I am interest in finding out what kind of weather we can expect in Alaska in July? We are cruising on the 17th via RCCL. Any advise? Will welcome any thing about anything you can help us with.

Layers is key. Umbrella/rain gear.
The weather can be quite varied, which is why the layering works.
Some days you really needed the coat & others you managed with a sweater or shirt.
The week before I had gone last year they had 80 degree days!!!
Does seem weird to be packing winter items in summer. But, hats & gloves you'll need too. Especially if you are doing any glacier tours. It is much colder of course.
Alaska is beautiful
ENJOY

Hi kclvt - my wife and I are also on our first cruise on the 17 July. Was also wondering what to take. Looking forward to the experience.

Sunprincess is right. I can't say it enough: layers - layers - layers. You could get 80s, or you could get 50s (or anywhere in between). You could get sun, or you could get rain. With nonstop scenery, you will want to be outdoors, up on deck or on your balcony (whichever applies)a good bit of the time. I'd suggest a windbreaker in addition to a rain slicker or poncho (the latter preferably with a hood); you would wear these over sweatshirt/sweater, and t-shirt or longsleeved shirt. You can always un-layer if the weather gets warm. I'd suggest a hat, possibly earmuffs if your hat and/or hair doesn't cover ears too. And sunglasses - even on overcast days, it can sometimes be rather bright.

If you are on the standard cruise ships and not the tiny 100-passenger ones, there will be a couple formal nights, so you will need some dress-up clothes (like you'd wear to a wedding, or to a swanky theater) for those nights.

If it's your first-ever cruise, there is a cruise packing list on a sister site, www.cruisereviews.com - go to Cruise Q&A in the lefthand column on that site, and scroll down to the link for the packing list. Very helpful!

Have a fantastic time! "Beautiful" doesn't even begin to describe Alaska!

Tom: What curise line are you taking? We are on Royal Caribbean - Serenade of the Seads. Can't wait only 11 more weeks!

We are on the same cruise. Just confirmed booking today. This is our first cruise. I have been looking up all the information I can find about it. I am from N Ireland - so we have some travelling to do.

Beautiful ship! You both should have a great time. Happy cruising and safe travels to all!

I envy both of you - what a wonderful cruise. As for packing tips - don't forget the binoculars (an absolute must for an Alaskan cruise). The weather in Alaska is quite changeable and very unpredictable. The average temperature range for July is between 60 and 48 and the average hours of sunlight is 19 hours. Of course there is no such thing as an "average" day in Alaska - enjoy!
Nancy

I'm doing the same thing.Looking for any info I can get. This is our third cruise and am now trying to figure out where our next one will be!!
We are on the fourth deck - an inside cabin as I wanted the extra money for the excursions. Plus we are never in our room. We always go up on deck if we want to see. Our favorite is the Vicking Lounge where we just sit and look out.

Nancy,
I didnt think we were going to be up north enough to have 19 hours of sunlight?

I have not received my documents from Royal Caribbean yet. When do they allocate your cabins. I have booked a cabin with a balcony - E type.

You will be amazed how long it is light out.
They play tennis at 11pm !!
Amazing.

Sunprincess,

Isn't it cold on deck at that hour? Will it be warm enough to sit by the pool during the day?

Tom,
I had picked out our cabins (my sister-in-law & brother-in-law are going with us)on the internet before I called to make our reservations back in April of 2004. They faxed me a confirmation sheet back then also. I just called this morning to pay the balance and I have received a confirmation back already with all my info on it. They said we would not get our packet until 30 - 35 days prior to cruise. He did give me a number to call to find out our air arrangements tomorrow.

kclvt,
In my post I said, "averages" which encompases all of Alasaka. But, Glacier Bay is almost at 60 degrees N latitude and in June that means 18 and 1/2 hours of sunlight.

BTW - For those who might be interested in what to pack for Alaska, I have just completed the cruise-links page on Packing Lists. You can follow this link for a complete packing list for Alaska:
http://www.cruise-links.com/PackingLists.htm

Nancy

Tom,
If you booked a category E balcony Guarantee - you may not know until you actually arrive at the port as to what your specific cabin assignment is.
Nancy

The weather can vary so much it is difficult to say. This is not really the cruise you go on to sit out by the pool. You will be out on deck taking in the sights & sounds however.
I did not have "warm" weather when I went either time. But, they do get 80s at times.
Be prepared for rain too. They get alot, especially in Juneau.
I do hope that you have good weather

What about mosquitoes? I have heard that there are tons of them durig the summer months? Insect repellent needed?
Shelley

I have never had a problem with insects of any kind in Alaska. July is kind of a transition month, so you really can't make a prediction about the weather. Since Juneau is in a rain forest, be sure to be prepared for some rain. However, it is never really invasive.

Inside cabins are great to have in Alaska, especially if you are sensitive to light.

Have a great cruise!

Tom

Shelley,
I didn't experience any problems with mosquitoes on my cruise(s) last year. That was in August. I am sailing in June this year - so I will see if there is any noticeable difference.
Nancy