Alaska, 2021

[deliver42]

Great offer for Alaska, Sept. 11, 2021 on the Konningsdam from Vancouver. Obstructed balcony on deck 4 for 2. $2808.00 including drink pkg, wi-fi, and on specialty dining. the only extra would be grats and ins. Sounds fantastic. I'm on here to feel out your opinions, Than you for your replies in advance.

[oaktreerb]

It’s late in the season for Alaska cruises.  Daylight hours are getting shorter.  September weather is even more unpredictable than usual.  Deck four  will have a lifeboat directly off your balcony obstructing views and you probably won’t want to sit out there in the cold and rain.  I like deck 4 as it is convenient to showroom, main dining room, and entertainment.  Koningsdam is a newer ship and people seem to like it.   

 

You may get an upsell or a free upgrade to an unobstructed balcony.  Alaska is always amazing.  Plan to be out and about on the ship.  Vancouver cruises go up the inside passage so are smoother sailing than cruises out of Seattle.  The food is good and drinks are covered.  Sounds like an adventure!

 

Keep in mind that the Alaska cruises may not happen in 2021 due to Covid.

 

 

Edited January 29, 2021 by oaktreerb

[deliver42]

I'm aware of the possibility of Alaska in 2021, but thank you very much for your reply.

[Cruzaholic41]

Meh. That’s an ok deal. I wouldn’t say fantastic. If it was a July price, I’d say it’s fantastic. 

[deliver42]

I didn't say it was fantastic, just great. If you don't think so. oh well.

[Cruzaholic41]

Just now, deliver42 said:

I didn't say it was fantastic, just great. If you don't think so. oh well.

You literally said “sounds fantastic” in your first post. 

Why ask for opinions if you can’t handle opinions that don’t 100% agree with you?

[AtlantaCruiser72]

1 hour ago, deliver42 said:

Great offer for Alaska, Sept. 11, 2021 on the Konningsdam from Vancouver. Obstructed balcony on deck 4 for 2. $2808.00 including drink pkg, wi-fi, and on specialty dining. the only extra would be grats and ins. Sounds fantastic. I'm on here to feel out your opinions, Than you for your replies in advance.

 

Gratuities will cost you $203 extra, so if you include those for price calculation, all-in you're at $3011.00 for a 7 night, with Signature Bev Package (covers all drinks up to $11 at menu value), wifi and the one night specialty dining.

 

Compare to Celebrity Eclipse departing the next day (9/12) with Hubbard Glacier instead of Glacier Bay and Icy Strait Point instead of Skagway.  $3504.54 total for 2 for a Category 2D Obstructed View Balcony with their "always included" program - Classic Drink Package (any drink up to $9 at menu price), gratuities and wifi.  No specialty Dining included and it's still $500 more for a less desirable itinerary in most people's viewpoint.

 

Serenade of the Seas from Royal, also departing 9/12, would be $3998.58 total with tax, and ZERO inclusions of any kind, for a minimum category 4D balcony room.

 

 

So yes, the Konigsdam is decent value compared to the two other vessels from competing cruise lines, departing that same week.  FYI - I used publicly available rates for Celebrity/Royal for price comparison, additional discounts might have been available for agency group space or past guests of either line, but wanted as apples to apples a comparison as I could offer.

[Aquahound]

Although it is now canceled, I was booked on Royal Caribbean for May 2021.  I was all in at $1900 for 2 in a standard unobstructed balcony with drinks package.  

 

In September 2019, I cruised Eurodam to AK.  With the Signature beverage package and in a balcony, I was all in for about $1400 for 2.  

 

Great deals can be found for May and September because they are the first and last cruises of the season, and the weather can be nasty.  Considering my 2 examples, I don't think your offer is that great.  I guarantee if I wait until July or August and I book that same cruise, I'll shave at least $800 from that price.   

 

I will say though, considering HAL's great reputation in Alaska, I do usually find them significantly cheaper than the other lines.  

[AtlantaCruiser72]

@AquahoundUsing past year pricing examples in the current environment is not really fair, as there was a whole season cancelled for 2020, plenty of folks rebooked already for 2021 and uncertainty whether they can sail at anything approaching full capacity (50% is most likely if anything).  I am doubtful that if these cruises actually operate we will see much, if any, last minute discounting.  Early booking fares for 2021/22 in most regions have been anywhere from 10%-200% above 2020 pricing.

 

That said historically deals have often been available within 60-90 days prior to departure if one was not focused on a specific ship/itinerary/date and was willing to wait and spin the cruise roulette wheel.  Many, like myself, find value in booking a specific cruise months in advance so that we can plan, budget and make all the necessary adjunct arrangements well ahead (flights, hotels, excursions, etc).  Each of us has our own booking methodology.

[raspberry ridge]

Actually we are booked on this cruise along with our friends.Although we are in a different verandah category our rate is comparable. We booked during  the View & Verandah sale and so got gratuities also. We usually sail with Celebrity. My first cruise to Alaska was also in September and we found it a very nice time to visit.I am concerned that the cruise season in Alaska will be cancelled but I am not at all concerned that we might get a better deal if we waited to book.It is nice to have a voyage to look forward to! If you do decide to book join our Roll Call.

[the_thunderbird]

On 1/29/2021 at 2:54 PM, deliver42 said:

from Vancouver. 

 

As a somewhat informed observer who is in British Columbia, it seems like a long shot - albeit not totally impossible - that cruises will be allowed in Canada this year. The boats themselves are Federally regulated, and over the last week the Prime Minister said no international travel likely to be supported for discretionary reasons this year. 

 

The terminals are Federally owner in trust but Provincially regulated. And generally BC has an even more conservative approach that the Feds. 

