Packing for Alaska?

[Aby]

We went on our first DCL Alaska cruise in 2011, then repeated the same cruise in 2013. The first time, we way overpacked. The second time I did better but still ended up with a lot of stuff we didn't use. Just remember that you always have access to laundry in a pinch!

You'll definitely want a few pairs of casual pants to wear around the ship and in port. Since you're not sweating too much on the cooler itinerary, you can easily wear each pair at least twice. These pants will also be fine in the MDR most nights, but you can bring something a little dressier for formal and semi-formal nights, as well as Palo. A few causal shirts, a few dressier ones, and at least one sweater would be a good idea. I'd recommend a windbreaker type jacket that you can wear on deck and in ports - waterproof would be best. You don't need anything really heavy as long as you can wear a layer or two underneath. I packed a pair of long underwear as well but didn't end up using them at all. I brought a swimsuit for the spa but didn't end up in the pools.

Even though I brought a lot of clothes, I probably used no more than half of them - my favorites - and just ended up doing a quick small load of laundry one day. So I'd say lay out all your clothes you want to take, then pick out your favorite 50-60% of them, and just take those! Sorry, but we're just two adults, so can't help with the kids!

Aby

 

[Luvzmy3boys]

We did this trip last August with 3 boys (8,8,4) and extended family. We live in So Cal currently so our idea of cold is different from DSIL who lives in Seattle. We only had rolling carry-ons so packed relatively light. Kids each had 2 pair sneakers, flip flops, lots of socks, waterproof rain jacket, 1trouser with 2 different tops/tie/sweater for formal and semi formal nights, 3 track pants, 3 long sleeve casual shirts, 4 t shirts, fleece jacket, gloves, hat, swim trunks and rash guard-- yes we swam every day despite the chill. We did laundry as kids r messy.

For me: black and blue skinny jeans, workout clothes x2. Long sleeve tees x2, short sleeve t x2, black skirt, black sleeveless top, black cocktail dress, 2 sweater/wraps, sneakers x2, flats, flip flops, black pumps, waterproof rain jacket, black north face thermoball jacket (thin enough to layer under rain jacket or over sweater), 2 scarves, swimsuit, gloves, hat, fashion jewelry.

By keeping everything grey/black tones, I was able to mix and match and accessorize with scarves and jewelry. I did buy a sweatshirt on board because it was warm and comfy. Attire is way more casual-- I could have gotten away without the cocktail dress- DSIL wore nice skirt and blouse on formal night and fit in fine. People wore hoodies and sweats or jeans to the shows and for walking around. No one cares! The only time I wished I had brought my ski jacket was at Tracy Arm. It is cold and windy on top deck. We could only take it for about an hour and then wandered down to deck 4 where it was warmer and spent time on our verandah too. It was a great trip! You will have fun. Dress in layers. I found myself taking off or putting on layers depending if the sun wa s out or not.

 

[pillow]

We are also planning to bring cheap rain ponchos (Walmart variety). Packing for this trip has my head spinning!

Jodie

 

[dotfurio]

We went in June, although we had unusually sunny weather except in Ketchikan. We wore jeans and long sleeved shirts and had lightweight rain jackets/windbreakers for everyone and we were fine. Actually, in most places it was too warm to wear a sweatshirt. And we're used to a warm (but dry) climate. The only day I was cold was on Tracy Arm day - I had hat, scarf, and layered shirts and sweatshirt.

I can't compare to other cruises, but I've heard formal night is more casual than on other cruise locations. We wore "church" clothes and were fine. A few were more dressy, a few were wearing jeans and t-shirts.

We ended up doing laundry part way through the cruise, but we also spent a few days in Vancouver prior to and after the cruise so our whole trip was about 2 weeks.

My little one is always cold she we always had a sweater for her, even though she was totally fine swimming! My oldest didn't even use her sweatshirts.

 

[mylittlebuttercup]

Some of this is going to reecho what other people already said. I would pack layers. I pretty much always wore jeans or pants, never shorts/capris. For tops, that's where the layers came in--bring a fleece and/or jacket, some sweatshirts or cardigans, short or long-sleeved shirts to wear under those. Bring a hat, scarf, and possibly even gloves because you might need those, especially if you are going on an excursion on a smaller boat. (If you do that, I might even double my socks--it was cold out there!!) I would still bring sunglasses because the sun could still be bright on non-rainy days. If you are into wildlife, bring binoculars (unless you are staying concierge; I heard they provide them.) Also, bring your bathing suit in case you want to go to the spa or hot tubs.

