CutieKakes

We have done this as well...I dont remember how long it took but we did it at a relatively leisurely pace, and had plenty of time/were not rushed.  We drove to Emerald Lake first, and then made stops on the way back.  Its a great drive - we saw so many bears on our trip!

It really depends on your travel personality.  I dont get cold easily, and we have been to Alaska several times now (all in May).  We are going again this coming May.  🤣. In June, you may want a pair of shorts!  We have had days in the 60s in May.

I always pack in a carry on only, and have no problem re-wearing things like jeans etc. I bring 1 sweatshirt, 1 thin jacket that I wear individually or together as needed.  I am definitely "less is more" packer/traveler tho.

I would say you dont need a formal dress.  Some folks do dress up, but overall Alaskan cruises are more on the casual side.  I usually bring 1 pair of black pants for dinners and a few silk blouses.  Sometimes I wear dark rinse jeans.

Ive never been cold on our cruises but it really depends on the person obviously.  I bring items to layer, and if anything, Ive had to take off layers because I was warm.  Also depends on your excursions.  We bring single layer waterproof jackets (got then at Costco for $20) and theyve been great.  Easy on/off, small to pack.

We wear sneakers...havent had problems with them getting super wet (even in rainy weather).

I bring gloves I wear for running because theyre small and easy to pack.  But Ive never worn them.  My husband has worn a knit hat on a few excursions...I never needed one myself.  But those items are small, and its not a big deal if you dont use them.

We have been to Alaska quite a few times now (going in May again)...its definitely not formal in the dining room.  Some folks dress up, but its not required.  I typically bring a pair of black slacks and a few silk blouses.  The blouses pack small and I dont have an issue rewearing them as needed over the course of the cruise.  Ive also worn dark jeans.  Just depends on your packing personality...I am a "carry on only" traveler, so it works for me.

I don't use eyeliner, but as far as mascara, I love Lancome "Big Monsieur" waterproof.  Its the only mascara that Ive found to be truly smudge and flake free, as well as waterproof.  It stays on until I take it off (I take it off with Lancome Bifacil Double Action Eye Makeup Remover and soft cotton pad, like Shiseido facial cotton).  It is a volume mascara, but I just wipe the wand a little before applying 1 coat, and its perfect for me.  

Im on the Jewel now, and yes, the pools are heated (dont what temp).  My husband put his hand in the pool, and was surprised how warm it was.  We haven't seen anyone swimming in the pools, but plenty of people using the hot tubs.

Im also one that wears black leggings or joggers...typically with a tucked white tank and then a long cardigan.  I always fly with a lightweight cashmere wrap, so I can use it as a lap blanket if necessary - I tend to freeze on flights.  I wear sneakers...had to run in December to catch our connection, so I like to be prepared.  😂

We also used Glacier Wind Charters...wonderful experience.  

I have some Spanx and they work well enough, but they make my butt flat.  I dont find them uncomfortable, but everyone is different obviously.  
 

I recently tried Skims (Nordstrom Sale), and so far I like them!  I like the fabric better, no super compression, no flat butt.  
 

These garments can be difficult to size IMO.  So I tend to buy a bunch of different sizes, see what works, and return the rest.  Just what works for me personally.

You could definitely try control top pantyhose...when I do that I cut the leg of the hose so that it ends above my knee. My friends and I used to call that "poor man spanx".  Lol. Same effect, less money!

On 5/18/2022 at 8:43 AM, WELDON said:

The more you shave, the darker the hair grows in.  

That's an old wives tale...shaving doesn't create/cause darker hairs.

To the OP, you may want to talk to your doctor (dermatologist) about the skin discoloration/darkening in that area, there may be options for you.

There is a cream that will, over time, stop the hair from growing (Vaniqa) - but of course, once you stop using it, the hair will grow back.  I have a friend that uses it, and it works really well for her.

It sounds like you found something you like...that's great!

My standby drugstore brand is Cover Girl Super Sizer...it works so well for me, but unfortunately I have started having trouble finding it, so I hope it's not being discontinued.  I stocked up a bit in case.

My standby department store brand is Guerlain Maxi Lash...the brush is very similar to the CG Super Sizer Mascara, so that probably is why it works well for me.

