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Alaska's climate during the May-through-September travel season ranges from cool and rainy in the Inside Passage, to mild and sunny in the Interior and the Anchorage area. No matter which time of year you visit, dressing in layers is always a good idea. You'll be far more comfortable in a cotton turtleneck topped with a light sweater and windbreaker than bundled up in a parka. You can add and subtract layers as the weather warrants.
Use the Alaska packing lists and tips below as starters and modify them for your personal tastes and needs.
airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation
cruise documents
passports and visas or proof of citizenship (if necessary)
vaccination certificate (if required)
wallet and fanny pack
driver's license and auto insurance card - in case you decide to rent a car when ashore
medical insurance cards and medical history (especially if traveling alone)
another picture ID - if you don't take driver's license
credit cards - be sure to call credit card companies before traveling to alert them you are traveling outside your normal area
ATM card
pre-paid phone card
cash or traveler's checks (be sure to keep traveler's checks receipt in separate location)
3 copies of airline tickets, cruise tickets, passports/visas, itinerary - pack 1 copy in carry on, 1 copy in checked luggage, and leave one copy with someone at home
contact numbers to report lost/stolen credit cards or traveler's checks
emergency numbers at home
prescription drugs and any other essential medications in carry on bag
ear plugs or "ear planes"
small first aid kit (band aids, Q-tips, vaseline, dramamine, antibiotic cream, bandages, anti-diarrheal medication, cortisone cream, aspirin/tylenol/advil)
Crazy glue
bug spray (not for your cabin on the ship, but for those pesky mosquitoes ashore
sun screen/sun block and lip sunblock
germicidal hand cleaner
handi-wipes
hand lotion
rubbing alcohol
foot lotion
sewing kit and scissors (pack in checked luggage)
travel-size Woolite
clothes pins
empty folding tote bag - for souvenirs
hats/caps/visors
insulated large coffee mugs
binoculars
watch
glasses, extra contacts, contact lens cleaner and case
extra reading glasses
sunglasses
reading sunglasses
guidebooks and other port of call information
maps
reading material - books to read while on the plane or lounging by the pool
journal or notebook and pen/pencil - for making notes to tell your friends back home about your experiences
business cards with email address to give out to new cruise friends
home and email addresses of friends/relatives back home - for sending postcards, emails, or gifts
extra plastic cable-lock ties for securing luggage for return trip (better than locks, but one-time use only)
extra luggage name tags (in case yours are lost on the outbound trip)
small travel alarm clock - battery operated
lighted dial clock for cruise ship cabin
extra plastic cable-lock ties for securing luggage for return trip (better than locks, but one-time use only)
extra luggage name tags (in case yours are lost on the outbound trip)
zip loc bags of all sizes and garbage/laundry bags
small flashlight
night light
corkscrew (be sure to put in checked luggage)
Swiss Army knife or something similar with screwdriver head, etc. (be sure to put in checked luggage)
small umbrella
collapsible travel pillow for those long airplane flights
Digital Camera or Traditional Camera
Video Camera
Zoom Lenses
Tripod or Selfie Stick
Extra memory cards or film
Extra batteries or battery charger
Cell Phone
iPad, Tablet, Kindle
Mobile Chargers
Extension Cord with Multi-outlet surge protector to plug in all your chargers
Have the post office hold your mail
Stop your newspaper delivery, or have a friend or neighbor take them in for you.
Leave copies of your passport, airline tickets, travelers checks and any credit cards you plan to use with a family member or trusted friend.
Place a card with your name and address inside your luggage, as well as on the outside.
Bring your travel and health insurance information and have it handy at all times.
Verify that your identification and travel tickets are in your carry-on bag and will be available at all times.
Talk to Your Cruise Agent
Always ask your cruise agent about any specific clothing needs for your particular ship. Some ships have special requirements that may affect your packing plan. Although you can purchase many items on ship or in cruise ports, you will often pay a heavy premium, and may not find exactly what you need. For example, film for your camera will cost significantly more once you leave home and you may not find the size or speed you require.
Planning for Souvenirs
If you're planning to buy t-shirts, hats, etc. on the ship or ports of call, why not wear them on your cruise? You'll cut down on the amount of clothing you'll bring, and you wont need to plan for extra space on your trip home. If you under-packed (unlikely), you can purchase additional clothing during the cruise.
Packing Your Carry On
Plan your carry-on load carefully. A larger carry-on bag (within airline carry-on requirements) is useful so that you can comfortably carry a change of clothing. Keep your carry-on bag safe when ou're in the airport; never leave it unattended.
Divide and Conquer
If traveling with a companion or spouse, divide your checked items into two (or more) suitcases. That way, if one is lost, you will both have some clothing to wear! It would be terrible for your spouse to have all of his clothes and you to have nothing but your carry-on. Also, be sure to carry-on anything that you cannot live without for a couple of days (or more), just in case your luggage is lost or delayed.
Traveling with Jewelry
If you choose to travel with expensive jewelry (not recommended), use the purser's safe when you're not wearing it. Although room safes are available on many ships, only valuables locked up in the purser's safe are covered under the ship's insurance (check you cruise contract, usually supplied with your cruise documents).
Formal nights are not necessarily extremely formal.
Some passengers, who enjoy dressing up, will go all out with tuxedo's, long gowns, etc. On most seven-night cruises, this is not necessary. The majority of men wear a suit or blazer with white shirt and conservative tie on formal nights. Many women wear cocktail dresses, fancy dresses, or suits. Its like getting dressed for a nice wedding. Young boys can wear nice slacks with a shirtand a tie. The more expensive the ship, the more likely that formal wear will be worn.
Use the Ship's Laundry Facilities
Many ships have self-serve laundry and ironing facilities in addition to the available washing and/or dry cleaning. Sometimes it makes sense to do a load or two during the cruise rather than pack enough of everything for your entire trip.