North to Alaska
 

My husband and I celebrated our 40th anniversary this year. As a gift to each other, since he wouldn't buy me a ruby ring... we are going to Alaska.
We are on land for 10 days and cruising for 4... I am so excited. We are doing a Holland cruise.

Does anyone have any suggestions.... everything from what to pack ( we are going in 2 weeks), to what not to miss... did anyone have any out of the way places off the beaten path... that is what we really like.

Thanks Gals... you're the best.

What ports are you stopping in? That will help pick out points of interest for you. While on land are you still with the group from the cruise or travelling on your own? As for clothing - it's still not real summer there - pack layers - fleece works well and make sure you have a set of rain gear, or at least a rain coat/jacket.

Pack warm I hear its cold all year my friend went a couple summers ago

Where are you going? We went at the end of May, 2010, and it was over 80 degrees in Anchorage. No one was prepared - the hotel gift shop did a booming business in short sleeve t-shirts!

congrats on 40 years!

I don't have any advice really...pack Pepto Bismol? But I sure do envy you...happy 40th!!!

How lucky are you!! Enjoy your trip.

You and your Husband will need at least one nice outfit for dinner, my husband had to wear a jacket, I a dress. The rest of the time he could wear t-shirt w/collar (like a golf shirt), I wore long pants with a nice blouse. Sweaters, under shirts and jackets, wool hats, gloves, warm socks when up on top of the deck, on land we wore sweater and jackets, carried umbrellas for just in case. We had a great time.

Take bug spray for the no see ems (little bugs that bite).

I loved Lands End on the Homer Spit. I would live there if I could.

I would definitely take plenty of warm clothes so you can dress in layers if it is cold. Also, a rain jacket or parka would be a good idea. Notnonly will itmprotect you from the rain but also help with the wind.

My husband spotted a quilt shop in Juneau when we were off ship.
We really enjoyed their display of quilts, many of which reflected Alaskan wildlife and scenery.
I don't remember it's name but you can research that or ask if you stop there.

We wore shorts and T-shirts there in September. Loved all the flowers everywhere and the huge gardens from all the sunshine.

Yes, quilt shop in Juneau and and Ireally like the one in Skagway. Take the train trip to Whitehorse in the Yukon Territory. Gold Rush history is interesting. Our daughter was a National Park Ranger at Glacier Bay and it is fascinating. We saw bears and whales and ravens, etc. If you can taste nagoon berry pie, delicious, and enjoy all the seafood. Of course there are wild flowers everywhere and huge gardens with all the sunshine. Bell peppers the size of grapefruits, cabbages like baskets, wonderful fresh veggies of all kinds. We were fine in September with shorts and t-shirts, but bring a rain jacket. Golf courses reminded me of Scotland, mountains much bigger than any here in Colorado, friendly people, souvenirs abound. Check out the totem poles and ivory carvings. Learn to speak a bit of Tlinket, pet a few sled dogs and take many, many photos. Please let us know about your trip when you return. :)

Caongrats on 40 years, that is a landmark. I lived in Juneau for 30 years, so here are my suggestions. Clothing: be ready for anything. Your are going at the best possible time to get in some very nice weather, however this year my friends in Juneau have had a very long and hard winter, slow spring and it has been cooler than normal. Dressing in layers is the best suggestion, but do take both cool and warm weather clothing. Believe it or not, it can get very warm on sunny days, evenings will cool down. Almost all the towns on the panhandle now have quilt shops and all are worth a visit. For tours, check out the Tracey Arm tours in Juneau, it's excellent but takes a bit of time. Lots of Salmon bakes along the route too. If you go to Skagway, try the train tour. Enjoy and I'm wishing the best for you weather wise. Most beautiful country in the world on a sunny day!!!!

We have done 3 trips to Alaska, one on Holland America and I am redy to go back. You will need a varity of clothes, so take things you can layer, and some toss away rain ponchos. We have had 90 degree weather in July and 45 on the same trip. Enjoy and congratulations on your 40 years. That was our first trip. We just did 51 years on the 26th.

