Alaska Cruise

We are taking a Sept. 13 cruise of 14 days to Alaska. Does anyone know what the weather is like in Sept. and what type of clothing to pack? We're flying out of Florida to the west coast than driving north to pick up the ship. Would like not to over pack (fat chance) with the wrong type of clothing, not to light, not to heavy. First time out that way and schlumping heavy suitcases all over is not my idea of fun. Thanks. Larry

We went in September last year and lucked into great weather, but, September is likely to be rainy and chilly. Best advice is layers, and that includes long underwear.

If you will be doing Glacier Bay or an excursion putting you on a glacier, I would recommend your parka. But, you can get inexpensive down jackets at Burlington Coat Factory and those are lightweight and can be smooshed into a suitcase. take a hat and gloves. Barring that, an insulated wind breaker that can fit on above a sweatshirt.

I made great use of my windpants and had a pair of runners nylons and this worked great for the chilly mornings on deck.

It's unlikely that anyone but you will know if you wear the same thing a couple times, and there is usually laundry (self serve or the service) at reasonable prices.

Geekette's advice is excellent but if you are going for 2 weeks I assume your trip is not all cruise but also has a land-tour part. Whether away from the coast is likely to be even cooler.