Overly-strong US dollar eliminating many cruisers

[catl331]

I would definitely see them sending offers to those who live close to certain ports and can take advantage of "last minute" type of travel.

We live 3 hours from FLL and have asked to be on a "last minute" list many times over the last 13 years. Only once did we get an offer, and it wasn't great. Maybe there's simply too many retired people in FL looking for these deals to get around to us very often. Edited December 24, 2015 by catl331

[cruz chic]

Or, can drive to port... Therefore, not having to pay for a plane ticket...

 

Yes, that solves everything. Thanks so much. Nothing to worry about now.

[kazu]

Yes, that solves everything. Thanks so much. Nothing to worry about now.

 

LOL :) let me add the :rolleyes: for you :)

[Cruising-along]

I would definitely see them sending offers to those who live close to certain ports and can take advantage of "last minute" type of travel.

 

I think the US is going to take a bigger hit from Canadians not shopping in the US than the travel portion. I could be wrong, of course, it's only my opinion. I know there were lots of Canadians crossing over from Vancouver to do their shopping in the US because they could make their dollar stretch further. I think a lot of the retail establishments at the Northerns borders could take a huge hit.

 

You aren't wrong. Bellingham (near the Canadian border) is my home town so I get there often). Many times the roads, stores and parking lots have been so full with Canadian license plates, many of us have chosen to do our shopping further south. Just too much trouble and way too crowded.

 

Marysville is closer to us, and just as bad with the casino, outlet mall and Walmart all in a row. Lately I have noticed fewer Canadian shoppers, but those of us who have been shopping further south just may return to those northern stores again. ;)

[Cruising-along]

I live close to Seattle and receive promotional emails for Alaska cruise. They are deep discounts. This last year, an inside was $399 pp. I didn't book anything but they do send out nice promotions to those who live close to the port.

 

That being said, I've only received this type of email twice. It doesn't happen often.

 

They must target Oregon then. I live 25 miles from Seattle and have never received any promotional emails.

[kazu]

I'm no MBA, but aren't exchange rates tied to politics?

 

A lot of things affect exchange rates and currencies. Politics is a small part most times except in unstable or uncertain situations - ie. the euro and Greece.

[SilvertoGold]

For us, "value" is not the only factor. "Affordability" is part of the equation. We are spending a week in Vancouver this winter (mainly because we have family stuff and want to be close to known airports/known airlines)

 

Even allowing $300/day for food, we are still below the current cost of a 7 day cruise. So, trust me, as much as we love cruising, we will be considering land vacations again.

 

(and yes, sign me up for the Eggnogger Cruise please :D )

 

Another for Team Egg Nog: you're on the list!

 

Yes, "value" for me means a lot of things including "affordability". With interest rates where they are, what we can afford (or simply "want to part with") has changed.

 

Land trips: we are looking at Japan for the spring. Would like to do the HAL Yokahama to Vancouver again but the pricing.........

 

So, I am researching a land trip there, which has been in the back of my mind for quite a while. It will be interesting to see how the numbers work.

 

Enjoy Vancouver!

[Quo Vadis?]

I'm no MBA, but aren't exchange rates tied to politics?

 

Canada really has a petro currency.

 

When oil was near $100US per barrel, the Canadian dollar was close to par.

 

For one barrel I could get an inside cabin (for example) for one night.

 

Now that a barrel sells for under $40US it takes $140 CAD+ to stay in that same cabin.

 

Exchange rates can be manipulated by the central bank and politics can influence that decision. If Canada wants Canadians to spend their dollars at home, it allows the dollar to weaken so that it is too expensive to travel to strong currency countries and hopefully attracts others to visit Canada.

[SilvertoGold]

I have no doubt the merchants in places like Bellingham, WA are hurting. This should be their busiest time of year. I suspect that traffic and sales are down substantially.

 

We went down six weeks or so ago. Less than a five minute wait at Peace Arch going down and the same at Pacific Truck Crossing on the way back. We cannot remember crossing so quickly. Bellis Fair parking lot was less than half full. Very quiet inside.

 

We certainly did not buy much. Filled the gas tank, bought some cheese, looked around and called it a day. We did not bother dining out...crossed back over and at ate in White Rock. Because of the exchange.

 

I've never been a cross boarder shopper, but have LOTS of friends who are, but not now. That all stopped several months ago.

 

Once friend used to make a 3 day shopping trip of it to Washington State in December every year to buy gifts. This year she went to Whistler (!) and saved "a bundle" on accommodation, food and gifts. I wouldn't have thought this possible, but she did very well. She has pitched the idea of the annual Caribbean cruise, too.

[jig]

On some cruises Canadians make up a large pct. I think that one one one or two they were the largest.

I am going to Canada this summer. And will enjoy the big, huge discount from my last time there.

[freestyling]

IMHO a large amount of Canada's economy is geared around oil. Anyone in this industry (I was for over 39yrs) is feeling the pinch BUT if a whole geographical area of your county is geared around energy then it truly affects all in that area. I wish all in this part of Canada and elsewhere the best.

[John&LaLa]

IMHO a large amount of Canada's economy is geared around oil. Anyone in this industry (I was for over 39yrs) is feeling the pinch BUT if a whole geographical area of your county is geared around energy then it truly affects all in that area. I wish all in this part of Canada and elsewhere the best.

 

Texas diversified and the downturn is not as bad as it could be.

[iancal]

We want Americans to come to Canada. Visit, stay awhile, and spend lots of money.

