1 week!

[lmintzer]

After 6 months of planning and waiting, our trip is 1 week away (and cruise in the Pearl is 9 days away). It is starting to feel more real!

 

I have been religiously checking CC Alaksa and Norwegian forums daily, and I have literally copied and pasted the "Pearl Tips" thread in a document so I can carry it with me on my phone! I also have the instructions for how to set up iConcierge. Thanks to the person who explained it.

 

Will get started on packing once I claim my 15-year-old from sleepaway camp tomorrow and spend a few days in "laundry hell" washing everything that went with him for his 2 weeks in the woods!

 

I have gathered all the little extras recommended here on this board that will hopefully make our stay in a mini-suite a little comfortable for 3. So far I have: an over-the-door shoe holder, magnetic hooks for cabin walls, small pop-up hampers for the boys, tiny alarm clock for room, individual Woolite packs and clothespins so we can hand wash a few clothing items, little battery powered tea lights for the dark bathroom, a "squid" plug extender that is not a surge protector (that sucker is HEAVY though), extra memory cards, an extra Canon camera battery for my d70, rain layer for all of us, a primaloft layer for me, a sweatshirt for my son who won't wear coats, a fleece for my younger son, gloves for all. Waterproof hiking shoes for the two of us who will wear them. 1 pair binoculars ( think we will just share).

 

I have our passports and cruise documents. I plan to print out "proof" of my UPB and SDP and OBC. Is it typical to need this?

 

Other than clothes, books, toiletries, medicines, other camera gear, and chargers, anything glaring that I might have forgotten?

 

I sooo hate packing!

 

ETA: I know people hate posts about tips, but I am thinking I should bring at least $20 in singles--never know when I might need them. Also maybe some cash for tips for room steward in case he/she goes above and beyond? Can someone point me to a post where people talk about how much?

 

And should I log on to NCL and pre-pay my gratuity?

Edited July 15, 2016 by lmintzer

[eatdrinkfly]

you sound well prepared! IMO, I'd skip the first 7 items on your list, but that's just me and I have never traveled with children, so that might be the difference maker on that. the last half of the list from memory card onwards sounds like you have it nailed for Alaska travel.

have a great trip!

and I'd definitely add sunglasses to that list :) don't think you'll need the gloves.

[GeezerCouple]

After 6 months of planning and waiting, our trip is 1 week away (and cruise in the Pearl is 9 days away). It is starting to feel more real!

 

I have been religiously checking CC Alaksa and Norwegian forums daily, and I have literally copied and pasted the "Pearl Tips" thread in a document so I can carry it with me on my phone! I also have the instructions for how to set up iConcierge. Thanks to the person who explained it.

 

Will get started on packing once I claim my 15-year-old from sleepaway camp tomorrow and spend a few days in "laundry hell" washing everything that went with him for his 2 weeks in the woods!

 

I have gathered all the little extras recommended here on this board that will hopefully make our stay in a mini-suite a little comfortable for 3. So far I have: an over-the-door shoe holder, magnetic hooks for cabin walls, small pop-up hampers for the boys, tiny alarm clock for room, individual Woolite packs and clothespins so we can hand wash a few clothing items, little battery powered tea lights for the dark bathroom, a "squid" plug extender that is not a surge protector (that sucker is HEAVY though), extra memory cards, an extra Canon camera battery for my d70, rain layer for all of us, a primaloft layer for me, a sweatshirt for my son who won't wear coats, a fleece for my younger son, gloves for all. Waterproof hiking shoes for the two of us who will wear them. 1 pair binoculars ( think we will just share).

 

I have our passports and cruise documents. I plan to print out "proof" of my UPB and SDP and OBC. Is it typical to need this?

 

Other than clothes, books, toiletries, medicines, other camera gear, and chargers, anything glaring that I might have forgotten?

 

I sooo hate packing!

 

We returned about a month ago from Alaska.

LOVED it!

 

Make sure that your "essentials/valuables" (meds, jewelry if any) are in your carry on bag, not checked, for airline and also for boarding the ship.

 

Better safe than sorry.

 

(We brought rain gear with us, and we had the most amazing sunny weather. No complaints!)

 

Yes, bring those "proofs" with you, just in case something didn't get copied to the onboard staff.

 

ENJOY!

[casofilia]

And should I log on to NCL and pre-pay my gratuity?

 

Simple answer; yes. Depending on when you booked the cruise it could be cheaper than waiting till it is on your on-board account.

