Even without the port calls, Alaska cruises journey through some of the most spectacular scenery on earth. The Inside Passage has thousands of islands and hundreds of miles of lush rainforest shoreline with mountains that rise to three thousand feet straight from the sea. Then there’s the wildlife: orcas, humpback whales and dolphins frequent the waters and can often be spotted from the decks of cruise ships. But perhaps one of the best reasons to take an Alaska Cruise is the glacier viewing.
Remember though, this isn’t a tropical cruise. Expect spring and fall temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees, with the summer enjoying 20 to 25-degree days. The good news is, you can leave your winter coat and boots at homes. Easily removable, waterproof layers are best.
Fortunately, outfitters will provide the special gear for your excursions, and the cruise lines provide laundry services at reasonable prices, so your luggage can still be quite manageable.
The number one item to consider is a good hat, and at Adventure Clothing, we have them! Take for instance the Tilley Arctic Aviator.
Designed to perform in the rain and snow, it features an adjustable chin buckle and bungee cord at the back to ensure the best fit. Wear it with the flaps down for max warmth from it's Italian Thin Down ™ insulation, or buckle them up when you need some fresh air.
As for layering, always start with a good t-shirts such as the Tilley Everything Functional T-Shirt and the FIG Brighten Top.
Over top of the t-shirt, you’re going to want to be able to wear an insulating layer such as a long-sleeve shirt or light sweater. Zaket and Plover has some great options including the Cotton V-Neck.
Designed in Australia, and made from soft luxe cotton knit, this sweater is the perfect thermal layer between your shirt and jacket.
The final layer will of course be a jacket. Introducing the first “rain jacket" that you will actually want to wear even when it’s not raining. It’s soft, it stretches and is so comfortable it could become your favorite everyday jacket, the KÜHL STRETCH VOYAGR™ Jacket
After a great day of exploring, you’re going to be coming inside for some of the amazing dinners cruise lines are famous for.
Jeans without holes, tears or embroidery are welcome most evenings in all restaurants, but on Dressy nights jeans are only allowed in casual dining restaurants. “Distressed” jeans however, are best left for casual daytime activities.
For jeans on your cruise, we recommend Joseph Ribkoff Straight Leg Jeans
This crisp jean is a beautiful addition to your wardrobe. Instead of classic blue, we say go with these. Their convenient, five-pocket construction lets you carry all your daily essentials with you no matter where you go.
Some restaurants will kick it up a notch, however, and require “Dressy” attire. For the ladies, this means dresses, skirts or slacks. “Dressy” attire simply screams Joseph Ribkoff to us.
Match up the Sleeveless Split-front Tunic with Trim Detail Pants for a minimal, yet statement making outfit that creates an effortless feeling of movement.
Or you could go for comfort and class with Joseph Ribkoff's Miracle Dress. It has a layered look with cowl neckline, three-quarter length sleeves and versatile front pockets.
Now you’ve figured out what you need, the only thing left is to figure out how to pack it. Our go-to is the Briggs & Riley Medium Expandable Spinner suitcase, available in Plum for a limited time only!
Now for the “insider-tip” in cruise luggage. Be sure to bring a carry-on. It can take hours for your luggage to make it to your cabin. To ensure you have everything you need upon arrival, pack your carry-on with items such as medication, a change of clothing, including a change of shoes, portable electronics, and anything else you’ll want to have immediate access to.
The Briggs & Riley Global Carry-On Spinner will be the perfect carry-on for your cruise, also now available, for a limited time, in plum.
Happy Packing and enjoy your cruise!
