Optimal Time for Alaskan Cruise & How to Pack
Alaskan Cruises can be booked on Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess Cruise Lines & Norwegian Cruise Lines. This is an adventure you will never forget with wildlife, stunning scenery, icy blue glaciers and water, and a lot of places to explore with excursions. If you are looking to book an Alaskan Cruise, I have outlined what each month of cruising in Alaska is like. This will also help you plan if you have not booked your Alaskan cruise yet if you have already booked now you will know what to expect.
April- Alaska awakens after a long winter and is ready for spring. Ships such as the Norwegian Bliss out of Seattle begin sailing at the end of April. April is the beginning of spring so you may encounter freezing rain, snow, and mud. Depending on the weather some tourist facilities may be closed. You will get to witness the season change with temperatures in the 30’s in the morning. The skies are still dark at night and you may see the northern lights shine.
May- The weather is a bit drier in May and you will see locals and animals alike embracing the sunshine. Alaskan Cruises are in full swing in May so if you are still looking to book a cruise look at the Princess Cruise lines, Royal Caribbean, Carnival, and Norwegian cruises. Attractions and ports will be a hub of activity. Some cruises such as Norwegian offer land and sea tours called Cruisetour so you can get the best of both worlds. In May you can get temperatures in the 60s. With the warmer weather comes glaciers melting into the sea.
June- The sun stays up all day until midnight. This is the best time to get the most out of your day. Temperatures are still around 60 degrees and maybe a little higher during the day. This is a great time if you like to fish. Wildflowers are in full bloom and the whales have migrated from Hawaii.
July and August are the height of tourist season and bring the greatest number of visitors. So, if you are going around this time (or anytime) book your reservations early because waiting times are extended and excursion tours book out quickly. I advise you to book your excursions as soon as you book your vacation and plan as early as you can. I personally booked my Alaskan cruise a year out and booked my excursions as soon as I booked the trip. Another reason to book early is since this is a busy time of year balconies on cruise ships and inside cabins sell out quickly so your choices may be more limited. The weather can be a bit rainy this time of year and can range anywhere from 60-80 degrees.
Wildlife is in abundance as the bears will be fishing and forging for food. Salmon are in spawning season. Songbirds and seabirds will be out. Sea lions and whales are in such abundance that some excursions guarantee you will see animals. Mosquitos are also in abundance so make sure you pack repellant. There are also town festivals, watersports, and special events to see.
September This is your last chance of the season. Tourist season ends as quickly as it starts. Starting around the end of August you will start to see the leaves changing their color. Temperatures drop to the 50’s in September and the rain starts to come back in more abundance. Humpback whales gather and prepare for migration. Bears will be doing their best to pack on pounds with the last bit of hunting and foraging. Animals will be mating and getting ready to start the winter and hibernation. There are still northern lights to see. Tourist season is winding down so the crowds will be more limited than in the summer. Kids are back in school during this time and ports are less crowded.
Now that you have booked your Alaskan cruise you need to pack. Packing for an Alaskan cruise is an exciting endeavor, as it requires a bit of strategic planning to ensure you're prepared for the diverse weather conditions and the variety of activities you'll encounter on your journey through this stunning wilderness. It is also different packing than you would a Caribbean Cruise because it is a unique cruise and what you need to pack also somewhat depends on what month you go. Alaskan Cruises has a limited season starting in the spring Memorial Day through September.
It's important to note that you don't need to pack everything on the list below. These are suggestions to get you started and ensure you're well-prepared for your Alaskan cruise. Your packing choices should be tailored to your specific needs, the duration of your cruise, and the activities you plan to participate in. Always consider your personal preferences and the cruise line's guidelines when packing for your adventure in the Last Frontier
.1. Clothing:
Layering is Key: Alaskan weather can be unpredictable, so pack clothing that can be layered for warmth and comfort.
Warm Outerwear: A waterproof and windproof jacket is essential, as well as a fleece or insulated jacket for extra warmth. I like the vest that is insulated and has the Omni heat-reflective lining. The vest is very lightweight and keeps you warm.
Base Layers: Thermal or moisture-wicking undergarments are essential for regulating body temperature.
Tops: Long-sleeve shirts, sweaters, and t-shirts for layering.
Bottoms: Jeans, waterproof pants, and comfortable hiking pants.
Footwear: Sturdy waterproof hiking boots, warm socks, and comfortable walking shoes for exploring ports.
Accessories: Hats, waterproof gloves, and scarves for extra warmth during chilly excursions. Handwarmers are great when you’re on excursions. Don’t forget your sunscreen. Depending on the time of year you go you could have daylight well into the evening and night.