I recently tried Clarins Supra Volume Mascara (in the gold tube), on the recommendation of a friend, and while I liked it...it smudged on me, and I've never had that happen before with mascara.  Dark marks above and below my eyes.  Such a shame, but it was a great mascara.

I like 100% cotton underwear, which can be hard to find!  The past 5 years or so I've been wearing Jockey brand, and I really like them.  I find that they're the least expensive at Kohl's (when I can use a 30% off coupon + a department coupon like $10 off $40 for women's clothing or intimates).  I stocked up last year, so I'm good to go.  I sympathize, because before I found the Jockey style, I kept striking out on finding something I liked...the styles change, the fabrics change...something that worked and you liked 3 years ago is no longer made etc  

I’m not a fan of Jergens...it feels so greasy, and doesn’t dry down for me.  Also didn’t work very well for me, but that was just my experience.  YMMV

I like St Tropez “Express Bronzing Mousse” and Clarins “Self Tanning Instant Gel”.  They both work well for me, last a long time, aren’t too greasy or smelly.  For my face, I use Clarins “glow booster” that I mix w moisturizer, and it works really well. 

I usually use the self tanner at night...let it dry down a bit and then wear loose cotton pajamas.  Wake up to a tan.  😉. I do it a few times a week til I get the color I want, and then once a week to maintain.

I’m not completely brand specific...although often pick OPI.  I love bright colors.  I don’t know that I have a favorite color...I do have a few favorites for neutral (pale milky pinks), but aside from that, anything goes!
 

I get a gel manicure every 2 weeks and lately I’ve been liking OPIs Spring 2020 “Mexico City” line - right now I have Telenovela Me About It.  Lol!

I get a pedicure every four weeks, and right now have Mariachi Makes My Day.

I think those shoes are great! 

I would say no to winter coats but everyone is different (obviously). 

We also cruised in late May to Alaska and we had beautiful weather...no rain.  So we were glad we didn't lug along our winter coats.  We both had rain jackets (from Costco $20) and then we just layered underneath...if we got too hot, we took off a layer.  We didn't get crazy about it - I would often wear a tank, a thin sweater and the rain jacket.  If I was worried about temps when we were off the ship, I'd take a zip up fleece jacket and keep it in my backpack so I could layer it on underneath the rain jacket (never needed to).  I also took a hat, gloves and a scarf.  I never wore the hat, but I did wear the gloves and scarf on a small boat tour.

We also just wore jeans each day - and we were perfectly fine.  But different strokes for different folks.

I don't wear dresses/skirts very often, so I wore black slacks or white pants...with a variety of tops in the dining room.  The MDR (and speciality restaurants) had an extremely WIDE RANGE of outfits.  You'll be fine!  I had different jewelry/scarves to mix things up, but honestly, I don't notice what other people wear and I have no problem wearing the same thing repeatedly.  But that's me.  🙂  Enjoy your cruise!

Godspeed...

It seemed clear to us that someone had been murdered on the couch in our room at the Anchorage Westmark.  LOL  The bathroom was clean tho!  

$25 sounds good!  It’s higher in my area.  Hope you have a good experience!

On 12/14/2019 at 7:31 PM, diamondintn said:

Thanks for the advice, I'm definitely going to try it. Should I do it a day or two before the cruise? I don't want to be too orange.

you shouldn’t be orange at all - sunless tanners have come so far in terms of natural color.  Especially if you go someplace where they spray you, they will adjust the color/tone for your coloring.

if it were me, I’d do the spray tan the day before I left...

if you have time, you may want to try out a spray tan before you go on your cruise - trial run, if you will... 😀

12 hours ago, diamondintn said:

After a bout with melanoma I am 3 years cancer free. I know how to properly protect my skin from sun exposure using sunscreen, floppy hats, appropriate clothing, shade. Because I am SO white I am considering a spray tan for an upcoming cruise.  Anyone ever done this?

Cheers! Lisa 

It’s not a medical question IMO...lol.

I haven’t done a spray tan for a cruise specifically, but I’ve done them many times before.  It’s a great solution if you want some temporary color.  Be careful to exfoliate before having it done...definitely ask where you get it done how to prepare and how to keep your spray tan looking good.  I’ve had better results going to a place where a person sprays you, as opposed to going to a place where you stand in a booth by yourself to get sprayed.
 

