9-18-11 HAL Statendam Alaska Sept 18

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soakedbythesea

Deck Crew
Just wanting to find out if anyone else is going on HAL Statendam from Seward to Anchorage on Sept 18, 2011

Also, if you have been on a mid September cruise out of Alaska, please let me know if you can answer a few questions.

Thanks,
John
 
ShipMaven

ShipMaven

Forever Remembered
I've cruised Alaska in mid-September in the past - I'll be happy to try to answer some questions if I can. Won't be on Statendam with you, though.
 
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soakedbythesea

Deck Crew
Thanks for writing in response to my upcoming cruise.

The questions I have are really about how the weather may be in mid to late Sept in Alaska. We know it varies, but was it cold when you were there? Were you in Anchorage or Seward area? Anything to do in those places, outside of looking around at some spectacular scenery and wildlife?

Think we'll be able to see Northern Lights anytime between Sept 16 and 20, when we're in Anchorage, Seward, cruising Glacier Natl Park
 
ShipMaven

ShipMaven

Forever Remembered
My cruise I'm referring to was mid to third week of September.

Keeping in mind that predicting weather isn't necessarily that accurate...

There's a pretty good likelihood that it will be rainy and chilly (sorry). I love cold weather, but yes, it was cold. We couldn't get into College Fjord because of the rain, low clouds and ice floes. We docked IN Anchorage (most ships dock in Seward or Whittier - a several hour trip into Anchorage). The Kenai Peninsula, IMO, is fascinating. I thoroughly enjoyed visiting the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center near Anchorage (and, yes, it was cold/cloudy/rainy/snowflurries). I absolutely loved the Alyeska Resort in Girdwood, near Anchorage. Both are on the Kenai Peninsula.

I found it fascinating to learn that Captain Cook, famous for his Hawai'i/South Pacific explorations also found his way to Alaska - Cook Inlet/Turnagain Arm...

Turnagain Arm of Cook Inlet; Anchorage to Girdwood

To view the Northern Lights, you need a dark, clear sky. I've yet to see them in Alaska (I've seen them elsewhere). Very unlikely you'll view them in Glacier Bay because you cruise there during daylight hours. Your best bet will be the farther north you travel - but again, there are no assurances.

Hope this information helps. Enjoy your cruise!
 
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soakedbythesea

Deck Crew
Thanks Mary Ann & Pucci - we'll dress in the customary layers to be ready for any weather. If weather is too bad, we can always just shuttle around and look out the windows from Anchorage to Seward.

I've always wanted to see Seward's folly.
 
Krazy Kruizers

Krazy Kruizers

Holland America Specialist
Welcome to Cruise @ddicts!!

I have also sailed on the Statendam a few times.

Also we have cruised Alaska quite a few times -- including in September -- yes it was rainy and cool/cold.
 
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soakedbythesea

Deck Crew
Just to get acclimated for the cooler weather, we have scheduled a trip to Michigan for August. It could get to 100 in northern Michigan too, but unlikely. Lake Michigan, Sleeping Bear Dunes, Mackinac Island and points north should be quite a relief from our ongoing hot weather and drought in Texas. :sunny:
 
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soakedbythesea

Deck Crew
The weather in Michigan was great, but it did get above 75 degrees one day.
Now for Alaska - I read that their A/C does not work good, but with 50's and 40's we might be OK.
We are used to 100 degree days now, staying out of the heat, but ready to go out and explore a few glaciers. We reserved seats on the train from Anchorage to Seward, even though we have to be at the station at 5:30 AM - Anybody feel sorry for us, having to wake up at 4AM?
If Northern lights appear, maybe we'll just stay awake and sleep on the train or ship.
 
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