Packing advice for upcoming cruise tour (May 2025)

Question

We’re a family of five (16, 19, 22, 51, and 52) heading to Alaska for a cruise tour on Princess Cruise lines (Princess Coral) in a few weeks and for some reason I am paralyzed by the idea of packing for this trip! I am in desperate need of guidance to get moving!

Here’s a quick rundown of the trip:

May 18—arrive in Fairbanks

May 19—Denali Princess Lodge with Denali Highway Jeep excursion

May 20—Mount McKinley Princess Lodge following the train to Talkeetna (nothing currently scheduled for the evening)

May 21—travel to Whittier for departure on Princess Coral

May 22—scenic cruising /Hubbard Glacier

May 23—scenic cruising/Glacier Bay

May 24—Skagway (car rental with plans to drive Klondike highway/Emerald Lake)

May 25—Juneau with Mendenhall Glacier and whale watching tour

May 26—Ketchikan (no excursions planned)

May 27—at sea

Your tips on packing for the weather and for the dining on the ship without needing 5 suitcases would be so much appreciated!

--There will be two formal nights on the ship, but I’m not sure how much my family will enjoy that environment. If we opt out for one of the nights, what should we expect?

--Can we do laundry on the ship?

Thank you for your help!

Answer

Packing for an Alaska cruise in May can feel overwhelming, but focusing on layering, versatility, and practicality will help you manage with a single suitcase per person. Alaska weather in May can vary widely—from chilly mornings in the 30s–40s°F in inland areas like Denali, to slightly warmer coastal temperatures in the 50s–60s°F during your cruise. Expect rain, wind, and occasional sunshine, so waterproof and windproof clothing is essential.

Clothing Recommendations:

Base Layers: Lightweight moisture-wicking shirts and long underwear for layering.
Mid Layers: Fleece or wool sweaters, hoodies, or pullovers for warmth.
Outer Layer: Waterproof and windproof jacket with a hood; rain pants are useful for excursions and damp days.
Pants: Comfortable hiking pants, jeans, or casual pants. Avoid cotton for active days; synthetic or wool blend is better for warmth and drying quickly.
Footwear: Waterproof hiking shoes or boots for excursions; comfortable sneakers for casual wear on the ship; optional sandals for indoor areas.
Accessories: Warm hats, gloves, and a lightweight scarf. Sunglasses and sunscreen are also important—Alaska sun can be strong even in cool weather.
Casual Cruise Wear: Jeans, casual tops, sweaters, and comfortable shoes for exploring the ship.
Formal Nights: For those who wish to participate, business casual or cocktail attire is acceptable. Men can wear slacks and button-up shirts (ties optional), women can wear dresses or nice pantsuits. Skipping a formal night is fine—casual dress is allowed and no one will notice or pressure you.

Excursion-Specific Tips:

Layering is key for Denali and Glacier Bay excursions; mornings and evenings can be chilly, but layers can be shed as it warms up.
Waterproof gear is crucial for whale watching and glacier views where spray is likely.
Bring a small daypack for water, snacks, camera, binoculars, and extra layers during shore excursions.

Laundry on the Ship:

Princess ships offer self-service laundry (coin-operated) and laundry/dry cleaning service (paid) for guests. This makes packing lighter easier, especially for longer trips.

Additional Tips:

Pack reusable water bottles and travel mugs for excursions and onboard hydration.
Binoculars and camera gear are highly recommended for wildlife viewing.
Consider packing a few casual layers that can double for both excursions and shipboard use to minimize luggage.
Small snacks or granola bars are useful for early mornings or long excursions.

With these strategies, a well-planned packing list for a family of five can fit comfortably in 1–2 medium-sized suitcases per person, leaving room for souvenirs and minimizing stress.

Packing advice for upcoming cruise tour (May 2025)

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