Questions From a Cruise Newbie

[LillsnJills]

Hoping for some thoughts from all of you DCL vets, especially those who frequently do the Alaskan cruises!

My wife surprised me last night with the news that she’s FINALLY decided she’s ok with planning an Alaskan cruise - one of my bucket list trips!

We’ve decided that of course our cruise line of choice will be DCL, and our date will be July of 2023, our 10th anniversary, and that we want to do the 9 day cruise.

After looking at the upcoming set dates, it looks like Wonder only sails the 9 day itinerary once per year. Is that the case or am I just missing something? Does the itinerary say the same from year to year or does it change periodically? What about the port adventures? Do new ones get added, others deleted on a regular basis?

Thanks so much for any input!

 

[_auroraborealis_]

After looking at the upcoming set dates, it looks like Wonder only sails the 9 day itinerary once per year. Is that the case or am I just missing something?

To date, that has been the case, yes. Keep in mind DCL has one ship doing Alaska total. This doesn't seem to be changing as the first new ship is launched, but it could. 2023 Open Date is a while out.

Does the itinerary say the same from year to year or does it change periodically?

It is pretty stable due to port contracts, which tend to be multi-year.

What about the port adventures? Do new ones get added, others deleted on a regular basis?

In a 4-year period, I would expect them to change and I wouldn't build up too much on what is there now. Some things are pretty reliable, like the White Pass Train in Skagway, ICP is fairly stable, but various providers may come in and out, altering the excursion somewhat. Early melt can impact things like helicopter glacier landings, which may lead DCL to change offerings to help prevent disappointment.

 

[Geomom]

In 2020, DCL is only doing 7 nt cruises but with 2 different itineraries. We went in 2016 and it was only 7 nt cruises with just 1 itinerary. The past 3 yrs DCL has done a 9 nt and a 5 nt cruise, along with the 7 nt cruises. Usually those different cruises are in July, but no guarantee they'll be doing them the week you want in 2023...or doing them at all. I would plan on your date being a 7 nt cruise...and be pleasantly surprised if it's a 9 nt!

The standard DCL 7 nt Alaskan cruise goes to Dawes Glacier (cruising), Skagway, Juneau, and Ketchikan. They do have others that visit Icy Strait Point either in lieu of Skagway or along with it.