If you are planning on going on an Alaskan cruise with young kids, this is a guide that will share all the things you should consider bringing.
As a family of six, with four kids all under the age of 10, we decided to go on a cruise in June. Alaska's weather is known to be rainy and unpredictable at times, so we wanted to be prepared just in case. The concern was around having to overpay for a bunch of ponchos for all four kids or risk having the kids throwing full blown meltdowns during our excursion.
This guide provides you an overview of the best things as a mom of four that I would recommend bringing for your family on an Alaskan cruise.
Before Buying Anything New
Here are a few tips and tricks before you buy anything new for your Alaska cruise.
- At your first excursion, see if there is an Alaska T-Shirt company. If so, you can buy your first hoodie there and wear it throughout the trip.
- Unless you are doing some serious hiking, waterproof rainboots are totally fine, no need for new hiking shoes.
- Bring an extra packable carry-on bag for souvenirs.
Cruise Cabin Travel Essentials
Luggage Tags
Trust me when I say you need these luggage tags. It'll make all the difference and is way better than printing them out. These have lasted us over 3 cruises, and we use them time and time again.
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Cruise Lanyard
The cruise line will not provide a lanyard for your cruise card. I would highly recommend getting one that has a clear pocket because most cruise line cards do not have holes in them.
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Magnetic Metal Hooks for Wall
Cruise cabin walls are made of metal, so magnetic metal hooks are an amazing organizational tool. These metal hooks came in handy so much during our trip. From holding the lanyards when we came back into the room, holding swimming goggles, hanging jackets up, drying out swimsuits, metal hooks were a lifesaver. I would recommend getting a few heavy duty ones because the smaller ones weighted at 22 lbs couldn't hold heavy things like wet swimsuits or puffer jackets.
- INDUSTRIAL GRADE: 60LBS Capacity is based on horizontal application -- reduced by ⅔ if used vertically.The magnet hook is 67.5mm(2.66in) in length and 25mm(0.98in) in diameter.
- STEADY WITHOUT DRILLING: Steady for magnetic surface. High grade neodymium magnet hooks for organization, mounting, decorating and storage.
Clear Wall Shoe Pocket Organizer
This thing can be held up with the metal magnetic hooks I just mentioned to hold pretty much anything to keep it handy. From the cabin room's remote, LOL dolls, hair tyes, band aids, and so much more!
- 24 roomy clear pockets hanging shoe organizer
- Hangs on standard door or closet rod, no hardware needed
Makeup Organizer
This is way better than the ones that close up with a clip. It has zippers around it and you can put all of your makeup in it!
- Dimension: Medium-10.8'‘L x 3.5"W x 7.9H(folded); Large-12.6'‘L x 4.5"W x 9H(folded); 4 separate compartments with zip and back open pocket for great organization. Suitable for your family trip to pack all men, women , and kids toiletries
- Special Design: Inner main pockets with elastic straps hold bottles upright; double zipper compartment for easy access to the items even not fully open the bag; Transparent sides for providing clear overview of contents
Pop-Up Hamper for Each Room
A pop-up hamper will allow you to keep the dirty clothes at bay and from intermingling with your clean clothes. Trust me on this for kids, they'll definitely appreciate having a place to put all their dirty stuff.
- LARGE CAPACITY: Made with durable and flexible mesh, with 13 x 14 x 23 inches that can hold more clothes than usual laundry bags and baskets.
- DURABLE REINFORCED HANDLES: Made with high quality reinforced handles for your convenience. An easy way to transfer your laundry hamper from one place to another.
Plastic Straws
If you don't like paper straws, bring your own reusable metal ones or plastic ones. Enough said. If you think McDonalds has the best size opening for a straw, you are in luck. See below!
- BIGGER STRAWS: This wider opening and longer straw is great for all your BIG drinking needs, suitable for milkshakes, smoothies, slushies, and thicker drinks
- INDIVIDUALLY WRAPPED: 300 Individually wrapped straws to keep your straws clean
Magnetic Cable Ties
These are magical on a cruise because they can organize your cables as well as be hung up on the wall to store stuff as well.
