Packing for an Alaska cruise on the Disney Wonder is a completely different beast than a sunny Caribbean voyage. While you'll still want your swimwear for the Mickey pool (it's heated!), your suitcase needs a strategy that prioritizes warmth, dryness, and visibility.
The Golden Rule: The 3-Layer System
Alaska weather is notoriously fickle. You might start a morning at 45°F and end the afternoon at 65°F. The key is layers:
- Base Layer: Moisture-wicking t-shirt or long-sleeve (synthetic or wool, no cotton!).
- Mid Layer: An insulating layer like a fleece jacket or down vest.
- Outer Layer: A 100% waterproof rain jacket with a hood. This is your most important item!
Must-Have Gear for the Disney Wonder
Based on thousands of community reviews, here are the three items that elevate an Alaska cruise from good to legendary:
1. Compact Binoculars (10x25): Whether it's the glaciers of Endicott Arm or eagles in Juneau, you'll be constantly reaching for these. Check out our top pick here.
2. Magnetic Hooks: Staterooms are small, and wet layers take up space. Use heavy-duty magnet hooks on the ceiling and walls to hang wet rain jackets and beanies. See why we recommend them.
3. Hand Warmers: Early mornings on Deck 9 for glacier viewing are freezing. A pack of reusable hand warmers makes those 6 AM coffee runs much more bearable.
Final Pro Tip: Don't forget the UV Protection
It sounds crazy, but the sun reflecting off the glaciers can cause some of the nastiest sunburns. Bring reef-safe sunscreen and polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes from the 'glacier glare.'