Hello! I’m back from my 7-day Alaskan Cruise on the Ruby Princess. I’ve partnered with Princess Cruises to share highlights from the journey. During the trip, I kept a play-by-play log while cruising through the Pacific Ocean, but I wanted to offer a few quick recaps with travel tips. Interestingly, I met a fellow traveler who works in the crypto casino UK industry, and we had an insightful conversation about how emerging technologies are impacting both travel and entertainment. But for today, let’s focus on what to pack for an Alaskan cruise in May/June—those chilly mornings and misty days definitely require some layering know-how!
First check the weather. We scored with amazing weather the whole trip. It was in the 40s at the very lowest and often in the 50s and 60s. It was coldest on the ship when you’re outside and the wind is hitting you. But if I was out of the wind it was pretty perfect. Also it barely rained at all – that’s unusual especially since some of our stops are considered rain forest!
1. What to Wear on the Cruise Ship:
Most of the time on the ship is fairly casual. Many people dress up for Formal Night dinners, but outside of that it’s jeans and sweaters or hoodies. Think about it – many cruises are to the Caribbean or Mexico, people are super casual going there! So you wear more clothes day to day going to Alaska, and while it’s not as casual as bathing suits and chanclas, it’s not fancy.
I wore jeans or leggings with comfy tops and a sweater most of the time.
Tip: Wear comfortable shoes. The ship is big and you might be walking a lot. My room was toward the back of the ship and many of the restaurants were in the front and up or down a few flights of stairs.
I also packed exercise gear. You can run around Deck 7 two and a half times for a mile. That would require running capris and long sleeves since it’s windy.
Since I planned on running on the treadmill most of the time and running in Alaska twice I packed running shorts, low socks, HOKA One One Cliftons and a workout tank top.
I packed my watch, ProCompression visor and socks for my outdoor runs too.
2. What to wear for formal dinner nights:
There were two nights that were specifically planned as ‘Formal Night’ on the cruise. I ended up bringing a dress for every dinner – just wore the fancier ones on the formal nights.
Here is the dress code:
Formal
When formal nights are held, please observe the dress code in the Traditional Dining and Anytime Dining venues for the enjoyment of all our guests.
- Evening gowns and cocktail dresses for women
- Tuxedos, dinner jackets or dark suits with a tie for men
A little black dress is a smart choice.
Black dress option 1 / Ruched Black Dress / Stud Trim Black Dress
For one of the less than fancy nights I wore a polka dot dress like this one.
I kinda also like that being on vacation is a time to get away from the real world and if you want… dress like a fancy stranger (even if you’re normally a Slobradoodle).
I bought this fancy white dress specifically for one of the formal nights. I’ll probably never wear it again (unless you count how I’m wearing it
3. For excursions: Layers layers layers.
I don’t know if you know this about me but I like to be active. So I chose the more active excursions.
(See: Bald Eagle Sanctuary and Rainforest Hike)
I wore leggings or jeggings and a base layer top that was sweat wicking. On top of that I wore a vest and/or NorthFace Jacket
Tip: Don’t forget sunblock and sunglasses!
Question: Are you fancy or super casual like El Pollo Loco is a black tie dinner to you?
Disclaimer: This post is part of my partnership with Princess Cruises. All opinions are my own.
What a GREAT experience! Would so like to go on just such a vacation! Thanks for the info and the inspiration.
You were in my neck of the woods! I am from Sitka which is just a tad south of Juneau. Wish you could have ran in Sitka, it is truly the best place in southeast! Glad you covered up- You should look into the Sitka Cross Trail Classic Half & Full Marathon and the Alpine Race (if you care to return).
Happy Running! -Kaylee
I’m super casual. I don’t think I even own a little black dress. Gah. I should get one. Great photos!! I love that white dress!!
gosh I like PJs…..lol
Was there a limit on baggage?
Loving that white dress!!
I am typically suuuuuper casual (hello, yoga pants all day every day), but I love getting dressed up real fancy like!
I like a mix of formal and casual, tho I have been known to show up at work in black yoga pants. That’s legit, right?
Also, that black dress is da bomb!!
I am pretty casual, but I think that’s most because I don’t do fancy stuff. If I do anything fancy I’m staring into that closet thinking “how on earth am I gonna make this work?”. Thankfully in SoCal, most things are casual. 🙂
That ship is dang big…how on earth does it even MOVE? Great photos for sure! Did you mom do the active excursions with you? She probably took your little brother’s spot as your go-to photographer.
I pretty much always want an opportunity to wear a gown, and it’s a rarity (you know, the occasional fancy wedding). Adult prom should be a thing. One night a year we should all wear fancy dresses and dance.
I love love your dresses. And the shirt you are wearing in the first pic. I’ve always liked the IDEA of an Alaskan cruise, but I dislike the idea of an ACTUAL cruise. Something terrifies me of cruise ships. The media apparently did its job there…scaring me with all their bad reports. Looks like you had a great time though, and if I do ever go on a cruise, I’ll remember all your tips!!
Love the photos! And I laughed at “slobradoodle”. I have a labradoodle. Next time he makes a mess I’m gonna call him that =) (side note: he’s limping today. His paw hurts. I’m worried. Keep him in your thoughts it’s just a mild strain).
I’m totally casual. When I go from sneakers, jeans and a hoodie to sandals, a blouse and capris people think I’m ready for formal night. =)
In everyday life I am super lazy and casual. There are times when I like to get fancy though, but those I can probably count on one hand for an entire year.
great tips! I hope ill make it on a cruise sometime soon!
I like the white dress when you’re on the main deck – hubba hubba! The right amount of casual and sexy.
I love your cocktail dresses—extremely cute! Do people actually where evening gowns to the formal nights?
I saw a handful of people in long evening gowns, but that’s it. Most people were dressed for a nice wedding.
I’m super casual most of the time. I have a question though, I’ve always been on cruises to warmer places but the husband and I have thought about the Alaskan cruise since we have friends in Alaska. Is the the pool heated? Were people swimming at all? How many days were at sea days versus port days?
There were kids swimming in the pool on the first day, but that’s it. Even if it was heated the air outside was just too cold. There were 2 full sea days and 4 port stops.
I love the white dress! I am all about being casual but I do love playing dress up too!
I am so fascinated by the concept of a cruise to a cold place — I’m all about warm, leisurely Caribbean cruises (and I do NOT <3 the cold), but I know Alaska is beautiful, so your posts are super interesting to me. I might have to change my stance and try one! Question: I saw the onboard pool in your picture; does anyone swim in it?
I feel the same way, and did pretty much this same cruise. It was a great experience *once* that I will always remember, and glad I did. But I’m not aching to go back to Alaska any time soon. We got the rain/sleet/snow and 30s and 40s Monica was lucky to avoid. 🙂
And… I always bring lots of dresses on cruises. I have so many and not many places to wear them in RL so I love dressing up for dinner most nights.
Same! I definitely dressed up more than it seemed others were/more than I’m used to!
There were a few kids in it on the first day, but that’s it. But there were people in the hot tubs a few times! They play movies on the screen outside so a few fellow travelers watched from there.
I am super casual, I would probably pack a few cute dresses, but I am always comfort over everything because nothing, in my opinion, is worse than being uncomfortable on vacation. So jealous of your sled dog adventure and all the puppies. I would have died and went to heaven right then and there.