- ✔ 6 PCS IN PACK: Soft silicone, strong magnetic cable “twist tie” organizer for iPhone, iPad, Samsung and cords of all home and office electronic devices
- ✔ EFFECTIVE CABLE MANAGEMENT: Reusable cord organizer that ties cables together to keep cords tangle-free and organized. The high quality silicone strap is rugged and can stretch to accommodate and bundle together wires of most household electric devices.
Binoculars for Everyone
I found some super inexpensive, but good, pair of binoculars that were just as good as my husband's hunting binoculars below.
- 【HIGH-POWERED LARGE EYEPIECE BINOCULARS】 This binoculars for adults has 12x magnification, 25mm objective lens and wide field of view, 273ft/1000yds, letting you look farther and see wider. Coating with FMC Broadband coating and premium BAK4 prism, it ensure imaging verisimilar.
- 【ADJUSTABLE EYE CUPS FIT EYEGLASS WEARERS OR NOT】The binocs can be pull down the rubber eyepieces and more fit the glasses wearer, getting close to lens and see easily. The long eye relief combined with large eyepiece give you a comfortable viewing while wearing sunglasses or eye glasses. For those who do not wear glasses, will gain more focused slight and feel more easeful through rising eye cups. The compact binoculars has 15mm large eyepieces, can see more clear image than other travel binoculars.
Kids Apparel for Cruise to Alaska
Waterproof Puffer Jacket
The goal for kids is layering their jackets. Alaska weather is often unpredictable. These are the ones we got for our kids and they were lightweight enough to pack for all of us on our carry-on suitcases. At the time, it was 90+ degrees back home while we were packing, and we were glad we were thinking about the weather in Alaska when packing. I would highly recommend sizing up so that you can layer.
- RELAXED FIT: Relaxed, comfortable fit through the body
- WATER-RESISTANT: Nylon plain weave shell and polyester fabric lining. Fully lined, quilted and insulated. (100% polyester shell and lining fabric on Marble print colorway).
Light Hoodie
I would also recommend a very lightweight hoodie that you already have around the house that they can wear underneath the puffer jacket.
- RELAXED FIT: Relaxed, comfortable fit through the body
- COZY BRUSHED BACK FLEECE: Soft and comfy mid-weight cotton-polyester blend brushed back fleece for staying cozy and keeping warm.
Ball Cap
While a hat is great, I would recommend getting a ball cap to keep any rain out of their little eyes. If you get the puffer jacket, there is already a hood on it as well!
- ■ The Hat Depot KIDS WASHED LOW PROFILE COTTON AND DENIM PLAIN BASEBALL CAP - This adorable and classic cap is perfect cap for anywhere your kids go. This cap combines both colorful styles to turn your head and comfort for your all-day wear. You can use it for your kids usual day-to-day activities. A Must Have Item!
- ■ PREMIUM QUALITY - The 100% cotton make it, cozy and comfortable for the perfect fit, especially for daily activities. So, your kids don’t want to take it off. Fine cotton fabric protects sensitive scalp from Ultraviolet. Also, soft cotton makes it packable and crush-able, so you can bring it everywhere easily for your kids. Comes in Various Colors.
Waterproof Pants
If you can, getting waterproof pants instead of joggers or leggings is a must. While you may be like us and get lucky, I would not want you to have to handle tantrums because kids have super wet pants.
- CQR Outdoor Pants Series designed for all outdoor activities and sports.
- [Materials] Mix of Cotton & Nylon & Elastine fabric is for stretch comfort, quick-dry, two-way air circulation.
Rain Boots or Waterproof Hiking Shoes
Depending on how much hiking you are planning on doing with your family, making sure they keep their feet dry is super important for your excursions. I would recommend getting high tops because they will allow them to stay dryer and provides ankle support for any hikes.
- ANTI-COLLISION: Full-cover toe cap designed for prevent kid's toes from the injury of falling objects and collision of hard objects.
- BREATHABLE & WATER RESISTANT: Upper made with breathable oxford and lightweight artificial leather which is water resistant and easy to clean, mesh lining makes kid's foot cool and dry.
