What to bring on my Alaskan Princess Cruise

Are you getting ready to embark on an unforgettable Alaskan adventure with Princess Cruise Lines? Summer in Alaska is a truly magical experience, but it's crucial to pack wisely to ensure you have the most enjoyable trip possible. In this blog post, we will cover all the essentials you need to bring for your Alaskan Princess Cruise, so you can be prepared for the stunning beauty and unique experiences that await you. Let's dive right in and make sure you have everything you need for this incredible journey.
Dress in Layers!
Inner Layer
The inner layer is like long underwear (for example: Capilene from Patagonia) or any other thin material that absorbs moisture from your skin. On a hot day, you can wear this alone, it dries more quickly than cotton.
Insulating Layer
The middle insulating layer could be expedition-weight long underwear, a fleece jacket, or even a sweater. Synthetic materials are usually better than wool or cotton because of they are light and warm.
Outer Layer
Go for something waterproof and breathable on the outside – this will keep you warm when it's windy and dry when it's rainy.  These thin, outer jackets can be tucked into in the outer compartments of your suitcase and should be fully waterproof. An example would be an outer shell made of Gore-Tex (including a hood). Synthetic fabrics are lightweight, so they won’t take up much space in your luggage and they tend not to wrinkle.
Definitely bring gloves and a hat even if your vacation is in the summer.
Proper Footwear
Don’t bring new shoes! You will be doing a lot of walking, be sure your shoes are comfortable. Shoes should be lightweight with good traction for solid gripping in wet conditions.
 
*7 night Princess Cruise = 2 formal nights
Sun Protection - Lotion, hat, sunglasses
Camera/Video Camera -extra batteries, chargers, lenses, and memory cards or a phone!
Backpack – something to carry your things during excursions like water bottles, sunglasses and a place to keep the clothes you shed as the day gets warmer. It’s helpful if it is lightweight and folds small to easily fit in your suitcase or that you can use as your carryon. Backpacks are helpful to keep your hands free for balance on rough terrain or to take photos.
Reusable Water Bottle
Binoculars
Bug Spray
Umbrella
Medication for at least a week past your return date
 
CRUISE ITEMS -this is a comprehensive list of accessories that others have found to be helpful. These items are not necessary, you decide what is right for you. Don’t overpack, cruise cabins are small.
Magnetic Hooks – Cabins are small, and the walls are metal. You can maximize the space by hanging lightweight items and keeping them off of the counter tops. (things like light jacket, backpack, lanyard, umbrella, etc.)
Night Light – small, motion sensor travel night light; some come magnetic
Charging Devices – Power strips with surge protectors are banned on cruises and will be confiscated. Try a USB charging station if you have multiple devices, or a multi-socket outlet. Some people like to bring a 6 foot charger so they can plug in anywhere in the cabin.
Shoe Holder – Hang over the door to store shoes, hair accessories, hats, etc for easy access
Laundry bag
Hanging toiletry bag
Portable Fan – if you run hot or want to use it as a white noise machine
Small first aid kit – Post covid people like to bring thermometer, cold medicine, Tylenol, sanitizer, and motion sickness medicine.
Lanyard – for carrying key card (Princess Medallion comes with a lanyard that you can pick up when you check in at the port.)
 
PRINCESS MEDALILON – (think of it as a key card with extra benefits)

• The medallion will be mailed to you in advance. Don’t panic if you don’t receive it or forget it at home, you can pick one up at the port or get a replacement
• Secure data is not stored on the medallion so you don’t have to worry if you lose it
• The medallion is waterproof
• It comes with a lanyard (pick it up at the port) Accessories are sold both onboard and through Amazon if you want to jazz things up!
• If you are not a techie, the staff offers training in the medallion on the ship or you can opt not to use the extra features
• Your cabin door will automatically open as you approach and lock when you walk away, so you won’t be able to check the handle to see if the door is locked.
• Activate the medallion through the medallionclass app on your phone – this will help with boarding
• You can place food/drink orders in the app for delivery (this service is hit or miss)
• You can find fellow travelers and chat with them in the app

 
A note about Ducks and Pineapples
 Ducks – People place ducks (usually rubber ducks but could be any kind) around the ship for others to find. They usually have a tag listing the name and hometown of the sender and the date and ship of the cruise. If you want to participate, the general guidelines are to hide ducks in public areas only – no hiding in shops where items are sold.
 
Pineapples – You may see upside down pineapples while strolling on the ship. This is code for swinging. In most cases, an upside-down pineapple is fixed to the cabin door of a guest interested in partner swapping.
 
If you have any suggestions to add to my list to help others, please let me know!
 Have a great trip!