What to Pack for Alaska

Camera. Passport. Sunglasses. Swimsuit. Okay, now that we’ve got the basics out of the way, here are a few must-have cruise items that’ll help make your vacation more comfortable, enjoyable and memorable.

On the first day…

For the first day of your cruise, pack a small carry-on bag with your travel documents, a change of clothes, bathing suit, workout clothes, and any medications you may need. That way you don’t have to wait for your checked bags to arrive in your stateroom.

Onboard attire…

When you’re onboard, the right look will vary by venue. But here are a few types of suggested attire you’ll see, grouped by item.

Casual: You’re on vacation – relax! Jeans, polos, sundresses and blouses are all the right amount of laid back. Please keep swimwear to the Pool Deck. Shorts are welcomed for breakfast and lunch.

Smart Casual: Think of this as a step up from your typical dinner wear. Dress to impress with collared shirts, dresses, skirts and blouses, or pantsuits. Jackets, sports coats and blazers are snazzy and welcomed.

Formal: Make it a night out in your best black-tie look – suits and ties, tuxedos, cocktail dresses or evening gowns.

Dinner attire…

Meals in the main dining room follow this schedule:

We appreciate your usual parental guidance and cooperation in observing these easy guidelines with your children. 

Please note that bare feet are not allowed at any time in any venue and tank tops are not permitted in the Main Dining Room or Specialty Dining venues for dinner.

Casual dress dining is available nightly in the Windjammer Cafe. And be aware you’ll also need smart casual attire for some of our specialty restaurants.

We also offer tuxedo rentals for formal dinners and special occasions. 

Activity attire…

For lounging by the pool, pack two bathing suits (an extra suit in case the other is wet) and a pair of casual shoes (e.g., flip-flops, sandals, sneakers). You’ll also need some casual shorts and a couple of t-shirts or a cover-up for getting to and from the pool areas.

If you’re planning to visit our onboard fitness center, be sure to bring extra shorts, t-shirts and socks that you won’t mind working out in – plus a pair of tennis or running shoes/sneakers.

If you’re planning to ice skate please make sure to bring long pants and socks. All skaters are required to wear long pants and socks for their own comfort and safety.

Onshore attire…

Bring comfortable, casual clothes to wear during the day and on shore excursions.  Jeans, khakis, capris and casual trousers should be suitable for exploring port towns and riding in a Zodiak to check out a pod of whales.  While sunny days can be temperate and pleasant, you’ll want to dress warmly at night and during cloudy or foggy days.  Take clothes you can layer, such as lightweight knit sweaters, fleece jackets and a hat.  If you plan to do a lot of hiking, opt for synthetic fabrics that wick moisture away from the skin instead of cotton, which soaks up sweat and can leave you chilled. The weather along the Inside Passage in September is often cool and rainy at times.  Don’t let the rain stop you from getting out and enjoying the still-spectacular scenery.    

For fun… There are four very important types of books you’ll want to consider packing:

Binoculars are another often forgotten, yet indispensable travel item. Be sure to pack a pair to see all of the wildlife Alaska has to offer.

Save space…

Be sure to leave some room in your luggage for all those souvenirs and mementos. Some space-saving ideas include:

What Not To Pack

Weapons, illegal drugs, and other items that could interfere with the safe operation of the ship or the safe and secure environment of our guests and crew are prohibited. The United States Transportation Security Administration also recommends that you do not pack fragile or expensive items (such as jewelry) in checked luggage.

The following are examples of items that guests are not allowed to bring onboard. These and other similar items will be confiscated upon being found. Alcoholic beverages, illegal drugs, flammable liquids, explosives, and dangerous chemicals will not be returned.

• Firearms & Ammunition, including realistic replicas.
• *Sharp Objects, including knives and scissors.
• Illegal Drugs & Substances
• Candles & Incense
• Coffee Makers, Clothes Irons, & Hot Plates
• Baseball Bats, Hockey Sticks, Cricket Bats, Bows & Arrows
• Skateboards & Surfboards
• Martial Arts Gear
• Self-Defense Gear, including handcuffs, pepper spray, night sticks.
• Flammable Liquids and Explosives, including lighter fluid and fireworks.
• HAM Radios
• Electrical Extension Cords
• Dangerous Chemicals, including bleach and paint.
• **Alcoholic and Non-Alcoholic Beverages

Note:

*Personal grooming items such as safety razors are allowed. Scissors with blade length less than 4 inches are allowed.

** Alcoholic beverages that are purchased in ports-of-call or from shops onboard will be stored by the ship and delivered to you on the last day of the sailing. Alcoholic beverages seized on embarkation day will not be returned.