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.
Table of Contents
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.
- ZIP TOP SEAL: Never have to worry about your tags getting lost or wet! 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE CLICK THE ADD TO CART BUTTON NOW!
- FOR ROYAL CARIBBEAN AND CELEBRITY: Whether you’re going to the bahamas or Europe Your bags will be protected
- HIGH QUALITY STEEL TIES: All cruise tag holders have a braided stainless steel loop that easily secures your tags to your bags by tightening the threaded metal barrel connector. These ties will not break!
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.
- Fits Carnival, Royal Caribbean, NCL, Disney, Princess, Celebrity & all major cruise key cards
- Our lanyards for cruise ship cards voted "#1 Cruise Ship Essentials" & "#1 Must Have Items" in 2020
- Includes waterproof ID holder for cruise key cards, cash, credit cards & other cruise essentials
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 2/3 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.
- EASY ASSEMBLE: Magnetic hooks are easy to remove, they would be great in any small space to aid storage and easy accessibility, and these magnetic hooks fit in anywhere and serve a purpose that cannot be duplicated.
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
- Protects shoes or items from dust and damage
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!
- Generously Size - 11 x 7.4 x 3 inch (rolled) ; 11 x 30 inch (open); 4 separate compartments with zip and back open pocket for great organization. Suitable for your 3-5 travel demands
- Material - Water-resistant Polyester peach skin with supple touch; Well-padded design to keep full bag's shape and provide great protection
- Special Design - Inner main pockets with elastic straps hold bottles upright; Double zipper compartment for easy access the items even not full-opened 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.
- BREATHABLE AND DURABLE: With this breathable mesh, the air can circulate that can minimize the odor of your dirty clothes. It is also made of durable and sturdy premium steel wire to hold a full load of laundry while keeping it fresh and save space.
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!
![[300] Box of Individually Paper Wrapped Milkshake Straws, Straight 8.25' Long, Sturdy and Disposable Plastic Straws.](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51OkOorMrDL.jpg)
- STURDY NON CRACK STRAWS: These Individually Paper Wrapped Straws are made out of extra durable plastic to provide you with sturdy and non crack straw experience. They will fit: soda cans, slush cups, coffee cups, tumbler or a bottle.
- BPA FREE: These large straws are made of food grade plastic, and are good for hot and cold beverages. These are made of recyclable non toxic high grade plastic. They are wrapped in biodegradable paper.
- USAGE: This drinking straws could be used as tumbler straws, bubble tea straws, coffee straws or smoothie straws. This are big straws could be used in your kitchen, office, restaurant or as bar straws.
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.
- ✔ MAGNETIC “PUSH PINS”: Fasten papers and pictures or hanging pens from your dry-erase board, refrigerator, or magnetic boards. Great for the office in mounting documents in conference rooms, whiteboards, kitchen area and workspace cubes.
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 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 binoculars.
- 【FMC BROADBAND COATING TECHNOLOGY】The lightweight cruise binoculars is cover with BAK4 prism texture. The objective lens use optical FMC multilayer broadband green film, and the eyepiece-optical is made of blue FMC coating. All design ensure to provide a good image and make you have a amazing experience.
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.
- Water-resistant, durable fabric with filling for warmth
- An Amazon brand
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.
- Soft, warm, and oh-so-comfortable midweight brushed back fleece
- Kangaroo pocket
- An Amazon brand
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.
- ■ ONE SIZE FITS MOST - The Hat Depot Kids Washed Low Profile Cotton and Denim Plain Baseball Cap Hat, Cute & Comfortable Fit. 2-5yrs- 3.5" Crown, 2.5" Curved seamed bill, 6-9yrs- 4" Crown, 2 5/8" curved seamed bill. Designed not only in protecting from sunshine and wind, but also stylish in casual occasions day or night for your kids activities. Adorable and stylish cotton everyday baseball cap.
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.
- [Adjustable Partial Waistband] Button pull taps on each side widen and shrink the waist quickly.
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.
- EASY ON/OFF: Hook and loop closure type is easy to put on and take off, especially for little kids.
