Carnival cruise passengers share packing tips for Alaska cruises
Packing for a cruise to Alaska is completely different than packing for a Caribbean cruise, which can leave even frequent cruisers unsure of what to bring and what to leave at home for a summer sailing to the Great Land.
While Caribbean cruise packing typically centers around beachwear, an Alaska cruise requires an entirely different wardrobe designed to keep you warm and dry and prepared for weather conditions that can change quickly. Although Alaska is known for cold and wet weather, summer days can sometimes bring sunny skies and pleasant temperatures. On the deck of a cruise ship in Alaska, you might find yourself basking in sunshine one minute and in need of a windbreaker the next.
Weather in Alaska cruise ports can be unpredictable, but Alaska cruise passengers can generally expect chilly mornings and evenings, mostly cloudy skies, a high chance of rain and wind, and highs in the low-to-mid 60s. So, what should you pack to be prepared for Alaska's rapidly changing weather conditions?
As he packed for his own fan cruise to Alaska, Carnival Cruise Line Brand Ambassador John Heald recently asked experienced Alaska cruisers to share their best Alaska cruise packing advice in a post on his popular Facebook page.
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Packing layers is your best bet for Alaska cruises
Layers was a common theme among the more than 800 comments on Heald's post, as passengers emphasized the varied conditions they experienced during their own Alaska cruises.
"It was an awesome cruise but the weather is all over the scale! It will rain, it will be chilly, it will be sunny and it will be warm, all in the same breath! Layers is key," Connie Jenkins commented.
Think light base layer like a t-shirt, warm mid-layer like a fleece, and waterproof outer shell to stay warm and dry without being weighed down by bulk. A hat and gloves will also come in handy on cold days.
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Dressing in layers for a port day in Juneau or Ketchikan not only helps to make sure you're warm and dry as you explore outdoors, it allows you to remove some clothing as you visit shops and restaurants.
"Always dress in layers, because it may be chilly and wet outside, but inside every store and restaurant it's warm and cozy, at first, then after you enjoy the sudden warmth, it will become like a furnace to you unless you can shed some layers! Experience talking," Paula Winchester said.
Pack for wet weather when cruising to Alaska
With Alaska's high frequency of rain, especially later in the summer, cruise passengers should make sure not to skip the waterproof outer layer to wear in port. While you may not want a heavy parka, you'll need a hooded waterproof jacket that can protect you from rain and wind. Don't forget about your feet, too - comfortable, waterproof walking shoes will make it easier to enjoy excursions and explore on rainy days.
"Layer up and I suggest waterproof sneakers or boots. Rain in Ketchikan was no joke and feet stayed dry and warm in mine," Kellye Hatfield Naro commented.
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Even if forecasts don't call for rain when you're packing, keep in mind that Alaska weather can be unpredictable so packing some lightweight, rain gear is always a good idea.
"I've been on three Alaskan cruises with Carnival and no matter what the weather reports, I always bring a jacket and lightweight rain gear along with comfortable clothing," Rick Ricardy shared.
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This story was originally published May 17, 2026 at 3:29 PM.