Alaskan Cruise Guide: 10 Things I Wish I Knew

Alaska Cruise Packing List Tips and Secrets. What you can expect on your July Alaskan cruise. Let's talk Alaska cruise packing and some tips and tricks to help you avoid my mistakes.
Alaska cruise packing essentials, tips and tricks for first time Alaskan cruisers.
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Alaska Excursion Videos:
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Alaska Packing List
Packing Essentials
Packing Cubes
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Silicone Travel Bottles Set
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Toiletry Hanging Bag
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Motion Sickness Patches
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Travel First Aid Kit
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3-Outlet USB Wall Charger
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Portable Charger
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Travel Cord Organizer
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Luggage Tag holder
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Magnetic Hooks (These are great to hang up your damp jackets)
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Portable Fan
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Alaska Clothing
Waterproof Warm Jacket for Women
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Waterproof Warm Jacket for Men
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Waterproof Walking Shoes for Women
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Waterproof Walking Shoes for Men
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Waterproof Tech Gloves Men/Women
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Waterproof Tech Gloves Men/Women
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Waterproof Hiking Pants (I wore these and saw several tour guides wearing these as well. They are lightweight and can be worn on those warmer afternoons).
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Waterproof Hiking Pants for Men
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Women's Fleece Lined Leggings (Loved these! I wore them on those chilly mornings)
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Women's Flannel Button up
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Alaska Accessories
Sleep Mask
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Sling Backpack for hiking
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Women's Crossbody Bag
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Passport Holder Neck Pouch
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Cheap Binoculars
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Binoculars (Higher Zoom)
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Waterproof Phone Pouch for Shore Excursions
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Bug Repellent
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0:00 Most Popular Mistake
0:22 Cruise Tip
1:15 Clothes
1:02 Weather in Alaska
2:00 Unexpected to Wear
3:00 Mistake 2
4:22 Mistake 3
5:00 Rain in Alaska
6:00 Mistake 4
7:19 Mistake 5
8:02 Alaskan Cruise Naturalist
8:43 Need to Know
10:36 Mistake 6
11:44 Alaskan Shore Excursions
12:52 Need to Know
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[@tpstravels]

Be sure to check out my cruise packing lists here: More Alaska items mentioned in the description. Alaska Packing List www.tpstravels.com/post/alaska-cruise-packing-list Cruise Packing List: www.tpstravels.com/post/ultimate-cruise-packing-list-for-first-cruisers Popular Shore Excursions When Visiting Alaska Juneau www.viator.com/partner-shop/tpstravels/W-8c93c76c-6f71-44f4-8107-31b7f66b6f50 Skagway www.viator.com/partner-shop/tpstravels/W-a9cfce7d-a269-4352-aafa-e51d41e8a897 Ketchikan www.viator.com/partner-shop/tpstravels/W-1e04b26f-2463-4b85-ac02-1c2ef8b45424 Sitka www.viator.com/partner-shop/tpstravels/W-5596c596-0446-4627-b867-bc98d04d2883

[@DebraSmith-dl2yz]

We just returned on July 12 from a 10 day cruise tour. The weather was chilly and drizzly much of the time, we hardly saw sunshine. We saw no salmon anywhere. I have pictures of the sun shining at midnight, we never saw darkness. It was beautiful scenery everywhere.

[@tpstravels]

Yea, I see Southeast Alaska has been getting a lot more rain this season. Hopefully it will warm up by the end of July. Where did you go to look for Salmon? Salmon viewing for most places in Southeast Alaska start in July and August. We saw lots of salmon swimming upstream in Ketchikan in late July. Naturalists onboard can always help with informing of the best time and viewing spots. It is absolutely beautiful there. I hope you enjoyed your Alaskan cruise. I just booked another one and can’t wait.

[@tpstravels]

Hi everyone, just note last July we didn't get much rain, but the days it did rain some people still wore shorts. Always plan for rain and the possibility it could warm up enough to put on your shorts. Alaska weather changes constantly. It could be really cold and rainy in the morning and sunny and warm for a few hours in the afternoon.

[@tpstravels]

Is an Alaskan cruise on your upcoming cruising list?

[@sandyhenrikson4942]

Set sail on July 20th, SO excited!!

[@tpstravels]

@@sandyhenrikson4942 Yay!!

[@Tsimon7]

This is the 1st video I've seen for cruising Alaska in July and, I've been researching for a year. Thank you for posting. We will be leaving out of Seattle in 3 weeks. Everyone has been having great weather. I'm hoping we get the same. 😊

[@tpstravels]

You are very welcome. Yes, I have noticed too that there isn't much out there specifically talking about July. I did vlog all 35 days in Alaska last year if you want to skim through some of those. Alaska is so much fun! Enjoy your trip. kzbin.info/aero/PLgm4bOPQ2I5HlgOIVA3vCxyzty0Mkzrhi&si=ZjVK5UwctOI_89W4

[@Tsimon7]

Awesome! I will watch them while I’m working tomorrow. Thank you!

