Packing questions for upcoming Alaska cruise

[Peachy22]

We're set to sail to Alaska next week, and we would like to pack light. Are there any recent Alaska cruisers who can make attire recommendations for day-to-day activities? Will a fleece jacket be enough in the evenings or do we need to pack heavier outerwear just in case? Also, do people pack their own blankets? I've heard that the ship has some for general use, but I'm not sure if these run out.

One last question - on the app, our Online Check-In says "pending review". Is this normal? is this how it stays until we arrive at the port?
Thanks!

 

[Cheburashka]

I recommend checking the weather forecast for your particular cruise, because Alaskan weather varies a lot. We went in early June 2018, and it was quite chilly. I'm not partial to the cold, so I wore a firm coat, long sleeves, and either jeans or a long skirt with leggings underneath. Packed layers for sure and had to check baggage. I can't remember anything about blankets- it's been a few years. These clothes were all for outside, not inside. Inside, that stuff wasn't necessary. It was not warm enough to swim comfortably, but again, the weather is different in July or early August, so in your place I'd pack a suit. I've heard of people getting warm weather in July.

 

[dcassetta]

We had great weather in June and only needed extra layers on the Glacier Excursion. If we had stayed on the ship that day, a fleece would have been fine. You might consider a light rain jacket or poncho that can go over your fleece if it is rainy.

There were plenty of blankets available on the pool deck.

 

[happycamper47]

We went in May of 2012, June of 2019 and July 2017 and they were all different and May 2012 was the best. July of 2017 was a little colder and the 2019 trip was wetter. As Cheburashka said, check the weather right before you leave and hope the forecast is accurate.

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[Akck]

Plan and dress appropriately for rain. Raincoat and rain pants would be better than a poncho (can be windy at times). Figure temps in the 50’s-60’s. Waterproof/resistant footwear would be good too. If you’re going on excursions with some outdoor hiking, boots would be good, but probably not be worth packing. Rain/showers are predicted for the next couple of weeks.

As for online check-in, it stays pending until a day or two before you sail.

 

[ladyofthetramp]

Think layers~I brought rain pants and a rain coat (invaluable on the Dawes Glacier excursion-it poured!!). A packable winter layer from LL Bean (lightweight and packs into it's own pocket)- I could wear under rain coat if needed. Leggings were great-for under rain pants. A few long sleeve tech shirts-once again for layers. And then my regular cruise wear-shorts, tees and evening dresses etc.. Nothing too bulky-like jeans. It was never really that cold-even near the glacier. We also had waterproof hiking boots. There was flooding at Mendenhall the year we went and that allowed us to still get around and see what we wanted to see.

 

[Flip flops in winter]

Check the 10 day forecast for the specific days you are in each port. I had a heck of a time packing (we sailed July 11) for this trip. We live in FL so arriving in Vancouver was literally like winter for us. Temp was 50s to low 60s, we had very little rain so my waterproof stuff wasn't needed. We wore jeans or leggings every day with layered t-shirts and sweatshirts/sweaters and were very comfortable. Also, I brought shorts and a swimsuit that were not needed. The steam coming off the pools was enticing but I just couldn't do it.

Also, there are plenty of navy fleece blankets for up top - just ask a crew member and they can get you a stack.

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

It was cold/rainy 2 days on the ship but even so, long sleeves, a fleece or vest, and thin rain coat were more than enough (On the small excursion boat to the glacier as well). Excursion days, a tee with light fleece or rain jacket depending on forecast (took off around lunchtime) were perfect. I overpacked for evenings. My excursion outfits (jeans, tee or thin sweater) were neat enough for dinner and I only changed 2-3x for dinner. Around Vancouver, it warmed up and I was glad to have my capris and tees for the first and last day. I wouldn’t pack a blanket, they only work if you plan on sitting, Amd you can always try to grab one as soon as you see them surfacing.

 

[KAS_73]

We did Alaska in 2017 and 2019, layers are definitely the way to go! We were fine with hoodies and a waterproof shell. Depending on your excursions, you might need gloves, hat and scarf (we did for the helicopter to the glacier).

 

[LiZaArd]

Just got off the July 11th Alaskan cruise - wonderful weather, light sweater/long sleeve tee or short tee (depending on what you prefer) for the day while on the ship. Excursions are based on what you do but we always layer with tee/long sleeve tee and fleece of some sort and had no issues on our 2 excursions. We packed a rain jacket and didn't use it once, the week prior it poured a bunch of times so always smart to have. We did the same cruise in June of 2017 and it rained only once in Juneau and it was a light misty rain. They had record warmth that year. You will need extra layers on the glacier day. We thought we were prepared being this is our 2nd Alaska cruise but still had to go back down and regroup the layers. Also bought a pair of gloves - partially because they were cute and I'll use them again and partially because they helped in the cold for camera holding.

Recently the past experience has been that your pending status could potentially stay that way up for a few days before the cruise, then will say 'clear to arrive'. Once you input your test results it takes approx 24 hours to change to say 'clear to sail'.

 

[Snowwhyt]

Don’t know where you are from but when it’s in the upper 50’s where I’m from, I frequently don’t wear a coat. Some people(usually teenagers) where I live wear shorts in the 30’s. I don’t get it, but they do.

So really all you can do is dress like you do when it’s in the 50’s by you. But remember it’s going to be 70-73 while you are in the ship.

I didn’t read everyone else’s comments. I just looked to see if you left a message about where you are from. But I’m pretty sure they all said bring layers. But don’t be afraid to bring a swimsuit. Think of it as a polar plunge in the hot-tub or time in the spa area. Just just need minimal swim attire. Something to repel the rain is good too.