Alaska Cruise Packing List for Families: What to Pack for an Alaskan Cruise
Planning an Alaskan cruise with your family is truly an adventure of a lifetime. From breathtaking glaciers to up-close wildlife encounters, it’s a voyage your family will never forget. But packing for an Alaskan cruise is unlike packing for any other destination, especially with kids in tow. As an expert in Disney cruises with personal experience, I’m here to make sure your family is perfectly prepared — with no stress, no guesswork, and maximum enjoyment.
Get Your Free Alaska Cruise Packing PDF
Before we dive into the details, I’ve created a beautiful, printable Alaska Cruise Packing List PDF designed just for families. It covers everything from baby gear to evening dinners — all in one handy download.
Click here to download your Alaska Cruise Family Packing List
Why Packing Right is Critical for Alaska Cruises
Unlike tropical cruises, Alaska’s weather can swing dramatically in a single day. It’s common to start with misty rain, enjoy bright sun midday, and then find yourself bundled up by evening. Add in active excursions, kids’ needs, and shipboard activities, and you’ll understand why layering — and smart packing — is essential.
To give you an idea, below is a quick snippet of everything I wore on our most recent Alaskan adventure:
Alaska Cruise Packing List: Essentials for Families
Clothing & Layers
- Base Layers: Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms for everyone
- Mid Layers: Cozy fleece jackets or wool sweaters
- Outer Layers: Waterproof rain jackets and pants — absolute must-haves
- Casual Wear: Long sleeves, t-shirts, comfortable jeans or pants
- Dining Room Attire: Dresses, button-downs, slacks, polos, khakis
- Robes: For enjoying your balcony or verandah
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots or sturdy shoes for excursions
- Comfortable sneakers for shipboard walking
- Slippers for the stateroom and verandah views
- Tennis shoes for active port days or exercising
Accessories
- Warm hats, gloves, and scarves
- UV-protective sunglasses and sunscreen (yes, even in Alaska)
- Binoculars for spotting wildlife
- Swimsuits for onboard pools and hot tubs
- Sleep masks to combat long daylight hours
Toiletries & Health Items
- Sunscreen (30 SPF+) and SPF lip balm
- Insect repellent
- Motion sickness bands or Dramamine
- Prescription and over-the-counter medications
- Children’s shampoo and toiletries
- Hair tools like flat irons or curling irons (check ship allowances)
Documents & Must-Haves
- Passports or government IDs
- Cruise confirmations, travel insurance
- Credit cards and a bit of cash for tipping and small shops
Entertainment & Kid Comfort
- Tablets, portable game systems, headphones
- Coloring books, small toys, travel games
- Stuffed animals & special blankets
- Autograph books for character meet & greets
- Binoculars
- Mini cameras
For Babies & Toddlers
- Diapers, wipes, creams (*Swim diapers not permitted)
- Formula, bottles, snack containers
- Stroller and baby carrier (handy on deck)
- Baby-safe sunscreen, sound machine, and favorite toys
Other Smart Additions
- Travel pillows and blankets for flights
- Chargers, multi-port USB hubs for the cabin
- Magnetic hooks for added storage
- Wet bags for swimsuits
- Collapsible hamper for laundry
- Laundry detergent
- Nightlight for navigating the cabin
- MagicBand+ or lanyards if you’re sailing Disney
- Reusable water bottles and daypacks for shore adventures
- Umbrella
Watch the Weather Before You Go
Always check your departure and port forecasts starting 10 days out. This lets you adjust — perhaps packing an extra sweater or lighter rain gear. Alaska weather is famously unpredictable, so flexibility is key.
FAQ: Alaska Cruise Packing for Families
Do I need formal clothes on an Alaska cruise?
While Alaskan cruises are generally more casual, most lines (including Disney) have at least one optional formal night. A nice dress or collared shirt and slacks are perfect for formal nights. For the dining rooms, causal wear is accepted, though I always feel most comfortable in a nice dress or pants.
Should we bring binoculars?
Absolutely. They’re essential for whale watching and scanning shorelines for bears and eagles. Even kids love spotting wildlife this way. Bonus tip: bring a tripod for your binoculars for easy viewing on your verandah!
Is it really necessary to layer so much?
Yes — it’s the best way to stay comfortable all day. You might peel off layers in the sun and bundle up again by afternoon.
Ready to Plan Your Dream Alaska Cruise?
As a luxury travel expert who has helped hundreds of families craft seamless Disney Alaska cruise vacations, I’ll make sure you’re fully prepared, from stateroom preferences to every last packing detail. Request a personalized quote today and let’s make your family’s Alaska adventure effortless.
Download Your Free Alaska Cruise Packing List PDF
This post comes with an easy-to-print Alaska Cruise Packing List you can take with you. It’s designed for families, with space to check items off as you go. Click here to download your free Alaskan cruise packing list today.
Want even more luxury vacation inspiration? Explore:
- Disney Cruise Planning Guide for 2025
- Luxury Cabana Rentals at Castaway Cay
- Family All-Inclusive Resorts in Turks & Caicos
