3boysnme
Full Member
Posts: 141
Aug 1, 2023 13:28:26 GMT
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Post by 3boysnme on Apr 10, 2024 15:59:08 GMT
Seeing lavawalker's post, I thought I'd ask here something I've been wondering and trying to research.
I finally decided to take a cruise. It's on my bucket list so when I got the chance, I jumped for it! I've put in an application for a passport. I've never had one! Made the down payment, and the days are screaming by!
But I don't know what to pack. It'll be August which usually means hot weather clothes. But for Alaska and a cruise? Has anyone gone on one and can offer me some advice? Never been on a cruise. Never been to Alaska. Never been anywhere really!
HELP!!
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Post by katlady on Apr 10, 2024 16:05:56 GMT
We went on an Alaskan cruise at the end of July. It was still cold (and windy) on the waters, but the land excursions weren’t too bad. Still needed a warm-ish jacket. But I am a SoCal weather wimp, so what is cold to me may be different for you. We had rain a couple of days, so be prepared for that. But, it was fun and we had a great time. Enjoy your trip!
ETA - We were also able to sit around the pool and even go for a dip. The ship had a retractable glass cover.
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3boysnme
Full Member
Posts: 141
Aug 1, 2023 13:28:26 GMT
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Post by 3boysnme on Apr 10, 2024 16:12:53 GMT
We went on an Alaskan cruise at the end of July. It was still cold (and windy) on the waters, but the land excursions weren’t too bad. Still needed a warm-ish jacket. But I am a SoCal weather wimp, so what is cold to me may be different for you. We had rain a couple of days, so be prepared for that. But, it was fun and we had a great time. Enjoy your trip! ETA - We were also able to sit around the pool and even go for a dip. The ship had a retractable glass cover. Thank you! I have no idea if the ship has a cover or not. I will try to find out. But gives me some ideas! So yay! Thanks again!!
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amom23
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,329
Jun 27, 2014 12:39:18 GMT
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Post by amom23 on Apr 10, 2024 16:46:39 GMT
We did an Alaskan cruise sailing from Seattle the end of July into the first week of August. We had some rain (only while at sea) so easy enough to stay indoors. Some of our excursions were cold (like whale watching in Juneau. But as we traveled back closer to Seattle the weather was warm and shorts were appropriate. I remember packing/wearing a jean jacket and a heavier fall jacket. Our cruise was pretty casual. We had the kids along and decided not to dress up for the more formal nights. It honestly didn't look like a lot of people participated in those nights.
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Post by ntsf on Apr 10, 2024 16:48:11 GMT
we are going in June and we have gone in sept. the day we viewed the glacier from the ship we needed every layer.. coats, hats, gloves, warm socks, etc. it was 75 degrees otherwise.
so I would pack from warm to cold.. it is really variable.
and it depends on the activities you are doing. cruise critic.com has forums with long discussions on this topic and others.
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3boysnme
Full Member
Posts: 141
Aug 1, 2023 13:28:26 GMT
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Post by 3boysnme on Apr 10, 2024 16:55:31 GMT
Thank you! And I will check out that cruisecritic.com site. I'm not sure of the activities planned. I'm really hoping for whale watching, and seeing a glacier up close would be awesome! Plus hoping for some northern lights at night. Not sure if they occur in August or not. I am so freaking excited!!!
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Post by melanieg on Apr 10, 2024 17:40:13 GMT
LAYERS! I have done 4 Alaska cruises - early May, late May/early June, mid June and July.
I took my nephew in 2022 29MAY and it was 26C every day (so I believe that is high 70s?). When I went in July it was about 8C (so low 40s?) and that misty cold rain that gets right down into your bones.
I tell my clients it is always (cheaper) easier to have a jacket or hoodie on and to need to take it off than to have to buy a new one in every port bc you are cold/wet/etc.
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The Birdhouse Lady
Drama Llama
Moose. It's what's for dinner.
Posts: 7,159
Location: Alaska -The Last Frontier
Jun 30, 2014 17:15:19 GMT
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Post by The Birdhouse Lady on Apr 10, 2024 18:03:43 GMT
Thank you! And I will check out that cruisecritic.com site. I'm not sure of the activities planned. I'm really hoping for whale watching, and seeing a glacier up close would be awesome! Plus hoping for some northern lights at night. Not sure if they occur in August or not. I am so freaking excited!!! Unfortunately, you will not see northern lights. In the summer time here, it is light most of the night. It only gets dusky in the summer months. Northern lights occur in the cold, dark winter months. You will want to bring long pants, a hoodie, and a jacket. Layers will be your friend! It can get warm but warm by Alaska standards may not be warm by your standards!!
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Post by ~summer~ on Apr 10, 2024 18:31:21 GMT
When I was in Alaska in the summer - I didn’t even wear shorts (and I *live* in shorts in the summer.).
