In less than 2 weeks I will be embarking on my first ever cruise. When you think of cruising you probably think of warm, tropical islands with rows of woven hammocks tied between palm trees and endless pina coladas served in coconuts.

That’s not where I’m going.

My wonderful parents have invited my husband and I on a cruise up to the snowy frontier we call Alaska. Instead of weaving between tropical islands we will be getting up close and personal with glaciers and gold miners. And I couldn’t be more excited.

When I first started planning for the cruise I was thinking shorts and tank tops the whole time (it’s September which is summer after all). But no. I have been assured that the wind out at sea is chilling and that the glaciers are made of water that is frozen…because of the cold.  So my strategy has changed a bit. Instead of shorts I’m bringing pants and instead of tank tops I’m upgrading to at least a layered t-shirt. I’ll pack one heavy coat for the day we see the glaciers  and the rest of the time I’ll try to stay inside the ship – where it’s heated.

Here are some outfits I’m thinking for cruising days, dinner and a shore excursion.

Top – TopShop, $70  |  Bag – Marc by Marc Jacobs, $225  |  Bracelet – M. Cohen, $220  |  Loafers – Steve Madden, $80  |  Pants – DKNYC, $59

 Necklace – Swell, $16  |  Top – TopShop, $56  |  Pants – TopShop, $76  |  Boots – Target, $30  |  Clutch – Vince Camuto, $118

Shirt – Aeropastale, $15  |  Necklace – Bauble Bar, $38  |  Backpack – Modcloth, $32  |  Boots – Wanted, $55  |  Skirt – BCBGMaxazria, $58

Have you ever been to Alaska in September? What did you pack?