Kfrech

Just got off the phone with HAL. Although we transferred the cruise to another TA, we are able to buy CFAR insurance through them. We will be buying the Platinum protection ($279 per person). We have until 3/13 to do this for our 6/13 cruise. The big box TA requires full payment by 3/1. This puts my mind very much at ease.

The third party insurance is refundable prior to our scheduled departure date, so I will cancel that immediately. I'll use the AMEX offer ($100 off of $500) to make the insurance purchase--very little additional expense for peace of mind.

We have already purchased airfare in and out of Vancouver, with insurance that will only cover trip interruption, cancellation, due to sickness, etc. Worse case scenario, we'll spend time in Vancouver, Seattle, etc.

I am going to look into CFAR insurance at this point. I purchased our insurance through a 3rd party and am wondering if I'll be able to add it on at this point.

Sailing to Alaska, round trip out of Vancouver in mid-June. We have not purchased CFAR insurance (but did purchase other insurance) because quite frankly, we would only cancel for sickness, etc.

I am not an alarmist in any way; however, I'd hate to be stranded on a ship for 2 weeks or denied entry to any port.

Any downside to canceling now and rebooking when (if) things settle down (aside from losing our aft balcony)?

We are in our late 50s, very good health and less concerned about actually getting the virus than being quarantined. Since we are not frequent cruisers, I'm looking for advice from seasoned experts.

I realize the decision is ours alone and know the likelihood of getting the flu, etc. is considerably greater (I'm a 3rd grade teacher--I know about contagious illnesses); just looking for opinions.

I'm booked on the Koningsdam for an Alaskan cruise in June. The premier internet package was offered as part of the Explorer 4 promotion. My understanding is that more than one device can be used at a time, without logging off.

Thank you for all the wonderful replies; I can hardly wait!

Stupid question: having never sailed GB before, how will I know? Are there announcements?

We will be arriving on the Koningsdam in mid June at 7 a.m. We've booked in aft balcony room so that we can enjoy the scenery from our balcony. Any tips for making the most of this day?

Same for me!

I had the offer on my AMEX card and used it about 3 weeks ago. My husband has it on his card, and we intend to use it again prior to the offer's expiration.

Perfect! Thanks to all!

Thanks for the input. Are your Delta AE cards connected to the same account (in other words, you only pay one bill regardless of what card is used?)

We have the offers on our AE Blue Card. Two different card numbers, but one account. We pay one bill.

We share one account with 2 separate card numbers and 2 separate logins. The offer has shown up under both of our card offers. I've already used the offer attached to my card, but the offer is still available under my husband's card number. Can I used it again. Anyone have any success with this?

Great to hear that! Thanks so much!

How do you find out if your ship is tendering? We are sailing on the Koningsdam in June and will be in Juneau on the 15th, from 1-10 p.m.

Is this possible and if so, what internet package offers this? I’m not able to find much of a description on HAL’s website. 

We decided to book Chilkoot Charter's longer trip up to Bennett Lake. We'll be taking the train up and shuttle bus back.

Just booked Chilkoot Charter's Bennett Scenic Journey. Train ride up and shuttle bus back. Looking very forward to it!

On 1/29/2020 at 12:48 PM, lasman said:

We just booked with Dyea Dave for the trip up to the Yukon. Will pick us up at the dock in a smaller van and flexible as to the places we will stop.  A great price and a quick email reply from the office as to times and meet up points.  We have ridden the train on previous trip so will enjoy a highway based tour this time.  Plenty of time to roam around Skagway when we return around 4pm.  Ship does not leave until 8.

I too am considering this trip. Initially I wanted to take the train one way from Fraser for the return to Skagway, but it is sold out. However, such a trip is available if I book directly through the cruise line. However, I like the flexibility that Dyea Dave offers.

Having never been to Alaska or Skagway, what would you advise? Will we miss out on a lot of beautiful scenery by taking the train for a portion of the trip?

Thanks very much.

Having never done this before, do you get to pick your seats prior to boarding?

Which will provide the better experience? Although the price difference is about $100 per person, that's not my biggest concern.

We will be in Skagway June 16th for 11 hours. I tried to book a one way trip with Dyea Dave, but the one way return via train is sold out. I could just do a round trip with them. I also contacted Chilkoot, and they too are sold out because of the train portion. They too have availability on a round trip bus tour. This is their Yukon Klondike Adventure tour.

Through HAL, we can basically do the exact same tour, one way on a coach bus with a return trip via train.

Any advice?

Thanks so much.

From the research I've done, it seems that no tour that goes to Bennett includes a stop at Caribou Crossing Trading...although I'll keep looking!

Have you checked TripAdvisor? They may have some reviews on their Alaska boards. 

1 hour ago, Eaglecw said:

We've done all the trains out of Skagway at one time or the other. The one I enjoyed the most was the 8 hour train to Bennett and on into Carcross, it's the most expensive. At Carcross they'll be a bus to take us back to Skagway. My suggestion is to spend as much time as you can out on the platform between the cars, you'll see a lot more and get better pictures.

Did you book the Bennett trip on your own or through the cruise line? 
 

Also, did the Bennett trip include seeing any husky puppies? We’re not interested in any dogsledding...just want to see puppies. 

So it sounds like if you can only see Mendenhall glacier from the visitors' center, it isn't worth doing.

If you can get down to Nugget Falls and spend some time, than it's worth doing.

Is my understanding correct?

Is there any whale watch and Mendenhall glacier combo tour that is longer? I've looked at lots of excursions and the longest at Mendenhall glacier is 1 hour.

We'd like a bit more time to take pictures, etc.

Should we consider doing the two things separately? I'm just not sure how to fit in all in in one short day. We are in Juneau from 1 - 10 p.m.

Our first priority in Juneau is whale watching. I’ve found many tours that include Mendenhall glacier, but many people say they didn’t have enough time there (45 minutes to an hour).

Since we are cruising through Glacier Bay, should I worry about seeing Mendenhall?