When traveling to Alaska, there are no assumptions as to what to pack.  The weather is unpredictable, so they key is, to be prepared for anything. The weather varies greatly in the summer and can go from warm and sunny to overcast and chilly within hours.   From May through September, temperatures range from 40°F to 70° F during the day and drop into the 30’s and 40’s at night.

Slacks/jeans, a sweater or fleece, a lightweight jacket and a raincoat are versatile clothes for touring in Alaska, and comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken-in are a must! If you plan to spend a lot of time on deck viewing glaciers and wildlife you should consider packing a pair of long johns, gloves, and a scarf. A warm coat and heavy socks are essential if your itinerary includes a visit to a glacier.

Dressing in layers will prepare you for both cool and warm weather.  In the mornings, you may start off wearing an undershirt, sweater, and rain jacket. Throughout the day you can add or subtract layers as the weather permits. 

Alaska is a more “relaxed” destination so casual and comfortable are the style preferences. Even in the best restaurants you will find people dressed in jeans.  Tennis shoes are a must but you may also want to bring climbing and hiking shoes for nature walks, hiking trails and to participate in rugged adventures.  Don’t forget the rain gear because rain is common in Alaska during the summer months and it has the extra benefit of holding in body heat to keep you warm.

Following is a list of recommended items to pack:

• Flat, rubber-soled walking shoes for on board
• Sturdy but comfortable walking shoes that have already been broken, or hiking boots for onshore
• Short and long-sleeved cotton shirts
• Shorts, slacks and jeans
• Tee shirts
• Thick socks
• Sweater or fleece
• Light and heavy-weight jackets
• Long johns, gloves, scarf and hat
• Sunglasses
• Sunscreen
• Camera, lenses, batteries and plenty of film
• Telephoto lens
• Copies of your travel documents that should be safely secured in your in-room safe while traveling

By packing properly you will enjoy a variety of seasons all wrapped up in one great vacation! Of course by checking with www.weather.com about a week before you go on your trip can help you determine what you need to take with you as well, but still take a few extra warm clothes just in case it rains or the temperature drops unexpectedly.

Want to see MORE of Alaska? Royal Caribbean offers 100% Escorted Cruisetour packages all through majestic Alaska. A Cruisetour gives you time to wander off the beaten path, to visit places and sights you just can’t get to by ship. Take a Cruisetour. After all, why not double your vacation?

Reserve an Alaska cruisetour by 30-Apr-2009, and boost your onboard experience with a $200 onboard credit.* Use it for the Casino Royale^SM, the Fitness Center & Day Spa, shore excursions or any other onboard spending. Offer not available to online bookings. To receive your ship board credit, call 1-800-942-3301.  Bookings must be made by March 31, 2009. Promotion code:  MYU5

This year, Alaska celebrates it’s 50th year of statehood. The anniversary is being celebrated all year long. It is predicted that more than 1.5 million people will visit Alaska this year, most of them traveling by cruise ship.

When planning your Alaska cruise, you will have three asic itineraries to choose from:
 
–  Inside Passage:  Ships sail roundtrip from Vancouver or Seattle to the southeast panhandle of Alaska.  Cruises usually include famous Glacier Bay National Park, home of 16 magnificent glaciers.  Sailing roundtrip often makes your airfare cheaper since you embark and disembark in the same port.
 
–  Gulf of Alaska:  Working north from Vancouver, the south central coast of Alaska is added to the Inside Passage.  Ships sail one-way between Vancouver and Seward, the closest port to Anchorage.  Your embarkation and disembarkation points are different, but you have the opportunity to see much more of Alaska’s spectacular scenery, including the glacier-clad Gulf of Alaska.

– Alaska Cruise Tours:  Combine 7 day Voyage of the Glaciers cruises with land packages ranging from 4-to-10 days touring the interior of Alaska. Take in the magnificent scenery via luxury rail and stay at picturesque Princess Wilderness Lodges with a minimum two nights at Denali National Park. It’s the premier way to see it all — by land and by sea.  Discover this majestic terrain with its endless horizons, dramatic nature and inspiring vistas. Sail to Glacier Bay National Park, College Fjord, and visit the Inside Passage’s three picturesque ports of call — Ketchikan, Juneau and Skagway — before heading inland.

All cruise lines are running great promotions for Alaska. Best rates can be found for May and September cruises.

Next week’s blog will give you more in depth information on each cruise line offering cruises to Alaska in 2009.

Gate 1 debuts tours in Alaska, Iceland & Tunisia this year. All 3 itineraries will offer dates for small groups with a maximum participation of 20 guests. The 8-day Alaskan Adventure include four departures and a scenic train ride to Denali aboard the Alaskan Railroad. The 8 day Iceland Adventure has 5 departures & included in the rate is a boat tour of Jokulsarlon glacial lagoon. The 11 day Tunisia has 14 departures & features overnight in Tunis, Tabarka, Towear, Djerba, Sousse & Hammamet.