I know this has been discussed at length but this is our first cruise so I'd like some specifics as to CCC and informal dress. What do people board in? Are jeans and a blazer and high heels acceptable dress for Alaska? I'm expecting it to be pretty casual during the day with the types of excursions offered and then hope to dress up a bit for dinner. Will my husband be ok with just a sportcoat? Does my 16yr old son need to take one also? Thanks for any advice!

Welcome to LCT 747! What part of Los Angeles are you from? I'm just over the county line in Westlake Village/Thousand Oaks but originally from the Westside. We just had a brunch so a few of us could meet each other. Please feel free to post an introduction so we can get to know you and exchange useful information!

Yes, you could board in jeans and a blazer. Be sure to take warm clothes and layer. Depending on what time of year you are going it can even be 80 degrees in port and then 35 near the glaciers. For evening, dress as you would if you were going to a nice restaurant. No jeans in the evening in the public areas. If you don't want to change for dinner, you can have room service. Sportcoats ande slacks are often worn by the men - no tie needed but many do wear them. Your son could probably get by without a jacket. Jeans are great during the day, but slacks, skirts and sweaters are better for evening. Think elegant casual. You will even see the little black dress at dinner. Just not much sparkles. There are no informal nights or formal nights. All Country Club Casual as described above.

I made really good use of some hiking boots on my Alaska trip, especially when I was walking on top of the glaciers. Don't forget warm gloves, a muffler and a sweatshirt or sweater to wear under your coat to view the days in the Fjords.

We loved the Mariner in Alaska too - it was my first RSSC cruise and now my favorite way to travel. I leave on Tuesday for Tahiti and many from this board are going - we've got a great cruise next year on the Mariner to Alaska we are calling MUSH!

Technically, your husband doesn't even need the sportcoat ... he could go to dinner in button down shirt (or polo) with slacks. The sportcoat is nice though to add some variety to your attire and sometimes in Alaska, it can get a little chilly at night. :)

Masaki

When we went to Alaska 2 years ago....formality was nothing. Country Club Casual was the theme. Your son should be fine with polo shirts and dockers. No need for ties or jackets. I usually dressed up with a tie and coat just because I liked to (definitely not a jeans and half shirt cruise). The main thing is Radisson is not hung up on "formal night" like "tux" night on "premium lines", but requested dress is still expected.....if ties are required then wear them. If jackets are required then wear them, most dress one step above the requested evening dress.

Only one minor difference from the information above that I remember is that a jacket for the men was required if you eat in Signatures (by reservation). Tie was optional. My husband took just one sportscoat and he wore it many nights just for the warmth. Be sure to take some comfortable walking shoes for your excursions.

Thanks for all the advice! My son will be happy to hear he doesn't need a sportcoat and I'm happy to hear that people dress nicely for dinner. We'll definitely be taking our hiking boots and warm clothes.

By the way, we're in Pacific Palisades.

Just over the Santa Monicas from us!

Which sailing are you on?

Aug. 17th Vancouver to Whittier.

Welcome to LCT, 747forever! You will love this cruise, the ship and Alaska. We went last year and had a great time. All the above advice is right on, especially about the comfortable shoes and the warm layers. The day you go to the glacier, go up on top. It is so fun to get closer and closer and closer to the glaciers. They keep getting larger and larger! We had on silk longjohns under our pants, t shirts with fleece tops over, and our rain jackets zipped up with the hood up as we got closer to the glacier. We also wore gloves. Don't forget your binoculars.

It was a beautiful sunny day so once the ship stopped, the wind died down and off came the layers!

I agree that they ask the men to wear jackets to Signatures but I don't think they will not allow someone in without one. I saw a table with 2 younger men in shirtsleeves.

Have a wonderful time!