Leaving in a week, how does this sound for packing?

[moofus]

We will be leaving Vancouver Sunday the 10th for 7 days on Serenade of the seas.

for the sea days I am planning on jeans, flannel shirt and jacket when needed and socks and "closed in" shoes( you have to specify that here in Fl since we dread wearing anything "closed in":) ) and a jooging type suit for one of the sea days

For whale watching,,,, jeans, flannel shirt, fleece lined vest, fleece lined jacket, shoes and knee socks

For Skagaway, train trip,,,, same as above, but new clean dry ones,

For Float plane through Misty Fjords,,,, well,.... same thing, different color

I am also taking hats and scarves and gloves for Hubbard Glacier.... will I be warm enough?

I tend to be very warm all the time naturally, and don't like the feeling of being all puffed up with sweatshirts and heavy jackets...

[tleeg]

hhmm...i guess that sounds fine to me.

[goldenprincess53]

We just returned from cruise last weekend. We had a lot of misty rain (not downpour) and would recommend that whatever you bring should be waterproof. Sounds like you have the "warm clothes" taken care of, but in case of rain/mist weather you may want to keep the dampness out.

 

Regardless of the weather, it is a beautiful place to visit, and expecially if you are from Florida - you will see a real contrast!!

[swtpnk]

We are from FL also, and really looking forward to seeing, and being in the cooler weather.. its exciting!!! and hopeing to see a bit of snow, since i have only seen it on the ground, never snowing in action.. hoping our excursion goes far enough north to see that pretty white stuff as you call it.. :)

 

diane

[moofus]

We just returned from cruise last weekend. We had a lot of misty rain (not downpour) and would recommend that whatever you bring should be waterproof. Sounds like you have the "warm clothes" taken care of, but in case of rain/mist weather you may want to keep the dampness out.

 

Regardless of the weather, it is a beautiful place to visit, and expecially if you are from Florida - you will see a real contrast!!

 

Waterproof clothes?

I am planning to bring 2 windbreaker, nylon type jackets. They aren't waterproof, but are like all weather jackets. Is that okay? I am bringing 2 so one can dry while I wear the other one. Someone mentioned the over pants that are waterproof, but for 100.00 a pair, :eek: and DH and I would both need a pair, well, I decided to just chance it in my Jeans, and bring enough so they can dry or be sent out for laundry.

[Stokeset]

Try the Dollar Tree or Dollar Store for the disposalble rain ponchos-- 2/pk for a buck. You can toss when you're finished and they're packed tight until you need 'em. Got that hint from my sister!

[RetireeWannabee]

Even Dick's Sporting Goods, which I usually find to be too expensive, had complete rain suits for $30 last week. No way would I pay $100 for just the pants!

 

I did buy some waterproofing spray and have done my hiking boots, my safari hat and backpack. My windpants are already water repellant.

[stired]

Found waterproof pants online for $24.95!

[moofus]

Okay, what exactly are water proof pants. Are they like plastic?

Do you put them on over your other pants,,, I know, sounds dumb, but I am perplexed:confused:

[NorthernVAPirate]

I'm a very warm natured person, so I packed 2 pair of shorts in case we had warm weather. The only day that I could have worn them was in Skagway. The temps were in the upper 60's and sunny. Everywhere we went, from Fairbanks to Icy Strait, we were told that we had the best weather of the season. Even though the air temp on the ship hovered around 52 degrees, the wind chill was easily in the lower 40's. It gets VERY windy on the ship so pack warm clothes for walks on the decks.

[flyingpirate]

Pirate -

 

Was this recently?

 

As you can tell by my countdown, I'm ready to go!

[Beth 2001]

I bought the expensive Columbia waterproof/breathable jacket with removable fleecer inner jacket, but refused to pay for Gore-tex or other waterproof pants. I found some cotton-lined nylon windpants at TJ Maxx for $9.99 and wore them over my jeans. They worked perfectly, and I just took them off and put them in my backpack when I didn't need them.

 

I think that any exercise-type windpant will work (try Target or Wal-Mart, too). The rain isn't driving (like a Florida thunderstorm). It's more of a drizzle. I even wore the same non-waterproof tennis shoes every day and never noticed them being particularly wet!

[swtpnk]

HI All,

your replies are so valuable... question from Me now... when you waterproof your pants, etc with the spray, is it true that they are warmer? no wind can get through the waterproofing?? I heard that a while back.

diane

[texascruiser4]

We were on the Coral Princess from 8/21 to 8/28. When we were in Glacier Bay, I wore insulated underwear, jeans, shirt, coat and a rainsuit (ordered online for about $30). My husband used his golf rainsuit.

I also wore a scarf and hat. We stayed on the open deck at the front of deck 10 or were on our balcony most of the day. It was cold, rainy and very windy. We were in Alaska to see wildlife and we saw a lot of animals; however, could not have stayed out without the proper clothes. In Juneau, it was pouring rain. It finally stopped during our whale watch tour; however, it started pouring rain again at the end of our Mendenhall Glacier tour. Our rainsuits saved us.

[Langley Cruisers]

Waterproof clothes?

I am planning to bring 2 windbreaker, nylon type jackets. They aren't waterproof, but are like all weather jackets. Is that okay?

 

Since you're asking us, my advice is no, it won't be dry enough if it rains harder than a drizzle. We cruised Alaska in August and it was a great vacation, but in 2 of the ports it rained like I have never seen it rain before. Ketchikan was the wettest I have ever been in my life. I don't say this to bring you down - I say this so you will be prepared if it does rain.

 

We took a plastic rain suit each - about 6 bucks at a discount store here in Vancouver. Yes, plastic - it was the only thinkg that kept us dry. Warmth wasn't the concern; it was August and we were never cold, but once you get wet, things can really become uncomfortable.

