First cruise, first time in Alaska!

[gregma60]

14 hours ago, fishiecrackers said:

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.

That's a great idea!  I think we might have some of those somewhere.

 

-gregma

[MobiusHky]

On 3/5/2023 at 4:30 PM, gregma60 said:

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. 

With all of that on, I'd be sweating.  LOL.  I live north of Anchorage.  I literally wear a Columbia Ascender softshell as my everyday winter coat.  I might throw on the heavy jacket if I'm clearing the driveway in January.

 

But seriously, you're going in August.  It's gonna be much warmer than winter in Seattle.  The low temps are only if you have a stormy day or overnight lows.  On the days when you're doing excursions you probably won't need more than a long sleeve with a zip up over it.  And then you'll probably be carrying the zip up all day long rather than wearing it.

 

Locations that are closer to the ocean (like all of the cruise destinations) are very mild compared to the interior.  Treat your cruise attire the same as you would for fall near Seattle.  It'll be warmer than that, but having a little extra isn't a bad idea.

 

BTW, if you're doing the Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan round trip thing you haven't really made it to Alaska yet.  LOL  Inside joke.

Edited March 10, 2023 by MobiusHky

[gregma60]

On 3/10/2023 at 12:46 PM, MobiusHky said:

With all of that on, I'd be sweating.  LOL.  I live north of Anchorage.  I literally wear a Columbia Ascender softshell as my everyday winter coat.  I might throw on the heavy jacket if I'm clearing the driveway in January.

 

But seriously, you're going in August.  It's gonna be much warmer than winter in Seattle.  The low temps are only if you have a stormy day or overnight lows.  On the days when you're doing excursions you probably won't need more than a long sleeve with a zip up over it.  And then you'll probably be carrying the zip up all day long rather than wearing it.

 

Locations that are closer to the ocean (like all of the cruise destinations) are very mild compared to the interior.  Treat your cruise attire the same as you would for fall near Seattle.  It'll be warmer than that, but having a little extra isn't a bad idea.

 

BTW, if you're doing the Juneau, Sitka, Ketchikan round trip thing you haven't really made it to Alaska yet.  LOL  Inside joke.

Nice perspective! However, could it be that you are so used to cold weather's you wear shorts when it's 30 out? lol.  Yeah, we just went on a short trip here.  36 degrees out, snow on the ground, raining lightly.  Just the long sleeved layer over my long sleeved shirt, and waterproof shell on, and after an hour when we decided to leave, my shirt sleeves were soaked, stayed toasty warm other than my finger tips, gloves just didn't work.  Wife was just fine with a simple light long sleeved layer and her waterproof shell.  I'm sure we will be more than fine leaving a layer behind! 

 

Funny story, decades ago I was working tech support for a small software company right out of college.  it was July and about 80 degrees here in Western Washington.  Got a call from someone in Anchorage, during conversation, I asked how much snow was on the ground...  thinking there was a few feet and below 30 degrees... She started laughing.  Eventually told me it was in the low 90s, balmy, sunny and there hadn't been snow for months. lol

 

-gregma

[MobiusHky]

52 minutes ago, gregma60 said:

Nice perspective! However, could it be that you are so used to cold weather's you wear shorts when it's 30 out? lol.  Yeah, we just went on a short trip here.  36 degrees out, snow on the ground, raining lightly.  Just the long sleeved layer over my long sleeved shirt, and waterproof shell on, and after an hour when we decided to leave, my shirt sleeves were soaked, stayed toasty warm other than my finger tips, gloves just didn't work.  Wife was just fine with a simple light long sleeved layer and her waterproof shell.  I'm sure we will be more than fine leaving a layer behind! 

