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Jody1
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Posted: Tue Jun 5th, 2007 06:57 pm |
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Okay, I realize it's 4 plus weeks out, but all of a sudden I got an attack if "inspired closet ransacking" in preparation for packing for Alaska!  Help!! We've got formal, semi-formal, informal, underformal, overformal, and then casual, more casual, less casual, grubby, jammies, swimwear, freezing-weather-wear, not-so-cold-weather-wear, and sort-of -hot-weather-wear....outerwear (as opposed to innerwear people...) then, okay, all these outfits need SHOES... and what about that industrial strength underwear to make all the stuff look all smooth and unbumpy (warned you men to stay away!)... sigh... HOW is all this stuff going to fit into a suitcase that the airlines will agree to transport (or that I even own!). Yikes!! (And does anybody really know what the term "cruisewear" means? Any of the above? All of the above? Inquiring minds want to KNOW!)
Okay... turn the boat... drop those OARS!!! 
That's right... you've done this before.. everything fit into one (very laaaarrrrge) suitcase last time so it will again... Float on downstream with the closet contents and all will be well! A little closet - contrast is good for expanding the wardrobe and the prepaving fun of the cruise!! YAY!
Wouldn't it be nice if I found a bunch of gorgeous clothes that fit, right here in my closet? And wouldn't it be nice if whatever I still need to buy can be purchased on a fun and easy shopping trip? 
Okay so I attacked the closet, tried on a bunch of stuff, and actually got all excited and happy! Good thing nobody was home because I was talking up a storm to the mirror! ::whacky
I can do this!!! Some creative folding and stuffing and it will all be good to go in just... let's see.. how many days/minutes/seconds until embarkation? 
GETTING VERY EXCITED (oh wait I said that a month ago! )
GETTING VERY VERY EXCITED!!! YAY!!!!
So if anyone has packing/cruisewear tips, this is the thread to share them. I declare it on-topic since we're going on an ABE CRUISE!!! We'll be out on the WATERS OF WELL BEING! YAY!!!!
Love,
Jody who finally found the keyboard under a pile of industrial strength underwear... :dancer:
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Bea
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Posted: Tue Jun 5th, 2007 08:05 pm |
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Oh Jody! That was sooooo funny to read! I had to laugh loud and.... I have really too much imagination! I visualised a big trunk and yet the clothes flow over the trunk and maybe you have to sit upon to close it....
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vmatch
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Posted: Wed Jun 6th, 2007 02:36 am |
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I overpacked for my first cruise and didn't wear half of what I'd brought. My advice: be comfortable, very comfortable. You can rent formal wear, and there is laundry service, and you can always shop. If you find the Alaskan nights too cool to sleep in the buff on that last night when you have to put your suitcase(s) out in the hall, you can sleep in the robe provided. One of my ship purchases that I got a lot of use from was a navy blue Oosterdam hoodie sweatshirt. The hood was perfect for late night walking on the deck and to keep that north wind off the back of my neck. Fleece vests are also handy though I don't recommend them for formal night. It's always windy on deck, so bring something to tie your hair back or down as needed if you wear it long. If you've never cruised before, there are hair dryers in the rooms and complimentary shampoo and some really nice body lotion. The Vista Lounge where the seminars are held is on the cool side, so cotton sweaters for that layered look give you fashion mileage. I've never tried those Space Bags, but maybe Jody could get all her shoes in one! Oh, it helps if you have a roommate close in size who is always gone on excursions. If you spend a lot of time in the spa or in the hot tub, you won't have to pack much anyway. You can always wear the same outfit and just say your luggage didn't make it to the ship.
Remember Abe says you'll never get it done and you can't get it wrong, so pack what makes you feel good. See you on board!
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bec333
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Posted: Wed Jun 6th, 2007 03:58 pm |
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Getting MORE and MORE excited!!::yeah
This is a terrific thread for me, thanks for starting it, Jody.
The only other cruise I ever went on was to the Carribbean many many years ago. And I have been living in a hot country for a while, so the clothes thing to Alaska is a learning curve. Once I get back from my hot country, I'll be living in Florida(another hot country ::D) , so would like to be able to get what I need to be comfortable in Alaska but not, pardon the pun, "go overboard."
Thnx for the great tips VMatch  , and am looking forward to any others people might have. I think I may be forced to buy a souvenir Hoodie from the Noordam gift shop--you know, just to keep from freezing to death.....
bec333
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seekerofjoy
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Posted: Wed Jun 6th, 2007 04:46 pm |
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Jody TU this thread is indeed helpful, like Bec I live in a hot city. I live in Florida and is very hot, so the majority of my clothes is for hot weather. can somebody tell me how is the weather during the day? and what kind of clothing will be the best? . I took a cruise to Alaska more than 10 years ago and I really dont remember the weather ::oops
 Kalena
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Jody1
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Posted: Wed Jun 6th, 2007 06:16 pm |
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Beckykins and Kalena, if you get tired of that hoodie, you are welcome to come to my cabin and raid my closet for sweaters and jackets!
And maybe we'll get lucky and have one of those really warm Alaska cruises - anything can happen up there!
Kalena to answer your question, it is usually quite chilly in Alaska even in July... although we did have some pretty warm afternoons last year... crusing past the glaciers is usually - well - brrrrrr!!!!! A jacket/sweater is definitely called for, and I wore my really warm winter jacket with gloves and scarf in 2005, but did not need them last year...
You will most likely never need shorts or sandals or anything really 'summery'. I'm not even packing that sort of thing.
