Leave in 2 weeks - What to Pack?

[hansonsk20]

We leave for our cruise to Alaska on 8/31 on the Island Princess and aren't sure what to pack. This is our first cruise. We have reviewed the other threads and our brains are on overload. Here is an overview of what we are thinking. If anyone has something we are missing please let me know. Getting nervous. Nervous but excited :) :confused:

 

Clothing

- Jeans (2 pair)

- Shirts for layering

- Silk underlayers(1 set)

- tennis shoes

- 1 formal outfit (knee length black dress and black suit for him)

- 1 pair dress shoes

- Rain Jacket

- Hat/gloves/scarves

- Crocs (silly to bring these or practical?)

- 2-3 business casual outfits for dinner? (is this appropriate for all non-formal nights?)

- swimsuit?

 

Bonoculars

Camera (2 in case one breaks or gets lost)

Video Camera

Power strip(for additional outlets)

Ponchos

Over-the-shoulder bag(purse) for day trips

Backpack (for day trips and carryon)

Travel Docs

Passports

guidebooks

Sunglasses

alarm clock

Sunscreen

Umbrella?

Bug Spray?

[ZSO]

My list from prior trips:

 

Passport and personal identification

Imgration form

Gloves, the home depot brown work gloves would be fine

Sunglasses

dress shoes

sneakers

boots for the glacier landing

camera with film and batteries

Video camera,

cell phones work in AK can be used as alarm clock

Power cord limited out let on board one per cabin

Binoculars, technically each person should have one, I'm bringing three

warm hat for the fishing trip and arora borealis viewing in late evening.

fishing rod if can figure out how to pack it

reading material for the long flight,

poker cards

zip lock bags for any items that might get wet

Sunscreen

Bug spray something with deet

small flash light

bungee cord

small umbrella

duct tape

spare eyeglasses

A few blank checks

Medications and dosing information

Address list of folks you want to send postcards or gifts to

Land maps of the ports

 

formal night dining jacket or dress

two dress shirts

two dress slacks, get khakis and use other occasions

rain jacket with hood

sweater or fleece

blue jeans

casual pants

underwear for at least seven nights, laundry services on ship

I pair of shorts

exra socks

warm jacket,

Flannel shirt

swim suite for the pool and jacuzzi

personal hygiene items, tooth brush razor blade, tampons

light backpack for the shore excursions use as carryone plane

 

Enjoy the trip

[skankycat]

We leave for our cruise to Alaska on 8/31 on the Island Princess and aren't sure what to pack. This is our first cruise. We have reviewed the other threads and our brains are on overload. Here is an overview of what we are thinking. If anyone has something we are missing please let me know. Getting nervous. Nervous but excited :) :confused:

 

Clothing

- Jeans (2 pair)

- Shirts for layering

- Silk underlayers(1 set)

- tennis shoes

- 1 formal outfit (knee length black dress and black suit for him)

- 1 pair dress shoes

- Rain Jacket

- Hat/gloves/scarves

- Crocs (silly to bring these or practical?)

- 2-3 business casual outfits for dinner? (is this appropriate for all non-formal nights?)

- swimsuit?

 

Bonoculars

Camera (2 in case one breaks or gets lost)

Video Camera

Power strip(for additional outlets)

Ponchos

Over-the-shoulder bag(purse) for day trips

Backpack (for day trips and carryon)

Travel Docs

Passports

guidebooks

Sunglasses

alarm clock

Sunscreen

Umbrella?

Bug Spray?

 

fleece vest? loved mine.

[kb996]

Here is what I would recommend based on your list.

 

Shorts - bring a pair, you never know it might be warmer then you think.

 

Shirts for Layering - I'd pack mostly Tshirts and bring 1 or 2 sweaters/sweatshirts.

 

Jeans - Yes

 

Silk underlayers - Leave them at home, it won't be that cold and if it is you can always go inside.

 

Umbrella - Yes

 

Bug Spray - Yes

 

Rain Gear - One jacket or poncho is enough, especially if you have an umbrella in ports.

 

Swimsuit - Only if you think you'll really go swimming, it's not really cold but it may not be warm enough to swim too. That's your call.

 

Business Casual Outfits - Bring things you can mix and match. No one will know or care that you've warn the same thing twice.