[@Controversialcruising]

I’m tuned in I’ve been cruising to Alaska twice! This year and last and loved every minute

[@tpstravels]

Yes, I agree with you. I loved it so much last year that I had to go back. Such a beautiful place. I am so glad you enjoyed your Alaska cruise.

[@johnmudd257]

You did an excellent job with this video. Well done! My wife and I are going with a group of friends and we leave Monday. July in Alaska videos seem to be rare, so thank you for this video.

[@tpstravels]

You are welcome! Enjoy your cruise!

[@Creationzonline]

Great Video and good info. I am sailing on 14 July 2024 out of Vancouver will keep follow your advise

[@tpstravels]

Thank you 😊 I’m glad it was helpful. Enjoy your cruise. Alaska is so beautiful!

[@JanineNielson-zz9uy]

Me to on Royal Caribbean Enjoy

[@beth.marie.1]

We’re going at the end of July! Thanks for the great advice!

[@tpstravels]

You are welcome! Enjoy your cruise :)

[@sanglas30032]

Awesome video! My family and I are on our way July, 20 - 27 sailing NCL Bliss.

[@tpstravels]

Yay!! Enjoy your cruise 🙂

[@jam31girl]

Will be on this cruise this Thursday, now I think we over packed will double check and repack. Thanks for the wonderful information because I hadn't packed any shorts just jeans and sweatpants.

[@tpstravels]

You are welcome. Keep your jeans and sweatpants packed. I wore jeans most of the time especially in the evenings. I wore sweatpants mostly early in the morning or when going through the fjord (it is chillier on those mornings).

[@tpstravels]

Haha it's easy to overpack for any cruise, especially Alaska. Yes, if you are going in July or August I recommend at least one pair of shorts. Even if you don't wear them at the port, you might want to change into them when you get back on the ship. Some days in mid to end of July I saw several people walking around the port in shorts and short sleeves.

[@BerryinHI]

I thought I overpacked, but I had to use a T-shirt I bought on the ship in late May. However, I didn't use the 2 new swimsuits I brought. I stayed 2 nights in Seattle, then went on the Alaskan cruise, then went to Las Vegas for 4 nights. I had a large suitcase, a duffle bag, carry-on & a backpack. It was cold and rained in Ketchikan. Light rain in Juneau.

[@tpstravels]

Well, that's harder to not overpack when you stay somewhere before and after your cruise. I do the same thing every time. I stayed a few days in Vegas myself. Thanks for sharing your recent experience. I did notice Ketchikan is a little rainier that Juneau as well when I was there.

[@BerryinHI]

@tpstravels Had to stay in Seattle at least a day before we set sail from Seattle. Didn't want to risk our flight being cancelled or delayed. Didnt want to miss the ship. We arrived in Seattle late at night then had a full day before the ship left Pier 91 for Alaska.

[@billkallas1762]

I did a 7 day Alaska, last month (Mid-June). I also overpacked, but I did it on purpose because I used it for a dry run for a 21 day cruise, this October. I had zero rain, all week.

[@sandyhenrikson4942]

Wow nice!! I’m hoping for minimal to no rain as well, we set sail in 9 days 😁

[@billkallas1762]

@@sandyhenrikson4942 July is one of the dryer months, but you never know.

[@corbett2912]

I love your tips specifically for July. Best one I have seen. We are leaving mid-July. Will now pack shorts

[@tpstravels]

You are very welcome. I can't believe that no one tells people to pack shorts for July and August. I just told some other KZbinrs going for their first time recently. I vlogged all of my 35 days in Alaska last summer if you want to skim through them. If you look at any of the Juneau or Skagway videos where I am walking around the town you will see people in the background wearing shorts and short sleeves. kzbin.info/aero/PLgm4bOPQ2I5HlgOIVA3vCxyzty0Mkzrhi&si=ZFfZ8HdxW40Fze-T

[@julieb7882]

Toss in a swimsuit. Pools are open and even the outdoor pool was used several days on our 2004 July cruise.

[@corbett2912]

Will do. Thanks.

[@tpstravels]

@@julieb7882 Yep, I agree that's why I mentioned swimsuit and flip flops. However, I just used the hot tubs in the spa, but glad I brought my swimsuit. ☺

[@JanineNielson-zz9uy]

Me too July 14bon Royal Caribbean

[@FLPeach00]

I’ll be in there in September. I’ll probably end up overpacking….rain, hot, cold, pool, jacuzzi….I’m hot-natured but have arthritis so I hurt when it gets very cold. Great video!

[@tpstravels]

Hopefully, it won't get super cold for you, but yep I recommend some warmer clothing in September especially for those early mornings in the fjord. Thank you for your feedback, glad you like the video. 🙂

[@tanyak1448]

Thank you for the video. We are going on Alaskan cruise in 2 weeks. What binoculars would you recommend. Thanks.

[@tpstravels]

You are welcome. Well, I can't personally recommend something as the ones I took didn't have a strong enough zoom to see bears and eagles off in the distance. So, from what others have told me, and what I saw sold on the cruise ship I would recommend something like these: amzn.to/3Lcajy5 - These are similar to what they were selling on our ship, and they have a stronger zoom than what I had. You just want to make sure you have some that have a good zoom for wildlife viewing.

