Need a lot help with Alaskan Cruise planning!

[l4dk]

Hi,

Not sure where to start....lol. This is our situation: We just got our Platinum status with our last cruise on the Fantasy this summer. We want to do Alaska next for the fist time and I did the onboard future trip reservation just to get the discount so I have that extra %. I have been looking at the rates for June or July 2016 but now I am not sure and that is where I need help-- Do you think or know if it will be a better idea to postpone our trip to June 2017 in order to book at opening date which also will be one day before for Platinum I believe?

Is there a substantial difference($$$) on the Alaskan cruises when they open? If that is the case it will be a wise thing to do because I will also get the discount I have for the onboard future reservation. Right now we are looking at a rate on the lower $7k for our family of 4 on an ocean view cat, which is another concern because the rate difference to a balcony cat is a lot more than what we have done in the past. Is the balcony a most on an Alaskan cruise?

Any idea when the Alaskan itinerary for 2017 will open? I will have to use my onboard booking discount before mid July.

Not an idea on how to plan for Alaska, totally new to us. We live in Florida and will appreciate immensely any tips and suggestions about total planning.

Thank you so much in advance for all your help!

 

[jdb in AZ]

I would put down a deposit now for 2016. The 2017 itineraries will probably be released in Feb-March. If the prices are substantially better (doubtful since DCL raises their rates every year) then you could cancel your 2016 cruise and move the deposit to 2017.

Summer time in Alaska isn't quite as cold as a lot of tourists seem to think. Just plan to wear layers, with a waterproof jacket. If you don't like the weather, just wait 15 mins and it will change.

 

[Pens Fan]

If past history is any indication, summer 2017 itineraries will be released sometime in March, but only DCL knows for sure. As for whether it's better to wait until 2017, now that's a tough one. Yes, prices have risen on the 2016 sailings since opening day, but if DCL continues to raise prices yearly, as they have done in the past, it's hard to say how much better off (if at all) you will be by waiting. I think jdb in AZ has the best idea. Lock in the 2016 cruise now and see what happens when they release the 2017 dates - hopefully before your PIF date! touringplans.com and cruisefish.net are both good sources for tracking fare history. I'd recommend spending some time looking there, as well.

As for the necessity of a balcony - that's a loaded question that usually gets some pretty spirited responses! We had one on our Alaska cruise and spent hours on it. Having it was fabulous! That being said, in Alaska one thing you don't want to scrimp on is shore excursions. You're in Alaska - get out there!! Don't just hang around the port towns. They are quaint and worth a look, but they aren't the reason you go to Alaska. If the balcony is a splurge and would keep you from doing the excursions you want, I'd say skip it and plan on spending a lot of time on deck (dress warm).

You will love Alaska! It is an amazing trip. And agreeing with the above post again - layers, layers, layers. The weather is completely unpredictable.

 

[l4dk]

Thank you so much!