 

And when you get a great deal or have a good experience be sure and chat it up on this board and with your friends, neighbours, and relatives. We like it when good friends come calling on us.

 

We want to welcome the whole gang of you up here to take advantage of the great exchange rate. We are not envious. Just anxious to show you a good time and make certain that you get good value for your hard earned travel dollars.

Edited December 24, 2015 by iancal

[John&LaLa]

We want Americans to come to Canada. Visit, stay awhile, and spend lots of money.

 

And when you get a great deal or have a good experience be sure and chat it up on this board and with your friends, neighbours, and relatives. We like it when good friends come calling on us.

 

We want to welcome the whole gang of you up here to take advantage of the great exchange rate. We are not envious. Just anxious to show you a good time and make certain that you get good value for your hard earned travel dollars.

 

What parts speak English, my French is non existent

[Cruise Junky]

What parts speak English, my French is non existent

 

Quebec and unless you're in rural Quebec they will respond to you in English

[Lizzie68]

Thank you! Have a Merry Christmas.

 

With the nicest sister-in-law in the world, who happens to be American, I do love you folks down there. Have met some really wonderful Americans on cruises and enjoyed their company.

This thread is really trying my patience, though.

 

I so agree. And the spirit of Christmas was dumped at the door to this thread:( Peace on earth, goodwill to all...... Oh, and my DIL is American.

 

Can I join the egg nog cruise too????:D

[freestyling]

I so agree. And the spirit of Christmas was dumped at the door to this thread:( Peace on earth, goodwill to all...... Oh, and my DIL is American.

 

Can I join the egg nog cruise too????:D

 

I also agree with you but "believe" it's getting back on track :)

[kazu]

What parts speak English, my French is non existent

 

While Canada is bilingual, most speak English. You may have some minor issues in Quebec but most even there speak English.

 

It's a lovely country, with different highlights in different areas depending upon where you go and Canadians are overall very good hosts, happy to help and very accommodating :)

[RDC1]

Canada really has a petro currency.

 

When oil was near $100US per barrel, the Canadian dollar was close to par.

 

For one barrel I could get an inside cabin (for example) for one night.

 

Now that a barrel sells for under $40US it takes $140 CAD+ to stay in that same cabin.

 

Exchange rates can be manipulated by the central bank and politics can influence that decision. If Canada wants Canadians to spend their dollars at home, it allows the dollar to weaken so that it is too expensive to travel to strong currency countries and hopefully attracts others to visit Canada.

 

The question of a weak currency is more about exports then tourism. The reason why is as your currency weakens imports cost more and prices go up.

So if your currency is 40% less then the USD a tourist will benefit some, but not the full amount because the internal prices in CAD will be higher. Some thing might be $125 CAD in Canada and the same item might be $100 USD in the US. So to the tourist that item would be the equivalent of $112 in USD in Canada.

 

That is why when the CAD comes close to parity, especially when it has not been at parity for a while, you used to have Canadians flocking across the boarder to buy in the US because of the difference in prices marked in each country (of course the Canadian government reduced the amount that could be brought back from these cross boarder trips untaxed a couple of decades ago).

 

The prices do not adjust as fast as the currency does, but the longer the imbalance lasts, the more the marked price differential will become apparent.

[Copper10-8]

While Canada is bilingual, most speak English. You may have some minor issues in Quebec but most even there speak English.

 

It's a lovely country, with different highlights in different areas depending upon where you go and Canadians are overall very good hosts, happy to help and very accommodating :)

 

Nice post! Thanks! That has definitely been our experience when traveling in your beautiful country

[cruz chic]

I think some of the snarky comments are really uncalled for especially the political crap. I, for one will miss meeting our Canadian neighbors. Some of the nicest and most interesting fellow cruisers we've had the pleasure to sail with.

 

IMHO a large amount of Canada's economy is geared around oil. Anyone in this industry (I was for over 39yrs) is feeling the pinch BUT if a whole geographical area of your county is geared around energy then it truly affects all in that area. I wish all in this part of Canada and elsewhere the best.

 

Thank you both.

[sail7seas]

We want Americans to come to Canada. Visit, stay awhile, and spend lots of money.

 

And when you get a great deal or have a good experience be sure and chat it up on this board and with your friends, neighbours, and relatives. We like it when good friends come calling on us.

 

We want to welcome the whole gang of you up here to take advantage of the great exchange rate. We are not envious. Just anxious to show you a good time and make certain that you get good value for your hard earned travel dollars.

 

Maybe I'll be back to Canada in spring/summer but in the winter, I'm looking for warm sun. :)

 

I've loved a great many visits to Canada.

 

[CowPrincess]

I think some of the snarky comments are really uncalled for especially the political crap. I, for one will miss meeting our Canadian neighbors. Some of the nicest and most interesting fellow cruisers we've had the pleasure to sail with.

 

Thank you, that is a very kind comment :)

[CowPrincess]

IMHO a large amount of Canada's economy is geared around oil. Anyone in this industry (I was for over 39yrs) is feeling the pinch BUT if a whole geographical area of your county is geared around energy then it truly affects all in that area. I wish all in this part of Canada and elsewhere the best.

 

Thanks! The domino effect of the O&G downturn is staggering. First the oil companies, then their suppliers, then the suppliers to the suppliers....

[boards]

We love cruising on Hal ships, but until the exchange improves, we most likely will postpone cruising or even visiting the USA for trips. This will force us back to look to our country for our travels, like we did before we started cruising. Not a bad thing.