What's the deal with the Alaska prices???

[Brian Noble]

We were planning 2011 AK before the announcement, and excited to hear that DCL is going that itinerary.

For a verandah/balcony cabin, DCL wants almost $3K more for our party of four than NCL wants on the Perl for basically the same itinerary: $8075 vs. $5300. I love Disney, but I don't love them that much. I didn't even bother putting one on hold.

I'm sure someone will sail with them, even at those prices, but it won't be me. We'll probably go NCL Pearl instead.

 

[mmouse37]

I actually thought the AK cruises would be more than what I paid. I was able to book onboard last week as a Plat member and we were quoted $2983.28 for 2 A in a Cat 9A for the Aug 16, 2011 including transfers, but no insurance or air.

I did not think that was too bad.

MJ

 

["Got Disney"]

I actually thought the AK cruises would be more than what I paid. I was able to book on board last week as a Plat member and we were quoted $2983.28 for 2 A in a Cat 9A for the Aug 16, 2011 including transfers, but no insurance or air.

I did not think that was too bad.

MJ

Depends on when you book it for and the Cat...We have 2 cabins for family of 5...July 19th (most expensive) Cat 5B and Cat11A came to
$9,650.15, no ins/no transfers..not to mention flights out of San Diego are more than $500 each.

If one of the guests in the 11B does not go than it will bring us down to $8,578.00

This trip after flight , excursions, cash, tips will run us easy into at least for my family of 4....$15,000

We are also thinking of a few day trip in Vancouver and using our DVC points to stay in the Vancouver hotel...so we are also looking at a car rental. Not to mention cash for the 3 days

So this is an expensive trip. When staying in a Cat 5B....and for a family.

 

[elgerber]

I actually thought the AK cruises would be more than what I paid. I was able to book onboard last week as a Plat member and we were quoted $2983.28 for 2 A in a Cat 9A for the Aug 16, 2011 including transfers, but no insurance or air.

I did not think that was too bad.

MJ

Hey MJ that does seem pretty reasonable. For my family though, in a 5B/11A combo, even with the 10% I have, it's still almost $8000 with no insurance, air or transfers.

 

[mmouse37]

Correction....it was for a 9B, not a 9A....but for 2 people I didn't think it was bad. But, of course if we brought the the kids it would bring it up significantly. I felt I did not need the verandah....we just had one this past week and though it was nice to have we did not spend as much time out there, so I figures there is plenty of deck space for me to be outside viewing the Alaskan vistas that I did not need a verandah for that cruise. I would save my money for excursions which from everyone I talk to says that are a must!!!

MJ

 

[Jennifer in MI]

I actually thought the AK cruises would be more than what I paid. I was able to book onboard last week as a Plat member and we were quoted $2983.28 for 2 A in a Cat 9A for the Aug 16, 2011 including transfers, but no insurance or air.

I did not think that was too bad.

MJ

We weren't lucky enough to book while on board last week, LOL, but we got our quote last night. For 6 of us in two connecting cat 10 rooms, it was $7200. After reading how the prices were SO high, I thought we'd be priced out of Disney in AK. But, that's doable.

BUT, I don't think we're booking, unfortunately. We really want to do a land portion and see Denali. One vacation without the mouse won't kill us - right? RIGHT????

 

[Jynohn]

We have a Med cruise booked for this May, that we now need to cancel because we just found out that DD has MCAS testing in school that week. Originally, I had planned to just transfer our deposit to an Alaska cruise. That is until I found out that I would need to come up with an additional $800 to cover the $1800 deposit for three of us. I'm so annoyed that Disney wants to hold onto that much money for almost two years, that I'm canceling outright and looking at Princess instead.

 

[disneydeb]

HEY DISNEY, YA MONITORING THESE BOARDS? THE PEOPLE HAVE SPOKEN! YOUR PRICES ARE WAY TOO HIGH FOR ALASKA! EVEN YOUR DIE-HARD DISNEY FANS (ME INCLUDED) ARE SAYING NO THANK-YOU UNTIL YOU DROP YOUR PRICES! STILL LOVE YA THOUGH JUST NOT CRUISING TO ALASKA WITH YA!

 

[tinkmom2]

I took the advice of a fellow DISer and sent them a angry email. LOL! I will let you know what they say when they reply

 

[cgbsilver@hotmail.co]

I was excited to go on an Alaskan Cruise with Disney, but what changed my mind was the $1200 deposit for 2 people. Just can justify paying that right now. I plan to book an Alaskan cruise with a different cruise line. I have several friends who have taken Alaskan cruises using non-Disney cruise lines and they rant and rave about how wonderful they were. I'm just really bummed- I love the DCL.

We are a family of 5, I figured that it would be expensive. However If I saved a little each month in two years I would not think it was so much, but $600.00 per person deposit in advance, thats just ridiculous. Our total would have been $ 7500.00, so itwas 40% deposit for a cruise thats two years away. I can really justify that. So we will see what else we can do in two years summer 2011.