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.
- Puffer coat, this is a winter essential wardrobe staple
- This coat is easily layered over your favorite tops and t-shirts
- Can be worn to work, comes with zipper
Waterproof Backpack
Again, the goal is to mitigate against rain, but lightweight enough to carry around during an excursion day.
- 【Lightweight, yet Durable】 Made from rip-resistant nylon fabric, NEEKFOX lightweight backpack provides exceptional strength and longer life. Adjustable breathable straps can fit your body properly. Sternum strap can help with heavier loads on daily use. Its durable two-way SBS metal zippers are also abrasion-resistant and ensure secure closure.
- 【Packable but Spacious】 Though this packable backpack only weights 0.88 lb, it still provides a roomy storage capacity 30 liters. It features one roomy main compartment with two internal open pockets. Two mesh side pockets work well for a water bottle or umbrella. Two front zipper pockets and internal zippered pocket for smaller items.
- 【Great Backpack for Travel】 Fold this backpack into its own pocket for storage and unfold it when reach travel destination. NEEKFOX 30L hiking daypack ideal to use as a overnight pack or multiple-day pack. Good for Disney day trip, international travel, day travel, overnight trip, camping, day hiking and vocation. Great travel backpack for women and men.
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.
- 【NO SLIP & COMFORTABLE】 This is right size for men, women, kids using. The muffs fully cover ears and are soft and warm. They have no tendency to slip down while walking because the enclosed spring metal structure keeps them securely pressed against both sides of your head, but not so tight that it feels uncomfortable. wear ear muffs underneath with no problems or pain.
Waterproof Hiking Pants
Similar to the kids, you'll want your own set of hiking pants that are definitely waterproof.
- This product was previously sold as Outdoor Ventures and now as Amazon Essentials
- [COMFORTABLE AND WARMNESS] The high-waist and adjustable-waist design of snow pants offers fit flexibility and comfort. Windproof exterior fabric with fleece lining preserves warmness regardless of the weather all year long.
- [WATERPROOF AND WEAR RESISTANT] The water repellent finish of the ski pants can entirely prevent stains and liquids while maintaining good permeability, keep the pants dry and clean.
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!
- Hanging pocket organizer in nature cotton and linen fabric,saving space.
- 3 pockets for small items' storage, keeping your home tidy.
- Hanging by a round wooden stick and a cord, using easily.
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.
- BULK PACK OF 12: Get the best bang for your buck as you spark smiles. Each pack includes 12 (2”) rubber duckies. Little boys and girls will love the variety of colors and characters. Dish them out and hear the giggles follow. (Color and character assortment may vary)
- ASSORTED GOODNESS: Keep the kids smiling and chuckling with these assorted rubber duckies! Every set comes with a cute assortment of characters: everything from doctor, nurse, soccer ball, pirate, polka dot, to unicorn duck toys. The result? Amazing imaginative fun.
- VERSATILE FUN: There is so much you can do with these mini rubber duck toys. They’re perfect for fun in the pool, bathtub, or lake, can be used as carnival duckies for all those fun games, and also work as fun decorations to bring any kiddie party to life.
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.
- 【Ideal gift for your kids】：This lightweight toddler carry on luggage are delicately balanced and designed for children, conforming to ergonomic and flexible in operation.Which is best gift ideal for birthdays or festivals, Halloween,Christmas,Thanksgiving & New Year.
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!
More Tips for Alaska Cruise for Families with Kids
- Packing List for Alaska Cruise with Kids
- Royal Caribbean Ovation of the Seas Cruise with Kids to Alaska
- Preparing for Alaska Cruise for Families with Small Kids
- Example Excursion Itinerary for Alaska Cruise with Kids
- Ketchikan Alaska Cruise Itinerary for Families with Young Kids
- Skagway Alaska Cruise Itinerary for Families with Young Kids
- Juneau Alaska Cruise Itinerary for Families with Young Kids
- Victoria Alaska Cruise Itinerary for Families with Young Kids
- Booking an Alaskan Cruise for a Family of Six
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