What to wear on an Alaskan cruise?

Question

I am going on the Holland American cruiseline in July. This is my first cruise. What do I wear in the evening? How formal are the nights? Do I need long dresses each night? How chilly are the days? Any tips regarding the cruise will be helpful. What about seasickness tips? We are also taking our 2 children, ages 13 and 9, on the trip. Any tips for them?

Answer 1

this will be a fantastic cruise for you.  To answer your nightwear question:  you will have a couple of formal nights on which you're expected to wear formal wear (long dresses or cocktail dresses).  Even to the casual buffet (many other cruiselines allow those who don't feel like dressing up to use the casual buffet instead, and even allow walking around in casual wear).  Other nights, you can wear dresses or pant suits.  Just not jeans to dinner.

Alaska's weather tends to be variable in the summer.  We went in August and got days in the 60s, and a lot of rain and fog.  People who went the week before us got lots of sun and temps in the 70s and 80s.  I advise bringing layers to wear plus a heavier coat for the glacier viewing.

As for motion sickness, remedies that work for one person may not work for the next.  If you're on medication, talk to your doctor to make sure you won't get an interaction.  Try out some remedies before your cruise to make sure they don't make you sick.  And bring along at least a couple of ones, just in case one doesn't work for you -- you'll have a backup.  There are some medications and devices (like the wristbands) available in the ship's store, but tend to run more expensive than you can find at home.  I like ginger myself (candied ginger and ginger flavored Altoids, but some people like the capsules).  Doctors can prescribe the patch.  There's Draminamine and Bonine.  

The kids will have loads of fun.  My girl was 7 on her Alaskan cruise and she always enjoys the kids' program on board.  Just set some guidelines and rules (no running around on their own, etc.) so they don't get into trouble.  Let them in on the trip planning, such as any excursions.  Also let them pick out their clothes (with help).  They'll feel more that it's their vacation too.

A great thing about Hal (and Princess too) is that there will be a naturalist aboard during the glacier viewing (narrating what you can see).  Even if it's early in the morning, everyone will be either on their balcony or on deck with binoculars and cameras.

Answer 2

Alaska is a great run - take it from me I worked on ships for 5 years.  July is the best time to cruise with your kids - there will be lots of kids on board for them to hang out with.  Encourage them to seek out the children's programming - they will have a blast.  As for the weather, I used to wear long pants and a t-shirt - sometimes a sweatshirt.  It can get chilly but not as cold as expected.  The cruise line website should be able to give you information on the number of formal nights onboard.  As for seasickness, it really depends on the weather when you go.  Alaska can be mild or in some cases very rocky.  I would use a non-drowsy form of sea-sickness pills ahead of time because you want to avoid getting sick.  Taking them while sick serves no purpose.  Don't rely on the doctors onboard unless for emergencies unless you have cash to spare - they cost a fortune.  

You will have an incredible cruise...it was my favourite run and I have been to many places.  Bring lots of film the views are incredible.

Answer 3

You can get most of those answers from the Holland America web site.  If it's a 7 day cruise there are 2 formal nights, men tuxes or suits women a nice gown cocktail dress or pantsuit.  Other night are not formal, but at no time can you wear jeans,tee shirts,tank tops bathing suits flip flops etc in the main dining room.  The web site will give you more specifics regarding that.  For seasickness the best thing to do is DON'T even think about it, but if you are very concerned, take whatever medication you prefer, Dramamine or patches before you get on the ship, if you wait until you are sick nothing will help.  You kids will have a blast, they have special programs for the kids and they will be kept busy from morning to night.  I don't know about the weather, maybe someone else can help you with that.  Have a Great time on your cruise.  KG

P.S. Holland America is my hands down favorite cruise line.

Answer 4

Ms; Holland ships require more dressy than others in some resturants. If you plan on eating at the buffet then no. Weather is very nice. Unless you are going to be up late and outside side then just a light weight jacket is needed. They have doctors on board for any sickness. Been there many times and you do not even know you are moving unless you are looking out all day. They also have areas for kids. Agreat place & trip. Take extra film. Enjoy. Next time take the cruisetour. Out of this World.

Answer 5

As for the weather. I work in Ketchikan Alaska as a driver /guide for Prince Tours. The weather in Ketchikan, which will probably be your first stop or your last stop is wonderful. Last year on the fourth of July it as WARM,  in the 70's all month. Humidity makes it feel even warmer. Passengers where wearing shorts and flipflops.

Answer 6

I went in June and that is probably a colder month than July.  I would definetely bring long pants and a heavier jacket.  The highest temperature I experienced in Alaska was 72 degrees.  The lowest was about 48 degrees.  The weather isn't as cold as people mistake it for, but it isn't shorts and tank-top weather most of the time either.

Answer 7

Check what the requirements for evening dress are with the cruise line.  Definitely pack a coat for each occassion, casual, formal and semi-formal if evening wear is needed.  Sometimes even in the summer in Alaska I needed a jacket.  Temperatures are always cooler out on the water.  Pack Dramamine for seasickness and eat light "snacks" till you get used to being on the water.