 

Don't know where you are from but do you have a fleece type jacket? Definitly bring that. Along with a Tshirt and sweatshirt you will be fine.

 

Don't be nervous. Just get excited. Alaska is BEAUTIFUL!!!! Have a great trip.

[sylteach]

I have white "sticky" tags on sheets. I put the addresses of all the people I want to send postcards to on them. Now I just have to unpeel them, stick them to the postcard, stamp it, and mail!!! Saves me time and having to bring all the addresses on another sheet. You may want to bring a lanyard for your room key.

[kb996]

Oh Yes, Always pack a travel sewing kit. I need it almost every time. :)

[msd360]

OP has read well ;-) Coupla suggestions...

 

• Wear one pair of jeans and switch the other with lightweight nylon hiker pants with zip-off legs.
  
• Forget the shoulder bag and put all the personal items in the day pack.
  
• With a good breathable hooded jacket, an umbrella is not necessary... I live near Portland where it rains a lot, and you can always tell a tourist by the umbrella.
  
• Dunno what kind of camera you have, but be sure to have an extra battery, especially if it is one of those proprietary rechargeable ones. Plus be sure to bring way more memory than you think you need. I also make sure the first frame on each memory card identifies the owner such as a business card in case of recovery by a Good Samaritan.
  

Finally, pack hope that you won't need any foul weather gear because you are blessed with perfect weather like we were.

[CaseyJr]

Why duct tape?

[pom]

Why duct tape?

 

Hi duct tape can be used for a million things!

 

Broken suitcase, use it to repair it

fix a broken hem, or tear in a rain coat

hold curtains together while on ship , to make it darker

repair your back pack

tape a note to the door on ship

repair your running shoe

tape a purse strap together

radio repair

watch repair

etc etc

[Sapphire73]

I second the fleece vest, and I took a silk vest as well. Used both for our July 11, 2009 cruise north from Vancouver to Whittier. If you want to be outside - even when it is cold - then you will appreciate having multiple warm layers!

 

I bought a Tilley's hat before we took our first African safari type of trip, and since it protects from the rain as well as sun, it was very helpful! I also bought a water resistant waist pack from Tilley's that I took everywhere with me instead of a purse. It helped me keep the essentials handy and left my hands free to deal with a camera and binoculars.

 

Hope you have a great time!

[samcraig]

I don't know what activities you're planning on doing - but I would recommend a good pair of hiking boots or something similar.

[GE Mom]

We returned from a Princess cruise in early August; the weather was unusually warm, so we did not need winter coats (and, taking a gamble, we did not bring them). If we had needed them, to my amazement, really decent warm jackets are available in all the ports for $19.99 in both men's and women's sizes. We took laundry detergent and fabric softener sheets with us and were glad we did. It was cool in Glacier Bay, and so I put my fleece jacket over my fuzzy cardigan sweater and it worked fine. Had it been colder, I would have been out of luck. We were very glad we had day packs, and I'm looking for a purse that can be worn as a backpack for our next trip. We could have managed with only one set of binoculars.

[the2006Junket]

Just back from a southbound sailing and I second the hiking pants (tho I prefer ones that don't have the zip-off lower leg for AK, doubtful that it will be hot enough that you'd feel the NEED for shorts). I literally work my water-resistant hiking pants from both EMS and REI every port day in AK. Whether we were actually hiking or whale watching, kayaking, glacier trekking, rock climbing, going on the Bering Sea Crab Deadliest Catch boat or just walking around....they were lightweight, rain-resistant, comfortable and warm enough. My jeans would've been uncomfortable for all our activities. I think I worn my jeans to Bingo and Trivia on a Sea Day, but that's it.

 

I also would add a fleece jacket and vest if you have them. I wore my fleece jacket on every port day and my vest around the ship.

 

Crocs...sure -- comfy for walking to the spa etc on the ship, but might be too cold to wear around the ports unless paired with warm socks. I have light hikers that I wore most port days.

 

You may also want to add some comfy work-out clothes or sweats for hanging around in your stateroom, exercising on Sea Days or running up for coffee early in the morning!

 

Enjoy!

