An Alaska cruise is the trip of a lifetime, and the weather is part of the adventure. Summer in the Inside Passage usually means cool days, a lot of rain in port and a sharp wind off the water, and it gets colder still when the ship slows down in front of a glacier. The good news: you don't need a heavy winter coat. You need a few plus size layers that work together. Here's what we'd pack.
The plus size layering plan for an Alaska cruise
Think in three layers, and you can add or remove one as the day changes:
- A base layer that keeps you warm and dry against your skin.
- A warm middle layer, like a fleece lined soft shell or a quilted jacket.
- A waterproof plus size rain jacket on top, to block the rain and the wind.
On a mild afternoon in Skagway you might wear only the soft shell. On a wet morning in Ketchikan you'll want the rain jacket over it. On deck at the glacier, wear all three.
A waterproof plus size rain jacket comes first
If you pack one thing, make it a real waterproof rain jacket. Southeast Alaska is a rainforest, and a water resistant jacket that's fine for a drizzle at home will soak through after an hour on a shore excursion.
What to look for:
- Waterproof and breathable fabric with taped seams, so rain can't get in at the stitching.
- A hood that adjusts, so it stays put in the wind on deck.
- Length past the hip, so you stay dry when you sit on a wet bench or a tender boat.
- Room for a layer underneath without pulling across the shoulders.
Our pick is the Camden plus size rain jacket, in sizes 1X to 6X. It's waterproof and breathable with fully taped seams, a DWR finish and a windproof shell, it has an adjustable hood and zippered pockets, and a 3X measures 33.5 inches from the back of the neck to the hem. The Mystique is a three layer waterproof breathable option with adjustable snap cuffs and an attached hood. See every style in our plus size rain jackets, and our plus size rain jacket guide for more on what makes one work.
Plus size rain pants for excursions
Rain pants are the piece most people forget and then wish they'd packed, especially for whale watching boats, rainforest walks and anything with a wet seat. Our plus size packable rain pants are waterproof and windproof, come in regular, short and tall lengths (about 31, 29 and 34 inch inseams), have an elastic waist with a draw cord and snaps at each ankle, and pack into their own pocket, so they take up almost no room in a suitcase. They're shell pants with no insulation, so wear leggings or a base layer underneath on cold days.
A warm plus size middle layer
This is the jacket you'll live in on board and on dry days in port.
- The Venus fleece lined soft shell, sizes 1X to 6X. Micro fleece bonded inside a three layer stretch soft shell, so it blocks wind and sheds light rain on its own. It stretches when you reach for the railing or your camera, the hood adjusts, and the cuffs close with tabs over inner sleeve gaiters. A 3X runs 35 inches from the back of the neck to the hem.
- The Savvy II quilted jacket, sizes 1X to 6X, for evenings on deck and town days. It has an attached hood, inner cuffs that seal out drafts, zip hand pockets, and a high-low hem that sits longer at the back.
- The Pristine long insulated vest, sizes 1X to 6X, if you run warm and want your arms free. Synthetic down insulation and a water resistant DWR finish.
A plus size base layer for glacier day
The day the ship stops at a glacier is the coldest of the trip: you'll stand outside for an hour or more in cold wind coming off the ice. A thermal base layer under your layers makes the difference. Our plus size thermal base layer set (top and bottom, 1X to 6X) is brush lined, moisture wicking and stretchy, and it doubles as pajamas in a chilly cabin. Add a warm hat, gloves and a scarf or neck gaiter, and you'll be the one still on deck when everyone else goes in.
Plus size Alaska cruise packing checklist
- Waterproof rain jacket with a hood
- Packable rain pants
- Fleece lined soft shell or quilted jacket
- Thermal base layer top and bottom
- Warm hat, gloves, scarf or neck gaiter
- Waterproof shoes or boots with good grip for wet docks and trails
- Leggings or comfortable pants that layer under rain pants
- A few casual outfits for dinner (most Alaska sailings are relaxed)
- A small daypack for shore excursions
- Binoculars for whales and wildlife
For him: big and tall Alaska cruise layers
The same three layers work in big and tall sizes:
- The men's Mystique big rain jacket, 2XL to 7XL: waterproof and breathable 2.5 layer stretch polyester, a DWR finish, a zippered chest pocket and two zippered hand pockets. A 3XL measures 35 inches from the back of the neck to the hem.
- The men's soft shell fleece lined jacket, 2XL to 7XL, with a windblock membrane and a fleece lining.
- The men's big and tall thermal base layer set, 2XL to 7XL.
See all big and tall rain jackets.
Plus size Alaska cruise questions
Do I need a winter coat for an Alaska cruise?
Usually not for a summer sailing. A waterproof rain jacket over a fleece lined soft shell and a base layer handles most days, including glacier viewing. If you're booked on an excursion onto a glacier itself, like a helicopter or dog sled tour, the tour company often provides boots and an outer layer, so check with them.
Is a water resistant jacket enough?
For the ship and dry days, yes. For shore excursions in the rain, choose a waterproof jacket with taped seams. Water resistant fabric sheds a drizzle but soaks through in steady rain.
What size should I pack if I want to layer?
Check the size chart and the length on each product page before you order, and measure the jacket you'd wear underneath. The Camden, Mystique and Venus are cut for plus size proportions, so there's room for a layer without sizing up into extra length.
What sizes do you make?
Women's plus sizes 1X to 6X and men's big and tall 2XL to 7XL, including 4X, 5X and 6X.