Pack for the Weather and Sightseeing Activities

• It is still pretty cool in Alaska during May, so think about packing layered clothing, such as different thicknesses of sweaters and jackets. If you are there during a heat spell in May, it can be in the 70s during the day, so have some lighter clothing on hand as well as a pair of sunglasses and possibly some sunscreen. The daytime sun can be especially striking against a glacier any time of year. However, summer daytime temperatures are typically between 45 and 65 degrees. So even for shore excursions from a cruise ship, hats and gloves are advisable to pack in addition to good walking shoes.
  
  It's fairly dry in May, but you may encounter rain in Glacier Bay National Park, where most cruises go when they sail through the Inside Passage. You may never leave the inside of the ship since you will be able to see the glaciers from the ship's windows, but binoculars and a camera will come in handy in the event you see marine life . If you do venture out on the deck to listen to a naturalist, a rain hat and light rain jacket might come in handy.
  
  You may also want to pack a pair of hiking boots if you want to see some of the animal life in Denali National Park. The cruises offer a four day land excursion to Denali via train, with several nights in Denali. You can pretty much expect to experience all four seasons in one day there any time of the year, so backpacks can come in handy to hold your gear during a day hiking trip. Remember too, that mosquito repellent can be essential that time of year.
  
  

Packing Ulu Knives

• The tours on the cruise ships are very good about letting you shop for Alaskan Ulu knives, the original fisherman's knives. They typically drop you off at a store which offers one at a price you cannot refuse. So whether you are there in May or September, remember that on the return trip home you cannot have that knife on your carry-on luggage, but rather in your checked baggage