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Alaska 2021 - Maybe NOT a total loss? (topic edit as of 2021-05-21)


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1 hour ago, monctonguy said:

Not sure if life is "normal"...locked down for a year and social distancing still enforced.....but hey, to each their own. Not how I want to live my life ever.

 

Number of cases means nothing really..only thing that matters is  deaths and hospitalizations to a point(if it becomes overwhelming)......

 

Agreed number of cases is a poor stat to focus on, Florida has lots of cases but the majority are young, healthy and basically don't even notice they had it. Keeping the hospitals available for those that need to be taken care of is the key.

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10 hours ago, emmef said:

I hope they can find a way to salvage the Alaska Season, but it isn't looking good. What is a good alternate Cruise to take closer to home (US/TX) that isn't the same ol' same ol' Cancun/Cozumel/Roatan?  I want to go new places and I don't think I can wait until Summer 2022 to go on a cruise vacation!

Past Cruises:

Norwegian Jewel 2012 Western Caribbean

Norwegian Epic 2017 Western Caribbean

Royal Caribbean 2019 Western Caribbean

Canceled Cruise:

Royal Caribbean Ovation 2020 Alaska Glacier

Future Cruises:

Royal Caribbean Ovation 2021 Alaska Glacier

Norwegian Encore 2022 Eastern Caribbean

 

I got the vaccine yesterday and my husband is getting it Friday.  We have decided to go to a bucket list place.  Bora Bora and stay at the Four Seasons over water cabana.

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11 hours ago, monctonguy said:

Not sure if life is "normal"...locked down for a year and social distancing still enforced.....but hey, to each their own. Not how I want to live my life ever.

 

Number of cases means nothing really..only thing that matters is  deaths and hospitalizations to a point(if it becomes overwhelming)......

 

Zero cases today in OZ, pretty sure that means something.

 

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14 hours ago, bretts173 said:

Zero cases today in OZ, pretty sure that means something.

 

Viruses are never eradicated - they are just RNA strands that exist all over the place.  A population either is no longer susceptible or taken steps to isolate from infection.  Once isolation is broken, it will emerge again.   Populations evolve to fight these naturally (survival of the fitess) or accelerate spread the immunity process through vaccines.  The Spanish flu is still in the world.  Hasn't been eradicated, just we've adapted.

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Lots of ppl have the flu..its part of life...always has been...only issue is when older ppl or vulnerable get it and get really sick..hospitalized or die.

 

Same for this.....if 4billion ppl have it..half of them are probably asymptomatic and dont know they have it...if the other half have it with symptoms but not serious enough to even go to the hospital..then no, it really doesn't matter.

 

The reason why the panic and worry is if ppl die or hospitals overflow......having a sore throat and a fever is nothing to shut down the world over.

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I've been figuring my May Alaska cruise was gonna get canceled, but am not sure what I should do with my credit. I got a really cheap price so i'm thinking lift and shift to next year will be my best bet. So, I can basically move my May 24th cruise all the way to June 24th in 2022 on any itinerary that is basically the same for no extra cost right? I'd rather go on the cruise, but I like the idea of taking my cheap may cruise and moving it to late june instead. Am I thinking about this correctly?

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7 minutes ago, JasonL said:

I've been figuring my May Alaska cruise was gonna get canceled, but am not sure what I should do with my credit. I got a really cheap price so i'm thinking lift and shift to next year will be my best bet. So, I can basically move my May 24th cruise all the way to June 24th in 2022 on any itinerary that is basically the same for no extra cost right? I'd rather go on the cruise, but I like the idea of taking my cheap may cruise and moving it to late june instead. Am I thinking about this correctly?

I think the idea of L&S your cruise - especially if you got a good price and it's an itin that you like - is a great one.  Just one problem.  At the moment, you can only L&S through April 2022.  If they extend that date (and I feel sure that they will if this year's Alaska season is kanked) , then you won't have any problem but if it isn't, you won't be able to L&S your May cruise.

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5 hours ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

I think the idea of L&S your cruise - especially if you got a good price and it's an itin that you like - is a great one.  Just one problem.  At the moment, you can only L&S through April 2022.  If they extend that date (and I feel sure that they will if this year's Alaska season is kanked) , then you won't have any problem but if it isn't, you won't be able to L&S your May cruise.

