Alaska cruises are among the most memorable sea-going vacations you’ll take but planning for one is a bit different from preparing for a voyage to  warm-weather destinations like the Caribbean and Mexico.

There’s the weather, but also budgeting for more expensive shore excursions, clothing and the perils of traveling by air.  Here are a few tips to help make it easier.

The Weather

The weather in Alaska can fluctuate wildly, so be prepared. Since Ketchikan gets 333 inches of rain annually, you should expect some inclement weather, although I’ve sailed during a full week of sunshine.  And remember, June 21 is the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year in the northern hemisphere.   Since Alaska is so far north, the sun rises much earlier and sets much later than you can imagine.  From mid-June through July, you’ll have extremely long hours of daylight.  Nonetheless, days may be chilly, rainy or warm and sunny.

What to Wear and Take
Take along clothes you can layer, including cotton sweaters or sweatshirts.  I consider a waterproof poncho with hood a necessity (it folds up into almost nothing, so it won’t take up much luggage space).  My standard packing list for a seven-day Alaska cruise: four pairs of cotton pants, two pairs of shorts, five T-shirts, a cotton sweater, baseball hat and rain poncho. At night, I suggest keeping it simple since Alaska is a much more casual destination.  For formal nights, women can made do with one long black skirt or evening pants plus tunics and scarves and jewelry to look dressy.

My other must-take items: binoculars, suntan lotion, a camcorder and/or camera plus tripod.  Avon’s Skin So Soft repels mosquitoes (they’re the size of EAGLES in Alaska!) and is sold in many drugstores often necessary during July and August.  Athletic shoes or good walking boots are also critical.     Plan on using sun block every day.

Shore Excursions

The most memorable cruises of my life all have one thing in common — an extraordinary experience in port, frequently an organized tour  but not necessarily a cruise ship shore excursion.

In Alaska my most unforgettable experience was a three hour excursion in Juneau to Taku Lodge which is only accessible by float plane. After flying over a glacier we gently splashed down in front of the lodge and were greeted by the sight of black bears meandering around the property and the incredible smell of salmon baking over an outdoor grill.     Staff gently chased the bears away but they always returned.  In fact, while dining on an incredible salmon dinner inside the lodge a bear came the screen door and snorted at us.

You can buy this excursion from the cruise line or directly from the small airline that services the lodge (see the link above).

To see the best of Alaska and have the most fun, a shore excursion is required almost everywhere. The only port with anything to see in the town itself is Sitka, and even there you’ll want to do other things.  Again, you should expect more expensive tours than are offered on Caribbean itineraries.

The good news is that you’ll find all the cruise line’s shore excursions on their websites.   In some cases, you can save money using the Internet to find locals who will take you on a less expensive tour. One Miami-based ground operator, Port Promotions, can set up Alaska tours for you at a lower cost.

Don’t Miss the Ship! If you decide to arrange your own sightseeing you are responsible for getting yourself back to the ship.   If you don’t make it in time the ship will sail without you.  To avoid problems like this, get the name and contact information of the cruise line’s port agent and take it with you.  You’ll find this information in the daily program, delivered each evening to your stateroom.

Travel Insurance:  I consider travel insurance mandatory these days due to airline delays and cancellations.  It covers you for lost luggage, trip cancellation and medical care.  And, third party insurance beats the cruise line’s own insurance.  Two highly recommended companies are Access America and Travel Guard, both available on the internet or through your travel agent.

Pre- and Post-cruise Stays.

Vancouver and Seattle are two of the most beautiful cities in North America and worth at least one night’s stay.  You could use the cruise line’s pre- and post-cruise hotel packages.  But I recommend checking out prices at Internet hotel discount sites such as Priceline’s “Name Your Own Price” hotel option.   I had a delightful post-cruise stay in Vancouver at a bed-and-breakfast.    Another advantage to arriving in Vancouver or Seattle a day or two before you sail is that you’ll be fully rested from a long flight — it’s almost like getting an additional day at sea!

Have you sailed in Alaska?  Have any tips you want to share?