Alaska cruise in mid July

[colesc15]

Going on our first Alaska cruise next week on Ovation! We're so excited. My question for those who have sailed in mid July.. What type of clothes do you usually pack? We're both from Wisconsin, so once it hits 60, we're generally in shorts because I generally run "warm". I know it can fluctuate in Alaska, but, should I be packing more warm weather clothes? Inside the ship at night, in the ac, I'd most likely be in shorts. We both plan on bringing a rain jacket and Waterproof Hiking boots. 

[5waldos]

I'd check one of the weather websites to see what the weather will actually be (or as best as they can guess). Some years it will be all but snowing, other years it will feel almost tropical. And consider what your excursions are- will you be hiking around glaciers? Or doing high altitude things?  The recommendation is always to pack layers to give yourself options. Personally I pack jeans or slacks for excursions (but I no longer wear shorts outside the house) and always have a sweater or sweatshirt with me incase of sudden changes in the weather. 

 

Checking the weather websites, they are showing that mostly it will be in the low 60's for much of your trip. BUT, there is also a special weather statement for most ports saying that there will be a heatwave with temperatures in the 80's in the more northern parts with temps in the mid 70s elsewhere. So for sure be prepared for some very warm weather. 

[tetleytea]

Sometimes I have underdressed and I just buy one of those cheap $5 t-shirts in the shops.  Wear two T-shirts.

 

[rkacruiser]

I have sailed in mid to late July for many of my Alaskan cruises.  Having some clothing for both cool and rainy weather as well as for warm, sunny weather is what I always pack.  I do lean more on the "cool/rainy" side than the "warm/sunny" side, however.   During my most recent Alaska visit (pre-Covid), I took only one pair of shorts and that was all of that type of clothing that I needed.  (That covered two 7 day cruises and a week+ visiting my Nephew and his family in Anchorage.)   

 

Rain gear is a must along with a good pair of walking shoes.  

[Dancing Shoes]

My neighbor is in Ketchikan right now.  She said the other day they had shorts on.  Keep in mind, being out on deck while ship is moving can be chilly.  You are wise to bring rain gear and waterproof shoes.  I get cold easy, so I bring gloves, hat, and long underwear bottoms just in case.  I may bring capris.  I like jeans.

[jskinsd]

I love it when you all talk about what to wear in Alaska.  I laugh at all the new gear you buy to wear on a cruise ship. It is like a fashion show.  Go out and buy that top dollar gear for probably a one time use.  Unless you live in San Diego (where the weather is always nice), look in your closet.  What really do you need?  Don't you already have rain gear at home?  Are hiking boot really necessary?  Are they comfortable?  Will you use them after the cruise?  Are they a need or a want?

So go to Macy's and knock yourself out buying that top dollar gear and don't for the matching hat, scarf and gloves or go to the thrift store and get what you may need for a one time use.  Poncho, rain jacket, umbrella, cane for walking, backpack, small luggage, etc.  You would be surprised what treasures you may find.✌️

[colesc15]

17 minutes ago, jskinsd said:

I love it when you all talk about what to wear in Alaska.  I laugh at all the new gear you buy to wear on a cruise ship. It is like a fashion show.  Go out and buy that top dollar gear for probably a one time use.  Unless you live in San Diego (where the weather is always nice), look in your closet.  What really do you need?  Don't you already have rain gear at home?  Are hiking boot really necessary?  Are they comfortable?  Will you use them after the cruise?  Are they a need or a want?

So go to Macy's and knock yourself out buying that top dollar gear and don't for the matching hat, scarf and gloves or go to the thrift store and get what you may need for a one time use.  Poncho, rain jacket, umbrella, cane for walking, backpack, small luggage, etc.  You would be surprised what treasures you may find.✌️

Thanks for your wonderful insight.. You must be a blast to be around 🙄

[jskinsd]

22 minutes ago, colesc15 said:

Thanks for your wonderful insight.. You must be a blast to be around 🙄

So how do you think the climate will be different than where you live?  Is it cold and wet or hot and sunny.  In Alaska you can be on the top deck, do a 360 degree circle and experience winter, spring, summer and fall(well maybe not to much).  It could be raining and 50 degrees and one hour later sunny and 75 the next.   I was on the iceberg cruise.  Two weeks sunny and no rain maybe a few clouds.  SoCal weather.   And then again I have been on a B2B with two weeks all rain.  You dress in comfortable layers(like the clothes you wear at home).  I live in San Diego.  It rarely rains.  Shorts, t-shirt and flip flops.  I own one heavy jacket that I only wear to Alaska.  No need to get new gear. And no matter how much you prepare, you always forget something.  I'm sure you will figure it out.✌️

[5waldos]

Getting new gear for a vacation, cruise or otherwise, is a part of the experience for many people. Alaska or the tropics makes no difference. 

[colesc15]

22 minutes ago, 5waldos said:

Getting new gear for a vacation, cruise or otherwise, is a part of the experience for many people. Alaska or the tropics makes no difference. 

Agreed! I'm a gambler, so at least I'm getting something for my money when I buy random stuff as opposed to losing thousands in a casino in a night which I've done hundreds of times. 

[Monica887]

We are here now. Mostly I'm wearing jeans and tshirt, and a hoodie goes on and off throughout the day. I brought and used the windbreaker in addition for whale watching and walking on a glacier. On the glacier I would have also liked gloves and hat (airline lost our luggage so we didn't have any 🙃). I did go in the hot tub and the kids have gone in the pool. 

[KansCocoa]

I live in Florida, so no, I don’t have appropriate clothing in my closet for Alaska. We don’t wear raincoats in the rain; I don’t own any hiking shoes; and my layers would consist of tank top over another tank top…and pants? We don’t need pants in Florida. 🙂

 

So, as others have said, half the fun in going on vacation is getting new clothes. These photos from our trip will be priceless, so excuse me for wanting to look like an Instagram model in them. 🙂

[itsanita]

5 hours ago, KansCocoa said:

I live in Florida, so no, I don’t have appropriate clothing in my closet for Alaska. We don’t wear raincoats in the rain; I don’t own any hiking shoes; and my layers would consist of tank top over another tank top…and pants? We don’t need pants in Florida. 🙂

 

So, as others have said, half the fun in going on vacation is getting new clothes. These photos from our trip will be priceless, so excuse me for wanting to look like an Instagram model in them. 🙂

YES!!  Someone says layer to me, that means put a cover up over my bathing suit.  But it's fun to wear sweatpants and jeans and boots for us.  A change of pace.   Our friends take 2 carry ons, we take humongous suitcases... filled to the brim.   I always take way more than I need.