We were booked for a May cruise, but we just did the lift and shift to June of 2022, and we'll be using the FCC from our cancelled June 2020 cruise. 

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On 1/16/2021 at 7:20 PM, WAAAYTOOO said:

They allowed you to L&S into June ?  

I think it's likely I'm using the wrong terminology, and I apologize for adding confusion.

We're working with @michelle who has been wonderful since we started looking into an Alaska cruise 2 years ago. I guess instead of an actual L&S it was more like moving a reservation. 

Sadly, I reset my count down timer to the 2022 date... 515 days. Ugg.

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Quantum has cancelled her 2021 Alaska season.

 
 
ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING TRAVELS
 

 

Dear Guest,

As you may be aware, our industry’s situation remains quite fluid. Despite this, we’re making some positive leaps towards a return to sailing; leaps like our Healthy Sail Panel collaboration, partnerships with multiple medical experts and health organizations, and the launch of Quantum of the Seas’ successful Singapore sailings. Now that 2021 is here, we’re looking forward to welcoming guests back onboard the rest of our fleet.

Following her Singapore season, Quantum of the Seas was set to offer Alaska sailings from April 2021. However, to allow additional time for our preparation, Quantum will remain in the Asia-Pacific region. As a result, we’re suspending our 2021 Alaska sailings onboard Quantum of the Seas departing April 25th to September 27th, 2021. Regrettably, your sailing will be cancelled.

We’re terribly sorry for the impact to your vacation. Our primary goal continues to be a seamless and healthy return to service; we’re hyper-focused on welcoming you back! As mentioned, we’ve assembled the “Healthy Sail Panel” - a multifaceted team of globally recognized experts. The panel continues to work alongside our new Public Health & Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Calvin Johnson, to pioneer innovative ways to guide the cruise industry’s way forward in the pandemic. It goes without saying, we’re all in this together.

While we all wish we were cruising, we do have some options for you; including an option that’s been very well-received by our guests, as it provides a little something extra to use once we all start cruising again! Here are your options:

1. 125% Future Cruise Credit: We’re providing you with a 125% Future Cruise Credit to book a new cruise by April 30th, 2022.

  • This amount is based on your total cruise fare paid, and we’re giving you a little extra knowing that this is such a unique circumstance. 
  • Your certificate can be used on any Royal Caribbean International sailing that departs on or before September 30th, 2022 and gives you more flexibility to choose a sailing that’s right for you!
  • We’ll automatically send your Future Cruise Credit via email by February 19th, 2021, so there’s nothing for you to do!
  • Taxes & fees and any RoyalUp upgrades will be automatically refunded. Current refund processing is around 45 days. We are working as quickly as possible, and we appreciate your patience.
  • Please note: 
    • If you opted into the Cruise with Confidence 100% Future Cruise Credit, this offer does not apply.  
    • And, if you previously used a Future Cruise Credit (including previous Global Suspension FCCs), you’ll receive a new Future Cruise Credit. This will be for 125% of any new monies paid on this sailing, plus the value of your original credit at 100% of its value, with an expiration date of April 30th, 2022 and a sail by date of September 30th 2022.
    • If you were already impacted by a sailing that was previously cancelled due to a global suspension and paid additional monies on a new booking within this extended suspension period, you are still able to opt in to refund one or both cancelled bookings via the process below.

2. Lift and Shift: If you prefer to move your existing booking to a sailing next year - we’re happy to move you! We will price protect the original pricing and/or promotion on the same ship, itinerary, length, product, and stateroom category as your original sailing within 1 week (before or after) of the original sail date the following year. For example, if you are moving from a Quantum of the Seas April 1st, 2021 sailing, you can move to another Quantum sailing that is the same itinerary, length, product, and stateroom category, and the sail date between March 25th, 2022 - April 8th, 2022. 

  • Please know, price protection covers your cruise fare/promotion on an applicable sailing only and excludes taxes and fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items, as these may change.
  • You must decide to move to a new sailing by February 4th, 2021. If not, we will automatically issue you a Future Cruise Credit. 
  • Complimentary Casino offers are not eligible for Lift & Shift.

3. 100% Refund: Or, if you prefer a full refund, which is a lower value than the future cruise credit offer above, we’re happy to process this for you. Given how fluid this situation is, and the opportunity to use the extra credit being offered, you have until March 31st, 2021 to request a refund and deactivate your certificate. 

