Holy cow Alaska excursions are expensive!

[DebInAntigua]

First time to Alaska with whale watching a major lifetime bucket list Top 5. Taking 2 different Celebrity ships B2B June 2020.

 

I’ve never been so excited planning a vacation - there is so much to do in Alaska! Glacier explorer boat tours, wildlife tours, museums, train rides, and of course, whales! But wow have we already racked up a huge excursion tab and X hasn’t even released ISP or Victoria BC excursions yet on the Cruise Planner for June 2020. 

 

Not looking for budget advice really. Just wanted to share that I’m both excited by how many amazing things you can do on an Alaska cruise....and in shock at how much it all adds up above the cruise fare!

[Eaglecw]

Deb,

Yes everything is more expensive in Alaska. We are excited again this year, my husband is like a 3 year old at Christmas he's so excited when the cruise season starts. We do a Alaska cruise every year out of Seattle, we really enjoy it. The excursions can be a little overwhelming, we pick just a couple every year. We have our favorite excursions, whale watching out of Juneau is on the top and then the Bennett lake train out of Skagway.

Enjoy

Peggy

[kctwinmommy]

Yes it is. We went in with the frame of mind that this would be a once in a lifetime trip for us. We never thought about going again, and we still haven't after going 3 years ago. There are just so many other things to do & places we want to go. So with that in mind, we did everything that we wanted, no matter the cost. So we did the helicopter onto a glacier, since we knew we most likely couldn't do it anywhere else. And the other excursions were all things that sounded fun to us, so we did them. I just feel that Alaska is one of those trips where you bite the bullet and do the things you really want, not just cut corners to keep it cheap. And if you really can't afford things, then maybe just wait a year and save some money. I mean, a Caribbean cruise is something we've done several times and we don't usually do any excursions on those now. But yeah, Alaska was definitely not cheap. Well, until we did a European one! LOL! Of course, the airfare was a big chunk on that one! But so worth it for that too!!

[kochleffel]

Not only are all ground arrangements expensive in Alaska, but there are also opportunities for things like flightseeing that I would never do at home and that are even more expensive!

 

My strategy for this (in 2020) was to ignore those who say that one ABSOLUTELY MUST have a balcony stateroom for Alaska - which is hard for me to get around the price of anyway, because of the 100% single supplement - and book an inside. Feel free to lecture me all you like about how I'll regret it. Other things are more important to me.

Edited April 14, 2019 by kochleffel

[vermonter16]

I went for a once in a lifetime trip 8 years ago.  I'm going again in a few weeks for the 3rd time.  It still doesn't get any cheaper, lol.  It isn't cheap by any means but every time we've done it we've had the time of our lives.  I love Alaska.

[realnice46]

1 hour ago, kochleffel said:

Not only are all ground arrangements expensive in Alaska, but there are also opportunities for things like flightseeing that I would never do at home and that are even more expensive!

 

My strategy for this (in 2020) was to ignore those who say that one ABSOLUTELY MUST have a balcony stateroom for Alaska - which is hard for me to get around the price of anyway, because of the 100% single supplement - and book an inside. Feel free to lecture me all you like about how I'll regret it. Other things are more important to me.

As to Veranda room just keep checking even after final payment. We are booked on May 2019 cruise and after final payment rooms took dramatic decrease in price so you might be able to upgrade for less than you paid. It didn’t.t help up because we had already booked a veranda but if we had booked ocean view we could have moved our room for same price. I too was really surprised how expensive shore excursions were and als price of food in restaurants in the town. I know they have to have most things shipped in but price for seafood, that where they catch it. Oh well hopefully it will be worth it.

[capriccio]

1 hour ago, vermonter16 said:

I went for a once in a lifetime trip 8 years ago.  I'm going again in a few weeks for the 3rd time.  It still doesn't get any cheaper, lol.  It isn't cheap by any means but every time we've done it we've had the time of our lives.  I love Alaska.

DH and I went on our first Alaska cruise in 2007, convinced my 3 siblings and spouses (who had never been) to go with us again in 2012, and last year took our 2 grown kids, their spouses and our 3 1/2 year old granddaughter.  It never gets old!

[VennDiagram]

9 hours ago, realnice46 said:

As to Veranda room just keep checking even after final payment.

