mlglazer

Planning a cruise in August 2011 to Alaska. Recommendation is to include in packing a waterproof shoe. Found on-line a lightweight totally waterproof boot that slips on over any shoe like a walking shoe. Would this boot be a good option or should I look for a real waterproof shoe instead?

KVR

I really didn't have any intention of buying a waterproof shoe for our Alaksa trip in September, but we were out shopping one day and I found this at Burlington Coat Factory for $30. They came in low cut (like the picture) and a mid calf boot.

http://www.zappos.com/sporto-daria-black-tan?zlfid=111

I liked this one because it looked more stylish than wearing a galosha and they are very comfortable. I can even wear in fall and winter here at home.

gail

We commpletely over-packed for Alaska (1 week cruise/1 week on land) and did not bring any waterproof footwear - never missed it.

abram

I used waterproof spray on a pair of shoes I already had--but in olur 19 days in Alaska, it wasn't necessary.

anney

Gail: We are also doing cruise land and sea, am interested in how you felt you over packed, what would you suggest.

gail

How I overpacked. First the weather. We went in June and so knew we could need hats, gloves, multiple layers. Brought too many of each. Second, the cruise part. Having been on warm-water cruises, made the mistake of thinking people "dressed" on the cruise. Found it to be very casual - fleeces, jeans during the day; at night, one step above that - nice pants, casual skirt - rather than dressier cruise-wear. Brought a few things for sitting by the pool - never went above 65 degrees or so - so while I did sit by pool, it was in long pants. I brought several pairs of shorts and wore 1 pair once, more to validate my bringing it than anything else.

Also, since we were gone total of almost 3 weeks (spent time in Vancouver as well), relly could have done with less and did laundry a bit more.

Still, just a pain at the airport and other transit points - we rented a car for our land time, so just thru the suitcases in and forgot about it. Since there were 4 of us (2 almost-adult kids and us) we reserved one piece of luggage for cruise clothing (swimsuits, dressy clothing/shoes) that we did not even open until we hit the ship. Could have left almost everything in that suitcase home.

Aristotle

With the airlines charging for so much now, this (overpacking) becomes an economic as well as a convenience issue. The cruise lines would help by abondoning the fiction that we are in the F Scott Fitzgerald era and demanding "Formal Nights". Then you could pack sensible clothes, and get by with one suitcase. But then cruise lines are not known for pleasing passengers. One thing you need in Alaska is a WARM jacket. Our trip was at the end of Julyand there were several cold days.

gail

Fortunately we were flying on FF miles and class of 2 tickets allowed us to bring luggage without additional fee. We had one suitcase per person plus 1 additional suitcase for this cruisewear. Could have gone with smaller suitcases. I usually travel light - but this trip had me so unsure of what to bring, I just brought everything.