Warm Clothes for Alaska cruise????

[bullwinkle77]

I would love to hear from anyone who has traveled to Alaska in July, before winter ends here in California (already the stores are getting rid of winter stuff and bringing in the spring/summer stuff) ........What would you suggest we should be packing in terms of warm clothes? Will it be cold enough for thermals? How about wool socks?Is it worth bringing any shorts with us? How about sandals? I figure we better bring some rain gear......

[valentinos]

I think the avg temp is 65; we're bringing some shorts and sandles for around the pool and spa.

Would also like to hear from anyone who went on the last cruise to Alaska and what they thought the must haves were.

Amanda

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

I think the avg temp is 65; we're bringing some shorts and sandles for around the pool and spa.

Would also like to hear from anyone who went on the last cruise to Alaska and what they thought the must haves were.

Amanda
Hi Amanda,
Must have's
Layers the Venues inside are airconditioned when we went to Alaska it was warm so I would say the usual summer wear and sweatshirts. If you like to do outdoorsy excursions then a good pair of walking or hiking boots
The Salmon was great. The whale watching was a good excursion in Juno I believe.I will look at my pics.
Are you asking about Alaska specific ?
Or for the Cruise in general ?
There is a whole list of stuff to bring in the FAQ thread.
Hmn maybe I should find it and re post.
Welcome Amanda.
Did you sign the rolllcall?
I will have to go look.
I am Crazy Cheryl.
Cruise 411 info line.
Please feel free to ask away.
CCC

[Seattle-Lite]

Average temps can range from 60 to 90, depends on the city. Its very breezy on the water and layers are a good idea. My mother has been to alaska 23 times and I can tell you the most important item is the scarf. When I went May 1998, after standing on the deck for 3 hours watching the iceberg calve, chatting it up with Michael Goule (yes thats Robert Goule's son) I went back to my cabin, looked in the mirror and was amazed that I looked like a Red Lobster, not to be confused with a Rock Lobster. So bring sunscreen..

[neicey]

This is what I copied from FAQ.
A couple on my board of directors went to Alaska last summer....it was in the 80's!! I was really surprised, but shouldn't be with what we've done to our planet

Looking forward to more info from all that were on the last Alaska Cruise..especially the must do's.


R Family Vacations suggests you include some or all of the following:

* Short and long-sleeved shirts
* Bathing suit
* Cotton pants & shorts
* Two to three different weight sweaters
* Sweatshirts or outfits of fleece
* Lightweight thermal underwear
* Cotton slacks (khakis, jeans, corduroy)
* Gloves
* Warm hat
* Warm jacket
* Lightweight rain gear
* Waterproof windbreaker
* Travel alarm clock
* A small backpack; a waterproof bag to hold camera and/or binoculars
* 1 pair of binoculars
* Camera, lenses and plenty of film, extra memory cards, batteries
* Zip-lock plastic bags as added protection for camera, film, etc.
* Comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles and good support (for on board ship and shore excursions). Most people find tennis shoes or sneakers suitable.
* Waterproof boots with a strong non-skid sole or good pair of water repellent hiking boots
* Prescription medicines. If certain medicines are part of your daily health regimen and are vital to your health, make sure you bring an adequate supply for the duration of your trip. Your medications should be packed in your carry-on luggage.
* Lotions / crèmes for sun and wind protection
* White noise machine

Be A Great Day All!!! I've started to pack and I'm the worst procrastinator ever lol!!

Denise and Peg
and Cheryl....we are freezing along with you...We've had a cold snap here in Ontario...brrrr

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

This is what I copied from FAQ.
A couple on my board of directors went to Alaska last summer....it was in the 80's!! I was really surprised, but shouldn't be with what we've done to our planet

Looking forward to more info from all that were on the last Alaska Cruise..especially the must do's.


R Family Vacations suggests you include some or all of the following:

* Short and long-sleeved shirts
* Bathing suit
* Cotton pants & shorts
* Two to three different weight sweaters
* Sweatshirts or outfits of fleece
* Lightweight thermal underwear
* Cotton slacks (khakis, jeans, corduroy)
* Gloves
* Warm hat
* Warm jacket
* Lightweight rain gear
* Waterproof windbreaker
* Travel alarm clock
* A small backpack; a waterproof bag to hold camera and/or binoculars
* 1 pair of binoculars
* Camera, lenses and plenty of film, extra memory cards, batteries
* Zip-lock plastic bags as added protection for camera, film, etc.
* Comfortable walking shoes with rubber soles and good support (for on board ship and shore excursions). Most people find tennis shoes or sneakers suitable.
* Waterproof boots with a strong non-skid sole or good pair of water repellent hiking boots
* Prescription medicines. If certain medicines are part of your daily health regimen and are vital to your health, make sure you bring an adequate supply for the duration of your trip. Your medications should be packed in your carry-on luggage.
* Lotions / crèmes for sun and wind protection
* White noise machine

Be A Great Day All!!! I've started to pack and I'm the worst procrastinator ever lol!!