 

Lynne

[myaca09]

I would add some hand sanitizer. We had to use outhouses many times during our two weeks in AK (just back today!) and it was nice to have a little hand sanitizer in my purse because most of the outhouses had none.

I would buy fleece there- it is so incredibly cheap at all of the ports.

Don't bother with an umbrella. We had lots of rain and drizzle, and a rain poncho or nothing is what people use.

[LoriPhil]

I agree with previous posters - if you don't own a fleece vest, purchase one at your first port.

Crocs are light but do take up room and can be very slick on wet surfaces - if you have room bring them, or save the extra room in the suite case for bringing home your new fleece ;).

Your steward can provide duct tape if you have a need, so that's an alternative to packing some (we had a rip in our suite case and they brought a big roll so we could do some duct-mends).

 

Remember to call your credit card company to advise them you are traveling so they don't deny any charges!

 

The most critical thing we bring is our sense of humor and patience.

 

Have a fabulous cruise!

[PennyAgain]

I can't travel without Zip-Loc bags. I always have at least one in my pocket to keep my camera dry if needs be.

 

Business casual is fine for non-formal nights. Some people are a lot more casual than that.

 

Crocs: OK if you are used to them, but don't slip and fall!

[Minoushka]

I recommend fleece type jogging suits ..more practical then jeans .A hat gloves in your jacket pocket .Buy a jacket in Alaska ..becomes souvenir and for me useful in Montreal

Hoodies ...protect your ears from wind

Sunglasses ...running shoes and socks

T shirts under hoodies if it gets warm

Glaciers can be COOL when viewing ..be Prepared to bundle up ..We were chilly on ship when viewing College fjord..I was prepared

 

DO NOT FORgET EXTRA batteries for digital and camcorder ..i ran out of juice in Yukon and on whale watch ...complicated to find compatible battery ...Do not forget to CHARGE daily

I did and still ran out of juice!!!.I took 1600 pictures and 9 cassettes of film .I just resaw the film ..it is amazing what we saw I LOVED Alaska and the fabulous scenery

 

I could use its cool weather now as I quietly ROAST here .It is 90+ degrees here today ...NO AC YIKES and humid!!!! When it gets hot here it is REALLY HOT!!!!!

 

Go enjoy Alaska

 

Michele

[Snake_Bunny]

I have white "sticky" tags on sheets. I put the addresses of all the people I want to send postcards to on them. Now I just have to unpeel them, stick them to the postcard, stamp it, and mail!!! Saves me time and having to bring all the addresses on another sheet. You may want to bring a lanyard for your room key.

 

 

Does the room key have a little hole that we can hook a lanyard on? I thought they looked more like a credit card with no holes?

 

nevermind - I found my answer on another thread. Apparently, the casino punches holes for you. But thanks for the idea! I'll add lanyard to my packing list :)

[flamomo]

You can take your room key card to either the purser's desk or the main boutique (where they sell the lanyards) and get a hole punched in it.

This is on Princess ships. I don't know where this service is offered on other cruise lines.

[hansonsk20]

Thank you to everyone for the great tips!

[sillysailor 1955]

We leave for our cruise to Alaska on 8/31 on the Island Princess and aren't sure what to pack. This is our first cruise. We have reviewed the other threads and our brains are on overload. Here is an overview of what we are thinking. If anyone has something we are missing please let me know. Getting nervous. Nervous but excited :) :confused:

 

Clothing

- Jeans (2 pair)

- Shirts for layering

- Silk underlayers(1 set)

- tennis shoes

- 1 formal outfit (knee length black dress and black suit for him)

- 1 pair dress shoes

- Rain Jacket

- Hat/gloves/scarves

- Crocs (silly to bring these or practical?)

- 2-3 business casual outfits for dinner? (is this appropriate for all non-formal nights?)

- swimsuit?

 

Bonoculars

Camera (2 in case one breaks or gets lost)

Video Camera

Power strip(for additional outlets)

Ponchos

Over-the-shoulder bag(purse) for day trips

Backpack (for day trips and carryon)

Travel Docs

Passports

guidebooks

Sunglasses

alarm clock

Sunscreen

Umbrella?

Bug Spray?