[Kelownabccan]

I really do not think any Alaska cruises out of Vancouver this year is going to happen....

 

https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/new-pandemic-travel-measures-soon-1.5895349

 

I bet this goes longer into May or June....

[Mary229]

I do believe gratuities will rise so I always look for free gratuities.  I don't have to drink, I don't have to use their shore excursions, I don't have to use wifi but I do need to pay gratuities.  

 

I think Wifi prices will decrease dramatically next year.

 

If they do sail this summer I may be there but I am waiting until the ports open

Edited January 31, 2021 by Mary229

[CNSJ]

Hope Alaska sails by mid summer!

 

I am not one that uses the casino much, maybe a hundred dollars per cruise - sometimes I have a net win. But a few weeks ago I received a Casino promotion for HAL - Alaska Northbound or Southbound on Noordam in a Signature Suite for $899 each (Neptune at 1199 ea) .  Only $200 a cabin in credits/perks, but a steal.

Not sure why they selected me.....

 

I was able to book mid August Whittier to Vancouver.... I think this is a steal of a deal! Net cost $799 each for a Signature Suite.....  Now it just needs to sail.  

 

I wanted a land tour in combo, but they were not doing that for the promo.  I found I could book through Princess just the land/rail fro Fairbanks to Anchorage to meet ship in the South.  

 

 

[Harrylinden]

The question should be ,Will Canada let the US in and out of Canada this summer??

 

[bcwife76]

5 hours ago, Harrylinden said:

The question should be ,Will Canada let the US in and out of Canada this summer??

 

Doubtful. I don't see the land border reopening until September at the absolute earliest. Wouldn't surprise me if it was closed through all of 2021. Alaska cruises won't happen this year.

[Lido - Lanai]

4 hours ago, bcwife76 said:

Doubtful. I don't see the land border reopening until September at the absolute earliest. Wouldn't surprise me if it was closed through all of 2021. Alaska cruises won't happen this year.

Don't be too sure...... I received an announcement from the U.S. Dept of State in Ottawa last night that included the following language:

 

"In the future, the Government of Canada intends to introduce a 72-hour pre-arrival COVID-19 molecular test for travelers seeking entry at the land border, with limited exceptions such as commercial truckers."

 

So maybe, just maybe, this can somehow be applicable to cruise stops in Canadian ports. Or it may be just wishful thinking on my part!

 

[KirkNC]

13 hours ago, Harrylinden said:

The question should be ,Will Canada let the US in and out of Canada this summer??

 

No

[iancal]

I cannot imagine spending so much time and angst booking, rebooking, chasing FCC's or refunds on cruises that have zero chance of leaving the dock.

 

Let alone being able to admitted to counties where the embarkation port happens to be.

 

And without any knowledge whatsoever about what ports will actually be visited or what the on board or excursion environment will be.   It seems so futile.

Edited February 2, 2021 by iancal

[bcwife76]

9 hours ago, Lido - Lanai said:

Don't be too sure...... I received an announcement from the U.S. Dept of State in Ottawa last night that included the following language:

 

"In the future, the Government of Canada intends to introduce a 72-hour pre-arrival COVID-19 molecular test for travelers seeking entry at the land border, with limited exceptions such as commercial truckers."

 

So maybe, just maybe, this can somehow be applicable to cruise stops in Canadian ports. Or it may be just wishful thinking on my part!

 

Wishful thinking. For now those tests will pertain to essential workers crossing the border. Won't mean a thing for restarting cruises out of Vancouver (or anywhere in Canada) unfortunately for this year. Our provincial health officer has already said that we might be able to travel outside of BC by the end of June and if you are having a wedding this summer, keep is small and don't expect any international guests to be allowed to your wedding. Our border is staying well and truly closed to non essential for many more months. The Transport Canada ban is set to expire Feb 28th so we will hear from them before the end of the month re:cruises.

[LocoLoco1]

ALASKA in Fall of 2021?? I say 50/50 chance. $Price$ is good but CDC and Canada simply may not allow cruising. I am booked for late August 2021 using FCC’s from HAL, but not holding my breath... 

[Lido - Lanai]

20 hours ago, bcwife76 said:

For now those tests will pertain to essential workers crossing the border.

Not exactly what your PM has in mind......

From cbc.ca news....

"On Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in the coming weeks, Canada will start requiring non-essential travellers to show proof of a negative test 72 hours before entering the land border with the U.S. But the government has not provided any further details as to what day this will begin and what testing will entail."

[bcwife76]

3 hours ago, Lido - Lanai said:

Not exactly what your PM has in mind......

From cbc.ca news....

"On Friday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in the coming weeks, Canada will start requiring non-essential travellers to show proof of a negative test 72 hours before entering the land border with the U.S. But the government has not provided any further details as to what day this will begin and what testing will entail."

As usual our gov't is not giving out a ton of details. I can't imagine hopping over the border for a Trader Joes and Target run if I have to shove a swab up my nose before coming home. 

[e_brick]

Deliver42,

 

Have booked the September 18, 2021 Koningsdam sailing out of Vancouver.

 

Took the Veranda upgrade package. Missed the free gratuities but got the free wi-fi after calling our HAL cruise consultant. Looking for the free gratuities to be offered again.

 

Enjoy reading all of the pros/cons, sail/no-sail, into-not Canada and the odds makers.

 

Hoping for a Koningsdam sailing with 25% percent passengers and 100% crew. Ports with businesses wanting business and seeing fresh faces. Extra precautions with masks, sanitizing, reasonable distancing and dancing with the wife. Plus, cabin upgrades and $10.00 cabin upsells.

 

We are looking forward to our next DAM cruise! 

 

 

[KirkNC]

Maybe you can get the free gratuities when you have to lift and shift to 2022.