Cruises & Expeditions · Best Jun–Aug
Alaska cruise packing list for families
An Alaska cruise can include a sunny town stroll, a rainy forest hike, and a freezing glacier morning in the same week. Packing layers well is what keeps the whole family comfortable on deck and ashore.
Photo by david lindahl on Unsplash
Kristina's notes on Alaska Cruise
- Pack layers, not a big coat. Port days can swing from sunny and mild to cold rain, and glacier viewing from the deck is the coldest part of the trip.
- Bring binoculars for every family member. Whales, eagles, and bears are often far away, and sharing one pair leads to arguments.
- Even on round-trip sailings from Seattle, I recommend passports for everyone. Most itineraries stop in Canada, and it makes any unexpected flight home much simpler.
Best timeJun–Aug
PlugsUS plugs, no adapter needed
MoneyUS dollar (Canadian dollar in Canadian ports)
PassportYes
Your packing edit
Alaska Cruise
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Carry-on18
Carry-on suitcase per personKristina's pick
Packing cubes, one color per personKristina's pickEveryone knows exactly which cube is theirs.
Kids' headphones, volume-limited
Tablet with downloaded shows
Snack box with dividers
Reusable water bottles
Change of clothes for each kid
Car seat travel bag
Travel neck pillow for the grown-ups
Kids' travel pillow
Light blanket or large scarf for the plane
Change of shirt for the grown-upsSpills on a kid mean spills on you.
Baby wipes, even for big kids
Kids' backpack for their own things
Coloring book, sticker book, or activity pad
A new book or two
Gum or mints
Foot rest sling for long flightsKristina's pickHooks over the tray table so your feet are up and your back thanks you after hour six. I never fly long-haul without mine.
Clothing16
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Formal-night outfit
Light sweater or sweatshirt per personPlanes, restaurants, and evenings run cool.
Light rain jacket per person
Leggings or comfy travel pants for the flight
Shorts and skirts
Swim cover-ups
Belt
Sports bra or workout clothes
Socks for closed shoes, plus a spare pair
Pajamas for the first night in the carry-onIf a bag is late, bedtime still happens.
Waterproof rain jacketSoutheast Alaska's ports are among the rainiest in the US.
Packable puffer jacketGlacier days on deck are cold even in summer.
Shoes5
Broken-in walking sneakersKristina's pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Sandals
Flip-flops or slides for the pool and shower
Dress shoes or nicer sandals
Waterproof hiking shoesExcursion trails and docks are often wet.
Beach & pool12
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsKristina's pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysKristina's pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Sand toys that nest flat
Pool float or swim vest for little swimmers
Waterproof phone pouch
After-sun aloe
Adventure1
BinocularsKristina's pickWhales and wildlife are often far from the ship.
Cold weather1
Beanie and glovesWind near the glaciers chills hands and ears fast.
Little ones12
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineKristina's pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Sippy cup or straw cup
Bibs and a few spoons
Portable changing pad
Diaper cream
Baby monitor
Fitted crib sheet from homeA familiar smell helps babies sleep in a new crib.
Outlet covers
Potty seat or folding potty
Little things20
AirTag in each checked bagKristina's pickYou'll know your bag made the connection before you do.
Stain remover penGelato happens. Photos still look great.
Laundry detergent sheetsOne sink wash halfway through means packing half the clothes.
Gallon zip bags, a handfulWet swimsuits, sandy shoes, and the occasional car-sick emergency.
Pen in your carry-onFor arrival forms, so you're not borrowing one in the immigration line.
Hair ties and a small detangling brush
Hand sanitizer wipes and pocket tissues
Lollipops or gum for takeoff and landingSwallowing helps little ears pop.
A few wrapped surprise toys for the flightUnwrapping buys you twenty minutes. Unwrapping slowly buys thirty.
Stick-on battery night lightHotel rooms are pitch dark, and the bathroom is never where they expect.
Kids' nail clippers and tweezersSplinters from boardwalks and docks are a vacation classic.
Kids' sunglasses
Wet bag for swimsuits
Earplugs and an eye mask for the grown-ups
Small foldable tote for souvenirs and laundry
Sewing kit and safety pins
Luggage tags
Collapsible water bottle for the grown-ups
Sunglasses for the grown-ups
Small umbrella
Health & toiletries19
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Motion-sickness bands
Toothbrushes and toothpaste
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash
Deodorant
Hairbrush, comb, and hair ties
Face wash and moisturizer
Makeup and makeup remover
Razor
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses
Prescription medicines in original bottlesKeep them in your carry-on, never in checked bags.
