vjland58 Posted November 14, 2017 #1 Share Posted November 14, 2017 getting ready to book a balcony for may 5 2018 on Princess for inside passage. Know the price is good cause early in season, anyone had bad experience because of the colder weather expected for that time of year? did it deter in any way? don't want to "freeze" out on the deck looking at beautiful sites. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Can'tstopcruising Posted November 14, 2017 #2 Share Posted November 14, 2017 getting ready to book a balcony for may 5 2018 on Princess for inside passage. Know the price is good cause early in season, anyone had bad experience because of the colder weather expected for that time of year? did it deter in any way? don't want to "freeze" out on the deck looking at beautiful sites. We did early May. We were in Juneau for Mother's Day and it was a free day for all museums etc. I don't remember the temperature, but we did hike Perseverence trail, so it couldn't have been too bad! I do remember that the day we went to Skagway was gorgeous, and up in the White Pass, we took off our jackets. The BEST thing was that we rented a car in Skagway, drove through the White Pass to the Yukon. Who ever thought we would one day go there! The lakes were just starting to thaw out and on the highway (in both directions) we encountered bears cross the highway to go to the lake. That was the most exciting event of the entire trip! It was probably cold on the ship . Dress warm and you will enjoy! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
easyboy Posted November 14, 2017 #3 Share Posted November 14, 2017 We did it in early May 2 years ago, also for the price. It was not freezing cold. Probably like the cold Fall weather. What we did experience were rain/showers in ports so our hooded jacket and rain ponchos were useful. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted November 14, 2017 #4 Share Posted November 14, 2017 When it comes to weather you never know. One time we sailed Alaska in April three weeks before all other ships. It was our most amazing Alaska experience and I would never have guessed in advance that would have been the case. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Crew News Posted November 14, 2017 #5 Share Posted November 14, 2017 I have been to Alaska in early May many times and it remains my favorite time to visit (unless you want to visit Denali that opens in June) for the chilly mornings, lots of baby animals experiencing life, lack of rain, best prices for cruises, still snow on many peaks, and warm afternoons. Juneau in May: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted November 14, 2017 #6 Share Posted November 14, 2017 Our most spectacular day in Glacier Bay out of many cruises was that April Cruise. You just never know. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cruise_More_Often Posted November 14, 2017 #7 Share Posted November 14, 2017 We have loved all of our May cruises, and were it not for a grandchild's May graduation next year, we would be going in May again. We love seeing Alaska with all the snow on her mountains. Yes, it's cold, so dress in layers, including hats and gloves. May is known for being one of the driest months, and that is what we have found. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vjland58 Posted November 14, 2017 Author #8 Share Posted November 14, 2017 Thanks to all CC responses to me, all being very helpful, and all being reassuring , think we'll go ahead. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JT1962 Posted November 14, 2017 #9 Share Posted November 14, 2017 We went in mid-May this year and loved it. Temperatures were mid-40s to mid-60s. Only had rain on one day. The good thing about a balcony is you can step back inside to warm up if you get cold or just sit inside and look out. Sent from my iPhone using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VennDiagram Posted November 14, 2017 #10 Share Posted November 14, 2017 Keith1010 -- stunning picture :) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xlxo Posted November 15, 2017 #11 Share Posted November 15, 2017 getting ready to book a balcony for may 5 2018 on Princess for inside passage. Know the price is goodDoes that itinerary include Glacier Bay? If not... look for one that includes it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted November 15, 2017 #12 Share Posted November 15, 2017 Thanks to all CC responses to me, all being very helpful, and all being reassuring , think we'll go ahead. That's terrific. Alaska is amazing and the weather is all part of the experience. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rare Keith1010 Posted November 15, 2017 #13 Share Posted November 15, 2017 Keith1010 -- stunning picture :) Thank you so much. It was an amazing day and one I will never forget. Keith Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ashland Posted November 15, 2017 #14 Share Posted November 15, 2017 Mid May has always been the best for us...those shoulder season prices are hard to beat and I prefer cooler temps and still a bit of snow...after all it's Alaska. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CM1984 Posted November 16, 2017 #15 Share Posted November 16, 2017 We are on the Eurodam 5/12/2018 and I am so so happy to read these posts! Thank you everyone! Hope we can see those baby animals and very little rain! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
