jAnyone been on an Alaskan cruise in May?

[Clerky96]

What is the weather like? We are looking at May because of the cheaper cost, but I don't want to freeze. I saw some pics of a couple sitting on the deck in July and they were wrapped in blankets. If it is that cold in July, what would it be like in May? Also, why do these cruise ships have pools if it is this cold? Who would get in? Brrrr. Thanks for any info you have.
Donna

 

[nanna]

I was on the Spirit the middle of May this year. It was wonderful. For the most part a light jacket was all that was needed. The only time I needed a heavier jacket was when we were glacier watching right next to the glacier. It was incredible and worth having to bundle up. When the ship was going the wind was cold when you were outside, but the towns themselves were very comfortable. I have been on seven cruises, and this was my favorite. If I am lucky enough to go back it would be in May again. There was still snow beside the road on the trip to Anchorage, and lots of snow still in the mountains. I really feel that to get the true picture of Alaska it should be a little cold anyway, otherwise you don't get the true feeling of Alaska. Hope you have a wonderful time whichever month you choose.

 

[jimlinalf]

What do you want them to do with the pools since these ships are also used for warm weather cruises. I do agree it might be silly if they have water in them, but isn't that safer than they being empty. I don't keep my hot tub heated except in very cold weather,,, and have gotten into it very briefly.

Jim

 

[Clerky96]

Thanks Nana. Your response was very encouraging.
Jim, when we cruised to the Eastern Caribbean in Sept, the weather was so rough that they drained the pools and covered them with netting. And, I am not as cruise savey as you. I have only been on one other cruise. I did not know that they used the same ships in Alaska that they use in warm weather areas. Excuse me for asking.

 

[jrmende63]

Hi Donna....I think the pic you saw of the couple bundled up in July was possibly near a glacier. The glacier viewing gets cold from what I'm told. ( I am booked on the Carnival Spirit on May 17th,2006) I can let you know how it is when I get back ....orrrr you can jump right in there and book on the Spirit with us and have a grand old time! I plan on taking a couple of sweat shirts and sweat/wind pants, jeans 3 pair...just cuz I love Jeans, 3-4 t-shirts ( planning on buying more in Alaska) and my 2 formal outfits, some slacks and shirts to wear to dinner on the not formal nights and my lined rain coat. If I am cold then I will buy a hoodie up there to wear under my rain jacket. I am bringing gloves and hat due to landing on a glacier and walking around.
Julie from SC
:SC :USA

 

[Clerky96]

Thanks Julie. That eases my mind a bit. I am going to check into going the last part of May, or the first of June. Thanks for telling me what you plan to take. I was worried that it would be a "no jeans allowed" thing. Glad to hear that it's okay to wear them. We want to take a cruise tour, so will probably need a bit more clothes, but I don't plan to overpack. I am going to start looking for a good price right now. Thanks again.
Donna

 

[jrmende63]

Jeans can't be worn in the dining room...otherwise Jeans are just fine. I know you will enjoy your cruise as much as I will enjoy mine! ( IS it MAY yet???? sheesh...takes forever to get here and poof ...over in a flash! Oh well that is what the new digital camera is for!!)
Julie, :SC :USA

 

[Los Abuelos]

Wife and I are starting to plan for a 2007 Alaska cruise with some friends.

I found this site somewhere and found they have a pretty comphrensive bit of info from weather at various times and locales in Alaska to suggested clothing. http://travelalaska.com/ cut/paste into your browser and you may find it helpful.

Hope you enjoy!