Must Bring Items for an Alaskan Cruise with Kids

Jun 26

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Packing for an Alaskan cruise with kids involves preparing for a variety of weather conditions and activities. By bringing these essential items, you’ll ensure a comfortable, safe, and enjoyable adventure for the whole family.

Essential Documents and Personal Items

Passports and Identification:
- Ensure all family members have their passports and any necessary identification documents.
Boarding Passes and Cruise Documents:
- Keep printed or digital copies of all booking confirmations and cruise documents.
Cash:
- Although the cruise is cashless, bring extra cash for excursion gratuities. We also tipped some of the staff on the cruise ship in cash since they don’t see a lot of the prepaid gratuities that are collected from the cruise itself.

Clothing

Layered Clothing:
- Bring clothing that can be layered to adjust to varying temperatures. Include base layers, long-sleeve shirts, and lightweight sweaters.
Warm Jackets:
- Pack insulated, waterproof jackets to stay warm and dry during excursions.
Rain Gear:
- Include waterproof pants and jackets for rainy days.
Comfortable Walking Shoes:
- Bring sturdy, waterproof shoes suitable for hiking and walking on potentially slippery surfaces.
Hats, Gloves, and Scarves:
- Pack warm accessories to protect against cold winds. Beanies and gloves are very helpful to have.
Swimwear:
- Don’t forget swimsuits for the ship’s pool or hot tub.
Formal Wear:
- Some cruises have formal nights; pack appropriate attire for these events.

Health and Safety

Medications:
- Bring any necessary prescription medications, along with a basic first aid kit (bandages, antiseptic wipes, etc.). It’s helpful to have Children’s Tylenol or Children’s Motrin on hand in case the kids begin to not feel well. For the adults, I would also bring reflux medication, pain relievers.
Motion Sickness Remedies:
- Pack remedies for seasickness, such as Dramamine, acupressure bands, or ginger candies.
Sunscreen and Lip Balm:
- Even in cooler climates, UV protection is important. Some places will be cold and windy so lip balm was necessary.

Gear and Accessories

Backpacks or Daypacks:
- Bring small backpacks for day excursions to carry water, snacks, and extra layers.
Reusable Water Bottles:
- Keep everyone hydrated with reusable water bottles. Refill stations are available on board the cruise ship.
Binoculars:
- Great for whale watching and spotting wildlife from the ship or during excursions. Helpful to also bring kids binoculars.
Cameras and Chargers:
- Capture memories with a good camera and bring extra batteries or chargers.
Portable battery pack:
- Ensure you have the necessary battery power for all those amazing videos and pictures that will be taken.

Entertainment and Comfort

Books and Tablets:
- Bring books, tablets, or e-readers loaded with games, movies, and books to keep kids entertained.
Favorite Toys and Comfort Items:
- Pack a few favorite toys, stuffed animals, or blankets to make the cabin feel more like home.
Snacks:
- Bring non-perishable snacks for picky eaters or for when excursions run long.

Excursion-Specific Items

Waterproof Camera or GoPro:
- Ideal for capturing underwater adventures or rainy days.
Binoculars:
- Essential for wildlife viewing.
Stroller or Carrier:
- A lightweight stroller or child carrier for excursions with younger kids.

These are some of my favorite kid travel items for an Alaskan cruise:

Best Doona Car Seat and Stroller, All-in-One System