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Pack for Alaska by planning for variable temperatures, prioritizing layers, and including a few weather-ready essentials and dinner outfits.

Temperature information

• Southeast Alaska, including the Inside Passage, is generally temperate, with summertime highs are usually between 50 and 60 degrees °F (sometimes reaching the 70s and 80s °F)
  

• Farther north, the climate is typically drier, with Interior summer temperatures often in the 70s and 80s °F
  

• Arctic areas can stay in the 40s and 50s °F

General packing

Most cruise days in Alaska favor comfortable, functional clothing, but you should plan on dressing up slightly for dinner.

Be sure to bring:

• Lightweight, waterproof coat or jacket

• Sweater or warm vest for strolling the decks and for glacier viewing

• Warm hat and gloves

Clothing suggestions:

• For many guests, a small set of repeatable outfits is enough

• Women: 2 to 3 pairs of washable slacks or jeans, paired with polo shirts, blouses, or light sweaters, plus accessories as desired. Add a blazer, cardigan, or windbreaker depending on weather and occasion
  

• Men: An extra pair of slacks can help. A sport coat and slacks work broadly, and a dark suit is appropriate for dinner on board ship

Shoes:

• Sturdy walking shoes for everyday use, two pairs suggested

• Consider leather for rain, plus a pair with good arch support
  

• 1 to 2 pairs of dress shoes for dinner attire

Evening dress:

• Evening dress falls into two categories: dressy attire or smart casual

• Smart casual (most evenings): slacks and a sports shirt or sweater for men, and a skirt or trousers with a sweater or blouse for women
  

• Dressy nights: guests dress for special events on board, including a five-course dinner in the Dining Room
  

• Jacket and tie are appropriate for gentlemen, while ladies wear a cocktail dress or gown
  

• On Grand Voyages, some gentlemen choose formal attire
  

• The number of Dressy Nights depends on voyage duration, and for collector voyages it is based on each voyage’s duration
  

• Shorts, flip-flops, swimwear, distressed jeans, and men’s tank tops are not permitted in table restaurants

Exercise clothes:

• Ships have a fitness center on board with equipment such as treadmills and exercise bikes, and classes may be offered
  

• If you plan to work out or walk the decks, pack exercise clothes and appropriate shoes
  

• Bring your running or aerobics shoes, plus a swimsuit and a cover-up for lounging

Do not forget to take

• Toiletries, prescriptions, and eyeglasses, to help with replacement if something is misplaced

• Travel alarm clock (wake-up calls are offered on all Holland America Line cruises)

• Binoculars for wildlife, birds, and glacier viewing
  

• Camera film is available in many places you will visit

Items you probably will not need

• Bulky or winter-weight sweaters or jackets

• Rain boots and long underwear
  

• Outfitters in Alaska often provide specialty gear for certain activities (for example, glacier boots, waterproof gear, boots, and life vests for rafting or kayaking)

Laundry service information

• Laundry service, dry cleaning, and pressing service are available on all ships

Read our latest article to learn more about Alaska packing tips and how to stay prepared.