Packing for an Alaska cruise is all about layers, practicality and prepping for rapidly changing weather. After two Alaska sailings, the writer shares a realistic packing strategy that prioritizes warmth, comfort and versatility over formalwear, plus a tried-and-tested list of essentials to help travelers stay comfortable on and off the ship.
Highlights
- Pack for changing conditions, not the forecast. Alaska weather can swing from sunny and mild to cold and rainy in a single day, making layers and adaptable clothing essential.
- Skip the formalwear. Most Alaska cruises are casual. Neutral pants, sweaters and a few versatile dressier pieces are all you’ll need.
- Don’t forget the practical extras. Binoculars, a day pack, portable charger, merino wool socks, motion-sickness remedies and a reusable water bottle can make a big difference in comfort and enjoyment during wildlife viewing and shore excursions.
Editor’s note: The writer was hosted.
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I’ve been on two Alaska cruises, and yes, the scenery really is every bit as swoony as people promise. But while everyone talks about glaciers, whales, and postcard views, not enough people talk about building a realistic Alaska cruise packing list.
Alaska is one of those trips where what’s in your suitcase can shape your entire experience.
Pack badly and you’ll spend the week too cold, too warm or wishing you had better options than the limited (see also: expensive) onboard shops or port stops.
Summer weather can swing fast. It’s sunny enough for shorts one day, puffer-jacket weather the next. And sailing in May or June can feel very different from cruising in September.
After two Alaska cruises, including one where I definitely didn’t get it just right, I’ve learned what earns valuable suitcase space and what can stay home.
My Alaska Cruise Packing Strategy
Less is more. Say it with me. You don’t need as much as you think you’re going to need.
If you’ve been on cruises before and relish dress-up nights, you can certainly bring an element of style to an Alaska cruise but overall, you’ll find things are much less formal.
I’m not saying you’ll be out of place in a ball gown, but you’ll see more slacks and sweaters than you will sequins.
Think Function and Warmth Over Fashion
You can wear outer layers more than once on a cruise. I packed two nice sweaters, a hoodie and a cardigan and rotated them throughout my seven-night cruise on the Celebrity Solstice. I wore casual pants or jeans in the dining room and fit in perfectly with the other diners.
The most dressed up I got was dressier slacks and a satin blouse and I honestly would have been fine leaving that outfit at home.
Check the Weather (But Don’t Trust the Forecast)
Most Alaska cruises are seven nights or longer, so it’s hard to completely predict the weather.
Layers are important
If You Forget Something
There’s an element of remoteness to an Alaska cruise, but if you forget something or aren’t ready for the weather, you’re not completely out of luck.
The shops on board the ship will sell apparel, as will the shops in the port.
You’ll pay too much and have limited choices, so be ready for your new duds to display the cruise line’s logo or forever love your sweatshirt with “Ketchikan” in giant letters across the chest.
Steal My Alaska Cruise Packing List
My recent sailing on Celebrity Solstice was my second Alaska cruise and I had everything I needed and not much in the “I wish I hadn’t packed that” department. It bears repeating: unless you’re a super dress-up person, you won’t need your evening wear.
Packable Puffer Jacket
Although layers matter more than a hefty outer garment, I’m glad I had this packable puffer on my early-season trip to Alaska on the Celebrity Solstice.
I didn’t bring a heavy outer layer on my first trip to Alaska, which was later in the summer, but I made the last-minute decision to grab this from Amazon, and it was a winning decision.
Waterproof Rain Jacket/Shell
You’ll need a waterproof layer in Alaska so don’t leave this off your Alaska cruise packing list. I’ve taken this Columbia parka with me all over the world and it provides a little extra warmth in addition to keeping the rain off.
I love how long it is – it provides some coverage over the bottom, which helps keep you dry.
These disposable ponchos can come in handy if you get caught in a real downpour. I firmly believe that carrying these can ward off a thunderstorm.
Insulated Vest
If your core is warm, it’s pretty easy to stay comfortable. I wore this insulated vest as a midlayer for most of the cruise.
