Hi, Jennifer!
Congratulations on booking a trip of a lifetime for your family aboard the beautiful Disney Wonder to Alaska! Our family of six (two teens, a tween and our 7-year-old "baby") also will be taking this cruise this summer, and I've been doing tons of research and am in the beginning stages of gathering items myself.
Here are a few crucial things you will want to consider including:
- Layers. We're packing performance-type shirts for the first layer, all sorts of tops and water-proof rain jackets with hoods for the third layer. We'll have hats and gloves also.
- Bug spray and sunscreen. I hear the bugs are huge, and the sun is intense on the glaciers.
- Durable shoes. We recently purchased (at a major discount) waterproof hiking shoes at our local outdoor store. They're considerably lighter than boots.
- Binoculars. Get the best ones with the greatest range.
- Memory cards. You will fly through pics with all the great scenery and experiences. Oh, and don't forget extra batteries, too.
- Lightweight bag for ports. Make sure everyone in your group keeps up with those layers which start to peel off at mid-day by bringing a backpack or sports bag with straps.
For formal night, the guys are all wearing dark suits with white shirts and dark ties, and my daughter and I borrowed long dresses. For semi-formal night, the guys will wear sport coats and khakis, and we have short dresses. The "baby" will be cute in his starched white shirt, tie and khakis for both of those nights -- he's looking forward to Pirate Night when he can break out the good clothes!
I hope this helps, and best wishes as you prepare. Have a wonderful day and a magical vacation. Bon voyage!
Andi