Ultimate Alaska Packing Checklist

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We love Alaska.  We are always in awe at the sheer size and beauty in everything, regardless of the weather.  Keep in mind that the lowest rainfall is typically June/early July vs the highest in October - December.  We've got the checklist which will cover you regardless so check it out:

VERY IMPORTANT - Documentation (Can't leave home without)

• Passport: I know, whaaat?  Even with round trip cruises leaving from Seattle, there is bound to be a stop in the 51st state of Canada, which is technically another country.  Especially so true for our friends who leave from Alaska and return via Vancouver.  So bring it.  
• Visa: Not needed if you are a US citizen.  If you are not, it is best to check with the following website for guidance, but countries like India, Russia, Mexico, and China will definitely need to apply early. 
• Cruise Documentation: All the little check-in confirmations, luggage tags, shore excursion info, etc.
• Airline Ticket/Other Transportation Confirmations: Yes we live in a digital age, but in case you forget to charge your phone or don't have signal, bring paper copies.  Especially important if you booked a transfer to/from the cruise/airport.
• Credit Cards: Preferable to bring ones with no foreign transaction fees. One to use to link to the cruise keycard and the other to use just in case the first one is lost or stolen. Make sure you call ahead to let the bank know you will be using the card on vacation so that the first charge is not declined. Fraud protection is surely alive and well yes it happened to us.

All Important Clothing Choices

You have probably heard it a lot of times - dress in layers. What does that even mean to someone who doesn't? Just remember that it will be summer temps on the lower latitudes (Seattle/Vancouver), but much cooler in the upper latitudes (Anchorage/Juneau).  If you are an avid outdoors-fan, you already know.

• Lightweight waterproof jacket: The outer layer which will keep out the cold breezes and occasional rain. Best to have one with a hood so you won't need an umbrella. Gore-Tex is going to be best long term in keeping you from sweating like a potato in aluminum foil in those cheap plastic capes.
• Loose long sleeve shirts: It pays to have a variety - no not colors, fabrics. Bring fleece, flannel, and jersey but not more than 3 as you should wear an inner layer (see below). Ok, if you want to bring a cardigan or comfy sweater but beware of bulk. You don't want to invest in a space bag just to fit it into the suitcase.
• Tank top/t-shirts: Again bring a variety - this time we do mean color! Tank top can double as your workout wear. T-shirts can be dressed up or down depending on the pant/jacket combination.
• Workout wear: Unless you plan to sweat a lot, just bring one top, one bottom.  Bring the shoes that do double duty for hiking/lots of walking.
• Pants: One pair of khaki/neutral slacks, two pair of jeans - one blue and one dark black.  The dark black can be worn at dinner with a formal top.  If you plan to do a lot of hiking, bring the waterproof kind which also converts into shorts.
• Swimsuit: There is nothing like cruising Alaska in a hot tub.  Alternatively, very nice to have if you want to visit the spa/pool often. Oh and bring the flip flops/Tevas too; for ladies, blinged out flip flops can actually go with formal wear.
• Formal Wear: Ignore this if you don't plan on participating in formal night photography.  Guys should bring one sportscoat/jacket and ladies can bring a cocktail dress of crushable material or fancy sequin top or little black dress.  If you want to go over the top, some cruise lines do rent out tuxes and formal gowns so you don't have to pack your own. As for shoes, we opt for business casual shoes in neutral tones.
• Glasses/Contacts: Don't forget to pack an extra set. Funny how things break or get lost at the most inconvenient time and you can't get these Fedex'd in time.
• Necessities: This means socks, underwear, reversible belt, and necessary medical equipment/medication. Also: sunscreen, bug repellent, deodorant, toothbrush/toothpaste, Q-tips.

Family-related Gear (Ignore if not bringing small children)

• Stroller: To bring or not to bring...that is the question. If your child is older than 6, ditch it.  If not, odds are that they will tire and then want to be carried in the most inconvenient spot.  It does not count against you in luggage allowance on the airplane.  Lightweight umbrella ones are best; please leave the city jogger at home. 
• Car Seat: Even if you plan to hold the child in your lap on the airplane (age 2 and under), you will need something to transport them in the taxi/uber/bus/rental car.  Our convertible seat was FAA approved so we could strap her forward facing in the airline seat. We don't ever recommend checking in a car seat as we've seen so many destroyed by they time it gets to baggage claim (human and non-human are equal opportunity).  Gate check. Again - this will not count against your baggage allowance.
• Diaper Bag: All the essentials that go with it too like wipes, extra change of clothes, changing pad, diapers/training pants, etc.  This will unfortunately be counted in the baggage allowance.
• Snacks: There are actually multiple categories of this :
  • Gummy snacks to give the little kids to help them pop their ears during take off and landing.  For babies, we recommend having a bottle of juice in a bottle handy.  That sucking really works wonders.
  • Pouch food and breast milk can be over 3 oz and still get by TSA. May require extra screening time but worth having.
  • Try to have snacks that work for adults and kids like granola bars (we bring the adult size and break it in half for the child) or trail mix. Saves so much space and gets them over the cravings they might have.
• Hand sanitizer: don't think I need to say more.
• Basic First Aid: Neosporin, band aids, thermometer
• Extra ziploc bags: A great organizational tool and works great even for wet swimsuits if you bring the right sizes.
• Quiet Time Activities: Books, coloring books/crayons, Matchbox cars. Sometimes you will need your own space, even for 10 minutes. Best to not always use electronics for little ones.
• Phase dependent: Ignore if past the developmental phase
  • Pacifier, Bottles, Sippy cup
  • Baby carrier
  • Comfort stuffed animal/blanket
  • Nightlight or flashlight
  • Travel-sized dreft

The Gadget Section

• Camera: If you have been waiting to break out that SLR, this is the place to do it. Invest in a telephoto lens and travel tri-pod (especially if you have a balcony cabin). My husband set up the tripod on the first day and got some spectacular shots all week long. We even used the telephoto lens more than the binoculars for spotting bears, eagles, and other animals.
• Binoculars: You can pick up an inexpensive pair from a sporting goods store instead of renting them for a high price.
• Cell phone: You really don't leave home without it, do you? 
• Extra Battery packs: Great to charge up multiple electronics at once like phones, tablets, etc when you are NOT in a place to plug in and charge.
• Charging cables: With all the electronic gear, don't forget the cables needed to charge them.
• Ear buds/head phones: Some marriages are saved by having them. One person can watch TV, the other can be entertained on the tablet. Peace on earth.
• Multi-USB charger: Outlets can be a premium. Make sure it does not contain a surge protector as they can cause fires and cruise lines can confiscate them. Have heard of cases where if there are more than 4 USB ports it will not be allowed due to electrical loading.  
• Curling irons/flat irons and electric shavers: They can be brought on board, but cannot be used in the bathroom as there will be no outlets present as a safety precaution.  Double check to see if they will function on 110v or 220V before plugging in.

Most things on this list are based on our travel experiences. We found that if it is not on this list, it most likely is not going to be used or if we need it, we'll buy it in port. Did we miss anything?  Let us know!