Alaskan Cruise What to Pack

[cruisemama]

Hi Everyone: I've just booked a 7day cruise to alaska May 8 to 15 on
the NCL Star. We've sailed the Star before only going south to Mexico.
Was just wondering if it will cold and rainy in May. If so would it be
better to layer or just plan on taking a haevy coat. We're flying in
from Arkansas so I'm trying to keep the suitcase weights down.
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks Cruisemama

[Mike M]

Originally Posted by cruisemama

Hi Everyone: I've just booked a 7day cruise to Alaska May 8 to 15 on
the NCL Star. We've sailed the Star before only going south to Mexico.
Was just wondering if it will cold and rainy in May. If so would it be
better to layer or just plan on taking a heavy coat. We're flying in
from Arkansas so I'm trying to keep the suitcase weights down.
Any help would be appreciated
Thanks Cruisemama

Layers!

I have cruised Alaska in early May and it has been in the upper 60's and close to 70.

Bring a rain gear, gloves and a knit hat. The chances of rain can put a damper on things much more than cool temperatures. Rain gear will also keep you warm.

Wool is good and a windproof/water proof jacket are great things to put in the suitcase. I did the Norwegian Star for a late September, Alaska, cruise and I found that I packed less for this cruise than any other. Nothing takes up more suitcase space than a heavy coat and if it is warm you will be miserable on shore.

Take care,
Mike

[Donna]

Yea, I agree with Mike, just wear t-shirts under sweatshirts that you can remove as needed. I wouldn't bother packing a heavy coat. The rain gear is very important, after all you will be in a rain forest, so you'll most likely see some during the week.

Alaska cruises are one of my all time favorites, you'll love it!

[Fern]

We took this cruise (on Island Princess) last May. It was wonderful! Everyone had warned us that it would be cold and rainy, but the weather was great.

I also suggest layers. I found a reversible raincoat with a zip out lining at K-Mart for about $25.00 . It was perfect! I never needed to use the lining and the coat was very light. A heavy winter coat would have been much too warm. Since you're from Arkansas, think of an average October day.

We never needed the gloves, scarf or hat, but you might. It really just depends on how cool (or cold) weather affects you.

I'm sure you'll have a wonderful cruise,

[Donna]

Hi Fern,
On your Alaska cruise on Island Princess, did you go or end in Vancouver?

[cruisemama]

Thanks
Layers it is. I'll start looking for a rain proof jacket, Cabelas or Landsend should have something. We're really looking forward to this cruise
Alaska has always been a goal. Our TA got us really good rates and
we found airfare for less than $275 round trip. We usually book a year out
so 5 months should go by quick. Thanks again.
Cruisemama

[Fern]

Originally Posted by Donna

Hi Fern,
On your Alaska cruise on Island Princess, did you go or end in Vancouver?

Hi Donna, we did both! We did a B2B, same ports. It was great !