2020 Alaska Cruise Season Suffers as Cruise Lines Struggle With Deployment

Cruise Critic ^ | May 6, 2020 | Aaron Saunders

[DugwayDuke]

Actually, it appears that cruise prices are up for next year. So many cruise lines gave large amounts of future cruise credits (up to 150%) in lieu of the refundable amount.

I’ve found the best prices are just as new cruises are released. Typically, the deposit is around $200 which is well worth it if booking early saves thousands. Besides, it’s not like you’ll be earning a ton of interest on that deposit.

Others are more inclined to book after final deposits are due but any savings can be offset by increased airfares and hotel rooms at the last minute. Then, cabins and itinerary choices may be less than optimal.

[usconservative]

NCL offered a 125% credit initially to re-book for next year. They then came back and offered another 20% credit "on the cruise portion only" of the package which could be used for onboard credits or excursions.

We'd already paid extra for the booze package and high-end dining so the 20% was going to go towards renting a sea plane and flying out to Misty Fjord with the GF. I'd done that in 2012 with my now EX-wife and loved it. So much so I put it in my last will and testament that my two sons are to take my ashes there to spread them.

I haven't submitted the refund form yet, may have to re-think this now. you raise excellent points.

[usconservative]

BTW, I just finished reading an article that NCL has $3.5 Billion to tide them over well into next year now. So filing bankruptcy is off the table now.

[NormsRevenge]

Haven’t booked one yet but Alaska is definitely on the top of the list.

I’d like to do another Med or Asia cruise but hate the long flights.

[Capt. Tom]

We have cruised to Alaska 7 times and love the cruise. We are planning on going in 2021 for our 55th Anniversary, but probably going several months late because we want to include Sitka.

Haven't heard SITKA mentioned in a long while.
When I got my first sail boat in 1949, it had a SITKA spruce mast.
That was the preferred mast material in those days.
Cedar planking and oak ribs made up the rest of the boat.

My daughter and her husband did an Alaskan cruise last year and loved it. -Tom

[Capt. Tom]

I feel sorry for my friends and family in Alaska. We had so much money in the 80’s we would never run out.

I dedicate the following song to your family and all us Freepers enduring this pandemic.-Tom

https://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=those+were+the+days+mary+hopkins&&view=detail&mid=49A723799B7B8F40899949A723799B7B8F408999&&FORM=VRDGAR&ru=%2Fvideos%2Fsearch%3Fq%3Dthose%2520were%2520the%2520days%2520mary%2520hopkins%26qs%3DRI%26form%3DQBVDMH%26sp%3D2%26pq%3Dthose%2520were%2520the%2520days%2520hopkins%26sk%3DMM1%26sc%3D8-27%26cvid%3D89C94CB530744802A0BC3C3A15C64569