umbrellas on Alaska cruises?

[petlover]

It's a long ways off but while it's on my mind as a first time Princess cruiser....does Princess provide umbrellas on their Alaska cruises? I've gotten spoiled not traveling with own umbrella when we cruise.

[chrysalis]

It's a long ways off but while it's on my mind as a first time Princess cruiser....does Princess provide umbrellas on their Alaska cruises? I've gotten spoiled not traveling with own umbrella when we cruise.

 

No but we got a free one from Diamonds International at one of the ports....just ask:D

[euphscott]

Pack a heavy poncho - your packing (and fellow cruisers) will thank you! :)

[RLBlack]

Most of the time, umbrellas are of no value- due to wind- pack a rain coat with a great hood- spray your raincoat with water repellant (should be able to get it either at your grocery store or sports store)- and you will be ready for anything, and your hands will be free- rlb

[Treven]

I agree with the previous poster, please leave your bumbershoot (brolly, umbrella) at home. Bring along a good poncho or a good wide-brimmed hat.

[geoherb]

I second the idea of the heavy-duty poncho. The ones I purchased for our first Alaska cruise in 2003 came in handy last year when we went back. They held up well. I also recommend waterproof walking shoes. I wear Timberlands, but there are several other good brands.

[Potstech]

I agree with all previous posters on what to wear and also plan to dress in layers. If you must bring an umbrella make it a small collapsable one that fits in a purse or backpack.

[petlover]

Thanks all! I like the poncho idea.

I'm use to the ships that have the bin full of umbrellas as you walk off the ship if needed but I think the poncho idea will work just fine if we run into wet weather.

[sherryf]

Count me as another of the anti-umbrella crowd. I live in the Seattle area and, although I think I own an umbrella, I have no idea where it is or when I last used it. A good rain jacket with a hood is much more useful!

[jer_l]

I've cruised to Alaska 11 times and have never used an umbrella. I also do not take a heavy poncho. What I find easiest is to use my regular light-weight jacket (which has a hood) and take along disposable ponchos from a dollar store. There are usually 2 to a package and are essentially trash bags with sleeves and a hood. They take hardly any room to pack. We take along a few for each of us and then toss them when we return to the ship. Often the rain is off and on and I don't want to wear or carry heavy rain gear when the sun comes out.

[4x4bob]

Another vote for the cheap light weight rain poncho's. I carry two in my camera bag for just in case when we get caught in a surprise rain.

 

Three times to Alaska an we were rained on two times. So, not a big deal, if you are ready for it.

 

Bob

[don'tleavewithoutme]

Another vote for leaving the umbrella at home. Even ponchos do not keep you very dry if it's pouring and windy - a good jacket with a hood that will cinch up, possibly even rain pants will keep you dry the best.

My first visit to Ketchikan was in a chilly, pouring rain, but it was no problem with decent gear. We felt sorry for the folks fighting to keep the hoods of their ponchos covering their heads, and saw a number of broken umbrellas.

 

That said - it's not the end of the world if you do get rinsed with the pure, cool water of the NW's rain. When you get back to the ship, find a hot tub and enjoy!

[pompeii]

 

Very true! Although we lucked out and didn't get any rain in Alaska last May, we did encounter a dreary rainy day in Bar Harbor in October. After getting damp and chilled, I got back to the ship an hour before all aboard and enjoyed the hot tub all by myself! It was heaven!

[compozer]

If you are booked in a full suite, you will have them in your cabin but they are more of a pain. I agree about taking cheap ponchos. We have only had to use them once.

[sunsetbeachgal]

We took ponchos (if you have a Totes outlet store this is where we found ours) and layered them over fleece jackets. Layers are the name of the game in Alaska, as rain can be intermittent.

[flamomo]

A waterproof hooded windbreaker is, IMO, a necessity on AK cruises. That allows you to layer if needed, avoids the inconvenience of umbrellas (for you and also for your fellow passengers who won't have to fear getting poked in the face with the ribs in crowded settings ashore), and would be easier to manage if the rain stops and you want to take it off and carry it. The cheapo plastic ponchos are very difficult to fold up for reuse.

 

Buying waterproof footwear is not necessary unless you are planning to go tromping off in the woods. Much better to buy a can of waterproofing spray at Walmart, available in the camping and/or shoe department. Speaking for personal experience, two sprayings of your sneakers with that product will keep your feet dry, unless you step in a very deep puddle!! The spray does not alter the appearance of the shoes, so future wearings of them will not be affected.