Must Haves on Alaskan Cruise

I'm reading old posts re. must haves on cruises but can't find Alaska specific. I know we should bring travel clock, something to organize our toiletries, any meds. or otc meds, maybe a night light, but wonder if you experienced Alaska cruisers can offer suggestions to this first time cruiser as to what we might need. I read that shampoo and conditioner are supplied but have to wonder what quality? We'll be there the end of August so I'm guessing we need to layer for outdoor activities. Thanks for any input.

Water-proof shoes, as it rains a lot and there were many puddles to get through. Long underwear for layering. Ear mutfs, gloves, scarf and hat - always. Small umbrella.

But you can also buy a lot of that stuff once you are there if you need better weather clothes - this is what they have to live with every day, so their shops are well stocked.

I read that shampoo and conditioner are supplied but have to wonder what quality?

Over the years a consensus has been that for guys it is fine but for women, especially those particular about what they use, it is not so good. A common comment has been it leaves the hair dry and crinkly. As with any personal care product there is a lot of subjectivity. A workaround is to get some of the small refillable plastic bottles and bring some of whatever is used at home.

Another must have would be binoculars. Camera of course too.

I learned to just ignore the labels and use their products as follows:

I use the shampoo for body wash, and the body wash for shampoo, followed with a second shampoo using my own moisturizing shampoo (Biolage - a very tiny amount goes a long way - easy to pack sufficient amounts.)

And I use the conditioner for an overall body conditioner ,stepping carefully out of the tub to be sure not to slip. Their small bottle of hand cream I find useless. The Elemis brand is very nice really, lovely scent and we even saw it marketed it at the very deluxe hotel spa in Abu Dahbi.

For Alaska we have water proof jackets that have zippered linings.

We are not fans of HAL's Elemis products. When it was first introduced in 2005, DH was the first to try it. He takes many medications (even more now) and something in the shampoo reacted with one of the medications and he broke out in a rash. Thankfully we still had some of the Royal Dutch products that we had been using. Now I take our own bar soap, shampoo, conditioner and hand cream.

Polar fleece & rain gear.

Sunglasses and sunscreen. The glare reflects off the water and snow even on a cloudy day.

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Forgot to include insect repellent.

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Forgot to include insect repellent.

 

 

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Bug X wipes are GREAT for travel!

Large clothespins or "chip-clips" to keep your curtains closed unless you like dawn at 4am and/or sunset at 10pm.;);)

Cheers!

I always tell people that each person should have their own set of binoculars. Whales, wildlife, scenery are abundant and it's a pain sharing back and forth and missing a special moment.

Borrow a set of binoculars from relatives or friends. A camera with a good zoom is also required if wildlife pictures are desired.

My other recommendation is do the land tour. I have heard so many state that they wish they had gone to Danali either pre or post cruise while they were there.

For many this is a first and last cruise experience so make the most of it.

Enjoy your Alaska Adventure.

Be sure to book the White Pass & Yukon Train Ride in Skagway.

Sounds like they are preparing you for the Arctic. Alaska can also be hot. We have been there when there were 80+ degree days. You might regret not taking along some shorts. I've been sun burned in Glacier Bay so sun block would not hurt. We had a back to back going from Vancouver to Seward and back. On the way up it was cold and rainy. On the way back it was sunny and in the 70's and 80's and people were in the pools. You just don't know what your going to get. Have a great cruise

I always bring my own toiletries everywhere....never can trust that what is provided will work for me. If you're picky, bring what you like.

Pack stuff you can layer. Definitely bring a pair of shorts (or 2)...and a swim suit, if you're into sunning. Alaska's weather is pretty fickle....could be cold and wet, or hot and lovely!

Unless you're hiking on a glacier, you won't really need "waterproof" shoes....whatever you'd wear in the rain anywhere will suffice.

With Alaska you have to expect anything. It can be hot, cold, or somewhere in between. We've been several times and had lots of rain and no-rain. We've had really warm days and very bitter cold days. One consistent is when they stop the ship next to the Glaciers (depending on your itinerary) it can get a bit cold. Evidently wind and a 30-mile long ice cube can chill things down a bit. Layering is great advice. Don't forget rain gear, Juneau and surround area is part of a temperate rain forest.

