anyone done alaska??

[smmast]

well, we are leaving this friday for our cruise to alaska through dvc on holland america. has anyone done this cruise?(with or without dvc) trying to plan to pack, any suggestions for this time of year?

 

[travelbug]

Oooh, I'm jealous! I'd love to go back to Alaska. I did an Alaskan cruise 7 years ago on a Celebrity ship. We went in June. Plan on things you can layer. We had temps between the 50s and 80s. Most of the time we were comfortable in short sleeve shirts and slacks. I've heard that black flies can be an issue in July and August in Alaska, so some good insect repellant is a good idea. Be sure to take along binoculars for a closer look at bald eagles, moose, whales, etc. We were also glad we had brought along cameras that could take panoramic pictures. The scenery is spectacular, and a regular size picture just doesn't do it justice sometimes.

Have a wonderful time, and tell us all about it when you're back!

 

[bobbiwoz]

Oh, you'll have a wonderful time. We went earlier in July a few years ago, and at this later time, I'll bet you will be able to see more of the salmon runs.

I agree with everything travelbug listed. Raingear is essential, I hope you don't need it, but we did.

I will never see enough bald eagles, they are awesome!

Bobbi

 

[rocketriter]

Please post a trip report when you return.

 

[debloco]

We went two years ago in the middle of August for our 15th anniversary. We were on Celebrity's Summit though not HAL. I don't remember black flies or other insects being a problem (and I'm pretty bug-phobic), but it's always good to be prepared. If your ship offers it, I would highly recommend doing the "bear watching" excursion. It was offered in Ketichan on our cruise, expensive but worth every penny. Would also recommend a "helicopter glacier trek". My DH wouldn't go due to the helicopter part, but for me it was one of the coolest things I've ever done! We also had a range of temps on our cruise, some days in the upper 70's and others only in the 50's. The further north we got, the colder the weather was and the more cloudy and rainy it became. We were glad we had winter coats, hats and gloves. Binoculars for each of you, definitely. The wildlife and scenery are breathtaking! Have an awesome trip!

CLC Tiger Pom Mom

 

[jekjones1558]

We also did Celebrity to Alaska, in July. We only used winter coats and gloves on the day the ship passed Hubbard Glacier. Other than that, 55° to 75°. Also loved the helicopter landing on a glacier. DH loved the salmon fishing trip in Juneau but I loved spending the day in Juneau (my favorite port). The sea otters were fun to watch while sitting on our veranda. Have a great time. Wish I were going too.

 

[ripleysmom]

We're going next year but not through DVC. Taking RCCL to Hubbard Glacier, etc.

 

[buzz5985]

I have also cruised to Alaska but on Princess Line many years ago. I went 4th of July week, and layers worked for us, and one day it actually reached 88. A heat wave. I would also recommend the helicopter ride and walking on the glacier. And if you visit Skagway - the small gage railroad that follows the Klondike Trail into Canada.

The one thing I wished I had packed when we were in glacier bay - was a light pair of gloves. An Isotoner type driving glove. My hands were getting cold snapping all those wonderful pictures.

Janis

 

[Mary Ellen]

We've sailed on HAL a number of times, including 4 times to Alaska (not using DVC though). We also bring some silk long underwear (bought at REI), since one NEVER knows what the weather will be like in Alaska. It can be very warm and you'll be in shorts every day, or it can be on the 'nippy' side and the wind is cutting through your jeans. Since the silk is so thin it fits neatly under clothes and takes up NO space in a suitcse. We actually take 'the silks' about every time we travel. We rarely need them, but when we do, we are SO thankful we have them.

Particularly when at the glacier(s) we've spent the whole time outdoors. When it is on the cool side, it doesn't take much movement of the ship to create a chilly breeze. We'e found that keeping our heads covered (coat hood/hat) makes us much more comfortable outdoors for long periods.

HAL is a more 'traditional' cruise line. We've rarely seen men on formal nights without a coat & tie. Usually it's been running about 50/50 dark suits and tuxes. DH used to take a dark suit, but lately he prefers renting a tux through Cruiseline Formalwear as the tux is delivered to the cabin - less to pack. It is picked up from the cabin too.

If they have an 'informal' night, it is not 'casual'. It is 'not-formal'. Confused the heck out of us the first time. The daily program will say something along the lines that men are requested to wear jacket/sport coat, tie optional.

Have a GREAT time. The scenery is beautiful rain or shine.

 

[Minybear]

We are going on our very first -non-disney vacation to Alaska through DVC on 8/28. We are very excited. We are going on the Zaahdam and doing the inside passage. Flying into Vancouver BC the night prior and staying at the Pan Pacific Hotel.

When I was first researching about going to Alaska I posted this. Go to this link: http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?s=&threadid=330252

Hi Mary Ellen we meet again on this board .

 

[dcannon101]

We did the Inside Passage on HAL with our DVC points in May this year. It was totally awesome. We upgraded to a veranda room and it was well worth the extra $$$. The Zaandam is a beautiful ship and you will have a great time. The food is the best I have had on any ship.

When we went in May the weather was perfect. It was 60 degrees when we were in cruising the glaciers and 80 in Ketchikan. Gloves and a hat are well worth the room they take up in your suitcase. But if you forget them, guess what, they sell them on the ship!!!

Take lots of pictures even though they do not do the scenery justice.

Have a great time.

 

[MDonley]

We took the inside passage on points in August 2002. It took oodles of points, but it was well worth it ... a chance in a lifetime. The Zaandam is a beautiful ship ... much smaller than the other cruise lines up there and, therefore, more personal. When we went, we had relatives concerned because there were reports on the news about problems on the other Holland-America ship. Funny thing though, we were never informed of the problems so that we could set our relative's minds at ease. The shore trips are awesome ... got lots of cheap souveniers.

You're going to love it ... I'd like to hear about the trip when you return.