Alaska in Jun/July WHAT TO WEAR??

Cruze Lover · #1 (**permalink**) January 4th, 2008, 12:15 AM

I am an experienced Caribbean cruiser, going to Alaska June/July. As I look at my warm weather cruising wardrobe, I am baffled at what to pack for Alaska. We have family in Vancouver and I am familiar with their summer weather, but what do I pack for Alaska???? How warm do I have to dress for daytime?? Can I wear my formal dresses that I would wear in the Caribbean, just with a wrap??
Or is this cruise an excuse for a new wardrobe entirely?

Thanks for your advice!!

colorcrazie · #2 (**permalink**) January 4th, 2008, 01:16 PM

Alaska can be warmer than you think in the summer. Layers are the answer, plus a waterproof windbreaker. On board, wear your usual for formal nights, but if you go out on deck, have a wrap ready. I fell in love with Alaska....a small miracle since I hate being cold. But, most of the time, I wasn't. Enjoy!
Marty

kiteflyer · #3 (**permalink**) January 11th, 2008, 10:20 AM

Hi. We did Alaska last year in July and I agree, wear layers. We had great weather; wearing a T-shirt with either a long sleeved shirt or a hoodie or a wind breaker. Then if you want something else, great time to go shopping when you are port. Have a wonderful time. Are you going to do a land package after the cruise?

Kiteflyer

Cruze Lover · #4 (**permalink**) January 11th, 2008, 03:09 PM

We are doing Inside Passage r/t Vancouver on Celebrity Mercury

kiteflyer · #5 (**permalink**) January 11th, 2008, 03:11 PM

Have a great time. We did.

Kiteflyer

Cruze Lover · #6 (**permalink**) January 11th, 2008, 03:25 PM

Everyone says to layer. Should they be lightweight layers (cotton shirts/light sweaters) or heavier layers (fleece jackets/vests/wool blend sweaters)? Would capris ever be appropriate? I know you need good shoes for walking and excursions, but should I bring closed shoes for onboard/sea days too? Are sandals or flip flops too cold to wear? I know I'll probably end up overpacking and just bring it all.....

I am such a warm weather person that this cold weather cruising baffles me.

kiteflyer · #7 (**permalink**) January 11th, 2008, 03:59 PM

My t-shirts were cotton as were my long sleeved shirts. The hoodie was purchased in VC before the cruise, so i'm thinking that it is at least 50 % cotton. I wore heels for formal nights on the cruise, the dress had short sleeves, so I had a wrap to put over my shoulders. Hubby and I purchased fur hats and he wore his when we were at college glacier. He made a big hit. I'm not a sandal or flip flop person. It was good walking shoes and boat deck shoes. Friends that were with us, had fleece jackets and they were OK. My friend is also not a cold weather person. Gee she won't even come with us for a football game and it's only going to be 20 degrees.

Yes, layer your clothing.

We did a 10 day land package after the cruise and everything that I had for the cruise did for the land package. Denail national park was a 13 hr round trip into the park and it was great and it was warm about 65 degrees or a little warm.

Kiteflyer

Cruze Lover · #8 (**permalink**) January 11th, 2008, 04:06 PM

Thanks so much for the help! Much appreciated!

We are looking forward to this immensely!

lindazoo · #9 (**permalink**) January 25th, 2008, 04:49 PM

ha-ha you likely will not need a new wardrobe unless you are from Florida.
I lived in Anchorage for a year and their 70 degrees is like Oregons 90 degrees.
So act like you are going to Vancouver BC. Weather in AK should be great in the mid summer as will be scenic views. Alaska is a beautiful place to see. You can take long silk underware if you think you want an extra layer or some Cuddle Duds underware to extra warmth. You will want more than a wind break just pack in layers, sweat or polar fleece under the jacket and a hat and gloves just incase. Go prepared for anything or just buy what you find out you need along the way.
Smaller ships do the Alaska journey and seem to me to be less fancy.

AdventurousCanuck · #10 (**permalink**) February 3rd, 2008, 12:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cruze Lover

I am an experienced Caribbean cruiser, going to Alaska June/July. As I look at my warm weather cruising wardrobe, I am baffled at what to pack for Alaska. We have family in Vancouver and I am familiar with their summer weather, but what do I pack for Alaska???? How warm do I have to dress for daytime?? Can I wear my formal dresses that I would wear in the Caribbean, just with a wrap??
Or is this cruise an excuse for a new wardrobe entirely?

Thanks for your advice!!

Alaska is nice and it can get pretty warm in July. I Packed mostly capri's short sleeve tops and a couple of light buttoned sweater. Had a couple pairs of shorts just in case it got real hot. One year I went in Aug and the temperatures were 90 (unusual for Alaska). I wore long pants , and sweater for the inside passage ( I didn't find it as cold as it looks). I've been there twice and I found it to be quite beautiful. Have a good time.