  • Please contact us to start the refund process, forfeiting the higher value of your 125% Future Cruise Credit.
    • To avoid waiting on the phone to cancel, click here and we will get the refund process started for you. Note: Please know, once we receive your refund request, we unfortunately won’t be able to accept an FCC request if you change your mind. 
  • We’ll then deactivate your Future Cruise Credit and process your refund to your original form(s) of payment, which will include any non-refundable deposits. 
  • You can expect to receive your refund 45 days after you submit your refund request. 
  • Please note: If you used a Cruise with Confidence certificate on this sailing, and you request a refund instead, we’ll refund any NEW funds paid above the certificate amount, and we’ll reinstate your original Cruise with Confidence certificate.

And, a special option for those that also purchased Cruise Planner Items… 

  • You can opt-in to receive an Onboard Credit in the value of 125% of the total Cruise Planner purchases on your reservation. 
    • Click here by February 4th, 2021 to request your higher value credit, and we’ll email you your credit by February 19th, 2021. 
  • If we don’t hear from you on or before February 4th, 2021, your Cruise Planner purchases will be automatically refunded. You’ll receive your refund within 45 days of your booking’s cancellation. We are working as quickly as possible and appreciate your patience during these unprecedented times. 
  • Also, if you opt for a cruise fare refund or for Lift and Shift, you are not eligible for this Cruise Planner Onboard Credit offer. 
  • Questions about how the Cruise Planner credit works? Click here for more details.

Guests with air or hotel booked…  

  • Refundable air or hotel accommodations purchased through Royal Caribbean will be automatically refunded to you within 45 days after we process the cancellation.
  • If you booked non-refundable air through Royal Caribbean or booked on your own, please contact the service provider directly for your options with them.

If you have any questions, please contact your Travel Advisor immediately or contact us at: 

  • 1800 754 500 in Australia
  • 0344 493 4005in the U.K.
  • 1 866 562 7625 in the U.S. or Canada
We appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued loyalty. We will all come out of this stronger than ever. Stay healthy and safe. We miss you, and we look forward to welcoming you backsoon.

 

 

Sincerely,

Image did not load.

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Interesting that they are offering L&S but not extending the L&S period beyond the end of April.  I suspect this must be an error.  Either they're going to have to extend the L&S period or remove L&S as an option as all (or almost all) Alaska sailings are between May and Sept.  My guess is that they will extend the dates for L&S.  I'm sure I will find out VERY soon.

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10 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Interesting that they are offering L&S but not extending the L&S period beyond the end of April.  I suspect this must be an error.  Either they're going to have to extend the L&S period or remove L&S as an option as all (or almost all) Alaska sailings are between May and Sept.  My guess is that they will extend the dates for L&S.  I'm sure I will find out VERY soon.

Nothing official, but someone on another forum posted that they were able to L&S Quantum sailings only past April 2022.  They did it just this morning.

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10 hours ago, Lovetocruise2002 said:

Nothing official, but someone on another forum posted that they were able to L&S Quantum sailings only past April 2022.  They did it just this morning.

I just did a L&S of my Alaska cruise on Quantum from August 30, 2021 to August 29,2022.  A FCC that was attached to the 2021 cruise transferred over seamlessly - it was very efficient!  It was price protected but taxes/fees were about $125 more ... bummer.

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Just a note to those who are L&S’ing their bookings...if you have a refundable deposit on your 2021 bookings and want to keep a refundable deposit for 2022, be SURE that you verify this fact before you get off the phone with them (or make sure your TA does if you are using a TA).  Royal has a very bad history of changing refundable deposits to NRD when they L&S a booking. Once they complete the transfer and you get off the phone it is next to impossible to get your refundable deposit reinstated once you notice the change.  Do NOT assume that your refundable will shift over.  They will almost certainly convert it to a NRD unless you insist that it remain refundable.  

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54 minutes ago, WAAAYTOOO said:

Just a note to those who are L&S’ing their bookings...if you have a refundable deposit on your 2021 bookings and want to keep a refundable deposit for 2022, be SURE that you verify this fact before you get off the phone with them (or make sure your TA does if you are using a TA).  Royal has a very bad history of changing refundable deposits to NRD when they L&S a booking. Once they complete the transfer and you get off the phone it is next to impossible to get your refundable deposit reinstated once you notice the change.  Do NOT assume that your refundable will shift over.  They will almost certainly convert it to a NRD unless you insist that it remain refundable.  

