Your day bag is going to be a little different on this vacation!
By A’Dell Stevens · Nov 2026 · Affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack
Light, durable daypack with room for layers, water, and snacks on excursions.
Buy on Amazon →YETI Rambler 26 oz Bottle with Straw Lid
Keeps cocoa hot or water cold all day, with a spill-resistant straw lid.
Buy on Amazon →OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Wipes
Bugs can be fierce on summer hikes. Wipes are easy on kids’ faces and pack flat.
Buy on Amazon →Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen SPF 45
Glacier glare and long daylight burn fast. A light sunscreen that does not feel greasy.
Buy on Amazon →GoPro HERO12 Black
Waterproof action camera for kayaks, dog sleds, and helicopter tours.
Buy on Amazon →Celestron Nature DX 8x42 Binoculars (Good)
GOOD: Waterproof, glasses-friendly, and a top budget pick in expert tests. A great first pair.
Buy on Amazon →Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 Binoculars (Good)
GOOD: Light, waterproof, and great for glasses wearers. Recommended by Cornell Lab and three other expert sources.
Buy on Amazon →
Nocs Field Issue 8x42 Binoculars (Better)
BETTER: Fully waterproof, light, and a 2026 Outdoor Life Great Buy. Big step up in clarity for the price.
Buy on Nocs →Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 Binoculars (Better)
BETTER: Cornell Lab Top Pick. Extra-clear ED glass makes whales and eagles pop, even in gray light.
Buy on Amazon →Vortex Diamondback HD 8x42 Binoculars (Better)
BETTER: Outdoor Gear Lab’s best bang for the buck, with Vortex’s no-questions lifetime warranty.
Buy on Amazon →Athlon Midas G2 UHD 8x42 Binoculars (Best)
BEST: Premium glass and a wide view at a mid-range price. A favorite of birders.
Buy on Amazon →Nikon Monarch M7 8x42 Binoculars (Best)
BEST: Very wide view, so you can find a breaching whale fast. Top marks from three expert reviewers.
Buy on Amazon →Vortex Viper HD 8x42 Binoculars (Best)
BEST: Outdoor Gear Lab’s best for most people. Sharp, rugged, and fog-proof for wet Alaska days.
Buy on Amazon →Canon 10x32 IS Image-Stabilized Binoculars (Splurge)
SPLURGE: Press a button and the image goes steady, even on a moving ship. Water-resistant, not fully waterproof.
Buy on Amazon →Canon 10x42L IS WP Image-Stabilized Binoculars (Splurge)
SPLURGE: The fully waterproof image-stabilized pair. Heavy, but rock steady for whale watching in the rain.
Buy on Amazon →Canon 8x20 IS Image-Stabilized Binoculars (Splurge)
SPLURGE: The lightest image-stabilized pair. Pocket size and steady, but only for light rain.
Buy on Amazon →Nikon COOLPIX P950 Superzoom Camera
BETTER: Huge 83x zoom for whales, bears, and eagles that a phone cannot reach. The classic Alaska cruise camera.
Buy on Amazon →Panasonic Lumix ZS99 Travel Zoom Camera
GOOD: 30x zoom (720mm) that fits a pocket. The best-value way to get closer to whales than a phone.
Buy on Amazon →Panasonic Lumix ZS300 Travel Zoom Camera
BETTER: Bigger 1-inch sensor for gray Alaska light, plus 15x zoom, in a pocket size. New for 2026.
Buy on Amazon →OM System Tough TG-7 Waterproof Camera
Waterproof to 50 feet, drop-proof, and freeze-proof. The one to hand a kid or take kayaking.
Buy on Amazon →Sony a6700 Mirrorless Camera (Body)
BEST: Light, weather-resistant enthusiast camera. Pair it with the Sony 70-350mm lens for wildlife.
Buy on Amazon →Sony E 70-350mm G OSS Zoom Lens
BEST: The wildlife lens for the Sony a6700. Reaches whales, bears, and eagles from the deck.
Buy on Amazon →GoPro HERO13 Black
ACTION: Waterproof with the most mounts, for kayaks, dog sleds, and helicopter tours.
Buy on Amazon →Insta360 X5 360-Degree Camera
ACTION: Records in every direction, so you never miss a whale breaching behind you. Pick the shot later.
Buy on Amazon →GoPro The Handler Floating Hand Grip
GoPros sink fast. This official floating grip keeps yours on the surface while you snorkel.
Buy on Amazon →
Sea To Summit Lightweight Dry Bag
Buy on REI →Osprey Ultralight Waterproof Dry Sack
Buy on Amazon →Joto [ip68 Floatable Large Floating Waterproof Phone Pouch Up To 10"
Buy on Amazon →Joto Universal Waterproof Pouch Case For iPhone 16 15 14 13 Plus Pro
Buy on Amazon →Stanley Quencher H2.0 Tumbler With Handle And Straw
Buy on Amazon →Burt’s Bees All Weather SPF 15 Lip Balm
Buy on Amazon →Aquaphor Lip Repair And Protect Ointment
Buy on Amazon →Bonine Non-Drowsy Motion Sickness Relief - Chewable Tablets With
Buy on Amazon →Sea-Band Motion Sickness & Nausea Relief Family Kit (1pk Adult & 2pk
Buy on Amazon →Band-Aid Brand Hydro Seal Blister Cushion Bandages
Buy on Amazon →Compeed Advanced Blister Care Cushions 10 Count And Dr. Scholl’s
Buy on Amazon →Hydro Flask Packable Bottle Sling - Accessory Reusable Water Bottle
Buy on Amazon →More Disney Cruise shopping lists
A’Dell Stevens · Disney Cruise Line Travel Agent · Texas · Sailed all 7 US-based DCL ships · 500+ families served per year