Alaska Cruise Outfits - What to Wear on an Alaskan Cruise (2024)

FAQs

Alaska Cruise Outfits - What to Wear on an Alaskan Cruise? ›

We typically dress up in typical resort/cruise wear when cruising the Caribbean. Of course you won't see anything like that in Alaska. Some do dress up but it has a more casual vibe overall. Think sweaters or button down shirts with jeans for men and nice tops with pants or jeans for women.

We typically dress up in typical resort/cruise wear when cruising the Caribbean. Of course you won't see anything like that in Alaska. Some do dress up but it has a more casual vibe overall. Think sweaters or button down shirts with jeans for men and nice tops with pants or jeans for women.

Alaska Cruise Temperature by Month

Temperatures can reach anywhere from the low 30s to upper 80s depending on your month of travel as well as the port of call. We always recommend that you dress in layers to prepare for whatever weather comes your way.

For more formal settings, men should bring a dinner jacket, slacks, or a dark suit and a nice pair of shoes, while women may want to bring an evening gown, co*cktail dress, or elegant pant suit. When packing, bring wrinkle-free items or try rolling your clothes.

Formal wear: Anticipate two formal nights per week. Ladies wear a co*cktail dress or gown and gentlemen don a suit and tie or tuxedo. Smart-casual wear for dinner: Slacks and collared shirts or sweaters for men.

For pants, either jeans or casual slacks are all you need. It rarely gets extremely cold during the months we are in Alaska. If you are planning to raft or kayak, you might want to bring a lightweight pair of waterproof pants in case it rains while out on the water. Shoes with good traction are recommended.

There is no such thing as being overdressed on Evening Chic nights. All cruises that are seven nights or longer will feature two Evening Chic nights. Shorter cruises feature one Evening Chic night. On all other nights of the cruise, guests are asked to wear smart casual attire.

You'll need a sturdy pair of hiking boots or shoes to tread upon Alaska's mountainous terrain, which can be muddy or even snowy during cruise season. Member sue450 recommends bringing "a pair of waterproof hiking shoes (they look like tennis shoes but the Gore-Tex makes them absolutely waterproof). I wore these A LOT."

Fleece will keep you warm and help keep your skin from getting wet. Layering of your outerwear is your best bet to keep warm and dry. You should also have a hat, gloves and waterproof shoes on this cruise.

As temperatures in Alaska can vary from a toasty 70 to a cold 30 degrees Fahrenheit, we recommend you bring an insulated jacket to your trip.

What not to wear to dinner on a cruise? ›

At no point is swimwear allowed in any formal dining venue for any meal, including breakfast and lunch. Shorts, flip flops, and tank tops are not allowed for Evening Wear or Gala Night in the Main Dining Rooms, Specialty Restaurants, or MSC Yacht Club. T-shirts are not allowed to be worn for Gala Night.

Alaska cruise evening wear and formal nights

Not every evening requires full formal dress, however. Smart attire is ideal for informal nights on board.

For evenings, the recommended onboard dress is elegant casual for most ship venues. Suggested attire for men includes trousers and collared shirts (ties and jackets are optional but not required). For women, dresses, or skirts or slacks with sweaters or blouses are recommended.

Yes, Alaska cruises are the most casual of any destination. People tour outdoors in the cold all day and either don't have time to change or simply want to stay comfy and cozy in their jeans for dinner. Some people will naturally still get dressed up, but you won't be out of place.

Evening Chic means you dress to impress, glamorous and sophisticated in your own way, with a co*cktail dress, skirt, slacks, or designer jean, an elegant dress top or blazer—some guests even pack a tuxedo or gown for onboard photos.

See Wildlife Up Close

Animals such as whales, bears, bald eagles, and more call Alaska home. There's an excellent chance that a balcony will offer a ringside seat to one of nature's best shows, animals in the wild. With a balcony cabin, access to the outside for viewing these animals up close is quick and easy!

I have heard of people that could have worn shorts every day in Alaska. Shorts are such a small item to pack you may just want to add them in your suitcase just in case! Shirts– You will want to bring a variety of tops to layer, including tank tops, short-sleeved shirts, and long-sleeved shirts.

Norwegian ships call for "cruise casual" attire on board during the day. A warm-weather itinerary might include shorts and flip-flops by the pool. However, an Alaska cruise can get chilly, even during the summer. Rather than wearing shorts and sundresses, you might opt for long pants and long-sleeved dresses.

While cruising attracts many different types of travelers, they share some traits. Nationwide, cruise passengers tend to be slightly older than other vacationers, with a median age of 47, and 54 for Alaska.