Dress in layers because the temperature swings from cold deck to warm cabin
An Alaskan cruise means you will move between outdoor observation decks where it is 40 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit, heated interior cabins around 72 degrees, and dining rooms kept even warmer. A single heavy coat will leave you sweating indoors and shivering when you step outside. The practical answer is to wear three to four thin layers you can add or remove as you move through the ship and go ashore.
Start with a moisture-wicking base layer — merino wool or synthetic fabric that pulls sweat away from your skin. Cotton holds moisture and makes you colder, so avoid it for anything touching your skin. Over that, wear a fleece or wool sweater. On top, add a waterproof windbreaker or rain jacket. This stack lets you shed the jacket indoors, keep the sweater in your cabin for evening, and have the base layer working all day.
The key is that each layer serves a purpose: the base layer manages moisture, the middle layer traps warmth, and the outer layer blocks wind and rain. You can buy all three pieces for under $150 total at outdoor retailers like REI or Costco, or wear pieces you already own if they follow this pattern.
Key Takeaways
- Pack a waterproof outer jacket and fleece middle layer because Alaskan weather changes throughout the day and rain is common in Southeast Alaska.
- Wear moisture-wicking base layers (merino wool or synthetic) instead of cotton to stay warm when you sweat during activity or movement between heated spaces.
- Bring waterproof hiking boots or sturdy shoes with good grip because shore excursions often involve wet terrain, uneven ground, and slippery surfaces.
- Pack a warm hat, gloves, and thick socks because your extremities lose heat fastest and the wind on deck is sharper than the air temperature suggests.
- Bring one or two outfits for formal or semi-formal dining nights, but check your cruise line's dress code because some nights are casual and others require jackets or dresses.
Footwear that handles wet and uneven ground
Most Alaskan cruises include at least one shore excursion — hiking in Juneau, walking through Ketchikan, kayaking near Glacier Bay. The ground is wet, the rocks are slippery, and the trails are uneven. Sneakers designed for a gym will not grip wet surfaces and offer no ankle support on rocky terrain.
Bring waterproof hiking boots with a thick sole and good tread. Brands like Merrell, Salomon, and KEEN make boots that cost $100 to $180 and are built for exactly this: wet ground, variable terrain, and all-day wear. If you do not own hiking boots, waterproof work boots or even waterproof duck boots (like L.L.Bean or Sorel styles) will work. The critical features are waterproofing, a sole with deep tread, and ankle support.
Pack a second pair of shoes for the ship itself — casual slip-ons or sneakers for walking the decks and corridors. Wet boots will damage your cabin carpet and make your feet cold at night. Bring both pairs and change when you return to the ship.
Hands, head, and extremities in cold and wind
The air temperature on an Alaskan cruise deck might read 45 degrees, but the wind chill can make it feel 20 degrees colder. Your hands, feet, and head lose heat fastest, and cold extremities will drive you inside even when you want to stay on deck watching glaciers.
Pack a warm hat that covers your ears — wool or fleece, not cotton. A baseball cap does not work because it leaves your ears exposed. Bring insulated gloves rated for cold and wet conditions; leather gloves absorb water and lose all insulation when wet, so choose wool, fleece, or synthetic materials. Pack thick wool or merino socks — at least two pairs so you can rotate them and keep your feet dry.
These items take up almost no space in your luggage. A hat, gloves, and extra socks weigh less than a pound combined and make the difference between enjoying the deck and retreating to your cabin.
Formal and semi-formal dining nights
Most cruise lines designate one to three nights as formal or semi-formal, depending on the length of the cruise. Check your cruise line's website or your booking confirmation for the dress code. Some lines require jackets for men and dresses or dressy pants for women on formal nights; others call the same night "elegant casual" and allow nice pants with a sweater.
You do not need to buy new clothes. A blazer or sport coat you already own works for men. Women can wear a dress, dressy pants with a nice top, or a skirt and sweater. Bring one or two outfits that fit this description and wear them on the designated nights. The rest of your time on the ship is casual — jeans, shorts, and t-shirts are normal.
