Sailing to Alaska from Vancouver will take you past forests, mountains and small coastal towns, with plenty to see before you even reach your first port.
But what does a trip like this actually look like when it comes to your wardrobe?
Between Vancouver’s milder summer weather, chilly mornings on deck and days spent exploring Alaskan towns, you’re going to need clothes that can handle a few different conditions.
Here’s how to plan your outfits for the Inside Passage without overpacking or sacrificing your personal style.
What to Wear When Leaving Vancouver
Vancouver can be wonderfully warm during the summer cruise season, so there’s no reason to arrive dressed for the Arctic.
A comfortable pair of jeans or relaxed trousers, a T-shirt, and a light jacket work really well for boarding day. Trainers are also a sensible choice, especially if you want to see some of the city before you make your way to the cruise terminal.
However, sailing from this part of the world also means you’ll soon be travelling through the waterways of British Columbia, so the temperatures are going to be noticeably cooler.
It’s best to make sure you have a warmer layer tucked away in your hand luggage because you’ll probably want to head outside as the ship leaves Canada Place, which is when things might get a bit chillier.
Building a Capsule Wardrobe for the Inside Passage
You’re not going to need a new outfit for every day of your cruise. A better option is a small collection of pieces that work together. This way, you have more flexibility when the weather inevitably changes.
Start with a few basic neutrals, such as black trousers, dark jeans and plain tops. Then, you can add in colour through your knitwear, scarves or accessories.
For a typical seven-night cruise, you could build your wardrobe around:
- Two pairs of comfortable pants
- Three or four tops that can be worn with either pair
- A warm jumper or fleece
- A waterproof, wind-resistant jacket
- A smarter outfit for evenings onboard
- Comfortable trainers and waterproof walking shoes
The key is choosing pieces you can layer without them feeling bulky. A fine-knit jumper under a waterproof jacket makes a lot more sense than a bulky winter coat.
What to Wear On Alaska Port Days
Your outfits for shore excursions will mostly depend on what you have lined up.
If you’re exploring towns such as Juneau, Ketchikan or Skagway, for example, keep things comfortable, but plan for potential rain. These are all places where you could find yourself getting soaked, even in the warmer months.
For rainforest walks and glacier adventures, practical clothing becomes more important. Think moisture-wicking base layers, walking trousers and footwear with decent grip.
You can still bring your personal style into these outfits, though. A colourful waterproof jacket, well-fitting pants and a good pair of boots can look really put together without sacrificing comfort.
Dressing for Onboard Events
Alaska is one of those bucket-list destinations, so you’ll no doubt be spending lots of time outside during the day, but evenings will most likely be spent on the ship.
There’s very little chance you’re going to need several formal outfits for onboard dinners and events. Dress codes vary between cruise lines, but generally, many evenings are relatively relaxed.
Tailored trousers with a blazer, a midi dress with ankle boots or dark jeans with a smart top can all work well. If your itinerary does include a dressier evening, consider packing one outfit you really love wearing instead of a few different pieces you’ll only use once.
Pack for the Weather, Dress for Yourself
Starting your day wrapped up in a fleece, spending the afternoon exploring a port in jeans and a rain jacket, then changing into something smarter for dinner is fairly typical of an Alaskan cruise. It’s why packing for just one type of weather or activity doesn’t really work.
You don’t need an enormous suitcase to make this kind of trip work. You just need to think more carefully about how you’ll be spending your days.
