What NOT to Bring On Your Alaska Cruise

Packing for a cruise can be exciting but it can also bring some anxiety. Even experienced cruisers can make rookie packing mistakes. You’ll find plenty of packing lists that can help, but it’s also important to know what NOT to bring on your Alaska cruise. Most cruise lines have a similar list of prohibited items, and some ban things that you might not expect. Plus, there are some things that are totally unnecessary, taking up precious room in your suitcase that you could use to bring back souvenirs. Not to mention putting major strain on your back, shoulders, and neck.

In addition to paying attention to what you shouldn’t forget, like a waterproof rain jacket and binoculars, take heed as to what you shouldn’t bring on your Alaska cruise to ensure the best possible experience.

Formal Wear & Expensive Jewelry

Unless you’re embarking on a grand voyage with formal nights, there’s no need for fancy formal wear like a tux or ball gown. Be sure to check with the cruise line to avoid bringing unnecessary attire. Generally, the dress code on most Alaska cruises is more relaxed, focused on smart casual with nice pants or jeans with a sweater or collared shirt fine even at dinner. Some even come in the same clothes they wore for their day in port. If you want to dress up a bit, perhaps a jumpsuit or cocktail dress, or chinos and a blazer.

Forget about the expensive jewelry. It’s best to leave valuables and home opting for inexpensive accessories to avoid theft or loss.

Open-Toe Non Water-Resistant Shoes

Shoes take up a lot of room so you don’t want to bring any that you probably won’t wear. Drizzle and occasionally heavy rain can occur and there is often mud and puddles. Your most useful pair will be comfortable and waterproof, or at least water resistant. Thinking about packing your favorite running shoes? Keep in mind that stylish air ventsdesigned to make them more breathable will also let water in, leading to soggy socks.

That said, if you have a pair of thin flip-flops that don’t take up much room, they can be useful if your ship has a pool or hot tub.

Hair Dryer

Cruise ships include hair dryers in their staterooms. You’ll usually find one in a desk or dressing table, or your bathroom. No matter where you’re cruising, packing a hair dryer is unnecessary.

Power Strips with Surge Protectors

We’ve seen more than a few bloggers recommend bringing a power strip with a surge protector, but cruise lines don’t allow them. In fact, if they find it in your luggage (which is checked closely), they will confiscate it. That’s because they disrupt the power flow which can lead to a fire, not just in your stateroom, but anywhere on the ship with wiring.

Of course, with limited outlets in  your stateroom, how do  your charge all your electronic gadgets? Bring a USB dock instead. They don’t have surge protectors so they aren’t a fire hazard. And, all you need is one outlet to plug it into. You’ll have multiple ports for charging multiple devices at the same time while you sleep.

Appliances like coffemakers, electric kettles, hot plates, steamers and irons are generally not allowed on a cruise ship, also due to the risk of fire. If you’re worried about wearing wrinkled clothes, just bring a small bottle of wrinkle-release spray. Another alternative is to hang your items in the bathrooms while taking a shower. You might find that your ship has a public laundry room with an iron and ironing board, and/or laundry services like washing and pressing.

Can’t live without your caffeine? Don’t worry. Cruise ships have plenty of places to get your fix. Or, if you feel you must make your own, a small French press filled with hot water from a buffet will work.

Towels

Towels take up a lot of room in your suitcase, yet there’s no need to bring them. If there’s a pool, there will be beach-sized towels available and you’ll have plenty of bath towels in your cabin. If you find you’re in need of one, all you need to do is make a quick call to your cabin steward.

Poor Quality Sunglasses

When packing for an Alaskan cruise, sunshine and warmth is probably not something you’re envisioning. But the sun can be surprisingly bright, especially out on the water, requiring a good pair of quality sunglasses. There’s no need to spend a ton on a new pair of Dolce and Gabbanas, with relatively affordable high-quality brands that are often polarized, a must for Alaska. Oakley is a good brand with clear, dark polarized lenses, or look for a deal on Maui Jims.

Alcohol

Many cruise lines will allow you to bring one bottle of wine, and sometimes up to three when cruising for more than a week. Liquor and beer is almost never allowed and will be confiscated. If you’re thinking about bringing wine (or champagne) be sure to check with your particular cruise line as the rules can vary significantly. Furthermore, some prohibit it altogether. Those who plan to do a lot of drinking should look into a specialty drinks package. It can be significantly cheaper than paying for drinks onboard individually.

Marijuana and CBD

While marijuana and CBD may be legal in some states in the U.S. (and elsewhere), or at least decriminalized, they doesn’t mean you can bring it on your cruise. Due to the ambiguity of the laws, most cruise lines ban CBD in any form and none allow marijuana.

This means even if you can legally purchase it at home for recreational or medical use (that includes medical card holders),  you cannot cruise with it. Cruise lines have similar policies in that all guests and their personal items are subject to screening. If you’re found with any illegal drug, you may be subject to denial of boarding without refund, or even arrest and significant fines.

Homemade Foods

You can bring packaged, sealed items and shelf-stable foods like energy bars, candy, and chips, but most cruises don’t allow homemade or pre-cooked foods. Perishable items such as meat or fish are always prohibited. This is because of food safety concerns such as spreading bacteria due to improper storage.

Large Backpacks & Suitcases

Leave any big, bulky backpacks and large suitcases at home. Staterooms have limited space and packing light means you’ll have less to lug around. Plus, many cruise lines have size requirements for luggage, making it a must to bring bags that meet their guidelines. Many ships have laundry facilities, and some even offer affordable self-laundry service that make it easy to pack lighter.

Alaska Luxury Tours Contact Information

Be sure to make a note of the contact information for Alaska Luxury Tours. Based in Juneau, we’re happy to provide expert advice to ensure you have an enjoyable Alaskan cruise. Yes, we know, all cruise ships, including Alaska cruises, have Wi-Fi these days. But, Wi-Fi isn’t as seamless out on the water as you might expect when you on land.