If you are considering a cruise to Alaska, chances are that you have thought about the Cruise Line you are going to go with, the price you are going to pay and allotted the time for the journey. You’ve checked the internet for all the best prices, deals and discount for the trip, but there are a few things you may have forgotten which could potentially ruin an otherwise glorious journey:-
1. The side tours and trips available
2. Specialist outdoor clothing
3. Extra equipment
Let’s take a look at these in a little more detail.
Side Tours and Trips: You will want to take advantage of the tours and excursions available when your ship docks at the various ports, so it really pays to plan and book each one of these as far in advance as possible. The best way to do this is to find out as much as you can about all the options available in each port and then work out which ones best suit your budget and abilities. It is also a good idea to choose an alternative option in each port just in case the weather is unsuited to your original choice. Check with each service provider if you can make these short-notice changes.
Outdoor Clothing: When you are in the comfort and safety of your home town, thinking about appropriate clothing for your upcoming Alaska cruise, it is very easy to think that you won’t need much more than the basics, a few nice outfits for the formal dinners, a few casual clothes for the deck activities and perhaps a sweater for the outdoors. Many people have made this mistake and regretted it. You see, what they have forgotten is that the Inside Passage is very close to the Arctic Circle, and that means it is cold – all year long! So unless you are not planning to disembark at all, here is what you should seriously consider to bring along:-
· Thermal Underwear – this base layer keeps you warm as well as allowing moisture to wick away from the skin when you are undertaking sudden or strenuous activity.
· Polar Fleece Jacket – This is the second layer and also allows for the wicking effect to continue away from the skin.
· Outer Protective Shell – this is the wind and rain jacket you should always have with you when you disembark your ship, just in case you are caught in a sudden shower of freezing rain or a gust of icy wind.
The layer system can mean the difference between an exhilarating experience in the Alaskan Wilderness and uncomfortable memories of feeling constantly either too hot or too cold, so even if you live near the tropics, don’t be tempted to skimp on appropriate clothing, (especially the outer shell).
Extra Equipment: It is amazing how many people forget things they do not take on an ordinary holiday. With binoculars you are assured of a ringside seat to every magnificent wildlife encounter and every spectacular natural wonder you pass. A map will give you better understanding of the areas you are travelling through and it is fun to pore over at night when the landscape is not so visible. A local wildlife and plant information book will help you to identify them when you see them. Finally a notebook and pen to write down your thoughts, and spare batteries for your camera and other equipment are easily overlooked, but very frustrating if you haven’t got them with you.