I second this, it happened to me.

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I will have to say that it was pretty seamless and quick to change.  After seeing notification in a fb group, I went online and used the form.  I was concerned that the GL would go pretty quickly or I would not get the same rooms I painstakingly researched.  Both rooms showed available and within 8 hours the switch showed in my Royal Account.   This date works better for us as my daughter could not have come this year due to  grad school commitments.  I am glad they allowed the l/s but I think going forward any lift and shifts will have to be done within the week and not the 4 week timeframe.

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It looks like the decision on cancelling Quantum in Alaska for 2021 was based on the fact that the ship is in Singapore and is able to sail there.  I am booked on Serenade for August 2021-does anyone know where Serenade is now and whether that may impact the likelihood of sailing?  I realize this is all speculation.

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22 minutes ago, Fairlynew said:

It looks like the decision on cancelling Quantum in Alaska for 2021 was based on the fact that the ship is in Singapore and is able to sail there.  I am booked on Serenade for August 2021-does anyone know where Serenade is now and whether that may impact the likelihood of sailing?  I realize this is all speculation.

Serenade is off coast of Barbados

https://www.cruisemapper.com/?imo=9228344

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Royal doesn't have a winter West coast presence so all Alaska ships need to perform transocean voyages to operate in Alaska.

The classic examples are ships that spend Australian summers down under and then come North for the Alaska summer.

Serenade is out of position since she never did her summer down under on account of the pandemic closing Australian ports so now she would need to transit the Panama Canal or go the long way around South America to reach Alaska.  Either way it's a costly maneuver to get her in position and with the Alaska season in question it's unclear if they'll spend that money.   

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On 1/21/2021 at 8:11 AM, twangster said:

Quantum has cancelled her 2021 Alaska season.

 
 
ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING TRAVELS
 

 

Dear Guest,

As you may be aware, our industry’s situation remains quite fluid. Despite this, we’re making some positive leaps towards a return to sailing; leaps like our Healthy Sail Panel collaboration, partnerships with multiple medical experts and health organizations, and the launch of Quantum of the Seas’ successful Singapore sailings. Now that 2021 is here, we’re looking forward to welcoming guests back onboard the rest of our fleet.

Following her Singapore season, Quantum of the Seas was set to offer Alaska sailings from April 2021. However, to allow additional time for our preparation, Quantum will remain in the Asia-Pacific region. As a result, we’re suspending our 2021 Alaska sailings onboard Quantum of the Seas departing April 25th to September 27th, 2021. Regrettably, your sailing will be cancelled.

We’re terribly sorry for the impact to your vacation. Our primary goal continues to be a seamless and healthy return to service; we’re hyper-focused on welcoming you back! As mentioned, we’ve assembled the “Healthy Sail Panel” - a multifaceted team of globally recognized experts. The panel continues to work alongside our new Public Health & Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Calvin Johnson, to pioneer innovative ways to guide the cruise industry’s way forward in the pandemic. It goes without saying, we’re all in this together.

While we all wish we were cruising, we do have some options for you; including an option that’s been very well-received by our guests, as it provides a little something extra to use once we all start cruising again! Here are your options:

1. 125% Future Cruise Credit: We’re providing you with a 125% Future Cruise Credit to book a new cruise by April 30th, 2022.

  • This amount is based on your total cruise fare paid, and we’re giving you a little extra knowing that this is such a unique circumstance. 
  • Your certificate can be used on any Royal Caribbean International sailing that departs on or before September 30th, 2022 and gives you more flexibility to choose a sailing that’s right for you!
  • We’ll automatically send your Future Cruise Credit via email by February 19th, 2021, so there’s nothing for you to do!
  • Taxes & fees and any RoyalUp upgrades will be automatically refunded. Current refund processing is around 45 days. We are working as quickly as possible, and we appreciate your patience.
  • Please note: 
    • If you opted into the Cruise with Confidence 100% Future Cruise Credit, this offer does not apply.  
    • And, if you previously used a Future Cruise Credit (including previous Global Suspension FCCs), you’ll receive a new Future Cruise Credit. This will be for 125% of any new monies paid on this sailing, plus the value of your original credit at 100% of its value, with an expiration date of April 30th, 2022 and a sail by date of September 30th 2022.
    • If you were already impacted by a sailing that was previously cancelled due to a global suspension and paid additional monies on a new booking within this extended suspension period, you are still able to opt in to refund one or both cancelled bookings via the process below.

