When planning on an Alaska Cruise there are some things you should make sure you take with you and some items that you should get prior to your cruise. Simply by being organized you can make sure you are able to enjoy your visit to Alaska and make the most of your vacation. Most of the items are simply commonsense items however they can be easily overlooked.

When you book your cruise it is always a good idea to get your travel insurance at the same time, this insurance will offer you different types of protection. Most people book a cruise well in advance of their departure date and should you need to cancel having booked so early the travel protection cover should cover most eventualities. So in the event of an illness, major injury to yourself or anyone traveling with you should be covered.

Your travel protection insurance will also cover you whilst you are in Alaska. Your insurance usually covers you for medical costs in the event of an accident or a serious injury whilst on your vacation. Should you require to be taken to hospital by helicopter from the ship then the insurance cover should cover this as well. Can you imagine the cost for a helicopter for a journey like that! Most holiday insurance will also cover your luggage and personal possessions. Check your policy for full details and make sure the cover is suitable for your needs.

If you are traveling from the United States make sure you have valid travel documents such as a valid passport or a copy of your birth certificate and appropriate photo identification. This will enable you to get back home in the event that the cruise leaves from Canada or makes a port of call in a Canadian port. For all other travelers you will already have your passports to gain entry to Canada or the United States already.

Plan ahead and make sure you pack appropriate clothing for the formal nights and some smart but casual attire for the less formal nights aboard the ship. Swimsuits and such shouldn’t be forgotten for the ships pool and Jacuzzi.

Don’t forget you are traveling to Alaska and pack appropriate clothing for the weather for the time of year you are traveling on your cruise. By layering your clothes you can be comfortable and warm at the same time. If you have hiking boots, make sure you take them if you are planning on taking some of the more adventurous excursions.

When it comes to shampoo and soap some cruise ships are no different to hotels and only provide small bars of soap and small bottles of basic shampoo. Make sure you pack soap and shampoo with your other items such as lotions and toothpaste. Take similar items you would if you were going on an extended vacation.

Take extra spending money for emergencies or if you want to dime out whilst in a port of call or for shopping. Don’t take large amounts of cash it is advisable to take travelers cheques as these can be replaced, cash can’t. Credit cards are widely accepted in Alaska.