This post shares how I packed for our 16 day cruise to Hawaii and Alaska using a rolling bag (each), carry on bags and 1 large checked bag for 2 people.
I don’t claim to be the best packer, but I have gone on many trips, domestic and internationally and I’ve gotten better about not trying to pack so much (sort of). When you see the shoes I’m taking on this trip, you may disagree, but they are for the most part easy to pack and don’t take up much room. I managed to get all the Hawaii clothes into my rolling bag and carry on and for the Alaska clothes we are sharing one large suitcase between us, so we are good to go. We hope all bags make it with us to the ship on time, fingers crossed!
Here are all the bags we are taking. The small red one is Mark’s, the pink one is mine and the large pink one we will share. I like having bags that aren’t black, since so many people have black bags. I like bags that don’t look like everyone else’s bags.
Mark bought this nifty carry on leather bag on Amazon (affiliate link). It’s got lots of compartments and will be perfect for under the seat.
Ready to fill those bags! I started getting out all the things I wanted to take and began rolling them and putting them in my packing cubes. I couldn’t put all in packing cubes, but I did put all my underwear (yes I took more than enough for every day) into one packing cube, along with my bras and pajamas. As I went through everything and figured out what would fit and what would not fit, the determined what made the cut or didn’t. I actually got everything I wanted to take in the bags, thank goodness. I should have plenty of things to mix up on the trip and wear some things over again, like jeans and shorts. I have never packed for a 16 day trip before so this is new to me!
I am taking my large canvas tote back as my carry on bag and will put my small purse in here as well as lots of things, like my toiletry back, makeup and jewelry, along with books and my laptop. I don’t plan to spend much time online, but it’s nice to have a slim Mac with me.
I managed to pack all these shoes in my bags. I had a few on Instagram stories tell me I should put 1/2 of them back, but I say take them if you can fit them! I will probably wear them all, plus the sandals don’t take up much room. Notice I’m not taking any fancy heels, just one pair of black slides with a small heel. I will need some full shoes for Alaska dinners so the leopard loafers will work for that. I’m bringing several dresses and the sandals will be good with those especially in Hawaii. Thinking about 2 different climates is a bit of a challenge!
I tried to bring warmer jackets for Alaska, so a rain jacket with hood and this thick fleece jacket will be the main things that I’ll use to keep warm in Alaska. I don’t have a puffer jacket, but I suppose if I get too cold, I can grab one in Alaska at a store. I’m bringing thick leggings and will wear my tennis shoes and socks on the Alaska excursions. Also bringing a few sweaters to keep warm.
I have packed 5 pairs of pants: 2 jeans, 1 black jean, 1 white jean and a dressier white pair of pants for dinner.
Four pairs of shorts for Hawaii.
Several athletic pants and leggings to mix up and wear along the way. These are great for travel days too.
Two bathing suit coverups.
Two lightweight jackets to wear with leggings.
6 dresses that I will wear to dinner during the cruise. Some in Hawaii and some for Alaska with jackets. I may end up wearing my leopard tennis shoes with some of these if it’s cold.
5 thicker long sleeve tops to layer in Alaska.
4 long sleeve sweaters for layering.
3 bathing suits with bottoms that can mix.
The packing cube with undies, bras and my pajamas all together. Here’s a nice set of packing cubes (affiliate link) that comes in a lot of colors. They do come in handy for grouping like items and squeezing lots of things in.
I packed several tops and bathing suit covers in one cube.
Affiliate links used below.Â
I did buy this flat pair of water shoes for Hawaii. We heard that’s a good idea for walking around on the rocks. They are really cute and come in a lot of colors and patterns.
Various sleeveless, short sleeve and long sleeve t-shirts I took to mix up.
I got all of them in one cube.
Here’s my small carry on suitcase all packed. I put most of the shoes under the flap on the mesh side along with some clothes on top. Big cube on the other side with lots of things tucked and rolled around. This one is maxxed out and I unzipped the extra zipper for an extra couple inches of room. Thankfully it zips!
In the large suitcase, I got most of the Akaska clothes with a few spill over things for Hawaii. I’ve got my travel outfit ready to go.
I’m taking this little cross body purse that will hold my cards, money, sunglasses and phone. I wanted something small and compact.
I think this is from Chico’s and one they sent me awhile ago.
We are using a local travel agent that was recommended by a friend, Dream Vacations and they have been great to work with. Tell Barbara I sent you if you call her. They sent this handy carry bag for passports and paper items so I’ll tuck it in my carry on bag.
Mark ordered several spiffy new linen shirts to take on vacation along with some linen pants. He loves linen and so do I. These will be great for Hawaii and he will have them for summer when we return from our trip. Love the colors and patterns. He bought several at really good prices on Amazon, so I’ll link them below if you’re interested. I’m sure we can have access to an iron on the ship, so I’ll be pressing some linen I’m sure!
We are on our way and cannot wait to experience this trip of a lifetime! Of course, I’ll share it all when we return. I’ll be sharing stories on Instagram as I can if you follow me there.