 

[wifeofgrumpy]

I actually thought the AK cruises would be more than what I paid. I was able to book onboard last week as a Plat member and we were quoted $2983.28 for 2 A in a Cat 9A for the Aug 16, 2011 including transfers, but no insurance or air.

I did not think that was too bad.

MJ

I'd have to agree with you, I was very excited about the prices. I had told myself if they were way over what I was quoted w/ Royal Caribbean I would try them (really didn't want to). I went ahead and booked DCL for May 31st, too excited, don't know if I can wait. Do have a Double Dip scheduled for May 2010, so I guess that will have to satisfy me.
As far as the deposit goes, I'm looking at it that I have half of it already paid for, yeah!

 

[MouseHouse71]

My family and I would love to do Alaska in Summer of 2011, but we already have a 5 night 2 stop CC cruise in June 2010. When you factor in airfare from Florida to Vancouver, pre and post cruise lodging, cruise excursions, and transfers, it starts to add up real quick!!!

I would rather stay local doing DCL cruises to the Carribean and Bahamas. My kids 6 & 8 y/o would get just as much out of a "local" cruise as the would trekking to Alaska. Don't get me wrong, I would love to go to Alaska, just not know at that price.

In addition, I refuse to go on another cruise line to save money. I guess I am a Disney snob.

 

[Pluto 2]

i didnt think the alaska cruises were that bad of price.

 

[smeecanada]

i didnt think the alaska cruises were that bad of price.

Me either. Comparing it to the RCI one we just did on basically the same itinerary it's only about $145 CDN difference more and it's two years away. Also, the kids are two years older and the cabin on DCL is way better and no extra charges everywhere. Plus, you can actually get a drink when you want to. The deposit for the people who haven't an OB ressie to transfer is a lot though.

I get a chuckle out of the people factoring in all the expenses of getting here and back. For once, we only have to take a ferry.

 

[Pluto 2]

if you think its a bad price wait till next time they come in 2012, 2013 whenever the price should be lower the hype will be over. look at the med in 2011 cheap prices the hype is gone for the med.

 

[tinkmom2]

Well this is the blanket letter Disney sent me. I really wasn't expecting much more than this.

Thank you for your interest in a Disney Cruise Line vacation!

I regret your disappointment in the deposit requirements for the Alaskan
Cruise.

When we establish new rates each year, many aspects are carefully
weighed and evaluated, in an effort to ensure that our cruise vacations
continue to offer the best value possible. We monitor the trends within
the industry and determine our adults' and children's rates on what is
necessary to maintain a competitive standard in the marketplace.

Although a discounted deposit is not available for an Alaskan Cruise
through Disney Cruise Line, one of the best ways to get the lowest fares
is by booking your cruise early. Special promotions can be viewed online
at www.disneycruise.com, scroll down the page and click on Special
Offers.

You may contact our Reservations Department at 800-939-2784 or
407-566-7000, Monday - Friday 8:00am to 10:00pm (ET) or Saturday -
Sunday 9:00am - 8:00pm (ET). Our reservation agents will be happy to
assist you.

I hope this information has been helpful.

Sincerely,


JD
Reservations Department
Disney Cruise Line

 

[tinkmom2]

We were interested until today when the rest of us in steerage were allowed to book or at least see the prices. Thank you but no thank you.

When you said steerage I was thinking of Titanic

 

[Pinkgurlshubby]

When you said steerage I was thinking of Titanic

Silver CC members. I'm surprised they didn't take our OBC away and give it to Platinum members.

 

[runskyhy]

I was curious about the Alaska cruise price difference so I checked into it alittle. This is what I found from comparing available cruises for the same itinerary (they are exactly one year apart though.)

Disney Cruise Ship Wonder, Passenger capacity: 1754
7-Night Alaska RT cruise sailing out of Vancouver, departing Tues. June 21, 2011
Cabin located midship, Category 5B, Deck 6 [284 sq. feet w/balcony]
Double occupancy cost (for cabin + vacation insurance): just under $5300

Holland America ms Zuiderdam, Passenger capacity: 1916
7-Night Alaska RT cruise sailing out of Vancouver, departing Saturday, June 19, 2010
Cabin located ship, Category SY, Deck 6 [389 sq. feet w/balcony]
Double occupancy cost (for cabin + std. cancellation plan): just over $5000

Holland America ms Volendam, Passenger capacity: 1432
7-Night Alaska RT cruise sailing out of Vancouver, departing Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Cabin located midship, Category AA, Deck 6 [292 sq. feet w/balcony]
Double occupancy cost (for cabin + std. cancellation plan): just over $5300

(These prices are as of yesterday evening - I don't know if they've changed since then.)

Double occupancy = 2 Adults

 

[runskyhy]

Silver CC members. I'm surprised they didn't take our OBC away and give it to Platinum members.

- Proud Silver Castaway Club Member