Pack comfortable shoes for formal nights because you will be walking to the dining room and standing in lines. Dress shoes that hurt your feet will make the evening miserable. Bring shoes you have already worn and know are comfortable.
What to leave behind
Do not pack heavy winter coats designed for land travel. A parka rated for -20 degrees will overheat you indoors and takes up a quarter of your luggage. The layering system works better and takes less space.
Do not bring cotton clothing as your main layers. Cotton absorbs moisture, dries slowly, and loses all insulation when wet. This includes cotton sweatshirts and cotton long underwear. Wool and synthetic fabrics outperform cotton in every cold-weather condition.
Do not pack more than one pair of waterproof boots. You will wear the same pair every day on shore, and a second pair just takes up space. Bring one good pair and one casual pair of ship shoes.
Packing list by category
| Category | What to Pack | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Base layers | 3 to 4 merino wool or synthetic shirts and bottoms | Moisture-wicking keeps you warm even when damp; you can wear the same pair multiple days |
| Middle layers | 2 fleece or wool sweaters | Traps warmth; straightforward to remove indoors |
| Outer layer | 1 waterproof windbreaker or rain jacket | Blocks wind and rain; worn over everything else |
| Footwear | 1 pair waterproof hiking boots; 1 pair casual ship shoes | Boots grip wet terrain; casual shoes keep your cabin dry |
| Accessories | Warm hat, insulated gloves, 3 to 4 pairs thick socks | Protects extremities from wind and cold |
| Formal wear | 1 to 2 outfits for formal or semi-formal nights | Required by cruise line on designated evenings |
| Casual wear | Jeans, shorts, t-shirts, casual pants (5 to 7 days worth) | Normal shipboard wear; laundry service available if needed |
Sunscreen and eye protection matter more than you think
Alaskan waters reflect sunlight intensely, and the sun is lower in the sky than at lower latitudes, which changes how it hits your face and neck. You can get a serious sunburn in a few hours on deck even when the air feels cool. Bring high-SPF sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) and reapply it every two hours if you are outside.
Bring sunglasses that block UV rays. The glare off the water and ice is bright enough to cause eye strain and temporary vision problems. Cheap sunglasses without UV protection are worse than no sunglasses because they dilate your pupils and let more UV light in. Spend $20 to $40 on sunglasses with a UV400 rating or a label stating they block 100 percent of UVA and UVB rays.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to bring my own rain jacket or can I buy one in Alaska?
Bring your own. Prices in Alaskan port towns are 30 to 50 percent higher than retail prices in the lower 48 states, and selection is limited. A quality waterproof jacket costs $80 to $150 at home and $120 to $200 in Juneau or Ketchikan. Packing one saves money and guarantees you have it from day one.
What if I do not own waterproof hiking boots?
Rent them in Anchorage or Juneau before your cruise, or borrow from a friend. Rental shops charge $15 to $25 per day. If you cannot rent, wear the most waterproof shoes you own — waterproof work boots, duck boots, or even waterproof sneakers — rather than regular sneakers. The shore excursions are optional, so you can also skip them if your footwear is not suitable.
Can I wear the same clothes multiple days in a row?
Yes. Most people wear the same base layer and middle layer for two to three days before washing. Bring three to four base layers so you always have a clean one, and two fleece sweaters so you can rotate them. Your cabin has a small closet but no washer; most cruise lines offer laundry service for a fee, or you can hand-wash items in your sink.
Will the ship provide jackets or rain gear if I forget?
No. The ship sells rain jackets and ponchos in the gift shop at high prices ($40 to $80), but they are thin and not designed for all-day wear. Bring your own jacket before boarding.
How many pairs of pants should I pack?
Pack two to three pairs of casual pants or jeans for shipboard wear, plus one pair of dressy pants for formal nights. Most people wear the same pair of jeans for three to four days before washing. Bring one or two backup pairs in case one gets wet or dirty during a shore excursion.