So you booked your Alaska cruise…congratulations! It’s one of those trips that sounds like a dream until you’re on deck, watching a city block-sized glacier crack and boom into the sea. If that picture doesn’t get you hyped, I don’t know what will. But before you begin the countdown, I want to give you some insider tips, the kind of tips that can turn a good cruise into an unforgettable one.
This is no ordinary packing list or run-of-the-mill tourist advice. Rather, they are gems gathered from experience, from times of surprise, joy and yes, a bit of frustration, all wrapped up into one amazing Alaska cruise on board the Disney Wonder.
Layer Up: More a Necessity Than a Suggestion
Everyone is talking layers. And for good reason. It’s not some cliché travel mantra. One hour you are roasting in Ketchikan in a T-shirt, the next you are dodging the sideways rain in Skagway with the wind slicing you like knives. Be prepared for temperature swings, so bring layers: short-sleeved tees for the sun, fleece for warmth, a waterproof shell for unexpected drizzles, gloves and a hat for those cooler moments, and yes, a pair of shorts just in case Mother Nature throws you a kindness.
Binoculars: Your Best Friend at the Sea
I almost dismissed the notion of bringing binoculars, thinking, “Aren’t those for bird watchers?” But in Alaska they are magic. We saw seal pups sleeping on icebergs through binoculars, bald eagles soaring overhead, and, on a whale-watching tour in Juneau, the incredible sight of a humpback whale and her calf porpoising again and again. And best of all, they are instant crowd-pleasers, passed from hand to hand like a rare treasure.
Choose Your Daypack Wisely
Ports are stunningly beautiful but also unpredictable, often wet, sometimes muddy. A rugged, waterproof or water-resistant day bag is not just convenient, it can save your life. Have your raincoat, snacks, binoculars and anything you wouldn’t want to lose nearby. Bonus: If you’re flying into port cities like Seattle or Vancouver, this bag can also be your personal item—multitasking at its best.
Arrive Early & Enjoy the Prelude
Believe me on this one, don’t try to time it so that you arrive the same day your cruise leaves. Travel hiccups happen and missing your ship would be a disaster. Or come a couple of days early and make your embarkation city your mini-adventure. For instance, two days in Vancouver meant a food tour through Chinatown, breakfast at the cozy Jam Cafe, and wandering aimlessly through coffee shops. It was the perfect setting, giving me time to breathe and absorb the spirit of the Pacific Northwest before icing the cake with Alaska.
Choose Your Excursions Like a Pro
Booking excursions can be intimidating, but here’s the scoop: if it’s a simple, close-to-port activity like the White Pass Scenic Railway in Skagway or the Great Alaskan Lumberjack Show in Ketchikan, go ahead and book on your own—you’ll save some money. But for anything with a tight schedule or higher stakes – helicopter tours, fishing charters, etc – always book through the cruise line. Your private tour is running late and the ship won’t wait. The cruise line’s excursions? They will do.
Glacier Day: Go Out and Smell the Air
As the ship glides close to glaciers, it’s tempting to stay inside, sipping hot chocolate and looking out through the glass. Don’t.” Seriously, don’t. Some of the magic is the ice-cold crisp air that fills your lungs when you’re outside. If you are just looking through a window the twists of blue ice and looming glaciers are almost impossible to grasp. If you can, splash out on a smaller boat excursion to get closer to these giants. It’s a story you’ll tell for years to come.
Sleep and the Midnight Sun: An Unexpected Connection
Prepare yourself – Alaska’s endless summer daylight can throw off your internal clock. Even with blackout curtains, light still leaks through every crack. An eye mask became my best friend at night. If you’re sensitive to sleep disruptions or a light sleeper like me, you might want to check in with your doctor about melatonin or other ways to stay rested and ready. You will want all your energy, night or day.
Seafood, Seafood And More Seafood
Alaska’s seafood reputation isn’t kidding around. Fresh crab legs, wild salmon, melt-in-your-mouth halibut – indulge in what you can. Juneau’s Tracy’s King Crab Shack is a classic, but don’t miss hidden gems like Skagway’s Woadie’s South East Seafood. Before you re-board, get a Klondike Doughboy—messy, perfect fried dough—to satisfy your sweet tooth after a day of adventure.
And in the end, the magic of an Alaska cruise is often in those unexpected moments: a whale surfacing lazily with no warning, golden glow of mountains at 10 pm, the profound silence when surrounded by ice. These moments will bloom and with some preparation you’ll be able to fully enjoy them. So pack smart, arrive early and prepare to be awestruck – Alaska awaits.