Experience Alaska with Seascape Adventures Travel

Planning for an Alaskan cruise is one of those pinch-me travel moments. Soon enough, you'll be touring glaciers, enjoying cozy sea days and catching jaw-dropping wildlife sightings and scenery. But before you can set sail on your snow-capped adventure, there’s one BIG task standing between you and those glacier views: packing your bags! If you’re anything like me, you’ve already started mentally packing weeks in advance. But no matter when you decide to get your packing done, packing smart is the way to go — especially when considering unpredictable weather, cool temperatures and outdoor excursions.

Before you even unzip your suitcase, it’s helpful to understand how your cruise stateroom is laid out—and how much space you’ll realistically have. Cruise cabins are thoughtfully designed to maximize every inch, but storage can be limited. Most staterooms include hanging closet space, shelving, and a few small drawers. Once you’ve unpacked, your suitcases can often slide neatly under the bed, depending on the configuration.

I always suggest doing a quick Google search for your specific cruise line and stateroom number before you sail. Many past guests share reviews and photos of their exact cabin, giving you a clear idea of the layout and what to expect once onboard.

When it comes to packing, I typically recommend one suitcase per person plus a small carry-on. However, if you’re sailing to Alaska, plan for bulkier clothing like sweaters, layers, and cold-weather gear. Be sure to double-check your cruise line’s luggage allowance—most allow two checked bags per person in addition to a carry-on.

Packing cubes are a game changer, especially for colder itineraries. They keep bulkier items organized and easy to access, which makes layering up (or down) throughout the day much simpler.

Your carry-on is especially important. Be sure it includes anything you’ll want access to on embarkation day: travel documents, medications, sunglasses, phone charger, lip balm, and a light jacket. If the weather is warm at departure, you may even want to pack your swimsuit so you can head straight to the pool! Once your checked luggage is handed over at the terminal, you likely won’t see it again until later that afternoon—so plan accordingly.

Before you finish packing, it helps to know which items can stay at home (saves you time and fewer things to pack!). Cruise staterooms have all the basics and bringing too many extras can crowd the space.

You can skip packing the following:

• Bath towels, pool towels and bed linens
• Shampoo, conditioner and basic soap
• Hairdryer for in-room use
• Life jackets
• An in-room safe for valuables and travel documents
• Select baby items such as travel cribs, diaper disposal units and bottle warmers (depending on the cruise line)

There are also certain items that cruise lines don’t allow for safety reasons. Packing these can lead to extra screening or delays at the terminal, so it’s best to leave them behind altogether.

Items that should stay at home include:

• Irons, garment steamers and appliances with heating elements
• Surge protectors and extension cords
• Candles or anything with an open flame
• Drones and recreational equipment
• Large coolers, except those used for medical or infant needs
• Homemade or perishable foods

Since policies can vary slightly, I always recommend reviewing the cruise line’s prohibited items guidelines before you start packing. Knowing what’s already provided and what’s not allowed helps ensure a smooth embarkation day.

As with any cruise, your travel documents should never be packed in your checked luggage.

Keep these items in your carry-on or personal bag:

• Passports or other accepted proof of citizenship for all travelers
• Valid photo ID for adults
• Cruise reservation confirmation
• Pre- and post-cruise travel details such as flights, hotels, or transfers/rental cars
• Proof of travel insurance, if applicable
• Signed authorization forms for minors traveling without both parents  

**Once onboard, these items can be safely stored in your in-room safe.

Keeping comfortable in Alaska is all about layers. Temperatures can vary significantly between ports, glacier viewing days and onboard activities. One moment you’re bundled up on deck watching glaciers calve, and the next you’re warming up indoors with a hot cocoa.

Most Alaska cruises sail from May through mid-September, with temperatures that can range from the 40s to the 60s. Travelers may experience sunshine, rain, wind or cooler conditions on the same day. The weather also varies by port and excursion, which is why packing layers and waterproof gear is our number one tip when packing for an Alaska cruise.

Daytime Attire

Plan for comfort, warmth and to stay dry throughout your sailing.

• Long-sleeve shirts and T-shirts for layering
• Lightweight sweaters or fleece pullovers
• Insulated vest or packable down jacket
• Casual pants or jeans
• Water-resistant jackets and pants
• Thermal base layers, especially for glacier viewing days
• Pajamas and comfortable loungewear
• Workout clothes if using onboard fitness facilities
• Swimsuits and cover-ups for pools, hot tubs and spa areas
• Warm hat, scarf and gloves
• Warm wool socks
• Sunglasses
• Evening Wear
• Smart-casual outfits for main dining rooms and lounges
• Dressier attire for optional formal or semi-formal nights and specialty dining locations
• Accessories such as scarves or jewelry

Footwear is especially important for Alaska itineraries, as many excursions involve walking, uneven terrain and damp conditions.

• Waterproof walking shoes or trail sneakers
• Sturdy boots with good traction
• Dress shoes for evening dining
• Flip-flops or sandals for stateroom and pool areas

Outerwear essentials include:

• Waterproof rain jacket
• Insulated coat or heavy jacket
• Hiking or waterproof pants
• Backpack for excursions
• Lightweight jacket or sweater for indoor areas
• Travel-sized umbrella

Toiletries & Personal Care

Cruise staterooms provide basic toiletries, but you may prefer your own brands, especially in cooler climates where skin tends to dry out more easily.

• Shampoo and conditioner, if you prefer your own
• Facial cleanser and skincare products
• Moisturizer and lip balm
• Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss
• Deodorant
• Sunscreen
• Razor and shaving supplies
• Hairbrush, comb and styling products
• Makeup
• Feminine hygiene products
• Prescription medications and over-the-counter essentials
• Insect repellent
• Small first aid kit
• Hand sanitizer
• Sleep mask to block out the midnight sun

Between wildlife sightings and scenic cruising, you’ll want a few tech essentials close at hand.

• Cellphone and charging cables
• Portable power bank
• Camera
• Waterproof phone pouch
• Headphones or earbuds
• Tablet, e-reader or book
• Binoculars for spotting whales, eagles and glaciers
• Travel adapters if flying internationally
• Refillable water bottle

Here are a few final tips to make packing smoother for your Alaskan adventure:

• Think waterproof first, as rain and mist are common.
• Pack layers so you can adjust throughout the day.
• Bring magnet hooks to hang jackets, bags or hats inside your stateroom.
• Pack binoculars for glacier days and wildlife viewing.
• Bring a small day bag or backpack for shore excursions and port days.
• On most cruise lines, guests 21 and older may bring a limited amount of wine, champagne or beer onboard in their carry-on bags, not checked luggage.
• Be sure to leave prohibited items such as candles, irons and other heated appliances at home, as these can delay luggage delivery.
• A pop-up hamper also helps keep dirty clothes organized.