Glacier Bay contracts 2020 and beyond

[DrHickenlocher]

My family has started thinking about an Alaska cruise, and we would love to do Disney, but the lack of Glacier Bay on the Disney itineraries is a complete deal-breaker for us. That said, I read that Glacier Bay had awarded 10-year contracts to the competition (Princess, Holland, Norwegian, and Cruise West), contracts that run from 2010 to 2019. I've tried googling, but cannot find any news about whether or not Disney might submit permit proposals for 2020, or whether Glacier Bay might do something different entirely from the 10-year contract thing.

So... does anyone have information on what Glacier Bay might do in 2020 and beyond? Or what Disney might do? Thanks in advance!

 

[PrincessShmoo]

My family has started thinking about an Alaska cruise, and we would love to do Disney, but the lack of Glacier Bay on the Disney itineraries is a complete deal-breaker for us. That said, I read that Glacier Bay had awarded 10-year contracts to the competition (Princess, Holland, Norwegian, and Cruise West), contracts that run from 2010 to 2019. I've tried googling, but cannot find any news about whether or not Disney might submit permit proposals for 2020, or whether Glacier Bay might do something different entirely from the 10-year contract thing.

So... does anyone have information on what Glacier Bay might do in 2020 and beyond? Or what Disney might do? Thanks in advance!

They've been doing the "10 year entry permits" for Glacier Bay for years. I doubt they would change the process. All cruise lines can submit applications. Those cruise lines that have been doing it the longest continue to get the most/better permits. Newbies (like DCL) are pretty far down the pecking order. I would hazard a guess that DCL would submit an application, but I'd not hold out much hope for more than maybe 1 or 2 permits (if any) being awarded.

 

[Intr3pid]

Even if DCL applies and gets a permit, it will be for a one-off or a couple of sailings at most. You can expect those sailings to be priced at a fat premium (probably more than the current Hubbard ones).

If not - and if really want to see Glacier Bay AND enjoy DCL in Alaska, you can do it over two cruises: one a 7-nighter Inside Passage with DCL and another a one-way with Princess or HAL a couple of years later. (This would be my choice as well.)

Now, if you can get DCL to agree to it (given the maritime laws), you could try DIY'ing it. On the 9-nighter with DCL, get off at Juneau and let the ship leave for Hubbard. Next morning, take the private small-boat tour to Glacier Bay (which will return to Juneau in the afternoon/evening). On that evening or next morning, take the Alaska State Ferry to Skagway and rejoin the ship.

 

[blabadie]

While we're sure an Alaska Disney cruise would be fun, seeing Glacier Bay is a must for us. We plan to sail Holland America when the time comes.

Another plus is that I think HAL can cover their swimming pools which would allow our kids (and us) to swim while enjoying the Alaska scenery and avoiding the cold temps.

 

[ACQUADUCK]

My family has started thinking about an Alaska cruise, and we would love to do Disney, but the lack of Glacier Bay on the Disney itineraries is a complete deal-breaker for us. That said, I read that Glacier Bay had awarded 10-year contracts to the competition (Princess, Holland, Norwegian, and Cruise West), contracts that run from 2010 to 2019. I've tried googling, but cannot find any news about whether or not Disney might submit permit proposals for 2020, or whether Glacier Bay might do something different entirely from the 10-year contract thing.

So... does anyone have information on what Glacier Bay might do in 2020 and beyond? Or what Disney might do? Thanks in advance!

At the time when the last permits were considered, DCL had not started cruises to Alaska, and put a bid in for Glacier bay but the thought process was that without any history or track record in Alaska they wouldn't get a permit.

DCL made an announcement then that Glacier bay didn't fit with their plans, which I think was a PR face saving exercise.

DCL has now been every year, built up a lot of respect and reputation in Alaska, where other lines have hit issues with illegal dumping.

The park what's to cut cruising hours there, but the big boys will try to hold onto their permits.

I think Disney has a bid in and will try to cruise there, It would tie in with ABD very well. I think it's, " everything to play for". Keep checking.

BTW, we few from Skagway over Glacier bay and enjoyed that. Our pilot took us over various routes.

 

[PrincessShmoo]

Or what Disney might do?

I found some info online regarding when the last permits were issued. It looks like Disney was looking ahead at that time, as they "withdrew their application" prior to the actual selection process. It doesn't say why, and I would think any speculation as to why is just that - speculation.

Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Cruise West and Norwegian Cruise Line each were awarded a 10-year contract to operate in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park from 2010 to 2019.

The national park said Disney Cruise Line had withdrawn its proposal for a permit, and that French small-ship line Le Ponant did not get a permit but might be offered a contract to enter Glacier Bay outside the peak season of June through August.
http://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Alaska-s-Glacier-Bay-awards-10-year-deals-to-cruise-lines

I still think, since they were, apparently, looking at doing Glacier Bay before, they might still be. It's a very "must do" cruise for many, and having that added to their itineraries would be good. Actually cruising in Glacier Bay (I've done it) is spectacular.

 

[ACQUADUCK]

I found some info online regarding when the last permits were issued. It looks like Disney was looking ahead at that time, as they "withdrew their application" prior to the actual selection process. It doesn't say why, and I would think any speculation as to why is just that - speculation.

Princess Cruises, Holland America Line, Cruise West and Norwegian Cruise Line each were awarded a 10-year contract to operate in Alaska’s Glacier Bay National Park from 2010 to 2019.

The national park said Disney Cruise Line had withdrawn its proposal for a permit, and that French small-ship line Le Ponant did not get a permit but might be offered a contract to enter Glacier Bay outside the peak season of June through August.
http://www.travelweekly.com/Cruise-Travel/Alaska-s-Glacier-Bay-awards-10-year-deals-to-cruise-lines

I still think, since they were, apparently, looking at doing Glacier Bay before, they might still be. It's a very "must do" cruise for many, and having that added to their itineraries would be good. Actually cruising in Glacier Bay (I've done it) is spectacular.

Thank you for confirmation of exactly what I posted!

 

[LAX]

I wonder how much more DCL will charge if it were granted a permit for Glacier Bay. DCL already charges a hefty premium on its current itineraries compared to its competition and it remains fairly popular despite of the lack of Glacier Bay. Perhaps it might be able to get away with close to double the current rate, especially if only a few cruises of each season can sail there.

LAX

 

[DnA2010]

While we're sure an Alaska Disney cruise would be fun, seeing Glacier Bay is a must for us. We plan to sail Holland America when the time comes.

Another plus is that I think HAL can cover their swimming pools which would allow our kids (and us) to swim while enjoying the Alaska scenery and avoiding the cold temps.

We did Alaska last August on HAL unfortunately for us we had very very rainy weather, we were sooo thankful for the covered pool deck

 

[ACQUADUCK]

I wonder how much more DCL will charge if it were granted a permit for Glacier Bay. DCL already charges a hefty premium on its current itineraries compared to its competition and it remains fairly popular despite of the lack of Glacier Bay. Perhaps it might be able to get away with close to double the current rate, especially if only a few cruises of each season can sail there.

LAX

With a limited slot thoose will have a big premium, " if" they got a regular slot , maybe not too much.

Wait and see.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

I wonder how much more DCL will charge if it were granted a permit for Glacier Bay.
Perhaps it might be able to get away with close to double the current rate, especially if only a few cruises of each season can sail there.

LAX

​