Including some items she uses “every day” while there

Heading on an Alaskan cruise soon? Take these tips from Christine Kesteloo. 

She A) has been on 122 Alaskan cruises, B) lives on board the Holland America ship line for half the year, and C) previously served as cruise director. In other words, she really knows her stuff. 

“You need to dress like an onion in Alaska,” Kesteloo tells PEOPLE. “People watch way too much Discovery Channel [and] National Geographic before they come to Alaska. And no joke… they have bought walking sticks, the backpack, the big old coat…you don't need any of that.” 

But what you do need? We’ve got it all down below. 

Related: These Wrinkle-Free Pants Look Freshly Ironed Even After Sitting on a Plane for Hours — All Under $30

Elemis Pro-Collagen Marine Cream with SPF 30

$57 $43 at Amazon

One of the things that Christine uses “every day” in Alaska is this SPF-infused face cream from Elemis, a brand that, if you’ve been following her travels for as long as I have, you know she’s been using for a while. 

While a big tub of the hydrating lotion is quite pricey, this travel-size version is on sale for $43 — and the ideal size for a carry-on bag! 

Columbia Anytime Casual UPF 50+ Active Skort

$35 at Walmart

Last time we talked to Kesteloo, she mentioned skorts — but she didn’t tell us which brand. This time, though, she divulged her secrets and sent me a screenshot of this exact one that’s under $40. It protects against sun damage thanks to its UPF 50+ fabric, and it has cute side hem ties you can scrunch up for a fun look. 

The North Face Thermoball Traction Bootie

$135 at Amazon

While boots are an absolute must, big furry shoes are not going to fly: “It is 80, 90 degrees. You’re going to sweat your butt off.” Instead, something like this pair will be much better suited for the climate. They’re waterproof, which is great in case it rains, and they have fleece inside for some warmth without overdoing it in the heat department. 

Makeup Junkie Small Makeup Bag

$45 at Amazon

She also passed along this makeup bag that has a lay-flat design that shoppers rave about. It comes in a variety of sizes, so you can pick them up for your makeup, toiletries, or even smaller clothing items. 

The North Face Etip Fleece Recycled Gloves

$45 at Amazon

A pair of gloves seemed a little counterintuitive to me, but then I read this shopper review: “These were great when hiking in Alaska! We went in October, and I wanted warm but usable gloves. They were perfect. Warm, lightweight, and kept my hands dry.” TL;DR: If you’re going up in the mountains, you might want these. 

Udderly Smooth Hand Cream, 2-Pack

$10 at Amazon

I don’t know about you, but I’m constantly washing my hands when I travel. The result? Red, dry hands that are sore and unsightly. But now that Kesteloo passed along this utterly hydrating hand cream that’s “really great” and only $5 apiece, I’ll be A-okay to keep on scrubbing up. 

Pteromy Hooded Rain Poncho

$19 at Amazon

Because rain coats are so nice (and necessary), she recommended them twice. This one is only $18 and packs up compactly in a tiny pouch that you can clip onto your purse, belt loop, or carry-on bag. 

The North Face Antora Waterproof Rain Coat

$130 at Amazon

This jacket is a recent purchase of Kesteloo’s and one that “everybody knows” that she’ll be wearing in Alaska. Grab one to match her, and, of course, stay dry out there. 

WearMe Pro Round Polarized Sunglasses

$39 $28 at Amazon

Kesteloo says she wears the Del Sol sunglasses “all the time and so do most people in Alaska.” Sadly, her exact pair is almost out of stock. However, the frame on this pair looks almost identical, and they, too, have UVA and UVB protection, which is like “sunscreen for your eyes,” she adds. 

Bombas Solids Ankle Sock, 4-Pack

$56 $50 at Bombas.com

These ankle socks also made the cut. We’re not surprised, though, because they’re from an editor-loved brand and they have built-in arch support. How’s that for comfort? They come in a pack of four and even have a blister tab at the heel, which is great to wear under thick boots.

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