I'm leaving on a cruise to Alaska?

Question

I'm leaving for Alaska in a few weeks and I was wondering if anyone had any tips on packing or what to expect when i go.

Answer 1

I  have been to Alaska twice, once on business for two weeks in June and then on a cruise inside passage and land tour in May. What you need to pack is not that much different from any other cruise or trip. The weather in Alaska on land can be very pleasant; maybe in the 70's during the day, in June. It will likely be rainy in a couple of your port stops like Juneau and Ketchkan. Not a downpour but scattered showers.

It will be pleasant on ship while you are in inside area but breezy and chilly on open decks. When you get near the icebergs and glaciers it will be cold. And I mean like hat, coat and gloves cold. But the way to dress is layer your clothes so you will be warm enough when its cold but not too hot when you are in warmer areas. Instead of a ski jacket, take a lighter one that you can wear comfortably over a sweater or hoodie. Take some long sleeved shirts and slacks. Take a cap or hat and even gloves. Think underclothes, shirt, sweater, jacket for your dress each day.

Most ships that do the Alaska cruises have areas where you can see things without being outside. They also generally have a solarium, a glass covered pool and hot tub area. And of course the ship will have a gym. So you can take things to enjoy these activities on ship.

The dress on ship is casual all day until 6:00PM. So take:

- swim wear,

-sun glasses and sun screen, lotions,

-a warmup suit or sweats to relax on ship in,

- a hoodie and a jacket that you can wear over it,

- a hat and gloves for when you get near the glaciers and ice fields,

- a rain poncho because it will likely rain in Ketchakan and/or Juneau,

-a book if you are a reader,

-your music player,

-sneakers and clothes to workout in if you like to use the gym, -good walking shoes,

-your camera, and binoculars,

-other personal toiletries.

Your cabin will have towels and soap provided, including pool towels. It will also have a generic hair shampoo so you do not need to bring that unless you like a specific brand. They do not provide tooth paste, mouth wash or lotions. They DO provide a hair dryer.

After 6:00 PM they request that you wear "sports or resort casual" attire. That's attire that you would expect a person to wear in a business office, (like a bank employee), shirt with a collar, slacks, skirt, blouse, etc. You can still wear shorts and swim wear in the pools and spas but not in public areas like dining rooms and restaurants, show rooms, bars, casino, etc. Don't over pack , take clothes that you can mix and match tops and bottoms and plan to wear each piece twice.

Your cruise will have a formal night when you can wear your best stuff and get pictures taken, and maybe meet the ship’s Captain. The formal nights are REQUESTED not required attire. You will not be denied entry to the main dining room if you decide not to dress up, as long as you are at least sports casual. But most people do dress up; a suit or tux for men and a gown or party dress for women. Women should take a shawl or other wrap for the formal dress.

Some other packing tips:

- Its best to pack using soft-sided luggage because with space limited in your cabin it fits under the beds better if its not hard sided luggage.

-Take a small carry-on bag for the last night of the cruise. On the last evening you will be required to put your luggage outside your cabin by about 2:00 AM so that they can start taking it down to the lower deck for offloading the next morning. So you will need a small bag for your toiletries and your clothes that you sleep in.

- If you want to use the pool, hot tub, or gym as soon as you get on the ship, take clothes for these in your carry on bag because your checked luggage will likely not get to your room until much later in the afternoon, maybe by @ 6:00 PM.

- If you can take a six-pack of bottled water and soft drinks in your carry-on for your cabin. You will have to pay for both on the ship and its nice to have those handy in the cabin.

- If you are taking your cell phone, MP3 player or other item that needs to be plugged in take an extension cord as the plugs in the cabin are generally not in the best places and there are usually only one or two.

- Take a small bottle of hand sanitizer and/or hand wipes. There are generally sanitizer dispensers at the entrances of restaurants, the buffets and dining room, but some times the are not there or not working. The sanitizer helps prevent the spread of the Norwalk Virus that sometimes occur on cruise ships.

- Take a can of air freshener for your cabin bathroom; it has no exhaust fan.

Answer 2

What to expect is easy: Beautiful Scenery, Wildlife, Meeting people from all over the world. In Ketchikan go to Salmon Mall at end of pier. Great Shops & Prices.

Weather is like almost any place else this year. No one knows 1 day to the next. Your best bet is to type in each port of call & it will give you current weather & forecast.

It is always alittle cooler on the water than land. I have been there 23 times & never wore anything but, jeans, T-Shirts & a lite weight jeans jacket & was never cold. Bring some clothes that you can take off in layers. Also keep in mind not to pack too much as some airlines are now charging for checked liggage. Depending where you live pack for fall & spring. I live in the NE so our weather is alot like Alaska's. You can wear jeans on the ship 24 hours aday. There is no more dress code. Princess & Norwegian leave it up to you how much you want to dress up. You are allowed in any retaurant that you want with no problem.

A TRULY AMAZING CRUISE.

ENJOY.

Answer 3

I went to Alaska and brought a warm hat and gloves and even long silk underwear. I used all of them on my cruise. My jacket was a light weight one, but was just perfect. Bring bug repellent as there mosquito's are like the size of a bird in Alaska(just kidding, but they are big). Leave home shorts and sleeveless tops. It is not likely you would wear these. If you go through the inside passage, be prepared to go outside to watch all the happenings unless you have a balcony room. It is truly an awesome sight.