 

[southerngirl528]

Everyone has great pointers and I agree with Mylittlebuttercup on bringing gloves, scarf, and a hat. I took a waterproof rain hat and a poncho that folded up into its own pocket to put over our coats. We took fleece to layer over LS tops, tees and vests and had that poncho if it was raining, which was several days on our cruise 2 years ago and it was the first Alaska cruise of the season, so late May. We did have some pretty weather, but it was anywhere from a tad chilly to downright cold for all of us from FL and GA. Personally, I relished the cool weather as we get so blasted much hot-as-Hades weather here in FL!

It did seem a bit more casual in the dining rooms than the other cruises I've been on, but no one was "scruffy". LOL It is a gorgeous cruise, I say it was like sailing through postcards. It was just that beautiful.

One thing to know is that on the Tracy Arm day, they have a BBQ up on the top deck and as you are cruising through the fjords ( I know, you don't really hear them called that in Alaska, but that's what they are! LOL), you will most likely be outside most of that day. And you do not want to freeze if it's a cold day! So much fun!! Happy planning!

 

[DVCTX]

If you do need a rain jacket, they were available at reasonable prices in any of the ports. Surprised me as the ports are a captive audience and normally expensive for anything else. Of course, the first port isn't until day four!

 

[GTR]

BINOCULARS!!!!! Find a cheap one now b/c if you get them before you board, they're $50.

 

[jeffbear]

So ... one pair of black jeans and one pair of blue jeans, and I'm done :0)

Tell ya one thing. I'm not dragging dressy shoes on out Alaska cruise in July this year. Hope they don't mind my crappy 10 year old walking boots.

 

[pillow]

So ... one pair of black jeans and one pair of blue jeans, and I'm done :0)

Tell ya one thing. I'm not dragging dressy shoes on out Alaska cruise in July this year. Hope they don't mind my crappy 10 year old walking boots.

Thats exactly how I feel! But we're having a Palo dinner, so I have to bring SOMETHING halfway decent . . .

Jodie

 

[Four Swampers]

It will rain. Don't know when, except almost certainly in Ketchikan, don't know how many days or half days, but it will rain.

It will be in the 60's much of the time. Maybe the high will hit the 70's, maybe you will have a crazy high in the 80's, but most of your awake time will be in the 60's.

If you want to see a lot of pictures from Alaska DCL cruise, go to a social media site I can't mention and search for "Our Travels on Disney Cruise Line." Then go to photos, then albums, and choose the Disney Wonder Alaska Cruise album.

 

[bcwife76]

It will rain. Don't know when, except almost certainly in Ketchikan, don't know how many days or half days, but it will rain.

It will be in the 60's much of the time. Maybe the high will hit the 70's, maybe you will have a crazy high in the 80's, but most of your awake time will be in the 60's.

If you want to see a lot of pictures from Alaska DCL cruise, go to a social media site I can't mention and search for "Our Travels on Disney Cruise Line." Then go to photos, then albums, and choose the Disney Wonder Alaska Cruise album.

Fantastic photos!!

 

[Kimberly1]

This is my list so far. I am admittedly an over packer - one of the reasons I fly Southwest and take advantage of my 2 free suitcases per person.

sunglasses
sunscreen
rain/waterproof jacket
binoculars
waterproof backpack
gloves (the ones with holes in the fingers and mittens to fold over so you can get to camera easily)
hand/toe warmers
knee high socks
hooded sweatshirt
ear muffs
2 pairs of tennis shoes (so when one is wet, you can wear the others)
cheap/disposable ponchos
scarf
hot cocoa/coffee travel mug and marshmallows
ziploc bags in various sizes to protect items from getting wet on excursions


For general clothes I have
2 pairs of jeans
2 pairs of sweats
2 pairs of capris
5 tshirts
2 long sleeve shirts
2 sweatshirts

For dinner, we will dress up - I am thinking for me, I'll take palazzo pants as they are lightweight and take up little room in a suitcase.