Wondering what clothing makes the best Alaska cruise wear? If you're planning a cruise to this great state, you probably have a few preconceived notions about what to wear on an Alaska cruise.
To dispel the biggest misconception right off the bat, you probably won't need to pack your puffiest winter parka and thermal underwear, well, not unless you're planning on climbing the 20,000 foot Mt. McKinley.
Alaska isn't the frozen wasteland you've seen in the movies, at least not in the summer. In fact, the temperature on your cruise should average around 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
It will, however, almost definitely rain on your trip - they get upwards of 100 inches of rain in the Inside Passage, through which you'll be traveled for a good part of your trip.
A few things to bear in mind as you prepare:
It will rain at some point
It can get warm, especially in the interior
You will probably be out on the deck for long periods
It will NOT be wintry, just cool
Did I mention it will rain?
Contrary to what you might expect, the further inland you get in Alaska – in other words, the further north you go - the warmer it gets.
In Anchorage, it averages about 65 in July, and further north, in Fairbanks, the temperatures average in the 70's all summer, getting up near 90 at times.
So here are some basic Alaska cruise wear suggestions:
Bring a rain jacket!
Bring mostly long pants
Pack a sweater or sweatshirt (or two)
Bring some short sleeved shirts
Bring a pair of gloves (for glacier viewing)
Bring a cap or winter hat (for the same reason)
Pack a pair of shorts - or a swimsuit!
When your ship heads into fjords to view coastal glaciers, you'll probably want to join everyone else outside on the deck for the best views.
This is when a cap and gloves can really come in handy. It might be 65 or 70 degrees during your land tours, but in the fjords (such as Glacier National Park), it can often get very cloudy and cool.
And when you are standing outside in cloudy weather for extended periods, it really can get quite chilly, even when it is 60 out.
So do yourself a favor and throw in the cap and gloves.
One other tip: plan your shore excursions ahead of time so you can pack accordingly. If you are going dog sledding on a glacier in Juneau, it would be wise to pack that extra sweater.
Finally, remember to check with your cruise line for specific dress requirements for dinner. Most have become quite casual, but there are still exceptions.
So whatever you decide to pack for your Alaska cruise wear, don't over pack. Bring just enough to make it through a little rain and fog.
