Temperatures in Alaska end of June/July and some general questions

[elmwood]

We were heading to the Baltics on Voyager, but for all sorts of reasons have now changed to Alaska departing from Seward on June, 29th and ending up in Vancouver on July 6th.

It will be our first time in Alaska and are wondering what range of temperatures to expect. We are very good at layering, but were wondering just how cold it might get.

Also, in terms of footwear - do we need hiking boots or can we get away with our favourite Aussie Blundstones which have a very good tread, or Keen closed toe sandals? This is what we intend to do in terms of excursions which might help determine what we need to bring. We only booked this yesterday and were worried that we might not be able to get what we wanted but were able to book the following:

Sitka Sea Otter and Wildlife Quest
Tracy Arm Glacier and Fjord Explorer
Skagway Klondike Gold Dredge and Gold Panning
Ketchikan Mountain Peak Flight Seeing and Crab Feast (the one that costs extra)

At the moment we have nothing booked for Juneau, as the ones we wanted were full, as was the wait list. Is Juneau a port that has plenty to see and do and does Navigator dock in Juneau or outside necessitating a shuttle of some sort?

Quite a few excursions seemed to be evening ones. Is this a regular feature in Alaska or just a result of Regent having to schedule more trips to accomodate passagers now that excursions are "free/included?"

Does anyone know who will be the captain or GM on the Alaska summer cruises? We really enjoyed sailing and meeting Frank Galczy last year and thought he did such a stellar job that it would be lovely if he were to be aboard again.

All your advice will be much appreciated.

[MooseRCute]

Hi Elmwood,

For sure you're coming to AK when the weather is usually the most favorable, but as I always tell our visitors you have to prepared for any and everything and that can mean temps ranging from the mid-70s to the mid-50s during the day and sometimes even 40s at night as well as forecasts of brilliant sunshine to clouds, mist and pouring rain. We've lived here in AK since 2003 and I can tell you that none of our summers have been exactly alike. I tend to feel sorry for our meteorologists because predicting the weather here is a challenge indeed, lol. Layering is definitely the way to go and of course make sure you're prepared for inclement weather always.

As far as hiking boots, unless your excursions or plans call for some in-depth trekking I'd say what you described would work just fine. I have a pair of low top Merrills that I use when I do go hiking and they provide plenty of support and tread.

In Juneau you definitely have options if not doing a cruise-sponsored excursion. Mendenhall Glacier (they have a nature center there as well) would be accessable via rental car or taxi (there might be a shuttle - not sure though) and the Mt. Roberts Tramway is right near where the cruise ships dock. On a clear day a ride to the top of the mountain affords fabulous views of Gastineau Channel and there's some nice walking trails. Flight-seeing is available from various vendors downtown if that's something you're interested in. We did that one summer when we took a family trip to visit our capital. :)

The Alaska board here on CC always has great suggestions, too, so you might check that out for additional information. Enjoy your cruise!!

[Travelcat2]

Just wanted to mention that the excursion you are doing in Ketchikan was the best one we did in Alaska last year. It is worth paying the money to be able to dine in a small group in a special room as well as the wonderful float plane experience!

In terms of Franck Galzy (whom we adore), he will stay with the Mariner through drydock. Then I believe he has some time off and will then be on the Voyager through it's drydock (September). We have our fingers crossed that he will return to the Mariner after that.

In terms of the Captain, you should be in luck as Capt. McNeill usually does Alaska season on the Navigator. No guarantees since staff seems to move around quite a lot on the ships.

Have a wonderful cruise!

[alwayscoldmom]

I think Moosercute hit all the important parts. I just wanted to chime in and let you know that there is a city bus that goes from the port area to Mendenhall (but you need to be able to walk a bit because the bus stop doesn't drop you off right at the glacier).

Another idea for Juneau would be the Taku Glacier and flight seeing. I booked it on line before I went to Juneau and it was fantastic! When you fly over the glaciers you can see the blue color down into the cracks. You are given a nice Alaska Salmon lunch at the lodge. When I was there a black bear made an appearance during lunch (we were inside). I have also lived in Alaska since 2003 and I have a VERY healthy fear of bears but this was a really cool experience!

[elmwood]

Just wanted to mention that the excursion you are doing in Ketchikan was the best one we did in Alaska last year. It is worth paying the money to be able to dine in a small group in a special room as well as the wonderful float plane experience!


I remember you saying how much you had enjoyed it; the float plane makes me a little nervous, but I am sure it will be fine.

Thank you so much, alwayscoldmom and MooseRCute for your advice; it really is most helpful and much appreciated.