Alaskan Cruise - Differences
 

<BR>Been on several Caribban Cruises and now taking my first Alaskan. Besides the cold weather, what might be a difference that I may not think of? Is the dress at nite the same, formal to chic casual?

Hi Fran. You will find that the dress is about the same as a Caribbean cruise although the cruise company should send you something advising on number of nights that are formal, etc. <BR> <BR>It will definitely be colder so make sure you bring mittens, hats and a warm coat even if you're going in warmer months. A pair of binoculars is also a good idea especially if you're on a larger boat. <BR> <BR>You may find that the passengers are older than a Caribbean cruise so the activities are geared towards an older crowd. You also spend less time on deck so the ship has more indoor activities. I spent a lot more time reading on the Alaskan cruise than I did on the Caribbean. <BR> <BR>Have fun!

I agree that you will need warmer clothing. Layers. Sometimes it is warm. The coldiest we were was up next to the glacier. Mittens and gloves helped (they sell cheap fleeces on the ship if you don't want to take. Binoculars are key. Lots of wildlife and scenery you can see from the ship. <BR> I disagree about the age group. There are lots of kids. This is summer time. <BR>Another major differences is the excursions. In the Caribbean they are mainly water sports, tours and party time. The excursions in Alaska are mainly natural beauty, culture, adventure. They appeal to a more "active" person. We went with our kids and they took a helicopter ride to the glacier, went Kayaking, took nature hikes to eagle preserves. We saw native dancing. <BR>The shipboard dress is largely the same other than outdoor wear. Dressup nite, 50's nite, casual etc. We took and actually wore bathing suits. The pools are heated and some days may be warm enough to sit by the pool. The ships are arranged to avoid cold winds. <BR>Good luck.

Fran, <BR> I cruised Alaska last summer (July) after 7 Caribbean cruises. I LOVED it. <BR>We encountered warm weather. The people in Alaska couldn't believe the 80 degree temps. Bring layers, a light jacket and a good pair of sneakers. <BR>Make sure you sign up for shore excursions early. They sell out quickly and the cruise is not much without them. There are some fantastic ones offered. We spent more time off the ship one this cruise than any of the Caribbean ones. It's also light until about 9:30-10:00. <BR>If you have any questions about shore excursions, feel free to e-mail me. <BR> Gail

Fran, <BR> I cruised Alaska last summer (July) after 7 Caribbean cruises. I LOVED it. <BR>We encountered warm weather. The people in Alaska couldn't believe the 80 degree temps. Bring layers, a light jacket and a good pair of sneakers. <BR>Make sure you sign up for shore excursions early. They sell out quickly and the cruise is not much without them. There are some fantastic ones offered. We spent more time off the ship one this cruise than any of the Caribbean ones. It's also light until about 9:30-10:00. <BR>If you have any questions about shore excursions, feel free to e-mail me. <BR> Gail

Fran, <BR> I cruised Alaska last summer (July) after 7 Caribbean cruises. I LOVED it. <BR>We encountered warm weather. The people in Alaska couldn't believe the 80 degree temps. Bring layers, a light jacket and a good pair of sneakers. <BR>Make sure you sign up for shore excursions early. They sell out quickly and the cruise is not much without them. There are some fantastic ones offered. We spent more time off the ship one this cruise than any of the Caribbean ones. It's also light until about 9:30-10:00. <BR>If you have any questions about shore excursions, feel free to e-mail me. <BR> Gail