We may possibly take a cruise with a group of friends next year and Alaska may well be our destination. It would not be my first choice, but will go along with the crowd. I have always envisioned being out on deck in a heavy parka because of the cold; likewise on port days. Hopefully I'm wrong and I would appreciate info from those of you who have taken Alaskan cruises.

You do need layers and yes on glacier viewing day- knit hat and gloves, rarely shorts weather but occasionally happens- especially if going before mid August. You need to be well prepared for a wide range. Go for the adventure, scenery, wildlife (tours necessary). If not of interest then choose elsewhere, since most of the "activites" are off ship, sometimes fewer activites on board compared to the nonstop stuff sailing the Caribbean.

Giovanna,
It's funny but I felt exactly the way you do. Alaska would not have been my choice of a vacation because I'm from the midwest and any vacation that would require "parkas" was not my idea of a vacation at all. However, we had a group of people that like to cruise together and they voted for Alaska. So after a years worth of planning and a lot of help from this board and cruisecritic.com we "cruised" Alaska in July this year. Yes, it was cool when we were by the glaciers, but I did not wear a parka but rather layers of t-shirt, long sleeve shirt and a water proof/wind proof jacket and I did not get cold. Apparently Alaska had above average temps this summer which worked out fine because the midwest had below average temps. Many days we wore shorts and t-shirts. Alaska is BEAUTIFUL. Go and enjoy it. You won't regret it.
Pam

Thank you both for responding! I usually take more clothes on a cruise than when I travel elsewhere, so suppose taking clothes for "all seasons" won't be too difficult.

There's no question that I would enjoy the beauty of Alaska, as I am a nature lover, but all the cruises we have taken have been in warm or tropical areas (Caribbean, Mexico, Bermuda, Greek Isles, etc.) so am used to my favorite thing--going out on deck after dinner without a jacket or sweater, and leaning on the rail looking out at the ocean and sky (that may be a problem too on these new enormous, enclosed ships). Oh well, I'll go with the crowd's decision and have a good time I'm sure.

The ocean is still there, but you are seldom too far from shore to enjoy the rain-forest mountains. No, you won't likely spend a lot of time in shorts, but You will get to see some of the most beautiful scenery on earth. So beautiful, in fact, that we are in danger of loving it out of existence! Read ross Klein's book e.g. Cruise Ship Blues: The Underside of the Cruise Industry.

If you do go, this is the one time I'd advise a balcony cabin. You really do not want to miss a minute of the passing shore. On our trip, we had afternoon tea there every day. My mother (78) was enthralled!

My daughter (32) took the guided hike (Chillikoot Trail). Mom and I settled for the train ride.

Alaska is one of those destinations on every nature lover's list. don't let the necessity for wearing hiking boots and fleece and a hat stop you.

We JUST returned yesterday from a cruise/tour in Alaska. It was AMAZING. In terms of weather and temperature - agree that you need to take layers. Also take a waterproof jacket and pants (like wind pants). We took light weight long underwear - very comfortable and added a layer without being bulky. You can find that at wintersilks.com. Also take a fleece jacket. Keep in mind that Alaska is VERY casual, so you don't need much in terms of "better" clothing.

The only time we were really cold was on a helicopter ride with a glacier landing. Was cold and rainy on the glacier - but we were not there very long.

I think all of the previous posters summarized everything very well.

I went in late June and the temperature was between 65-70 F.
I never wore shorts but others did.

My sister went two weeks after me and she was in a bathing suit by the pool on several occasions...this was about July 14th.

You will not freeze but it does get cool..when you are very near an ice field that is a mile thick and 15 miles long ,it is pretty tough not to be cool a little !!

The country , like other have said , is beautiful.
If you are from America (USA), then go and see part of your lovely country .

Percy