What to Pack For Alaska Cruise

If you’re planning a cruise to Alaska soon, we’ve got some essential tips to help get your packing started. We’ve also added all of these items to an Alaskan shopping list, that you can find on our website, http://www.cruisetipstv.com/alaska-cruise-shopping-list/ First up; packable puffy’s. We just LOVE these Packable down jackets and vests. They're warm and cozy and compress so they take up very little space. Since dressing in layers is the way to go in Alaska, you'll want to pack a Day pack, like the (FeatherPak) to carry your outerwear layers, a bottle of water and anything you might need while ashore. Ziploc bags also come in very handy on ANY cruise. They are great for separating wet clothes, and keeping things safe and organized. A small set of Binoculars is an absolute must for Alaska. There is SO much wildlife and natural beauty in Alaska, so don't forget these little guys. You won’t regret it if you want to see bears, whales or even a beautiful waterfall close-up. Compression Bags can also be quite useful. If you're anything like me and insist on packing your own pillows, several puffy vests, and other bulky cold weather clothing for your chilly-weather cruise, then these are indispensible. It's easy to forget that it can be sunny and bright in Alaska, and the summer days are long...so don’t forget to pack sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat with a brim to protect your skin. We also like to pack a Light winter hat and gloves for cooler times, like glacier viewing days Insect repellent may be necessary if you're participating in adventure tours, or plan to be near streams and lakes during certain times of year. The mosquitos can be mad crazy in Alaska, so it’s best to play it safe with a small bottle of repellant. Summer in Alaska can be quite rainy...or...drizzly. Grab some rain gear and a lightweight umbrella and tuck it in your backpack just in case. In addition to those packable puffy jackets we mentioned earlier, we like these lightweight, water resistant jackets – they never seem to go out of style, and are easy to find in tons of colors. For me, comfort is key when cruising Alaska, so we recommend you pack a nice pair of walking shoes, preferably something non slip & water proof. Running or athletic shoes are generally fine, but hiking shoes or water resistant boots may be a better option. Okay, don’t laugh at this tip. One of my favorite things to do on an Alaskan cruise is soak up the beauty of the area from a hot tub or heated pool, so I recommend you take your swimsuit along, just in case. Oh, and here's an “inside tip”- there is NO better place to be on glacier viewing day than one of the hot tubs on deck, but shh…don’t tell anybody. Lastly, keep in mind Alaska is beautiful at every turn. Take a camera, and make sure you have plenty of storage space. We like to break out the DSLR for Alaska, and we recommend you use the best camera possible, but remember, the best camera is the camera you have with you. Even if it’s a cell phone, just don’t forget it. That's it for this episode. Be sure to check out our Alaska packing list at http://www.cruisetipstv.com/alaska-cruise-shopping-list/