8-1-05 Dream to Alaska skipping Sitka

[illinoisfireman]

I called NCL (800-327-7030) after hearing about another cruise skipping Sitka, AK. They confirmed they will be skipping it due to not being able to keep on schedule. This is a bummer since They are still advertising that this is one of the stops. Another # 866-625-1164 is supposed to be for any possible cost adjustments. They didn't say they would adjust it, only that I would have to call that # regarding that issue. Maybe if enough people call and complain they will do something. This is really a disappointment.:mad: :mad:

[drjpreston]

I just called the number. Office hours Monday through Friday only.

 

We will be on the Dream Aug 22. Ironically that is the port we were most looking forward to. BIG disappointment BUT bet we will find a way to have a GREAT time anyway.

 

Jim

[drjpreston]

Itinerary has changed on NCC web site since last night (Friday). I had printed it out last night for family. Updated itinerary now (Sat. afternoon) lists day two and three at sea. Stika no longer listed.

 

Jim

[thefish]

The NCL site still lists Sitka as a stop on the 11 day cruise. Perhaps it will stay on the 11 day cruise because of the extra day. I am (was?) looking forward to Sitka because of it's history and I have never been there. I understand tendering at this port is a hassle and one of the main complaints that I have read is there is not enough time at this port for those that have to wait for a later tender.

 

One post stated that the Captain told them that they missed Sitka because of engine troubles. In my opinion (and this is just an opinion only) because of the hassle and extra cost of tendering, customer complaints and the lack of ship excursion income when compared to other ports and the abbreviated time that a 10 day cruise allows the ship to get from one port to another (faster cruising equals more fuel used) that this may be more of a business decision than an engine problem.

 

But then again they may be having engine problems and they don't have the time to fix it and have to cut out a port on the 10 day cruise. By what I read on the posts it seems most people would be happier if Prince Rupert was dropped but there might be something about having to either originate or stop at a foreign port because of gambling laws.

 

For what ever reason though, missing Sitka and adding a sea day is a bummer.

[KeystoneCruiser]

dafish: The Jones Act requires all non flagged ships that call on US ports to either originate or dock in a foriegn port during their cruise. The only way to drop Prince Ruppert would be for the Dream to sail from Vancouver instead of Seattle or make a stop at Victoria as the Star does.

 

Also, the Dream very well could be having engine problems. She had some serious problems last year on her way to Europe. Perhaps they did not get the problem fixed completely. The Dawn is an older ship and as we all know, older engines have more problems as they get older.

[Roberthg]

My wife and I are scheduled for the 8/1 cruise on the Dream. This is our second Alaskan cruise and one of the reasons we chose this trip was the itinerary. On our last Alaskan cruise Sitka was not on the agenda. I know that NCL is now showing an extra day at sea. I am not sure if this is done but is it possible to add a different port of call such as Haines. Petersbug, Wrangell, or Skagway, or is this unlikely? If another port is not added what do you think happens with the extra time that was scheduled for Sitka? Might they adjust the route or just slow things down? Is it possible that they would opt to spend more time in another port or does scheduling prevent this?

roberthg

Stella Solaris 1990

Stella Maris1993

Splendour of the Seas

Dawn Princess 1997

Grandeuer of the Seas 2001

[Dandylyon]

We are going on the July 21 sailing on Dream. I just spoke to someone at the 800 number, who said that Sitka is still showing on our 11-night itinerary, and that she doesn't know anything about engine problems.

 

It would be nice to visit Sitka--it was a draw for us. OTOH, it certainly won't be the end of the world if we don't get to stop there.

[born2cruize]

It's only the 10 day cruises that dropped Sitka. That's because the itineraries are different.

 

On the 10 day it was the first port after leaving Seattle. That's the schedule it had difficulty meeting.

 

The 11 day had Sitka following cruising the Gulf of Alaska.

[hotspur]

It's only the 10 day cruises that dropped Sitka. That's because the itineraries are different.

 

On the 10 day it was the first port after leaving Seattle. That's the schedule it had difficulty meeting.

 

The 11 day had Sitka following cruising the Gulf of Alaska.

Yes, Sitka is a much longer sail from Seattle (or Vancouver) than Ketchikan, which is the first stop on the 11-day itinerary. I suspect with one engine down the Dream can't get to Sitka in just one sea day. Really a shame, because it's a lovely little town--much less touristy than Ketchikan, Juneau, or Skagway.

[thefish]

KeystoneCruiser

 

dafish: The Jones Act requires all non flagged ships that call on US ports to either originate or dock in a foriegn port during their cruise. The only way to drop Prince Ruppert would be for the Dream to sail from Vancouver instead of Seattle or make a stop at Victoria as the Star does.

