloves so I can still access my phone and camera while viewing the gorgeous sites. Plus, apparently, if I had gotten to go on my glacier excursion, I would have definitely needed them then. So, don't forget to bring gloves even if you are cruising in the summer months. Sleeping Mask Okay, okay, this isn't really a surprising factor as much as it is preference. Remember I mentioned how much sunlight you can get in the summer months of Alaska. Well, a sleeping mask helped me if I was trying to go to bed before midnight or if I wanted to sleep past 4:00 a.m. Yep, you read that right. There were some nights that the sun sat at 11:00 p.m., but you could still see the glow of the sun in the sky at midnight, and then the sun started coming up at 4:00 a.m. It is really hard to get on a sleep schedule while cruising in Alaska since 10:00 p.m. at night can easily feel like 7:00 p.m. Now, if you don't care about the sleep schedule and what time it is because you are on vacation, then totally skip past this one. Bathing Suit When on an Alaskan cruise, swimming might not be the first thing on your mind, especially if you are cruising in the early part of the season of March and April or the later part of September and October. I didn't do any swimming in Alaska, but I did swim while on the cruise ship and was happy I brought my swimsuit. Many cruise ships, such as the Carnival Luminosa, have not only heated swimming pools but also enclosed swimming areas. It was always a comfortable 80 degrees on the lido deck. The pools were always empty, so that was definitely a plus to have the chance to enjoy. I also was happy I brought my swimsuit so I could enjoy the aromatherapy spa pool in the Cloud 9 Spa area. Shorts and Flip Flops Yep, shorts and flip-flops in Alaska. I am so glad I had these with me. I definitely did not think I would need shorts and flip-flops. After reviewing the weather, I thought even if it got to the mid-70s, I would still be comfortable in my jeans. Well, I did wear my jeans most days, but on those days, the weather reached the low 80s in Juneau and Skagway, I was happy I just so happened to fly to Vegas before flying to Seattle to port out. Obviously, I am bringing shorts and flip-flops to Vegas. It was 115 degrees there on the first of July, but I didn't think I would need my shorts while in Alaska. In fact, in some of my vlogs, I started mentioning I wish I had worn my shorts and that it was pretty warm walking around the port. 6 Things You Don't Want to Forget Binoculars - Used them every day. Camera - Don't be like me and forget your SD card Rain gear/ Raincoat or umbrella - August and September are the rainiest months. Hiking Pants - I loved these pants. Some of the tour guides even wore the same ones. Hiking Shoes - Very comfortable, and you need sturdy shoes. Sling Backpack- My hubby carried it, but he loved it, especially on excursion days. I did have all 5 of these things with me, and I realized how much they were needed, and I was thankful I had them all. I do wish I had bought a better pair of binoculars, but my cheap ones got the job done. If you forget yours, they do sell some on the cruise ship. I wore my hiking pants even when I wasn't hiking, and my hiking tennis shoes were comfortable, waterproof, and nice to have when it rained. Alaska is a bucket list destination for many people, so don't do what I did. Just throw a bunch of stuff in your bag, and I hope you got it all. You will more than likely forget something or several things like I did. I have a packing list here that 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.

6 Things to Know if you are caught in a hurricane on your cruise. Hurricane and tropical storm season months are June through November. Cruising is fun and a great way to travel, but it is important to stay informed when cruising during storm season. Cruising during hurricane season can be a bit tricky. The good news is cruise ships are designed to handle rough seas and storms, and your crew members are trained to ensure the safety of all passengers. Watching the weather and choosing not to book during the stormy season or purchasing travel insurance just in case you feel you will be caught in rough seas and don't want to chance it are great ways to prevent being caught in a hurricane on a cruise ship. However, if you are caught in a hurricane or heavy tropical storm weather, here are 6 tips to help you stay safe and comfortable. #1 - Stay Informed Listen to the captain and crew announcements and pay attention to any updates about the storm's progress. This will help you to make informed decisions about what to do next. Listen for any changes in safety measures provided or any changes to the itinerary. If the seas are too rough, the captain might call to divert the ship to another port location or cancel port day altogether, giving you another sea day. Remember that storms can disrupt schedules and cause delays. Be patient and trust the crew's expertise in safely navigating the storm. If you booked an excursion through your cruise line, check with guest services for a refund for any excursions canceled due to weather-related issues. #2 - Stay in Your Cabin In the event of a hurricane or rough seas, it's best to stay in your cabin. The ship's interior is designed to withstand strong winds and waves, and you're safer there than on the deck. High winds and rough seas can be extremely dangerous.  During high winds, cruise lines will usually rope off areas on the top decks or doors leading to outer areas for your safety. Use handrails to maintain your balance if you need to move about the ship. Elevators may be temporarily unavailable due to the rough conditions, so be prepared to use stairs. #3 - Secure Your Belongings Make sure all loose items in your cabin are secured or stored away. This will help prevent them from becoming dangerous projectiles in the event of high winds. Close and lock balcony doors, windows, and curtains to prevent water and debris from entering your cabin. #4 - Stay Hydrated Hurricanes and rough seas can cause seasickness, so staying hydrated is important. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol and caffeine. Crew members usually place vomit bags around the ship during rough seas, such as in stairwells and restrooms. If you need anything for your room, your steward can bring some. #5 - Follow Crew Instructions The crew is trained to handle emergencies, so following their instructions is important. They will tell you what to do in the event of an emergency.  Keep your mobile phone charged and connect to the ship's communication channels for updates and instructions. *Note- This is also why attending your muster station before sailing away is important and mandatory. Your crew members will give you a rundown of what to expect if an emergency situation were to occur. #6 - Stay Calm Most importantly, stay calm. Panicking will only make the situation worse. Remember that the captain and crew are doing everything possible to keep you safe. Have you cruised in a tropical storm or hurricane? I have cruised in a tropical storm and lost one of the ports on my itinerary as the captain diverted from the heavy waves. If this happens to you, you will get your port fees back and a chance to either gain a new port or an extra sea day. Check out my YouTube channel for more cruising tips and fun.

