Trip snapshot
You’re headed on a 7‑night Alaska cruise that includes Dawes Glacier in mid‑June — expect cool, changeable weather, damp mornings, glacier/snow glare, and shore excursions (short hikes, wildlife viewing, possibly kayaks or zodiac/shore landings). This list focuses on layers, rain protection, footwear for walking on damp/slippery surfaces, and a few glacier‑specific extras to keep you comfortable and camera‑ready.
Essential Documents & Money
Bring these travel documents and make copies (digital + paper) before you go.
Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond travel dates) and a photocopy stored separately
Cruise documents & boarding pass confirmations, printed and saved offline (PDFs on your phone)
Driver’s license / government ID (for shore excursions or car rentals before/after cruise)
Credit cards (primary + 1 backup) and a small amount of US cash for tips, snacks, or port vendors
Travel insurance policy & emergency contact info (policy number and claims phone number)
Any required health documents (vaccination card if needed, prescriptions list with generic names)
Shore excursion vouchers / activity confirmations and any rental confirmations (e.g., kayak)
Clothing & Footwear
Plan on layered, quick‑dry pieces that work for chilly mornings and sunnier afternoons. Aim for colors that hide light dirt and mix/match easily.
Lightweight base layers: 2 merino or synthetic long‑sleeve tops (breathable, odor‑resistant)
Mid layers: 1–2 fleece or wool sweaters; 1 lightweight insulated jacket (packable down or synthetic)
Waterproof outer layer: 1 breathable rain jacket with hood (Gore‑Tex or similar) — bring a small packable rain shell if you prefer layering
Pants: 2 pairs quick‑dry hiking pants; 1 pair casual pants or jeans for evenings
Leggings or thermal bottoms: 1 pair (good for extra warmth on deck or under pants for excursions)
Shirts: 3–4 short‑sleeve or long‑sleeve tees (merino/synthetic) — mix of sun and cool weather
Evening outfit: 1 smart‑casual outfit for the ship’s dining venues (dressier casual — blazer or nicer sweater)
Sleepwear & underwear: 7 days’ worth; pack merino socks (3–4 pairs) and 2–3 pairs of regular socks
Waterproof hiking shoes or sturdy trail shoes: broken in, comfortable for rocky shore landings and boardwalks
Lightweight waterproof boots or insulated ankle boots: useful if you’ll stand on wet decks or in muddy trails
Casual shoes or loafers: 1 pair for evenings and indoor ship use
Accessories: wide‑brim sun hat or baseball cap, warm beanie, lightweight gloves, and a buff or scarf (for wind on deck)
Toiletries & Personal Care
Keep products travel‑size and bring items that are harder to find in Alaska’s ports.
Sunscreen SPF 30+ and lip balm with SPF (glacier glare is strong) — reef‑safe if required
Moisturizer and hand cream (cold, windy air dries skin quickly)
Basic toiletries: toothbrush, toothpaste, floss, deodorant, razor, shampoo/conditioner (travel bottles)
Sea‑sickness remedies: motion‑sickness tablets, wrist bands, or patches — bring them even if you rarely get sick
Personal prescriptions (in original labeled bottles) + copy of prescription
Small first‑aid kit: bandaids, antiseptic wipes, pain reliever, blister pads
Quick‑dry travel towel (optional — most ships supply towels but useful for small shore stops)
Electronics & Accessories
You’ll want chargers and backups for long days of photography and offline maps while ashore.
Phone + charger and a portable power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh) for long photo days
Camera with extra memory cards and batteries (glacier colors are worth extra shots) — bring a small microfiber cloth for lens care
Universal travel adapter (US power onboard; if you’re connecting elsewhere, bring type B adapter) — ship outlets are US standard 110V, 60Hz
Plug strip with surge protection (ships sometimes have limited outlets in cabins) — check cruise policy on power strips first
E‑reader or tablet for downtime; headphones (noise‑cancelling helpful for flights and shared spaces)
Small flashlight or headlamp (hands‑free useful for early morning zodiac landings or cabin searches)
Waterproof phone case or ziplock bags to protect electronics from spray and rain
Health & Safety
Stay comfortable and healthy both on board and during excursions.
Any daily meds plus a 3–day extra supply in case of delays
Vitamin C or immune support and hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
Insect repellent (some bays and wooded trails have mosquitoes in summer)
Sunglasses with good UV protection (polarized is ideal for reducing glare from ice and water)
Face masks (if you prefer or required by ship/port)
Weather‑Ready Gear
Alaska weather in mid‑June can be brisk, wet, and bright — pack for layers and sun off ice.
Packable insulated jacket (light down or synthetic) for mornings on deck — easily compressible into daypack
Waterproof shell (see above) and lightweight packable umbrella (optional; can be windy)
Gloves & warm hat: thin liner gloves and a warmer pair if you feel cold easily
Neck gaiter or buff to block wind on deck or for extra sun protection
Day Bag Essentials
You’ll want a comfortable day pack for shore excursions and deck time.
Small daypack (18–25L) with rain cover
Refillable water bottle (collapsible is space‑saving) — ships have refill stations
Binoculars for whale and wildlife watching (compact 8x42 recommended)
Snacks (trail bars, nuts) for long outings or early departures
Lightweight waterproof camera pouch or ziplock for quick protection
Tissues, small pack of wet wipes, and a pen (customs forms and notes)
Special Items for this Cruise
A few extras that make glacier cruises more enjoyable and comfortable.
Warm, non‑slip deck shoes with good grip (rubber soles) for walking on often‑wet decks
Camera polarizing filter to deepen blue skies and reduce glare on ice
Swimsuit if you plan to use the ship’s pool or sauna
Binoculars lanyard or strap so your optics are ready when wildlife appears
Small day binoculars or monocular if you love birdwatching
Pro Tips
A handful of small decisions will save space and headaches.
Use packing cubes to separate layers, expedition gear, and evening clothes — keeps cabin drawers tidy
Leave one extra outfit space for souvenirs or muddy gear when returning from shore
Pack socks in shoes to save space and help shoes keep shape
Keep important docs and medications in your carry‑on in case luggage is delayed
Bring a small laundry soap bar or travel detergent; many travelers hand‑wash small items in the sink to refresh layers
Label chargers and memory cards — cabin outlets and shared charging areas can get confusing
Safe travels — mid‑June is a lovely time for glaciers: layers, waterproofs, and a good camera will make the trip comfortable and unforgettable.