Cruise lines slash rates on Alaska voyages to fill ships

[mercedes]

Always wanted to take a cruise to Alaska? This is the year to do it. Cruise lines are slashing rates for Alaska voyages to rarely seen levels to jump start sagging bookings.

Pricing is down "across the board (on) all cruise lines throughout the season," says Matt Cervone, president of Michigan-based Just Cruises & Vacations. "There are pockets of peak departure dates where pricing is not as low, yet (even these departures are) still much less expensive than in previous years."

Cervone adds that while prices for Alaska cruises are significantly lower than in past years, the rates for cruise tours -- packages that include both a cruise and an add-on land tour -- are even better. "Unprecedentedly lower," he says. "You have 50% off (deals), two-for-one (deals) and on occasion additional shipboard credits."

Bookings for Alaska cruises have been particularly hard hit this year as the economy has tumbled -- in part, say travel agents, because the voyages appeal to an older crowd that rely on stock market portfolios that have been devastated by the financial collapse since September.

"Clients are becoming much more conservative in their discretionary spending," says Cervone. "The initial response is panic (and) to hold off on their plans."

Among the best deals in Alaska, says Cervone, is a 50% markdown being offered by Holland America on Alaska cruise tours for 2009. Princess, meanwhile is offering two-for-one deals for past guests, he says.

Cruise-only prices in Alaska, meanwhile, have dropped as low as $399 per person, per week (for an early season departure on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship). And even premium lines like Celebrity Cruises are offering week-long trips for under $500 per person.

The May 29 departure of the Celebrity Millennium, for instance, is priced at just $449 per person, per week for an inside cabin. And even peak season voyages in July and August on the ship are available starting at $549 -- or just $100 more.

As is typical in Alaska, where viewing glaciers is a major pastime, the price rises significantly for cabins with windows and balconies. Still, balcony cabins are available on the Millennium for under $1,000 on sailings in June and August. And at times the line is throwing in onboard credits of $100 or more.

[TheSkipper]

This is just the tip of the iceberg, pun intended.

[Longboysfan]

My friend was saying they booked Alaska and got a great air fare a week ago.

[JoeyandDavid]

the whole industry is putting out some pretty remarkable deals.. for the well positioned traveler it's almost like being a kid in the candy store

[elfed]

Um interesting but not for us. Cruises may be cheaper to Alaska but those shore excursions aren't. The glaziers, icebergs etc look very beautiful but the thought of standing on deck wearing a heavy sweater or jacket does not appeal to us. After all, putting up with heavy snow and ice for 4 months of the year-would you really appreciate Alaska?

Regards,

James.