If you are going into Denali pack mosquito repellant. I kept a rain coat on with tight sleeves and a hood and pulled tight around my face. The mosquitos were fierce.

You didn't say WHEN you are going. Alaska has only two seasons, summer and winter. June is a bad mosquito month, July and early August tend to be the warmest times, but in August the rains begin. Last year my 11 year old granddaughter told me last year that "next year" she wants to make a quilt that celebrates autumn leaves because they don't have them in Alaska! The grandkids came down this week (to California) and tell us there is still snow on the ground now (and at this time 3 years ago it was really warm!). Try to understand the basketball games that start at midnight, family picnics in the park from 10pm to 1am... (drove us crazy on our first trip!) Don't try to stay awake for them. Alaskans can sleep more in winter and very little in summer, but it takes time to be able to do that. Hope you get to Denali, it is really beautiful! The train from Seward (or Anchorage) to Denali (or Fairbanks) is a treat (it passes a lot of homesteads because being near the track is a bonus for getting out to get groceries, etc.).

"The best part about Anchorage is that it is only a half hour from Alaska." There are fabric stores just about in every town. My favorite is in Kenai... and they do feature their native state in their fabrics! Probably most of them do. Enjoy!

Congratulations on 40 years! You will love Alaska, all the clothing advice is true - you don't know what you get until you get here. Be prepared, and you'll be more comfortable to enjoy what lays ahead. Not only is Alaska very beautiful, but each little town has some great places to visit. One warning: the cruise ship lines may tell the passengers that our little towns have nothing to see. On behalf of all the little towns in Alaska, there is something wonderful and unique here, and the majority of little towns have gems to find, such as really great quilt shops! Cruise lines may want you to direct your attention to activities with companies with which they have contracted. If you branch out, you might well find something unique, and less packaged. Whatever you do, and whichever ports you will be visiting, welcome to Alaska!

We took a cruise to Alaska this time last year. Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Took us 10 years to save for it but well worth every minute. My favorite part was a surprise that no one was told about; we went through Glacier Bay!!! I know you will really love what ever you do. Alaska is so beautiful. Happy, happy 40 anniversary. By the way, I can have my suitcase packed is a few minutes (hint hint)LOL

I've lived in various places in Alaska since 1977--always pack a light jacket and expect to run into rain. The exterior can be hotter and the areas closest to the water cooler and windier. Most communities have quilt shops now. The mama moose are now appearing with calves. Trees have leaves and flowers beginning to show. Bug spray is a good idea but that can be purchased anywhere. Enjoy your trip.

North to alaska
 

Take a down jacket with a hood. I found that no matter the clothes underneath....short sleeve T shirt...if I had my down jacket with a hood, I was real comfy when the wind blew and it was cold. I wore this jacket...it came down to just above the knee, when it was 60 below zero on Lake Superior....that was actual temp. I had on a T shirt and jeans. The hood had fur around the edge and it kept my face from freezing when I was on the snowmobile. Down is light weight and squashes down nicely in the luggage.

Gloves a must
Light weight plastic rain poncho with hood.
Don't forget the sunscreen.
Sunglasses
SMALL FLASHLIGHT
small tube of antibiotic ointment
Chapstick
Anchorage can be warm too, so take one hot weather outfit...
Don't forget the Dramamine (sp?) or patch.
Take a small crisscross purse with only your money/credit card/lipstick/medication/handiwipe in packet, for when you are off the ship. You don't want a heavy bulky purse to drag around when you want to use your camera.

If you don't want a down jacket, make sure you take something with a hood.
Along with the nice dinner wear for the ship, pack your tennis shoes for time off the ship. You will do a lot of walking on land. Pack some homemade trail mix of your favorite fruits and nuts. Stick those in your jacket pocket while you are out and about between meals off the boat.

Take a good camera with extra batteries and memory card.

I worked in Alaska on three different projects and was there for several months at a time.,..different times of the year. Weather is unpredictable. Layering clothes is the best way to go. I have traveled all over the world,I learned to pack light, plan for extreme weather-hot/cold, good shoes , sunscreen, sunglasses, hat and you're good to go.