 

Funny story, decades ago I was working tech support for a small software company right out of college.  it was July and about 80 degrees here in Western Washington.  Got a call from someone in Anchorage, during conversation, I asked how much snow was on the ground...  thinking there was a few feet and below 30 degrees... She started laughing.  Eventually told me it was in the low 90s, balmy, sunny and there hadn't been snow for months. lol

 

-gregma

Yeah, Alaska isn't the frozen iceberg people tend to think.  Don't get me wrong, it gets down right cold in the winter, but that's really mid-October through mid-May.  June, July, and August are seasonably warm and I'd say you are more likely to have 60 degrees than you will 30.

 

Yes, I'm a bit acclimated.  LOL.  Walking around Talkeetna with my family a couple years ago I came across a guy who was bundled up with a long sleeve shirt, fleece jacket, parka, snow hat, gloves, and a scarf.  He said "You must be from around here."  I asked him why he said that.  He said "You're the only ones walking around in T-shirts!"  I laughed!  It was 40 degrees out.  Felt warm to me?

[gregma60]

17 hours ago, MobiusHky said:

Yeah, Alaska isn't the frozen iceberg people tend to think.  Don't get me wrong, it gets down right cold in the winter, but that's really mid-October through mid-May.  June, July, and August are seasonably warm and I'd say you are more likely to have 60 degrees than you will 30.

 

Yes, I'm a bit acclimated.  LOL.  Walking around Talkeetna with my family a couple years ago I came across a guy who was bundled up with a long sleeve shirt, fleece jacket, parka, snow hat, gloves, and a scarf.  He said "You must be from around here."  I asked him why he said that.  He said "You're the only ones walking around in T-shirts!"  I laughed!  It was 40 degrees out.  Felt warm to me?

LOL! Yeah 40 degrees out is be a bit more bundled up.  long sleeved shirt and a light jacked. 

 

-gregma

[donaldsc]

19 hours ago, MobiusHky said:

Yeah, Alaska isn't the frozen iceberg people tend to think.  Don't get me wrong, it gets down right cold in the winter, but that's really mid-October through mid-May.  June, July, and August are seasonably warm and I'd say you are more likely to have 60 degrees than you will 30.

 

Yes, I'm a bit acclimated.  LOL.  Walking around Talkeetna with my family a couple years ago I came across a guy who was bundled up with a long sleeve shirt, fleece jacket, parka, snow hat, gloves, and a scarf.  He said "You must be from around here."  I asked him why he said that.  He said "You're the only ones walking around in T-shirts!"  I laughed!  It was 40 degrees out.  Felt warm to me?

 

According to WeatherSpark the average high at Talkeetna airport in August is 65 degrees.

 

DON

[MobiusHky]

6 hours ago, donaldsc said:

 

According to WeatherSpark the average high at Talkeetna airport in August is 65 degrees.

 

DON

Talkeetna is interior.  It's not a cruise port and isn't on the cruise itinerary unless you do a cruise/tour to Seward and then up to Denali. FYI.  It's fun little tourist stop if you get the chance.  The "mayor" is a cat.

[gregma60]

4 minutes ago, MobiusHky said:

Talkeetna is interior.  It's not a cruise port and isn't on the cruise itinerary unless you do a cruise/tour to Seward and then up to Denali. FYI.  It's fun little tourist stop if you get the chance.  The "mayor" is a cat.

Did you just say they have a "cat" as the mayor?  Did it run on a "kibble for all" platform??

 

-gregma

[fishiecrackers]

2 minutes ago, gregma60 said:

Did you just say they have a "cat" as the mayor?  Did it run on a "kibble for all" platform??

 

-gregma

I mean, the cat who was mayor is dead now, but Stubbs was great while he lasted.

[MobiusHky]

10 minutes ago, fishiecrackers said:

I mean, the cat who was mayor is dead now, but Stubbs was great while he lasted.

They elected a new one.  I don't know his name now.

[MobiusHky]

13 minutes ago, gregma60 said:

Did you just say they have a "cat" as the mayor?  Did it run on a "kibble for all" platform??

 

-gregma

Talkeetna isn't an incorporated town.  So it's a ceremonial position.  So they picked a cat.

[gregma60]

Just now, MobiusHky said:

Talkeetna isn't an incorporated town.  So it's a ceremonial position.  So they picked a cat.

