What should I take to go on a Alaska Cruise, I am going the end of August?

Question

What should I take to go on a Alaska Cruise, I am going the end of August?

Answer 1

The best suggestion I can make is to bring items that can be layered.  For example a shirt, light sweater to put over it and a wind/water proof (or resistant) jacket to wear over everything.  You could bring a pair of shorts although long pants will probably work best and a bathing suit.  Bring a suit or tux (you can rent them through the ship too) and some nice shirts and pants along with dress shoes and good walking/hiking shoes depending on what shore excursions you do.

When I went the weather predictions were for rain almost every day.   Well, it rained the day we left and part of the day we were in Ketchican.  The rest of time we were treated to beautiful sunny weather with the only really cold spot being when we were at the glacier.

The cruise line will have suggestions as to what to bring and remember that, depending on the line, there will probably be 2 formal and 2 semi-formal nights in the main dining room.  Of course you can always eat at the buffet if you like.  At our table there was one couple we saw once, the rest of the time they ate at the buffet (we travelled with Royal Caribbean).

The scenery is fantastic even when it rains, especially around the glaciers.  I hope that you enjoy yourself.

Answer 2

Bring insect repellent, some gloves and a warm hat. These things don't take up hardly any room in your luggage, but can really make a big difference, especially if you are going through the inside passage where it can get pretty cold. Other then that, I never wore the shorts I brought as it was a little chilly for them. Same with tank tops too. Alaska was my all time favorite cruise.

Answer 3

Hi R.L.,

Well, the temperature can be really fickle the end of August.  So do bring shorts, but bring jackets too.  Swimsuit and rain jacket.  Sorry, but you just can't predict the end of August.

Okay, that's clothes.  This cruise has the most spectacular vistas of any cruise you can go on.  So bring binoculars and a camera or camcorder.  The best you can get your hands on.

Also, book your tours early on line if you know what you want to do.  The best tours fill up quickly.

The only other thing might be bug spray, but it can be bought on board ship if you find you need it.

My personal favorite part of the cruise is glacier cruising.  There are so many little ice burgs in the water and they make a little tinkling sound, like ice in a glass, but all around you in stereo.  It is amazing, enjoy!