I run cold, so it was typically base layer and sweater with the vest on top and my puffer coat/waterproof jacket as needed.
Two Sweaters
I took two wool sweaters and rotated them throughout the cruise.
Sweaters take up a lot of room in your bag, so resist the temptation to overpack.
I also packed a thin hoodie that served as my gym hoodie and my “throw on over my loungewear to leave the room for coffee” outer layer.
One Pair of Cargo Leggings
I have several pairs of these Athleta cargo leggings and they’re great for adventure travel. They’re thicker than regular leggings and fit more like slim pants than leggings. The zippered pockets hold my passport and other small essentials and can eliminate the need for a bag.
Two Pairs of Casual Pants
Two neutral-toned pairs of pants that went with all of my tops and were nice enough for the dining room at dinner.
One Pair of Dress Pants
I brought one pair of dressier slacks – the Spanx Perfect Fit wide-leg pant. They’re easy to pack and versatile. And yes, these are on the pricey side for dress pants/work pants. These are 100 percent worth the money.
Two Dressier Tops
I brought one silk button-down blouse and a short-sleeved thin cashmere pullover. I paired both with my Spanx Perfect Fit pants for a dressier look. I didn’t see many gowns or dressy dresses, even on elegant nights.
One Skirt
I brought a knee-length black taffeta skirt that went with both of my dressier tops and ended up not wearing it because I was cold. Still, this is a good, easy-to-pack option for an Alaska cruise, if you want to dress up a bit.
Base Layers
I packed two long-sleeved T-shirts, one turtleneck, and one short-sleeved T-shirt.
Two Sets of Workout Clothes
I went to the gym on the ship and packed two sets of workout clothes. Workout leggings can also double as base layers/long johns if you’re extra cold.
Undergarments
These ultra-lightweight undies are easy to sink wash when you’re traveling. They dry within a day so you don’t have to pack as many pairs.
Merino Wool Socks
These Merino wool hiking socks are warm and thin enough to wear with regular tennis shoes. I air these out between wears (sounds gross but they don’t smell) and usually pack three to four pairs for a weeklong trip.
Warm Beanie
You lose a lot of heat through your head, so a good hat helps you feel warm. On a midsummer or late summer cruise you might get by with a buff or a band that covers your ears. But for early summer Alaska cruises, you’ll want the full beanie.
Buff/Neck Gaiter
I mostly use my buff as a hairband/kerchief, but it can help keep your neck and the lower half of your face warm if needed.
Baseball Hat
You’ll want to use caution when wearing a ballcap on deck because Alaska cruises are windy and you don’t want to lose your cap. I mainly wore mine to the gym and to hide my bedhead on my early a.m. coffee runs to Cafe Al Baccio.
Hair Ties
If you have longer hair, you’ll want something to secure it when you’re out on deck. It’s very windy and your hair will end up in your face or a tangled mess. No Alaska cruise packing list is complete without these unless you have very short hair.
Lightweight Touchscreen Gloves
Gloves are handy if you’re out in the wind on deck or on shore excursions. You don’t need your arctic mittens with battery-operated warmers, but a light layer with the touchscreen pads to allow you to use your devices is handy, especially when you see a whale and want to quickly snap a picture.
Swimsuit
Brave are the people who are swimming on deck during an Alaska cruise! The on-deck hot tubs or the thermal suite inside the spa might be a more comfortable way to spend your time. Either way, you’ll need a swimsui!
Sturdy Tennis Shoes or Hiking Shoes
Shoes take up the most room in your suitcase, so I find it helpful not to pack a ton of shoes. Unless you’re planning serious hikes (Alaska has some beautiful options), you can get by with tennis shoes.
One Pair of “Nicer” Shoes
I have a pair of sparkly Keds Mary Janes that serve as my dress-up shoes on an Alaska cruise. Depending on the outfits you plan, you might pack a pair of lifestyle shoes or casual sneakers like these Barefoot sneakers, which are surprisingly comfy, even though they don’t have a ton of support.
