Bring everything that keeps travel smooth and boarding easy — printed and digital copies.

• Passport (valid at least 6 months from travel date) or government ID if cruising closed-loop — bring both if you have them. Keep one copy in your suitcase and a photo on your phone.
• Cruise documents & boarding pass (printed + screenshots in email). Include your Princess Medallion/boarding QR if provided.
• Vaccination records / health forms if required — screenshot and paper copy. (Some ports/airlines still check.)
• Travel insurance info & policy number (printout + phone photo). Include emergency contact details.
• Credit cards + one backup card (notify cards of travel dates). Bring a small amount of USD cash for tips, small purchases, or shore vendors (about $100–200 per person to start).
• Driver’s license and extra photo ID for U.S. excursions.
• Printed excursion confirmations & important phone numbers (tour operator, cruise agent, hotel in Seattle).

Alaska in August is mild but changeable — think layering, waterproof outerwear, and a mix of casual daytime gear plus a couple of smart options for formal nights.

• Lightweight waterproof rain jacket (hooded) — breathable (Gore-Tex or similar). Essential for shore excursions and deck time.
• Packable insulating layer (1 thin puffy down or synthetic jacket) for chilly mornings on deck or in ports.
• 3–4 merino or quick-dry tops (short- and long-sleeve mix) — merino resists odors and dries fast.
• 1–2 sweaters / fleece pullovers for layering.
• 2 pairs of comfortable pants (one convertible/zip-off or quick-dry hiking pants + one casual pair for onboard dining).
• 1 pair of jeans or chinos for evenings.
• 1–2 pairs of shorts or skirts (if you like warmer-day options).
• Undergarments & socks: 7 pairs of underwear, 4–5 pairs of socks (include 1–2 thicker hiking socks).
• Sleepwear.
• Formal / smart-casual outfits for two formal nights (Princess typically has 1–2 dress nights):
• Men: lightweight suit blazer or sport coat and collared shirts OR dark trousers + button-up shirt. Tie optional.
• Women: cocktail dress, dressy top + skirt/pants, or a nicer jumpsuit. Bring flats or dressy sandals.
• Waterproof walking shoes or light hiking boots (broken-in) — for wet, uneven terrain on excursions.
• Comfortable slip-on shoes or sneakers for onboard and port walks.
• Waterproof sandals or deck shoes for the ship and quick beach stops.
• Swimsuit and cover-up for ship pools / spa.
• Hat with brim, sunglasses with good UV protection, and a lightweight scarf or buff for wind.

Pack travel-size basics plus a few Alaska-specific items you might not find easily onshore.

• Sunscreen SPF 30+ and lip balm with SPF (yes, you can get sunburned on cloudy days).
• Travel toiletries in TSA-friendly sizes (shampoo, conditioner, body wash) — or use ship amenities if you prefer.
• Moisturizer: cold, windy air can dry skin quickly.
• Personal medications (30% extra supply in case of delay) in original labeled containers; a copy of prescriptions.
• Motion sickness meds (dimenhydrinate or meclizine) and sea-band acupressure wristbands if prone to motion sickness.
• Small first-aid kit: band-aids, blister pads, antiseptic wipe, pain reliever, allergy meds.
• Insect repellent (DEET or Picaridin) for some forested shore walks.
• Feminine products, contact lens supplies, extra toothbrush — items you prefer that may be limited ashore.
• Quick-dry travel towel for excursions that might be damp.

Bring chargers, backups, and the right adapters — and make sure your devices are ready for onshore/offline use.

• Phone + charger and a portable power bank (10,000–20,000 mAh) for long excursion days.
• Binoculars (7x–10x, compact) — one of the most useful items for whale watching and viewing glaciers. Bring a neck strap and small lens cloth.
• Camera + extra batteries / memory cards (or mirrorless DSLR with 70–200mm lens if you want telephoto for wildlife). A small tripod or monopod helps for low-light/dawn shots.
• Headphones or earbuds for the ship and flights.
• E-reader or tablet preloaded with books and downloaded maps/guides.
• Travel adapter / surge protector (U.S. ships use Type A/B 110V; bring a small power strip with USB ports if you have several devices). Note: most Alaska ports are U.S. — no special voltage concerns.
• Waterproof phone case or dry bag for zodiac/tender rides and rainy days.
• Charging cable organizer or small electronics pouch.

Keep illness and minor injuries from derailing your trip — and plan for local conditions.

• Personal prescription meds + copies of prescriptions; keep some in carry-on.
• Hand sanitizer & disinfecting wipes.
• Masks (if you prefer extra protection in enclosed spaces or hospitals ashore).
• Small flashlight or headlamp for early-morning excursions.
• Basic travel first-aid items (see toiletries section). Consider antibiotic ointment.

Alaska weather can flip fast: drizzle, wind, sun, and cool temps — pack to layer and stay dry.

• Lightweight waterproof pack cover or dry sacks to protect electronics and clothes during rain or boat rides.
• Gloves (thin, windproof) and a warm hat — useful for early mornings on deck or glacier viewing.
• Microfleece or merino buff (works as neck warmer or light face cover).
• Compact umbrella if you prefer it to a rain jacket for shore day walking.

You’ll want an organized small pack every shore day. Keep it light, dry, and ready for wildlife viewing.

• Small daypack (~20L) — comfortable straps and a rain cover.
• Refillable water bottle (collapsible if you want to save space).
• Binoculars (if not worn around neck) + small microfiber cloth.
• Sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses.
• Snacks (granola bars, trail mix) and any special dietary items.
• Tissue/pack of wet wipes, small zip-lock bags for wet items.
• Pen (for forms), photocopy of passport page, credit card.
• Lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho.

You may have glacier walks, wildlife viewing, kayaking, or short hikes — these extras make each activity comfortable and safe.

• Waterproof hiking boots with ankle support for rough trails (bring gaiters if you plan muddy hikes).
• Microspikes or traction devices if booking glacier walks that include icy terrain (confirm with operator; some provide them).
• Quick-dry hiking pants & long-sleeve sun shirt for layering and insect protection.
• Swimwear + water shoes if kayaking, rafting, or using ship’s pool/spa.
• Dry bag (5–10L) for kayaking or zodiac trips to keep phone/camera dry.
• Small binocular harness (keeps bins accessible and prevents neck strain) — excellent on photography- or wildlife-focused outings.
• Waterproof camera bag or protective case.
• Collapsible trekking poles if you have knee concerns on uneven trails.

A few things guests always thank me for later — practical, behavior-smart, and space-savvy.

• Pack clothes you can layer — mornings on deck can be 40s–50s°F; afternoons may reach the 60s–70s°F.
• Bring an extra day’s outfit and medications in your carry-on in case luggage is delayed at embarkation.
• Use packing cubes to separate active wear, evening clothes, and underwear — easier after excursions.
• Leave room for souvenirs (smoked salmon, local wool items) — consider an extra foldable duffel for the return.
• Label phone numbers and a printed meeting point for group members in case someone is late returning from an excursion.
• Put a few zip-top bags in your luggage for wet clothing or protecting maps/guides.
• Bring a small roll of travel-size laundry detergent and a sink stopper if you prefer washing quick items mid-cruise.
• For formal nights, a travel-sized steamer or wrinkle-release spray keeps outfits shipboard-ready.

Enjoy the trip: the combination of binoculars, waterproof layers, and comfortable footwear will make wildlife and glacier viewing unforgettable. Pack smart, layer often, and keep needed items in your daypack for each shore day.