What to Pack for an Unpredictable Alaska Cruise
Happy Alaska Cruise Month! 🛳✨
It’s finally here—Alaska Cruise Month has arrived and I can barely believe it! As I sit down to write this, it’s May 1st, and the countdown is officially on. We leave on May 25th at 7 a.m. to head over to the West Coast for a night in beautiful Seattle, Washington before we hop on Quantum of the Seas with Royal Caribbean for what I already know is going to be the trip of a lifetime.
I’ve truly been dreaming about this Alaska cruise for years. The idea of sailing through glacier-capped landscapes, spotting whales, breathing in crisp mountain air, and cozying up with a hot drink while watching the world go by? Literal goals. I’ll be sharing all the juicy details, excursions, and must-dos in my Cruise Recap Blog later this month. But for today—we’re diving into one of my least favorite parts of travel: packing.
❄️ So...What’s the Weather Like in Alaska in May & June?
If you're planning an Alaska cruise in late May or early June, expect one word: unpredictable—in the best way. You’ll get everything from cool mornings to sunny afternoons, and maybe even a drizzle or two. Temperatures usually range from the mid-40s to mid-60s°F (around 7–18°C), so layering is key. The breeze coming off the water can feel chilly, even when the sun is shining. We also have a balcony room, so I already know i'll be enjoying my coffee every morning from the balcony of our room.
Here’s what you can expect:
- Cool mornings and evenings on deck—perfect for cozy sweaters
- Warmer afternoons while exploring towns like Juneau, Ketchikan, or Skagway
- Occasional rain, so you’ll want a weather-friendly jacket
- Lots of changing temps as you hop between sea days and ports
Now that we’ve got the vibe down... let’s talk packing!
🧳 What I’m Packing for 7 Days in Alaska (Carry-On Only!)
Yep—you read that right. I’m fitting everything I need for this 7-day cruise in just a carry-on. (If you're as curious as I am to see how that turns out, make sure you’re subscribed to my YouTube channel—my Pack & Prep With Me video is coming later this month. It’ll be chaos in the best way 😅).
Here’s my breakdown of what’s coming with me:
👖 Bottoms:
- 2–3 pairs of jeans (dark and light wash for mixing and matching)
- 2–3 pairs of leggings/lounge pants (for comfy travel days and chilly nights on deck)
👕 Tops:
- 2 cozy sweaters (think knit, warm, but not bulky)
- 1 long sleeve shirt (great for layering)
- 2 short-sleeve sweater tops (these dress up or down so easily)
🧥 Outerwear:
- 1 linen cropped jacket (cute and light for warmer port days)
- 1 classic jean jacket (a staple and super versatile)
- 1 thicker jacket (for those glacier-sighting moments and colder nights)
👟 Shoes (Don’t judge me, I like options):
- Nike sneakers (for excursions and walking tours)
- Nike Dunks (because cute and comfy)
- Black flats (dinner-ready and packable)
- 1 pair of wedges (I might regret these, but they’re coming!)
- Sandals (for casual moments around the ship)
👗 Dinner Outfits
Okay okay—I know everyone says to pack comfy and realistic clothes for Alaska, and yes, that’s true. But let’s be real: your girl does not go anywhere without fashion being at the front of her priority list. I’m all about comfort and glam, and I fully plan to dress up for dinner every single night on this cruise.
Expect the outfits to be serving. I’m talking:
- 7 dressy outfits for dinner—yes, seven.
- Dresses, flowy skirts, elevated tops, the works
- Think chic but warm, flattering layers, and statement accessories
Why? Because this is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, and you better believe I’m going to be capturing it all in the best outfits possible. I’m comfy, but I’m also camera-ready—always.
Somehow, it all fits in my carry-on... allegedly. I’ll keep you posted on how that goes. 😂
If you want to see some of the pieces I picked up for this trip - it's all on my ShopMy account under "Alaska".
Shop here: Alaska Finds
Packing for an Alaska cruise is all about layers, comfort, and versatility. You want to be ready for sun, rain, wind, and everything in between—and still have cute outfit options for dinners and photos on deck.
Stay tuned for more cruise prep content, and don’t forget to follow along on Instagram and YouTube for my real-time cruise diaries. Next stop: Seattle, and then... Alaska, here we come!
💙
xx,
Breanna