Will HAL offer 8+ day Alaska cruise in the future?

[edgeman61]

DW and I were on the inaugural 14 day Alaskan Explorer cruise in 2010 and enjoyed it thoroughly.

 

I was saddened to hear that this will be the last year for that itinerary as we would like to do it again in the future. I know that we could always do B2B 7 days out of Vancouver, but we really enjoyed the different ports that the 14 night sailing had and air transit to Seattle is usually cheaper and more convienient.

 

If the profitability of sailing the Amsterdam exclusively on 14N Alaskan Explorer is the issue, could they not just cut back to 1- 14N and 2-7N per month or perhaps have 3-10N sailings that don't see all of the ports or glaciers.

 

I really liked Sitka and Skagway but you can't get to both of them on a single 7N RT from Seattle or 7N one way out of Vancouver.

 

Anyone else have any thought on this subject?

 

Thanks in advance,

[tjcox9]

We're back just over a week from the 14 day Amsterdam cruise and enjoyed it. And we are also sad to see it discontinued.

 

We cruised on the Princess small ships twice when they were also offering a 14 day AK cruise a couple of years ago. They too, discontinued that.

 

So, we will probably not visit AK again as I really don't need to visit the same ports repeatedly.............and seven days just isn't long enough for us. Fourteen to fifteen days is our minimum. Too bad!!

[PathfinderEss]

I don't think Hal is thinking about doing 8 day Alaska cruises. They will just continue on with the 7 day, it works out the best for them. I'm with you both, seven days is not enough time. Some do btb just so they can cruise longer. It is a shame that Hal is canceling the 14 day Alaska cruise but I'm sure they have their reasons.

[Roz]

Nobody seems to be doing anything much beyond 7 days, with the exception of Princess' 10 day cruises from SF, which don't let you spend more time in Alaska. Count me in as someone who would like longer Alaskan cruises, but I guess they're not profitable, otherwise cruise lines would offer them.

 

Roz

[pms4104]

Nobody seems to be doing anything much beyond 7 days, with the exception of Princess' 10 day cruises from SF, which don't let you spend more time in Alaska. Count me in as someone who would like longer Alaskan cruises, but I guess they're not profitable, otherwise cruise lines would offer them.

 

Roz

Funny, I took a look at the pricing for the 14-night Alaska trips ... they seem very high and should make for profitable sailings as long as HAL can fill the ship. Maybe they can't fill the ship because the prices are so high ... or maybe the prices are so high because they can't fill the ship.

 

So, I also would guess these weren't as profitable and in-demand as HAL would have liked. Wonder if they could have tweaked something (price, ports, onboard entertainment, etc.) to be able to continue these trips.

[arewethereyet]

Funny, I took a look at the pricing for the 14-night Alaska trips ... they seem very high and should make for profitable sailings as long as HAL can fill the ship. Maybe they can't fill the ship because the prices are so high ... or maybe the prices are so high because they can't fill the ship.

 

So, I also would guess these weren't as profitable and in-demand as HAL would have liked. Wonder if they could have tweaked something (price, ports, onboard entertainment, etc.) to be able to continue these trips.

I was told by two different HAL staff members that the June 1, 14 day was full. The only thing I can think of is that for some reason the operating costs are significantly higher(I don't know why). In any case, it's a real shame, because I enjoyed that cruise as much, or more, than any cruise I have been on.

[pms4104]

I was told by two different HAL staff members that the June 1, 14 day was full. The only thing I can think of is that for some reason the operating costs are significantly higher(I don't know why). In any case, it's a real shame, because I enjoyed that cruise as much, or more, than any cruise I have been on.

While that sailing may have been full, it also may have been an anomaly. I just clicked thru the rest of the Amsterdam's sailings, and things look pretty wide open ... including the June 29 sailing. And that's less than a week away. Sure, the highest priced suites for that one may say "call us for availability" but the other categories seem to be in ample supply. So, for the rest of these 14-nighters ... if HAL has to bargain-bucket off a lot of the cabins, where's the profitability? And, if not profitable, what's the point of offering these sailings?

 

I surmise HAL reached a point of less interest and, therefore, diminishing returns ... and had to make a sound biz decision to dump the itinerary.

[rafinmd]

It would seem nice to me if on a few of the Vancouver/Seward trips HAL could substitute Icy Strait for Juneau in one direction and Sitka for Ketchikan in the other direction so a 14-day collector cruise could be assembled without duplication of ports.

