Alaska balance due today - do we do it?

[K8T]

Well having not done any planning at all our PIF is today for our July Alaska trip.

We are in the UK and flights are ridiculously expensive, so £2,000 at least, combined with a few days either side and port excursions - we do our own - it is clocking up.

We have never been to North America, have no idea what to expect, we do know we have done the Med and Baltics several times with DCL and other lines, so want something different.

Do we go for it? Are the three stops Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan worth it?

Alternative would be off to visit friends in Thailand and cost half the price! We have an OBD and OBC to use by next July, but of course itineraries aren't out yet (well played DCL!)

Suggestions, ideas?

 

[missyp]

By far the best cruise we have been on. It is magnificent! Indescribable. We went last year and we talk about it all the time. We are getting ready to go on the Fantasy in two weeks and my dh said yesterday I wonder if we could switch to Alaska and go again this summer. It has ruined us for all other cruises. It is an amazing and interesting experience. Naturalist presentations, better seafood onboard, amazing excursions. Tracy Arm day is an experience of a lifetime. I can't speak for Thailand but Alaska is amazing!

 

[dclpluto]

Norway is better from what I hear. I know the Norway costs more money but you will save a little on flights. I wouldn't fly all that way for a short 7 night cruise. Do you have anything else plan or just the cruise and flying straight back?

 

[K8T]

Norway is better from what I hear. I know the Norway costs more money but you will save a little on flights. I wouldn't fly all that way for a short 7 night cruise. Do you have anything else plan or just the cruise and flying straight back?

We have done the Baltics, including Norway a couple of times, we also went to Iceland in October for a few days.

We had planned 2 days before the cruise in Vacouver itself and then five days afterwards, part of which would be Vancouver Island, but not planned that bit, so yes would be making the most of the distance, hence it's coming in so expensive.

 

[JJsmama]

I loooved our trips to Thailand. While living in China for years, we had a lot of places to choose from, but Phuket, Thailand was everyone's favorite.

If there is that much difference in price, I would do Thailand and save for another trip or a land based trip in North America. If you have never been to North America at all, I am not sure I would spend that much $$ for a whole trip on a ship looking at the ice... If you traveled to North America frequently, it would be a different story.

While i was typing this, i see you added that you would be doing other things before/ after the cruise, so that changes things a bit, since you would be seeing other things too.

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

I can relate the other way around - flying to Europe is so ridiculously expensive nowadays. For our DCL cruise last summer to Norway/Iceland/Scotland we flew into Copenhagen and then flew home from London and spent time in both places before/after and in total visited 7 countries and it was by far the *best* vacation we've ever had. The flights were around $4000 for the three of us and I remember when I could fly to Paris or Germany for like $600. I grew up in Europe and had been to most places (only Iceland and Scotland were new for me) but we have no regrets. I was able to work a lot of overtime to pay for stuff ahed of time so that made it better so I'm not sure of your situation.

Only you can do what you are comfortable with but if it's something you can handle doing and are okay with it (the money) since you've never been to North American, I'd say you'd love it. We did the DCL Alaska cruise in 2013 and we are going again this August. Vancouver is amazing so I'm glad that's in your plans. Alaska is alway amazing and still different from Norway. For excursions in Alaska, many cruisers book independently as it's cheaper so just something to consider. Many things in Vancouver are free and just going to Stanley Park is fun.

Good luck in your decision

Heather

 

[K8T]

I can relate the other way around - flying to Europe is so ridiculously expensive nowadays. For our DCL cruise last summer to Norway/Iceland/Scotland we flew into Copenhagen and then flew home from London and spent time in both places before/after and in total visited 7 countries and it was by far the *best* vacation we've ever had. The flights were around $4000 for the three of us and I remember when I could fly to Paris or Germany for like $600. I grew up in Europe and had been to most places (only Iceland and Scotland were new for me) but we have no regrets. I was able to work a lot of overtime to pay for stuff ahed of time so that made it better so I'm not sure of your situation.

