When do ships and itineraries get established

[Dadschum]

How far ahead to cruise lines establish which ships are doing what itinerary? Doing early planning for a possible summer of 2016 Alaska cruise. I have a running list of options right now based on 2014 ships/itineraries but know that can change.

 

When do the cruise lines set their ships/itineraries?

 

I am also carefully reviewing ports and shore excursions as well.

 

Thanks

[CruiserBruce]

When the routes are established, and when they are publically announced is two very different things. The cruise lines are setting plans over 3 years in advance. However, the sailings are publically announced and can be booked from 14-24 months prior to the start of a cruise "season".

 

I would do as you are doing...watching 2014 and 2015 schedules for general direction. There are only so many possible ports and routes, so those won't change very much. But cruise lines can rotate different ships in different years.

Edited January 6, 2014 by CruiserBruce

[Budget Queen]

Overall, there isn't likely to be many if any "new" itineraries. So, consider looking and getting the details of the basic information this far out. There are only 6 inside passage Alaska ports. Knowing about each one, then ranking your interests is a good idea to consider. Same with the different glacier transits.