Swimwear: For the cruise ship pool or hot tub.
2. Gear and Accessories:
Binoculars: To spot wildlife from the ship or during shore excursions. There are even digital camera binoculars where you can take pictures with the binoculars.
Camera and Binoculars: To capture the breathtaking scenery and wildlife.
Power Bank: To keep your electronics charged, as you may not always have access to outlets. If you do opt for the camera binoculars most don’t have long battery lives.
Backpack: For carrying essentials during excursions. I would recommend getting a waterproof bag.
Slim Sling Bag- I would also recommend a slim sling bag. This bag is like a crossbody it has a thin profile that can go under your jacket or vest. It is large enough to hold your ID, passport, room keys, money, and accessories. It stays snug to you keeping your hands free.
Water bottle /Tumbler- The water bottle with a filter is great for land excursions. I would also bring a tumbler to fill up on the cruise if you did not buy the drink package. This way you will know which cup is yours and you can refill it as needed. Since it holds more liquid than standard cups you're saving the environment by reusing cups and making fewer trips to refill.
Windproof Travel Umbrella- Alaska gets rain and wind. A windproof umbrella can help keep some of that off of you when you are off the boat.
Flotation Strap for your cell phone- This is great when cruising in Alaska. If your phone drops in the pool, or ocean with a floatation device attached to it you will see it and be able to grab your phone even in foggy weather.
Waterproof Case for your phone- It rains in Alaska. Also, you are around a lot of water. Better to be safe than sorry and attach the Floation strap to the case so your phone won’t sink in the water if you drop it.
Quick Dry Towels- This is a good thing to keep with you in your dry bag for when you’re on shore. They are ideal for hiking fishing, and outdoor sports, on small boats. They dry 10 times faster than cotton and are light to carry around.
3. Formal Attire:
Most Alaskan cruises have at least one formal night, so pack a more formal attire if you plan to attend. You can find the dress code information for each ship in your cruise app.
4. Electronics:
Chargers: For your phone, camera, and other electronic devices. Small portable chargers are great to take with you when you off the boat and they can charge smartphones and cameras when on the go.
Adapter: If your cruise ship uses different plug types. I would get a universal travel adapter to prevent any issues. I would also recommend a USB power strip to plug all of your electronics in to charge at once.
Cabin Fan- if you are used to sleeping with a fan a small cabin fan keeps air from getting stuffy in your room and also gives you the white noise to sleep to.
5. Toiletries and Medications:
Prescription Medications: Ensure you have an adequate supply. Also, keep a list handy of your medications in case of an emergency.
Sunscreen: Even on overcast days, the sun can be strong.
Insect Repellent: For excursions in wooded areas. There is a large mosquito population during the summer in Alaska.
First Aid Kit: Basic supplies for minor injuries.
Motion Sickness Pills- Even if you are not prone to motion sickness it may be a good idea to take a motion sickness pill before any whale watching excursions or any other activity that you may experience motion sickness on. They take about 30 minutes to kick in so plan accordingly.
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and other personal items.
A Dry Bag- This is a waterproof bag that will keep your essentials dry. Sometimes the small boats that take you from the boat to the port are wet. If it is raining this bag keeps everything dry.
Clothesline hanger- This is good for inside the cabin or on the balcony you can use it to hang up wet towels & swimsuits.
Magnetic Hooks- These will also hold your towels and maximize your storage space. They can hold your dinner jackets and are magnetic so they can be placed on your cruise cabin doors.
6. Travel Documents:
Passport and Visa: Ensure they're up to date.
Cruise Documents: Tickets, itinerary, and any necessary paperwork.
Travel Insurance: Recommended for peace of mind.
7. Money and Payments:
Credit/Debit Cards: Notify your bank about your travel plans.
Cash: Have some local currency for small expenses.
8. Miscellaneous:
Reusable Water Bottle: To stay hydrated during excursions.
Small Daypack: For carrying essentials during shore excursions.
Books or E-Readers: For downtime on the ship.
Snacks: For the in-between times.
9. Adventure Gear (Optional):
Binoculars: For wildlife spotting. Some cruises offer binoculars but the quality is not always the best so you may want to bring your own.
Hiking Gear: If you plan to go on hikes.
Fishing Gear: If you're interested in fishing excursions.
10. Dress Code:
Research the dress code of your cruise line, as some may have specific requirements for dining and events.
Remember that Alaskan cruises offer a wide range of activities, from exploring glaciers and fjords to wildlife watching and cultural experiences in the ports of call. Packing wisely will ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable Alaskan cruise experience, allowing you to fully appreciate the natural beauty and wonders of this unique destination.