Mark’s linen linked below:
Striped linen shirt (not pictured here)
Linen pants (he got almost every color of the linen pants)
Palm print linen shirts (he got 3 of these)
Long sleeve linen Henley shirt (he got several colors in this one too)
These will be really nice for summer and the cruise. He loves lightweight linen for summer even though it does wrinkle!
Nancy says
Love the list for men! I ordered a striped shirt, a palm leaf shirt, and the pants for my husband. Thank you for that. I have learned to use packing cubes. I still jam panties and socks into every nook and cranny but it’s so much easier to live out of a suitcase with them once you arrive. I hear my mother talking, are you sure you want that tote with no zipper? Things might fall out. Y’all have so much fun!!!
Linda says
it looks like you are all set. what will you do with daisy while you gone?
NANCY says
Rhonda is coming to house sit. I’m not Rhoda but this is what I read.
Rhoda says
My friend, Rhonda is staying with her at our house.
Sue DePuy says
Hope you will post a recap of your packing for Alaska. We’re taking an Alaskan cruise in July. Would love to hear what worked, what didn’t and all about the excursions you took. Have fun!
Rhoda says
I’ll definitely post more about the trip when we get back. And I’ll see if what I packed works well for Alaska.
Maureen says
I love packing cubes! Going to have hubs check out those linen slacks! For our upcoming land & sea trip, I’m going to place an air tag in every piece of luggage!
brendalynne1 says
did you figure out a way to slip Daisy into a packing cube. ? ha
Rhoda says
We did not. She’s going to have fun with Cody and Rhonda at our house.
Dee Ann says
Many cruise ships will not allow irons in the cabins (fire hazard) but you can have them iron things for you (may be a charge). Check with your cabin steward when you board the ship. Have fun!
Rhoda says
I definitely will. Someone told me they have ironing rooms, which would be great. Just iron as you need it.
diane in northern wis says
Oh Rhoda, I’m so excited for you as I watch you pack for your trip. You look very organized and I can tell you’re going to have a super great time. Love all the clothes you’re packing….wish I was going too. I’ve never heard of a cruise that covers both Alaska and Hawaii! How fun. Can’t wait to see and hear all about it. God bless you both. Travel safely…..don’t get sick!
Emmie says
I agree, take only half of what you planned. Less “stuff” frees you up and you can always wash something overnight if you have too. Minimalist packing is the way to go, then you have room, if something catches your eye while on the trip, to bring it back with you. Too much clothing only clutters your vacation!
Lisa Goodman says
We cruised to Alaska on Disney cruiseline several years ago in June. Weather was nice at the port towns mid 50’s, but was freezing cold when sailing through Tracey Arm. We’re doing another Alaskan cruise this June on Norwegian. Will be sailing through Glacier Bay. I suggest you take a stocking hat and gloves if you have a glacier day, especially this time of year.
Teresa says
This must be a repositioning cruise that is leaving Hawaii and going up to Alaska for the season. I know this will be a wonderful trip of a lifetime and hope you have a blast! You did a great job of packing for two different climates which can be challenging to say the least. Can’t wait to see your pics and hear all about your trip.
Rhoda says
Hi, Teresa, it’s not a repositioning cruise, I think those don’t stop at ports. We left Honolulu and sotp at 4 ports in Hawaii and then 5 in Alaska.
MARY-ANN (FROM CANADA!) says
Hope you and Mark have a wonderful holiday! You will absolutely love your cruise and this is a great time of year as there won’t be too many tourists. We love Hawaii and Alaska and would love to go again.
Jeanie Nichols says
Best wishes and prayers for safe travels. Have a great time.
Shirley says
I found your post very helpful information to use for my upcoming trip. Can you provide a source for your pink suitcase? Thank you! I have been following you since the beginning. You are definitely a daughter of God.
Rhoda says
Hi, Shirley, I bought that suitcase a few years ago at TJ Maxx, if I remember right.
Denise D says
You’re cruise looks wonderful. My husband and I took 4 back to back cruises which took us from Seattle to Hawaii and on to Australia- a total of 52 days! Talk about a packing nightmare! With our cruise being that long, we had to depend on the cruise ship laundry service, which went very well. In looking at what you were able to pack, it seems like you were more efficient at getting more into your suitcases, than I! One question— with packing for the two different climates, did you manage to keep the suitcases under the 50# limit? That was the problem I had with trying to get a lot into fewer suitcases.
Rhoda says
We went over 50 lbs. on the big suitcase, but luckily they didn’t charge us extra.
Nancy OK says
I am taking this same cruise in 5 weeks and am totally obsessing on what to take. Once on the cruise, what did you not take that you wished you had? What recommendations would you make now that the trip is done?
Rhoda says
Hi, Nancy, have fun on the cruise! We really loved it. I wore most everything I took, but you could probably get by with a little less. By Alaska, I just wanted to be cozy at night so didn’t dress up as much for dinner. You can rewear things too, people will not remember. Overall, I think I packed pretty well, but could have taken a couple less shoes.