How cold on deck - Alaska cruise May 18th?

[Misueno]

We will be on the Century May 18th - May 25th... I have been checking temperatures for Juneau and they range from 39 degrees F to 59 degrees F... is it windy on the decks/balconies? should we bring along our warmer jackets or will a lightweight jacket with assorted sweaters work when outdoors? (On another note, is it even possible to use the pool at this time of year on an Alaska cruise?)

 

Seem like stupid questions even to me... but have never been on a cruise, much less to Alaska.

thank you

[packercruising]

The whole trick to dressing for Alaska that time of year is layers. How many depends on how much you like the cold to start with. One thing for sure, you are going to love it that time of year!

[aquaclass]

Taking an early season Alaskan cruise can be beautiful.

 

Yet you will need to pack many things to keep you warm while on deck or on your balcony. Gloves, hat, and a good pair of binoculars are a must when packing.

[aquaclass]

Taking an early season Alaskan cruise can be beautiful.

 

Yet you will need to pack many things to keep you warm while on deck or on your balcony. Gloves, hat, and a good pair of binoculars are a must when packing.

[voyager70]

Well I did an Alaska cruise in July & it was freezing on deck! That being said it is absolutely beautiful and you will love it. As others have posted dressing in layers is the key. I don't remember seeing anyone in the pools although the hot tubs were quite busy at times. Have a wonderful time!

[mpace58]

Depends on where the ship is. At most of the ports the temps were upper 50s, low 60s. While cruising in fjord to see the glaciers, it was cold! Probably upper 30s, low 40s.

 

But as others said - layers. I would usually start with a t-shirt, then a thermal or sweat shirt, and lastly a waterproof jacket. It can be pretty rainy in the spring/summer there. Where good hiking boots for walking, again for the cold and dampness.

 

About the pool - as I recall all the pools were closed. The hot tubs were very popular.

Edited May 1, 2014 by mpace58

[reefisher]

We have been to Alaska on a number of cruises. Be prepared for wind and rain, it may not happen but be prepared. I take a light weight unlined rain parka that folds into a pack, knit watch cap (essential for the wind and glaciers viewing), a zip up fleece jacket that serves as my main jacket for the whole cruise, a sweater good enough double at dinner, gloves, and if I plan on hiking a pair of light weight waterproof boots and rain pants. The parka and rain pants are light and take up little space and I have been so happy to have them on quite a few days. Essentially protect from wind and rain and then layers underneath to fit the variable temperature.

[Misueno]

Thank you all - really appreciate the responses...ok looks like I won't be packing "light" - I'd rather be comfortable so we can go out and enjoy the scenery... thanx

[Happy Cruiser 6143]

You can still pack light. Wear the fleece jacket (on the plane). Ditto with the hiking boots if you take them. One sweater is sufficient. A hat and gloves take up very little room. The waterproof stuff is essential, but takes up very little room. Allow for warm weather as well--last time we were in Juneau in May it was like summer. That can probably be handled with a lightweight long sleeved shirt that is part of your layering system. Layers are really the key in Alaska.

 

Also, if you're really freezing out on deck while at the glacier, there are blankets you can wrap up in. You definitely will not be using the outdoor pool. Too bad they took out the indoor pool when they re-did the Century.

 

Enjoy! My first cruise was to Alaska and I was hooked forever (both on Alaska and cruising).

[ClaudiaB]

Get one of those space bags where you compress out the air and bring a medium weight outer layer. Then you might want a fleece jacket and a long sleeve under that. You'll also want a tee under that. Definitely jeans are in order for Alaska.

We've taken several cruises to Alaska, all in August, and the day we are are at the glacier or fjord is freezing!!! There is ice floating in the water and all around you - of course it's cold!! They might offer the helipad for viewing. If they do, GO! Be one of the first and you'll get a good rail view. They'll sell hot chocolate or your butler can get some for you if you're in a suite.

 

Alaska cruises are different in that it's not the party atmosphere of a Caribbean cruise. There is a lot of binocular watching on the top decks, watching for whales and orca. The naturalist on board is usually excellent and does commentary at times. There's a more serene, laid-back, reflective atmosphere on board. Alaska is just special.

 

The main thing is don't spend a lot of time inside doing things you can do anywhere. In Alaska it's all about the beauty, the nature. If you have to get up very very early or stay up very late or miss a meal - do it. If they say that between 10 am and 2 pm is prime time for whale watching at a specific spot, that's what you want to do. Skip the casino and bingo and trivia when there is ever-changing beauty around you.

Bring your own binoculars, as good as you can get. The little cheap ones that are in the rooms are worthless. And bring all your camera equipment, lenses, filters - you'll have some treasured shots.

 

Spend as little time in the shops in port as possible - get out in nature! Have I mentioned that before??!!!

 

We did a whale watching tour in Juneau and have done flights over glaciers, etc. Well worth the $$ - I mean, how often are you going to get to do that??!!! A lot of the excursions are on the pricey side. Flight planes to get from place to place. Next time we're going to fly out to see bears. Apparently there are more pilots in Alaska than anywhere - you need a boat and a plane to get around there.

 

In Skagway we got on the White Pass railroad with a few of our fellow cruisers dressed in hiking gear and lots of layers. We got off the train just as it was starting to get really scenic - got lunches put together with some guides, got our Leki poles for hiking and headed out and up 3 or so miles over beautiful terrain crossing over rocks and streams up Laughton Glacier. Not do-able for everyone but a highlight. It was nearly sleeting when we came down and we were freezing and a drowned rat but what a day, what a day!!! This was actually a ship's tour and we typically book independently. Most people had stayed on the ship or just walked around the little town or rode up and back on the train up into the Yukon. Beautiful but it couldn't have been any prettier than what we saw and experienced climbing miles into the wilderness onto a glacier and in the forest.

 

Have a great time and if you need someone to be your personal luggage valet let us know, we'd love to go again!

[cruiserone]

We went a few years ago end of May and it was very warm!!! The only place we wore gloves, coats and scarves was in the Tongass Pass. Even at the Mendenhall Glacier we were sweating!!! I took a photo of the temp board and it was 80 degrees!!!!!!! Cool at night that you needed a jacket but the trip was rain free from Seattle to Seattle and all through Alaska!!!

 

We plan to take our oldest grandson when he turns 12 and plan to do it in May.

[snowmc]

We have been in May and the end of July. Both times, we manage to hit warm spells. Last May, took jackets to wear on deck while viewing glaciers...ended up taking them off. We actually got sunburned! That being said...you never know what the weather will be doing...changes daily. Take layers, plus gloves and hats. Here's hoping you don't need them! Enjoy Alaska...it is amazing and never the same!

[Misueno]

Thank you again. We are so looking forward to it,, our first cruise and off to Alaska!!

[TheMediaman]

We are on the same cruise and we live in Vancouver. The posters are correct; layers, prepare for anything and especially light showers to rain.

 

But we hit 83 here today in Vancouver away from the water. But it will be 65 and rainy on the weekend. Who knows what it will be on the 18th and even less of a clue what will be like on our trip.

 

But I will layer from shorts to thermals and everything in between and roll the dice from there.