Packing for a Cruise -Alaska

So the first thing we want to do is establish what the weather is going to be. We are going to plan for Alaska on this trip and looking up Alaska for mid-May. The results are for Seattle. In case you spend more time there—the average temperature for Seattle and Victoria. Seattle being the port and Victoria being a potential port stop. The average high and low is 61/50. The example cruise I am going to use is a 7-day cruise. The stops will be:

Seattle Port 63/50

Tracy Arm 57/38

Skagway 58/42

Juneau 56/42

Ketchikan 56/42

Victoria 61/50

Now, with that in mind, let us begin. Keeping in mind that potential weather like rain is possible during your trip. With the potential of weather fluctuating, be prepared.

Let's start with the clothing basics

long sleeve shirts
baseball cap and or large brim hat
shorts
pants
Undergarments
Formal night attire
walking shoes/boots
flip flops for the ship and trips to the hot tub
Toiletries
Prescriptions
Reading material
Passport and travel documents
Cash
Credit Card
Phone and charger.

Now that we have the basics down let's talk about some other useful items. These items you can start gathering before your final packing date. I use packing cubes. So when I am not traveling, I use one of the cubes to store things I don't usually use on this list but need when I am on the go. These are a list of items to consider definitely.

Consider thermal type underwear. A base layer can sometimes keep you warm when wear dips down. And yet it keeps you packing light. Men's
Multi-Outlet Adapter. In case you haven't traveled on a cruise ship before. You will soon find out how limited the plugs in the room are. This item is a great option that gives you a socket and USB port. Along with a night light. Which we talk about later.
Magnetic Clips. These are a great addition to items to include. I listened to someone recommend these before my first cruise, and it was great. I hung our daily newsletter and our excursion tickets on the wall as a central focus as long as we grabbed them going out for the day's activities. At least they weren't lost in a bag. We always knew where they were. Handy to hang other items.
Poo Pouri. Remember, the cabins are quite compact. This product is excellent because it will trap bathroom orders by spraying it on the toilet water.
Reusable Water Bottle. This bottle doesn't have to be expensive. But it is best to have a water bottle to fill as Bottled water is not always available.
Phone and phone charger. Put that extra cord you have in your pre-packing. Consider a supplemental power bank. This option also has a flashlight, which is also on our list. Going to Alaska you don't have to worry about special international plans.
Night light or small flashlight another option. Or you can use your phone and flashlight app.
Camera, if you want more than pictures from you phone. One of the things that make travel fun. I love to get my camera and tripod out to take pics. Fun to do port sailings.I use a DSLR with a few key lenses. Check out this great starter set with camera.
Travel Alarm clock. Nothing fancy. But good idea to have one. You may try wake up call . But a great plan to have an alarm. You can use it to awake from a nap. Wake for breakfast and to catch your excursion.
Rain Slicker or Jacket. Great item to include.
Sunscreen. While it isn't beach weather. There are those areas. cheeks, face, ears and neck. There are great products to choose from.
Insect Repellent. Great to have for those hikes and being in the out of doors.
Ziplock bags. are handy to have for several uses. Handy for medications on the go. Cell phone in a pinch. Damp clothes. Keeping items together. A few of each size.
Dry bag. Great for protecting. Waterproof bag to protect any items . clothes, camera, phone, wallet. Anything you are taking on an excursion.
Wide brim hat. Great for the rainy weather and with the long days in Alaska. The Sun can be brutal even it the temperature is mild.
Warm Hat. Gloves and Scarf For those breezy nights on the ship or on the shore. But if you have it on that cooler night. Nothing will keep you from the stroll around the ship.
Small Fan. If you are one that needs white noise to sleep. And consider the fan to help with any ship noises depending on cabin location. Good for air flow in the cabin as well.
Night light or small flashlight. Handy to have at the bedside for those middle of the night trip to the loo, in unfamiliar surrounding.
Cell phone dry bag This is on the list and if you just need your phone protected.
Dramamine and sea bands. Even if you aren’t known to get sea sick or your first cruise. Don’t get caught without these items. While the ship carries these. The shops may not be open and you certainly don’t want a trip to the clinic on board for needing Dramamine. I know several frequent cruisers that wear their bands. To have a great trip.
Sunglasses. Remember the long days of sun and the snow and water reflecting.
Chapstick, Carmex. Bring a few to have on hand pick up a 3-4 pack. Nothing worse than the wind and sun get a hold of your lips and you are with out.
Swim Suite. Yes it isn't beach weather, but a trip to that indoor pool or hot tube can be a welcome time to relax and unwind.
Collapsible backpack. Perfect for the excursion when you are off the ship.
Hiking Shoes or Boots. We recommend a good pair of walking shoes. If you are planning on any amount of walking. Make sure to get shoes in time to wear and break in a bit. Nothing worse than breaking in shoes on vacation. Especially, walking shoes.
Rain Poncho. While we have the Rain jacket. This compact item comes in handy for covering things like camera or if you are caught without your jacket etc.
Wicking socks. Keeping your feet warm and dry. Pulling moisture away from your feet.

Now that we have established the basics. Our best advice is to be prepared. Start packing early. If you are paying new shoes, please be sure to break them and make sure they are comfortable.

Take time to use a list. Go to our facebook page and find our tips and Packing list. Go thru and decide what you want to take, marking out things you don't want. Then you are set. Most important don't start packing the night before you leave.

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