Denise and Peg
and Cheryl....we are freezing along with you...We've had a cold snap here in Ontario...brrrr

I was talking about the rolling FAQ that we had going from past Cruisers.
It is almost a novel now LOL
I am going to find it and re post it.
XXXOOO
CCC

[Tigger]

I've been on two Alaskan cruises in recent years one in May and the other July. We made the mistake of packing warm clothes the first trip and ran short on summer clothes (seemed to be a common mistake) With that said there is one day you will definatley need warm clothes and that is the day we go to Glacier bay. You will want to be on deck early to see the sights and hear the Park Ranger provide narration. I would recommend layering. I also remember a day of rain on both trips. For those on the last RFamily Alaska crusie I believe it was the one we hit that nice storm and had an evening of some waves. Wonderful for sleeping and entertaining for watching people walk.

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

I found it feel free to copy and paste and add on.
Like I said it is a Novel.Some small details might be different about the dining.
Some good tips.

Re: First Time Cruiser Tips

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Hi I am Ashes and this will be our families 3'rd cruise. Crazy Cheryl often talks about my "football" team-just cause I have 7 boys! Just wait this year we are up to 15 people and 6 cabins!!!! We have lost our minds but love rfamily family. Even grandma, who just turned 90 is coming with us!

So a few tips I can add-there are two wonderful interpreters on board for all the shows and activities to be interpreted in American Sign Language. As we have 3 deaf people on board in our group this year, there may be more. The kids club has worked with all of my kids very well-and they all have mild to moderate special needs. They love the clubs and I have learn a lot about "letting go" and having others take good care of the troops.

I have not had anyone in a wheelchair travel with us, but I have noticed a few issues although the cruise line seems to try. the biggest issue seems to be ramps at ports of call for scooters-I have seen them carried! Someone with first hand experience can perhaps add to this.

If you are not sure to join us-do not hesitate-it will be one of your best memories and if you have kids they won't stop talking about the boat and people for months. Hope to see many new people as well as old friends.

I had a different experience with the soda cards, so I will try to get more info. We had a pre cruise dinner get together for the last two cruises- the one I went to was great for meeting people. We will hopefully be setting up one for this cruise-details as we get closer.

Great tips! This will be our family's 3rd cruise next summer with R Family. We had never been on a non-R-Family cruise and after two summers on R Family cruises, we will never go on a straight cruise. Not that my family has anything against cool straight folks, but it sure is nice being on the ship with quite a mix of people with one main thing in common---tolerance.

Cheryl and others were a big help to us on these boards and answered many of our questions as first timers. A lot of these suggestions already posted by Cheryl was info we received before we went on our first cruise in 2007.

Heck, as they say, you never forget your FIRST!

The one tip I would add to Cheryl's tips, especially for those of us who are a bit directionally impaired, is to study the multiple deck layout before you get on board. Get a sense immediately of what is the bow (front) of the boat vs. the stern, port and starboard sides---plus, perhaps even more important, "Aft" and "Forward". This will save you a lot of unnecessary trips looking for meeting places, etc.

Thanks to Cheryl and all of you who have given little tips...they have made a big difference in things going smoothly.

One more tip I just remembered........if you think you might want to do laundry on board yourself, bring a ziplock with your own powdered soap. I watched a lot of folk loose their money in the laundry powder machine on board.

