Life With Us TV - First Alaskan Cruise Packing Guide

Hosts: Lynette & Stanley

Intro

Just returned from their first Alaskan cruise
Most common question they get: how to pack for it
Core philosophy: think in layers, repurpose what you already own, supplement with a few Amazon buys — avoid checking multiple bags

Removable sleeves (Lynette) — worn over existing T-shirts for adjustable warmth; commonly used for workouts, but repurposed here for temperature control
Thermal long-sleeve shirt (Stanley) — breathable base layer worn under a coat
Bottoms: jeans, sweatpants, joggers, yoga/leggings (thicker leggings recommended over thin ones) — go with whatever's most comfortable
Hoodies/zip-ups/pullovers/sweaters — good mid-layer, can pair with sleeves or a T-shirt underneath for extra warmth

Bring two coat types: a water-resistant/rain jacket and a regular warm coat
Their first coats weren't warm enough (Juneau ran ~30°F), so they bought replacements onboard
Tip: Buying a coat in the actual climate/destination is often better — local stores stock appropriately
Poncho — handy backup even if rain isn't forecast (they made custom branded ones for their group; also available on Amazon/Walmart/Dollar Tree)
Wind-resistant travel umbrella — pack your own; don't count on the ship providing one

Beanies — kept heads warm on a 50+ person group trip
Fleece ear warmers — extra ear coverage if your hat doesn't already have them
Touchscreen-compatible gloves — essential for taking phone photos/video without removing gloves (glaciers, whales, train rides)

Water-resistant, slip-resistant shoes (Columbia brand mentioned) — non-negotiable; don't need to be stylish, just functional
Stanley skipped these and got wet feet in Canada — lesson learned

Chapstick/lip balm — wind dries out lips fast
Polarized sunglasses — especially recommended for anyone with floaters or astigmatism; glare off glaciers/water is intense; polarized options can fit over prescription glasses
Meta glasses (if you already own them) — nice bonus for hands-free photos, not worth buying just for the trip

Pack for theme nights — check your specific cruise line's schedule (Carnival, Royal, Celebrity, Princess, Holland America, etc.)

Crossbody bag (not a fanny pack) — roomy enough for poncho, gloves, hat, wallet, chargers, tripod, etc.; backpack as an alternative for more gear
Hydration packets — needed even in cooler climates, especially if drinking alcohol (dehydrates you)
Binoculars — don't assume your cruise line provides them (Celebrity Edge didn't); useful for wildlife (mountain goats) and distant glacier detail phone cameras can't capture
Portable phone charger — port days can run 7–8 hours; get a reliable one and don't lose it
Insulated tumbler with secure lid — fill with water before leaving the ship each morning

Hand sanitizer — for whale watching, lumberjack shows, touching public surfaces before eating
Single-outlet, multi-USB power strip — note: Royal Caribbean and Celebrity ban multi-plug extension strips; only single-outlet/multi-USB versions are allowed
Magnetic hooks (rated up to ~22 lbs) — helpful since some staterooms (e.g., Celebrity Edge) have no external shelving; use for coats, hats, lanyards
Sleep mask or blackout solution — Alaska stays light until ~10:30–11 PM in summer; consider binder clips for curtains if your cabin lacks blackout shades; check daylight hours for your specific travel dates
Lanyard with card holder/zippered pouch — for money, ID, credit cards at port without carrying a full wallet
Reinforced luggage tag holders — standard tags can rip off during handling; also print extra tags to place inside your suitcase as backup
First aid kit — Band-Aids, Neosporin, peroxide wipes, etc.; alcohol thins blood, increasing injury risk
Pill organizer stocked with: pain reliever, cold medicine, allergy medicine, anti-diarrheal, Benadryl (bring chewable/dissolvable versions in case of throat issues), nausea/seasickness pills
Allergy awareness — take food allergies seriously in seafood-heavy destinations; carry EpiPens/Benadryl as needed
At-home rapid test kit (COVID/Flu A&B) — climate change and exposure can lead to getting sick; useful for identifying illness and preventing spread to others

Full product list linked in Amazon storefront, pinned comment, and video description
CTA to related video: "What No One Tells You Before Your First Alaskan Cruise"