What Is the Dress Code for Alaska Cruise?

By Alice Nichols

Are you planning to go on an Alaska cruise and wondering what the dress code is like? You’re not alone.

Many travelers are often confused about what to pack for their Alaskan adventure. The good news is that the dress code for an Alaska cruise is generally casual, but there are certain occasions where you may want to dress up a bit.

Daytime Attire

During the day, you’ll likely be exploring the ports of call or participating in various activities on board. For this reason, comfortable and casual clothing is recommended.

You can wear shorts, t-shirts, jeans, and other similar clothing items. Just make sure that they are appropriate for the weather conditions. Alaska can be quite chilly, even during the summer months.

Evening Attire

In the evenings, most Alaska cruises have a casual dress code as well. This means that you can wear smart-casual attire such as khakis or slacks with a collared shirt or blouse. You don’t need to wear a suit or formal dress unless you want to.

Formal Nights

Most Alaska cruises have one or two formal nights during the voyage where passengers can dress up if they wish. If you plan on attending these events, then cocktail dresses or evening gowns for women and suits or tuxedos for men are appropriate. However, it’s not necessary to go all out if you don’t want to.

What to Wear on Excursions

When going on excursions such as hiking or kayaking tours, it’s important to wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for the activity. For example, if you’re going hiking, then sturdy shoes with good ankle support are essential.

Packing Tips

When packing for an Alaska cruise, it’s important to consider layers since the weather can be unpredictable. Make sure to bring a waterproof jacket or poncho and a warm sweater or fleece. Additionally, don’t forget to pack comfortable shoes for walking around the ship and on excursions.

  • Comfortable, casual clothing for daytime activities
  • Smart-casual attire for evenings
  • Cocktail dresses or evening gowns/suits or tuxedos for formal nights (optional)
  • Comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for excursions
  • Waterproof jacket or poncho and warm sweater or fleece
  • Comfortable shoes for walking around the ship and on excursions

The Bottom Line

The dress code for an Alaska cruise is generally casual, but it’s always good to check with your cruise line before you go. You can usually find this information on their website or by calling their customer service line. Remember to pack layers and comfortable clothing suitable for the weather conditions in Alaska, and don’t forget to have fun!