Essential Packing Checklist For An Unforgettable Alaskan Cruise In May

Table Of Content

• Base layers
• What are the essential items to pack for a cruise to Alaska in May?
• Are there any specific accessories or gear that are recommended for a cruise to Alaska in May?
• Waterproof Smartphone Bag
• REI Co-op Women’s Trailmade Pants
• Alaska cruise packing list
• Essential Packing Checklist For An Unforgettable Alaskan Cruise In May
• Warm and waterproof layers

As for shoewear, the only rule is that flip flops are never allowed during evenings on the ship. Bringing a swimsuit on your cruise to Alaska might sound unnecessary, but remember, all of our ships have solariums with heated pools, spas, and hot tubs. Bring at least one swimsuit just in case you feel like taking a dip during your vacation. Of course, there are also your prescriptions, basic toiletries, money, credit card(s), travel insurance,  driver’s license or passport, and other important items you always travel with. The Alaska sunshine is very strong and can easily damage your skin. Be sure to pack plenty of sunblock and lip balm, both with a high SPF level.

Base layers

It is important to pack appropriate attire for these occasions. Additionally, some cruise lines may have restrictions on swimwear in public areas or require specific attire for certain activities such as rock climbing or ice skating. You’ll also want a daypack, dry sack, and belt bag for carrying all your necessities on the ship and during trips ashore. Ideally these will be water-repelling, but definitely lightweight and packable.

What are the essential items to pack for a cruise to Alaska in May?

I opted not to bring my hiking poles since we didn’t plan any long hikes but if you KNOW you’re going on a long hike I highly recommend packing them. I packed a basic $2 pair of gloves and a warm hat but never ended up wearing them. Pack thermal layers that can keep you comfortable in temperatures ranging from 30- to 80-degrees Fahrenheit. Outfitters often provide the special gear for Alaska shore excursions, so no need to load your bags with crampons and waders. Before you bust out the suitcase and start throwing stuff in, consider the weather and how it varies. If you’re cruising the Inside Passage and waterways of Southeast Alaska, expect summertime highs between 50 and 60 degrees, with the occasional 70- or 80-degree day.

Are there any specific accessories or gear that are recommended for a cruise to Alaska in May?

It’s great for Alaska because it’s waterproof and windproof, so it’s a no-brainer to wear on glacier hikes, during rain showers, on your balcony, and around the ship. The high collar helps to trap heat around your neck, and it’s designed to fall below your hips, keeping your core insulated for better warmth. There are also two zippered pockets where you can securely store your ship identification, lip balm, or other small items.

Waterproof Smartphone Bag

To make sure your priorities and preferences are met, it is essential to compare these cruise lines and what they offer. Each is unique in its packages, ports, and ambiance, so do your research so you can select the one that best suits your needs. Keep in mind that every port will have ATMs available and many cruise lines also have ATMs onboard, so you don’t need to step on deck with tons of cash. This isn’t a safe idea anyway, so just have enough to get you through the first day or two after you have a chance to see how much spending you and your group are doing on average. Cologne or PerfumeWhether you’re getting dressed up for dinner or want to smell nice during the day, having a signature scent can go a long way in making you feel good. Opt for a travel-size version that’s preferably made of plastic instead of glass so it won’t take up too much space in your suitcase and is unlikely to break.

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REI Co-op Women’s Trailmade Pants

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You’d be surprised how many people choose to eat at the Lido buffet on an Alaska cruise, especially on formal night. Basically, you would pack the same but plan on either sending out a load of laundry on the ship, doing a sink wash or hauling it into a town to a laundromat. These Alaska cruises can also be seven nights with departures northbound from Vancouver and Seattle or southbound from Seward and Whittier, Alaska. A cross-Gulf cruise will give you the time to spend in Alaska’s interior before or after your cruise.

Alaska cruise packing list

When we cruised to Alaska, we found the packing to be a bit challenging. From warm, sunny days in the 70s to cool, rainy days where it doesn’t get out of the 40s, you need to be prepared for just about anything. These are just some of the recommended items for excursions and outdoor activities during an Alaska cruise in May. Be sure to check with your cruise ship or excursion operator for any specific recommendations based on the activities you will be participating in. With the right gear, you'll be well-prepared to enjoy the stunning landscapes and wildlife encounters that Alaska has to offer.