 

Roy

[LAFFNVEGAS]

All HAL cruise go out full because of the Flash sales, people will buy when the price goes low enough. Where HAL looks to make their money is on board revenue. HAL's profits are quite good for the 7 day runs. Many families that are first time cruisers and those that have cruised are first time to Alaska and HAL. They will purchase many of the Shore Excursions, go to the Spa, go to the Casino, purchase many pictures and videos and basically spend far more money.

The 14 day has a high majority of repeat long time Mariners that know that there will be very few kids or families on board since most cannot take that long to vacation. HAL has set the pricing high for this cruise because they are not getting the on board revenue. In turn this cruise does not sell that well, it did quite well the first year because it was a novelty and really nothing like it but they have found it just is not making the money the rest of the 7 day Alaska runs make.

The other thing MAJOR Reason is Charters. That is where HAL makes major dollars $$ :D Most companies that charter ships have a hard time filling those big 2200++passenger ships. HAL ships are basically less passengers. The Amsterdam really has the perfect number for many of the large Groups that want to Charter. These companies want the sailings to go out of Seattle. So the logical choice is the Amsterdam but Groups that Charter only want 7 night sailings. What does HAL do with the other 7 nights if they do nothing but 14 night sailings on the Amsterdam? It was to their advantage to switch to 7 night sailings out of Seattle. I have not checked but would guess there are several Charters already for 2013 Alaska on the Amsterdam. ;)

[c-legs]

It is a shame that Hal is canceling the 14 day Alaska cruise but I'm sure they have their reasons.

 

Yes, they have their Rea$on$ indeed.....Yield$ were not $table enough.

Cousin Princess did the same 3 years running, 2 ex Vancouver and once ex Seattle...not any luckier...

Unfortunate....but that'$ life...

Cheers

[c-legs]

All HAL cruise go out full because of the Flash sales, people will buy when the price goes low enough. Where HAL looks to make their money is on board revenue. HAL's profits are quite good for the 7 day runs. Many families that are first time cruisers and those that have cruised are first time to Alaska and HAL. They will purchase many of the Shore Excursions, go to the Spa, go to the Casino, purchase many pictures and videos and basically spend far more money.

The 14 day has a high majority of repeat long time Mariners that know that there will be very few kids or families on board since most cannot take that long to vacation. HAL has set the pricing high for this cruise because they are not getting the on board revenue. In turn this cruise does not sell that well, it did quite well the first year because it was a novelty and really nothing like it but they have found it just is not making the money the rest of the 7 day Alaska runs make.

 

The other thing MAJOR Reason is Charters. That is where HAL makes major dollars $$ :D Most companies that charter ships have a hard time filling those big 2200++passenger ships. HAL ships are basically less passengers. The Amsterdam really has the perfect number for many of the large Groups that want to Charter. These companies want the sailings to go out of Seattle. So the logical choice is the Amsterdam but Groups that Charter only want 7 night sailings. What does HAL do with the other 7 nights if they do nothing but 14 night sailings on the Amsterdam? It was to their advantage to switch to 7 night sailings out of Seattle. I have not checked but would guess there are several Charters already for 2013 Alaska on the Amsterdam. ;)

Thanks. A nicely presented and most pertinent opinion. I specially aggree with the demographics argument: the longer cruise attracts a ''slightly''(:rolleyes:) older and more ''mariner'' crowd...which by defenition spends a lot more wisely ...and less...on board.

Cheers

[Krazy Kruizers]

I was watching our cruise -- and for a long time there were tons of cabins available. Many people do not want to spend that kind of money for a 14 day itinerary evern though it is very different from even the back-to-back cruises.

Last year when we did this cruise -- the bars were not loaded with people -- not even during Happy Hour -- no money being made there.

These cruises just have not been profitable.

And it is quite true -- HAL makes big money on charters.

[Krazy Kruizers]

I just looked at our cruise -- less than a week away. The Vernadahs and Deluxe Suites are marked as "Call for Availability" and the other categories still have prices listed. So it appears that HAL has started to assign the guaurantees.

[SJSULIBRARIAN]

I too am sorry to see this 14 day Alaskan Explorer go. We did it last year and loved it. I believe repeat long time Mariners do not spent as much on board as 7-day folks. I know we don't. We no longer buy the photos as the prices are outrageous; we don't spend in the shops because either the merchandise is lousy or we already have more than enough "stuff"; I don't use the spa because I do that sort of thing at home; and, we don't spend as much on excursions as we used to. We do however buy bottles of wine but the 4-star Mariner half price for packages even makes that cheap for us. Others bring their wine on board so HAL makes no money there. I hope some cruise line will pick up this route or in a few years HAL brings it back. Barbara

[rajkr74]

All HAL cruise go out full because of the Flash sales, people will buy when the price goes low enough. Where HAL looks to make their money is on board revenue. HAL's profits are quite good for the 7 day runs. Many families that are first time cruisers and those that have cruised are first time to Alaska and HAL. They will purchase many of the Shore Excursions, go to the Spa, go to the Casino, purchase many pictures and videos and basically spend far more money.