That is great!  Just looked it up.  

 

-gregma

[Sekhmet]

5 hours ago, MobiusHky said:

Talkeetna isn't an incorporated town.  So it's a ceremonial position.  So they picked a cat.

And why not?  We have a picture of the Honorary Mayor in 2017 (who we were told was called Denali) sitting on my knee in the West Rib Deli & Pub -- that was definitely a first!!

[gregma60]

7 hours ago, Sekhmet said:

And why not?  We have a picture of the Honorary Mayor in 2017 (who we were told was called Denali) sitting on my knee in the West Rib Deli & Pub -- that was definitely a first!!

That sounds awesome!  Wish we could visit there just to meet the mayor!

 

-gregma

[port msp]

I've read most of the posts in this thread and it seems most have given you the 411 on weather/clothing needs.  If you pack for a cool wet fall day in your home area, you'll be covered.  Waterproof/breathable hooded jacket and a fleece jacket and/or fleece vest are all you'll need.  I'd add a pair of rain pants to your day bag if you're doing anything outside for any duration.  The weather can change by the minute.  I forgot my rain pants for a whale watch excursion in Juneau, it started raining really hard, and I spent the rest of the excursion and a couple hours at Mendenhall Glacier in soaked jeans.  The rain pants with side zips are much easier to get on/off.  A fleece beanie and a light pair of gloves are never a bad thing.  

If your concerns about outlets at the bedside are for a CPAP machine, give guest services a call and let them know your needs.  It's a really common request that they're used to accommodating. The times I've sailed with my CPAP, they've provided an extension cord (if needed) and distilled water (for a charge).    A couple other thoughts; get some gaffer tape.  It holds almost as well as duct tape, but leaves no residue.  Wrap 5-10 ft. of it around an old plastic gift card/credit card.  It works great for taping down an extension cord if the need arrises.   If your magnetic hooks slide down the vertical metal surface, put a small piece of gaffer tape on the wall/surface at the level you want the hook.  It'll work like a curb/bumper and the magnet won't slide down over it.  

Good choice on a Neptune Suite.  We booked one for an anniversary cruise to Alaska and it was a wonderful treat.  A suggestion for your photographer bride; make sure to be up on deck when steaming out of Skagway.  The scenery is particularly breathtaking.  Also,  Eldred Rock Lighthouse is about 35 miles south of Skagway, and even leaving port at 8p, there may still be some backlighting as you steam by, depending on cloud conditions.  Google it and take a look.  Enjoy.  

 

Free advice is worth exactly what you pay for it. 

[donaldsc]

On 3/12/2023 at 6:38 PM, MobiusHky said:

Talkeetna is interior.  It's not a cruise port and isn't on the cruise itinerary unless you do a cruise/tour to Seward and then up to Denali. FYI.  It's fun little tourist stop if you get the chance.  The "mayor" is a cat.

 

My response was to someone who was talking about walking around Talkeetna in shirtsleeves.  If you take a cruisetour you will probably visit Talkeetna since one of the hotels that Princess uses is sort of close to Talkeetna.

 

DON

[MobiusHky]

1 hour ago, donaldsc said:

 

My response was to someone who was talking about walking around Talkeetna in shirtsleeves.  If you take a cruisetour you will probably visit Talkeetna since one of the hotels that Princess uses is sort of close to Talkeetna.

 

DON

LOL, that was me.  🙂

[gregma60]

On 3/20/2023 at 11:13 AM, port msp said:

f you pack for a cool wet fall day in your home area, you'll be covered.  Waterproof/breathable hooded jacket and a fleece jacket and/or fleece vest are all you'll need.  

We are down to just that now, I think it will serve us well. 

 

On 3/20/2023 at 11:13 AM, port msp said:

A couple other thoughts; get some gaffer tape.  It holds almost as well as duct tape, but leaves no residue.  Wrap 5-10 ft. of it around an old plastic gift card/credit card.  It works great for taping down an extension cord if the need arrises.