The Caribbean is a very popular cruising destination for many cruise lines. If you are headed to the Western Caribbean, chances are Cozumel is on your itinerary. In this post, I will share with you Cozumel's popular excursions you won't want to miss. 3 Popular Shore Excursions in Cozumel Plus, something you will want to avoid when visiting Cozumel. Mr. Sanchos Beach Mr. Sanchos Beach is a very popular destination when visiting Cozumel. If you have done any research looking for what to do in Cozumel, you probably saw Mr. Sanchos pop up. I found Mr. Sanchos offered through a couple of private entities, but definitely check with your cruise line to see if Mr. Sanchos is available to book through your cruise line. Book with caution if you book through a private group. * See my 'what to avoid' later in this post. Mr. Sanchos is pretty inexpensive, coming in at around $60 per person (prices are subject to change). When visiting the beach club, you will get the chance to enjoy different activities offered, food, and lots of drinks. They will keep you full of drinks, for sure! I also found that Mr. Sanchos offers an all-inclusive romantic day pass, including a cabana on a private section of the beach. This package comes in around the $250 mark. Standup Paddle Board and Snorkeling Adventure I found this particular package on Carnival cruise lines. Still, snorkeling and paddleboarding in the Caribbean are very popular activities, and I found similar shore excursions offered through Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. You can definitely find snorkeling of some kind on any cruise line! Pricing varies by cruise line, such as if you choose to book a package to do multiple activities or separate activities. This particular package offered by Carnival is around $60 per person. It is an activity level of difficulty due to the trickiness of staying on your paddle board. I always fall off! It's a lot of fun, but you need balance. Tulum Ruins Another popular destination in Mexico is visiting the Mayan ruins. I have not had a chance to do this myself, so it is on the top of my list when I return. You can find the Tulum Mayan Ruins excursions on any cruise line. In fact, I found it on Carnival and Royal Caribbean. Carnival offers the Tulum Ruins excursion with the Cenote. It is recommended to wear slip-resistant shoes when walking through the Cenote. You do get a chance to relax and swim while there. Time from Cozumel is approximately a 45-minute ferry ride. I like this idea. For me, I would much rather be on a boat headed to my excursion than a bus for sure. Always double-check the time it takes to get to times to your excursion, as this will take away from the overall duration of the excursion. I like to pick excursions less than an hour from the port. The ferry ride can heighten that sensitivity if you are prone to motion sickness. Be sure you are taking precautions when riding the ferry so it doesn't ruin your day at port. What to Avoid Arriving at the ship late! You don't want to arrive late. You can avoid this by booking excursions through your cruise line. Now, I know I mentioned private shore excursions, and there is nothing wrong with that, but you should always be aware of the ship's time. The ship does not have to wait for you! Don't be a pier runner! I see this EVERY time I visit Cozumel. If you are booking your first trip to Cozumel, stand out on the ship's deck and watch for late arrivals. I am sure you will see one or two pier runners. Be sure to visit my YouTube channel for more fun in Mexico.

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TPs Travels I haven't been everywhere yet, but it's on my list. Hi! I'm Tiffany. I am a travel enthusiast, living my dream traveling while working remotely . It's not always easy, and I am still learning a lot of tricks of the trade. I left my teaching job to have more flexibility with my life. I typically cruise 120 days a year.​ ​ Whether you need some traveling inspiration or seeking guidance on booking your first travel destination, you've come to the right place! Learn More Check Out Where I've Been From sailing through the Caribbean to embarking on my long-awaited bucket list voyage to Alaska and Greenland, there's a wealth of experiences I'm eager to share with you! These stunning destinations hold a special place at the top of my travel list. ​ ​ ​ My Cruising Tips Back-to-Back Cruising: 5 Reasons Your Next Cruise Should be a Back-to-Back Cruise Top Five Essential Must-Haves for Your Next Cruise Having spent 120 days a year cruising, I've picked up some valuable tips to enhance my future adventures. 6 days ago Costa Maya: Best Shore Excursions Close by the Port Feb 17 Popular Shore Excursions in Yucatan, Mexico Pros and Cons Cruising does come with its challenges when you still have to work. Check out my pros and cons of working remotely on a cruise ship. Got Travel Ideas Suggestions Share your suggestions for travel destinations, shore excursions, and activities you're eager to explore further!

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