When are you going? I leave on the Spirit May 21st for Alaska. It will be my first time, but everyone I talk to says layers. Suggestions included those silk long underwear that you can take off and stick in a backpack if it gets too warm. My travel agent tells me that they didn't take short sleeves the first year and ended up buying tshirts because it was too warm. They don't take coats anymore, just waterproof windbreakers. I put in gloves and ear muffs, tho, since the water can get cold near the glaciers. I can't wait to go...I hear it is the best cruise out there!!