Alaska weather question

[margaritawoman]

We are leaving on the Zuiderdam 8/26, 3 couples, Sister & DH, Me & DH, Mom & Dad. Mom & Dad are in their 80's. Will they be comfortable to sit on the balcony in jeans, sweaters & light jackets? Will they need heavy coats? We will be doing a lumberjack show & train ride. Most of the time they will want to sit on balcony and enjoy the view. I just don't want them to get cold. Thanks for you advice.

[twiceblessed]

The weather on our Westerdam trip July 30th - August 6th varied quite a bit. Glacier Bay was very cold and rainy, as was Juenau. Ketchikan was mild with no rain and so was Sitka. Layers are important. We used our light rain jackets alot and warmer jackets occasionally. We also took hats and gloves which were used for Glacier Bay (only when outside) and Dog Sledding. Lots of on and off with clothes. For the balcony, we discovered soft blankets in the hidden drawer under the bed and I used that to bundle up in the morning if I wanted to watch the view on our balcony. My children had blankets in the stool which has a hidden compartment and they were also in the overhead storage above the sofa. Their blankets were different then ours, perhaps made out of wool.

[RuthC]

Alaska weather is a crap-shoot. One week can be cold and the next hot, and the next.... So it's best to be prepared.

Either have heavy clothes in case it's cold, or be ready to go inside for a while. Layering is always the best suggestion. A flat-knit sweater, covered by a sweatshirt, covered by a jacket. Add blanket as necessary. :D

Gloves are a necessity; a hat is good to have.

A day's worth of hot-weather clothes will also come in handy.

[Krazy Kruizers]

As others have said - Alaskan weather can vary - we had a lot of rain on our back-to-back cruises this past June.

 

We did back-to-back cruises the end of Aug/first part of Sept in 2003. The first week we had great weather - the second week - cooler and more rain.

 

You never can tell about Alaska.

[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!

 

We just came back from a wonderful cruise on the Zuiderdam. My dear 93 y o aunt just loves to sit on the balcony and watch the water and scenery. You can see the way we were dressed at Zuiderdam Cruise

 

I know you will love the Zuiderdam and have a GREAT cruise!

[RedmondCruiser]

It's like a box of chocoletes - you never know what your going to get. Did a back to back in 2004 and it rained the whole way up and it was in the 80's all the way back (pool area was full). Just be prepared and layer your clothing. In nine Alaska cruises I have yet to find the necessity of having a heavy coat though.

[Krazy Kruizers]

If your parents like to sit out on the verandah, and there isn't a wool blanket in their cabin, either get them from the pool area (sometimes they hide them) or ask the cabin steward for them.

[cruzcactus]

I am use to upper 100's temps, I guess I will freeze next month!!!!!!!!

Will hiking boots be o.k. for the temps? Do I really need a heavy coat or is a light lined coat? Also I sure hope I can do some swimming on the ship. I seen on-line that the Westerdam does have a covered pool, besides the indoor spa pool. Is that true?:eek: :eek:

[Sueseb]

We were in Alaska in Sept. and were told it was "rainy season". The weather was beautiful -- misty the day we were in Juneau but that is all. However, I would advise a rain poncho, just in case. I never needed more than a lined jacket with a sweatshirt in Glacier Bay. Have a geat time --

Alaska is so beautiful.

[CruisinGrams]

CRUZCACTUS - The Westerdam does have two pools, one aft of the Lido Cafe which has the closing roof, as well as the hydrotherapy pool. You won't freeze if you dress in layers as everyone has said. We went on the Westerdam the third week in May and took along T-shirts, sweatshirts, fleece jacket and a rain jacket. Variations of the combinations were what we planned but we had terrific weather except for wind and the rain jacket acted as a great windbreaker with a light sweatshirt underneath. We did not take gloves as we did not go out onto the glaciers but it certainly wasn't needed. The Lumberjack Show in Ketchikan has overhead heaters for the stands but it was pretty windy the day we were there. We spent a lot of time out on our balcony so we were just a step away from warmth if it became cold. We did not see one winter parka but 3-season jackets that zip apart were very popular. They also sell great fleece jackets on the ship and they are a great souvenir to take home. Watch for their poolside sale.

[Tinknock50]

Agree about the layering. I also bring a scarf to keep the cold air from seeping in around the top of the jacket. Remember you are floating in a big bowel of ice in Glacier Bay so even when the sun is shining there can be cold breezes.

I have a sweatshirt lined hooded windbreaker that works well most of the time. If it is really cold, add the flannel shirt underneath and then the scarf and gloves.

 

I know some of these things take space in your bags, but it would be a real shame you couldn't enjoy the fantastic Alaskan scenery because you are shivering! Maybe eliminate the second set of formal wear to make room?

[RuthC]

Maybe eliminate the second set of formal wear to make room?

You must mean wear the same thing twice, right? 'cause you couldn't possibly be suggesting someone skip the second formal night. :eek:

Right? :confused: That's when the lobster is served!

[Tinknock50]

You must mean wear the same thing twice, right? 'cause you couldn't possibly be suggesting someone skip the second formal night. :eek:

Right? :confused: That's when the lobster is served!

 

Yes ......wear the same thing twice.:)

 

Do you think I would be crazy enough to suggest skipping lobster night!!! LOL

 

This is something I wonder about and was hoping you ladies could answer.

Do you look at women on the second formal night and think to yourself...."look at her, she is wearing the same thing!" ?

Or don't you really notice or remember what she wore the 1st night?

[RuthC]

This is something I wonder about and was hoping you ladies could answer.

Do you look at women on the second formal night and think to yourself...."look at her, she is wearing the same thing!" ?

Of course I notice! I'm a woman; that's what we do.

So, I do notice if I've seen a particular outfit before, but never with a judgement that's it's being worn again.

I do make a judgement as to how much I like any outfit that I see---I particularly notice the jewelry and shoes.

I've taken many long cruises, so it's common to see an outfit repeated. And several times I've met up with people from past cruises. There are some outfits I actually look forward to seeing again.

[donaldquackers]

I just returned from the Zaandam last week. It drizzled most of the days. Each day had times when it was warmer, but each day had cold times too. We got into a routine of cold in the morning, pleasant from 11 to 2 and then back to cold. It was also fairly windy. I went with my 75 year old aunt. I always bring a small blanket from home with me. I use it in the evening at the shows etc, to make me more comfortable. After the first night my aunt wanted one too so we used the one form the pool area. Other guest started asking us where they could get a blanket too. I personally was fine in my layers, and went indoors or outdoors depending on the weather. My aunt however was quite cold, kept a sweatshirt on at all times, wrapped in a blanket or a coat and still complained about the cold. I even resorted to keeping the heater turned on. We had a balcony which I sat on for many hours, but she only came out for brief moments. You know your family best. If they chill easily be prepared.

[Tinknock50]

Of course I notice! I'm a woman; that's what we do.

 

So, I do notice if I've seen a particular outfit before, but never with a judgement that's it's being worn again.

I do make a judgement as to how much I like any outfit that I see---I particularly notice the jewelry and shoes.

I've taken many long cruises, so it's common to see an outfit repeated. And several times I've met up with people from past cruises. There are some outfits I actually look forward to seeing again.

 

Thanks for the observation Ruth.:)

 

Let hear some more opinions on this ladies, an enquiring mind wants to know.:)