Alaskan Cruise -- appropriate clothing?

Question

My family is going on a cruise from Seward, Alaska to Vancouver, Canada. It's summer July/August. My kids are going to want to pack shorts and tanks -- Is that appropriate clothing or will it be too cold for that? I'm just not sure what to pack. (Yes, I'm asking early so I have plenty of time to convince them what they need to pack is what I want them to pack.)

Answer 1

I prefer you naked...

You hid the twins! gasp...

Answer 2

Having gone on an Alaska cruise last year I can honestly tell you that shorts and tanks might be a bit cool.  Take along one set and also take long pants and a sweater or jacket.  The ship will probably spend almosy a day in Glacier Bay and considering that you will be surrounded by ice fropm the glaciers, it gets very cool in there.  Also, when at sea the wind is always blowing and it will be cold so be prepared.

Answer 3

Shorts and tanks are good, but also pack long pants and light jackets. The wind is the biggest concern.

Answer 4

I wore long pants and long sleeve shirts too. I brought shorts, but never wore them. I also brought a warm hat and gloves as they don't take up much room in a suitcase and yes, I did wear them. I also brought with me some lightweight long underwear and wore them too, but my trip was in June, so I don't think you really need the long underwear. Always bring a light weight jacket and perhaps a sweater too. Glacier bay can certainly get cold. Also bring insect repellent. There mosquito's are hugh(there native bird, LOL). I loved Alaska and plan on going again as it was my favorite cruise.

Answer 5

Apropriate clothing would be long pants and jackets for 40-50-ish temperatures. it will be very cool and sometimes cold, depending on where you are from. To most people, it basically stays cold up there all year round, especially on cruise routes.

Answer 6

Pack a little of everything...very variable weather.

Answer 7

All you really need is your tie-dye shirt and some flip flops...oh, and some lip gloss and Mace.

Answer 8

it actually would be too cold for that...nut i think pants will be fine.

Answer 9

Pack a little of everything. I hear the wind is quite cold in Canada even in Summer but I am not sure.

Answer 10

i'd bring a few warm weather things, but i think jeans, t shirts sweat shirts and jackets will be the most worn. it never hurts to pack a couple pairs of shorts/tanks. call the travel agent or cruise line, however you made your reservations, they should know something about that sort of thing. have a wonderful time!

Answer 11

no thats right look you are right!!!but now once and a while as you know you should be ready for well what ever now i dont want you to leavr here and say those darn canadans no hay bring a jacket and a pair of long underwear i know of were you are going and yes it get cold from time to time its one of he only placeswhere you can see poler caps have a little of everythimg ok

Answer 12

On the warmest days there, shorts and tanks would be appropriate.  I would imagine that it's a bit colder on the water, and you can never count on it being the warmest days.  July tends to be very rainy, so be prepared for that, as well as chilly nights by normal people standards.  You'll want rain gear and a coat, as well as long pants.

Answer 13

The weather can be warm enough for shorts and tanks, but I found that Long pants with short sleeves work better.  Keep a jacket and sweat shirt available as the weather can change quickly on the PWS.  Layers have always worked for me in Alaska.  A cruise ship sounds more forgiving, but I would recommend packing for spring weather rather than summer.

Although this is foolish, it'll give you an idea of the weather.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t7fvHh1FA...

It was the last week of June on the Prince William Sound 2007.

Answer 14

fur coats and thermal underwear...it sounds bloody cold to me

Answer 15

LUCKY YOU!!!

Have a GREAT TIME!!!

As to answering your question!  I've 'read' the responses so far!  Here is MY take:  ALASKA is COLD  -- I don't care WHAT time of YEAR it is!  Vancouver IS farther SOUTH, which would INITIALLY make one think it would be warner!  

But, I wouldn't COUNT on it!  And, I wouldn't 'BUY' a new 'wardrobe' for the trip!  I MIGHT take some 'lighter clothes', but I would STILL perpare to 'dress warmly'!  You can always cut 'legs' off of old 'jeans' to make 'shorts', and you can always cut 'sleeves' off of 'shirts', to make them 'lighter'!  AND, it's almost effortless to to take a jacket OFF...  But, it's damned HARD to make a 'wind-breaker' out of a T-Shirt!  

Dressing in 'layers' should be a KEY for you!  It's easy to ADD "layers!"  It's also EASY to REMOVE 'layers'!  If you don't NEED them...  you had a good trip!  If you don't HAVE them, well...  you won't be able to USE them, will you?

Since you are ASKING 'EARLY', you will have some TIME to THINK about this!!!  GOOD for YOU!!!

I hope you have a WONDERFUL adventure!!!