Fancy dinners with the Captain is a little different. Check with the cruiseline for protocol. Most require tie for the men at dinner, some don't care if you wear casual. Most do not approve of T shirt style for men....need a collar, the cruise line should tell you.

No matter where you go, you will enjoy the beautiful scenery and crisp clean air. You will have so much fun.

Best wishes.
Diana

It is a wonderful trip. Holland American is the best cruise line we have used. You will be spoiled and pampered. Glacier Bay is really, really cold so layer for that one. Long underwear (preferable silk) really helps. Bon Voyage.

We went in our motor home for about 2 months....it was the best trip we ever went on. Our favorite spots were the Kenai Penninsula and Valdez. It was all so beautiful and even found quilting shops!!!

I would take an Alaska vacation any day over a ruby or any other kind of ring! Enjoy!

"Been there (to Alaska) and done that!" We did it for our 45th anniversary (in August) as an anticipated 50th anniversary gift to ourselves. We loved it!!! Layers, hooded jacket and comfy walking shoes are a must. Take a good camera with several memory cards. You can buy most anything at the shops either on board or in the cities. Quilt stores were in most cities on our cruise. I "caught" the quilting bug while there and have wished that I had bought more of the Alaskan themed fabric. We would go again in a minute, without hesitation. We celebrate the anticipated 50th next March.

Are you going to Denali Park? That is really wonderful. Specked rain in some area's Ketchikan gets a lot of rain. Depending on how far north you are going it might be cold. I took a warm scarf. hat, & gloves and boy I was happy camper. Hope you see some eagles flying around.

Don't buy tickets for off shore excursions on board. You can get them when you get off of the ship for less $. Take things to dress in layers and ENJOY!!!! congratulations on 40 years and 40 more to you.

where are you going? i've lived in kodiak and valdez, and live in juneau currently, so i can definitely point you in some fun directions.

My husband and I have been on 18 cruises and the best piece of advice I can give you is to not over pack. I learned early on that we didn't wear 1/2 of what we packed. I can tell you that people will not notice that you have worn something more than once. We have done 4 to Alaska and every time enjoy them. Also you need to take a lot of $$$$ because they have some wonderful quilt shops in all the towns. Oh my gosh, you will find a lot of fabric that we do not carry on the mainland. I picked up several quilt kits that were so beautiful. You will love the days they last forever. It's still light at 11:30 p.m. Enjoy your trip and breathe in lots of the fresh air!

First off "Don't over pack" Depending on when you go, all you'll need extra is a JACKET- and raincoat-I lived in Alaska for over 54 years and 12 months out of the year I wore a light jacket in summer and warmer in winter. I'm guessing your going this summer, so a light warm jacket is all you'll need. A sweater or polar fleece for when it is warmer- ditch the coat. The cruise lines, once they get you, they don't like to let you go, they like to take all your money. When you stop in the small coastal towns, ask the locals where to go & what to see. If you get to Anchorage, it is about like any other big city, lots of traffic, fast food joints, so rent a car & get out of town. Have fun and let us all know how your trip went.

We are going on a similar Princess cruise in July. I'll be reading this thread with great interest!

Congrats to you & DH on 40 years of marriage. I am so envious of your cruise to Alaska. Maybe some day. Have a great time.

We are also going on a 7 day cruise for our 50th the end of this month. Thanks to all for all the suggestions.

We just returned from 7 day cruise. We had great weather, but the week before rained the entire trip. We were fortunate from what I understand. I needed a coat topside, but ended up carrying it in the different ports. I had a few long sleeve shirts, a couple of sweat shirts a light jacket and a wind breaker jacket. I wore the shirts, never wore the sweatshirts, wore the light jacket and the windbreaker over the light jacket when topside on the ship. I had a problem with sea sickness (3 out of 7 days). The next cruise I intend to start taking meds before getting on the ship and take them until off of it for good. I've had sea sickness problems in the Caribbean also, so it wasn't just this trip.

