Packing for Alaska

It's hard to pack for an Alaska cruise because weather-wise you need to be prepared for anything. From many summertime visits to the 49th state, I have learned to resist the urge to pack everything from beach to ski attire Ð especially with airlines limiting luggage.

Juneau in summer can reach 90 degrees.Close to glaciers it can be cold, pack a fuzzy winter hat and gloves and a lightweight but warm jacket. On top of this you layer a rain jacket with hood Ð since it is common to encounter rain in the Inside Passage in August.

The rest of casual clothing packed to layer. Don't strive to be daytime glamorous. Throw a baseball hat, sunglasses and sunscreen into the suitcase to protect from sun, because when it does shine in Southeast Alaska it shines (especially when reflected off the ice).Bring bug repellent Ð there are more than 50 types of mosquitoes in Alaska and while most tend to hang out up north I don't want to meet any.

On the one-week cruise, the ship will have two formal nights with other nights smart casual. So pack some dress pants and nice tops and a couple of dresses and accessories. For men a Jacket. You will need sneakers that can get muddy and a pair of heels. Bring a swimsuit to use in the hot tub and the spa's Thermal Suite.

Travel Documents and Identification

-airline tickets or e-ticket confirmation

-cruise documents

-passports and visas or proof of citizenship (if necessary)

-vaccination certificate (if required)

-wallet and fanny pack

-driver's license and auto insurance card - in case you decide to rent a car when ashore

-medical insurance cards and medical history (especially if traveling alone)

-another picture ID - if you don't take driver's license

-credit cards-call credit card before traveling to alert them you are outside your normal area

-ATM card

-pre-paid phone card

-cash or traveler's checks (be sure to keep traveler's checks receipt in separate location)

-3 copies airline tickets, cruise tickets, passports/visas-pack 1 copy carry on,1 - in luggage, one with someone at home

-contact numbers to report lost/stolen credit cards or traveler's checks

-emergency numbers at home

Sundries

-prescription drugs and any other essential medications in carry on bag

-ear plugs or "ear planes"

-small first aid kit (band aids, Q-tips, , dramamine, antibiotic cream, bandages

-anti-diarrheal medication, cortisone cream, aspirin/tylenol/advil)

-Crazy glue

-bug spray (not for your cabin on the ship, but for those pesky mosquitoes ashore

-sun screen/sun block and lip sunblock

-germicidal hand cleaner

-handi-wipes

-hand lotion

-rubbing alcohol

-foot lotion

-sewing kit and scissors (pack in checked luggage)

-travel-size Woolite

-clothes pins

-empty folding tote bag - for souvenirs

-hats/caps/visors

-insulated large coffee mugs

Miscellaneous Necessities

-binoculars

-watch

-glasses, extra contacts, contact lens cleaner and case

-extra reading glasses

-sunglasses

-reading sunglasses

-guidebooks and other port of call information

-maps

-reading material - books to read while on the plane or lounging by the pool

-journal or notebook and pen/pencil

-business cards with email address to give out to new cruise friends

-home and email addresses of friends/relatives back home for sending postcards,emails,gifts

-extra plastic cable-lock ties for securing luggage for return trip

-extra luggage name tags (in case yours are lost on the outbound trip)

-small travel alarm clock - battery operated

-lighted dial clock for cruise ship cabin

-extra plastic cable-lock ties for securing luggage for return trip

-zip loc bags of all sizes and garbage/laundry bags

-small flashlight

-night light

-corkscrew (be sure to put in checked luggage)

-Swiss Army knife or something similar with screwdriver head (put in checked luggage)