Clothing

• Temperatures in Alaska during cruise season, which runs from May through September, range from 54 to 74 degrees during the day. It can be rainy and foggy during the summer. You should pack clothing you can layer, and waterproof jackets. Bring warm socks and shoes that will hold up in wet conditions. Bring a coat, warm hat and gloves if you intend to do shore excursions where you will encounter cold, snowy conditions, such as visiting glaciers.
  
  

Accessories

• Bring sunglasses with UV protection to shield your eyes from the sun. You will also need them for the glare if you go on excursions in snowy areas. Binoculars will help you spot wildlife onboard or on land, and watch glaciers from the cruise ship. In addition to a camera, bring plenty of spare batteries and memory chips. You may be able to buy them on the ship and in port, but the prices will typically be high. If you will be doing outdoor excursions such as horseback riding or rafting, pack insect repellent.
  
  

Stateroom Items

• Most cruise lines that sail to Alaska will provide you with basic toiletries in your stateroom. Some will provide only soap and shampoo, so bring your own conditioner. You most likely will need to bring your own toothpaste, deodorant and similar items. Pack an over-the-door shoe holder and use it to store small items if storage space is limited. Cruise ship bathrooms often smell stale, so pack a room air freshener to give it a pleasant scent.
  
  

Money

• Most cruise lines allow you to put a charge card on file and charge onboard purchases and excursions to your shipboard accounts. Some even let you charge crew member gratuities. You will still need a way to make purchases at the ports. Cash will be necessary to buy small items or tip excursion guides. However, you should use a credit card as often as possible. This gives you the means to dispute charges if there is a problem, and your liability for fraudulent charges is limited to $50 if the card is lost or stolen. Carry your cash and credit card in a neck wallet tucked into your shirt. This is more difficult to steal than a wallet, purse or fanny pack.
  
  

Documents

• Bring any documents provided by the cruise line, as well as the required items of identification. Depending on where you embark, these may include your drivers license, a certified copy of your birth certificate or your passport. If you don't bring the correct paperwork, you may not be allowed to board the ship.