so how cold is it really on the Alaska cruises?

[EeyoreIsMyName]

We have cruised to Alaska twice in mid-July. In 2011, it was unseasonably warm (high 70's to mid 80's) and in 2013, it was mid 60s. It was warmer in Alaska than where I live in the lower 48 most of the winter! That being said, I have heard that it is usually cooler in late August & September in Alaska. I used the 10 day weather forecast to determine what type of clothes to pack and we had what we needed. We packed layers so everyone could add or remove clothing as needed.

The temperature on the ship was very pleasant in my opinion. The only time we felt cold was on Tracy Arm Day. If you plan to be on deck the entire day, a warmer coat and clothes would probably be needed. We wore a light jacket on a couple of excursions in 2013, but did not need winter gear for anything (except Tracy Arm!).

Enjoy your trip!

If you're interested, here is my trip report from 2013:
http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=3150787

 

[mmouse37]

Minnie knows how to Dress for Alaska!!!

MJ

 

[spacecanada]

We did an Alaska cruise on another cruise line on their first sailing of the season in May, a few years back. One week up to Anchorage (Whittier) and another week back. We were told the weather was typical, if not a bit cooler than usual some days for that time of year in each port.

As fellow Albertans, we found the weather in Alaska similar or warmer to that at home. We packed a few warm things in case there was a chill (because we're used to Alberta weather) and we wore a light jacket or sweater when we were in/near the glaciers. We were able to wear shorts and trousers/jeans, t-shirts, and light jackets or long sleeves in the evenings. Basically, whatever we'd normally wear at home at the same time of year.

We were also the only ones using the outdoor pool on our sailing. As snarfieca said, most people were wearing parkas, toques, mittens, and drinking hot beverages - particularly on glacier days - and looking at us in the pool like we were crazy. Meh. It's all relative to what you are used to.

Having a rain coat is a must, as much of the Alaska coast is a rainforest, and as such it rains frequently. And, if you feel like getting out and going exploring in the rain, bring a sweater to wear under your rain coat - it feels colder when it is damp. It also feels a bit cooler when the sun isn't shining, so pack a light jacket or long sleeve shirt if you will be off the ship for several hours.

We loved the Alaska cruise and the weather (the tropics are too hot for us). Enjoy!

 

[twentytoez]

Bump up...

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Our August 5th cruise was warm to hot throughout with it only being cold on the White pass railway.

 

[Rambler5678]

Disney Fantasy do you think Disney will go to Alaska in 2016? What would be your guess when the June/July rates will be released?

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Disney Fantasy do you think Disney will go to Alaska in 2016? What would be your guess when the June/July rates will be released?

DCL Has a five year agreement with the ports in Alaska that commenced in 2011 so yes they will be back in 2016 which is the last year of this current agreement.

But before you know that, the Alaska cruises, sell well, sell st a good price, are popular, serve the North West of USA and South West of Canada people who may not otherwise be able to cruise Disney snd on the expensive well sold port adventures they make good commission, so it's found business logic to keep going back.

I will get shot down at this point, but it could be the Magic that goes to Alaska, all the sin
Guns are there, yes the old Panama canal us behind, and the new locks not open yet, but the a Wonder will have a refit in Cadiz in September 2016, well that's Plan A, The Magic in theory is too long for the current Panama Canal but width is ok, length would need Specialist agreement snd clearance, but it could be done, Cadiz did a great job on the Magic so are in pole position for this one.

 

[Rambler5678]

Thanks for your reply. Do you have a guess when they will release 2016 rates? I looked up the canal progress and everything is about 75% complete. They stopped work for awhile on disagreements on cost overruns. The website stated they have resumed work. The biggest work is still on the new locks they are estimated at only 68% complete. Nearly all the dredging and other work has been completed.

 

[NancyIL]

Even when the weather is warm in port, it will be chilly if you plan to spend time on outside decks while the ship is moving. I've seen plenty of people go out on deck to view glaciers wearing sandals and shorts. No wonder they didn't stay outside long!

 

[DISNEY FANTASY]

Thanks for your reply. Do you have a guess when they will release 2016 rates? I looked up the canal progress and everything is about 75% complete. They stopped work for awhile on disagreements on cost overruns. The website stated they have resumed work. The biggest work is still on the new locks they are estimated at only 68% complete. Nearly all the dredging and other work has been completed.

I do not think we will see the first release for Q1/2016 unil December now.

 

[Rambler5678]

Thanks