Known as the Last Frontier, Alaska is rugged and untamed. Shore excursions generally consist of dog sledding, helicopter tours, whale watching, crab fishing and other outdoor activities. Even if you prefer to shop along the pier, the terrain is often rough. Alaskans are unpretentious and tend to favor functional clothing that keeps them warm and dry. Dress in layers that are easy to add and remove. Choose a waterproof, wind-resistant outer layer and sturdy shoes. Warm, casual clothes are also appropriate on-board the ships during the day. The outdoor pools are typically heated, but be sure to bring something warm to change into when you leave the pool. Alaska is not the right itinerary for those hoping to lounge on deck in a swimsuit and soak up the sun.
Each cruise line sets its own evening dress codes. Most are relatively casual, particularly on cold-weather itineraries such as Alaska, but the majority of cruise passengers change clothes for dinner. Some lines prohibit jeans in the dining room, or even in all public spaces, after 6 p.m. Alaska is known for its midnight sun, but the number of hours of daylight drops rapidly in August and September. The deck is often cold at night, when there is little or no sunshine to combat the effects of wind and water spray. Wear slip-resistant shoes when strolling the deck at night, particularly after a hard rain.
Almost all cruise lines in Alaska provide one or more formal nights, a nod to the ocean voyages of old. How formal the night is depends solely on the cruise line. On mass-market lines such as Carnival, expect to see a wide range of clothing, from polo shirts to tuxedoes. Upscale lines such as Crystal tend to draw a larger segment of passengers to whom formal night means ball gowns, but in general, cocktail dresses and suits are appropriate on all lines.
If you plan to participate in an adventure tour, such as ice climbing or glacier hiking, pack appropriate gear. Tour companies generally provide specialized equipment such as crampons, but you are expected to dress suitably for the excursion. Consider packing gloves, a hat and a scarf for tours that include extended time in snow or ice. If you will take a boat tour, bring a change of clothes in case you get wet. Alaska’s temperatures are relatively mild through the late summer, but spending a lot of time in wet clothing could lead to hypothermia or other health complications.