The 14 day has a high majority of repeat long time Mariners that know that there will be very few kids or families on board since most cannot take that long to vacation. HAL has set the pricing high for this cruise because they are not getting the on board revenue. In turn this cruise does not sell that well, it did quite well the first year because it was a novelty and really nothing like it but they have found it just is not making the money the rest of the 7 day Alaska runs make.

 

The other thing MAJOR Reason is Charters. That is where HAL makes major dollars $$ :D Most companies that charter ships have a hard time filling those big 2200++passenger ships. HAL ships are basically less passengers. The Amsterdam really has the perfect number for many of the large Groups that want to Charter. These companies want the sailings to go out of Seattle. So the logical choice is the Amsterdam but Groups that Charter only want 7 night sailings. What does HAL do with the other 7 nights if they do nothing but 14 night sailings on the Amsterdam? It was to their advantage to switch to 7 night sailings out of Seattle. I have not checked but would guess there are several Charters already for 2013 Alaska on the Amsterdam. ;)

 

 

Interesting and good explanation that I had not thought about. We are also disappointed that HAL appears not to be offering this 14 day cruise in the future. We took this cruise last year in July and LOVED it. It is possible the best cruise that we have taken.....though all of HALs cruises have been great.

 

We would put this cruise on our agenda again in 2013 or 14 in a heart beat. With all the comments by others on these boards I would hope HAL might reconsider the cruise in the future.

 

Here is a link to our pictures on Skydrive for this cruise last year:

 

https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=07afc87cdf2f6dca&sc=photos#cid=07AFC87CDF2F6DCA&id=7AFC87CDF2F6DCA%212347&sc=photos

[CruiseAdict218]

Interesting and good explanation that I had not thought about. We are also disappointed that HAL appears not to be offering this 14 day cruise in the future. We took this cruise last year in July and LOVED it. It is possible the best cruise that we have taken.....though all of HALs cruises have been great.

 

We would put this cruise on our agenda again in 2013 or 14 in a heart beat. With all the comments by others on these boards I would hope HAL might reconsider the cruise in the future.

 

Here is a link to our pictures on Skydrive for this cruise last year:

 

https://skydrive.live.com/?cid=07afc87cdf2f6dca&sc=photos#cid=07AFC87CDF2F6DCA&id=7AFC87CDF2F6DCA%212347&sc=photos

 

Thank you for posting this, you took some beautiful photos.

[voyageur9]

While that sailing may have been full, it also may have been an anomaly. I just clicked thru the rest of the Amsterdam's sailings, and things look pretty wide open ... including the June 29 sailing. And that's less than a week away. Sure, the highest priced suites for that one may say "call us for availability" but the other categories seem to be in ample supply. So, for the rest of these 14-nighters ... if HAL has to bargain-bucket off a lot of the cabins, where's the profitability? And, if not profitable, what's the point of offering these sailings?

 

I surmise HAL reached a point of less interest and, therefore, diminishing returns ... and had to make a sound biz decision to dump the itinerary.

 

So, is the lesson here that enough information can be gleaned from extrapolating the unsold inventory as sailing time nears, that determined and savvy cruisers can get great deals if they are willing to wait, be patient and flexible. Does last-minute work?

[sammiedawg]

Working couples, working families prefer 7 day cruises, you can take one week vacation from work and do a cruise. Most cruises depart on weekends, I know there are some exceptions. An 8 day trip would involve taking more than one calendar week off. In this day and age, many employees are afraid to take much time off or they don't have much time to use.

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Working couples, working families prefer 7 day cruises, you can take one week vacation from work and do a cruise. Most cruises depart on weekends, I know there are some exceptions. An 8 day trip would involve taking more than one calendar week off. In this day and age, many employees are afraid to take much time off or they don't have much time to use.

Not only that but logistically a nightmare in the upcoming weeks. 8 night sails would mean the next sailing would leave a day later in the week and would continue being a day later. Making some sailings start in the middle of the week. Also schedualing Port stops, Alaska ports are pre arranged years in advance and there would be no way Juneau would allow a ship to stop one week on a Tuesday, then next week on a Wednesday, get the idea ;) The only way an 8 night could be done is if the following week it was a 6 night cruise and that is not going to happen.