Bring clothes to layer and you'll be fine.
Jody
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dance of joy
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Posted: Wed Jun 6th, 2007 07:24 pm |
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Jody1 wrote: We'll be out on the WATERS OF WELL BEING! YAY!!!!
Oooo, that sounds so DELICIOUS, Jody! Woo hoo for you and everyone who will be there.
Love,
Christine
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seekerofjoy
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Posted: Thu Jun 7th, 2007 02:04 am |
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Jody TU for your advise, ::D. Now I guess I should go shopping for something warmer 
See you there
Kalena
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CarolSmile
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Posted: Thu Jun 7th, 2007 03:51 am |
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I hadn't even thought about a cruise in July NOT being pretty warm, which is kind of funny because I probably live closer to Alaska than most! (Bainbridge Island is a short ferry ride from Seattle). I actually get cold fairly quickly (Tara turns the heat off, I light a fire, she opens a window, I buy a new sweater - it all works out pretty well...) This thread is really helpful as I was planning on my favorite sandles and sun dresses. BUT warmth or coolness aside, does anyone know how much formalwear we will need? And is formal REALLY formal, or more just look as though you've showered and changed out of jeans? Should we bring boots and jeans for hiking too? Now I'm beginning to think about whether I have a suitcase big enough. Breath, Carol, breath.
I don't know why, but whenever I try to soothe myself with "You never get it done, you never get it wrong" I seem to lean right into saying "you never get it done and you never get it right." Wow, do I need a healthy dose of this cruise!
Okay, subject change time. I'm going to go play some music. Maybe Bach Violin solos, or maybe Martin Sexton's new recording "Seeds".
I'll be the one in too many clothes!
Love and Blessings,
Carol
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vmatch
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Posted: Thu Jun 7th, 2007 03:59 am |
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Some things in my suitcase:
Light-weight waterproof jacket/stuff gloves in pockets/knit hat (Lands End) has great sales this time of year. )
Fleece vest, t-shirts, long and short sleeve
Jeans for excursions
Long sleeve cotton sweaters and slacks--mix 'n match--for casual and informal times
All-purpose-never-wrinkles-to-the-ankle-black knit dress jazzed up with fancy jacket for formal night (normthompson) has them in black, red, teal/see travel clothes)
1 pair low heel black pumps for formal and informal wear; it's a big ship and you'll do a lot of walking; these are also good for walking on the decks. High heels can slow you down.
1 pair "cruise shoes" Easy Spirit walking shoes; not as bulky as athletic shoes but very comfy for walking anywhere. I'll wear these to the pier so they don't take up precious suitcase room.
Some work out clothes for the gym (well, I do have good intentions!)
Umbrella (compact), sunglasses, sunblock (lots of reflection off water and ice/snow).
Add in cosmetics, underwear, pj's, and the million other accessories. Oh, if you wear long skirts, then you can wear those knee-high or thigh-high nylons; freedom from panyhose!
I can also squeeze some extra things in my camera bag (besides my camera stuff) if needed.
Hope these ideas are helpful. We're looking good now!
Hiking boots: check to see what you'll need for those type of excursions.
Carol: Two formal nights. You mainly have to dress up if you go to the dining room. I've seen all kinds of formal wear from prom type dresses to pretty long skirts with silky type blouses.
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bec333
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Posted: Thu Jun 7th, 2007 06:38 am |
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Wow, thought it couldn't happen, but now I am even MORE excited!!! ;-)::yeah::yeah
This is GREAT information, everyone. Thanks so much!
For formal nights, I have one stretchy long black dress and 2 stretchy jackets that are close enough to look like a match. Handled. ::D
VMatch: I never would have thought about looking for Lands End sales stuff, what a terrific idea. Yay.
Is the onboard gym any good?
Thnx.
bec333
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Jody1
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Posted: Thu Jun 7th, 2007 06:56 am |
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Bec, the gym is gorgeous and has a panoramic view of the ocean...
Are you an AM workout person?
I want to be walking the decks quite early... of course.. best laid plans and all that.. depends on the nights, now doesn't it?
There is a photo of the gym on the HAL site - not sure if it's actually the Noordam or one of the 3 sister Vista ships, but they are virtually identical.
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bec333
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Posted: Thu Jun 7th, 2007 07:03 am |
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Jody,
Yes, I AM an a.m. workout person. In fact I'm an all around earlybird...
I did see the photo, but you know it's kind of like real estate photos, you can never been sure how accurately things are portrayed until you see them in person. ;-) Glad to hear it is gorgeous.
I am up for walking and working out and anything else. Do you know if they have good workout classes and what they charge (if anything for them)?
Also, do you know the internet charge rate onboard? I've read it's high, but can't find figures.
U and VMatch want commissions for all these answers? ::D
bec333
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Jody1
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Posted: Thu Jun 7th, 2007 07:10 am |
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U and VMatch want commissions for all these answers? ::D
Sigh... the truth is that talking about the cruise is my FAVORITE thing to do and I should probably pay YOU for asking the questions!!!
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Jody1
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Posted: Thu Jun 7th, 2007 07:16 am |
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I do remember that most of the fitness classes are free. There are also some for a fee, so I don't know how they determine that. I'm not really one for "classes" - probably Patti at Worldview Travel would be able to answer that by email? And the question about internet as well.. I do remember that it's expensive, but is it upstream to say that . David and I will be online regardless and just doing that "universe - make us abundant" thing and pay whatever!
pattir@worldviewtravel.com
Jody
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