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Packing Efficiently for your
ALASKA
Cruise
Packing for an Alaska cruise is
different from most other itineraries as you want to be prepared to
encounter all four seasons, sometimes in the same day! It can be 35 degrees
in the morning and 70 degrees by 3pm--especially if you're doing morning
shore excursions, which take you out in the wild.
The key to being comfortable in all conditions is to wear clothing you can
layer as it gets cooler, or remove as temperatures rise.
For most cruises, I leave my blue jeans at home, but in Alaska they
serve as staples to wear in ports of call, on excursions, and even onboard
for day wear while visiting Glacier Bay, or cruising the Inside Passage.
Upper body clothing: Start off with a lightweight T-shirt for a base,
then either a long-sleeved flannel shirt or sweatshirt (I prefer the hooded
variety, so I can keep my head warm too). For truly cold weather
insurance I also carry a flannel vest or ski jacket. Because rain is common
in Alaska in the summer months, some sort of rainwear is also essential. A
waterproof windbreaker and an umbrella are effective.
At times, we've been fortunate enough to experience "shorts weather"
in Alaska. So don't assume Alaska will always be cold: Bring along a
swimsuit and a pair of shorts. But when we've flown up to, and landed on,
glaciers, we were delighted we'd brought along warm socks, gloves, polartec
fleece or parkas.
We've found evening dress on the ship during our Alaska cruises to be
generally more casual. Formal nights can still be quite formal, but on most
ships, all other nights are casual attire. Therefore don't feel compelled to
pack sports jackets and ties or extra cocktail dresses.
Due to the diverse conditions in Alaska, the first thing on my Alaska
packing list is a lightweight, comfortable backpack that I use as my
mobile suitcase in ports of call and on shore excursions. If it turns cool,
my next layer of clothing is readily available, and when the sun comes out,
I have a handy place to store the clothes I remove.
Even in the Caribbean, backpacks are handy for carrying beach towels,
coolers and items you purchase along the way. So it's not something you'll
only use in Alaska, if you choose to purchase one before you go.
If you're planning to take some of the many "adventure excursions" available
in Alaska, I highly recommend investing in a pair of hiking boots, rather
than wearing sneakers. They're comfortable for walking around town, and
combined with a good pair of socks, can keep your feet warm and dry in
inclement weather.
~ Dress in Layers: a cotton turtleneck topped with a light sweater
and windbreaker-style jacket.
Add and subtract layers as the weather warrants. You will find that
temperatures can fluctuate wildly. If you intend to purchase long underwear,
consider silk—it feels nice and is extremely effective.
~ Pants: Jeans and corduroys are fine for days ashore in cool
climates. Yes, you're on a cruise and you won't want to wear jeans to
dinner, but they are quite acceptable for daytime.
~ "Wind Suits": These are a staple in some women's wardrobes and the
nylon suits lined with cotton are ideal. You might want to add a pair of
leggings under the pants if temperatures dictate something heavier.
~ Jackets: No, you won't necessarily need a down parka; however, but
you may wish to pack a warm jacket or coat. With layers beneath to trap
warmth, an anorak-type jacket, lined windbreaker, or a slicker (particularly
useful if it rains) should be sufficient. Items made of Gore-tex are very
effective at cutting the wind. Remember, with all the spectacular scenery,
you'll want to spend some time on deck, especially the day your ship stops
alongside a glacier. Extended time outside can mean you'll be cold if you're
not properly dressed.
~ Accessories: Comfortable shoes go without saying—try to make sure
yours are water-resistant and wear warm socks with them. Gloves and a hat or
knit headband that covers your ears are necessary for that day at a glacier.
~ Gear: Bring along your camera, plenty of film, and batteries.
Binoculars are a must for viewing wildlife—you don't want to miss seeing a
bald eagle up close! A lightweight backpack or tote bag is handy for
carrying your gear, both on board ship and ashore. You never know when a
whale or a bear will decide to take a look at you and you'll want your
binoculars handy.
~ Miscellaneous: I find that if I have an umbrella, I won't need
it—pack one that folds up. Insect repellant is also handy in Alaska in
summertime when the native mosquitoes can be fierce. Good facial
moisturizers and body lotions will keep your skin from feeling dry and
chapped.
Does that sound like a lot of extras? Keep in mind that by dressing in
layers, you can mix-and-match for versatility. Three or four light tops can
take up less room in a suitcase than one heavy sweater or sweatshirt.
A few words about sweatshirts—if you plan to buy one as a souvenir, wear it
during your cruise and don't pack one.
~Bathing Suit: And, because you're on a cruise, DO pack bathing suits
and at least one pair of shorts. Most cruise ships have a heated or covered
pool and hot tubs for relaxation and you may find the weather balmy on the
southern reaches of your itinerary.
Getting Ready to Go -
Essential check list
First
Time Cruiser Tips - Part 1
First Time Cruiser Tips - Part 2
News you can use - pro's and cons of
traveling with Cash, Traveler's Check's, Credit cards, ATM's.
Weather
Website Links
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