Packing for Alaska

[cj013]

I am going on the Volendam to Alaska the beginning of August. We are doing the land part of the trip first and the cruise last. How do I pack for a trip like this, I have been told by some people that I will need two separate bags, one for the land trip and the other for the ship. I am guessing that what I wear on the land part of the trip will be different than that on the ship. Has anyone done this type of trip before? Will I be lugging all this luggage around on the land trips. I would be very greatful for some advice on how to pack.

[RuthC]

Your daywear likely will be the same on both land tour and shipboard; it's the evening wear that will be used on the ship that you won't need on land. There will be two formal and 5 "smart casual" evenings on a one-week cruise. Also, you may not have the need for jackets and gloves inland, but will at times at sea.
I suggest you separate out those things that won't be needed on the land portion into one suitcase then live out of the other until you reach the ship.

When I took an Alaska cruise/tour all my luggage was schlepped for me. I was given a time to have it outside my hotel door and didn't touch it again (except for my carry-on) until it was delivered to my new hotel room the next night.

[hikergirl]

I packed everything in one suitcase. I wore the same things for the ship as I did for the Denali extension, except for the formal night. Smart casual can be just about anything except for shorts. I saw jeans and capris in the Rotterdam on "smart casual" nights. The night before your land extension, you need to have your suitcase out in the hall at a certain time (12 midnight for us). Then you just pack what you need the next morning in a small duffel or backpack. When you arrive at your next hotel, your suit case will be there waiting for you. No need to use two suitcases. The only items that I didn't use were my "smart casual" outfits and my swim suit. (Kids were always in the pool and hot tubs).