[caseykees]

I am jealous! We leave 6 weeks from tomorrow...after booking in March 2015! LOL Take care of the Pearl for us!! ;)

[Annmeat]

We returned about a month ago from Alaska.

LOVED it!

 

Make sure that your "essentials/valuables" (meds, jewelry if any) are in your carry on bag, not checked, for airline and also for boarding the ship.

 

Better safe than sorry.

 

(We brought rain gear with us, and we had the most amazing sunny weather. No complaints!)

 

Yes, bring those "proofs" with you, just in case something didn't get copied to the onboard staff.

 

ENJOY!

 

Is there a sticky or a thread where "What the Heck to Pack for Alaska in Summer" is listed? We have been looking towards next summer. OPs list makes me want to start thinking now...5 people times ?? heavier clothing. May be more suitcases than we are used to!

[PhillyTravelBug]

I dream about doing an Alaskan cruise. Enjoy and post a review.

[GeezerCouple]

Is there a sticky or a thread where "What the Heck to Pack for Alaska in Summer" is listed? We have been looking towards next summer. OPs list makes me want to start thinking now...5 people times ?? heavier clothing. May be more suitcases than we are used to!

 

There is a lot of discussion here and there about this on CC.

 

However, the common theme, which we agree with, is to plan on LAYERS.

 

That way, if it happens to be warm/sunny, you can dress in lightweight clothing.

If cooler, add layers as needed.

 

In terms of footwear and outerwear, what you'll need will depend in part on the itinerary, and especially on any specific excursions.

 

We did purchase new Gore-Tex jackets (not heavily lined), but that's because we really needed new ones anyway. (Mine was so old, water would soak right through instantly.)

We also got less expensive rain paints at REI (horribly "fashion statements"!) because there were two excursions where they might have been useful (perhaps not absolutely necessary) if the weather had been bad. And the sun was shining the entire time.

Well... better to have the gear and not need it than to need it and not have it.

 

An insulated vest that fits under a jacket might be useful, given it can be used alone, over a heavy sweater, and/or under a jacket.

(Yes, when we bundled up the day we took hovercraft to a glacier... photos show that I did indeed looked like a stuffed sausage :rolleyes: But I probably won't ever have to put on "all the pieces" together again.)

 

It was a bit chilly in Glacier Bay, but not at all as chilly as we were expecting.

But that may not have been "average".

 

If you are taking any unusual excursions, you might want to email the organizer/vendor to get recommendations.

 

Footwear is important, as having one's main pair of shoes get wet isn't good.

But that wasn't at all a problem, given our destinations - even though one excursion specified waterproof boots (which they could lend us).

 

We can't wait to go back, and spend more time exploring.

 

One special thing: We took the train from Seward to Anchorage, and we took the evening train 2 days after arriving.

The evening train has "observation dome" cars that had wonderful views. It was a special ride.

(I'm not sure if the morning train organized by the cruise lines has that particular level of service/type of passenger cars.)

 

Enjoy!

[cb at sea]

You can always break down larger bills on the ship....$20 should be ample to get you ON the ship...tips for cab or porters. If you need more smaller bills, the ship's casino or customer service desk will make change for you.

[atomax]

@lmintzer: I would check the weather a couple of days before you fly out to make sure you need everything you packed. When we went to AK a couple of years ago, it was 90+ every day we were there - luckily, we had packed some workout clothes, so we ended up wearing shorts and T-shirts a lot. Prepare to wear layers, but it depends on what you're used to and your temperature tolerance.

 

Brainstorming on what else you may/not need:

- I would skip the Woolite and just use the liquid soap/shampoo in the bathroom (but it depends on what materials you will be washing)

- Sunscreen and sunglasses - there may be glare off the glaciers and hopefully lots of sun

- Batteries for your camera

- Earphones for the plane ride (my DH always forgets his, so I keep extras in our travel suitcases)

- Refillable water bottles

 

Have a great time on the Pearl! We were on her in April, and we had a blast!

[karenpstok]

just a comment on the single bills. If you need more than you bring, go to the casino and they have a bill breaker there and you can get all the $1s you want/need.

[lmintzer]

@lmintzer: I would check the weather a couple of days before you fly out to make sure you need everything you packed. When we went to AK a couple of years ago, it was 90+ every day we were there - luckily, we had packed some workout clothes, so we ended up wearing shorts and T-shirts a lot. Prepare to wear layers, but it depends on what you're used to and your temperature tolerance.

