Write a list containing items you think you will need on your Alaska cruise. Separate the list into sections for toiletries, medication, shirts, pants, accessories, shoes, travel documents and jackets. A precisely broken down list will help you decide what you really need to bring with you and what you can exclude.
Pack clothes that you can mix and match. You do not need to bring outfits for every occasion and every day of your two week cruise. Mixing and matching means you can create more than one outfit from a single item.
Contact your cruise liner to find out if it offers a laundry service. A laundry service means you can pack even less. Pack enough clothes for four or five days and wash them during your trip.
Leave room in your bags for souvenirs. Since you will most likely be flying to your departure port you need to keep airline baggage restrictions in mind. Don't pack your bags to the limit so you can add your purchases to them when returning and avoid risking extra fees for overweight suitcases.
Pack clothes that you can layer. Because the temperatures can vary so much in Alaska and rain is a risk, bring clothes that you can easily take off or put on. T-shirts provide a good base, especially if you plan to walk around port or go hiking on a warm day. Bring a couple of fleeces; they are warm and lightweight, making them easy to carry around if you have to take it off. A waterproof jacket, windbreaker combo combines two jackets into one.
Bring shoes to suit the different conditions you will encounter. On deck you will need low-healed, comfortable shoes. These shoes should be smart enough to wear to casual meals and comfortable enough for light walking around port. If you plan to go on an excursion such as nature hiking, bring a broken-in pair of hiking boots. For dressier occasions bring one pair of dress shoes that match all of your dressy outfits.
Pack a formal outfit. Most cruises have a formal night where guests must dress accordingly. Men should wear suits and ties or tuxedos and women cocktail dresses. Find out if your cruise has a tux rental service so you don't have to pack a formal outfit if you are a man. Women should pack one or two cocktail dresses. You could change the look of a single dress with a scarf. On a two-week Alaska cruise expect two formal nights.
Prepare a carry-on bag. Put essential medication, toiletries, travel documents and a change of clothes into this bag. Sometimes it can take a while for your bag to reach your room and you should try to keep travel documents with you as much as possible for security.
