What I Packed, Wore, and Loved on My Spring Alaska Cruise for My 30th Birthday

I recently turned 30, and to celebrate the new decade, I did something I’ve always dreamed of: I took a 7-day Alaskan cruise with my husband. It wasn’t a flashy beach vacation or a big group getaway—instead, it was equal parts cozy, calm, and wildly beautiful. We set sail with Holland America Line and stopped in Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria, British Columbia. I’m still processing how magical it all was—from kayaking through the rain to a glacier, to spotting whales near our boat in Sitka, to sipping iced tea (not hot, lol) at high tea in Victoria.

This trip had been on my bucket list for a while, but I always thought it was something I’d do “later”—like, retirement later. It turns out that it’s actually perfect for this phase of life. I’m talking spa days, scenic verandah views, nature adventures, and the kind of relaxing pace that lets you just breathe. It was truly the ultimate balance of slow mornings and adrenaline-filled excursions. And while yes, most of the crowd skewed 50+, I leaned all the way in and made it my own kind of vibe—what I now lovingly call Not Your Grandma’s Cruise.

In the months leading up to the cruise, I was deep in research mode, trying to figure out what to pack, what the weather would actually feel like, and how to dress for glacier kayaking and semi-formal dinner all in one trip. But honestly? So much of what I found online didn’t speak to my age group, my body type, or my version of “adventure-ready but still cozy.” So I decided to document everything myself and put together a real, useful guide for anyone else trying to figure it all out.

I created this resource to help you avoid overpacking (or maybe overpack just enough), feel confident in what you bring, and actually enjoy the planning part (because let’s be real, that’s half the fun). Everything I brought and actually used is linked in my Amazon Storefront, including the waterproof hiking pants that saved me in Ketchikan, my favorite spa-day essentials, and the plug-in situation you definitely don’t want to forget. As an Amazon Associate, I may earn a small commission from purchases made through these links—thank you so much for supporting my content in that way.

You can also find more from this trip over on my YouTube channel, where I vlogged the whole thing day by day. If video is your thing, you’ll get the full breakdown of what we did at each port, what I wish we’d had more time for, and how it all came together to be one of the most memorable trips of my life.

And of course, I’m sharing more behind-the-scenes and snippets of the journey over on Instagram, TikTok, and right here on the blog, so wherever you like to scroll—I'm there.

So whether you’re planning an Alaskan cruise of your own or you’re just here for travel inspiration, I’m so glad you’re here. Click the button below for my full packing list, itinerary breakdown, and all the little tips I wish someone had told me before I set sail. And if you’re really curious about the trip, click on the thumbnails below to watch the Alaskan Cruise vlogs. This is your sign to use your PTO, get out in nature, and take the cozy-but-cool vacation your younger self would be proud of!

 Prepping for My Alaska Cruise | Packing Tips, Cruise Essentials, Home Prep, & Yap Sesh

7-Day Alaskan Cruise Vlog | Part 1: Juneau, Stephen’s Passage, Endicott Arm video

7-Day Alaskan Cruise Vlog | Part 2: Sitka, Ketchikan, Victoria B.C. video