summer slope Posted November 22, 2017 #16 Share Posted November 22, 2017 We will be on the Zaandam in May next year. We did a land/cruise tour in June several years ago and the weather was perfect. I had hoped May wouldn't be much different. Will pack layers. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VennDiagram Posted November 22, 2017 #17 Share Posted November 22, 2017 We will be on the Zaandam in May next year. We did a land/cruise tour in June several years ago and the weather was perfect. I had hoped May wouldn't be much different. Will pack layers. Definitely pack layers :) We've had overall really pleasant weather in May with multiple trips, with the odd "OMG why did I do this in May?" moments :D Last May we had the coldest, wettest, LEAST pleasant day, our first sea day out of Vancouver. I was wearing a LOT of clothes to be outdoors, including wool socks and a down vest... and more! Next day in Juneau? Sunshine, shirt sleeves, people sunbathing and swimming at the outdoor pool. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Budget Queen Posted November 23, 2017 #18 Share Posted November 23, 2017 My preference is always mid May and later. I've had, pretty foul weather on my very early May trips, one trip was 6 out of 7 days of rain. Do be very well prepared in your attire. Will make all the difference. I always cruise in May, but next season, won't be until the very end as I'm in Europe and on the Horizon for 24 days on a ta. Tough choices indeed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
new_cruiser Posted November 23, 2017 #19 Share Posted November 23, 2017 You might look in the beginning of the trip reports for some from May. I'm going to be there mid-May through the end of May. Really looking forward to seeing a different season than we saw in August. It's to celebrate retirement - boarding the ship May 4 in Japan, getting to Seward May 17 and then 14 days in Alaska. I'm really looking forward to it and feel its the kind of cruise I need to unwind from over 40 years of working. A little bit nervous too because: My longest cruise so far was 8 days and this will be 27 My most sea days per cruise has been 1 plus 2 days scenic cruising and this will be 9 plus 4 days scenic cruising It's Windstar's first Alaska cruise in years so not sure how some things will work like what activities they will have in Metlakatla or whether there will be some kayak and zodiac time on the scenic cruising days. I hope there will be. The timing of the trip works out just right for my retirement and I've been wanting to do a trans-ocean trip. One thing I'm not worrying at all about is Alaska in May. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vjland58 Posted December 5, 2017 Author #20 Share Posted December 5, 2017 thnks for all replies re early May. sounds like pack those layers, be prepared for rain, and enjoy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vjland58 Posted December 5, 2017 Author #21 Share Posted December 5, 2017 Does that itinerary include Glacier Bay? If not... look for one that includes it. glacier bay inc:D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
anthonyy7 Posted December 8, 2017 #22 Share Posted December 8, 2017 Are you on the Ruby? We’re on the April 28 - May 5 sailing, good to know there could possibly be some nice weather in early May. Sent from my iPad using Forums Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
donaldsc Posted December 8, 2017 #23 Share Posted December 8, 2017 getting ready to book a balcony for may 5 2018 on Princess for inside passage. Know the price is good cause early in season, anyone had bad experience because of the colder weather expected for that time of year? did it deter in any way? don't want to "freeze" out on the deck looking at beautiful sites. Check the WeatherSpark WEB site. DON Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vjland58 Posted December 8, 2017 Author #24 Share Posted December 8, 2017 didn't know about that. know i do - thanks Don, lots of info there, big help Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kennicott Posted December 8, 2017 #25 Share Posted December 8, 2017 I realize this isn't pertinent to early May, but thought you might like to see why it is not a good idea to cruise to Central Alaska in December: https://www.adn.com/alaska-news/weather/2017/12/08/alaska-just-reported-one-of-the-most-extreme-snowfall-rates-on-record-10-inches-per-hour/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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