attire on Alaskan cruise

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bali

Guest
Another question:

As new cruisers, my folks have NO IDEA what to wear or bring. How formal is "formal?" (My dad is NOT a tux kind of guy)
And how cold does it actually get? Will my mom be able to sit on the balcony and view the glaciers without bundling up?

Any packing lists out there?


Thanks!
 
K

Kathy

Guest
A tux is definitely not needed. We have been on 18 cruises (including Alaska) and he has always worn just a dark suit. You will also see many men in a sport coat and slacks. A nice dress or pantsuit is fine for your mom.

The best advice for dressing in Alaska is layers, as the temperature can change rather quickly. Rain is also quite common so a lightweight rain jacket is good. Also a hat and gloves, as it can get cold as you're going through the glaciers. Our trip was in late June and we were able to wear shorts but weather in Alaska is very unpredictable so best to bew prepared.

If they go with layers, they should have no problem viewing the glaciers from their balcony.
 
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DJA

Guest
Ditto from above. Be prepared for anything, we went in August and had a VERY cold trip.
 
A

AnnW

Guest
The wind coming off the glaciers can be *cold*. We went in late June a couple of years ago, and standing on deck we were cold!

If you're on your balcony -- you can always go into the cabin and get more layers, or grab a blanket, and order a hot drink. But I'd be prepared for cold, and for wet.

As for dressing -- a dark suit is more than suitable. I think of "Sunday goin' to meetin' " clothes for the formal nights.

Off ship (and during the day) almost everyone in Alaska seems to dress in jeans and sweaters...so you'd fit in just fine if that's what you were wearing!

We're heading to Alaska again this late August -- the temperatures are supposed to be in the low to mid-50's...so we're taking a down jacket, and essentially "midwestern late-fall" clothes.
 
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suejp

Guest
Hi.. I am going to Alaska on the Dawn July 14th. I ALWAYS over pack and am trying to rein myself in. But the temperature variations are quite a challenge. Wish us luck .
 
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kimmy

Guest
I was in Alaska in late August and it rained every day of our cruise so pack something suitable just in case.

We had a balcony and bundled up to sit on outside and glacier-watch.

Layers are the best idea.

On the Rhapsody, at least half of the men wore tuxes and there were a ton of evening gowns. I know a lot of folks think its a hassle to pack formal clothes but for us it is one of the highlights of any cruise. I live in FL and we are casual all the time so we really look forward to dressing for dinner every evening. Where else do you get the chance to glam up? So I would say do what makes you happy.


kimmy
 
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Sharkin

Guest
I believe formal means a tux for men. Other attire seems to be acceptable, but I wouldn't refer to it as formal. My darling wife and I enjoy dressing for dinner and I wouldn't pass up the opportunity to do so.
 
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id

Guest
Kathy is correct. NO TUX! A dark suit or (as my husband does) a dark jacket and lighter slacks. I wear dressy slacks and blouse, and we are not alone! Many cruisers do the same. It seems that most people like to be comfortable, particularly in Alaska!
 
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