Only you can do what you are comfortable with but if it's something you can handle doing and are okay with it (the money) since you've never been to North American, I'd say you'd love it. We did the DCL Alaska cruise in 2013 and we are going again this August. Vancouver is amazing so I'm glad that's in your plans. Alaska is alway amazing and still different from Norway. For excursions in Alaska, many cruisers book independently as it's cheaper so just something to consider. Many things in Vancouver are free and just going to Stanley Park is fun.

Good luck in your decision

Heather

It is exactly the same Heather, the Med is so easy for us, but a 'big' trip for all of you over the pond! We could cut the price slightly and go with Celebrity to Alaska, but we know what we are getting with DCL and dd has some dietary issues we know DCL manage well.

We always book independently for trips, I just can't stand being part of the masses and in fact it always works out cheaper anyway.

Oh dear, clock ticking!

 

[IBelieveInTheMagic]

It is exactly the same Heather, the Med is so easy for us, but a 'big' trip for all of you over the pond! We could cut the price slightly and go with Celebrity to Alaska, but we know what we are getting with DCL and dd has some dietary issues we know DCL manage well.

We always book independently for trips, I just can't stand being part of the masses and in fact it always works out cheaper anyway.

Oh dear, clock ticking!

Yes indeed you know we "feel it" on opposite sides The Med is on the list for 2017 so I hope for the same, the airfare doesn't break us and the cruise cost doesn't go up too much. It's always a balance for sure so I hope you find the right decision and the decision that is right is the one that is best for your family.

Heather

 

[Ofinn]

I would go to Thailand. You said you have cruised other lines. Why not do Alaska next year on another cruise line where the cost difference would pay for the flights. Even some of the biggest DCL fans on these boards say that DCL's Alaska itinerary is not the best. Some cruise lines offer longer cruises which I think would be better considering the distance you are traveling.

 

[aggiedog]

Skip DCL and do something else. You could do Thailand AND another trip if the money is not cost prohibitive as much as the concept of that much money for just one trip. I just got back from Iceland and I've really fallen in love with it. (didn't someone just mention Iceland?) I'm thinking I may bring the family back one summer and rent a cottage there. You'd get your cool weather fix that way.

You will always be able to keep an eye on DCL prices and if another cruise comes up in the future with better pricing, or flights are better priced than currently, you could pull the trigger then.

 

[cruisehopeful]

I'm concerned that you haven't booked stuff for Vancouver Island, yet, as that is the busiest travel time there. I'd pass on the cruise this time.
For a future idea, Princess cruises offers a sea/land package for Alaska. They do often have reduced costs as you get closer to the dates.

 

[K8T]

Skip DCL and do something else. You could do Thailand AND another trip if the money is not cost prohibitive as much as the concept of that much money for just one trip. I just got back from Iceland and I've really fallen in love with it. (didn't someone just mention Iceland?) I'm thinking I may bring the family back one summer and rent a cottage there. You'd get your cool weather fix that way.

You will always be able to keep an eye on DCL prices and if another cruise comes up in the future with better pricing, or flights are better priced than currently, you could pull the trigger then.

I think you are right, this is the way to go. We loved Iceland too and intend going back some time soon four days wasn't enough.

I like what someone else said up thread, go with another line and use the saving for the flights.

I have just been looking at Thailand now, and friends are in Bangkok they have said stay with them and then go off to Cambodia and Vietnam - places I've only heard about on the TV and it's tempting.

I think the decision is made, thank you for your help and advice, it has helped put things in perspective, especially from those who have done it.

 

[AAAG]

The only advantage of going this year that I can think of is that the Canadian currency has collapsed, so your time in Vancouver and Vancouver Island won't cost you as much. Hard to say what it will be like next year. (We Canadians are all hoping it will bounce back!)
an advantage of putting it off a year is that you'll have more time to decide what you want to do, and shop around for deals. For example, we are doing a Misty Fjords float plan excursion in Ketchikan. I found an early bird deal, pay for 3 passengers and the 4th is free if you booked by feb 1st. That saved me $200 US. If you put your trip off another year, you'll be able to take more time to research exactly what you want to do.
Have fun in southeast asia!

