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Is it too cold to swim on an Alaskan cruise?

Even on the Alaskan cruises, swimming is definitely an option. Here's why: the pools are heated when the outside temperature drops below 75.



It is definitely not too cold to swim on an Alaskan cruise, though the experience is quite different from a Caribbean sailing. Most modern cruise ships designed for Alaskan itineraries come equipped with heated pools and multiple hot tubs. Many high-end vessels, such as those from Royal Caribbean or Celebrity, feature an "Aquadome" or a glass-enclosed Solarium, allowing passengers to swim in a climate-controlled environment while watching glaciers pass by outside. Even on ships with outdoor pools, the water is usually kept at a very warm temperature, often around 27°C to 29°C (80°F to 84°F). The "polar plunge" effect of jumping into a warm pool while the air temperature is a crisp 10°C (50°F) is actually a highlight for many travelers. However, the walk from the pool back to your towel or the indoor changing area can be freezing, so it is essential to have a thick robe ready. Many people prefer the hot tubs, which stay around 38°C (100°F), providing a perfect vantage point for wildlife spotting without feeling the Alaskan chill.

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Alaska Cruises Can Be Bumpy in the Gulf of Alaska Rough Waters: The majority of sailing on an Alaska cruise is done in the protected waters of the Inside Passage, but ships sailing to Seward, Whittier or Anchorage must cross the Gulf of Alaska, which is much rougher.

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Temperatures range on average between fifty and sixty degrees with mostly cool afternoons and evenings and chilly mornings and mid-day hours. The late nights and early mornings can be very cold, but these are also the hours when most people are asleep in their cabins.

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A cruise isn't a cruise without time in sparkling pools, so don't forget your swimsuit and non-slip boat shoes that provide good traction. You'll want to bring sun protection when you're soaking up rays and splashing around in the Twister Waterslide.

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On top, you probably want to dress in layers with a long-sleeve t-shirt topped with a sweater, light fleece jacket, or a down vest. I would still bring one or two short-sleeve t-shirts and a pair of shorts just in case it is warm enough to enjoy the sun deck or your balcony.

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Cruising through the Inside Passage is generally calm, but the open waters of the Pacific Ocean can be choppy. Even the bays can churn up quickly during summer storms.

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Alaska cruise day wear There's no need to be formal – jeans, slacks, casual tops, sweaters, sneakers and boots are all perfect. It can be windy on deck, especially when the ship is moving, so have a warm, windproof jacket on hand for impromptu deck strolls and wildlife spotting.

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During dinner in the ship's main restaurant, cruisers will dress according to Celebrity Cruises' dress code. Women can wear a smart dress, skirt, pants, or jeans with a casual top, and men can dress in pants or jeans with a short-sleeve sport shirt.

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Best Months to Travel to Alaska. Alaskan cruise season is May through September with July and August being the highest season attracting the most travelers. Convention holds that the best months to cruise Alaska are July and August when the temperatures are at their highest and the weather is generally sunnier.

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Tracy Arm Fjord You'll have the chance to observe glacial calving as sizable chunks of ice fall into the water. You'll also notice icebergs ranging from a few inches tall to three stories floating by your Princess Cruises ship.

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Northbound Alaska cruises sail up the coastline through the Inside Passage and along Hubbard Glacier, so your best view of Alaska's scenic landmasses are likely on the starboard side of the ship. Southbound Alaska cruises are the opposite.

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Jackets can take up a lot of space in a suitcase. If you don't have one that packs down small, bring a blazer, neutral cardigan or lightweight zip-up instead. They're easy to match, layer and carry around on cooler days and nights.

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10 Days. This is a very popular vacation length, and no wonder: 10 days is enough time to combine a cruise with a land tour and experience both sides of Alaska. Trips of this length usually include a whirlwind tour of some of Alaska's popular interior and Southcentral destinations, plus a 7-day cruise.

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