I for one am looking at longer cruises for the Future, Next year in 2013 there will only be 2 Big cruises one is the 11 day like I did this year on the Zuiderdam combining a 4 day and a 7 day, then the other is a 15 day in Oct 2013. Not sure if I can handle only 2 cruises in a year :o But it takes up 4 weeks of vacation time. I could totally change my mind when deciding on 2014 cruises and may go back to 4 seperate 7 night cruises but till then we shall see.

[NMLady]

DW and I were on the inaugural 14 day Alaskan Explorer cruise in 2010 and enjoyed it thoroughly.

 

I was saddened to hear that this will be the last year for that itinerary as we would like to do it again in the future. I know that we could always do B2B 7 days out of Vancouver, but we really enjoyed the different ports that the 14 night sailing had and air transit to Seattle is usually cheaper and more convienient.

 

If the profitability of sailing the Amsterdam exclusively on 14N Alaskan Explorer is the issue, could they not just cut back to 1- 14N and 2-7N per month or perhaps have 3-10N sailings that don't see all of the ports or glaciers.

 

I really liked Sitka and Skagway but you can't get to both of them on a single 7N RT from Seattle or 7N one way out of Vancouver.

 

Anyone else have any thought on this subject?

 

Thanks in advance,

 

We were also on the May 2010 inaugural 14 day adventure and loved every minute of it. The weather really smiled with 13 days of sunshine which enhanced the experience.

 

I agree that the shorter cruises don't go to some of the ports that are made possible by the 14 day length. We were hoping to repeat the cruise for a 25th anniversary next summer so we were also disappointed that HAL will not be repeating the itinerary even once during the summer.

 

At least we got to experience all those ports once on the 2010 cruise.

[Assateague Island Princes]

Lisa - just as an FYI, I checked the Amsterdam's schedule for next year when the word first came out that the 14 day itinerary was being eliminated, and the Amsterdam will be sailing 7 day roundtrips from Vancouver in 2013, not from Seattle.

 

Sigh....I'm very, very disappointed about the cancellation of this itinerary. I was on the May 31, 2010 sailing and the Aug. 5, 2011 sailing. Sure wish I could manage to get on a sailing this year so I could have a trifecta:o....and the prices on some of the later sailings are rock bottom for an inside cabin that I've been considering. C'mon Powerball!;)

[LAFFNVEGAS]

Lisa - just as an FYI, I checked the Amsterdam's schedule for next year when the word first came out that the 14 day itinerary was being eliminated, and the Amsterdam will be sailing 7 day roundtrips from Vancouver in 2013, not from Seattle.

 

Sigh....I'm very, very disappointed about the cancellation of this itinerary. I was on the May 31, 2010 sailing and the Aug. 5, 2011 sailing. Sure wish I could manage to get on a sailing this year so I could have a trifecta:o....and the prices on some of the later sailings are rock bottom for an inside cabin that I've been considering. C'mon Powerball!;)

You are so correct, sorry about that.:o Actually I am rather surprised they did not have her sail from Seattle. The only two ships sailing out of Seattle in 2013 are the Oosterdam and the Westerdam.

[pms4104]

So, is the lesson here that enough information can be gleaned from extrapolating the unsold inventory as sailing time nears, that determined and savvy cruisers can get great deals if they are willing to wait, be patient and flexible. Does last-minute work?

I'm not the right person to say that last-minute works for great deals ... we book 9 months to a year out from sailing. There clearly are deals to be had at some point, but I think it also depends on the itinerary, time of year, etc. For many people I'm sure that patience and flexibility could pay off ... unfortunately, my spouse has to schedule his entire 5 weeks vacation in January, so we aren't able to take advantage of amazing deals that might come up during the year.

[edgeman61]

It would seem nice to me if on a few of the Vancouver/Seward trips HAL could substitute Icy Strait for Juneau in one direction and Sitka for Ketchikan in the other direction so a 14-day collector cruise could be assembled without duplication of ports.

 

Roy

 

I really like your idea of changing the itineraries for the north/south Alaska runs, that would be a reasonable substitution for the 14N RT itinerary from Seattle. Maybe dock in Skagway proper instead of Haines in one direction or the other.

 

As I recall on our 14N Alaskan Explorer, the ship was about 2/3 Mariners and almost no children. The Mariners brunch was held on two days to accomodate everyone and embarkation lunch in the MDR was by invitation only for 3 or 4 star Mariners.

 

I have noticed that pricing has slipped down a bit from when we went in 2010, makes me sad that we already planned cruises for this year so we can't take advantage of the lower pricing on the last cruises of this itinerary.