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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.Β Β
- Cash:
- Although the cruise is cashless, bring extra cash for excursion gratuities.Β Β We also tipped some of the staff on the cruise ship in cash since they donβt 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.Β Β
- Swimwear:
- Donβt forget swimsuits for the shipβs 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.).Β Β Itβs helpful to have Children’s Tylenol or Children’s Motrin on hand in case the kids begin to not feel well.Β Β For the adults, I would also bring reflux medication, pain relievers.Β Β
- 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.Β Β Some places will be cold and windy so lip balm was necessary.Β Β
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.Β Β 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:
Photo credit:Β Amazon, Doona
Photo credit: Amazon
Photo credit: Amazon
Photo credit: Amazon
Best Warm Jackets for Kids:Β Everything Patagonia
Best Waterproof Shoes for Kids:Β Bogs, Merrel, Landβs End, Teva, North FaceΒ
