Shop my recommended Alaska cruise essentials and must-have items on Amazon. 

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Waterproof Baseball Cap for Men Women

Merino Wool Socks

Women's Ultra Soft Midweight Base Layer Top

Women's Ultra Soft Thermal Lightweight Base layer

Women's Hanes Base Layer Top

HotHands Body & Hand Super Warmers

Bonine Non-Drowsy Motion Sickness Relief

Women's Waterproof | Lightweight Hiking Boots

Women's Waterproof | Lightweight Hiking Shoes

Women's Waterproof Rain Jacket with Hood

Women's Rain Pants

Men's Waterproof Hiking Shoes

Women's Waterproof Lightweight Puffer Jacket

Men's Rain Pants

Men's Quick Dry Moisture Wicking Shirts

Merino Wool Touchscreen Gloves

Binoculars

Alaska Cabin Magnets

3 Pack Neck Warmers

12 Pack Magnetic Hooks for Cruise Cabins

Portable Charger for iPhone and Android

Power bank with 4 built in cables

Windproof Travel Umbrella

Cuddl Duds Lightweight Base Layer Set for Men
 

Cruise Luggage Tag Holders

Polarized Sunglasses

Disposable Washcloths

Fleece Lined Leggings Women

Magnetic Selfie Light

USB Charger Block

Medallion Wristband Holders

Medallion Holders for Phone

One of the tricky things about Alaska is that you'll experience a wide range of temperatures—even in the middle of summer. You may start the day in sunshine, encounter rain in the afternoon, and end the evening bundled up while watching glaciers.

The key to staying comfortable? Dress in layers!

🧥 The 3-Layer Method (Highly Recommended)

Base Layer (Moisture-Wicking)
Choose fabrics that keep you dry and comfortable.

• Moisture-wicking T-shirts (short and long sleeve)

• Merino wool base layers (best, but more expensive)

• Synthetic moisture-wicking shirts (excellent budget-friendly alternative)

• Flannel top

• Thermal underwear for colder days
  
  

Mid Layer (Warmth)
This layer traps heat.

• Fleece jacket

• Sweatshirt

• Sweater

• Lightweight packable puffer jacket
  
  

Outer Layer (Protection)
This layer keeps you dry and blocks the wind.

• Lightweight packable puffer jacket

• Waterproof rain jacket with a hood (essential)
  
  
  

👖 Clothing

• 2–3 pairs of jeans, hiking pants, leggings, or khakis

• Fleece-lined leggings (optional for extra warmth)

• Shorts (summer temperatures can reach the 70s)

• Comfortable outfits for sea days

• Casual evening attire for dinner (Alaska cruises are generally more casual than Caribbean cruises)

• Two formal or dress-up outfits for formal nights. Most 7-night Alaska cruises have two formal nights. A cocktail dress, dress pants with a nice blouse, or a suit or sport coat are all appropriate. Formal attire is optional on most cruise lines, and buffet or casual dining venues are available if you prefer not to participate.

• Accessories such as scarves, belts, or jewelry to mix and match outfits

• Gym clothes (if you plan to use the fitness center)
  
  

👟 Footwear

• Waterproof walking shoes or waterproof sneakers

• Waterproof hiking boots (if hiking)

• Comfortable walking shoes you don't mind getting muddy

• Evening shoes for dinner

• Moisture-wicking or waterproof socks
  
  

🧤 Cold Weather Accessories

These become especially important during glacier viewing.

• Warm hat or beanie

• Touchscreen gloves (so you can take photos without removing them)

• Hand warmers

• Baseball cap or sun hat
  
  

☔ Rain Gear

Alaska weather changes quickly.

• Waterproof rain jacket

• Windproof umbrella

• Dry backpack or waterproof day bag

• Waterproof phone pouch (optional)
  
  

🌞 Sun Protection

Many people underestimate how bright Alaska can be.

• Polarized sunglasses (excellent for glacier viewing)

• Sunscreen

• Lip balm with SPF
  
  

🦟 Outdoor Essentials

• Bug spray (mosquitoes can be surprisingly plentiful in some areas)

• Binoculars (highly recommended!)
  
  

Wildlife is often viewed from a distance. 

A quality pair of binoculars can make the difference between spotting a tiny dot and seeing a whale breach or a bear along the shoreline.

📸 Electronics

You'll take hundreds—or even thousands—of photos!

• Cell phone or camera

• Camera with zoom lens (if available)

• Extra camera batteries

• Memory cards

• Charging cables

• Multi-port USB charger or cruise-approved power adapter (without surge protection)

• Portable battery pack for excursions
  
  

Other Essentials

• Swimsuit (don't miss the hot tubs while surrounded by glaciers!)

• Pajamas

• Underwear

• Socks

• Toiletries

• Prescription medications (always pack these in your carry-on)

• Refillable water bottle

• Snacks for long excursions
  
  

🚢 Cruise Must-Haves

• Motion sickness medication (Bonine is a popular over-the-counter choice)

• Prescription motion sickness patches, if recommended by your doctor
  
  

The waters between Seattle and Alaska can occasionally be rough during the first day or two.

Once you reach Alaska's Inside Passage, the sailing is typically much calmer.

Don't Forget

• Passport (recommended, even on closed-loop cruises)

• Travel insurance documents

• Cruise documents

• Government-issued ID

• Credit card and a small amount of cash

• Reusable luggage tags
  
  

My Top 10 Alaska Cruise Must-Haves

1. Waterproof rain jacket

2. Lightweight packable puffer jacket

3. Moisture-wicking base layers

4. Waterproof walking shoes

5. Touchscreen gloves

6. Hand warmers

7. Polarized sunglasses

8. Portable phone charger

9. Binoculars

10. Dry backpack or waterproof day bag
    
    

A Few Additional Suggestions

• Skip cotton base layers if possible. Cotton holds moisture and can leave you feeling cold once it gets wet. Merino wool or synthetic performance fabrics are much better choices.

• Plan for glacier viewing. If your cruise visits Glacier Bay National Park, spend time outside on deck. Even on sunny days, temperatures can feel much colder because of the wind and proximity to the glaciers.

• Bring a small microfiber cloth. Use it to wipe rain or mist off your phone and camera lenses.

• Choose a backpack for excursions. A small backpack is often more practical than a large tote because it keeps your hands free.