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Anita
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,643
Location: Kansas City -ish
Jun 27, 2014 2:38:58 GMT
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Post by Anita on Apr 10, 2024 18:48:43 GMT
I went on one in the middle of summer. Wear layers, they said. You'll be fine, they said. And that's how I wound up with a Carnival jacket. I will say it's a great little jacket I still wear to this day, so $35 well spent. But if you tend to run cold, bring a jacket in addition to layers. Make sure it has a warm hood, too.
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TXMary
Pearl Clutcher
And so many nights I just dream of the ocean. God, I wish I was sailin' again.
Posts: 2,800
Jun 26, 2014 17:25:06 GMT
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Post by TXMary on Apr 10, 2024 19:00:49 GMT
We did Alaska in late August. We were hot. We were cold. We got rained on and had bright, sunny days too. I never wore shorts and was fine with it. Layers are your best bet. Definitely brought a coat and wore it.
Enjoy every second of it. It was amazing!!
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3boysnme
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Posts: 141
Aug 1, 2023 13:28:26 GMT
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Post by 3boysnme on Apr 10, 2024 19:28:16 GMT
I'm located in northern NY, and we got snow last week. So I'm used to the cold. This year, I just wore a light fleece jacket all winter. It wasn't a usual winter here though. I will pack one pair of shorts just in case, a couple of hoodies, jeans and short sleeve shirts. And bring my fleece jacket, gloves, hat and should be set!
Thanks everyone!!
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akkaren
Junior Member
Posts: 74
Jul 16, 2014 5:09:00 GMT
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Post by akkaren on Apr 10, 2024 19:49:13 GMT
I live on the cruise line in Alaska. The weather is completely unpredictable so layers are the way to go. Just make sure you have some type of rain jacket. The Northern Lights aren't necessarily a no-go because in Southeast Alaska we get four to five hours of darkness in summer. The Northern Lights do come out even in summer but on a cruise you may not be in the right spot. I do find it a little bit crazy when I see tourists in ear muffs in the summer here but to each his own! We are getting our first cruise ship this week! Our cruise ship season keeps getting longer. There won't be much for cruiser to do this early since most tour places are not staffed yet.
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3boysnme
Full Member
Posts: 141
Aug 1, 2023 13:28:26 GMT
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Post by 3boysnme on Apr 10, 2024 19:57:54 GMT
I live on the cruise line in Alaska. The weather is completely unpredictable so layers are the way to go. Just make sure you have some type of rain jacket. The Northern Lights aren't necessarily a no-go because in Southeast Alaska we get four to five hours of darkness in summer. The Northern Lights do come out even in summer but on a cruise you may not be in the right spot. I do find it a little bit crazy when I see tourists in ear muffs in the summer here but to each his own! We are getting our first cruise ship this week! Our cruise ship season keeps getting longer. There won't be much for cruiser to do this early since most tour places are not staffed yet. Thank you! Great advice about a rain jacket. I will have to purchase one as I make a point not to go out in the rain. Maybe just one of those poncho in a pouch would work. Thanks!
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Post by crazy4scraps on Apr 10, 2024 20:09:51 GMT
I went in mid June and it was downright rainy, windy and COLD the whole time. I’m talking torrential downpour rain. We didn’t wear shorts ever nor did we go in the pool. August is supposed to be somewhat better, but keep in mind that Alaska is a rainforest so be prepared for that. DD and I brought warm jackets but they weren’t weatherproof so we ended up buying raincoats at one of the ports. Those thin plastic dollar store ponchos the cruise ship sells for $5 apiece are a total joke. The wind and rain just laughed at us when they saw us come off the ship in those stupid things.
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Post by ntsf on Apr 11, 2024 4:43:59 GMT
fyi.. have some pants that are not jeans.. in fact, something light nylon or other synthetic is good in cold weather or warm. and if they get wet, unlike jeans, they can be dried quickly. jeans are the worse for a layering piece. track pants, yoga pants.. those also can be layered under rain shell pants.
jeans are great for just around the ship or in nicer weather. REI outlet or garage will have good deals on rain coats. or columbia brand.. modest priced gear with excellent quality.
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3boysnme
Full Member
Posts: 141
Aug 1, 2023 13:28:26 GMT
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Post by 3boysnme on Apr 11, 2024 16:22:29 GMT
fyi.. have some pants that are not jeans.. in fact, something light nylon or other synthetic is good in cold weather or warm. and if they get wet, unlike jeans, they can be dried quickly. jeans are the worse for a layering piece. track pants, yoga pants.. those also can be layered under rain shell pants. jeans are great for just around the ship or in nicer weather. REI outlet or garage will have good deals on rain coats. or columbia brand.. modest priced gear with excellent quality. Thanks for the tip! I will check online. Is REI like Dicks Sporting Goods?
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Post by ntsf on Apr 11, 2024 21:12:04 GMT
REI is outdoor store.. it is a co-op.. so if you join, you get rebate on purchases. they are big into recycling gear.. and their outlet and sales have some good bargains. members get 20% off regular price item and outlet item.. next big sale is probably memorial day. they have classes and travel trips..
it is more camping/skiing/biking/mountaineering.
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