Alaska Cruise Packing List & Layering Guide [+Customizable Packing List]
If you're reading this packing list resource for an Alaska or Expedition cruise, I hope it means that you (or your traveling client) are gearing up to go on a trip of your own. (Here's some Alaska dreaming and scheming fodder from Steph & I's trip there back in '16.)
With an Alaska (or really, any expedition cruise) you're able to get into to see stunning sights that are otherwise inaccessible. But packing can seem like a magic trick with limited space to accommodate activities from sea kayaking to trekking and potential 30-degree temperature swings.
This Alaska Cruise Customizable Packing list and layering guide is here for you. Check out our laying guide and customize your list so you can spend less time thinking about what kind of boots to bring and more time visualizing frolicking grey whales along the Bering Sea. Here's what we cover.
⭐️ HAR Article Highlights! ⭐️
- The Alaska Cruise Layering Guide
- base layers
- mid layers
- outer layers
- extra layers
- Raingear to Pack for an Alaska Cruise
- Packing List + Tips for Your Cruise Adventures & Expeditions
- Customize your Alaska Cruise Packing List!
- Brand the Alaska Cruise Packing List to YOUR Travel Business!
- Alaska or Bust!
The Alaska Cruise Layering Guide
From temp swings to microclimates to chances of ever-shifting precipitation, Alaska cruises are all about the layers.
Since I'm a parent from a cold-weather state, I literally cannot stop myself from making sure you're ready for any weather. The best layering guide I could find was, oddly, a web page from an outdoor preschool in my hometown. (No one is more prepared for the elements than outdoor educators.)
Here’s a visual on layering up for the varying temps.
It's important to pack some layers regardless of the expected temperature range. You’ll want to pack for whatever weather mysteries the skies can dream up for you.
Our cruise packing list generator asks you temp highs and lows so you'll know what layers to bring. (Like I said, parent-life.) You’ll need to pack for the coldest temperatures you anticipate on your cruise.
Functionality takes a higher priority with adventure cruises. Even if you do want to pack a few dresses or nicer pants, consider lightweight wool material that can double for a dressier dinner or casual day trip.
Below is a run-through of the types of layers listed above with some fabric suggestions. Heaven forbid you end up with A Christmas Story scenario 👇🏼👇🏼👇🏼
1. BASE LAYERS
Good old long johns. Wool or silk is optimal for a base layer on cooler days. This is the layer you’ll be snuggling up to, so above all, make sure it feels comfy against your skin. The purpose of layers is to wick sweat away from your skin. Do NOT use cotton for base layers as it tends to trap moisture.
Here are the basics you'll want to bring with you on your Alaska Cruise!
2. MID LAYERs (AKA “CLOTHES”)
By mid layers, I’m talking about all the standards . . . pants, leggings, dresses, skirts, socks, shirts, and all that fun stuff. (Unlike base layers, mid layers are “cotton friendly”) You’ll pack mid layers according to your cruise line’s dress requirements.
This will align more with general cruise packing tips! When you fill out your Alaska Cruise Packing List you'll get everything you need for YOU!
3. OUTER LAYERS
There are two kinds of people in the world: Those who are familiar with the term "wintery mix" and those who live in a more reasonable climate.
If you don’t plan to be out in the elements, you can probably throw in a lightweight, down-insulated, puffy coat and call it a day. However, the mere possibility of a bone-chilling combo of rain/sleet/snow will require additional layers. Next up, you can select what type of cruise you're taking so you can be sure you're getting the packing tips for your specific vacation.
4. EXTRA LAYERS:
Extra layers are ideal for when temps dip at night. Ideally, they're lightweight enough to keep you toasty without restricting your movement. Bonus points if it can fit under a coat. A light knit cap, scarf, shawl, and gloves are great extra layers to throw in with a lightweight sweater.
