Talk to me about Alaska! We're booking a cruise (seven nights out of Vancouver) for the end of June, but I'm thinking there might be items I should pick up now during the winter. If you've been, any must see excursions? And the big one, what on earth do you pack??
-
No advice, but my parents are doing a cruise to Alaska around then. Would be funny if it was the same one
.
-
@ShootingStar: that's too funny! June 24th? Princess?
-
I went on a cruise to Alaska with my family when I was in college. It was awhile ago so I don't remember much about excursions, but definitely bring layers. We went in July and it was surprisingly chilly. I remember wearing jeans, sweatshirt, and jacket most days. I also remember that nobody used the pool on deck once we had left Seattle since it was just too cold. But I'm not sure if that is normal or not for that time of year.
I did a kayaking trip and it was alot of fun. There was also a lot of wildlife there (I saw so many eagles) and the scenery was just beautiful. Have fun!
-
We went on a cruise leaving from Vancouver this past summer! What are your ports?
-
@catlady: i agree, layers! you'll be spending time outside on deck and for excursions, and it can get pretty chilly! (we went at the end of may.) you've probably already thought of this, but don't forget binoculars.
we didn't go crazy with the excursions because some of them were so $$$, but part of me thinks that maybe we should have splurged on one. we did kayaking, hiking, and maybe one other thing.
oh, if you stop at skagway, absolutely go to the skagway brewing company. they serve really really good fish and chips, and a specialty beer made from pine tips (or something like that).
-
@mrs. bird: It will probably be in the 60s around then? It depends on where you are. It will always be way colder out on the water. I suggest many thin layers! Dress like you are visiting Maine in the fall...but have the ability to take off layers as you go. Like a long sleeve shirt, windbreaker, +/- a sweater. You can take one downy, puffer coat just in case, because they pack down really small and you would be completely comfortable anywhere.
Of course last year it was in the 70s around July 4th and we *fried*. So don't be afraid of looking "weird" if you see the natives walking around in shorts and you are cold. Blood gets thicker up here in a hurry.
-
@edelweiss: spruce tip beer! I second visiting Skagway brewing company if that is one of your stops.
I went rock climbing in Skagway, but my BIL and his GF went to Jewel Gardens and I think they had a better time. They got to blow glass and had tea. Also the grounds were gorgeous.
I agree about layers. I wore lightweight long sleeves, sweaters, jackets, and boots. A raincoat is a must. Even if it isn't raining it might be misty. If you have one you can take the liner out of that would be better. It was in the high 60s during my trip.
-
@Leialou: this is the itinerary
-
@mrs. bird: looks almost identical to mine! In Ketchikan we went kayaking to Eagle Island. We saw eagles and whales. It was warm and sunny. Then we walked around the town and had lunch.
I think Juneau was my favorite spot because it was just so gorgeous. We did a bike and brew excursion there and also ate and browsed a few shops.
I can give you more specific details about excursions if you're interested. My inlaws did different excursions than we did at each stop and I know they had a good time too. I can get there details as well and email you some photos.
-
@mrs. bird: I've never been but I just wanted to say I'm soooo jealous! I've always wanted to do an Alaskan cruise! Have tons of fun!
-
@Ginabean3: thanks!
@edelweiss: good tip on the brewery, thank you! My dad is a beer enthusist & he's going too!
@Espion: layers it is!
@Leialou: what kind of boots would you suggest? Rain boots, snow boots, hiking boots? That's funny that you went on the same one, I think we both went on the same honeymoon cruise too! I'd love to see pictures & hear which excursions you guys liked best, my parents & brother are going so we'd like to find some to do with them & probably some on our own.
-
We did an Alaskan cruise for our honeymoon and LOVED it! Alaska is simply gorgeous!
We went in mid-July and wore jeans, a light, long-sleeved shirt, and a light rain coat and were comfortable (it was misty most days). No one really used the pools but we spent plenty of time in the hot tubs on deck so I'd still bring your bathing suit.
For our excursions, we went sea kayaking, salmon fishing (and got to send the fresh salmon we caught home - yummy!), and took a smaller boat out from the cruise ship to get closer to some of the glaciers. All of them were awesome and I would definitely recommend them (Note - we planned the fishing excursion independently, not through the cruise line). We were also supposed to take a helicopter ride to go dog sledding one day but it got cancelled due to weather.
.
Reply
Subscribe to our newsletter
- Google Plus
- Stumbleupon
- Twitter
- Facebook
- Pinterest
- Favorite0
12 comments