 

I suggest the windbreakers, yes, but also try and find the rain suits. Hopefully it won't be too much money. I wouldn't spend more than 20 dollars each suit, if you can find them.

 

As stated in so many previous threads about clothing on this Alaska board, dress in layers that can be taken off and put in your backpack. It's more comfortable than wearing one heavy fleece jacket.

 

I've read and answered several of your threads - please do have a great time and try not to be worrying so much. :) Alaska is gorgeous - God's country. It's so beautiful there, and a cruise is such an amazing vacation in general. Try and find the rain suits, but if you can't, don't stress about it.

 

~Karen

[NorthernVAPirate]

Pirate -

 

Was this recently?

 

As you can tell by my countdown, I'm ready to go!

 

The past two weeks. We arrived in Fairbanks on Aug 21 and flew home this past Saturday, Sept 2.

[Budget Queen]

You also need hats and gloves. I agree, windbreakers wont' make it in your timeframe, unless you layer them with a couple sweatshirts etc. Good rain gear is essential and 2 pair of walking shoes.

[RetireeWannabee]

Okay, what exactly are water proof pants. Are they like plastic?

Do you put them on over your other pants,,, I know, sounds dumb, but I am perplexed:confused:

 

Think Yellow Slicker of old - with pants like fishermen might wear (not hip waders, think of the guys on the boat hauling in the nets of fish).

 

My rain suit is, regrettably, that awful Yellow, but it's still good and I can't see replacing it until it rips or something. It's outwear, I put it on over what I'm already wearing. It's either plastic or rubber (shoot, maybe both?!??), but completely water proof, as opposed to some water repellant fabrics.

 

I'm taking it because I'm not certain that my wind pants will repel the water and save me from having a wet butt. I want to be CERTAIN because I don't want to waste time having to go back to the cabin.

[Travelight]

I haven't used these yet because our cruise isn't until Sept. 16, but I think they'll work fine. Here's the link.

 

www.BobWards.com

[Cruisechick82]

We just got back. Temps were in the 50s and it rained all day in Juneau. We carried an umbrella in Juneau and stayed dry except for the bottom of my jeans got wet. I know people say not to wear jeans because they take awhile to dry, but I don't own any pants besides jeans!

 

I wore a waterproof, lined windbreaker type jacket, but the lining kept me plenty warm and I'm normally freezing. I didn't bring a hat as I had a hood on my jacket, but I did wear my gloves several times. Cruising up to Hubbard, the wind was pretty cold and fierce.

[Bucky3]

As another poster above suggested, just buy one of those poncho type raincoats that are very cheap, very easy to pack, and can be thrown over whatever warm clothes you are wearing to keep you dry. I never found an umbrella useful as on our rainy days (not this year) up there it was also SO WINDY in Juneau and Ketchikan that an umbrella was of no use at all. We just put on those plastic ponchos and were good for the day. No reason to buy expensive rain gear unless you can use it at home. Have a wonderful time!

[moofus]

Thanks everyone for answering. I am going to try to find the pancho things at a sporting good or dollar store. I'll probably forego the rubber/plastic pants and tough it out.

I generally do all the carrying stuff around for both DH and myself. So I'll already be weighted down. The plastic pancho things already in a bag sounds good. I just pulled out all my winter clothes,,, I have enough, and don't have to go shopping again ( dread the thought!). I found the Thermax socks in my old sking stuff and a few cashmire type( wool) scarves that my SIL made for us last year when we went to Reno. Thanks again

I am so looking forward to starting to pack tomorrow!:)

[moofus]

Since you're asking us, my advice is no, it won't be dry enough if it rains harder than a drizzle. We cruised Alaska in August and it was a great vacation, but in 2 of the ports it rained like I have never seen it rain before. Ketchikan was the wettest I have ever been in my life. I don't say this to bring you down - I say this so you will be prepared if it does rain.

 

We took a plastic rain suit each - about 6 bucks at a discount store here in Vancouver. Yes, plastic - it was the only thinkg that kept us dry. Warmth wasn't the concern; it was August and we were never cold, but once you get wet, things can really become uncomfortable.

 

I suggest the windbreakers, yes, but also try and find the rain suits. Hopefully it won't be too much money. I wouldn't spend more than 20 dollars each suit, if you can find them.

 

As stated in so many previous threads about clothing on this Alaska board, dress in layers that can be taken off and put in your backpack. It's more comfortable than wearing one heavy fleece jacket.

 

I've read and answered several of your threads - please do have a great time and try not to be worrying so much. :) Alaska is gorgeous - God's country. It's so beautiful there, and a cruise is such an amazing vacation in general. Try and find the rain suits, but if you can't, don't stress about it.

 

~Karen

 

Karen, thanks for all your responses.:) No more stress! I do tend to be a little OCD about vacations and packing... and this time I am pacing for DH since he'll be out of town until the night before we leave...so I am trying to get everything done... thanks agaain for your responses and I will have a fabulous time!!!

[yoshi]

I was very concerned about the cold and rain because I am from San Diego. I brought way too many sweaters! It only rained on us in Juneau- I wore a nice jogging type outfit with only a long sleeve t-shirt and then a weather-proof jacket with a hood (bought about a month ago at Costco for less than $30-it turned out to be perfect, shed the rain, wasn't too warm). Remember the indoor areas in the ship are heated so you want some "normal" clothes. They also have tons of inexpensive t-shirts for sale at every port if you don't bring enough.

I did wear shorts while cruising one day, found a spot on an aft sun deck protected from the wind, read my "Alaska" book then fell asleep it was perfect.

Seattle was very warm pre and post cruise, shorts were best.

Have an awesome trip!