Why don't we just make this an ongoing list of suggestions.It will end up a very long list by the time the Cruise gets here.As people think of more tips they can use the edit feature to add to it.....
It will be an online How to Cruise R Family FreeStyle!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How about about a few FAQS for R first Timer Cruisers or folks that are wondering what an R Family vacation is.
I am known on the Boards as Crazy Cheryl.
You will see that I have a lot of posts.
I have been on all of the Cruises becuase I love what they stand for.
They have brought so much joy,friends,family and as Ro says YELLOW into my life.
That I really believe that everyone should have the chance to experiance the magic the feeling of beloning the Love.It is the people that go that make it so great.
You will find on these boards a lot of people that are willing to answer questions to make your experiance easier .It is an experiance not a trip one you will treasure.
I have made and met so many friends through R Family.
I have put together a little FAQ list to answer some general questions.
Pack a bag to carry on the ship with you.
They will deliver your luggage sometimes it takes up to 4 hours to arrive in your stateroom.
Bathing suit,tannng lotion,formula ,basic neccessities,meds,docs,and all valuables.
You are given cards that act as room keys these are also your credit card on the Boat to purchase drinks,excursions,and use in the Casino.(that is my stateroom)
The last night you will get a bill.You will be required to leave a credit Card when you get on or a cash deposit.They will automatically charge it to your room when we get back.
If you have teens or kids you can limit their access to charge.
Folks like to show their pride so they decorate their doors.
They laso have mini bars in the room
If you dont drink or have teens ask the Stewart to remove the items.
The Doors are made out of metal so magnets and pictures are a good way to decorate.
Walkie Talkies don't really work to well on the Boat.
If you are going to be splitting up (especilly if you have teens) a dry Erase Board works well to make catching up to each other easy.
The phone system can be used also as a message holder for eachother.
They have a teen Club.
Teen Club usually has sign up on the first night at 7.
The Kids will bring you a paper to sign or you can go yourself and sign them up.
It is good that they make it the first night.
You will get a Daily schedule on your bed every night with the next days events
(Bring a Hightlighter with you to plan the next days activities.
They have theme events where people get dressed if they choose.
It is not mandatory.
The beauty about an R family vacation is nothing is mandatory.
You eat when you want dress how you want it is Free Style for real no rules
Gregg and Kelli will be in your room Via the TV nightly with the next days schedule Shows,Port Times,Theme parties, etc.
Check for the Mixers.A mixer is were they give people an opportunity to meet with similiar interests or backgrounds.Like singles,knitters,fosterparents,forum.(They will also take requests if there is a group that wants to meet.
If you play BINGO get the electronic machines they win most of the time as opposed to the Paper.
A must go to Workshop is the Teen Panel.
(You will leave their with hope for the world after listening to the children our community are raising.)
They leave you little gifts nightly assorted variety.
There is a Lobster Night where they serve Lobster in every restuarant ask when you get on at the conceierge.That is also where you can make dinner reservations for the restuarants that require them.It is on the 7 th floor by the reception desk.
You can order as much as you like.Don't miss it I did one year
The Buffet on the 12 floor adjacent to the POOL has a Kids area where they
have a kids menu that is open most of the time.
The main dining room is the Venetian it has a seperate entrance on 6 or 7
you do not need reservations.
Some of the NO COVER restuarants like Mexican require a reservation.
Cagney's is the Steak House which is small so if you want to eat there make sure that you make reservations.It is a cover.The Steaks are great
They have Sushi actually the Japanese food is excellant and worth the Cover charge.
They sell soda stickers it goes on your card that allows you unlimited soda and Juice.
Bottled water you Pay for.(read between the lines here if are going to be together a lot.
Buy one sticker they are not going to follow you around and see who is drinking the Soda.)
You just flash the card at them and they bring you the beverage.
Or you can but a booklet of Non Alcoholic frozen drinks for the Kids.
They have an Internet Cafe.you can buy a package of minutes from them and use our laptop or use their computers.
Here is where locking down the teens card is a good idea.That was a few hundred dollar lesson
If you use your phone while on the ship NCL will tack on a 3.99 a minute surcharge no matter who you carrier is you will see it on your next bell ouchhhhhh.
Confiscate all batteries from anything that can communicte.
Bring a Power Strip to charge Cell ,Camera,etc for when you are in Port.
The Blow Dryers are weak if you are a High power Hair person bring your own.
Do not miss the Choclate Buffet.
If you Gamble you can draw from the cage against your Room key card.
Bring cash the ATM charges more than the John the Shylock on the corner.
Do not MISS THE POOLSIDE KICKOFF PARTY 4 Deck 12.
Bring a couple of extra Memory cards for your Camera cause you are for the Vacation like none you have ever had.
Think layers when packing.The inside venues are aircondioned so make sure and bring a sweater or a few long sleeves.
The Main shows are in the Stardust theatre.One early around 7 or 7:30 and one around 9:30 or 10.
They also streamline the main shows into your room on the TV which is great in case it is naptime!!!!
The opening show is electric RO opens it do not miss it!!!!!!!.
They have a Nanny service which you have to go and sign up for in the morning for the wee ones that are not old enough to go to kids Crew yet.
They are great with the kids.There are limited spots.
YOU ARE GOING ON THE REAL GAY LOVE BOAT.
The best advice that I can give everybody is if you can get on this Boat do it you will leave feeling like there is hope for our community.You will meet people that will become friends and family Be yourself you will be surrounded by people just like you.
Most of all it will be great for your kids to see so many families so different yet so alike.
Can't wait to see my old R FAMILY(IES) and meet my new.
See ya on the BOAT.
Love,
Character Crazy Cheryl.

[Alaska2009]

* White noise machine
:confused:

Where can I get a white noise machine? Last year my neighbors were fine, but I'm used to having a fan running when I sleep - I'm not used to dead silence!! I was going to bring a fan on, but I thought it's not allowed.

Maybe I'll look on Amazon.com, and type in "white noise machine"? The little fans can make a high pitched whirrr....so something that is soothing would be nice - Or I guess something that plays ocean waves!

[Crazy aka Cheryl]

:confused:

Where can I get a white noise machine? Last year my neighbors were fine, but I'm used to having a fan running when I sleep - I'm not used to dead silence!! I was going to bring a fan on, but I thought it's not allowed.

Maybe I'll look on Amazon.com, and type in "white noise machine"? The little fans can make a high pitched whirrr....so something that is soothing would be nice - Or I guess something that plays ocean waves!

Suggestion.get some small speakers for your IPOD and download music that has Ocean
waves.I will ask my daughter she knows where to find anything that has to do with downloading music from the Internet.They sell speakers that are small and inexpensive.
CCC

[nycouple]

I am sooooo looking forward to the dead silence at night to sleep. I love that stillness. Can't wait.