Wow! Before this year, can you imagine ever seeing an article with a title like this?
Last week we wrote about the rush for cruises in 2022 that included the Passion Play at Oberammergau. Some of you replied that they weren’t really ready to make travel plans yet (entirely understandable), but the majority of responses we got were from people that were ready to go. If you missed it, here’s the link: https://pamperedcruiser.com/oberammergau-the-passion-play-2022/
When you think about our journey over the past several months, some strange things have occurred. In the early days of the pandemic, toilet paper and other staples disappeared as people began to hoard what they thought might be scarce.
Luckily, most of these basic supply chain issues this spring were remedied quickly, but are we now seeing similar scarcity amongst travel offerings?
We’re seeing higher than normal demand for both small ship cruises (particularly in the domestic market) and European River cruises. This does make some sense: people will be more comfortable travelling with fewer fellow guests, and domestic travel takes away much of the uncertainty.
In particular, we are seeing availability tightening for small ships in Alaska during the 2021 season. With an increased desire for smaller ships combined with the pent-up demand resulting from all those cancelled 2020 Alaska trips, I suppose this makes sense.
A couple of months ago, Bob and I went looking for the best small ship deal we could find for Alaska in 2021 and blocked a group of cabins on that sailing. We don’t often do this. Instead, we have generally found that our clients prefer to make their own choices of cruise line and departure date, and then we help them get the best possible deal based on their selections.
However, I’m glad we did block those cabins, because the pricing has gone up by $600 to $1000 per person or more since then! It means that we can offer you a much lower price than what’s currently available, as long as you can travel on this specific date.
Here’s the special ‘group’ pricing you can get on the Seabourn Odyssey departing on May 28, 2021 (7 days, Juneau to Vancouver):
- Ocean View $3499 (If you book at Seabourn, the current price is $4299)
- Clear Veranda $4399 (Current Price: $4999)
- Penthouse $6699 (Current Price: $7999)
This trip is great for those who want to visit the less-travelled part of Alaska. If you’ve been to Alaska before, it is likely the only ports you’ve already visited are the starting and ending ports. After departing Juneau, you’ll visit Glacier Bay, Wrangell, Misty Fjords National Monument, Prince Rupert, Whale Channel/Princess Royal Channel, and Alert Bay before arriving in Vancouver.
There are lots of available add-ons to this trip too, if 7-nights isn’t enough:
- Denali National Park
- Rocky Mountaineer Luxury Rail experience
- An additional 7-night cruise that visits all different ports
Included in the fares listed above:
- All gratuities
- All beverages and specialty dining
- Airport transfers (pre & post) if air is booked through Seabourn.
- An onboard credit of $400 per person ($650 for the Penthouse).
- 300 internet minutes per person (unlimited internet for the Penthouse).
Seabourn is also offering a further 10% off the fare for those who choose to pay in full by November 20th.
If you take our group pricing for the Veranda Suite (300 square feet), deduct the onboard credits, and the 10% early payment discount, you’re getting a luxury suite on a 7-night Alaska cruise for about $3500 – or what you’d pay for a nice room on one of the mega-ships.
Your onboard credits can be used in the ship’s spa and Wellness Center (by Dr. Andrew Weill) OR for excursions including those in the Seabourn Ventures program. If you’re so inclined, you can take a kayak or zodiac trip right off the Odyssey. What a way to experience remote Alaska!
THE CATCH: We only have 5 rooms blocked, so as soon as they are gone, you’ll be subject to the published fares. If you’re interested, please call us as soon as possible.
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If you’re planning a trip, I’d love to help! Click here to get in touch today.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Sue Bradley
Sue Bradley
