May 8 to Alaska - Questions

[Petronillus]

DW and I are set for the 7-day cruise out of Seattle on the Zaandam. It is, I believe, the very beginning of the Alaska cruise season, on May 8. We have a verandah cabin midship on the Verandah deck. It will be our very first exposure to Alaska.
My questions are:
1. Will the verandah be of any use to us while the ship is underway? I'm thinking that between the air temperature, the sea breezes, and the wind from the ship's motion, it will be too cold to enjoy for more than brief periods of time. Is that correct?
2. DW and I are inveterate walkers, and the uninterrupted circuit that the teak Lower Promenade deck makes is a big plus for us. But, by the same token as Question 1, should we expect that the weather will interfere with early-morning walks? And how about dining al fresco on the Lido?
3. I know it's practically impossible to pack for every contingency. So, assuming that I must make a choice between a cloth spring jacket (and multiple layers of other clothing) and my leather bomber jacket, which one should I bring? Or should I leave both of them home and invest in a hooded, water-repellent Gore-Tex jacket?
I had already decided on the cloth jacket when some friends mentioned that they had taken an Alaska cruise in August. While on deck watching the splendors of Glacier Bay, with the wind whipping off the glaciers, the rain felt like ice pellets and they were glad to have their winter scarves, gloves, hats, and coats.
We would appreciate hearing your insights and advice.

[CowPrincess]

invest in a hooded, water-repellent Gore-Tex jacket?


YES! :)

should we expect that the weather will interfere with early-morning walks?

You're hardy northern folks. So I suspect that if you like to walk, you'll be able to manage the weather on deck. Though it can be windy. We managed to get lots of laps done each day last May going to Alaska. Except for the Gale Force 8 day -- we didn't think it was safe to be out then (too much rockin' and rollin')

[garydm]

First thing to remember is the weather is Alaska is totally unpredictable. We have had our best weather when on the first ship in late April and our worst weather in August. I would definitely echo cow person's advice and do the layering with a waterproof jacket with hood at some point. You are bound to have rain somewhere.

We walk the deck alot also. I have found a "watch cap" or stocking cap to be great given the winds - it keeps your head warm and does not blow off.

You will certainly have less use of your verandah in Alaska than Mexico but it is nice to have for glacier viewing, coming in and out of port, etc. On our April trip a few years ago it included Tracy Arm and we spent most of that day on the verandah in T shirts and shorts. On our August trip we barely went out there. YMMV.

Gary

[chip1969]

Was on the Noordam this time in 2007 and it was very cold on the balcony 5 minutes out of Seattle. I would recommend layers, hoodies, good hats, gloves, scarves, as well as a waterproof top layer (I had an Anorak from the Gap). Absolutely have a good pair of sunglasses for Glacier Bay. I could barely keep my eyes open from the glare. Was able to walk many times on the Promenade deck but it was still very cold and required layers.

The GoreTex jacket would be a good idea. I have invested in a good waterproof down jacket for the next trip. But of course everything is cold to me as I live in Florida. ;-)

You will have a WONDERFUL time. Will be leaving a week after you on the Zuiderdam from Vancouver this time to take my Mom for her birthday.

[Krazy Kruizers]

We cruised in May last year -- just about the same time you are going.

We have Gore Tex jackets with zip out linings.

We didn't use our verandah too much -- mostly as we enter and left ports and all through Glacier Bay.

Yes you can have dinner in the Lido.

[jtl513]

And how about dining al fresco on the Lido?If you mean by the Lido pool, that really isn't very al fresco, as the roof often isn't open very far ... or closed entirely ... if the outdoor temps are low. If you mean out on the Lido deck stern terrace, that will probably be too chilly.

[dandro]

I found this thread very helpful also because we, too, are going to AK, at the end of May on the Westerdam and were wondering what kind of outerwear to bring.
Thanks to all for the info, and thanks to Petronillus for asking the questions!

[Petronillus]

I appreciate your tips. Yes, we are thick-blooded Northerners just emerging from what has seemed like the endless winter, so we're pretty well suited to brave the elements. I will make the investment in a gore-tex hooded jacket with a zip-out lining. I didn't know that the Lido pool and surrounding area, including the restaurant, would be enclosed. Again, thanks for sharing your experiences and tips!

[mtnmusic]

The only use we made of our Veranda balcony was while in Glacier Bay. Most of the time we were on the Observation Deck if we wanted to see much of anything. On a cruise to Alaska at this time of year I'm not sure the balcony is worth the extra expense unless you get a deal.

[brucory]

We were quite shocked with a heat wave and sunny skies in May in the Seattle, Canada, Alaska parts. We had sunny days almost everyday...
Take the UV lotion and your warmest coats... It really is very unpredictable, but you will not regret the balcony... We loved ours, even on the coldest days... there are blankets etc. The scenery is too good not to see and hear out in the open (hope that makes sense - it does to me!!!)

:D:D:D

[brucory]

The only use we made of our Veranda balcony was while in Glacier Bay. Most of the time we were on the Observation Deck if we wanted to see much of anything. On a cruise to Alaska at this time of year I'm not sure the balcony is worth the extra expense unless you get a deal.

The only time we didnt use our balcony was at the glacier cruising. We enjoyed the other parts of the ship for this time, so we could have a full view of everything going on at all sides!!!

:D:D:D

[mamadot]

We cruise Alaska in May and September and always manage our early walks on deck. It may be brisk but beautiful! We will be leaving on the 13th of May this year!

[Himself]

It is always good to bring binoculars to Alaska. the weather is unpredictable in Alaska

[grsnovi]

Two years ago, June, Oosterdam...

...I loved our verandah in the early morning for whale watching between us and the shore as we slowly made our way into ports - but it was chilly (still).

DW and I love to do laps and (in June) it was nippy.

You'll want a jacket of some sort thats for sure!

[ideastoday]

I agree with the previous comments. We went in September, which is pretty equivalent to May. It's kind of hard to predict Alaska weather, but you are likely to see some rain and cold. We had pretty good weather and I don't get cold easily. Most times on shore I wore jeans and a t-shirt very comfortably, and had only a light rain jacket in case of showers. But with the ship moving and the constant wind associated with that, even I was pretty chilly on deck. That said, walking on deck was very doable with a medium jacket during daylight hours.

The only time I was truly cold was in Glacier Bay. The glaciers bring the temp down considerably, and you'll want to be outside for extended periods to take in the scenery. You'll probably want to have a good heavy hooded jacket and heavy gloves available. Most people were wearing as much clothing as they could that day. Other times, you may be able to get by with much lighter clothing. I never wore anything heavy on land, but if you have your heavy coat available, you'll be prepared if your weather isn't as good as ours.

Good luck and enjoy!