Ask the Forum: What to pack for an Alaska cruise in September

RunnerChick

Our family is taking cruise to Alaska. We set sail next week from Seattle, and I am terribly excited! Research into weather at our ports of call -- Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan, and Victoria -- makes me think that it's going to best to prepare for windy, wet weather in the 50's. But having never been to Alaska or a cruise before, I'd love some advice about what to pack. Help?

Thanks in advance!

12 years ago

Dressing

6 replies

Latest reply was from Gaylene

MsMaven

Veteran

Watch the weather forecasts and be prepared. I have heard that Alaska has been warmer than usual this summer.

We sailed from SF three years ago on Sept 19. It was the last cruise of the year. My advice is to make sure you have one warm parka, a hat and gloves. At Skagway we ran into the first snowfall of the season and it was cold for us wimpy Californians. Some actors did an outdoor performance (it was cold and rainy) and even with all of the above I gave up partway and went inside to sit next to the pot-bellied stove. We were told that the cruises a couple of weeks earlier had up to 80° weather and sunshine. We couldn't do the inside passage because a storm came up.

Most people were dressed more casually than usual on a warm-destination cruise. I'll go back and look at my photos and see what else I can think of.

Victoria was very nice though.

12 years ago

Nebraskim

Veteran

we did a "cruise" in mid June and temps ranged from 45 to 78; it was supposedly warmer than usual. Ours was an adventure cruise with hiking, kayaking and zodiac boats to get close to glaciers, wildlife and geology. No formal dress activities and nothing more than very casual attire. We needed tall water proof boots and pants for bog hikes and kayaking. On ship it was jeans, leggings, etc. I run cold, so I wished I had taken a bit more gear like an extra fleece, etc. I wore a very light weight Eddie Bauer down jacket nearly every day. I was glad I had taken some light weight long underwear and used my running gear as a base layer. Our ship only carried 56 passengers. If you're doing a Princess Gargantua type cruise, your experience will be more upscale and may require nicer clothing. In addition to my waterproof boots, I took hiking boots, running shoes and dansko clogs for wear on the ship; jeans; lots of warm socks. You will appreciate gloves and a hat. It really depends on your ship and what you'll be doing. ETA: I also took an Eddie Bauer gore tex shell parka jacket that served as rain gear.

12 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

Layers, rain gear, comfortable shoes. Those zip-off pants are popular, as are Merrell slip-ons. Gloves and hat are a good idea for wind and chill. Lots of lip balm.

You can not be too casual in Alaska, but you can be underdressed and unprepared. The weather here can change like THAT. We had an unusually warm summer, but it's back to normal now which is rain and 50s.

12 years ago

Anonymous

We went in late August a few years ago on a fairly large ship but you could get away with being pretty casual. I often layered everything I could under a waterproof anorak with hood. I was very glad I'd brought gloves, scarf and especially a knit hat that covered my ears and helped with the wind. It was worn a lot. Think winter. It is especially cold and windy on board and you will want to be out to see the glaciers and wildlife. Most of the shore excursions also involve being in small boats or outside.
Our ship had a heated pool and hot tubs on deck but they were not used much except by some teens that didn't seem to feel the cold. Some on board "restaurants" had a no jeans policy but one didn't need formal dress for dinner.
You will love the cruise. Alaska is gorgeous.

12 years ago

annagybe

(website)

Veteran

I did an Alaskan cruise in July. Layers are key. We did use the hot tubs, however they are over chlorinated. My dark chocolate brown swimsuit was milk chocolate by the end of the trip. So if you bring a swimsuit, bring either an old one or a cheapie.

12 years ago

Gaylene

Veteran

I'd listen to Una/Alaskagirl and Joy. September and October are variable months in the Northern coastal areas. Pack a dressy outfit if you think you must, but I'd stick with warm and waterproof for the rest of my wardrobe.

12 years ago

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