 

10 hours ago, kochleffel said:

My strategy for this (in 2020) was to ignore those who say that one ABSOLUTELY MUST have a balcony stateroom for Alaska - which is hard for me to get around the price of anyway, because of the 100% single supplement - and book an inside. Feel free to lecture me all you like about how I'll regret it. Other things are more important to me.

 

No lecture from me ... there's plenty of outdoor space that is included with your cruise fare.  I think you are smart to know what is important to you!  It bothers me a LOT when I see posters saying "you HAVE to have a balcony".  No, you (and I, and plenty of others) don't HAVE to .... 😉

 

realnice 46 has good advice -- keep checking prices after final payment.  Even if you don't move to a balcony, possibly you could move to an oceanview if the price drops. 

[skrufy]

Yes they are expensive, but the reason they are is..... The cruise season is only 6 months long. 

[VennDiagram]

13 hours ago, DebInAntigua said:

Just wanted to share that I’m both excited by how many amazing things you can do on an Alaska cruise....and in shock at how much it all adds up above the cruise fare!

 

Yes 🙂

[PittsburghNative]

1 hour ago, skrufy said:

Yes they are expensive, but the reason they are is..... The cruise season is only 6 months long. 

 

I don’t think that’s necessarily true. Cruise fare is expensive because the season is only a few months. Excursions are pricy because many include float planes, helicopters, boating, trains, etc. I feel since the accessibility to activities is a little harder, that’s what makes the tours expensive.

[Coral]

If you think Alaska is expensive, don't go to Norway. Well, Noway was amazing - sort of like Alaska on steroids but more $$$$.

[kochleffel]

2 hours ago, PittsburghNative said:

Cruise fare is expensive because the season is only a few months.

 

All the cruise lines relocate their ships to warmer regions for the winter season. With many excursions, both the inherent cost of the activity and the short season are factors.

 

I'd say that the main reason Alaska cruise fares are high is that the demand is high.

[land lover]

12 hours ago, Coral said:

If you think Alaska is expensive, don't go to Norway. Well, Noway was amazing - sort of like Alaska on steroids but more $$$$.

and that is just for a city tour and no float planes....😉 Yes, Norway is pricey  and include it's neighbors...but when has traveling anywhere been inexpensive...yes we have all had "cheap" vacations, but still had to spend mola. 

 

 

Edited April 15, 2019 by land lover

[land lover]

10 hours ago, kochleffel said:

 

All the cruise lines relocate their ships to warmer regions for the winter season. With many excursions, both the inherent cost of the activity and the short season are factors.

 

I'd say that the main reason Alaska cruise fares are high is that the demand is high.

 

10 hours ago, kochleffel said:

 

All the cruise lines relocate their ships to warmer regions for the winter season. With many excursions, both the inherent cost of the activity and the short season are factors.

 

I'd say that the main reason Alaska cruise fares are high is that the demand is high.

 U.S. liability insurance, adds a few more bucks to each excursions.  Also, up kept of planes, helis, and dogs.....can be quite expensive.

[Coral]

8 hours ago, land lover said:

and that is just for a city tour and no float planes....😉 Yes, Norway is pricey  and include it's neighbors...but when has traveling anywhere been inexpensive...yes we have all had "cheap" vacations, but still had to spend mola. 

 

Exactly - I never got in the air in Norway. I think Norway and Switzerland are tops right now, well at least last year they were tops.

Edited April 15, 2019 by Coral

[JT1962]

Excursions in Alaska are definitely expensive, but I am getting lots of offers for extremely low cruise prices for early season Alaska cruises - $ 399 Inside and $ 599 Balcony for a week from HAL and Norwegian, Buy One Get 2nd Passenger Free from Princess, etc. Maybe they have over saturated the market with more and larger ships. I am hoping the price drops continue into the summer, but no guarantees.

[kentuckycruiser]

3 hours ago, JT1962 said:

Excursions in Alaska are definitely expensive, but I am getting lots of offers for extremely low cruise prices for early season Alaska cruises - $ 399 Inside and $ 599 Balcony for a week from HAL and Norwegian, Buy One Get 2nd Passenger Free from Princess, etc. Maybe they have over saturated the market with more and larger ships. I am hoping the price drops continue into the summer, but no guarantees.