 

We cruised the Diamond Princess (S/B Alaska) a few weeks ago. Your list looks great. By all means bring your Crocs - I impulsively bought a pair in Airport in Seattle (boy was I glad I did) I have problem feet (Rhuematoid Arthritis) - the Crocs were great - wore them all the time (except of course for dinner). They were great pool side because sometimes pool area can be slippery. Definitely bring power bar (I didn't and wish I had) because there is a shortage of outlets. Didn't need Hat/gloves/scarfs and the like as the weather was fabulous with no rain (but hey you never know). You will love Alaska - it is one of the most beautiful places I have ever seen. Have fun:)

[sweetlouise]

WE just got back from northbound Alaska 2 weeks ago. Without going thru the previous posts, these are the things Iwould pack other than the obvious:

 

* 1 pr. of Shorts (we had very warm weather in Ketchikan)

* Purex laundry sheets (detergent & fabric softener all in a sheet - take up no room in your suitcase) just in case you need to do laundry on board

* Flip flops or slip on shoes (I wore these a lot, until we got to Glacier Bay and College Fjord where it was freezing, then I wore my Uggs. Niceto have something to throw on our feet for those quick runs up to the Buffet for a cookie or cup of cocoa

* compact umbrella

* small purse (on board, I find myself carrying my camera everywhere, as well as my glasses, room key, and a chapstick)

* bag that will pack flat in your suitcase to use as your carry on the morning you get off the ship. Since you put your luggage out the night before, you need something to put your pajamas and toiletries in to getoffthe ship. I forgot this last time and we had to carry stuff off in small bags from our shopping trips.

* thin gloves. nothing too thick. I have fleece gloves and they were warm enough

* hat or at least something with a hood to go under another jacket. It gets really cold out on deck when you are cruising around the glaciers.

 

Don't bother packing a lot of fleece. They are in EVERY port for totally cheap prices (and they are good quality, too!!). I got a rain coat for 19.99 at Tongass Trading in Ketchikan and will be returning the $100 one I bought at REI before I left. They have some really warm fleece-lined/reversible jackets for the same price. I was surprised. Also, great sweatshirts with ALASKA appliqueed on the front. Totally thick sweatshirts for 19.99. Alaskans must have a thing for making everything 19.99 LOL.

 

Oh, something I always forget to pack and swear I'll take on my next cruise, is a power strip. There is only one outlet in the room and when you have a camera charger, hair dryer, curling iron, etc., you have to keep doing everything individually. there is a plug in the bathroom, but it's only for shavers.

 

Have a great trip!!!!

 

simmy :-)

[sillysailor 1955]

Don't bother packing a lot of fleece. They are in EVERY port for totally cheap prices (and they are good quality, too!!). I got a rain coat for 19.99 at Tongass Trading in Ketchikan and will be returning the $100 one I bought at REI before I left. They have some really warm fleece-lined/reversible jackets for the same price. I was surprised. Also, great sweatshirts with ALASKA appliqueed on the front. Totally thick sweatshirts for 19.99. Alaskans must have a thing for making everything 19.99 LOL.

 

Let me just second the above.... fleece is super cheap in all the ports (nice styles too!) they also had really cute jackets (with Alaska embrodered) that were lined I could kick myself for not buying one of these (If I recall they were around $29). You can also pick up little windbreaker jackets that fold up into a pouch for just $5.00. Really nice quality all.:)

[BOATCAT66]

I just returned from Carnival Spirit and we has cool rain everyday. I would take a full rain suit, if you are getting off the ship. In every port we had some form of rain everyday. Boots would have been nice to have had too. So plan for Bad weather and hope you get lucky for great weather. We had a great time, rain and all.

[TrinaP1204]

Two things I missed last week while in Alaska: hand lotion and a pair of lounge pants or sweats to wear in the room. You can get much more use out of your clothes and will be comfortable just wearing lounge pants or sweats while in your room.

 

Like others said. No one will notice or care if you wear something more than once. You probably would get more attention if you are the one carrying in 4 million pieces of luggage!

 

I wore a lot of navy and khaki. Wore the khaki pants in either day or at dining room. All I had to do was dress it up with a different shirt and I was ready for the dining room. Very versatile.

 

I noticed my hands were constantly dry. Not sure if it was the cold Alaska air or constant use of hand sanitizers everywhere. Which are a welcomed site.