Izjezted Posted July 18, 2017 #1 Share Posted July 18, 2017 First time cruiser, first time to Alaska. We are sailing NA on August 12. I would feel strange packing one, but the weather in Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway & Glacier Bay has been hovering in the 50's. We are also doing the One-Way Tracy Arm excursion and evening whale watch. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alwaysfrantic Posted July 18, 2017 #2 Share Posted July 18, 2017 I wore my hooded down jacket, covered by a windbreaker and a fleece hat and was still cold in Glacier Bay.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare POA1 Posted July 18, 2017 #3 Share Posted July 18, 2017 Where are you from? If those temperatures seen winter-coaty, then yes. Otherwise a fleece is probably fine. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Alberta Quilter Posted July 18, 2017 #4 Share Posted July 18, 2017 It really depends on your preferences and what you're used to at home. For me, 50F (10C) is balmy and I would want a light jacket for outdoor activities. It doesn't say where you're from so I'll assume that you're from the southern states and 50F to you is really cold. If that's correct, then you might want to bring a heavier jacket. While you're on the water, cruising, the breeze is quite cool, so you will want a warmer jacket for those times. The best thing to do for Alaska, is to dress in layers. Then you can add or remove as needed. Make sure to bring something that is waterproof, in case it rains. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Zwervend Posted July 18, 2017 #5 Share Posted July 18, 2017 I wouldn't take one unless you have one of those really lightweight down base layer type jackets. When I went to Alaska, I dressed in layers for the "cold" events and was just fine. I started with an UnderArmour cold gear mock tneck, put a light weight fleece 3/4 zip top over that, and topped it off with a Gortex windbreaker. Add a hat & gloves and you'll be really, really warm, especially if you're moving around. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RJ2002 Posted July 18, 2017 #6 Share Posted July 18, 2017 We brought light jackets on our Alaska cruise in May and were glad we had them. They were easy to pack. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herfnerd Posted July 18, 2017 #7 Share Posted July 18, 2017 I agree that it depends on where you are from - your cold tolerance will dictate what you should wear. I was born and raised in Upstate, NY and was used to the cold. Moved down to Charlotte, NC and it took me a few years to acclimate to the heat. Now if I go back to NY, especially in the winter, I downright freeze even with a down coat on. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare geoherb Posted July 18, 2017 #8 Share Posted July 18, 2017 The only time it was really cold on our Alaskan cruises was close to the glaciers. I found layers (T-shirt, long-sleeve shirt, sweat shirt, and light-weight jacket) adequate. Be sure to have gloves and a warm hat as well. I was amazed at the number of passengers who retreated during glacier viewing because they were not dressed warmly enough. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
catl331 Posted July 18, 2017 #9 Share Posted July 18, 2017 When in the cities (Juneau, Ketchikan, Skagway) I'm comfortable in a sweat shirt with windbreaker and a hat, and I can usually duck inside a store or some shelter if necessary. However, when at Margerie Glacier, the ship is sitting in a giant bowl of ice water at 32 degrees F, and if there is even a little wind it can feel very cold to me. A down-filled jacket was not enough to stay outside very long. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SilvertoGold Posted July 18, 2017 #10 Share Posted July 18, 2017 Really, August is normally warm, 70 - 85 degrees. It might rain, which would mean no sun, so cooler. On a ship or boat with wind, it can be cooler. I like a medium-weight vest to wear over a light turtle and/or under a fleece jacket. Always take light gloves and liners and a hat of some sort. In other words, take clothing that is versatile to layer if needed. Wonderful time of the season to go to Alaska: have a super time!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boytjie Posted July 18, 2017 #11 Share Posted July 18, 2017 (edited) We were there mid September a few years ago and temperatures ranged from around 39°F (4°C) in Glacier Bay to a damp 56°F (13°C) in Juneau to bright sunny days in Sitka and Ketchikan around 72°F (22°C). We opted for layers: wind/water resistant jacket, fleece sweat shirts and T-shirts. Also packed a light pair of long underwear, light gloves and kit caps. It came in very handy in Glacier Bay! In Juneau we added and removed layers as needed. Edited July 18, 2017 by Boytjie Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summersigh Posted July 18, 2017 #12 Share Posted July 18, 2017 Layers are your friend :D and a jacket that's wind resistant. I also took a scarf that I could cover my ears with. Don't know about Tracy Arm ,,,, but we did a private tour before the cruise to College Fiords (sp) near Whittier and it was very cold on the boat for that. