Rain gear for Alask cruise

[cmwade77]

Does DCL still give out the ponchos when it's raining?

They did when we went in 2015, but I don't know currently.

 

[anitag888]

I did not see any ponchos being given away on our trip in May, the one thing my husband repeatedly wished that he had taken along (although not rain gear related) was an articulated tripod so that he could mount a video camera to our veranda's railing. He wanted to capture the scenery as we traveled through the narrower passages, and he had a difficult time stabilizing. One of these little guys:

 

[mathgeek]

They did when we went in 2015, but I don't know currently.

Disney rain ponchos were available in the main atrium on a small table. I think it was level three. They were kind of hidden and not in the main walk ways. My children spotted them when we were going to our excision in ketichan.

Mine was also in 2015, so I can't answer whether they're still handing them out. But I agree with AussieNSW that the ponchos were kind of hidden and not a lot of people took them since they had their own rain gear. I had a poncho in my bag but figured if the parks ponchos were offered that I'd grab one.

 

[AussieNSW]

Our trip was 26th June this year 2017.

 

[MsOnceUponATime]

That's a matter of opinion. I don't do cold well, and anything under 74 is cold to me. And, if I'm wet, I'm going to be colder than whatever the actual temperature is.

Anyway, to answer the question: We take rain pants (I find they are a great 2d layer on my legs), rain jacket (with hood) and waterproof shoes. That's usually sufficient over layers when it's rainy.

I wouldn't bring an umbrella. Couple of reasons - in a crowd it can be a weapon (those metal points on the end of the ribs can poke an eye), and you'll really want to have two hands free when out and about.

@ PrincessShmoo - it is a matter of opinion, but it's also very true! I'm cold here in humid Texas when it's mid seventies myself, but comfortable in mid seventies where there is little to no humidity- like Pennsylvania or Denver or Anchorage. For me, it's the level of humidity that really makes a world of difference and in Anchorage, unless it's raining, the humidity is not too terribly high. Also, I agree with not brining an umbrella. It's ideal to have your hands free when hiking!

Spot on. Folks who aren't familiar with low humidity cold think they'll be cold if it get in the 50s or 60s. There is a world of difference between humid cold and dry cold. Alaska is very comfortable during the summer months, as your experience demonstrates. I agree with the rain coat/hood recommendation for rainy days.

@over50visits - YES! It's very comfortable for me in Anchorage when the humidity is low!! 75 in Houston and 75 in Anchorage is completely different!

 

[Geomom]

They had free ponchos last August. I didn't even notice them until we came back on board on Ketchikan day. They were on a table in the lobby, unattended. We had a Disney excursion that day, I'm not even sure if we walked by that area when we were escorted off the ship.

 

[ahen]

I ordered Columiba rain jackets that were on sale for my husband and myself. They actually showed up today. We are on the cruise right before yours.

 

[Letscruiseagain]

Might not like my idea....but buy a rain jacket once you get to a port (if it's raining).....we did this and you might pay a little more, but you get something that is immediately useful and it comes with the name of the place you're visiting.

 

[richkaryn]

I found great "end of season" deals on Norhtface tric-climate 3-in-1 jackets (waterproof outer shell) for all 3 of us. These were great as you could use with/without the fleece inner jacket, or use the fleece inner by itself if dry but cold. I also wanted us to have good shoes for excursions but knew might need waterproof. I got NB waterproof trail runners for myself, and Merrell waterproof hiking shoes that looked similar to a running shoe for DH and DS, this way they could wear them no matter what we were doing (including on the plane) and only had to take 1 pair of "everyday" shoes for each of us, another 2-in-1 win that cut down on packing.

 

[Pooh2]

We brought a rain jacket to layer with sweatshirts and waterproof hiking shoes.

 

[tigerchic89]

We sailed Alaska 6/2016, We brought and used almost daily lightweight rain jackets. DH owned a Gore Tex from REI, but I bought $20ish rain jackets from Costco for me and kids. The rain jackets were not lined, so we put those over fleece layers or sometimes just a Tshirt. They packed down nicely so we could stuff them innto a backpack for excursions (I think we pulled them out every day). I did not but wish I had brought lightweight hiking boots.... my feet were cold and damp at times