While deciding what to bring along on a cruise is often difficult, packing for a small ship Alaska voyage can be particularly challenging. In addition to dealing with varying daytime temperatures and precipitation, Alaska small ship cruises need to be ready to participate in adventurous activities like kayaking, glacier hiking, and more.

Here are a few tips to prepare for your Alaska cruise experience:

* Bring comfortable clothes and dress in several thin layers that you can shed as needed rather than one thick layer of clothes.

* Alaska can get wet and the weather changes quickly. Bring clothes made from quick drying, moisture wicking fabrics.

* Bring good rain gear for wet and windy weather. This should include a waterproof (not water-resistant) rain slicker and rain pants.

* Clearly label your items that might be left around the ship with your name. This includes binoculars, water bottles, battery chargers, etc.

* When many travelers think of Alaska, they think "cold." If you're visiting during the peak summer months, however, some days can be hot. Bring at least one pair of shorts or convertible safari-type pants.

* Footwear is important. Bring plenty of warm socks and comfortable waterproof hiking shoes.

* Cabin space is tight on some of these ships. Bring soft-sided luggage if possible.

When starting to pack, remember two important things. Pack a tote bag containing your cruise and travel documents, passport (if needed), credit cards, cash, medications, extra glasses, cell phone, camera, laptop/iPad and reading material. Second, pack a carry-on bag (no larger than 22" - soft sided duffle is best) with your clothes and the rest of your items. Cabins are relatively small on Alaska adventure cruise ships, so it's important to travel light.

In addition, make 2-3 copies of your passport and important travel documents. Keep one or two of them with you separate from the originals in case your documents are stolen. Leave another at home with someone who could get them to you if necessary.

Here’s a suggested packing list for a one-week Alaska small ship adventure cruise:

ALASKA SMALL SHIP ADVENTURE CRUISE PACKING LIST

Travel Documents, Funds And Papers

_ Airline tickets or e-tickets
_ Passports, visas and other proof of citizenship as needed (make copies)
_ Cruise documents
_ Cruise itinerary and contact information
_ Travel insurance information and contact numbers
_ Driver's license, picture IDs and insurance cards
_ Medical insurance card and medical/prescription information
_ Credit cards
_ ATM card as needed
_ Cash (including small bills and singles)
_ Emergency phone numbers

Medicines & Sundries

_ Prescription drugs or other important medication
_ Bonine/dramamine for motion sickness
_ Antibiotic cream
_ Anti-itch cream
_ Anti-diarrhea medication
_ Band-aids
_ Tylenol, Advil, Aleve and/or aspirin
_ Cold medication
_ Sunscreen
_ Sunblock for lips
_ Moisturizer
_ Insect repellant (very important - pump bottle and/or towelettes)
_ Stain remover stick and Woolite
_ Ear plugs
_ Vaseline or lip moisturizer
_ Make-up, make-up remover and cleanser
_ Deodorant
_ Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss
_ Feminine hygiene products
_ Razor and shaving gel
_ Brush/comb
_ Blow dryer

Cameras And Other Electronic Equipment

_ Camera(s) preferably with waterproof protection like AquaTech for SLRs - and/or waterproof camera. At least a 300mm lens is strongly suggested.
_ Camera bag(s) - at least one waterproof dry bag is strongly recommended
_ Rain cloth for wiping down camera and lanyard
_ Small video camera
_ Batteries (make sure to bring lots of extra batteries)
_ Extra digital camera memory cards
_ Extra film if shooting film
_ Battery charger
_ Cell phone and charger
_ Plug adaptors and converters (if needed)
_ Laptop computer/iPad
_ Cell phone and charger
_ iPod and charger
_ Small lighted travel clock with wake-up alarm
_ Small flashlight
_ Night light

Reading Items

_ Books or magazines for travel and some cruising days
_ Glasses (bring extras) or contact lenses
_ Contact lens cleaner
_ Sunglasses
_ Reading sunglasses
_ Business cards

Other Items

_ Zip lock bags (3-4 of both quart and gallon size bags)
_ Waterproof poncho (one for each person)
_ Binoculars
_ Sewing kit
_ Duct tape
_ Water bottle with name on it
_ Foldable backpack
_ Carabiner

Women's Alaska Adventure Cruise Clothing

_ 5-6 shirts - bring both short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts in moisture-wicking quick dry fabrics
_ Light polypro zip-up jacket
_ 1 pair of khakis or jeans for wear on the ship
_ 1-2 pairs of convertible zip-off safari pants in moisture-wicking quick dry fabric
_ Waterproof pants for kayaking and hiking
_ Shorts (at least one pair, to be combined with above pants)
_ Sweatshirt and/or sweater
_ Bathing suit
_ Underwear
_ Nightgown/pajamas
_ Socks - bring plenty, moisture-wicking quick dry socks are best
_ Waterproof hiking sandals and/or water socks
_ Running shoes/walking shoes - spray to waterproof before the cruise
_ Rubber boots - like XtraTuff
_ Windbreaker jacket
_ Waterproof rain jacket
_ Fleece jacket or fleece vest
_ Purse or bag
_ Light packable backpack, tote bag or fanny pack for hiking
_ Belts
_ Watch
_ Warm hat
_ Scarf
_ Gloves
_ Long underwear

Men’s Alaska Adventure Cruise Clothing

_ 5-6 shirts - bring both short-sleeved and long-sleeved shirts in moisture-wicking quick dry fabrics
_ 1 pair jeans or khakis
_ 2 pairs of convertible zip-off safari pants in moisture-wicking quick dry fabric
_ Waterproof pants for kayaking and hiking
_ Sweatshirt and/or sweater
_ Bathing suit
_ Belts
_ Pajamas
_ Underwear
_ Socks - bring plenty, moisture-wicking quick dry socks are best
_ Waterproof hiking sandals and/or water socks
_ Rubber boots - like XtraTuff
_ Running shoes/walking shoes - spray to waterproof before the cruise
_ Waterproof hiking boots
_ Windbreaker jacket
_ Fleece jacket or vest
_ Sweatshirt or sweater
_ Waterproof rain jacket
_ Warm hat
_ Gloves
_ Scarf
_ Watch
_ Light packable backpack, tote bag or fanny pack for hiking
_ Long underwear