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Getting ready for a trip to Alaska and wondering what you need? The essentials are great. Layer your clothing to maximize space. Jeans and T-shirts are perfectly acceptable, and you should consider a hoodie and waterproof jacket. Keep it simple and be comfortable. Don’t forget comfortable walking shoes (waterproof is a nice touch).
On our Alaskan Cruise we will have a stop in the awe-inspiring National Park at Glacier Bay. This day will most likely be extremely cold. I suggest packing a hat, scarf, and gloves. This was the one day I utilized my winter jacket.
Our cruise will have 2 “Gala” nights where you are more than welcome to dress up formally if you like.
Don’t overpack for your trip. We suggest that you begin your trip keeping in mind if you intend to shop and bring back souvenirs. You may also find that you want to wear some of your haul while you are at the destination, therefore needing even less options brought from home.
We wanted to share 13 things we recommend for your trip to Alaska.
- Binoculars. You will absolutely want to make sure that you have your binoculars for a cruise to Alaska. We are looking forward to spotting wildlife and those binoculars will come in handy. It was amazing to be able to zoom right in on pods of whales and goats walking on the glacier.
2. When I say layer for your Alaska cruise, you may want to include thermal underwear or undershirts as the base for your layers. While there may be some days that it is a comfortable and warm 68-65 degrees, and who knows, maybe even a few 70-degree days. The evenings, night, and our day at Glacier Bay National Park will be chilly, with lows from 53 to 47 degrees.
3. We recommend bringing a hat, gloves, and scarf. While you may not use these items daily, you will be very happy to have them if the weather takes a turn. There were days when I used the scarf and hat as a part of my layers for walking around and exploring towns in the evening.
4. Waterproof Frog Togs or a waterproof raincoat. Keeping in mind that it rains a lot in some of the places we are visiting, and the weather is completely unpredictable, I think having a waterproof layer is an essential item to have with you.
5. Comfortable walking shoes/waterproof shoes for Men or Women or boots are a plus. You will find that it’s quite easy to get around the towns we will visit in Alaska. Junea and Ketchikan both have welcome centers and attractions, as well as shopping and eateries within walking distance of where our ship will dock. Be adventurous and save a day to explore or be adventurous and take a hike or nature walk to spot wild animals. I’ve crossed off everything except Moose for my wilderness spotting.
6. Don’t forget comfortable, cozy, and warm pajamas and/or a travel blanket. Everyone got a balcony room to enjoy the magnificent views from the comfort of their room. We will be able to witness beautiful scenery and majestic glaciers. You may want to spend some time in the evenings enjoying the islands floating past. And how relaxing is it to enjoy coffee on your balcony wrapped in a warm blanket? Holland America does provide blankets in the staterooms as well.
7. An umbrella. Holland America Cruise Line does have umbrellas on board for your use, however they may not have enough and you may need it for pre and post cruising. We’ve decided that it’s better to be safe than sorry and we recommend packing a small, lightweight umbrella that you can easily carry around.
8. A lipstick sized portable charger is highly recommended. Even though phones have longer lasting batteries now days, you can use a lot of life using google and maps and taking pictures and video. It’s a good idea to always have a back-up that allows you to fully recharge your device at least once.
9. Cruise Power Strip (non-surge protector) or small fams. Electrical devices such as small fans, power strips, multi plug box outlets/adaptors and extension cords without surge protectors are allowed on board when used with proper caution. However, if such devices are determined to pose a hazard they will be confiscated. These items are especially useful for c-pap machines and menopause.
10. Cruise ship card lanyard and/or luggage tag holders. Although we absolutely recommend placing your name, phone number, and address on both the inside and the outside of your luggage, it can’t hurt to have sturdy luggage tags that display the information easily. Holland America does use your ship card to enter your room and also to make purchases and you will want to keep up with your card, a lanyard is the perfect solution.
11. Glamma Travels has been really impressed with the video and picture angles from the Gimble selfie-stick and stabilizer. It should help with great pictures of the glaciers or as you are viewing different scenery and animals. Also being able to set up on your balcony and get a time lapse of all the beauty is highly recommended.
12. You are going to Alaska. This is a bucket list trip. You want to capture the memories. We recommend a 4K digital camera for photography and video autofocus. If you don’t already have a great camera, this is a lightweight and easy to carry option to retain all of the amazing experiences you will have on your Alaska cruise. If there was ever a time to invest in a good camera. The time is now.
13. We recommend a reliable travel backpack that you can also use as a daypack when you go out for tours and exploring the world around you. Anti-theft protection is a big plus when selecting a backpack. And of course, since this is an Alaska packing list, we recommend that it’s waterproof.
Honorable mentions -I’m a sucker for a cute pair of sunglasses. Bonus points if I can see out of them. LOL! I love the inexpensive and flashy sunglasses that I can enjoy and not be heartbroken if I leave them in another country, or another sea, as is usually the case with me. And also don’t forget your sunscreen. Believe me, there IS sun and when it comes out, you need to protect yourself.
Bonus for the shoppers -a handheld weight scale for luggage comes in very handy when you have been shopping in Alaska and you don’t want to be stuck at the airport check-in line with your belongings strewn about as you desperately try to avoid extra baggage fees.
Head over to our Store for more ideas and options: Alaska Essentials and Alaska Fashion. Our Amazon store also has other ideas as well!
Check out our blogs on Are You an Over-Packer? – Glamma Travels and What to Always Pack in your Carry-On – Glamma Travels for great tips and tricks on packing for your next trip. Don’t forget your swimsuits, it is a cruise.
