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Getting ready for your cruise to Alaska – What to Pack?

Down in the Lower-Pasture a.k.a. the contiguous 48 United States, spring is in full-swing and summer is just around the corner. For most of you that means pulling out the patio furniture and dusting off the barbecue. However, for me – it’s time to head back North to Alaska!

The end of May heralds the beginning of the Alaska cruise season; this year it is estimated that over 2.5 million people will visit the towns of Southeast Alaska on cruise ships alone! The days are getting longer leading to the celebrations of the Summer Solstice on June 21st when places like Juneau will bask in 18 hours of sunshine! There’ll be plenty of time to hide under the covers when winter comes – residents of Southeast Alaska take advantage of every minute they can to enjoy the sun, fun and beauty of their home – Alaska, The Great Land!

So as I get ready for a season onboard the Regent Seven Seas Mariner, my home away from home, I was thinking that some of you too may – excuse the expression –be in the same boat as you prepare for your cruise. So, how do you get ready for an Alaskan cruise?

What to pack?

Well the good news and bad news is – Alaska is NOT the frozen wasteland of tundra and igloos that many people imagine. The climate throughout Southeast Alaska where your cruise will be concentrated is very much like that of the Pacific Northwest of the United States and Canada around Washington and British Columbia. Temperatures can range from the 50’s to the 70’s – sometimes in the same day! Southeast Alaska has a maritime climate affected by the sea, so things can change rapidly. Which leads to the bad news – you really never know what to expect which means you must prepare for a little of everything!

Throughout the Inside Passage you will be cruising through temperate rainforest. Rain is almost guaranteed at some time on your cruise. Ketchikan receives over 180” inches a year and is known as The Rain Capital of The United States! Squalls move in and out quickly – so be prepared.

Trade secret: Pack clothing that can be worn in layers.

As I get ready, I always have on hand my trusty water-proof windbreaker. It’s light enough to stuff into the bottom of my bag if it warms up but offers perfect protection if the clouds roll in or the wind starts to blow. I layer it with a t-shirt or turtle-neck. Out on deck or when we are watching the glaciers, I pile on a sweater under the windbreaker. Believe it or not, there are days when the sun is bright and directly overhead, it will get damagingly HOT! If you plan on hiking or taking an excursion where you walk on the glaciers, you’ll want to wear plenty of sunscreen. The sun’s rays are intense during the summer at higher latitudes so be prepared. Even a cloudy day can yield a sunburn. I recommend wearing a hat and using sunscreen products with zinc oxide. There are new, sheer zinc-oxide sunscreens out there so you might want to look into that.

Depending upon how active you hope to be, wash and wear slacks or jeans will be fine anywhere in Alaska. Outfitters will provide you with proper equipment and special clothing if necessary for excursions like kayaking, glacier climbing, or river running.

Above and beyond your choice of jacket or outer-wear, your footwear will be the next most important thing. Word to the wise – do NOT bring a new pair of shoes with you. First of all, if they are not broken in, they may cause discomfort. Next thing, it does rain; if you’re planning on hiking or exploring, that means mud. A well worn pair of athletic shoes, walking shoes or hiking boots will be fine. For comfort and safety on ship as well as in town, non-skid soles are important. If it has been raining, places onboard like the deck, stairs, gangway, tender landing, etc. may be slippery when wet. Good thing about mucking-up old shoes is that you don’t feel so bad if you decide to toss them in the trash at the end of the cruise. Extra socks are smart to bring. If you’re going river running or even on a helicopter flight over the glacier – it’s nice to pop a warm, dry pair of socks on if your feet have been chilled.

Onboard your ship most cruise lines have a more relaxed dress code while in Alaska. Check with your travel agent or the cruise line about what attire is expected. On my ship, the Seven Seas Mariner, we offer Country Club Casual as the mode of dress throughout Alaska. It’s just not fitting life in “The Last Frontier” to make people get too gussied-up!

What to bring?

In addition to your layered clothing, these are the items I consider indispensable:

- The Cruiser Friendly Onboard Guide to Alaska’s Inside Passage
- Binoculars
- Camera with all the necessary equipment to stay charged and ready. Most cruise lines either have computers with card readers or services to download your digital photos onto disk. For those with 35mm, the ship’s photo shop can develop your film.
- Day pack or bag for your camera, binoculars, extra clothing, and water bottle.
- Sunscreen, chapstick, hand lotion, hand sanitizer, Kleenex
- Zip lock bags for carrying small items in and out of wilderness areas
- Pocket guide to the flora and fauna or the area

Looking through my suitcase, I can’t see anything else that I haven’t mentioned. If you have any specific questions about getting ready for YOUR cruise to Alaska or any place else – write me. I’d love to answer your questions!

Well, I’m off to enjoy the last few weeks on terra firma.
See you on the cyber-sea!