Packing for an Alaska cruise can be a bit daunting. After all, if you have never been to the region, you probably have images of igloos and snowstorms in your head.
The first thing to realize is that Alaska is not all snow and ice. In fact, much of the area your cruise will be passing through will be lush temperate rainforest.
It is bound to be cool for much of your trip – temperatures average around a comfortable 60 degrees Fahrenheit (17 Celsius) for much of the summer in many of the state's coastal regions.
However, as it is a rainforest, you can expect that you will get some rain on your cruise, so whatever you do, make sure to pack rain gear.
In addition, there are several items that you simply must pack for your Alaska cruise, including the following:
One or two sweaters or sweatshirts
A pair of binoculars
A pair or two of jeans or other rugged long pants
Warm socks
Gloves and possibly a cap
Sneakers or other slip-resistant shoes
Sun block
Rain gear!
While it can be comfortably warm in Alaska in the summer - up to 70 on the coast (21 Celsius) – it can also be cool and cloudy, especially in the fjords where the glacier viewing is best.
I also pack a swim suit or shorts. Don’t forget, the ship will almost certainly have indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs.
Also, if you are planning a pre or post cruise tour of the interior of the state, it tends to be sunnier and warmer inland (even up north in Fairbanks). In fact, it can get up to the high 80’s, with average temperatures of 70 (21 Celsius).
So if you are touring the interior, you will definitely want to pack the short sleeve shirts and most likely shorts too.
Expect to spend some time out on the deck – often a couple of hours – viewing the glaciers and the amazing scenery of these fjords.
If it’s anything but sunny, you will want to dress in layers, and you will really appreciate the cap and gloves. It is an utter shame to have to stay inside because you have under packed and miss the utterly breathtaking scenery.
So when packing for an Alaska cruise, remember: bring rain gear, and be prepared to dress in layers!
