Cruising Alaska in Comfort: A Plus Size Packing Guide

Alaska is one of our all-time favorite cruise destinations — we've gone three times and have our fourth planned! From jaw-dropping scenery and wildlife to accessible ports and great food, cruising to Alaska can be pure magic.

But it also comes with some unique packing challenges.

Whether it’s your first time heading north or you’re a returning cruiser looking to level up your packing game, we’ve got you. Here’s everything we’ve learned (sometimes the hard way!) about what to bring on an Alaskan cruise — especially if you’re plus size.

🌡️ A Season of Extremes

The Alaska cruise season runs from late April through mid-October. In 2022, cruisers saw everything from frosty 32°F mornings to sunny 82°F afternoons — and yes, sometimes on the same itinerary.

You won’t need your whole closet, but you will want to be ready for some wildly different weather. Luckily, we’ve got a strategy for that...

🧥 Make Like a Cake: It’s All About Layers

Our #1 Alaska packing tip? Layers, layers, layers.

Instead of hauling a heavy winter coat, try this combo:

Base layer (light thermal or long-sleeve tee)
Middle layer (sweater, fleece, or hoodie)
Outer layer (lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho)

This setup gives you tons of flexibility, takes up less space, and helps avoid overheating once you're back indoors (looking at you, Lido deck buffet).

Plus-size bonus: We’ve linked some of our favorite extended-size outerwear options at the bottom of this post.

🎒 Compression Is Key

Compression cubes are a plus-size packing game-changer. These little pouches squish bulky items (think sweaters, jeans, hoodies) down to a manageable size — and they keep everything organized.

Pro tip: Fold your clothes to match the cube’s shape (Marie Kondo-style) for max space

efficiency.

Not a frequent traveler or want a budget option? Vacuum bags work too — just pick ones you can roll or pump by hand (skip the ones that need a vacuum cleaner). Just keep an eye on your suitcase weight — these bags can get heavy fast.

👟 Cute and Comfy

Whether you're sipping cocoa on the viewing deck or hiking to a glacier, comfort is key on an Alaska cruise. Here’s our go-to packing breakdown:

80% Comfy Clothes: leggings, joggers, rompers, tees, sweatshirts
10% Dressy Looks: for gala nights, fancy dinners, or photos
10% Specialty Items: rain gear, swimwear, excursion outfits

Footwear-wise, M swears by Birkenstocks and Blundstones, and K sticks with cushy running shoes. Choose what supports you.

🧳 Out-of-the-Box (and Into Your Suitcase!)

We’ve seen so many cruise essential lists that didn’t quite work for us. So here’s our Fattie-approved, Alaska-tested packing list:

🔗 Our Tried-and-True Favorites

Compression Packing Cubes — space-saving champs
Magnetic Hooks — hang jackets or ponchos on your stateroom wall
Waterproof Luggage Tag Holders — durable and reusable
Plus-Size Waterproof Poncho (up to 5X) — folds small, works big
Waterproof Medication Case — travel-sized and secure
Hanging Toiletry Organizer — cruise cabin essential
Plus-Size Fleece Jacket (up to 6X) — lightweight but warm
Retractable Keycard Lanyard (plus-size-friendly) — keeps your hands free
Vacuum/SpaceSaver Bags — serious compression for bulkier items
Foldable Daypack — perfect for excursions and layering up/down

Some links are Amazon affiliate links — we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you) if you shop through them.

✨ Coming Soon: Your Personalized Packing List

We’re working on a downloadable, customizable version of our full packing list — coming very soon! Until then:

Pack smart
Prioritize comfort
Float on, Fatties!