 

[xlxo]

We have never been to North America, have no idea what to expect, we do know we have done the Med and Baltics several times with DCL and other lines, so want something different.

Do we go for it? Are the three stops Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan worth it?

Here's some ideas for saving money...

• downgrade from balconies to oceanview. Love Deck 2 where the oversized windows feels like a climate controlled balcony.
• explore hotels a few blocks AWAY from the cruise terminal to save money.... especially for a multi night stay
• check out Best of Skagway, Best of Ketchikan, and Best of Juneau excursions. These tours avoid flights and marine activities.
• check out bus tours to explore Vancouver Island where transportation is included.

 

[Club Disney Chandler]

I think you are right, this is the way to go. We loved Iceland too and intend going back some time soon four days wasn't enough.

I like what someone else said up thread, go with another line and use the saving for the flights.

I have just been looking at Thailand now, and friends are in Bangkok they have said stay with them and then go off to Cambodia and Vietnam - places I've only heard about on the TV and it's tempting.

I think the decision is made, thank you for your help and advice, it has helped put things in perspective, especially from those who have done it.

If you do book another trip to North America start looking at airfare a lot earlier and do it several times everyday. We're doing a Mediterranean cruise in June, (booked it February of 2015). I started looking daily for air starting July 2015 from AZ to Barcelona, most days it was around $1500/person. One evening while watching TV last September, I picked up my phone to check prices and was able to book round trip for $750/person. The next day it went up to $850 then jumped back up to $1500.

I would also suggest if you're flying to the West Coast to add on a Disneyland trip and book your air through LAX. Norwegian Air generally seems very inexpensive from Europe to LAX. If I hadn't found the flights I did, we were going to drive to LA, (about 6 hours), and fly to BCN from there for about $1000/person.

Just my thoughts and enjoy your visit, Thailand is certainly on my bucket list.

ETA:

I just found this on cheapoair.com

 

[dclpluto]

Let us know what you do? Remember you have to live with this your whole life

 

[K8T]

If you do book another trip to North America start looking at airfare a lot earlier and do it several times everyday. We're doing a Mediterranean cruise in June, (booked it February of 2015). I started looking daily for air starting July 2015 from AZ to Barcelona, most days it was around $1500/person. One evening while watching TV last September, I picked up my phone to check prices and was able to book round trip for $750/person. The next day it went up to $850 then jumped back up to $1500.

I would also suggest if you're flying to the West Coast to add on a Disneyland trip and book your air through LAX. Norwegian Air generally seems very inexpensive from Europe to LAX. If I hadn't found the flights I did, we were going to drive to LA, (about 6 hours), and fly to BCN from there for about $1000/person.

Just my thoughts and enjoy your visit, Thailand is certainly on my bucket list.

ETA:

I just found this on cheapoair.com
View attachment 156003

We have been looking for a while but fares never came down - however, there is no way I am going to do a 34 hour journey to get to LA however cheap!!!!!

 

[Aby]

Only you can decide if the prices for the flights are worth it to you, but I we have been on 2 DCL cruises to Alaska and we have already booked a 3rd as we absolutely adored the trips! The ports have so many things to do to choose from, and the scenery is truly breathtaking for the whole cruise, but especially on Tracy Arm day. We did have a verandah on our first two cruises but we are going with an ocean view this time to save quite a bit of money - if this is an option for you perhaps you can check how much you can save and put towards your flights?

Aby

 

[K8T]

Let us know what you do? Remember you have to live with this your whole life

Well it's cancelled and we will wait to see what 2017 brings. If you are looking for Alsaka on 11th July, in a fwd cabin on Deck 2 (large porthole), with extra floor space, book it now!

I think I can live with it! I am sure we will go at some time in the future. I have had a look at flights to Thailand, they are less than half price the. Vancouver fare for all of us.

Once again, thanks for the advice.