Planning an Alaskan cruise? Whether it’s your first time sailing through the glaciers or you’re a seasoned adventurer, packing the right gear is key. Alaskan weather is famously unpredictable—sunny one minute, drizzly the next, with chilly winds always around the corner.
Here are 20 essentials—from budget-friendly to splurge-worthy—that you must bring on your Alaskan cruise. All are available on Amazon, and you can grab them with one click. (Affiliate links included—thank you for supporting the blog!)
🧥 1. Waterproof Jacket (with Hood)
A lightweight, waterproof, windproof jacket keeps you dry on deck or during excursions.
Recommended: Columbia Women’s Arcadia II, Men’s Watertight II Jacket
🧤 2. Touchscreen Gloves
Keep your fingers warm while snapping photos with your phone.
Recommended: OZERO Thermal Touchscreen Gloves
👟 3. Waterproof Hiking Shoes or Boots
Perfect for muddy trails and rainy excursions.
Recommended: Merrell Mens Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe / Merrell Women’s Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe
🧦 4. Wool or Thermal Socks
Dry feet = happy feet. Don’t forget the wool socks.
Recommended: Darn Tough Merino Wool Socks
🎒 5. Daypack or Waterproof Backpack
Carry your essentials comfortably on every excursion.
Recommended: Venture Pal 40L Lightweight Daypack
📷 6. Binoculars
Enhance wildlife sightings from the ship or shore.
Recommended: Nikon Trailblazer 10×25 Binoculars
☕ 7. Reusable Travel Mug
Enjoy hot drinks on chilly decks.
Recommended: Contigo Autoseal West Loop Travel Mug
🧴 8. Sunscreen
Yes, even in Alaska! Glare from snow and water can burn.
Recommended: Neutrogena Ultra Sheer SPF 45
🧢 9. Warm Hat or Beanie
Don’t underestimate the Alaskan wind!
Recommended: Carhartt Acrylic Watch Hat
🕶️ 10. Polarized Sunglasses
Protect your eyes from sun glare off water and ice.
Recommended: MERRY’S Rectangular Polarized Sports Sunglasses
📚 11. Alaska Travel Guidebook
Learn more about excursions, ports, and wildlife.
Recommended: Fodor’s Alaska (2025 Edition)
🔌 12. Cruise Power Strip (Non-Surge)
Most cabins have limited outlets—this solves that problem.
Recommended: Cruise On Power Strip with USB
📸 13. GoPro or Travel Camera
Capture every moment—especially in motion!
Recommended: GoPro HERO12 Black
🧳 14. Packing Cubes
Keep clothing and layers organized throughout your trip.
Recommended: BAGAIL Packing Cubes (Set of 6)
🧲 15. Magnetic Hooks
Most cruise cabin walls and ceilings are metal—magnetic hooks are perfect for adding extra hanging space for jackets, hats, swimsuits, and more.
Recommended: Heavy Duty Magnetic Hooks (Pack of 10)
🎧 16. Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Relax in peace or tune out engine noise at night.
Recommended: Amazon Echo Noise Cancelling Earbuds
🛏️ 17. Travel Blanket or Pillow
Perfect for napping in your cabin or on a scenic deck.
Recommended: EverSnug Travel Blanket & Pillow
📱 18. Portable Charger
Keep your phone or camera juiced during long excursions.
Recommended: Anker PowerCore 10000
🧥 19. Packable Down Vest (Men & Women)
A lightweight down vest adds serious warmth without bulk. Ideal for layering over a long sleeve or under a jacket during chilly mornings on deck or glacier excursions.
Recommended: Amazon Essentials Packable Down Vest (Men’s) / Recommended: Amazon Essentials Packable Down Vest (Women’s)
Recommended: Or Check out THIS Hooded Puffer Vest: Outdoor Adventures Packable Hooded Puffer Vest Recommended: Amazon Essentials Packable Down Vest (Women’s)📸 20. Photo Album or Memory Storage for Preserving the Trip
Your cruise will be filled with once-in-a-lifetime moments, and preserving them is one of the most underrated (and forgotten)travel tasks! Be sure to save and share them—whether you prefer printing your favorite shots or viewing them digitally for years to come.
Recommended (Physical): Leather Cruise Photo Album
Recommended (Digital): Skylight Digital Photo Frame
🚢 Final Cruise Packing Tips
- Layering is key – think base layers, mid-layers, and waterproof outerwear.
- Don’t overpack – leave room for souvenirs and shopping.
- Check cruise line dress codes for formal nights or theme events.
Pack smart, cruise smooth, and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime in Alaska! ❄️
Leave a Reply