Alaskan Cruise in September - need suggestions.

I would wear layers. It's easier than trying to decide ahead of time. Have a great time.

Wool layers, if you can find wool down here. It starts getting cold up there in August. Think about Texas weather in December, and you'll be about right.

Thanks, Dawn and Ann. I know it's likely to be in the 90's here when I leave, but probably only 50's and 40's up there. Guess I'll unpack the sweaters early. How about formal nights? Velvet instead of chiffon? Stoles, jackets?

Our Alaska cruise was our favorite and can't wait to do it again. Waterproof shoes of some kind.. Our favorite shore excursion was the float plane trip.. What an experience. We took a public bus to Mendenhall glacier, great experience. Don't forget to pack a rain poncho.

What cruise line ????

Linda, thanks for the suggestions...I definitely had not thought of waterproof shoes or rain ponchos.

Princess Sun is our ship. This will be our first experience with Princess, also.

Thanks, Rose. I have been wondering about a jacket...down, fur, whatever...hope I don't have to buy something new. The trip's made me eligible for handicapped parking (one arm, one leg) Hehehe...Joking!

It get very cold and windy on the deck. If you have a verandah cabin- you can sit outside and have goodies delivered to your cabin and watch the glaciers calve.. We were fortunate enough to have a verandah , we saw , orcas, eagles, seals ,jeez - so many things.. It was wonderful not to have to jockey for rail space out on the deck.. Don't forget gloves and earmuffs.. Also -- I always pack a can of lysol spray in my checked luggage and I spray the bedding as sson as we get onboard.. The last thing I want to bring home is a cold or flu that the last passenger left behind.

Hi, I am a travel agent and you have chosen a wonderful cruise. I sailed last year on the Dawn Princess. Princess is a good line. You will absolutely love it. I went in July so it was (they said) unusually warm. 80 degrees in Anchorage when we flew home. Although at 5:00 a.m., when we were on deck whale watching it was freezing! Cold wind. I took a light weight hooded jacket. We did the northbound from Vancouver. I love warm weather cruises but I was escorting a group so I went along... I fell in love. Recommend to everyone! Breathtaking. Oh- don't forget the binoculars.

I'm getting some great suggestions here. Thank you all. Yes, Linda, we have a verandah cabin. I think that was the "arm." (my feeble arm and leg joke)

Already I'm making a list of all these things I would probably not have thought of...the earmuffs, for example. I have some, but don't usually need them until January, sometimes not at all.

Lisa, thanks for reminding me of the binoculars. That will be a real plus. I have a pair with built in digital camera. Pictures aren't very good, but they're pictures I might not otherwise have.

At that time of the year, you will need both warm,waterproof clothing and summery t-shirts etc, best to layer. Pashminas are my favorite multi-purpose item.

Sounds like a grand adventure. I don't have any suggestions except to bring a journal and take the time to write in it!

Fleece! It's warm and dries quickly when wet and it's not that bulky.

We went on an Alaskan cruise in 2005. It was awesome! You'll have sssoooo much fun. I'm jealous.

I have only been to Alaska when it was VERY VERY cols so.... not much help other than. Plan on layers. Have a great time! Alaska is breathtakingly beautiful. Take lots of pics to post after your vacation.

Thank you, Annie, Lyla and carmel. I've taken all the suggestions into consideration and have a list of things to pack that I'm sure will be very helpful.

WOW!!! Can't wait to see pictures! Sounds fabulous!!!! This is something I really want to do before long!

I am jealous of you. My friend just did his honeymoon on an alaskan cruise. Lucky you!

hi, congrats on wine n' cheese hosting win!.....staffer Pam mentioned you in her Aug.6th Gather news update....

per your Alaska trip and packing lightly, i say go with at least one polypro longsleeve crewneck shirt which is usually the first layer worn by us PNW residents from early Spring to Winter.....then add a hooded jacket,or good quality fleece jacket (lighter in weight)......clothing i mention is available at your local hiking/camping stores, or of course online....waterproof shoes (good soles on ones at Land's End) and either flannel lined jeans,or comfortable fleece pants....regular denim jeans fine when warmer during day,but chilly night air will cut right thru you .....names change for polypro undershirts,so just ask for moisture wicking first layer insulated longsleeve shirts...oh, and get a pair of those fingerless gloves so you can hold camera and keep hands warm at same time!

you should buy or borrow at least a decent pt. n' shoot digital camera if don't have one.....you want decent quality when you shoot whales in action,etc.

have a great trip and bring back some cool shots!
cheers, gayle in WA

Today is the day. The packing is finalized and includes ALL of the suggestions from above. Sorry to say the wine 'n' cheese party didn't come off as hoped as the wine and cheese were not delivered, but we're still in high spirits. Our only "carry-ons" are our camera bag with two digital still cameras, one digital camcorder, one 35mm film camera, assorted cables and my laptop with cables for all connections to store video and photo. Oh yeah, the tripod is in DH's big duffle. I am really excited about this trip!

Cruises are certainly a fantastic way to vacation! I have put together a Virtual Cruise Experience at www.virtualcruiseexperience.com for those who may be interested in hearing and seeing a multi-media production online.