Day Pack
I did pack a small handbag to take to dinner but this Osprey Daylite sling bag was perfect for getting off the ship. The strap has a small pocket for money or cruise key card and it doesn’t chafe.
Reusable Water Bottle or Insulated Tumbler
The RTIC brand is my go-to for insulated cups. My premium drink package on the Celebrity Solstice included bottled water, so if you’re short on space and you have a drink package, you might be able to leave your cup at home.
Portable Charger
Pack one portable charger/power bank per person and keep them charged. Outlets in cruise ship staterooms may be limited so you’ll want to stay ahead of keeping your devices charged.
Sunglasses
Summer weather in Alaska changes frequently. Even if the skies are overcast when you get off the ship to explore, tuck your sunglasses in your day pack.
Lip Balm and a Really Good Moisturizer
The air can be dry in Alaska and cold winds can make your skin feel dry and tight. A lip balm with SPF and a good moisturizer are essential. If your favorite moisturizer doesn’t have SPF, then make sure also to wear sunscreen. If your hands get chapped in the cold, Burt’s Bees Hand Salve will fix them right up.
Motion Sickness Meds/Bands
After years of “I don’t get seasick on a cruise,” it finally happened: I got queasy when our ship was skirting the outer part of Alaska’s Inside Passage, so I always recommend packing some sort of seasick meds.
If you forget, the ship’s dispensary will be able to help you out, but I think it’s nice to have your own.
My husband swears by his anti-nausea wristband that sends a current directly to his radial nerve. They’re pricey, but if you’re plagued by motion sickness, this might be worth the investment.
Small Binoculars for Wildlife/Glacier Viewing
Binoculars absolutely belong on your Alaska cruise packing list. You’ll see all kinds of wildlife from the ship on an Alaska cruise. If you do a whale-watching excursion, you’ll (hopefully) see even more. You’ll want binoculars to get a good look.
Dry Bag
If you’re doing a kayaking excursion, consider packing a dry bag to keep your phone and other important items dry.
Basic OTC Meds/Blister Bandages
Although I don’t like to pack an entire pharmacy for a cruise, I want to make sure I’m covered for minor things like blisters and stomach upsets. Make a DIY first aid kit (that’s what I do) or grab a pre-filled one from Amazon.
More About Celebrity Solstice
Celebrity Solstice is sailing Alaska itineraries through September 2026 with several new onboard experiences and refreshed spaces.
Updates include:
- Trattoria Rossa, an Italian specialty restaurant
- The Parlor, a sports and gaming lounge with elevated comfort food and cocktails
- Open-air dining, live music, lawn games and private cabanas designed for glacier viewing.
- New entertainment
- Refreshed staterooms
- Upgraded Retreat and AquaClass spaces.
Alaska sailings particularly benefit from the expanded outdoor viewing areas, including Sunset Park and The Retreat Sundeck, both designed to maximize scenery and glacier views.
Alaska Cruise Packing FAQs
Focus on layers, waterproof outerwear, comfortable walking shoes and versatile basics you can rewear. For my seven-night Alaska cruise, I relied most on a packable puffer jacket, waterproof shell, sweaters, cargo leggings, wool socks and a lightweight day pack.
Summer temperatures in Alaska can vary dramatically depending on the month and weather conditions. Expect everything from sunny weather warm enough for short sleeves to cold, windy days that require a puffer jacket, gloves and a beanie.
Usually, no. Alaska cruises tend to feel much more casual than Caribbean or Mediterranean sailings. You’ll see far more sweaters, jeans and casual pants than cocktail dresses or gowns, even on formal nights.
Comfortable tennis shoes or light hiking shoes work well for most travelers. Unless you’re planning strenuous hikes, you probably don’t need heavy hiking boots. I also recommend packing one pair of casual “nicer” shoes for dinner.
Avoid overpacking bulky dress clothes, too many shoes or heavy items you’re unlikely to wear. Alaska cruises are all about practical layers and comfort, not high-fashion vacation looks.
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