(Want to avoid rain? Here's the best time to cruise Alaska.) Waterproof jackets and shoes or boots, umbrellas and hats will serve you well. Alaska weather can be unpredictable and varies by elevation. You never know when you will want to just stop and take in the beauty of the place. A hammock is easy to pack even if you don’t end up using it.

Warm and waterproof layers

An Alaska cruise is high on many travelers' bucket lists. Illegal drugs and other illegal substances are strictly prohibited on cruise ships. The cruise line staff and security team are trained to detect and handle any suspected illegal activity. If you are found to be carrying illegal drugs or using them on board, you may face legal consequences and could be removed from the ship at the next port of call. Firearms and other weapons are also generally not allowed on cruise ships. This is for the safety and security of all passengers and crew members.

Opt for something lightweight but still warm, such as a wool or fleece beanie. Though it may not seem like an essential item at first glance (especially if you’ll be cruising in the summer months), you’ll be thankful to have one when the chilly evenings set in. Aside from the comfortable and sports clothing you’ll wear during the day and on excursions, you’ll also want to pack dressier attire, too. During dinner in the ship’s main restaurant, cruisers will dress according to Celebrity Cruises’ dress code.

It's really easy to find yourself overpacking for an Alaska cruise because of the wide temperature swings involved in a typical sailing. This portable charger is the one I recommend using (link contains affiliate link that costs you nothing extra). Binoculars may be of interest to you as well, especially if you plan to do any wildlife viewing excursions.

This jacket is light enough to wear on warmer days, but also keeps you dry while you’re out and about. Best of all, if you are a light packer, a good rain jacket can pack up fairly small and not take up a ton of space. When packing for your Alaska cruise, it is a good idea to bring at least two pairs of footwear. One pair should be comfortable and waterproof for walking around the ship and ashore. The second pair can be specifically for hiking or more strenuous activities if you plan on participating in them. Remember to check the specific cruise line's dress code and recommendations before packing for your Alaska cruise.

Alaska can be both cold and sunny on any given day, so this fleece-lined brimmed beanie in a wool knit will certainly see some action on your cruise. I bring two of the large size so, as I mentioned, I can pop my camera into one in case of rain. Coffee or tea in a cruise ship’s coffee mug just doesn’t hold the heat and doesn’t have a lid.

The Ultimate Alaska Cruise Packing List for 2024

Table Of Content

• Warm Hat and Gloves
• Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Explained
• ihuan Waterproof Windproof Winter Gloves
• Miscellaneous Items

A dry bag is great for Alaska because it will keep your belongings safe and dry, even if you get caught in a rainstorm or end up taking a dip in the ocean. This can be your backpack or a smaller dry bag for your phone and camera. When going hiking or outside on the cruise, you must have a lot of stuff with you.

Warm Hat and Gloves

For a cruise to Alaska in May, it's important to pack clothing that can be layered. The weather in Alaska can be quite unpredictable, so you'll want to be prepared for a range of temperatures. It's recommended to bring items such as a waterproof jacket, sweater or fleece, long-sleeve shirts, and comfortable pants or jeans.

Royal Caribbean Drink Packages Explained

Yes, you will be visiting some places where the weather might be chillier than back home, but you will not encounter truly Arctic conditions. Away from the viewing sites of magnificent glaciers and icefields that brought you to Alaska, you might even encounter weather suitable for shorts and T-shirts. If you are going when the sun never sets, plan on bringing an eye mask to sleep with. I use this 1 times out of 10 but it is one of those things that when you don’t have it you will need it. I also brought a light puffer coat that could fit under my raincoat if I needed more warmth. In the land of the midnight sun, we experience between 16 and 24 hours of daylight throughout the summer, and it can make falling asleep a challenge.

ihuan Waterproof Windproof Winter Gloves

SnacksNo matter where you’re traveling, snacks are always a good idea. Women can wear a smart dress, skirt, pants, or jeans with a casual top, and men can dress in pants or jeans with a short-sleeve sport shirt. For Alaska’s cooler nights and mornings, you’ll want to have a sweater, cardigan, or fleece on hand to keep you warm. It’s lightweight fleece designed to keep you warm in cool weather. The Torrentshell Jacket from Patagonia is a great all-around raincoat and a light jacket.