 

Brainstorming on what else you may/not need:

- I would skip the Woolite and just use the liquid soap/shampoo in the bathroom (but it depends on what materials you will be washing)

- Sunscreen and sunglasses - there may be glare off the glaciers and hopefully lots of sun

- Batteries for your camera

- Earphones for the plane ride (my DH always forgets his, so I keep extras in our travel suitcases)

- Refillable water bottles

 

Have a great time on the Pearl! We were on her in April, and we had a blast!

 

Thank you! I always carry sunscreen (and sunglasses for me--my kids don't like to wear them). I wear mine even in the "cloud shine" -- sensitive eyes. I have 1 refillable water bottle, and the kids have some they use for soccer. We'll try to fit those in. Good idea. Yep, have camera batteries--in most cases, it's charges--have a spare for my dSLR. Boys have headphones. I should dig up a pair for me. Thanks for the suggestions.

 

My boys don't get that cold. If I can get my 15-year-old to wear pants as opposed to shorts twice (for ziplining and for the heli excursion to the glacier), I'll consider it a success! I can get cold if I'm wet or out for a long period of time.

[Kdiamond55]

Have a great trip! We are on the Pearl in 2 weeks. Have you seen what the weather will be like?

 

I've been on several cruises with the UBP and I've never needed to show proof...they put it on your cabin card when you check in. If you see it on your NCL.com account, it's there.

 

From everything I've read, no need to overpack. Layers are good, and you can wear pants and jeans more than once. We are all bringing one light jacket each, I figure if it's that cold, we can buy $20 sweatshirt at one of the ports. I'm not even bothering with gloves, but I think I'll just throw our beanies in the suitcase. We're all wearing what we'd typically wear on Caribbean cruises at night, since we don't plan on being outside at dinner time.

 

Packing does seem intimidating, but I'd lay everything out, then put back half. ;)

 

Have fun!!!

[Annmeat]

There is a lot of discussion here and there about this on CC.

 

However, the common theme, which we agree with, is to plan on LAYERS.

 

That way, if it happens to be warm/sunny, you can dress in lightweight clothing.

If cooler, add layers as needed.

 

In terms of footwear and outerwear, what you'll need will depend in part on the itinerary, and especially on any specific excursions.

 

We did purchase new Gore-Tex jackets (not heavily lined), but that's because we really needed new ones anyway. (Mine was so old, water would soak right through instantly.)

We also got less expensive rain paints at REI (horribly "fashion statements"!) because there were two excursions where they might have been useful (perhaps not absolutely necessary) if the weather had been bad. And the sun was shining the entire time.

Well... better to have the gear and not need it than to need it and not have it.

 

An insulated vest that fits under a jacket might be useful, given it can be used alone, over a heavy sweater, and/or under a jacket.

(Yes, when we bundled up the day we took hovercraft to a glacier... photos show that I did indeed looked like a stuffed sausage :rolleyes: But I probably won't ever have to put on "all the pieces" together again.)

 

It was a bit chilly in Glacier Bay, but not at all as chilly as we were expecting.

But that may not have been "average".

 

If you are taking any unusual excursions, you might want to email the organizer/vendor to get recommendations.

 

Footwear is important, as having one's main pair of shoes get wet isn't good.

But that wasn't at all a problem, given our destinations - even though one excursion specified waterproof boots (which they could lend us).

 

We can't wait to go back, and spend more time exploring.

 

One special thing: We took the train from Seward to Anchorage, and we took the evening train 2 days after arriving.

The evening train has "observation dome" cars that had wonderful views. It was a special ride.

(I'm not sure if the morning train organized by the cruise lines has that particular level of service/type of passenger cars.)

 

Enjoy!

 

Thank you!!! What a detailed answer. I have printed this up and will get to work checking various lines for Alaska! Triptolemus had a thread about Princess being much less than NCL- I'll be researching!

 

Never had interest until recently. It just seems it is time for a more serene yet active ( if that makes sense) cruise vacation .

 

Again, thanks Geezer Couple!

[johnt83]

We're on this cruise with you and can't wait! We booked back in May 2015 and have been counting down the days!

 

Think layers is a good approach... I checked the weather and it's going to be raining majority of the week seems like... may even bring an umbrella or at least a rain coat... :(

 

Hopefully the rain doesn't ruin the excursions...going to bring 1 pair of tennis shoes, dress shoes for formal night and sandals for sail away since Seattle should have nice weather... seems like the only days we can wear shorts/summer is the day we leave and the Monday at sea...since it'll be somewhat warm... but in Alaska it'll be colder...

 

Looking forward to meeting you at the NCL meet and greet as well (updates on that thread when you get a chance :) )