Alaska this summer

[Chrislovesdisney]

Can we talk Alaska ‘21? I’m aware of Canada’s ban regarding large ships compounded by the Wonder’s need to visit a non-US port and the cost ineffectiveness of running a passenger-free ship through the PC, and what all that means for an Alaska season. I’m also befuddled at DCL’s statement about researching “alternatives” given the Canada ban. I haven’t heard any rumors or anything else - any thoughts on where DCL is headed regarding Alaska for summer ‘21?

 

[tvguy]

Every cruise with over 100 passengers cruising Alaska needs a foreign port, not just the Wonder. There is no Alaska cruising season this year because of the Canadians restrictions. Nobody, including DCL, is going to Alaska.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Can we talk Alaska ‘21? I’m aware of Canada’s ban regarding large ships compounded by the Wonder’s need to visit a non-US port and the cost ineffectiveness of running a passenger-free ship through the PC, and what all that means for an Alaska season. I’m also befuddled at DCL’s statement about researching “alternatives” given the Canada ban. I haven’t heard any rumors or anything else - any thoughts on where DCL is headed regarding Alaska for summer ‘21?

Well, not Alaska. As to what Disney feels an "alternative" would be - who knows?

 

[Lewisc]

Some of the cruise lines are exploring a "technical" port stop in Canada. A loophole occassionally used in Mexico

 

[Cheburashka]

any thoughts on where DCL is headed regarding Alaska for summer ‘21?

DCL is headed nowhere regarding Alaska in 2021. Not gonna happen, unfortunately. Not even a 1% chance.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Some of the cruise lines are exploring a "technical" port stop in Canada. A loophole occassionally used in Mexico

Not any longer. That loophole was closed some 5-6 years ago. (I looked it up, it happened in 2007, so over 13 years ago). It was determined that all port stops must allow passengers to debark in order for the port stop to count.

Only "exception" could be weather. If the weather didn't allow a port stop at the single foreign port on the itinerary, then it's done.

 

[darwinsrule]

Some of the cruise lines are exploring a "technical" port stop in Canada. A loophole occassionally used in Mexico

And the answer on that from Canadian officials has been no technical stops will be allowed. Dreaming is nice, but eventually everyone needs to wake up.

 

[kevjencal]

This is why we cancelled our August cruise for the second year now and are trying for 2022.
The countdown has re-started......AGAIN!

 

[bcwife76]

Zero chance it will happen this year. Our border with the US will not be reopening any time soon, non essential travel to Canada is effectively banned and they will not be allowing technical stops either. Disney really just needs to give it up.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

Disney is not exploring alternatives. They are sitting on the currency float and avoiding having to process rebookings and refunds until after the initial Wish release.

 

[kaseyC]

The only way anyone is touring Alaska with Disney this summer is with Adventures by Disney because it is a complete land tour with guests flying in and out of Anchorage.
alaska-vacations

 

[ahain]

I recall another post mentioned it was possible the US government could grant a 1 year exception to the PVSA for Alaska cruise sailings. Is that not still technically "possible?"

 

[Canadian Girl]

I have no desire to cruise this summer. BC Canada is in the midst of a third wave with a lot of variant cases, and someone from one the the small Alaskan towns the ship sails to, said they are having a Covid outbreak right now and overwhelmed, and do not want tourists coming. Canada is behind the US in terms of vaccine rollout, but unlike the US, many more have indicated they want to be fully vaccinated. I am not sure now is the time to be resuming cruising, but sure how 2022, will be safer and fully open. I have Alaska booked for May 2022.

 

[bcwife76]

I recall another post mentioned it was possible the US government could grant a 1 year exception to the PVSA for Alaska cruise sailings. Is that not still technically "possible?"

I'm not sure much progress has been made there.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

I recall another post mentioned it was possible the US government could grant a 1 year exception to the PVSA for Alaska cruise sailings. Is that not still technically "possible?"

There is an opinion by some that the US government could grant such an exemption. In reality, I'm not sure they can/would. The PVSA itself only allows waivers in cases of national security.

 

[tvguy]

There is an opinion by some that the US government could grant such an exemption. In reality, I'm not sure they can/would. The PVSA itself only allows waivers in cases of national security.

Yeah, people wanting to take a cruise vacation to Alaska probably doesn't even come close to the threshold necessary to get a wavier.

 

[Chrislovesdisney]

Thanks everyone! I don‘t feel comfortable going on my booked cruise (despite being vaccinated) - trying to make decisions with the cancellation game!

 

[kathi]

Disney is not exploring alternatives. They are sitting on the currency float and avoiding having to process rebookings and refunds until after the initial Wish release.

As much as I try not to be so cynical, I have to agree with you. We are not going to see the next round of cancellations until after Wish initial bookings take place. Makes sense from a business perspective to collect new deposits rather than have folks use FCC.

 

[_auroraborealis_]

As much as I try not to be so cynical, I have to agree with you. We are not going to see the next round of cancellations until after Wish initial bookings take place. Makes sense from a business perspective to collect new deposits rather than have folks use FCC.

It is also May. Wonder is not on the West Coast. Supply chain isn't fired up for ship supply. Ship is not crewed. Excursion providers have not brought staff in from the lower 48, as most staff is not local to the port and are part-year residents.

DCL is not going to deadhead the canal ($$$$) to get west for a half season (at best, more likely 25%) they will have to them deadhead back through the canal ($$$$).

And there is no movement on PVSA waivers whatsoever, and any alternative is 100% dependent on that. This is not just the CDC but also the entire sovereign nation of Canada and a 100+ year old rule.

 

[HiStitch626]

As much as I try not to be so cynical, I have to agree with you. We are not going to see the next round of cancellations until after Wish initial bookings take place. Makes sense from a business perspective to collect new deposits rather than have folks use FCC.

Especially since the Wish maiden cruise has non-refundable deposits and the first Wish DVC is requiring use of points.