Bring binoculars or a camera with a good zoom on it (or both). There is amazing wildlife and scenery in Alaska. I go back over my pictures that I've taken and tell myself, "Yeah, I was really there." Sunscreen and insect repellent is always smart to pack. HAL used to have a "what to pack" section for Alaska, you may want to check that out.

Last of all, bring your curiosity and have fun!

I was really happy I had taken a waterproof camera along on the day we did the dogsleds because it was poring. I wouldn't risk ruining my expensive non-waterproof camera, and was glad to have a few pictures to capture the memory. Unfortunately, it was lost on my last trip.

The shampoo & conditioner that are supplied are Elemis, so expensive and good quality. I find they work well, even on my long thick hair. You might want to bring your own if you are sensitive to using new products.

Other than that, just the things other people have mentioned, especially binoculars. If you like to swim outside, for example in the sea view pool, then bring tinted goggles to protect your eye from the bright sun.

Layers - so you can add or take away depending on your comfort level.

I am bringing a 3 in 1 coat so that I can have a rain coat & a light jacket without needing both at the same time...

hat glove scarf (again comfort level - it is breezy when the ship is moving & near the glaciers it is chilly)

I bring my own toiletries. (I use their body wash & would use their lotion, but I'm not sure of its is availability.) Also, I'm not in a suite, so I'm not sure that the lower category cabins get the high end shampoos.

Layers - so you can add or take away depending on your comfort level.

 

I am bringing a 3 in 1 coat so that I can have a rain coat & a light jacket without needing both at the same time...

 

hat glove scarf (again comfort level - it is breezy when the ship is moving & near the glaciers it is chilly)

 

I bring my own toiletries. (I use their body wash & would use their lotion, but I'm not sure of its is availability.) Also, I'm not in a suite, so I'm not sure that the lower category cabins get the high end shampoos.

I bring all my own toiletries because I don't like Elemis and neither does my skin. I think all cabins get the Elemis hand soap, shower gel, shampoo, and conditioner. Suites get little extras, like lavender spray for your pillow.

A 3 in 1 coat like you describe or rain jacket and separate fleece that can layer are the best way to control bulk in packing. We went in September and did well with windbreakers and fleece. The only time we needed our hats and gloves was glacier viewing.

I was really happy I had taken a waterproof camera along on the day we did the dogsleds because it was poring. I wouldn't risk ruining my expensive non-waterproof camera, and was glad to have a few pictures to capture the memory. Unfortunately, it was lost on my last trip.

I bought a waterproof camera for snorkeling in the Caribbean, thinking it would have limited use beyond that. But, like you, I'm not taking the "good" camera out on a rainy day. I've used my waterproof more than I expected to.

Binoculars!!!!

Super Zoom Lens and Teleconverter for your camera.

Besides bringing along wet-weather gear (hooded rainproof jacket), be sure to pack your determination to NOT let the weather get in your way :) If it rains, or is chilly, or is windy, nevermind ..... get out there and enjoy all that Alaska has to offer :)

Besides bringing along wet-weather gear (hooded rainproof jacket), be sure to pack your determination to NOT let the weather get in your way :) If it rains, or is chilly, or is windy, nevermind ..... get out there and enjoy all that Alaska has to offer :)

So true! The ship has nice warm showers and fluffy towels for when you return.

A post in another thread made me read "Must Haves on Alaskan Cruise" a little differently...

1. Must have.... Dutch Split Pea Soup out on deck

2. Must have.... a spicy Bloody Mary with breakfast

3. Must have... at least a few hours on sea days in Crows Nest reading and listening to iPod.

4. Must have... Zupa di Pesce at Canaletto

5. Must have... Irish Coffee on deck when looking for whales

6. Must have... a little time in casino (because SveaGirl says so)

7. Must have... time on a lounger with a blanket on Promenade deck to read out in fresh air

8. Must have... Halibut (not Salmon) if on MDR menu

9. Must have... a glass of locally made Tatoosh Bourbon to try it out

10. Must have... a great time on our Alaska cruise! :cool: