First cruise, first time in Alaska!

[gregma60]

Decided to do a cruise to Alaska rather than Sandals in Jamaica for our 5th anniversary.  It was on my bucket list and happened on a screaming deal that I couldn't pass up.  Still a bit more expensive, but not by much.

 

We decided on a Neptune cabin 7002 on the Volendam, 7 day inside passage end of August.  I've a few questions if I may.  I tried to read as much as possible to get things I will need (never been anywhere except the Caribbean about 10 times at Sandals (all-inclusive).  We have all the excursions booked, and one night at the steak restaurant (on our anniversary).

 

1.  I have magnetic hooks (although they sure don't seem very powerful, any good recommendations for good *strong* magnetic hooks?),

2.  Will be arriving on a train the day before and staying at the Pan Pacific hotel which I believe includes escort from our room to the ship on embarkation day.  It looks like the checkout time for our embarkation day is at 11:00am.  But the ship doesn't leave until 4:30pm.  Does that mean we pack everything, leave the room, then wait somewhere for the escort?

3.  It seems as if we have to pack a LOT, we currently have 2 24" suitcases, 2 carry-on cases, 2 largish backpacks.  With all the cold layers, all the dinner clothing, all the lounge clothing, my wife is panicking that we will need 2 more 28" cases.  Does she need to panic?

4.  Very worried about the AC receptacles in the cabin.  Are the ceilings metal so I can run a long extension cord from the desk across the ceiling and down to the head of the bed?  I don't want it to be on the floor due to tripping hazards (I walk with a cane).

 

-gregma

[crystalspin]

Speaking as someone who has sailed that itinerary on the Volendam, and the 14-day AK cruise on the sister ship Zaandam -- but never in a Neptune! -- I can answer some of the questions.

 

1- Try a hardware store for STRONG magnetic hooks. Particularly rare-earth-magnets which will be smaller for their strength.

2- I believe your transfer will run pretty close to 11, allowing you to get on the ship, probably right to your suite, have some lunch, do the muster requirements (which are not terrible), look around, get a feel for the ship.

3- You do not need all that luggage. I took a 24" suitcase (and a daypack) on the 14-day, but I was the ring-leader for a family group of 10 and carried many un-needed things, including two folding stools for my two COPD patients! My husband and I have travelled everywhere including a 28-day transAtlantic cruise with carry-ons and not-over-sized daypacks.

 

Alaska cruises in particular, do not need formalware for dinners. The gentlemen in my groups wore Hawaiian shirts one dressy nignt, and goofy ties with no jacket the other. As far as cold layers, it will not be that cold in August, although a rain-layer is a good idea year-round in Alaska.

 

4- as I said I have not been in a Neptune Suite. I looked at all the photos on Cruise Deck Plans and there were none that showed bed-side outlets. But I know from many posts on CC, that the room steward will tape the extension cord to the floor so it should not be a tripping hazard. (But also the ceiling should be magnetic metal for your new rare-earth Magnet hooks!)

 

ETA: whatever you do, do not bring an electric power-strip with a surge protector as it will be taken from you! Should you sneak it on, it would be a fire hazard for the particular type of cruise-ship electricity.

Edited March 2, 2023 by crystalspin

[Sigyn]

I buy the 110 lb magnetic hooks on Amazon and those work fantastic in our cruise cabins. Anything lighter just slide off the wall when I hang anything heavier than a hat on them. It's about $11 for four hooks. 

 

You will get a boarding time for your ship, and then head on over. Usually it's late morning or around noon, so you'll just head on over to the port at that time, spend the half hour to an hour waiting in line, showing your ID and documents, sitting until you have permission to board, then board the ship, eat lunch, start your vacation. The timing works out perfectly well. 

 

I wouldn't recommend taking that much luggage. One large suitcase per person is plenty. It won't be particularly cold in August, although it will be rainy on occasion, and some times of the day will be positively warm. Take layers so that you have warmer things to wear on the ship's deck out around the glaciers, rewear clothing, and then a couple nice outfits for dinner that you wear more than once since you're only in them a few hours, and you're set. You don't need jackets for dinner in Alaska. It's a very casual environment. We'll be on a Celebrity Alaskan cruise in July and my husband always likes to wear jackets to dinner, but he won't in Alaska due to the more casual environment. I've read post after post where only about 10% of the passengers are seen in suits or sports jackets at a formal dinner on an Alaskan cruise ship, and those that step up to a dressy shirt and nice slacks feel like they're dressed to the nines compared to most passengers! So, we will skip it to save room for other clothing. It's just not essential on an Alaskan cruise. 

I don't know about the extension cord and potential need for it, so I'll defer to others. 

Edited March 2, 2023 by njsmom

[gregma60]

18 hours ago, OlsSalt said:

 

Check with ships services- accommodations. They seem to be very well versed in handling CPAP requirements.

 

13 hours ago, crystalspin said:

Speaking as someone who has sailed that itinerary on the Volendam, and the 14-day AK cruise on the sister ship Zaandam -- but never in a Neptune! -- I can answer some of the questions.

 

1- Try a hardware store for STRONG magnetic hooks. Particularly rare-earth-magnets which will be smaller for their strength.

2- I believe your transfer will run pretty close to 11, allowing you to get on the ship, probably right to your suite, have some lunch, do the muster requirements (which are not terrible), look around, get a feel for the ship.

3- You do not need all that luggage. I took a 24" suitcase (and a daypack) on the 14-day, but I was the ring-leader for a family group of 10 and carried many un-needed things, including two folding stools for my two COPD patients! My husband and I have travelled everywhere including a 28-day transAtlantic cruise with carry-ons and not-over-sized daypacks.

 

Alaska cruises in particular, do not need formalware for dinners. The gentlemen in my groups wore Hawaiian shirts one dressy nignt, and goofy ties with no jacket the other. As far as cold layers, it will not be that cold in August, although a rain-layer is a good idea year-round in Alaska.

 

4- as I said I have not been in a Neptune Suite. I looked at all the photos on Cruise Deck Plans and there were none that showed bed-side outlets. But I know from many posts on CC, that the room steward will tape the extension cord to the floor so it should not be a tripping hazard. (But also the ceiling should be magnetic metal for your new rare-earth Magnet hooks!)

 

ETA: whatever you do, do not bring an electric power-strip with a surge protector as it will be taken from you! Should you sneak it on, it would be a fire hazard for the particular type of cruise-ship electricity.

1.  Didn't think of the local hardware store, will have to stop by Lowes and check!

2.  Great, that should work out fine then.  Since HA has it all arranged with the hotel, I was hoping that would be the case.  There wasn't a lot told about the procedure.

3.  We are going to do a trial packing soon to make sure we can fit everything, I'm thinking we can.  Thanks for the words of encouragement!

4.  Thank you for the confirmation, we will make sure we go prepared for the lack of outlets!

 

Already have three very small travel 3-outlet extensions that should fit the bill nicely.  They are very simple and very small.

 

-gregma

[gregma60]

1 hour ago, njsmom said:

I buy the 110 lb magnetic hooks on Amazon and those work fantastic in our cruise cabins. Anything lighter just slide off the wall when I hang anything heavier than a hat on them. It's about $11 for four hooks. 

 

You will get a boarding time for your ship, and then head on over. Usually it's late morning or around noon, so you'll just head on over to the port at that time, spend the half hour to an hour waiting in line, showing your ID and documents, sitting until you have permission to board, then board the ship, eat lunch, start your vacation. The timing works out perfectly well. 

 

I wouldn't recommend taking that much luggage. One large suitcase per person is plenty. It won't be particularly cold in August, although it will be rainy on occasion, and some times of the day will be positively warm. Take layers so that you have warmer things to wear on the ship's deck out around the glaciers, rewear clothing, and then a couple nice outfits for dinner that you wear more than once since you're only in them a few hours, and you're set. You don't need jackets for dinner in Alaska. It's a very casual environment. We'll be on a Celebrity Alaskan cruise in July and my husband always likes to wear jackets to dinner, but he won't in Alaska due to the more casual environment. I've read post after post where only about 10% of the passengers are seen in suits or sports jackets at a formal dinner on an Alaskan cruise ship, and those that step up to a dressy shirt and nice slacks feel like they're dressed to the nines compared to most passengers! So, we will skip it to save room for other clothing. It's just not essential on an Alaskan cruise. 

I don't know about the extension cord and potential need for it, so I'll defer to others. 

I was looking at the 110 pound magnets.  Although I did get the 100 pound ones, and it can't hold our 5 pound toiletry bag on the fridge without winding up quickly on the floor...  I was quite disappointed.  Will give the 110 pound ones a try to see if they are any better.

 

Oh yay, hurry up and wait 🙂  Was planning on that for sure.  Appreciate the info on that!  We will do a trial packing soon to see what we can do.  We usually stuff two medium check-in bags, two carry-on, two backpacks to the brim just for 7 days in the Caribbean which requires one layer.  Multiple layers is scaring us.  🙂

 

 

-gregma

[mrgabriel]

The only thing I can comment on is luggage. I'll be honest and say that I think you're planning to take way too much stuff.

 

We've done Alaska a couple of times on Celebrity. I agree that people do not dress up as much for Alaska cruises - and no one notices what you wear. On our last Alaska cruise (last June), I took 3 dresses. One of them was black & I wore it with different jackets, sweater or scarves. No one noticed that I wore the same dress 3 times and if they did, they didn't say anything (nor would it  have mattered if they did!). 

 

Layers aren't hard so long as you allow yourself to wear the same thing many times. The two key pieces for us would be hooded anoraks that handle the rain or good rain jackets, and a fleece jacket or pullover that can go under the anorak or on its own. Bonus if it's something you would be happy to wear around the ship on cold days. 

[SbbquilterUT]

Congratulations on your anniversary.  We love sailing Alaska and have been lucky to visit 5 times in different months and can't wait for August to sail again.  
I hate lots of luggage so we travel with carry-on only, a 22" roller bag and personal item each (last trip was 22 days including Iceland and Norway).  Best tip is lightweight layers - tee shirt, then a long sleeve wool shirt plus a top layer of either fleece or raincoat worked everywhere except at the glacier.  There are many inexpensive puffer vests and jackets that roll into tiny bags, work great for travel.  For shoes we wear waterproofed walking shoes/athletic shoes and wool socks, never had a need for boots.  In August we have hiked in shorts and had rain but never really cold days.  On the ship it will be very casual and even evenings are not dressy unless you want to - relax and enjoy the trip.  A swimsuit is nice if you want to use the pool or hot tub.  
The long standing joke is to get your clothes together, then remove half.  

 

 

[ldubs]

There is a lot of great info here.  

 

I'm one of those who prefers to take more than less and seldom travel for more than a couple days with only a carry-on.  Having said that, I agree that you don't need that much luggage.  

Enjoy!

[donaldsc]

22 hours ago, gregma60 said:

 

3.  It seems as if we have to pack a LOT, we currently have 2 24" suitcases, 2 carry-on cases, 2 largish backpacks.  With all the cold layers, all the dinner clothing, all the lounge clothing, my wife is panicking that we will need 2 more 28" cases.  Does she need to panic?

 

 

-gregma

 

Way way way too much!!!  It isn't the Caribbean so it won't be hot so you don't need to change every day.  You don't need special dinner clothing.  Lounge clothing - is that some special type of clothing that you think that you need?  Leave it home. 

 

I suspect that you are also taking more shoes than you need although you have not mentioned that.  Wear your largest pair when you board the ship. Then you only need to pack 1 or maybe 2 pair of shoes.  As a side note - one pair of shoes should be waterproof.  

 

It probably will not be that cold in AK and you can check weather forecasts before you leave so you are probably taking too much cold weather clothing.  Also if you have down clothing they pack down wonderfully.  

 

Do you really need 2 large backpacks since you will only be using them on day trips and how much do you need on a day trip.  You can even eliminate the need for a day pack if you have a photo or fisherman vest w lots of pockets.

 

Hoe that this helps.

 

DON

[sapete]

It's been awhile but I did all my past Alaska cruising in Neptune's and they used to provide FREE laundry and dry cleaning.  Sent it out and back in 24 hours.  Cut packing by half.  As others said--don't worry about formal ware.  Also, take advantage of the Neptune lounge--the team in there can and will do anything the guests services desk can do.  Also with booking shore excursions, etc.

 

Be sure to jump on the HAL board.  Folks there can answer ALL your questions.

Edited March 2, 2023 by sapete

[gregma60]

22 hours ago, mrgabriel said:

The only thing I can comment on is luggage. I'll be honest and say that I think you're planning to take way too much stuff.

 

We've done Alaska a couple of times on Celebrity. I agree that people do not dress up as much for Alaska cruises - and no one notices what you wear. On our last Alaska cruise (last June), I took 3 dresses. One of them was black & I wore it with different jackets, sweater or scarves. No one noticed that I wore the same dress 3 times and if they did, they didn't say anything (nor would it  have mattered if they did!). 

 

Layers aren't hard so long as you allow yourself to wear the same thing many times. The two key pieces for us would be hooded anoraks that handle the rain or good rain jackets, and a fleece jacket or pullover that can go under the anorak or on its own. Bonus if it's something you would be happy to wear around the ship on cold days. 

I believe we are rethinking that.  Although it's quite a bit more bulky than we take to jamaica or the bahamas, we might need to pare down.  I've heard that things are not as formal as before, but we just like getting dressed up for dinner.  Think I'll skip the tie, but still will wear a sport coat with a nice shirt and dark khakis and my wife says she still wants to wear a dress.  We will have a dry-run on packing this weekend or next and see where we are.  Thank you so much for tips!

 

-gregma

[gregma60]

21 hours ago, SbbquilterUT said:

Congratulations on your anniversary.  We love sailing Alaska and have been lucky to visit 5 times in different months and can't wait for August to sail again.  
I hate lots of luggage so we travel with carry-on only, a 22" roller bag and personal item each (last trip was 22 days including Iceland and Norway).  Best tip is lightweight layers - tee shirt, then a long sleeve wool shirt plus a top layer of either fleece or raincoat worked everywhere except at the glacier.  There are many inexpensive puffer vests and jackets that roll into tiny bags, work great for travel.  For shoes we wear waterproofed walking shoes/athletic shoes and wool socks, never had a need for boots.  In August we have hiked in shorts and had rain but never really cold days.  On the ship it will be very casual and even evenings are not dressy unless you want to - relax and enjoy the trip.  A swimsuit is nice if you want to use the pool or hot tub.  
The long standing joke is to get your clothes together, then remove half.  

 

 

You should have seen us on our first 10 day trip to our favorite jamaica sandals!  We WAY overpacked!!  I think your suggestion will suit us well.  We will pack what we *think* we need, then start trimming until we can comfortably get it in our carry-on, 22" bag, and backpack each.  We do have complementary laundry and dry cleaning, so maybe less clothes and just use the laundry?  Are you also going in August to Alaska?

 

-gregma

[gregma60]

21 hours ago, ldubs said:

There is a lot of great info here.  

 

I'm one of those who prefers to take more than less and seldom travel for more than a couple days with only a carry-on.  Having said that, I agree that you don't need that much luggage.  

Enjoy!

Thank you for the info!  Sounds like we are alike.  I don't think we will need more than our caribbean trips, the clothes are just larger.  Long sleeved vs short sleeved, jeans/khakis vs shorts, 3 layers over a shirt vs no layers, just a shirt.  Then again, we don't need our snorkel gear, or water shoes, etc.

 

-gregma

[gregma60]

19 hours ago, donaldsc said:

 

Way way way too much!!!  It isn't the Caribbean so it won't be hot so you don't need to change every day.  You don't need special dinner clothing.  Lounge clothing - is that some special type of clothing that you think that you need?  Leave it home. 

 

I suspect that you are also taking more shoes than you need although you have not mentioned that.  Wear your largest pair when you board the ship. Then you only need to pack 1 or maybe 2 pair of shoes.  As a side note - one pair of shoes should be waterproof.  

 

It probably will not be that cold in AK and you can check weather forecasts before you leave so you are probably taking too much cold weather clothing.  Also if you have down clothing they pack down wonderfully.  

 

Do you really need 2 large backpacks since you will only be using them on day trips and how much do you need on a day trip.  You can even eliminate the need for a day pack if you have a photo or fisherman vest w lots of pockets.

 

Hoe that this helps.

 

DON

That does help.  For shoes, we both have our waterproof hikers which we will wear on the way up, a pair of keens for around ship, and a pair of flipflops/crocs for around the room/balcony/quick trip to the neptune lounge for a snack.  Also a nice pair of shoes, sport coat/nice shirt and nice dress for our anniversary dinner at the steakhouse, we do like to get dressed up sometimes, but now only take one set.

 

As far as the large backpacks, that's just for the travel there mainly.  Mine has all of our electronics, chargers, snacks, water bottle, tablet, etc.  Hers has her kindle, tablet, snacks, scarf, sweater (she gets cold easier).  Will probably this time only bring my backpack, and the dslr backpack.  For the excursion, it will go down to one backpack with all our layers packed inside/snacks/water and the dslr backpack.  Will be bringing our camera body with kit lens, 100-400 zoom, 1.4x teleconverter, flash, etc.  My wife retired as a professional portrait photographer after 25 years so likes taking pictures.

 

-gregma

[gregma60]

15 hours ago, sapete said:

It's been awhile but I did all my past Alaska cruising in Neptune's and they used to provide FREE laundry and dry cleaning.  Sent it out and back in 24 hours.  Cut packing by half.  As others said--don't worry about formal ware.  Also, take advantage of the Neptune lounge--the team in there can and will do anything the guests services desk can do.  Also with booking shore excursions, etc.

 

Be sure to jump on the HAL board.  Folks there can answer ALL your questions.

First, thank you for your service!  I'm also ex-Air Force.  I think that's the perfect solution.  Bring half, have one in laundry, one being worn.  Great idea!

 

-gregma

[SbbquilterUT]

12 hours ago, gregma60 said:

You should have seen us on our first 10 day trip to our favorite jamaica sandals!  We WAY overpacked!!  I think your suggestion will suit us well.  We will pack what we *think* we need, then start trimming until we can comfortably get it in our carry-on, 22" bag, and backpack each.  We do have complementary laundry and dry cleaning, so maybe less clothes and just use the laundry?  Are you also going in August to Alaska?

 

-gregma

Yes - early in the month so I hope we see the pink salmon running again.

[Ferry_Watcher]

On 3/2/2023 at 6:12 AM, gregma60 said:

Multiple layers is scaring us.  🙂

 

You live in Seattle, how do you not know how to layer?

[gregma60]

18 hours ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

 

You live in Seattle, how do you not know how to layer?

We are quite a bit south.  Average winter lows is in the 40s, highs in the 50s.  I wear maybe a light jacket pretty much from August through May.  Don't think that's the same for Alaska, but I've never been there.  All I can find is from the 60s to the 30s are possible. 

 

-gregma

[Ferry_Watcher]

45 minutes ago, gregma60 said:

I wear maybe a light jacket pretty much from August through May.

 

If you have a fleece vest and/or jacket I would bring them to wear under your breathable rain jacket. If you don't currently have any fleece outerwear, you may have wool - also a good option.  If you decide to buy, this would be a great time as winter clothes are discounted to make room for spring apparel.  Waterproof shoes would be good for port days, and bring a hat and gloves for your glacier viewing.

 

I know that there was some discussion about bringing a sportscoat for dinner.  I have the feeling that you would be happier to have the suitcoat with you (better overdressed than underdressed).  While I agree with everyone about packing light, I would encourage you to bring your sportscoat.

[gregma60]

4 hours ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

 

If you have a fleece vest and/or jacket I would bring them to wear under your breathable rain jacket. If you don't currently have any fleece outerwear, you may have wool - also a good option.  If you decide to buy, this would be a great time as winter clothes are discounted to make room for spring apparel.  

4 hours ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

If you have a fleece vest and/or jacket I would bring them to wear under your breathable rain jacket. If you don't currently have any fleece outerwear, you may have wool - also a good option.

What we have purchased is a comfortable light long sleeved zip up (wife has fleece, I have a more technical one) which we planned on being the first layer over our long sleeved shirt.  Then we each have a vest (wife's is a puffy one, mine is fleece), then the lite waterproof shell. 

 

4 hours ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

 

4 hours ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

 Waterproof shoes would be good for port days, and bring a hat and gloves for your glacier viewing.

We both have waterproof shoes, not huge thick boots, more like hikers. Because of my mobility challenges, we won't be doing a lot of trail hiking. 

 

4 hours ago, Ferry_Watcher said:

I know that there was some discussion about bringing a sportscoat for dinner.  I have the feeling that you would be happier to have the suitcoat with you (better overdressed than underdressed).  While I agree with everyone about packing light, I would encourage you to bring your sportscoat.

I know from this board it's now very uncommon for anyone to dress up for dinner, even on formal nights, however, both my wife and myself just like being semi dressy when eating out on vacation. I hope other cruisers don't condemn us too much for me wearing a nice button down shirt, comfy dress pants and a blazer with my wife in a light dress. 

[Blondilu]

Some really, really great info here.  I've been 4 times. 

 

Think of it this way:  Travel day, 1 outfit.  Put it aside and wear the same outfit home, launder if necessary. 

 

3 port days = 3 pairs of jeans or similar and 3 sweatshirts or sweaters.  1 fleece jacket and 1 rain jacket. 1 pair of waterproof shoes or 2 pairs to trade off when one gets wet.

 

4 sea days = the same jeans or pants you wore onshore.  Maybe add 1 more or use what you travelled in.  4 t-shirts, add the sweatshirts if you get colder.  On glacier day if you go outside you will also need your fleece jacket.  Same shoes as port days.

 

Nicer clothes for the evening = 1 or 2 nicer pants and a couple of shirts.  A blazer/sportscoat or cardigan for the ladies and you're good to go.  Dressier shoes.

 

Obviously you'll want to add undies and sleepwear. You should also bring gloves and a beanie or scarf. 

 

All of the above should fit easily into one suitcase.  You may have to wear the sportcoat on the train or carefully roll it up in your carry-on. 

 

Note:  It could actually be warm enough to wear the t-shirts ashore instead of the sweatshirts, I've seen that a couple of times.  Don't be afraid of layers.  Layers = t-shirt, sweatshirt, fleece jacket and rain jacket, worn in whatever combination the weather calls for.  If it gets warmer, peel off layers and put them in your backpack, cooler do the reverse. 

 

One more thing:  bring whatever makes you happy.  If you want to bring enough to require 2 suitcases, do it and don't let anyone tell you you shouldn't.  Packing light is not for everyone, and the way I figure it is if I'm willing to lug around all that stuff then what difference does it make to anyone else?  On the other hand my age is starting to show and packing lighter is more appealing with each trip.

 

 

[gregma60]

1 hour ago, Blondilu said:

Some really, really great info here.  I've been 4 times. 

 

Think of it this way:  Travel day, 1 outfit.  Put it aside and wear the same outfit home, launder if necessary. 

 

3 port days = 3 pairs of jeans or similar and 3 sweatshirts or sweaters.  1 fleece jacket and 1 rain jacket. 1 pair of waterproof shoes or 2 pairs to trade off when one gets wet.

 

4 sea days = the same jeans or pants you wore onshore.  Maybe add 1 more or use what you travelled in.  4 t-shirts, add the sweatshirts if you get colder.  On glacier day if you go outside you will also need your fleece jacket.  Same shoes as port days.

 

Nicer clothes for the evening = 1 or 2 nicer pants and a couple of shirts.  A blazer/sportscoat or cardigan for the ladies and you're good to go.  Dressier shoes.

 

Obviously you'll want to add undies and sleepwear. You should also bring gloves and a beanie or scarf. 

 

All of the above should fit easily into one suitcase.  You may have to wear the sportcoat on the train or carefully roll it up in your carry-on. 

 

Note:  It could actually be warm enough to wear the t-shirts ashore instead of the sweatshirts, I've seen that a couple of times.  Don't be afraid of layers.  Layers = t-shirt, sweatshirt, fleece jacket and rain jacket, worn in whatever combination the weather calls for.  If it gets warmer, peel off layers and put them in your backpack, cooler do the reverse. 

 

One more thing:  bring whatever makes you happy.  If you want to bring enough to require 2 suitcases, do it and don't let anyone tell you you shouldn't.  Packing light is not for everyone, and the way I figure it is if I'm willing to lug around all that stuff then what difference does it make to anyone else?  On the other hand my age is starting to show and packing lighter is more appealing with each trip.

 

 

Great info!  I think we now have the layering down.  Going to limit it to one medium and one small each.  That is easily doable from the car to the train depot and train depot to taxi.  I'm definitely way past the getting older phase, but haven't hit the pack light phase yet, hoping it comes soon! lol

 

-gregma

[9tee2Sea]

Alaska in Aug is great.  Almost perpetual sun ( It gets dark about midnight-ish).  PLEASE save room in your luggage for all the sweatshirts and hoodies you will buy.  No need to pack bulky clothes. If it gets cold, but a sweatshirt or jacket in on of the ports.  Really nice sales on clothes in Juneau.

[gregma60]

4 hours ago, 9tee2Sea said:

Alaska in Aug is great.  Almost perpetual sun ( It gets dark about midnight-ish).  PLEASE save room in your luggage for all the sweatshirts and hoodies you will buy.  No need to pack bulky clothes. If it gets cold, but a sweatshirt or jacket in on of the ports.  Really nice sales on clothes in Juneau.

That's an interesting concept, but our excursions leave pretty much immediately after we debark.  Even on the first port of call.  Thus would have no time to purchase anything.  For example, our first port of call is Juneau where we arrive at 1pm, our excursion is 1:30.  For skagway we arrive at 7am, excursion is 8am.  Ketchikan we arrive at 11am, our excursion is 11:30am.  I have no idea how long between arrival and disembarkation is for each of these.    Great idea though!

 

-gregma

[fishiecrackers]

We recently had to travel to Canada in January, and needed lots of cold-weather gear for what we were doing. We purchased some suitcase-sized space bags for our jackets, fleece, etc., and it saved space really nicely. We got the kind that you just roll/lay on to get the air out, not using a vacuum attachment. As others have mentioned, down layers can get smushed down pretty small, esp with space bags, so that would be another idea if you're worried about space.