ask stylebook: packing for an alaska cruise?
Karen: I’m going on an Alaska cruise with my parents in late August, when you can get all four seasons in just one day. How/what should I pack?? We’re sharing a cabin so a large suitcase is out of the question, but on the bright side there is a laundry room on the ship….
Alicia, The Tulle Box: How exciting. I believe preparing for a vacation is a very important part of the whole experience and not to be discarded as a chore or insignificant. This is where you get to anticipate and imagine what this new experience will bring. It’s the daydreaming of breathtaking landscapes and spending time with people you love. So what will you be wearing on your amazing journey? This is where I become a vicarious participant in your cruise! Having never been on an Alaskan cruise, this is what I would advise through projecting what you’ll encounter.
Layers are a natural choice but what exactly does that include? Packing can be broken down in a number of ways. I follow this formula – Shoes, Outdoor Items, Indoor Items.
I alway start with shoes – they take up the most room and you have to have them for a variety of activities. This will also help you identify what you have and putting your outfits together becomes easier once you have the shoes defined. Four or five pairs are my universal limit. They take up a lot of room and remember to pack smaller items inside (roll your socks and smaller items to fit in your shoes – it also holds the shoe’s shape while not losing square inches).
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– A sturdy hiking shoe/boot that is warm and waterproof, a sneaker/deck shoe (such as a Superga or leather slip on), something on the dressy side for cocktails, a comfy shoe for around the ship – flip-flops, flats…
– A Rain Coat -wind and waterproof and has a hood or something that you can use like a rain poncho and packs small to wear over a warmer coat or if it’s in the 70’s and raining, you’re still dry.
– A lightweight down vest with a hood would be a suggestion – the reason I suggest the vest is that it can easily be layered – even under another light jacket. It also looks cute over a t-shirt – short or long sleeve and even a tank.
– A tank, short sleeve t-shirt, and long sleeve t-shirt obviously
– Some cropped denim – no need to be uber stylish on your trip with your denim choice – these could be boyfriend, skinnies, or boot. I suggest cropped for denim so you can pair it with the Supergas.
– Hiking pants – again consider the weather – wind and waterproof could be a good call.
– A pair of Supergas or slip on sneakers (leather or canvas)
– A pair of sunglasses that bridge style and utility – with a strap so you don’t loose them.
– A hat…and one that provides more warmth.
– A backpack and/or cinch sack – day tripping requires one or both.
– A cross body that could carry a smaller camera – your cruise card and still have your hands free for binocular holding!
– Gloves – another insider tip from someone that’s been and didn’t bring them…(warm hands are something we take for granted but keeping extremities warm is crucial for a good time!)
– Warm socks – I always bring a pair of cashmere socks with me on a trip but socks seem like they should be even a little more durable (REI).
– Comfortable dresses for evening attire – I advise comfort here over all else.
– Wide Leg pants – there are great travel pants at Kiskadee from “M” in black and white. This is a moment you can be comfortable and stylish – pair these with a wedge and a cute top and then a light weight sweater will be your other layer in case it’s chilly.
– Swimsuit – there’s always an indoor pool/jacuzzi or sun opportunity and to have one is better than not having one – they don’t take a lot of room.
– A light weight sweater – this would be something that you would layer over the tanks or t-shirts. A scoop or V-neck are ideal but consider it for going with your dresses too.
– A 1/4 zip fleece – this is your go-to for warmth when you don’t want to wear a jacket. I suggest an item from Patagonia or The North Face here.
– Two Scarves – scarves are going to be your neck coverage for t-shirts on cool occasions. Two weights are suggested. One in a cotton or linen and one is a light cashmere or wool.
– Shoes should all be comfortable – wedges, sneakers, hiking shoes and one pair of heels that can transition into an evening (lucky you, block heels are hot right now!)…rubber soles.
– Lip and Skin protection – extreme changes in temperatures (and wind) can take a beating on your face, hands, lips…everything! I love Coola at Bellacara and Fresh Sugar Lip Treatment or Rosebud Salve – another one of my latest travel beauty finds is Goe Oil from Jao – they carry it at Ivy Lane.
– A S’well water bottle – I love mine because I can start the entire journey with my coffee (keeping things hot). Then I can either refill at the airport with another beverage while waiting for my flight (make sure it’s empty while going through security) but then I have it on my trip as well. It will keep your water cold for 24 hrs and hot for 12!
– A pair of sweats – for hiking or some type of similar pant – and my sources tell me to maybe pack a second pair – one could be your cozy pair (doubling as pjs) and one for hiking (Sundry at The Shoe Hive for cozy!!)
2 Comments
Wow, Alicia, thank you so much for this AWESOME list! Looks like I have some shopping to do!
You’re welcome Karen – it was fun to research this question! I hope you and your family have a great time. Take some photos and maybe we can do a follow up piece with items you took.