Cruising in Alaska is one of my favorite active boomer travel experiences. With plenty of active adventures and beautiful scenery to admire and/or photograph, it’s no surprise that an Alaska cruise is at the top of many boomer bucket lists.
However too many folks become caught up in worrying about packing for an Alaska cruise. Don’t let that angst ruin anticipation of a wonderful trip. With my practical Alaska cruise packing tips, you’ll look forward to your cruise rather than dreading preparing for it.
What to wear on a cruise to Alaska?

What to pack for an Alaska cruise? I’m asked this question a lot. And my answer is always the same: not as much as you think.
With the typical Alaskan cruise ranging from one to two weeks, your Alaska cruise packing list should include clothing layers for outdoor fun with mix and match outfits for evenings, including formal night—if the cruise will have one.
In fact, as couple travelers, you and your partner could probably manage with one checked bag between you, a rolling carryon for her plus a personal item bag. He’ll be fine with a backpack, which you can also share on those fabulous Alaska cruise excursions. This advice remains the same for solo travelers, too.
And, if you’re an especially efficient packer, there’s no reason why you can’t pack your Alaska cruise attire into a rolling carryon, even when including cold weather gear.
Remember, lightweight, layered clothing is your friend. I traveled for 21 days in China using only a rolling carryon and a personal item bag. You can do it, too!
What to pack for a 2-week Alaska cruise
If you read my luxury cruise reviews here at My Itchy Travel Feet, then you know that I love to bring fancy cruise wear for dressing up on cruises. But that’s not the case for Alaska, where the cruise is all about active travel fun. Here are my suggestions for what to pack for a two-week Alaska cruise:
Daywear for Alaska
When it comes to what to wear during the day on an Alaska cruise, I opt for layers with items that will work well on the ship or on excursion. Even on scenic cruising days, I know that I’ll be outside on deck admiring Hubbard Glacier or another beautiful Alaskan scene.

Alaska weather is changeable. You never know if it will be cloudy and cold, sunny and warm, or rainy and whatever. Packing an assortment of layers that dry quickly—no bulky clothing allowed—prepares you for any situation.

Cute Alaskan cruise outfits for casual nights
In Alaska, most of the nights onboard ship will be designated casual night—elegant casual, country-club casual, whatever term the cruise line uses. And that’s just fine with this baby boomer.

With so many outdoor adventures, Alaskan cruises are busy enough that there’s not a lot of time for night life. I mainly wear pants because I look better in them rather than skirts or dresses.
Boomer Travel Tip
Know your style and what looks best on you. For me, the mix and match clothing at Chico’s is perfect for cruises.
Accessories are an easy way to extend the life of an outfit, making it feel different each time that you wear it. A scarf or eye-catching necklace can instantly change your look without adding bulk to luggage.
Alaska cruise formal nights
Although Alan and I love dressing up for formal nights, we leave the dinner jacket and long gown at home when cruising to Alaska. In fact, we’d do the same on any 7 to 14-day cruise. During port-intensive cruises, there’s not enough time on ship to make bringing the formal wear worth it.

I’ll pack a pair of dressy black pants, sparkly top and shoes, especially if I’ve adhered to the two pants/five top/1 par of shoes list I mentioned for casual nights in the packing list that follows. If you really want to cut down on clothing, wear the black pants from elegant casual night in place of an additional pair of dressy pants.
For an Alaska formal night, Alan wears a sport coat and dress pants or khakis, perhaps without a tie as they are usually optional. He’ll bring one, though, just in case he changes his mind.
No need to worry about formal nights on an expedition cruise because there aren’t any.
Two-week Alaska cruise packing list
Do you need help packing for your Alaska cruise? Check out my Alaska cruise packing tips.
Alaska cruise shopping list
Is your Alaska cruise coming up quickly? This Amazon shopping list makes it easy for you to purchase what you need all in one place. Happy shopping!
Kirkland Signature Ladies' Water-Repellent Wind Resistant Softshell Jacket
I wear my red Kirkland Signature jacket on almost every adventure. The lining adds a bit of warmth, plus the outer shell is water repellent and wind resistant. It fits easily over a fleece jacket if you need to layer up for additional warmth.
Columbia Women's Benton Springs Full Zip Jacket, Soft Fleece with Classic Fit
Wear a fleece jacket over a turtleneck or henley shirt and you'll be warm enough for most Alaska cruise adventures. Slip a rain jacket over it to stay dry or for additional warmth. That's what I do!
Columbia Women's Saturday Trail Pant, Water and Stain Resistant
A trail pant that's water and stain resistant? Yes, please. What a perfect addition to your Alaska cruise wear.
Columbia Down Puffer Vest
Layer a quilted vest over long sleeve turtleneck or short-sleeve shirt for those days when you don't need a coat but a little bit of warmth around your core makes for a comfortable cruise excursion.

Merrell Lightweight Hiking Shoes
Lightweight hiking shoes double as fitness shoes on my Alaska cruises. Although, with all the fun Alaska activities, who has time to work out in the ship's gym?

Waterproof Rain Boot Shoe Cover
Packing shoe covers that have treads is a smart move. These are perfect for covering lightweight hiking shoes rather than bringing heavy waterproof boots. And the treads provide sure footing.
And there you have it. As you can see, deciding what to wear on an Alaskan cruise doesn’t have to be complicated. This is one trip where you’ll be happy that you packed light.
Save to Pinterest
