5 Essentials For Your Alaskan Cruise

                As many of you know, I am spending my second summer working in Skagway, Alaska! While being here I have seen a lot of awesome things, adventured in cool places, and met people from all around the world! With that said, I have also encountered people who do not make the best choices in what they bring to Alaska. Luckily, I work at a store that is open all year round and carries jeans, shoes, socks, jackets, gloves, and other items you would find in your friendly neighborhood Walmart!                 Everyday people come in from the cruise ships looking for a specific item that they forgot at home or in a hotel. One thing I always think is how much it would suck to run around at different ports looking for jeans, socks, or dressy clothes to be able to eat in the fancy dining hall on the cruise. After pondering and observing, I am complied a quick list of essentials you should bring that allow you to avoid the drama of shopping for everyday things and focus on taking in Alaska’s beauty because are you honestly going to come back up (for your sake, I hope so!)

1. Good shoes:

                I am not talking about shoes that you bought on sale and they look okay. Or even your cute boots with the heels. And I personally love TOMS shoes, but those are not going to work either. When you go on a cruise, or really any vacation, you are going to do A LOT of walking. You will want to go out and see the sites, maybe take an extrusion or two. Unless you are staying on the boat you will be using your feet for your main mode of transportation. Water proof shoes will be the best to take, but really any sneaker as well. Just make sure you have broken them in some before your trip! I have thrown away many shoes that were like new because they were not comfortable shoes. A few brands we carry are: Skechers (the memory foam ones are to die for), Nike, New Balance, Columbia, the North Face, and we do have nice shoes for your evening dinner.

      2.    Extra Undies and Socks: 

                This season I have sold so many boxer briefs and briefs to older men who blame their wives for not correctly packing for them. And because our store is open all year round and the locals depend on us, sometimes we do not have the right sizes of undies. Oops!
                On a positive note, when you buy a pair of shoes from us you get a $1 off of socks! I would highly recommend the SmartWool! They are a bit pricey, but that merino wool is so nice! 

      3.  Rain Coat/Layers:

                Alaska weather is unpredictable! Last year is rained all the time, at the beginning of this year it was hot and now it’s windy, cold, and wet. People come in looking for rain jackets, hats, gloves, and all that. We sell North Face and Columbia and to be honest it will cost you about the same up here as it would in the lower 48. So why suffer for a while looking for a jacket, when you could come all comfortable and ready to explore!
                Be prepared with light jackets and fleeces so you can layer! Also be prepared with short sleeves, shorts, and long sleeves. One day you might be cold while looking at a glacier or it might be a sunny day for ice-cream in Skagway! You can always buy Alaska layers while in Alaska! There are plenty of AK sweatshirts that want to be part of your closet!  And of course you want room in your suitcase.

 4.  Stamps: 

                Mail is a dying art, so send a post card to your friends and families back at home! You should make everyone jealous of your Alaskan adventure! I love postcards! I collect them, receive them, and send them! Post offices are a lot smaller up here and have weird hours. Be one step of the game and bring your post card stamps with you! And surprise, ALASKA IS PART OF THE UNITED STATES, costing you a whole .34 cents!

      

       5. Call your bank:

                I know this is not something you pack, but calling your bank is essential. You will be purchasing all kind of goodies and souvenirs for your friends, kids, daughter’s boyfriend, that neighbor who collects silver spoons, grand-kids, and whoever else who is dying for a t-shirt. It is really awkward for us to tell you that your card has been declined and you scramble for money after we have deactivated and took the hangers off of all your clothes. Calling the bank is really simple and you do not have to talk to a person, just a machine!

Well folks, I hope you learned something valuable and you are ready to take your Alaskan cruise! I am confident that you will not make the same mistakes that I see every day, but will be one step ahead of the game! Best of luck and see you in Skagway! 

Here is a picture for your viewing pleasure!