Maureen

We've just booked a 7-day inside passage Alaska
cruise ex Vancouver. Holland-America's ms Nieuw
Amsterdam. Is anyone familiar with this cruise
ship and can anyone please tell me what clothing
to take for mid June? How cold will it be during
the day for sightseeing from the deck? Are the
evenings on board formal or semi-formal? Any
info would be greatly appreciated.

Susan

I have cruised to Alaska, and boy are you in for some beautiful scenery. I have not cruised on Holland America, but they are known for wonderful service. Try www.cruiseopinions.com (or cruiseopinion without the s). You can look up what others say about your ship. We went in Aug. and it was chilly. I recommend layers of clothing to keep warm- hands and ears too. I found that cruising Alaska was more casual with regard to dress-less relaxation and more sightseeing on and off the ship.
You will be on call every minute- don't forget your binoculars. We did the heliocopter that landed on the glacier- rainy and cold but quite an experience.
You will have the time of your life!!

JoAnn

It's been 8 years since we did the Princess 12 day, cruise, fly, train trip--but I'll never forget it. We went in early Aug. & our friend/travel agent told us to bring layered clothes--glad I did--chilly, misting, damp and gorgeous. We too, took the helicopter ride...we booked ours off ship & saved about $15 per person. If you are stopping in Skagway DO take the railroad trip up, and walk around the town. That is spectacular! Walk around Ketchikan & go see the totem pole village. Juneau has some wonderful shops.

Mark

I have never taken a cruise ship in Alaska per se, but my mode of travel was the Alaska Marine Highway, the states ferry system from Seattle to Haines/Skagway.June is a good time to see, I mean "see" Alaska. My experience over the last four years coming and going is that the weather is clearer and more pleasant from early to mid-June. Nights are chilly to cold and the days can get relatively hot, but can change quickly with wind conditions, especially on the water. Layers are a must plus a handy set of rain gear just in case or just because. In my opinion Alaska is the most beautiful and spiritual place the U.S. has to offer. Enjoy!!

Joan

I have cruised on the Holland American line and was delighted with the service. You are expected to "dress for dinner" not formal but a nice. No shorts, jeans or sports wear. There are at least 2 Formal nights. I enjoyed dressing "up" and I sew so I made a formal for every night of the cruise. The formal nights do not require long dresses, just your special dress. We took fleece jogging suits and were glad. It can get very breezy on deck.

Joan

I have cruised on the Holland American line and was delighted with the service. You are expected to "dress for dinner" not formal but a nice. No shorts, jeans or sports wear. There are at least 2 Formal nights. I enjoyed dressing "up" and I sew so I made a formal for every night of the cruise. The formal nights do not require long dresses, just your special dress. We took fleece jogging suits and were glad. It can get very breezy on deck.

Sheila

We did a Princess land trip + cruise to Alaska in June, weather was great on land trip Anchorage & Fairbanks & Denali Nat. Pk all quite hot & sunny & had great views of Mt. Mckinley. Cruise section wasquite a bit cooler & layers were very good idea. Excursions were great from Juneau did fantastic flight in helicopter & landed on 2 glaciers, also excellent wild life boat trip from Juneau - saw whales, seals, bald eagles, a wonderful experience. From Ketchikan did float plane trip to mountain lake, quite an experience, especially going for a walk on the wing once down on the lake. The views of glaciers "calving" from cruise ship were magnificent & worth getting a bit chilly for. Have cruised Holland America elsewhere & enjoyed their attention to detail & friendly staff + great food. Vancouver is also a lovely city. Hope you have a great time, I'm sure you will.