What to pack for an Alaska Disney Cruise

Nikon Monarch M5 8x42 Binoculars (Better)

BETTER: Cornell Lab Top Pick. Extra-clear ED glass makes whales and eagles pop, even in gray light.

Columbia Men’s Watertight II Rain Jacket

Truly waterproof shell that fits over a fleece. The most recommended rain jacket in our Alaska research.

Columbia Women’s Arcadia II Rain Jacket

Columbia’s waterproof women’s shell. Light, packable, and roomy enough to layer a fleece underneath.

Columbia Women’s Benton Springs Full Zip Fleece

Classic soft fleece for the middle layer. Wear it under your rain jacket on glacier day.

Columbia Men’s Steens Mountain Fleece Hoodie

Warm men’s fleece hoodie for the middle layer. Recommended by three Alaska packing lists.

Merrell Men’s Moab 3 Waterproof Hiker

Waterproof and comfy from day one. Mesh sneakers are the number one Alaska packing regret.

Merrell Women’s Siren Edge 3 Trail Shoe

Light women’s trail shoe with real grip for wet docks, trails, and town walks.

Merrell Kids’ Moab Speed 2 Waterproof Hiker

Waterproof kids’ hikers with a quick hook-and-loop fit for puddles and trails.

Buy on Bare Necessities →

UGG Tasman II Platform Slippers

Warm slippers for chilly mornings and stateroom lounging.

Carhartt Knit Beanie

Warm, simple, and under $25. The beanie four of our sources recommend for glacier day.

The North Face Etip Touchscreen Gloves

Thin, warm gloves that work with your phone screen, so you can keep taking photos on deck.

Osprey Daylite Plus Daypack

Light, durable daypack with room for layers, water, and snacks on excursions.

OFF! Deep Woods Insect Repellent Wipes

Bugs can be fierce on summer hikes. Wipes are easy on kids’ faces and pack flat.

Neutrogena Ultra Sheer Sunscreen SPF 45

Glacier glare and long daylight burn fast. A light sunscreen that does not feel greasy.

Pop-Up Mesh Laundry Hamper

Collapsible hamper keeps bulky, damp layers off the stateroom floor.

HotHands Hand Warmers

Tuck these in pockets and mittens for glacier day on deck.

Travel Cable Organizer Pouch

Keeps chargers, cords, and camera batteries in one place.

Columbia Kids’ Watertight II Rain Jacket

Kids’ version of the top-rated waterproof rain jacket. Size up so a fleece fits underneath.

Columbia Kids’ Arcadia II Rain Jacket

Waterproof kids’ rain jacket with a hood, with room for a fleece on cold deck days.

KEEN Kids’ Hightrail Waterproof Hiking Shoe

Waterproof toddler and little-kid hiker with KEEN’s toe protection.

Columbia Kids’ Chippewa II Long Mittens (Toddler)

Long-cuff toddler mittens that stay on and keep out the wind on glacier day.

Nikon Prostaff P3 8x42 Binoculars (Good)

GOOD: Light, waterproof, and great for glasses wearers. Recommended by Cornell Lab and three other expert sources.

Nikon Monarch M7 8x42 Binoculars (Best)

BEST: Very wide view, so you can find a breaching whale fast. Top marks from three expert reviewers.

Celestron Outland X 8x25 Binoculars (Kids)

KIDS: Real optics, not a toy. Waterproof and light, and Audubon’s kids pick. Best fit around ages 7 and up.

Slumberpod The Original Blackout Sleep Tent

If you need this, you know.

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.