7 Mistakes to Avoid When Going on an Alaskan Cruise

An Alaskan cruise had been on my family’s travel wish list for years, so we finally booked one to celebrate my grandma’s birthday with our extended family. The trip was breathtaking, from towering glaciers and misty fjords to wildlife sightings that felt straight out of a nature documentary. But once we started spending hours on deck and heading off on excursions, I quickly realized that there were a few things I wished I’d packed differently. I also noticed the same missteps among other passengers—including my own family members.

If you have an Alaska cruise on the calendar, a few thoughtful swaps can make the trip far more comfortable. Ahead, I’m sharing common packing mistakes, and what to bring instead, including travel essentials, like a warm puffer jacket, waterproof hiking shoes, compact binoculars, and a space-saving carry-on luggage to keep it all together. Plus, prices start at just $8.

Mistake: Underestimating how cold it is 

Solution: Pack warmer layers

I visited Alaska in July, typically the state’s warmest month, but I still wished I’d packed warmer layers. Between visiting breezy glacier viewpoints, chilly mornings on deck, and excursions that kept us outside for hours, I was constantly reaching for everything warm in my suitcase. A lightweight jacket didn’t cut it, so next time, I’d bring something like the Amazon Essentials Packable Puffer, which compresses into a small pouch and won’t take up much room in your luggage or backpack.

I also ended up living in the one hoodie I brought—so much so that it appears in nearly every photo from the trip. If I could repack, I’d add a few extra layers, including another sweatshirt and a base layer like the Innophra Merino Wool Base Layer, which provides warmth without adding bulk.

Mistake: Wearing regular sneakers on excursions

Solution: Opt for waterproof hiking shoes or trail sneakers

On the first day of our cruise, I made the mistake of wearing my white sneakers on an excursion—and they didn’t stand a chance. Between damp docks, muddy trails, and the occasional drizzle, they were quickly soaked and scuffed. They also didn’t provide much traction, which became especially noticeable during activities like biking through Ketchikan’s rainforest and walking the historic trails in Skagway.

For Alaska excursions, waterproof hiking shoes or trail sneakers, like the Nortiv 8 Hiking Boots, are a much smarter choice. They’re designed for support on uneven terrain, offer better grip in wet conditions, and keep your feet dry when the weather inevitably shifts. Not only would they have saved my sneakers from total destruction, but they also would have made those long, adventure-filled days far more comfortable.

Mistake: Skipping rain gear 

Solution: Bring a waterproof layer

Even on days when rain wasn’t in the forecast, there was almost always a light mist in the air—especially near glaciers or while sailing through fjords. Between the damp coastal climate and occasional drizzle, I quickly realized a waterproof layer is essential on an Alaska cruise. The Saphirose Rain Poncho is easy to throw over your outfit and doubles as an extra layer when temperatures drop. You can stash this packable option in your daypack before excursions, so you’re prepared when the weather inevitably shifts.

Mistake: Forgetting binoculars 

Solution: Packing a compact pair

When you’re on an Alaska cruise, so much of the wildlife spotting happens from a distance—whether it’s whales surfacing in the water or bears wandering along the shoreline. Without binoculars, it can be surprisingly difficult to see what everyone else on deck is pointing at. Most ships sell them in the gift shop, but they’re often bulky and the prices may be marked up, so it’s much easier to arrive with a compact pair of your own.

A small set of travel binoculars like this Amazon Basics pair takes up barely any space in your bag, but makes a huge difference when you’re scanning the horizon for wildlife or getting a closer look at glaciers. Keep them handy on the deck or toss them into your daypack before excursions, so you’re ready whenever something appears off in the distance.

Mistake: Wearing a small bag

Solution: Pack a lightweight backpack

I assumed I could get away with a small belt bag to carry my daily essentials, but that quickly proved unrealistic once the excursions started. On most port days, you’ll be off the ship for hours, exploring towns and trails, and heading back to your cabin mid-day isn’t exactly convenient. Between packing layers, water, and gear, I constantly wished I had more space in my day bag.

A lightweight backpack, like the High Experience Hiking Backpack, makes all the difference. This style comes in a 10-liter or 15-liter size, giving you room for everything you’ll likely need throughout the day, without feeling bulky or heavy. Many packable backpacks like this one are designed to distribute weight comfortably, so you can carry your essentials while wandering new ports without even noticing it’s there.

Mistake: Not planning for motion sickness

Solution: Keep motion sickness medication on hand

My mom has always said the same thing about Dramamine: it’s better to have it and not need it,  than to need it and not have it. That advice definitely applies on a cruise. While large ships are designed to minimize movement, Alaska’s waters can still get surprisingly rough at times—especially when sailing through open passages.

Packing motion sickness remedies ahead of time is an easy way to avoid scrambling if the ship starts rocking. Tablets like Dramamine take up almost no space in your bag, but there are plenty of alternatives, too, like ginger chews or motion sickness patches. Having something on hand means you can stay focused on spotting whales, or watching glaciers, instead of worrying about feeling seasick.

Mistake: Checking a bag

Solution: Stick to a carry-on

Speaking as someone who tends to overpack, I know sticking to a carry-on can feel ambitious—but on a cruise, it’s worth the effort. I shared a cabin with my boyfriend, and finding a place to stash our luggage that wasn’t constantly in the way felt like solving a jigsaw puzzle. Cruise cabins are compact, no matter the line, so the less floor space your bag take up, the easier it is to move around and keep things organized.

A roomy carry-on is often all you really need, especially when you’re packing versatile layers you can rewear throughout the trip. The Samsonite Carry-on Luggage is the best carry-on we’ve tested: it’s spacious, well-made, and the No. 1 best-seller in carry-on luggage on Amazon, too.

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