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
This time of year
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Carry-on8
Carry-on suitcase per personOur pick
Packing cubes, one color per personOur 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
Clothing7
Daytime outfits8 per person
Pajamas2 per person
One nicer outfit for dinners and photos
Underwear and socks9 per person
Formal-night outfit
Waterproof rain jacketSoutheast Alaska's ports are among the rainiest in the US.
Packable puffer jacketGlacier days on deck are cold even in summer.
Shoes3
Broken-in walking sneakersOur pickNever bring brand-new shoes on a walking trip.
Sandals
Waterproof hiking shoesExcursion trails and docks are often wet.
Beach & pool8
Swimsuits2 per person
UPF rash guardsOur pick
Mineral sunscreen
Wide-brim sun hats
Swim diapers
Hyperlite life jacket for boat and ocean daysOur pickA properly fitted life jacket for boats and open water.
Lightweight beach tote
Goggles
Adventure1
BinocularsOur pickWhales and wildlife are often far from the ship.
Cold weather1
Beanie and glovesWind near the glaciers chills hands and ears fast.
Little ones4
Diapers and wipesenough for 3 days, buy the rest there
Portable sound machineOur pickMakes every hotel room feel like home.
Travel blackout shades
Favorite lovey, plus a backup
Health & toiletries4
Travel first-aid kit
Kids' fever reducer and allergy medicine
Hanging toiletry bag
Motion-sickness bands
Documents & tech5
Portable phone chargerOur pick
Magnetic hooks for the cabin
Power strip without surge protectionCruise lines don't allow surge protectors.
Kids' ID bracelet with your phone number
Passports for everyone, valid 6+ months past your trip
The outfit edit
Nordic layers
Charcoal, oatmeal, forest, rust
For the grown-ups
- A waterproof parka or shell
- Chunky knit sweater
- Waterproof boots with real grip
For the kids
- Snowsuit or waterproof pants
- Merino base layers
- Mittens on a clip so they don't get lost
For photos
- Rust or red pops against snow and black sand
- Matching knit hats for the whole crew
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.