What else will you need for your wintery trek? Here's a rundown of some extras you may want to haul along with you on your cruise:
You're all set! But make sure you also check out our adventure cruise packing list . . . which just happens to be up next!
Raingear to Pack for an Alaska Cruise
If you don’t plan on being out in the elements, then you can scale down your rain gear to the bare minimum. But if you plan to do shore excursions and fancy braving the elements, you'll want to dig into this list:
Adventure/Expedition Cruise Packing List & Tips
Greetings, adventurers! Since many adventure vessels may be small enough to get into the nooks and crannies of fjords or glacial inlets, cabin space may be more of a premium. Adventure cruises often require more extras, so they may require more thoughtful packing.
When it comes to adventure cruises, the clothing and accessories you bring will depend on your destination and activities. Read on below to see what you’ll want to consider when packing for your Alaska cruise shore adventures.
Hey travel advisors! If you're planning adventure trips, make sure you have all the required travel waivers!
Don't Reinvent the Wheel. If the cruise provides it. Leave it at home.
As with all cruises, you’ll want to take advantage of the amenities available to you and pack as little as possible. This is even more important for adventure cruises. Don’t bring anything your guides will provide (unless you're really attached to your custom-fitted skis/helmet/paddle).
PACK ACCORDING TO YOUR ADVENTURE CRUISE ACTIVITIES
There are sooooooo many adventuring options on an Alaska or Expedition cruise.
Here are a few things you might want to add to your cruise packing list pdf if you're adventuring during your vacation:
Customize Your Alaska Cruise Packing List!
Ready to create a packing list of your very own? Here it is below! Just fill it out, and electronic messenger pigeons will deliver your custom Alaska Cruise PDF to your inbox.
Brand HAR's Alaska Cruise Packing List for YOUR Travel Biz!
We think the customized packing list is pretty. We can't just keep it to ourselves! You can go ahead and download our cruise packing list for your site with YOUR branding on it!
If you want to use our form on your site, all we ask is that you link back to this article at the bottom of the page you are embedding it on.
Here's how to do it:
- Reach out to JotForm directly and ask them clone the form from this URL: https://form.jotform.com/242955582767170
- Find our Cruise Packing List Generator Template in our JotForm template hub.
- Check out our video tutorial on how to customize forms (the example isn't this exact form, but the process is the same!)
- Autoresponder Emails: Take a look at the notification and/or autoresponder emails. You'll need to add your email/name and maybe some less template-y text.
- Thank you page: Add your logo or some thank you text specific to your agency.
- Embed to your site and/or share your link with your clients!
Have any questions? Just give us a holler at Hello@HostAgencyReviews.com! If you want to use our form on your site, all we ask is that you link back to this article! Thank you!!
Want to Pack & Layer Like A Travel Advisor? Why Not Become One?
Our expert packing tips and hacks are from travel advisors! Want to join their ranks so you can get a travel agent rate or earn a commission for that group cruise you’re planning for your friends/family/book club anyway?
A great place to start is with HAR’s 7DS Accelerator course. It gives you the lay of the land with seasoned industry experts, 80+ video tutorials, exclusive live course meetups, and so much more. For perspective, you’ll recoup the cost of the course after you earn the commission of your first ~$2,000-$4,000 cruise booking.
Alaska or Bust!
There's more where that came from. Visit all of HAR's cruise packing lists!
- Complete Cruise Packing List Guide
- River Cruise Packing List
- Disney Cruise Packing List
- Caribbean Cruise Packing List
If you’re reading, thinking, “Wow, I didn’t know there were so many different options for types of cruises, let alone cruise lines. How will I ever decide?”
Want to know where else you can find travel advisors who specialize in cruises? We recommend ASTA’s (American Society of Travel Advisors) Connect with a Travel Advisor or CLIA’s (Cruise Line International Association) Agent Finder.
Questions? Comments? Packing tips? Favorite Marie Kondo YouTube video recommendations? Give us a holler in the comments below! We’d love to hear from you!
