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"Outside" clothing for mid to late Aug? - Alaska Cruise

"Outside" clothing for mid to late Aug? - Alaska Cruise

Old Jun 11th, 2009, 04:46 PM
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"Outside" clothing for mid to late Aug? - Alaska Cruise

I've seen a lot of posts about dress onboard and "formal" nights, but having cruised several times before, I'm not concerned about that. My interest is more in the recommended "outside" wear for Alaska cruise starting Aug 15 - Vancouver to Whittier, then another seven days in Denali area and Fairbanks, ending Aug 30.

Are the recommended outside clothes I see in the posts for May thru July cruises still OK for mid to late Aug, or should it be something for slightly colder weather? In Minnesota (where I'm from) August can have some of the hottest days of summer, but I'm not planning on taking a lot of shorts or t-shirts on this trip.

Being a hunter and fisherman, I can tolerate being a little chilly, but DW will be very unhappy if she has the wrong outside clothes.
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Old Jun 11th, 2009, 05:46 PM
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We were in Alaska for 17 days from late July to mid-August. There were a couple of days when I wore shorts, Ts and sandals. Other days, I wore jeans & khakis, long sleeved Ts, micro fleece. I didn't take (or need) a warm jacket, but was glad to have a hooded rain jacket long enough to cover my butt. I'd also recommend silk long underwear bottoms, thin gloves, and an ear band.
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Old Jun 11th, 2009, 07:23 PM
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We went to Alaska in mid-August. It was cool, but not freezing most days. We brought mid-weight jackets and light waterproof jackets - there can be lots of rain. My husband was in shorts with his jacket on many days. Don't forget an umbrella and don't forget binoculars to see the whales.

We bring binocs on every cruise to see what's happening on shore.
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Old Jun 12th, 2009, 07:44 AM
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I would bring a sleeveless fleece vest, a regular fleece and a goretex or similar rain jacket/shell.
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Old Jun 13th, 2009, 02:58 AM
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Dress for comfort, not style for outside wear on the cruise (unlike warm warer cruises where everyone seems to have new matching deck wear). The obvious layers and water repellant outer layer. I brought a collection of short sleeves, long sleeve, one turtleneck, medium weight fleece and a lined waterproof windbreaker. I wore all of them - sometimes shedding and adding layers several times in the same day. I am always cold, but this collection was fine (we were there in mid-June which is similar weather to mid-August).

We had a balcony and both DH and I forced ourselves to wear shorts a few times to pretend we were on a warmer cruise - cool, but not frostbite weather.

I suggest lightweight gloves and a hat, especially if you are doing any excursions with less shelter available than on the ship.

And although it might be tempting since we saw a lot of land and water mammals - they will not let you hunt or fish from the ship. Have a great trip - we loved Alaska.
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Old Jun 13th, 2009, 05:12 AM
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When we visited Alaska, the August temps were in the low to mid 70s. Check the weather before you go so you can plan accordingly. If you wear shorts and t-shirts in the 70s, bring some. You’ll be there when you still have days with 18-20 hrs of daylight.

Fairbanks is inland and warmer. Denali is cooler because of the higher elevations. They usually close the park in September because it gets colder. If you’re taking the Park Service bus trip in Denali, be sure to bring a collapsible cooler and a lunch with drinks on the bus. You can’t buy anything once you’re on the bus.

We brought a light waterproof (Goretex type) shell with a hood (then you don’t need to carry an umbrella if you have a hood) which we used as a regular cover up for rain or cool weather. A turtleneck underneath was sufficient for me. We also brought a fleece top to use with or without the shell. It came in handy on the day we were outside in Glacier Bay as it was cooler while the ship was in motion and you had a breeze.

We took a pair of “duck boots” but didn’t use them, nor did we use the fleece hat or gloves. A baseball cap was fine.

You can always buy a fleece in port if you need one or in Vancouver before you leave. Many were a heavier weight in Alaska than we found in the lower US, although you can get a similar weight from a place like LLBean.

We met someone who moved to Alaska from NJ a few years prior. He wore shorts and a t-shirt the entire time. He said he didn’t put on long pants unless the temp dropped to 30.
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Old Jun 14th, 2009, 05:35 PM
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Anytime you go to Alaska, in my opinion, you need a wide range of attire. A lightweight lined jacket, layers, include a turtle neck/sweatshirt, knit hat and gloves, 2 pair of walking shoes, rain gear.
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Old Jun 17th, 2009, 12:47 PM
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If you are from Minnisota, think Sept weather during the day and Oct weather at night.
I am heading up in late August this year and I am bringing my toque, gloves, neck warmer, fleece vest, hoodies, sweater, lined jacket, rain gear, shorts and tees.
Must have combo: neck warmer and hoodie with water proof jacket (just a plastic shell would be fine) on top.
My neck warmer also double up as ear muffs.
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