I use a couple of self tanner lotions/products to lengthen the time of my spray tan.  I can get mine to last a week...sometimes longer...depends on what activities I’m doing.

14 hours ago, Lois R said:

I love the 2nd and 3rd pictures.  The duster is too long for me. But I love that Waterfall and the last one looks like a classic!

I really like the waterfall ones, I didn't think I would, because I've tried on other waterfall style cardigans and just felt there was too much fabric in the front (looking at you Talbot's), and it was just unflattering on me.

These ones though, from BR, lie nicely and the fabric is great - flows nicely, doesn't wrinkle etc

54 minutes ago, cruisemom42 said:

 

The long-haul flights can be anything from absolutely freezing to "tee shirt comfy" for me. But more times than not I find them cool to chilly. Most cashmere is fairly thin. I actually prefer merino as I think it wears better but I'll take either.  

 

It makes me feel more put together when I look put together. Long haul flights are tough enough as it is. At least I want to look human even if I don't feel human, lol.  

44 minutes ago, Anita Latte said:

 

I haven't taken so many long haul flights...but the last overnight I took...we ended up wearing the clothes we wore on the plane for over 36 hours. We had a long drive to the airport...4 hours...the flight...and then we hit the ground running. clo, I agree that it isn't a fashion event but sometimes circumstances dictate that you wear something the you at least don't mind being seen out and about after the flight.

I like cashmere better than merino wool too, but I agree that it can be more delicate.  I tend to 'run hot' as a person in life, but when I fly, I tend to be cold for some reason.  So layers are crucial for me.

We too often get off a flight and then immediately go do something.  I always like to look relatively 'put together' in general, that is just my MO, but definitely when traveling.  And you can find so many options nowandays that look nice/are comfortable.  It's really not hard.  I find I often adjust better to a time difference if we go and do something when we arrive (obviously it depends on the local time when we land).

I think a cashmere hoodie would be great...I think almost any type of sweater would work with the pants you describe.

I don't wear a lot of colors, so I probably won't be any help.  🙂 I'm a neutral gal in terms of clothing...and I do like the long duster cardigans that are back in style.  I have 3 from Banana Republic that I've been wearing the heck out of lately.  They're nice and thin, but warm and don't feel too bulky to me.  I don't like pockets on my clothes, and these work for me with slash pockets as opposed to obvious patch pockets that you see on a lot of sweaters lately.

https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=492412032&pcid=999#pdp-page-content

How do you feel about waterfall cardigans?  I have 3 of these too from Banana Republic (hey, I find something I like and I tend to buy all the neutral colors LOL).  I bought these last year and love them...

https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=501070022&pcid=999#pdp-page-content

or a boyfriend cardigan?

https://bananarepublic.gap.com/browse/product.do?pid=358496022&pcid=999#pdp-page-content

or a kimono style topper?  I have a couple from TJMaxx/Marshalls and Anthropologie in a variety of fabrics/colors/textures that are colorful, easy to wear and you feel put together.

https://www.anthropologie.com/kimonos-vests

I have a trip coming up to South America and I'm wearing my typical long flight outfit of black ponte leggings, white or gray tank, cardigan (long duster type or waterfall) and ballet flats.  I always have a lightweight cashmere scarf...I have about 8 colors of those ones from Restoration Hardware, love them.

Have fun on your trip!

We like to stay at the Douglas Hotel (Marriott property) in Vancouver.  Nice location where you can easily walk to restaurants, stores etc  Good luck finding something that suits you!  Have a great trip.

https://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/yvrps-the-douglas-autograph-collection/?scid=bb1a189a-fec3-4d19-a255-54ba596febe2

Where did you get your gel nails done?  I really think it makes a difference.  Also the brand of gel polish.  I don't have a problem with any brand chipping on me, but I do know folks that can only use OPI (for example).

 I don't have a problem with my gel polish chipping at all - despite not being careful about my nails at all and I'm extremely active - working out at the gym, swimming, trail running, gardening, and even heavy duty housework.  Maybe I"m just lucky?  I don't think so though...the nail technician is key IMO.