Great idea!  Can be used for quite a few other things, adding that to the list.

 

On 3/20/2023 at 11:13 AM, port msp said:

If your magnetic hooks slide down the vertical metal surface, put a small piece of gaffer tape on the wall/surface at the level you want the hook.  It'll work like a curb/bumper and the magnet won't slide down over it.  

I'm going to have to try that!  The magnetic hooks we got that says 150 pounds won't even hold 5 pounds vertically.  Tape I bet will work for sure a bumper!

 

On 3/20/2023 at 11:13 AM, port msp said:

Good choice on a Neptune Suite.  We booked one for an anniversary cruise to Alaska and it was a wonderful treat.

Thank you, that's what we have been hearing.  Unfortunately, I think it will spoil us, and prevent us from doing our two other cruise bucket lists.  Panama Canal (pricing at $20,000+ in a neptune suite), and Hawaii (also pricing at $20,000+).  I can get 30 days in an all-inclusive resort WITH a butler and airfare for that 🙂

 

On 3/20/2023 at 11:13 AM, port msp said:

suggestion for your photographer bride; make sure to be up on deck when steaming out of Skagway.  The scenery is particularly breathtaking.  Also,  Eldred Rock Lighthouse is about 35 miles south of Skagway, and even leaving port at 8p, there may still be some backlighting as you steam by, depending on cloud conditions.  Google it and take a look.

Have bookmarked and will show the DW when she gets home from work, thank you so much!!

 

-gregma

[port msp]

On 3/21/2023 at 7:30 PM, gregma60 said:

 

Thank you, that's what we have been hearing.  Unfortunately, I think it will spoil us, and prevent us from doing our two other cruise bucket lists.  Panama Canal (pricing at $20,000+ in a neptune suite), and Hawaii (also pricing at $20,000+).  I can get 30 days in an all-inclusive resort WITH a butler and airfare for that 🙂

More from the free advice dept:  Suites are nice, but I wouldn't forgo a cruise through the Panama Canal or a cruise to Hawaii because a suite was prohibitively expensive.  I'd just book a balcony (if avail) or ocean view room.  The canal is really impressive, especially when one thinks about when it was built.  I'd wanted to see it since 7th grade geography class.  It didn't disappoint!  

Just a thought.  

On 3/21/2023 at 7:30 PM, gregma60 said:

 

 

[chazzinator8]

On 3/21/2023 at 6:30 PM, gregma60 said:

I'm going to have to try that!  The magnetic hooks we got that says 150 pounds won't even hold 5 pounds vertically.  Tape I bet will work for sure a bumper!

 

For smaller items or bags, attach the hooks from the ceiling, they hold MUCH better hanging down from the ceiling than from a wall, just from my own experience.

[Elaine5715]

If you do an water excursion that takes you up close to glaciers, you want warm clothing.  Glaciers are frozen and the small boats get up close.  

[Ferry_Watcher]

We brought 8 magnetic hooks and used them all.  We did some laundry in the sink (spouse likes doing that).  We put 4 hooks in the shower ceiling and hung laundry there.  We also used one hook to hang up out daily schedule that we printed at home (Chic night reminders, local vendor excursions, Silent Discos and specialty dinners, etc). 

The other three hooks held our empty shore travel bags, fleece vest/jackets, etc).  Next trip I might add a couple more hooks.  Better to have too many than not enough.

[hikergirl]

On 3/1/2023 at 12:33 PM, gregma60 said:

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).

 

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?

 

We were on the May 6 - 13 Alaksa Koningsdam Cruise and stayed in a Neptune Suite. Our boarding time was scheduled for 10:00 am - Boarding Group 1. We also stayed in the Pan Pacific the night before.  They have a luggage service, where you call in the morning (we called at 7:30 am) and they will come get your bags and check them in for you. They work on gratuities.  This is a HUGE help, as you can skip this step on Embarkation Day.  I don't think they have an escort service.  The porter gave us good instructions on where to go. Basically, look for the totem pole, and turn right and follow the signs to cruise check in. The pole is 1 or 2 floors down from the hotel check in desk. (We did a walk through the night before, so we knew exactly where to go). 

