While deciding what to bring along on a cruise is often difficult, packing for an Alaska voyage can be particularly challenging. Temperatures can vary significantly during the day, so it's important to dress in layers. In addition, the weather can change quickly in Alaska, so be prepared for rain and both hot and cold temperatures.

When determining what to pack for your cruise, carefully consider the shore excursions you're planning on taking. Outdoor action-oriented excursions such as glacier hiking and sea kayaking require certain types of gear. It might be wise to bring along a waterproof bag for your camera as well.

Plan to pack a carry-on bag containing your cruise and travel documents, passport, travel insurance information, credit cards, cash, medications, extra glasses, any valuables, your first night's dinner outfit, reading material, and anything else that is critical to enjoying the cruise. This way, your important items will stay with you in case your luggage is lost or delayed and you can enjoy your time after boarding the ship. Sometimes luggage can take hours to arrive in your stateroom.

In addition, make 2-3 copies of your passport and important travel documents. Keep one or two of them with you separate from the originals in case your documents are stolen. Leave another at home with someone who could get them to you if necessary.

Here’s a suggested packing list for a one-week Alaska cruise:

ALASKA CRUISE PACKING LIST

Travel Documents, Funds And Papers

_ Airline tickets or e-tickets
_ Passports, visas and other proof of citizenship (make copies)
_ Cruise documents
_ Cruise itinerary
_ Pre-purchased shore excursion information
_ Travel insurance information and contact numbers
_ Driver's license, picture IDs and insurance cards
_ Medical insurance card and medical/prescription information
_ Credit cards (call credit card companies in advance of your cruise)
_ Pre-paid phone card
_ ATM card as needed (call bank in advance if going to Canada)
_ Cash (including small bills and singles) and traveler's checks if desired
_ Language phrase book
_ Emergency phone numbers (home, lost/stolen credit cards or ATM cards)

Medicines & Sundries

_ Prescription drugs or other important medication (in carry-on bag)
_ Bonine/dramamine for motion sickness
_ Antibiotic cream
_ Anti-itch cream
_ Anti-diarrhea medication
_ Band-aids
_ Tylenol, Advil, Aleve and/or aspirin
_ Sunscreen
_ Sunblock for lips
_ Moisturizer
_ Anti-bacterial hand cleaner
_ Insect repellant (very important - pump bottle and/or towelettes only)
_ Stain remover stick and Woolite
_ Ear plugs
_ Vaseline or lip moisturizer
_ Make-up, make-up mirror and make-up bag
_ Make-up remover and cleanser
_ Nail polish/polish remover
_ Perfume
_ Shampoo and conditioner
_ Hair gel and hair spray (non-aerosol)
_ Deodorant
_ Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss
_ Feminine hygiene products
_ Razor and shaving gel
_ Brush/comb
_ Blow dryer (usually there's one in cabins) & curling iron if needed

Cameras And Other Electronic Equipment

_ Camera(s)- strongly suggest at least 300mm or equivalent lens for wildlife
_ Camera bag(s) - at least one waterproof bag
_ Video camera
_ Batteries (bring plenty of extras)
_ Extra digital camera memory cards
_ Battery chargers
_ Cell phone and charger
_ Plug adaptors and converters
_ Laptop computer (if desired)
_ iPod or similar device and charger
_ Small travel clock with alarm
_ Small flashlight or night light
_ Kids' electronic equipment and batteries

Reading Items

_ Books, magazines or reading tablet
_ Glasses (bring extras) or contact lenses
_ Contact lens cleaner
_ Sunglasses
_ Reading sunglasses
_ Guidebooks (books or on tablet)
_ Business cards (if desired)
_ Addresses for sending postcards to folks back home
_ Notebook or journal
_ Maps

Other Helpful Items

_ Zip lock bags (both quart and gallon)
_ Small umbrella or packable waterproof poncho (one for each person)
_ Binoculars (a must for Alaska)
_ Sewing kit
_ Travel pillow
_ Extra luggage tags
_ Duct tape
_ Power strip for your stateroom

Women's Cruise Clothing (generally 2 formal nights and more casual/informal evenings)

_ 4-6 shirts - bring both t-shirts and long-sleeved moisture wicking shirts
_ Light polypro zip-up jacket(s)
_ Jeans or khakis
_ Light moisture wicking pants (such as convertible safari pants)
_ 1-2 pairs of shorts (Alaska can be hot)
_ Waterproof rain pants
_ Sweatshirts and/or sweaters
_ Bathing suit
_ Cover-up
_ Dresses for informal nights
_ 2 cocktail/formal dresses if needed
_ Dresses or slacks for casual nights
_ Blouses
_ Underwear
_ Pantyhose (if desired)
_ Nightgowns or PJs
_ Socks - bring plenty
_ Sandals/flip-flops
_ Running shoes/walking shoes - waterproof before cruise
_ Waterproof hiking boots if planning to hike
_ Dress shoes
_ Workout clothes
_ Waterproof rain jacket/windbreaker or waterproof poncho with hood
_ Fleece jacket or vest
_ Purses/bags
_ Light foldable backpack, tote bag or fanny pack
_ Belts
_ Jewelry (if desired)
_ Watch
_ Warm hat and a light hat to protect against sun
_ Scarf
_ Gloves
_ Long underwear (especially if sailing in May or September)

Men’s Cruise Clothing

_ T-shirts - both short-sleeved and long sleeved moisture wicking shirts
_ Light polypro zip-up jacket
_ Long-sleeved dress shirts
_ Jeans or khakis
_ Light moisture wicking pants - such as convertible safari pants
_ Waterproof rain pants
_ Sweatshirts or sweaters
_ 1-2 pairs of shorts
_ Casual and dress slacks
_ Bathing suit
_ Workout clothes
_ Sport jacket
_ Dark suit or tuxedo if needed
_ Tuxedo tie, suspenders, cummerbund, cufflinks/studs if needed
_ Tuxedo shirt if needed
_ Ties
_ Belts
_ Pajamas
_ Underwear
_ Socks - bring plenty
_ Sandals/flip-flops
_ Running shoes/walking shoes - waterproof before cruise
_ Dress shoes
_ Waterproof hiking boots if planning to hike
_ Windbreaker jacket
_ Fleece jacket or vest
_ Waterproof rain jacket or poncho with hood
_ Hats - light hat to protect against sun and warm hat
_ Gloves
_ Watch
_ Light foldable backpack, tote bag or fanny pack for hiking
_ Long underwear (especially if sailing in May or September)