What to bring on an Alaskan Cruise and don't FORGET the last item!
- Kel Thompson
- Dec 14, 2025
- 4 min read
What to Bring to Alaska
(From Someone Who Actually Lives Here)
Hello, Kel Thompson here, Anchorage based Alaskan Tour Guide! I have taken over 10,000 people to and from Whittier and Seward, Alaska to Anchorage, in addition to having done overland tours to Fairbanks, Talkeetna, and pretty much all the primary destinations accessible from Anchorage.
First and foremost, don't overpack, that said, we have a lot to cover here. You are, after all, going to Alaska! Before we get started, I want to commend you on your choice, there is nothing like Alaska, anytime of year, it is an adventure!
Alaska is not difficult to pack for
it's just a matter of knowing what to bring on an Alaskan Cruise.
Summers are beautiful! Mountains, sunshine, but also rain and mud! My company name is GreatDayAK, or more formally, "It's always a great day in the AK" (it rhymes so you know it's true!) That being said, there is a subtle truth to the name, and that is: no matter the weather, the mud nor the mosquitoes, Alaska always offers beauty, and it's always changing, even on the rainiest summer days and the coldest snowy winter nights, there's always something amazing about Alaska. That said, you are coming to Alaska, it's the Arctic (or Sub Arctic) it is a very versatile and changing climate.... so, question is, what to bring!? (and not bring?)
Don't bring the kitchen sink!
Note: I'm going to be honest here, and I really want you to know what to bring on an Alaskan Cruise, you will inevitably be taking a bus or preferably a private transportation option to or from Anchorage, and all of your bags, your party's bags and everyone else's has to fit on the bus or in the private transportation. In addition to the fact that at the ports, you might be walking a considerable distance, sometimes a quarter mile or more, and you'll thank me if you have packed lightly.
Believe it or not, we have sinks! I would recommend a normal size suitcase, this will be sufficient for the items you might need. Before we go further, let's talk about that mud. Yes, many people want to bring their new, Alaska based super fancy high end gear they purchased for their vacation, and dang it, you should buy and bring and wear all your snow white boots and jackets, but do remember, that the odds of it raining during your vacation are legitimately high, so don't blame us when you're white fur trimmed boots and jackets go back home brown and muddy, that's part of the fun! You have chosen Alaska, not Aruba!
For Summer: Yyou do not need:
A giant winter parka
Snow boots
Arctic expedition gear
You do need:
One medium-weight jacket
Layers you can add or remove easily - that might double as separate outfits on their own.
Variable Conditions
It could be cool, it could be outright warm, with temperatures in Anchorage climbing on occasion to the 80s and Fairbanks can be in the 90s, and in the summer temperatures could drop in to the 50s and even 40s in the spring and fall, so... best to be prepared for all of the varying conditions without overpacking. How? Well, it's all about layering, bing a few outfits you can layer on top of each other, travel with two pairs of shoes, one boots for hiking etc, and one more casual.
It doesn’t rain all the time, but the odds of some rain during your trip are legitimately high - and the people who are happiest are the ones who planned for it and didn’t care.
Your trip won’t be ruined by rain. It will be more annoying if you’re wet and cold.
Rain Gear Is Not Optional
Let me say this clearly:Bring real rain gear.
Not “water-resistant.”Not “fashion rain.”Actual rain protection.
A waterproof jacket or shell is far more useful than a heavy coat. A poncho works great too, especially for excursions, wildlife stops, or quick walks off the ship.
Jackets: Medium Is the Sweet Spot
This is one of the most common mistakes I see.
You don’t need a winter jacket. You don’t want a bulky coat you’ll never wear.
What works best:
A medium-weight insulated jacket or fleece
A waterproof outer layer
Something you can layer underneath
If it’s warm, you’ll shed layers.If it’s cool, you’ll be comfortable.If it rains, you’re still happy.
That’s the goal.
Shoes: Keep It Simple
You don’t need five pairs of shoes.
Bring:
One comfortable, weather-tolerant pair (walking shoes or light hiking boots)
One casual pair
That’s it.
Alaska is not a fashion show. It’s pavement, boardwalks, gravel pullouts, docks, trails, and parking lots. Comfort wins every time.
One Last Thing People Forget
Bring:
A light pair of gloves
A hat or beanie
Sunglasses (yes, really)
Even in summer, evenings can be cool, the wind can pick up, and the sun can be bright — especially on the water or near snow and ice.
Small items. Big difference.
Final Thought From a Local
Alaska isn’t about packing perfectly. It’s about being comfortable enough to enjoy it.
If you can stay dry, warm and dry when needed, and not weighed down by too much stuff, you’ve packed correctly.
Everything else is just detail.
Welcome to Alaska, you’re going to love it.
Oh, and the one thing you don't want to forget, and yes! I've seen it, is your PASSPORT!
And don't leave it in your bag when you're about to board the boat! If you hire a good transport service (mhhmm) your guide will remind you prior to handing your bags to the longshoremen!
Lastly, this is written by Alaskan tour guide, Kel Thompson, founder of GreatDayAK.com and a separate booking platform (same great AK company) WhittierTours.com I am focusing this season on private guided transfers from Anchorage to Whittier and Seward also known as 'cruise transfers' As of the time of this writing, I have over 40 five star reviews on Trip Advisor and Viator and would love to host your group when you need transportation to your Alaskan cruise! (This one I wrote almost entirely with some help from AI for grammar and punctuation, and possibly some ideation.)
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