 

We had the breakfast buffet, then headed down to check in around 9:30.  The doors to check in opened around 9:45. After cruise check in, you will be sent through security, then customs, then wait in the cruise ship waiting area. Be sure to tell the HAL people in the check in area that you are priority, so you will be sent to the priority waiting area.    It took about 2 hours from check in, to actually boarding the ship.  We couldn't get in our room right away as it was still being cleaned, so we went to lunch in the Lido. Our luggage arrived in our room around 4.

 

We packed too many clothes. We wore jeans, a long sleeve shirt, a fleece top, and a rain jacket on the chilly day in Skagway.   You get free laundry service in the Neptune Suite, so this can help you pack lighter.  There are nice blankets in your Suite that you can wrap in while enjoying your deck.

[SoloAlaska]

On 3/3/2023 at 9:33 AM, gregma60 said:

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

The biggest thing I can say is make sure your backpack is waterproof. Not water resistant or using a cover. Rain or shine I am not missing out and my water resistant backpack with a cover on it got soaked during my excursions last year in Alaska. If you don’t have a waterproof backpack then use dry bags or big ziplocks to keep the contents safe.

 

The 25lb magnetic hooks were plenty in my experience. I hung my empty backpack to dry (it’s lightweight) or my raincoat etc. The bathroom door on my ship had a hook which I put my toiletry bag on. Hanging things off the ceiling works really well with the magnetic hooks as well. 
 

I got changed every evening for dinner and had a small and medium roller with a backpack. Hiking boots(I did some serious hiking on the trip), casual flats (like light sneakers) for around the ship, dress shoes (for dressing up for dinner), and flip flops or crocs for going to the pool was just the right amount of shoes. My mom is joining me on my next cruise and she needs one less pair of shoes because her around the ship and dress shoes will just be a nice pair of flats since she doesn’t wear heels.

[Haljo1935]

Congrats on the cruise - excellent choice for an anniversary! The Neptune Suite will take an already great experience over the top.

•Highly encourage you to make full use of the Concierge services and lounge.

•Allow yourself to enjoy breakfast in the Pinnacle Grill; it is only available to suite guests and is a special way to start the day.

•Have the booking noted as an anniversary celebration  - they will do a couple extra things for you.

•Bring binoculars  - the ones in your cabin are not good enough

•Spend as much time as possible on your deck to maximize wildlife sightings and the beauty of AK

•Ask cabin steward to show you where the lap blankets are if you don't see them - they're a must for evenings on the balcony

•Arrange (Concierge can do this for you) for anniversary dinner on your balcony one evening 

 

You've gotten great tips on here that I'm aligned with and mostly won't repeat, but having cruised AK in May & Sept for a few years, including in a Neptune, think some are worthy of reinforcing:

*Consider reducing your packing yet again - it's always too much, lol

*Absolutely make use of the laundry service - it allows you to make those packing edits pain-free. HAL does a great job w/laundry - research the numerous threads here on CC

*Heavy jackets not necessary, layers for sure, waterproof outerlayer absolutely 

*Neptune suite gets you priority boarding so disregard check in time on your boarding pass - go as early as you'd like, drop carry-on luggage in your cabin (even if it's not ready yet, you can drop your bags), explore the ship and have lunch in the MDR

*Research CC threads and ask questions - there's a lot of experience and knowledge here that CC community members are happy to share. I think I pick up at least one new tip (probably more) before every cruise I go on.

 

I'm excited for you @gregma60 - wishing you a Happy Anniversary from a fellow anniversary-in-AK cruiser (we celebrate husband's birthday in AK each May and our anniversary in AK each Sept).

Safe travels  - enjoy your cruise!

Edited July 15, 2023 by Haljo1935
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