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Nancy’s Alaska Cruise Packing Tips
By: Nancy Norris

 The Alaska cruise season is now in full swing and many of you may have clients that will be embarking on this adventure in the next couple of months. So, it seems appropriate that now would be the perfect time to provide an “Alaska Cruise Packing Tips” guide that you can personalize with your agency’s name and logo to disseminate to your clients. I hope you find it helpful:

PACKING TIPS FOR ALASKA CRUISES

When you look at the brochures for an Alaska cruise you are bound to see snow covered mountain peaks and glacier filled lakes. Alaska is not all cold and ice though. In fact, the summer months can be quite pleasant with daytime temperatures averaging between 60 and 80 degrees. Nighttime and early mornings are a little cooler with temperatures averaging in the 40’s and 50’s. Late August and September you will notice that the rain increases and average daytime temperatures will fall to the 40’s and mid 50’s. However, there is no such thing as “average” in Alaska. The weather in Alaska is unpredictable and very changeable.  So, how do you pack? First, you must plan on both rain and sunshine. Then, plan to layer, layer, layer!  Bring clothing that can be worn in layers that will prepare you for any and all changing situations. Bring a warm, water resistant coat and pants and a sweater. Plan to wear lighter clothing underneath so that as the day warms you can remain comfortable. And speaking of comfort, definitely bring comfortable shoes like sneakers. If they are waterproof, that’s all the better. As there is a good possibility that they will get wet, having a second back-up pair is advisable.  Since viewing nature in all its majestic glory is the essence of an Alaskan cruise, make sure to pack binoculars and a camera (preferably with a zoom lens to capture wildlife and a wide angle lens for the expanses). Don’t forget the insect repellent as you may encounter significant numbers of mosquitoes in the summer months and a good sunscreen is a must. I have listed what I believe to be Alaska Cruise Packing essentials. Have a wonderful cruise!

Necessary incidentals include

● Sunscreen
● Sunglasses
● Zip-lock bags (in a few different sizes - great for damp or leaky items)
● Medications
● Camera, extra memory stick (or film) and fresh batteries
● Binoculars
● Proper Identification (passport preferable)
● Insect Repellent

Packing Suggestions include

● Jeans or khakis
● Comfortable shirts (both long sleeved and short sleeved)
● Running suits and pants
● Sweatshirts and sweaters
● Comfortable shoes for hiking and walking in wet/damp conditions (make sure to break them in before the trip). If they aren’t already waterproof, consider spraying them with water repellent.
● Good socks (lots and lots of socks – your feet tend to get wet)
● Long underwear (not necessary but you may be glad you packed them)
● Pair of gloves
● Warm hat
● Sun hat or baseball cap
● Scarf
● A water-proof poncho
● Windbreaker or lightweight jacket
● Heavy waterproof jacket (hooded is best)
● Insulated vest
●Bathing suit and shorts for warm weather (yes, there is a good possibility that you will need these).
●Fanny pack, tote bag or back-pack for shore excursions and a carry-on for overnight if on a cruise tour.  

No matter what the weather, if you are prepared and bring a good sense of humor, you will have a great time – Enjoy!