We went to quilt shops at every port. The quilt shop in Skagway has a good Internet site. I can order some of the material I didn't get that I wanted. DH was concerned about being able to get everything back into our luggage. i kept telling him not to worry about it. I would find a way to get it all in the suitcases. I had some things we bought mailed home. I'm still waiting for a doll I bought.

We took the train rides in Skagway, and tram in Juneau. I had to recharge my camera several times and used all of an 8g card. Between DH and myself we have over 1000 pics. I got an Alaskan themed scrapbook on the ship with a couple of accessory packs.

Our ship was the Carnival Miracle. We used their transfer service to and from the airport. It made it easy dealing with luggage and used their luggage express leaving the ship. They provided airline tags for luggage and picked it up the night before. We got our boarding passes on the ship and went straight through security to our gate. We didn't have to deal with our luggage until we got back to Mobile, AL. The only bad part of our trip was the flight from Mobile to Seattle. It was long and the seats got hard.

This trip was for our 40th anniversary. Mom wants to go to go on an Alaskan cruise now. I told her I'd go with her.

On our 25th anniversary, we rode on Holland America's Veendam for a 10 night land tour/cruise in Alaska. It was a smaller ship, maybe 1000 guests? and I have to say, it was the best trip of my life.
I had never cruised before so that was wonderful, but now that I have, the land tour is what I would do again.It's me, I'm just not a cruising gal

As mentioned, in Juneau there was a great quilt shop, I ended up with a lot of Alaska themed fat quarters

I advise doing a lot of trips that take you on land, to really get a feel for the state.

We purchased their 'wedding vows renewal' package that they held on the ship. It was supposed to be with any other couple that was repeating their, but we were the only ones. It included a dinner at the restaurant on the ship, and an hour long chat with the captain. Nice guy

You're going to have a wonderful time!

Ok, just remembered more:

We rode a helicopter and landed on a glacier, and then whatever they call those planes that land in water, we took a trip on one of those.

Oh, I got a ring with a diamond in the center, and 2 rubies on the side (I got an extremely cheap wedding ring, and no engagement ring - my choice- and this was to replace that)

Remembered again:

Warning - Don't Step on the Pipeline!

Story-
My husband works at BP, so naturally, we needed to see the pipeline. There was some exhibit set up so that one could see it, but you had to step on it before you could see the sign that said "Please do not stand on the Pipeline"

He wore his BP hat almost the entire time, and there were a few people we came across on land that commented.
He took my picture as I stood under a part of it that was above ground

We rode a train for a day, and it was funny, there was actually a bear, standing on his hind legs, waving to us as we went by. We thought maybe they train the bears up there to be welcoming to the tourists

We rode some small plane (that I noticed as we were in the air had a piece of duct tape holing it together) and landed in a small town (village?) over the Arctic circle. For some reason, I wanted to cross the Arctic Circle

I better stop now, I could go on for hours.

Holland is a great cruise line. I have gone on 2 of theirs with my Mom (one to Alaska and one Asia and Australia). I agree with taking warm clothes depending on when you're going. It was still pretty cool and we went the end of June for the Alaska cruise. Enjoy yourself. Check what side trips they are offering. There is a quilt shop in Sitka and I believe there are ones in Juneau. I found one in Ketchican.

We saw the Mendenhall Glacier and Glacier Bay. I went thru the Mystic Falls area on a tour.

I agree with the above advice-especially the layering technique! I've been to AK 17 times and can't get enough! Hatcher Pass between Willow and Palmer is a great place to "get away from it all" if you have your own vehicle. Drive Skyline Dr. in Homer. Take a water taxi to Halibut Cove from Homer. Check out the view of Mt. McKinley from Talkeetna Lodge in Talkeetna; also the view of The Mt. from Denali State park is terrific if you hit it on a clear day! The drive to Valdez thru Thompson Pass is amazing. I could go on and on! You will love it!

My advice is to relax and enjoy it all. And drink bottled water

Our neighbors said the mosquitos are the size of birds - take bug repellent!