Warm and waterproof layers

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The women’s version comes in seven colors ranging from basic to bright, and the six men’s variations include solids and two tones. Lisa Syme, Vice President of Alaska Product Management at Princess Cruises, adds that it can also be warm one day and rainy the next. On formal nights in the main dining room or an upscale specialty restaurant, men can pair dark pants with a sport coat, shirt and and maybe a tie.

Base layers

Seas in Alaska are choppiest on Gulf of Alaska itineraries where waters are open. Alternatively, Inside Passage cruises in Alaska tend to be calmer as the waters are protected. Almost all Gulf of Alaska cruises visit to Hubbard Glacier and spend some time scenic cruising in College Fjord.

Must-Have Alaskan Cruise Tips, Tricks, and Secrets

Layering your clothing and combining various outerwear options will allow you to adjust according to the weather conditions and activities. Sometimes packing for a cruise isn’t just about what to bring, but also what not to bring. On the ship there are a number of rules about what you can’t bring, and there are also a number of things that you don’t need because the ship provides them already. Know those $2 plastic rain ponchos that come in a little pouch?

Miscellaneous Items

If you already have a camera, think about bringing a zoom lens. To capture close-up images of the glaciers, wildlife foraging along the shore and on and on. If you don’t have a camera or the one you have is really old, this cruise is a good time to invest in a new one.

Packing Checklist for an Alaska Cruise

Don’t think you have to pack all of these items, but those that catch your interest should be brought along. Clothing will make up the bulk of what you’ll bring on a cruise, and rightly so. With so many different scenarios to dress for when sailing to Alaska, just know that you’re going to want a little of everything. Remember, you can’t easily run out for something you forgot to pack, so having a full checklist to serve as a reminder of what to bring on an Alaska cruise is ideal. That’s why we’ve put together a printable list to help you plan. It has everything you need to consider bringing, all put into easy sections.

Their wool is softer and thinner, making it easier to regulate body temperature and keep your tootsies warm. The fibers also magically wick away sweat and moisture, keeping your feet not only dry but less likely to smell like you were walking around all day. I’m positive that the majestic, untamed beauty of Alaska will fill you with wonder and awe quite unlike any place you’ve been before. Here is a list of how to fill your suitcase so you can spend every last moment soaking up the memories — and not the weather — of your Alaska cruise. I usually sleep with the stateroom bathroom light on and the door closed. Just enough light is emitted around the crack under the door.

To help you remember everything, I’ve created these printable Alaska cruise packing lists. Together these packing lists include everything on this list, plus a few other items that you might want to bring. The month you sail can have a huge impact on what you need to pack as well. For cruises in June, July, and August, you may want to pack more short sleeve shirts than in May or September. And while wool socks and warm hats are recommended at any time of the year, it’s especially important to pack warm layers in the very beginning or end of the Alaska cruise season.

For both men and women, I recommend packing hiking pants with stretch and weather-resistant fabric. These from Coalatree will be comfortable to wear, weather-resistant, and are ideal for exploring Alaska’s many trails. As a result, you won’t have to be concerned about the rainy season. Along with clothing, packing the right accessories can enhance your experience. Sun protection, a daypack, binoculars, and a camera or smartphone are essential items to capture the beauty of Alaska. Essential toiletries and medications should also be included, and electronics like e-readers or tablets and portable speakers can provide entertainment and convenience during your cruise.

A puffer or fleece vest is a small item of clothing that can make a big difference in keeping you warm and cozy during your cruise. You should pack enough undergarments for the entire Alaska cruise, plus a few extras just in case. For women, I recommend packing seamless underwear and sports bras made from natural fibers like cotton or bamboo. For men,  cotton boxers or boxer briefs will be comfortable to wear and will help keep you cool and dry throughout your Alaska cruise. For cooler weather, a good base layer made from wool or synthetic fabric will help keep you warm.

Most people know that they need to pack some pants and warm clothes when they head to Alaska, so for the most part we’ve focused the list above on those items that aren’t as well-known. And while we’ve mentioned bringing a camera, you might also want to pack a monopod. This simple pod screws onto your camera to give you a firm base for shooting pictures, helping you avoid any blurry photos.