Last Updated on: 25 February 2025

Getting ready for an Alaska cruise? Let’s talk about what to pack! May weather in Alaska can be tricky, but with the right outfits, you’ll be set for an amazing adventure. For other outfits ideas in other seasons checkout our 20 Alaska Outfits Ideas guide.

What To Wear Alaska Cruise

Here’s the deal with May weather in Alaska: temperatures bounce between 40°F and 60°F (4°C to 16°C), and you might get both sunshine and rain in the same day. The secret? Layers, layers, layers! You’ll want to be able to add or remove pieces as the weather changes.

Must-haves for your cruise:

  • Something waterproof to keep you dry
  • Warm middle layers
  • Comfy base layers
  • Nice outfits for dinner
  • Sturdy shoes
  • Extras like gloves, scarves, and waterproof bags

5 Alaska Cruise Outfits in May for Women

A photo of a woman with a waterproof parka, a cozy sweater, a thermal base, hiking pants, and waterproof boots. She is standing on a glacier and looking at the vast, icy landscape. The background reveals towering ice formations and a clear sky. The woman is wearing a warm beanie and gloves to keep her hands warm. Save This Pin

Glacier Viewing Outfit:

Start with a waterproof parka and layer it over a cozy sweater and thermal base. Add some hiking pants and waterproof boots, then top it off with a warm beanie and gloves – you’ll be ready for those amazing glacier views!

A photo of a woman wearing a nice mid-length evening dress and a pretty cardigan. She is standing on a cruise ship. The background contains other passengers and the cruise ship's decor. Save This Pin

Formal Dinner Outfit:

Slip into a nice evening dress and throw on a pretty shawl. Add some heels (not too high – you’re still on a ship!), grab an evening bag, and put on some simple jewelry. Done and done!

A photo of three women standing on the deck of a cruise ship, each with their hands in their pockets. The first woman is wearing dark jeans and a comfy sweater, along with flats, a light scarf, and a small purse. The second woman is wearing a dress with a patterned material, a cardigan over the dress, and a pair of boots. The third woman is wearing a skirt and a top, along with a belt around her waist and a pair of boots. The background reveals the cruise ship's railing and the ocean. Save This Pin

Casual Dining Look:

Keep it simple with dark jeans and a comfy sweater. Add some flats, a light scarf, and a small purse – perfect for a relaxed dinner or evening stroll on deck.

A photo of three women wearing different outfits. The first woman is wearing dark jeans and a comfy sweater. She is layering up with fleece-lined leggings and a thermal shirt. She also wears a quilted vest, comfy hiking boots, and a baseball cap. The second woman is wearing a quilted vest, hiking boots, and a baseball cap. She is standing on the deck of a cruise ship. The third woman is wearing jeans and trainers. She is standing on the deck of a cruise ship. Save This Pin

Port Excursion Outfit:

Layer up with fleece-lined leggings and a thermal shirt. Pop on a quilted vest, comfy hiking boots, and a baseball cap. You’re ready to explore!

A photo of three women wearing different outfits. The first woman is wearing a soft sweater with a pattern and a beige cardigan over it. She is wearing flowing palazzo pants and a pair of walking shoes. She wears a pendant necklace. The second woman is wearing a grey sweater with a pattern and a beige cardigan over it. She is wearing flowing palazzo pants and a pair of walking shoes. She wears a pair of earrings and a pendant necklace. The third woman is wearing a beige sweater with a pattern and a beige cardigan over it. She is wearing flowing palazzo pants and a pair of walking shoes. She wears a pair of earrings. All three women are standing on the deck of a cruise ship. Save This Pin

Indoor Activities Outfits:

Go for comfort with flowing palazzo pants and a soft sweater. Add a cardigan (ships can get chilly!), walking shoes, and just a touch of jewelry.

5 Alaska Cruise Outfits in May for Men

A photo of 5 men wearing various outfits for an Alaska cruise in May. The first man is wearing a waterproof jacket, fleece, thermal shirt, hiking pants, and waterproof boots. He is standing on the deck of the cruise ship, spotting wildlife. The second man is wearing a dark suit, dress shirt, tie, dress shoes, and a watch. He is dressed for a formal night on the cruise. The third man is wearing khakis, a button-down shirt, a blazer, loafers, and a belt. He is dressed for a smart casual evening at a restaurant on the cruise. The fourth man is wearing quick-dry pants, a base layer shirt, a fleece jacket, hiking boots, and a cap. He is dressed for an adventure excursion. The fifth man is wearing jeans, a polo shirt, a light sweater, comfy shoes, and a watch. He is dressed for indoor relaxation on the cruise. Save This Pin

Deck Viewing Outfit:

Layer up with a waterproof jacket over a fleece and thermal shirt. Add hiking pants and waterproof boots, plus a warm hat to keep your head toasty while spotting wildlife.

Formal Night Outfit:

Time to look sharp! Go with a dark suit, dress shirt, and tie. Add dress shoes and a watch, and you’re ready for the fancy dinner.

Smart Casual Evening:

Keep it classic with khakis, a button-down, and a blazer. Slip on some loafers and a belt, and you’re good to go for most restaurants on board.

Adventure Excursion Gear:

Quick-dry pants are your friend here. Add a base layer shirt and fleece jacket, hiking boots, and a cap to keep the sun (or rain!) off your face.

Indoor Relaxation Wear:

Keep it simple with jeans and a polo, topped with a light sweater. Add comfy shoes and a watch, and you’re set for a day of indoor activities.

5 Alaska Cruise Outfits in May Plus Size

A photo of five plus-size women wearing different outfits for an Alaska cruise in May. The outfits are for glacier viewing comfort, elegant evening wear, daytime exploration, casual dining, and indoor activities. The women are posing together, with the glacier in the background. Save This Pin

Glacier Viewing Comfort:

Start with a cozy thermal top under an extended-size waterproof jacket. Add fleece-lined leggings, wide-width boots, and your favorite warm accessories.

Elegant Evening Wear:

Rock a flowing maxi dress with a pretty evening wrap. Add comfortable dress shoes and some simple jewelry – you’ll look amazing at dinner!

Daytime Exploration:

High-waisted pants are super comfy for exploring. Pair them with a loose thermal top and light jacket. Add walking shoes and a crossbody bag for all your essentials.

Casual Dining Outfit:

Grab those comfy stretch dress pants and pair them with a flattering tunic and cardigan. Slip on some comfortable flats and light jewelry for an easy, put-together look.

Indoor Activity Outfit:

Stay comfy in palazzo pants with a flowing blouse and light sweater. Add slip-on shoes and simple accessories for a day of indoor fun.

Packing For Alaska

Here are some pro tips to make packing easier:

  1. Layer Management
    • Mix and match is the name of the game
    • Go for light but warm pieces
    • Don’t forget that one good waterproof layer!
  2. Activity Planning
    • Check what you’ve got planned
    • Pack any special gear you’ll need
    • Make sure you’ve got the right shoes for each activity
  3. Space Saving Tips
    • Packing cubes are your best friend
    • Roll don’t fold (trust me on this one)
    • Pack pieces you can wear multiple ways
  4. Must-Have Extras
    • A waterproof bag or backpack
    • Binoculars for whale watching
    • Camera (waterproof case is a good idea)
    • Warm stuff (gloves, scarves, hats)
    • Rain gear
  5. Don’t Forget
    • Pack a swimsuit (those hot tubs are amazing!)
    • Sunscreen (yes, even in Alaska!)
    • Motion sickness meds if you need them
    • Basic first aid stuff
    • Water bottle