| The sometimes extreme and always | | | | - Semis dressy wear for informal nights |
| unpredictable Alaska weather will be a big factor in | | | | Some people suffer over what to pack for a |
| the success of your vacation. During your Alaska | | | | cruise vacation, but there's no reason to worry. |
| cruise vacation you may experience temperature | | | | Except for the addition of a formal night or two, |
| differences from the 40s to the 80s (single digits | | | | an Alaska cruise vacation is really no different |
| to 20s Celsius). The days will be long, with the sun | | | | from any resort vacation. And in some cases, it's |
| all but refusing to set, and people will be energized | | | | much more casual. Don't feel you have to go out |
| by the extra daylight hours. | | | | and buy "cruise wear". Sweatshirts, jeans, and |
| You'll likely encounter some rain, but there could | | | | jogging outfits are what is must used during the |
| also be weeks of sunny skies with no rain at all. | | | | day. |
| You're less likely to encounter snow, but it is a | | | | Dinner is dress up time on most ships, although |
| remote possibility, especially in the spring. Weather | | | | several have begun to offer more casual |
| plays a factor in what you need to pack, with the | | | | alternatives. And the small adventure type ships |
| must-haves on an Alaska cruise including a | | | | are all casual all the time. Generally, ships describe |
| raincoat, an umbrella, and comfortable walking | | | | proper dinner attire as formal, informal or |
| shoes that you don't mind getting wet or muddy. | | | | semiformal (the two terms mean the same thing |
| A swimsuit is also a must if your ship has a pool | | | | in this case), or casual. There are usually 2 formal |
| (sometimes covered, sometimes heated) or hot | | | | nights and 2 informal (or semiformal) nights during |
| tubs. Even in the summer, temperatures in Alaska | | | | a week-long cruise, with the rest casual; check |
| may not go much higher than the 50s or 60s (low | | | | with your Alaska cruise line for specifics. |
| or high teens Celsius), although they also may go | | | | Formal, although the term has gotten somewhat |
| into the 70s or 80s (low to high 20s Celsius). | | | | more relaxed recently, generally means a tux or |
| Having layers of clothing that you can peel off if | | | | dark suit with tie for men, and a nice cocktail |
| the weather is hot and add if the weather is cold | | | | dress, long dress, gown, or dressy pantsuit for |
| is the most convenient approach. | | | | women. Informal (or semiformal) is a jacket, tie, |
| Important to Pack Items | | | | and dress slacks, or a light suit, for men (jeans |
| What you choose to pack obviously involves a lot | | | | are frowned upon), and a dress, skirt and blouse, |
| of personal choice, but here's a suggested list of | | | | or pants outfit for women (the ubiquitous little |
| some items that everyone should bring along for | | | | black dress is appropriate here). |
| their Alaska cruise: | | | | Casual at dinner means a sports shirt or |
| - A lightweight, waterproof coat or jacket | | | | open-collar dress shirt with slacks for men (some |
| - Two sweaters or fleece pullovers, or substitute | | | | will also wear a jacket), and a casual dress, pants |
| a warm vest for one | | | | outfit, or skirt and blouse for women. Recently, a |
| - A warm hat and gloves | | | | new term (country-club casual) has developed. |
| - Two to four pairs of pants or jeans | | | | This is pretty much the same as informal without |
| - Two pairs walking shoes (preferably | | | | the tie. For country club casual nights, dress as |
| waterproof) | | | | you would to go out to dinner at a mid-range |
| - Sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher) | | | | restaurant. |
| - Bug spray (Alaska has 55 different kinds of | | | | Many ships offer dry cleaning and laundry services |
| mosquitoes) | | | | (for a fee, of course), and some offer coin |
| - Sunglasses | | | | operated laundry facilities. Check your Alaska |
| - Binoculars (some small ships stock them for | | | | cruise line's brochures for details. Using these |
| guest use, but none of the big ships do)v | | | | services can save you a lot of packing. Lastly, |
| - A camera, preferably with a telephoto or zoom | | | | don't worry! Packing should be a simple task. Pack |
| lens | | | | before hand, around a 1-2 weeks before your |
| - Film (bring more than you think you'll need) | | | | Alaska cruise and make a checklist to make sure |
| - Formal wear (with accessories) if your ship has | | | | you have all your necessities to have a relaxing |
| formal nights (not all do) | | | | and amazing Alaska cruise vacation. |