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Herfnerd Posted July 18, 2017 #13 Share Posted July 18, 2017 We were there mid September a few years ago and temperatures ranged from around 39°F (4°C) in Glacier Bay to a damp 56°F (13°C) in Juneau to bright sunny days in Sitka and Ketchikan around 72°F (22°C). We opted for layers: wind/water resistant jacket, fleece sweat shirts and T-shirts. Also packed a light pair of long underwear, light gloves and kit caps. It came in very handy in Glacier Bay! In Juneau we added and removed layers as needed. Something tells me you missed an "r" in sweatshirt, lol Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iancal Posted July 18, 2017 #14 Share Posted July 18, 2017 We would dress in layers. Sweater and then a waterproof/windproof nylon shell. We are very much accustomed to colder weather though. It can be a little cool if the wind is coming off the glacier or the water. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Gail & Marty sailing away Posted July 18, 2017 #15 Share Posted July 18, 2017 It could be cold at times. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RMLincoln Posted July 18, 2017 #16 Share Posted July 18, 2017 Layers for us, wouldn't think of bringing a big bulky jacket or coat. Most important things are a waterproof outer shell (rain/wind jacket) with a hood, and shoes that will stand up to lots of rain. I bring a foam visor (or brimmed bucket hat) to wear under the hood to keep the rain off my face. Thin gloves help a lot; so does an ear-covering, either ear muffs or a head band. I take a thin, gauzy scarf now for traveling, and I use it many ways. I have a thin silk turtleneck shirt that is my next-to-skin layer and it packs so small and light, but it's worth it's weight in gold on a chilly day. We will each have a fleece jacket to wear under the rain jacket, and with these layers we stay very cozy and flexible. Other's gain confidence from having a big winter coat, so that's what's good for them, but not our choice. m- PS I spray our rain jackets and bucket hats with Camp-Dry, available at WalMart. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boytjie Posted July 18, 2017 #17 Share Posted July 18, 2017 Something tells me you missed an "r" in sweatshirt, lol Yup, I noticed it - luckily in time to edit the post. :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Izjezted Posted July 18, 2017 Author #18 Share Posted July 18, 2017 Thanks everyone. It is difficult to pack for this trip because we need dressy clothes. Last year we went to Yellowstone the week after it snowed. The temperatures of course were in the 80's. I told my mother to pack at least one sweater because she bought lightweight long sleeved pant and skirt sets. She has just gotten a windbreaker, but I figure that we might buy one in Juneau or Skagway or on the ship before we get to Glacier Bay. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpump Posted July 18, 2017 #19 Share Posted July 18, 2017 We're going in early Sept and am planning on bringing a fleece vest and some long sleeved tops. Also, the trusty old rain jacket. Have some cheap Walmart 2/$4 gloves going to also bring along. We're from Seattle and this is usually plenty. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DeeDee Groff Posted July 19, 2017 #20 Share Posted July 19, 2017 Layers for us, wouldn't think of bringing a big bulky jacket or coat. Most important things are a waterproof outer shell (rain/wind jacket) with a hood, and shoes that will stand up to lots of rain. I bring a foam visor (or brimmed bucket hat) to wear under the hood to keep the rain off my face. Thin gloves help a lot; so does an ear-covering, either ear muffs or a head band. I take a thin, gauzy scarf now for traveling, and I use it many ways. I have a thin silk turtleneck shirt that is my next-to-skin layer and it packs so small and light, but it's worth it's weight in gold on a chilly day. We will each have a fleece jacket to wear under the rain jacket, and with these layers we stay very cozy and flexible. Other's gain confidence from having a big winter coat, so that's what's good for them, but not our choice. m- PS I spray our rain jackets and bucket hats with Camp-Dry, available at WalMart. Don't know how I lived before I discovered Camp-Dry! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dpump Posted July 19, 2017 #21 Share Posted July 19, 2017 Don't know how I lived before I discovered Camp-Dry! Yes on the Camp Dry. Live in rainy, wet, chilly Seattle and learned a long time ago to use Camp Dry as much as possible, esp. on our shoes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Parrothead234 Posted July 20, 2017 #22 Share Posted July 20, 2017 I absolutely froze. Seriously. Even with all my layers and warm jackets. I finally broke down and bought a really heavy jacket in Skagway. But....I'm from Florida - a vacation to a cold climate is different and fun! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mamaofami Posted July 21, 2017 #23 Share Posted July 21, 2017 We were in Alaska in a June when they had a heat wave. it was 90 degrees every day, yet I needed a fleece jacket, gloves and hat up on the glacier. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tatabea Posted July 21, 2017 #24 Share Posted July 21, 2017 Does anyone have a recommendation for a down- free coat? I've seen a few online, but am unsure of the quality. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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