2. Lift and Shift: If you prefer to move your existing booking to a sailing next year - we’re happy to move you! We will price protect the original pricing and/or promotion on the same ship, itinerary, length, product, and stateroom category as your original sailing within 1 week (before or after) of the original sail date the following year. For example, if you are moving from a Quantum of the Seas April 1st, 2021 sailing, you can move to another Quantum sailing that is the same itinerary, length, product, and stateroom category, and the sail date between March 25th, 2022 - April 8th, 2022. 

  • Please know, price protection covers your cruise fare/promotion on an applicable sailing only and excludes taxes and fees, gratuities, and other non-cruise fare items, as these may change.
  • You must decide to move to a new sailing by February 4th, 2021. If not, we will automatically issue you a Future Cruise Credit. 
  • Complimentary Casino offers are not eligible for Lift & Shift.

3. 100% Refund: Or, if you prefer a full refund, which is a lower value than the future cruise credit offer above, we’re happy to process this for you. Given how fluid this situation is, and the opportunity to use the extra credit being offered, you have until March 31st, 2021 to request a refund and deactivate your certificate. 

  • Please contact us to start the refund process, forfeiting the higher value of your 125% Future Cruise Credit.
    • To avoid waiting on the phone to cancel, click here and we will get the refund process started for you. Note: Please know, once we receive your refund request, we unfortunately won’t be able to accept an FCC request if you change your mind. 
  • We’ll then deactivate your Future Cruise Credit and process your refund to your original form(s) of payment, which will include any non-refundable deposits. 
  • You can expect to receive your refund 45 days after you submit your refund request. 
  • Please note: If you used a Cruise with Confidence certificate on this sailing, and you request a refund instead, we’ll refund any NEW funds paid above the certificate amount, and we’ll reinstate your original Cruise with Confidence certificate.

And, a special option for those that also purchased Cruise Planner Items… 

  • You can opt-in to receive an Onboard Credit in the value of 125% of the total Cruise Planner purchases on your reservation. 
    • Click here by February 4th, 2021 to request your higher value credit, and we’ll email you your credit by February 19th, 2021. 
  • If we don’t hear from you on or before February 4th, 2021, your Cruise Planner purchases will be automatically refunded. You’ll receive your refund within 45 days of your booking’s cancellation. We are working as quickly as possible and appreciate your patience during these unprecedented times. 
  • Also, if you opt for a cruise fare refund or for Lift and Shift, you are not eligible for this Cruise Planner Onboard Credit offer. 
  • Questions about how the Cruise Planner credit works? Click here for more details.

Guests with air or hotel booked…  

  • Refundable air or hotel accommodations purchased through Royal Caribbean will be automatically refunded to you within 45 days after we process the cancellation.
  • If you booked non-refundable air through Royal Caribbean or booked on your own, please contact the service provider directly for your options with them.

If you have any questions, please contact your Travel Advisor immediately or contact us at: 

  • 1800 754 500 in Australia
  • 0344 493 4005in the U.K.
  • 1 866 562 7625 in the U.S. or Canada
We appreciate your patience, understanding, and continued loyalty. We will all come out of this stronger than ever. Stay healthy and safe. We miss you, and we look forward to welcoming you backsoon.

 

 

Sincerely,

Image did not load.

I see that this L & S shows you can move your cruise to 1 week within dates or cancelled cruise.  Used to be 1 month. Interesting

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18 hours ago, twangster said:

Royal doesn't have a winter West coast presence so all Alaska ships need to perform transocean voyages to operate in Alaska.

The classic examples are ships that spend Australian summers down under and then come North for the Alaska summer.

Serenade is out of position since she never did her summer down under on account of the pandemic closing Australian ports so now she would need to transit the Panama Canal or go the long way around South America to reach Alaska.  Either way it's a costly maneuver to get her in position and with the Alaska season in question it's unclear if they'll spend that money.   

They will need to bring Serenade west anyways if it is going to make the 21-22 Australian summer. 

Ovation is on the move and slowly heading north away from the group off the coast of Singapore 

image.png.5d0472d484146cb75eb511df271047d8.png

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