Bandages and blister pads
Kids' thermometer
Anti-itch cream
Hand lotion and SPF lip balm
Feminine products
Clear quart bag for liquids
Documents & tech19
Portable phone chargerKristina's pick
Magnetic hooks for the cabin
Power strip without surge protectionCruise lines don't allow surge protectors.
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Driver's licenses and kids' IDs
Health insurance cards
Travel insurance details
Credit cards with no foreign transaction fees
Some cash in small billsFor tips, taxis, and markets.
Photos of passports and IDs on your phone
Booking confirmations saved offline
Phone chargers and cables for everyone
Multi-port wall chargerOne outlet, every device charged by morning.
Tablet chargers and kids' headphones adapter
Wireless earbuds for the grown-ups
Airplane Bluetooth adapter for seatback screens
Camera and memory card
E-reader
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
The outfit edit
Nordic layers
Charcoal, oatmeal, forest, rust
For photos
- Rust or red pops against snow and black sand
- Matching knit hats for the whole crew
Tap any piece to shop the look.
Month by month
Alaska Cruise weather and what's happening
Typical daytime highs and what each month feels like with kids.
| Month | Typical high | What it's like | Don't miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33°F 1°C | Off-season: cold, dark, and wet, with no regular cruise sailings. | |
| February | 36°F 2°C | Off-season: cold, dark, and wet, with no regular cruise sailings. | |
| March | 40°F 4°C | Off-season: cold, dark, and wet, with no regular cruise sailings. | |
| April | 49°F 9°C | Off-season: cold, dark, and wet, with no regular cruise sailings. | |
| May | 57°F 14°C | Early season: cool and often drier, with snow still on the mountains. | May sailings with snowy peaks, fewer crowds, and often less rain. Humpback whales feeding in Inside Passage waters. |
| June | 63°F 17°C | Peak season: mild days, long daylight, and frequent rain showers. | Humpback whales feeding in Inside Passage waters. Long daylight near the summer solstice, with late sunsets over the water. |
| July | 65°F 18°C | Peak season: mild days, long daylight, and frequent rain showers. | Humpback whales feeding in Inside Passage waters. Salmon runs, with bears and eagles fishing near some ports. |
| August | 64°F 18°C | Peak season: mild days, long daylight, and frequent rain showers. | Humpback whales feeding in Inside Passage waters. Salmon runs, with bears and eagles fishing near some ports. |
| September | 57°F 14°C | Late season: cooler and rainier, with fewer crowds. | Humpback whales feeding in Inside Passage waters. Salmon runs, with bears and eagles fishing near some ports. Fall color and a chance of northern lights on late-season sailings. |
| October | 48°F 9°C | Off-season: cold, dark, and wet, with no regular cruise sailings. | |
| November | 38°F 3°C | Off-season: cold, dark, and wet, with no regular cruise sailings. | |
| December | 34°F 1°C | Off-season: cold, dark, and wet, with no regular cruise sailings. |
Questions families ask
Alaska Cruise with kids, answered
When is the best time to visit Alaska Cruise with kids?
The best time is Jun–Aug. Peak season: mild days, long daylight, and frequent rain showers.
What's the weather like in Alaska Cruise?
Typical daytime highs range from about 33°F (1°C) in January to about 65°F (18°C) in July. See the month-by-month table on this page.
Do I need a passport for Alaska Cruise?
Yes. Bring a passport for everyone, including babies, and make sure each one is valid for at least six months past your trip. Check visa and entry rules before you go.
What kind of plug adapter do I need for Alaska Cruise?
None. Alaska Cruise uses the same plugs as the US.
What's your top tip for Alaska Cruise with kids?
Pack layers, not a big coat. Port days can swing from sunny and mild to cold rain, and glacier viewing from the deck is the coldest part of the trip.
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I'm Kristina, and planning family trips is what I do.
As a luxury travel advisor with KM Luxe Travel, I plan the hotels, the flow of the days, and the little details, often with perks like breakfast and upgrades when available.