cd

Jeans, sweatshirts and jackets for the day excursions? Do I need to bring gloves and scarf?

BudgetQueen

Yes bring a knit hat and gloves. You won't enjoy your glacier sailing without them. Lightweight lined jacket that is quick drying is the best option, also pack a pair of shorts, the range can be that wide within your week.

Theresa

You will need them on glacier days. I also like to bring ear protection (180's) and I often wear them whale watching.

Otherwise - dress in layers. You may wear your jacket in the morning over a sweatshirt but in the afternoon you may not need the jacket and as BQ suggested - you may even be able to wear shorts in the afternoon.

cd

Wow, that is a wide range!Thanks BudgetQueen and Theresa. Also, I really wanted to pack light because we are going to Victoria for a few days on our return and I don't want to lug all that luggage. So, for the formal nights, can I wear a black pant suit? maybe with differant color boa's for the two formal nights. The brochure suggests cocktail dresses. Thanks again.

Theresa

What cruise line are you going on?

cd

Holland

Theresa

BudgetQueen can probably answer you better - she sails HAL a lot to Alaska.

On Princess, you would probably be fine. Formal in Alaska is less formal than the Caribbean. Let's see what BQ says.

BudgetQueen

Boa's probably aren't entirely HAL style, but a different necklace, wrap would probably be appropriate. How about a cheap dressy Walmart top? Black is a great "formal " color, just about anything goes with dress shoes.

joan

Hi cd! Have a great cruise!
One of the best tips I got for my Alaska cruise (from Budget Queen no less!) was to forget the jeans and bring nylon pants instead. They dry quick, you can even rinse them out yourself in cabin sink if necessary, and they are warmer than jeans, especially if you wear a long undie liner on the outdoors days. Worked great for me - and they often come with matching jacket which can be that windbreaker you'll use to layer.

cd

BudgetQueen
I guess what I really wanted to know is are pants appropreiate instead of a dress? We've never sailed Holland before.

Hi Joan!
Nylon would be lighter weight but you would have to wear something underneath or it would be cold. What did you wear with them? A cotton sweater?

Thanks to all!

joan

Yes cd, I had silk long underwear which I layered underneath. You can also find these types of pants with a cotton lining if you don't own long underwear. Long sleeve tshirt or turtleneck under the windbreaker (great for the kayaking excursion). And gloves always make me feel warmer - thin gloves, but just "a little something" as grandma used to say.

We went on HAL and the black pantsuit will work just fine - just dress it up - heels and glittery jewelry etc!

cd

Thanks Joan. This is what I will shop for. Now, what did DH wear for excursions? Somehow I only see my DH in jeans and sweatshirt.

BudgetQueen

Yes dress pants acceptable formal nights with HAL.

cd

Just bought my nylon pants and jacket (both are lined) and thin thermo underwear. Bought some for DH also. Thanks again, I would not of thought of doing that.