Top 10 Must-Pack Items for an Alaska Cruise

Alaska cruises certainly aren't anything like a day at the beach. So when it comes to packing, what ends up in your luggage likely won't resemble the bikinis and Hawaiian shirts you'd choose for a tropical getaway. For anyone planning a journey to the 49th state, be sure to heed this packing advice.

10. Hiking Boots - You'll need a sturdy pair of hiking boots or shoes to tread upon Alaska's mountainous terrain. I recommend a pair of waterproof hiking shoes. They look like tennis shoes but the Gore-Tex makes them absolutely waterproof).

9. Alarm Clock - You wouldn't want to miss wildlife sightings or be the last off the ship in port, so it's important to rise and shine early on port days. If you don't like wake-up calls, take an alarm clock with you (most cabins don't include one)—after all it's the early bird that gets the worm!

8. Collapsible Backpack (Gym Sack) - I suggest taking a backpack that folds up and can be stored in your pocket until you need to use it (to store extra clothing layers that are peeled off or souvenirs bought in port). The sacks are very lightweight and have a drawstring to keep your belongings safely tucked away.

7. Motion Sickness Medicine - Bonine (motion sickness tablets) works fine and does not make most people drowsy. I also recommend the wrist band "Sea Bands".

6. Sunscreen - Don't let the chilly temperatures fool you—the sun's UV rays are strong in Alaska. Don't forget the sunscreen if you are going on a tour to one of the glaciers. The sun off of the ice can be very intense.

5. Extra Memory Cards for the Camera - Make sure to bring plenty of memory for all of the beautiful scenery you'll encounter in Alaska. Not only should you have back up memory cards, but a good zoom lens or high-pixel camera so you can crop and enlarge pictures.

4. Insect Repellent - Bring insect repellent in a pump bottle. The spray bottle will be confiscated by the airline or security. The mosquitoes are huge, so bring the repellent and make sure it's the pump bottle.

3. Rain Gear - Things like umbrellas, ponchos, raincoats with hoods, and extra socks are advisable in case you get caught in a downpour. Using a waterproof rain jacket with a hood and a fleece jacket that zips up with a high collar (then you don't need a scarf or any turtle neck shirts). Wait to buy these in Ketchikan. They have excellent quality jackets for much less than I paid at home, and they have nice, simple Alaska logos on them. There are tons of stores right off the dock.

2. Binoculars - While many members suggest taking binoculars with you on your Alaska cruise, the quality of them is the key. Take the strongest binoculars that you have.

1. Layers - Take light jackets, fleece clothing, a warm hat, and gloves for layering in unpredictable weather. Since weather varies even if you get the best, bring all possible options from short sleeves and shorts to long sleeves and rain gear. The coldest is usually on the ship looking at the glaciers, a great time to wear earmuffs and hood for wind. Don't buy fleece and windbreakers before you go. All of the ports sell jackets and fleece very inexpensively. They are nice souvenirs, but remember to leave room when you are packing to bring them home.

by Kim Kazell

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