Alaskan Newbies - What to bring?

[Wilddog2]

First off - thanks to all the posters here! We as cruising novices have appreciated everyone's input.

 

So - we're honeymooning in a few weeks on a Princess Alaskan cruise. Rather than rely on what's posted on the Princess site for what to bring, we figured we'd ask the experts.

 

What kinds of things are must-haves on these types of cruises?

 

Things we've thought of include a really good pair of binoculars, seasick meds for the new Mrs., etc. However, we know there must be oddball things that we can't anticipate, having never set foot on any cruise vessels.

 

Please share any and all suggestions, and thanks VERY MUCH in advance!

 

The Texas Newlyweds

[gg3]

First off - thanks to all the posters here! We as cruising novices have appreciated everyone's input.

 

So - we're honeymooning in a few weeks on a Princess Alaskan cruise. Rather than rely on what's posted on the Princess site for what to bring, we figured we'd ask the experts.

 

What kinds of things are must-haves on these types of cruises?

 

Things we've thought of include a really good pair of binoculars, seasick meds for the new Mrs., etc. However, we know there must be oddball things that we can't anticipate, having never set foot on any cruise vessels.

 

Please share any and all suggestions, and thanks VERY MUCH in advance!

 

The Texas Newlyweds

 

Congratulations you 2. Here is the best tip I can tell you. Go back to the home page of CC and at the top you will see SEARCH. Click there and type in on the top left side - Packing List - then on the right side where it says the categories, click Alaska. Then press Search. You will bring up all the info you can ever need. Stay on the Alaskan site for all the info you need. Re: clothing - layers - like tees, jeans, or wind pants, flannel shirts or sweaters or sweatshirts, a rain jacket w/hood, tennis shoes, etc. Seasick meds - binnoculars, Purell, bathroom deodorizer (travel size from Bath and Body are great), fanny pack (waterproof) for in town shopping or your shore excursions, and on and on. Read the boards, then ask questions. You are in for lifelong memories in Awesome Alaska, gg

[robthens]

Insect repellent (Off has towelettes which are easy to carry)

Highlighter to mark the daily Princess Patter

Zip-lock bags for snacks on port days

(fruit, crossants, etc off breakfast buffet)

Bonine (prevents motion sichness without drowsiness)

 

Alaska was our first cruise and it is a great choice. You'll love it.

Have a wonderful time.

[RunningDeer]

You'll have a great honeymoon! I went in July 03 and had to buy earmuffs and gloves........ Also, the best thing I took along was a flannel lined rain jacket. Kept the rain off, wind out and could layer as much as needed under it. You just never know what the weather will be.......be prepared for it all.

[chasetf]

You'll have a great honeymoon! I went in July 03 and had to buy earmuffs and gloves........ Also, the best thing I took along was a flannel lined rain jacket. Kept the rain off, wind out and could layer as much as needed under it. You just never know what the weather will be.......be prepared for it all.

We needed warm clothes on the ship going through Glacier Bay and College Fjord. It can get cold out on deck, even with the sun shinning bright....;)

[Budget Queen]

Insect repellent (Off has towelettes which are easy to carry)

Highlighter to mark the daily Princess Patter

Zip-lock bags for snacks on port days

(fruit, crossants, etc off breakfast buffet)

Bonine (prevents motion sichness without drowsiness)

 

Alaska was our first cruise and it is a great choice. You'll love it.

Have a wonderful time.

 

 

You CAN NOT take fruit off the ship into ports. BIG FINES if caught.

[edste]

Congratulations. We brought fleece vests and unlined raincoats and layed if necessary. We were lucky and had warm weather in July. The only place we had to layer was the glacier and when we went to Denali. That was also our first cruise and a great choice. Whatever you forget you can usually get on the ship.

[Cruise Lover Kathy]

Plan on layers--We packed way too much--rain suits (never had rain), winter coats (a sweater or sweatshirt with a leather jacket and gloves tucked in the pockets for the glacier days would be perfect.)

 

A 3 socket plug or a small power strip will help at the desk for recharging cameras and powering curling irons, small alarm clock.

 

But mosquito repellent is a great idea.

[krewzin]

Here's a list I've got going for our July 15th departure outta Vancouver:

 

 

1.duct tape

2. over-door shoe holder

2. bungie cord

3. cash for tips

4. colored hi-liter

5. fanny pack

6. ziploc bags

7. binoculars

8. book

9. 2-way radios

10. WIPES & Curel

11. phone calling card

12. kids walkmen & batteries

13. skeeter/bug spray

14. sleep-eye masks

15. power strip

16. phone charger

17. Bonine for sea sickness

18. extension cord

[tinkerme1]

Congratulations you two! Welcome to the wonderful world of cruising.

 

We just returned from a 13-night cruisetour, and found many things that were needed, and others that we should have left home.

 

1) Try to limit the amount of your luggage. Alaska is a very casual place and other than your formal nights in the dining room, you'll find that jeans, lightweight camping pants (the kind that zip off at the knee to make into shorts) and fleece vests are the mode of the day. If you tolerate cool to moderate temperatures, don't bring those big ski jackets. By chosing two coordinating colors, you can mix and match easily. Keep it simple. The more you take, the more you'll have to lug around the airport.

 

2) I would HIGHLY suggest NOT to bring those extension cords, irons, or power strips. They can cause fires, and safety should be your first priority on a cruiseship.

 

3) Mosquito spray which is highly concentrated - those are big mosquito's up there.....they don't call them the State bird for nothing! LOL!

 

4) Bring comfortable lightweight hiking shoes or tennis shoes. If it rains, you'll want more than one pair.

 

5) Remember that the ship has laundry facilities and it costs little to get your laundry done onboard. This is your vacation, so send out the laundry and relax!

 

6) Camera and many media cards for all those pictures.

 

7) Binoculars.....we had two, only needed one. One person was taking pictures, the other used the binoculars.

 

8) Book your shore excursions early. They do sell out quickly.

 

I might suggest booking Island Wings for a floatplane trip in Ketchikan and Captain Larry for whalewatching in Juneau. Top tours that give a big bang for the buck!

 

Have a great cruise!

[Love Cruis'n]

Bring:

 

Extra memory for your camera (although most ships will burn a CD for you for about $10, so you can erase and take more pics.)

 

Extra room in your budget for all of the totally awesome excursion you will want to take. :eek:

 

Something to keep your head dry when/if it rains. Same for your feet. A hat with a big visor is a big plus if you wear glasses.

 

Extra lip balm ‘cause your gonna smile a lot while viewing natures magnificence. (Besides, you’re on our honeymoon – so you should smile all the more!) :D

 

Bring an appetite, ‘cause they provide just a little more food than you’re used to :o

 

Congrats to both of you, and have a wonderful cruise. :) :)

[krewzin]

2) I would HIGHLY suggest NOT to bring those extension cords, irons, or power strips. They can cause fires, and safety should be your first priority on a cruiseship.

 

I certainly understand irons...but how does the utilization of a 'power strip' bring about the possibility of causing a fire?