 

I agree, we just booked a Holland cruise a few weeks ago for May. Air fare from the Midwest was super cheap, and we somehow got a Casino rate, third and fourth free in the room...so a balcony was very reasonably priced. I  swear about 1/2 the price of what I had seen for July. For the record our use of the casino is extremely limited - maybe my husband spends $100 for a week, some cruises not at all. We also took advantage of the Amex offer of $100 off and used both of our cards. I like to think at the end of the day we are not paying anything for the cruise!

Edited April 15, 2019 by kentuckycruiser

[Coral]

5 hours ago, JT1962 said:

Excursions in Alaska are definitely expensive, but I am getting lots of offers for extremely low cruise prices for early season Alaska cruises - $ 399 Inside and $ 599 Balcony for a week from HAL and Norwegian, Buy One Get 2nd Passenger Free from Princess, etc. Maybe they have over saturated the market with more and larger ships. I am hoping the price drops continue into the summer, but no guarantees.

This happens every year after final payment.

[JT1962]

11 hours ago, Coral said:

This happens every year after final payment.

 

Yes, but not to the extent I have seen it this year. I don’t recall seeing Inside Cabins for $ 399 and Balconies for $ 599 in years past. 

[Coral]

1 hour ago, JT1962 said:

 

Yes, but not to the extent I have seen it this year. I don’t recall seeing Inside Cabins for $ 399 and Balconies for $ 599 in years past. 

I have. I have done Alaska for $299 pp.

Edited April 16, 2019 by Coral

[PittsburghNative]

1 hour ago, JT1962 said:

 

Yes, but not to the extent I have seen it this year. I don’t recall seeing Inside Cabins for $ 399 and Balconies for $ 599 in years past. 

 

Ususlly it’s for guarantee staterooms too. I like to know where I’ll be onboard. I couldn’t imagine being placed under the casino or pool area. I’m in the travel industry and this pricing should be during very early in the season or very late. Summer is prime time due to demand, so I have a hard time believing pricing then will be that low. But as Coral said, it’s common low pricing is given after final payment and close to the sail date.

[Melinda Brasher]

On 4/13/2019 at 6:17 PM, kochleffel said:

Not only are all ground arrangements expensive in Alaska, but there are also opportunities for things like flightseeing that I would never do at home and that are even more expensive!

 

My strategy for this (in 2020) was to ignore those who say that one ABSOLUTELY MUST have a balcony stateroom for Alaska - which is hard for me to get around the price of anyway, because of the 100% single supplement - and book an inside. Feel free to lecture me all you like about how I'll regret it. Other things are more important to me.

I get inside rooms and then spend a lot of time on deck watching the water.  You have just as good a view from public spaces.  Plus you save a lot of money.

[Melinda Brasher]

On 4/13/2019 at 6:17 PM, kochleffel said:

Not only are all ground arrangements expensive in Alaska, but there are also opportunities for things like flightseeing that I would never do at home and that are even more expensive!

 

My strategy for this (in 2020) was to ignore those who say that one ABSOLUTELY MUST have a balcony stateroom for Alaska - which is hard for me to get around the price of anyway, because of the 100% single supplement - and book an inside. Feel free to lecture me all you like about how I'll regret it. Other things are more important to me.

I get inside rooms and then spend a lot of time on deck watching the water.  You have just as good a view from public spaces.  Plus you save a lot of money.

 

And I know you're not looking for budget advice, but consider taking a hike in one port.  You get into Alaska's beautiful nature at your own pace without the crowds.  It's free.  And some trails are GORGEOUS.  Just one example:

 

https://www.melindabrasher.com/2014/09/skagway-alaska-upper-dewey-lake.html 

[naxer]

We mixed it up quite a bit last year in terms of buying excursions from the cruise line, off the web, and at the pier.   We were on a two week cruise and due to various circumstances, for example weather cancellation, came to find buying excursions on the pier a pretty good deal and convenient.  Most ports have an area set up with a large number of excursion companies with their offerings.  And as it's the U.S. and Canada, the shared buying/selling culture makes it clear and easy.   Another thing we found that in Alaska, whatever it costs, it's worth it!

Edited April 19, 2019 by naxer
grammar