What Parents Should Pack for Trip to Alaska Cruise
In terms of parents, here are the things I would definitely recommend getting if you are planning on going with kids.
Best Jackets for Alaskan Cruise
I would recommend a light jacket that is big enough to wear over a hoodie.
- REGULAR FIT: Close but comfortable fit through the chest, waist, and hips.
- WATER-RESISTANT TAFFETA: Made from 100% Nylon for solid colors and 100% Polyester for prints and neon colors. Fully lined, quilted and insulated to keep you warm and protected on the coldest winter days.
Waterproof Backpack
Again, the goal is to mitigate against rain, but lightweight enough to carry around during an excursion day.
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Ear Muffs
These will keep your ears super warm!
- 【USEFUL THAN REGULAR CAP】：Why to buy this earmuffs? Are you have a similar experience: 1.The hat get blown down by cold wind while you walking or riding on streets. 2.When you get indoor and take off hat, your hair get that "hat head" look or in a mess. With this ear muffs you can rip off these troubles easily!
- 【SKIN-FRIENDLY FUZZY LINER】The outer layer of ear warmer is made of high quality superfine fleece fabric, what made it ventilatial and more warm, soft, comfortable; these are a bit fuzzier (on the inside part that touches your ear) , it is bright and distributed, as a soft of the silk, not to provoke the skin.
Waterproof Hiking Pants
Similar to the kids, you'll want your own set of hiking pants that are definitely waterproof.
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Alaska Cruise Fanatic Tips and Tricks
There are a lot of Facebook groups that are dedicated to the cruise line, the ship, and the actually week of the itinerary. Often, each cruise line has a bunch of fanatics that have "groups" that provide some sort of gift or fun exchange on the ship. These are really fun.
Specific to Disney Cruise Line
Disney Cruises often have what's known as "Fish extenders" where you put a storage bag as part of a Facebook group and you give members gifts. These are really fun ways to decorate your door!
- Fish Extender Hanger in nature cotton and linen fabric,saving space.
- Over the door organizer with 3 pockets for small items' storage, keeping your home tidy.
Specific to Royal Caribbean Cruises
Facebook groups for Royal Caribbean cruises managed by fans also hide small ducks. We were able to find four on our last cruise. This is a really fun way to engage the kids.
- CLASSIC FUN FOR BATH TIME AND BEYOND: Rubber duckies are timeless toys that make bath time a joy for kids of all ages. These colorful and cheerful ducks in bulk bring fun to your child's bath routine, helping them relax after a long day. Whether for playtime or simple fun, these rubber ducks for jeeps or baths provide endless entertainment while sparking imagination.
- SAFE AND DURABLE FOR ENDLESS PLAY: Crafted from high-quality rubber, these duckies are built to last through countless play sessions and washes. They are completely safe for children, containing no harmful chemicals, so you can trust them for hours of worry-free fun. Whether as jeep ducks or everyday bath companions, these rubber duckies in bulk are perfect for kids.
Carry On Luggage Suitcase
We arrived the night before our embarkation to the cruise ship, but also wanted to make the most of our trip to the port city of Seattle. This would made possible by having everyone take on a roller bag and not check it in. Obviously, it's more of a hassle during travel, but well worth it. My tip is for kids, get the hardshell with 4 spinner wheels so they are not having to drag it.
- 【Top Quality Kids Luggage】：Made of brand new extra-thick high quality and non-toxic ABS+PC materials for hardshell, which make the luggage more durable, lighter and impact-resistant. New Anti-Scratch version to prevent against scratches, keeping cases beautiful after their trip.
- 【Ergonomically and Safety Designed for Kids】: Built-in coded lock which is easy to operation，also can protect her secret/ Silent & smooth multi-directional spinner wheels/ Adjustable & sturdy ergonomic aluminum 3-step telescoping handle, it’s sturdier than most of the telescoping handle on the market.
Summary
I hope you find this list of products to bring on a cruise helpful and useful! I know that there is a lot to pack due to the weather, but trust me, it will save you so much time!