[@amyhook8605]

I have gone to Alaska and I live in Cleveland summer it is exactly like Alaska so I did the same kind of thing with what I wear for my regular clothes so..😂❤

[@tpstravels]

That works 🙂

[@julieb7882]

Those mountain goats might have been dall sheep. They are one of the big 5 to see in Alaska.

[@tpstravels]

Well, whatever they were I wish I could have seen them. HAHA. I just didn't have a strong enough zoom on my binoculars.

[@lindaguida4074]

People were using blankets on the ship in July

[@tpstravels]

Yeah, I have noticed it's been more of a rainier season this year, but I definitely used a blanket sometimes walking around the deck in the morning or later in the evenings last July and August.

[@juliebowers550]

Just got back for 2 weeks had 2 warm days

[@tpstravels]

Thanks for the feedback. Hope you had an amazing cruise!

[@vickiesalisbury5629]

If you were not hiking did you find the bugs to be an issue?

[@tpstravels]

Great question! Not walking around the town, the bugs were not an issue. When walking to a trail and getting around more trees and streams the bugs were out more.

[@sandyhenrikson4942]

Great, I have 2 really beautiful dresses I am taking for formal nights….sounds like I’ll be overdressed ☹️

[@sandyhenrikson4942]

Ok, so what cruise line did you go on? That might matter….

[@tpstravels]

@@sandyhenrikson4942 So, I was on Carnival but I have heard the same feedback on Royal as well. Not sure about Holland America. I have just talked with so many others that the overall vibe is more relaxed. But, I promise you won't be looked at like you're crazy for dressing up. I say if you want to wear the dress then wear it. Especially if it makes you happy, why not. I was on a cruise in the Caribbean once and I think I was one of the very few wearing an evening gown, but I didn't care I enjoyed dressing up and going to dinner.

[@sandyhenrikson4942]

@@tpstravels we are sailing on Princess. After watching your video, I found one from someone who was on the same cruise I’ll be on, on Princess. Everyone at the Captains champagne waterfall (formal night) was dressed up. So I’ll be good 😁

[@havaseas]

The helicopter tour is overrated. The whale watching was the best choice.

[@tpstravels]

Yea, I did the whale watching excursion in Juneau and loved it!

[@sandyhenrikson4942]

Well, that is very nice to know! We have the whale watching booked and I regretted not doing the helicopter, so that makes me feel better :-)

[@tpstravels]

@@sandyhenrikson4942 You won't be disappointed with the whale watching excursion. Hopefully, you will get to see bubble-net feeding. I would have loved to have seen that, but still a great experience.

[@eileenmcpartlan7716]

I did both ! The whale watching was great! I also did the helicopter ride with the dog sledding which was fantastic!

[@sandyhenrikson4942]

@@eileenmcpartlan7716 I ALMOST booked the dog sledding but I’m a huge dog/animal lover, so I was afraid I would feel sorry for them lol I know that’s what they’re trained for but still 😉

[@doug8718]

I have to say, it seems like you really didn’t do much research before signing up for your cruise. Most of the things you mentioned would have been answered if you’d done due research beforehand….bugs, temps, shore excursion prices, number of ports. Sorry but I didn’t really find this very helpful for my upcoming cruise bc I’ve already researched it, and/or talked to friends who’ve done it before.

[@tpstravels]

Thank you for your feedback and I am glad you have done your research and have been able to talk with others to find answers to prepare for your cruise. Yes, I looked at a few things before my cruise, but I did make the mistake of not really paying much attention to the weather as no one really informs you to pack shorts just layers. I looked at the weather, but I was there for over a month, so all I really had to go by was historical data and just once again didn't think to look if bugs would be an issue when hiking. However, most of my decisions of what to do was at last minute on my cruise as I asked followers what they would like to see me do. I knew how many ports I would be visiting, but just didn't realize how tired I would be from constantly being on the go everyday with these ports. Some things you just don't know until you are there. I did make mistakes and I wanted to help others so they don't make the same mistakes as me while others are just beginning their research, and a lot of people don't have family and friends they can ask about Alaska. So, my intentions were simply to help others beginning their research, so they don't make my mistakes. I am sorry my video was not helpful for you but am very happy you were able to research and get some answers from friends. Thank you for your feedback and happy cruising. I hope you enjoy your Alaska cruise; it is beautiful there.

[@sandyhenrikson4942]

This video, as far as what to pack is REALLY helpful/informative!! I have done so much investigating on this and we are trying to decide how many jeans, how many shorts what kind of shoes….so that just solved so many issues for me. Thank you so much!! we also have rain jackets and I bought small travel size umbrellas as well but I’m thinking we don’t really need those with our jackets. Thoughts?

[@tpstravels]

@@sandyhenrikson4942 Oh great, I am glad this was helpful! For me personally, I didn't feel the need to have an umbrella along with my hooded rain jacket. The days we had drizzly rain, I saw very few people with umbrellas. Plus, there are so many shops you can go in out of the rain and several of these places have awnings you can walk under when walking down the street.

[@sandyhenrikson4942]

@@tpstravels thanks so much!