Clothing

[Granny137]

I am used to packing light for travel, and utilizing "layers" and interchangeable pants/tops etc. What kind of jacket is necessary for the Alaska cruises. Will a regular parka be sufficient or is a waterproof ski parka needed? Also, are sweats appropriate for day wear?

[Ethel5]

I am used to packing light for travel, and utilizing "layers" and interchangeable pants/tops etc. What kind of jacket is necessary for the Alaska cruises. Will a regular parka be sufficient or is a waterproof ski parka needed? Also, are sweats appropriate for day wear?

 

When are you going to Alaska? We went twice in May and once in Sept-didn't do the Denali thing - just a cruise. May was warmer than Sept which we found to be rainy. This past May it was really warm in Juneau and we walked around in t-shirts and jeans and could have worn shorts! I think a parka will be a bit of an over kill. I would suggest a sweatshirt and a wind breaker. The only time we felt cold was the morning we cruised the glacier-you are surrounded by ice! Sweats are fine, depending on when you're going or you will just need jeans etc.

[MercedMike]

The weather in Alaska is extremely variable. The thing to do is to dress in layers. I wear a t-shirt, short sleeve shirt, long sleeve wool shirt and a waterproof windbreaker, with a hat and gloves. Then I am ready for anything, and can take off layers on those nice sunny days! I don't think you will need a parka unless you plan on getting off the beaten track.

 

You can see the various styles of dress in our group in the pics at

Zuiderdam to Alaska

 

Have a GREAT cruise!

[Granny137]

The word "waterproof windbreaker" was what I was looking for. Thanks. We are sailing in September

[Pam in CA]

Definitely bring layers and for September, bring some warmer clothes.

[Shelly97060]

Alot depends on how warm blooded you are. I was on Dawn last week and when sailing Tracy Arm ( as well as one of the sea days) I was really happy to have my ski jacket and knit gloves.

 

On Port days windbreakers and sweatshirts were all that we needed. Just make sure you have something with a hood in case it rains.

 

If you decide not to bring a warm jacket and you get cold on deck you can get a wool deck blanket from the ship locker.