Alaska Cruise Footwear Question

[JSOL1]

We will be sailing from Seward to Vancouver in July. Trying to determine appropriate footwear for excursions. We are definitely bringing waterproof trail runner/hiking shoes but trying to determine if proper hiking boots are necessary. We obviously want to minimize bulk packing wise, but don’t want to risk being under prepared either.

Thanks in advance!

[papaflamingo]

I can't imagine you need anything as "serious" as "proper hiking boots."  But it really depends on what excursions you go on. If you're using Regent's excursions.  It's not an "expedition" cruise so there won't, likely, be any long rugged hikes.  We've always worn running shoes and have found then more than adequate for any Regent excision.  Your "waterproof trail runner/hiking shoes" sound like they'd be perfect for any situation you find yourself in. 

[labonnevie]

If you are physically able, highly recommend one of the helicopter glacier hikes out of Juneau. In that case your waterproof hiking boots will be perfect as you will put crampons on over them. 

[irishwitchy]

15 hours ago, labonnevie said:

If you are physically able, highly recommend one of the helicopter glacier hikes out of Juneau. In that case your waterproof hiking boots will be perfect as you will put crampons on over them. 

Also, agree this is a great adventure!   If you are doing some back country hiking in Denali bring the proper hiking boots because of the permafrost, otherwise you will fine.  

[JSOL1]

Thanks all. We tend to do the most strenuous level for excursions and we are waitlisted for the helicopter excursion.

If we knew for certain that we won’t get on the glacier then we will leave the boots. Behind. We are bringing waterproof hikers(sneaker like) for any trail related activities though.

[Whinenowine]

11 hours ago, JSOL1 said:

Thanks all. We tend to do the most strenuous level for excursions and we are waitlisted for the helicopter excursion.

If we knew for certain that we won’t get on the glacier then we will leave the boots. Behind. We are bringing waterproof hikers(sneaker like) for any trail related activities though.

Fully agree on the waterproof hiking boots...that's all I wore on our excursions last summer.  Even when not on the glacier(s) it'll likely rain a whole lot, so good to have that extra level of protection.

[colleenmf]

We did our Alaska cruise in sneakers and sandals. Even hiked up a mountain in sneakers.  I suppose if you pick an excursion that actually goes onto a glacier you might need hiking boots. But I have to say, during our 2 weeks, we got almost no rain and the weather was in the 70's every day.

[ThanksChar]

Probably depends on what makes your feet happy and the weather. We prefer hiking boots for their stability and waterproof features - especially if there is rain and mud. We actually wear our hiking boots on the flight to Vancouver to reduce checked bag weight. Fun tip, if your footwear gets dirty or muddy you can leave them outside your suite door at night and the magical laundry team will tidy them up the best they can. Have a wonderful trip! Alaska and the Explorer are beautiful! 

[labonnevie]

4 hours ago, colleenmf said:

But I have to say, during our 2 weeks, we got almost no rain and the weather was in the 70's every day.

You were extremely fortunate!

[JSOL1]

3 hours ago, ThanksChar said:

Probably depends on what makes your feet happy and the weather. We prefer hiking boots for their stability and waterproof features - especially if there is rain and mud. We actually wear our hiking boots on the flight to Vancouver to reduce checked bag weight. Fun tip, if your footwear gets dirty or muddy you can leave them outside your suite door at night and the magical laundry team will tidy them up the best they can. Have a wonderful trip! Alaska and the Explorer are beautiful! 

Thank you! We love Explorer as well. Our feet are happiest in running shoes, but not if they’re wet and muddy.

Honestly our biggest reservation with bringing our hiking boots (we live in New England) is transporting them, but you provide a very interesting solution! Wearing boots on a cross country flight may not be ideal, but perhaps worth it. Thanks (and the tip to leave them out if muddy)