 

 

Your statement about the Jones Act confused me a little. I thought the Jones Act (passed in the 1920's) was more to protect seamen and allow them recourse in United State judicial system for injuries and such. I thought that the Federal Goverment tended to stay away from laws concerning gambling thus the gambling on Native American lands are allowed while gambling on state lands is regulated by the state. I know that Texas and Louisiana have state laws regulating gambling on cruise ships porting in their states. Could this be the same for Washington? :confused:

[KeystoneCruiser]

The Jones Act was a far reaching act to, like you said, protect seamen. The part of the act that most applies to cruise ships is the part about foreign ports. The idea was to prevent ships from sailing only U.S. ports under a foreign flag. Foreign flagged ships do not have to meet US wage laws and also do not have to meet as stringent maritime codes. The idea was to also provide jobs to US seamen on cruise ships thinking they would be US flagged to do US ports. That wasn't the case for most of the nearly 90 years that the Jones Act has been in effect. For 50 years, until the launch of the Aloha last year and America this year, there were no US cruise ships. NCL and some Congressmen (most notably Hawaii Senator Daniel Inoyue) were able to push some changes to the Jones Act in order to launch NCL America. These changes have made it easier for NCL to have US flagged ships. The US flagged ships provide jobs for many American citizens and help promote tourism. With soon to be three US crewed ships, (Aloha, America and 2006's Pride of Hawaii), there will be nearly 3000 jobs created. Hopefully, if NCL America is successful, you may see either other lines launching American flagged ships or additional NCL America ships doing other US only itineraries.

 

Some ideas:

Alaska: Do a round trip from Juneau or Anchorage without a Canadian stop removing the need to sail from Seattle or Vancouver.

 

Eastern US Coast: How about what the America did a couple of weeks ago: Boston, New York, Philadelphia, Charleston and Miami. Sign me up now!

 

Hawaii-West Coast: Regular 10 day cruises from Honolulu to LA or San Francisco.

 

 

 

As far as the Dream's itinerary change. I compared the new 10 day itinerary with the old one. (I happen to have one because that was our other choice for this summer). As part of the change, the Dream is going to be spending more time in the ports of Whittier(Anchorage) (4 additional hours) and Prince Ruppert (1 additional hour). Sitka was one of the reasons we were considering the Dream but luckily we chose the Star.

[2fun]

As far as the Dream's itinerary change. I compared the new 10 day itinerary with the old one. (I happen to have one because that was our other choice for this summer). As part of the change, the Dream is going to be spending more time in the ports of Whittier(Anchorage) (4 additional hours) and Prince Ruppert (1 additional hour). Sitka was one of the reasons we were considering the Dream but luckily we chose the Star.

 

 

 

They are NOT giving us more time in Whittier - they are coming in 1 hour earlier and leaving one hour later. this has now caused us to cancel a glacier tour! As far as Prince Rupert, they have take away 1 hour there but I say, take 3 more!

 

This sucks big time as we choose the 10 day over the 7 for the Sitka stop and then found the glacier tour in whitter only to lose it too! Saw the $50 credit offered on the last cruise, wondering if it was PP or per cabin.

[LaRee1L]

We were on the 20 - 30 June sailing of the the Dream. The credit given was $50 per person. We also booked this particular cruise because of going to Sitka and were very disappointed in not getting there, but it really didn't spoil the whole cruise. Our complaint was being told that to make up for missing Sitka there would be a "surprise" for the passengers. The surprise was going to College Fjord - this was already on our itinerary. Also following the ship's progress on the posted map we sailed right pass Sitka. I realize that problems arise, but don't feed the passengers a line of bull - just be honest and tell the complete truth and don't try to double talk the passengers. Will I sail NCL again? Of course - the problems are really outweighed by the good things a person enjoys on a cruise.

 

 

As far as the Dream's itinerary change. I compared the new 10 day itinerary with the old one. (I happen to have one because that was our other choice for this summer). As part of the change, the Dream is going to be spending more time in the ports of Whittier(Anchorage) (4 additional hours) and Prince Ruppert (1 additional hour). Sitka was one of the reasons we were considering the Dream but luckily we chose the Star.

 

 

 

They are NOT giving us more time in Whittier - they are coming in 1 hour earlier and leaving one hour later. this has now caused us to cancel a glacier tour! As far as Prince Rupert, they have take away 1 hour there but I say, take 3 more!

 

This sucks big time as we choose the 10 day over the 7 for the Sitka stop and then found the glacier tour in whitter only to lose it too! Saw the $50 credit offered on the last cruise, wondering if it was PP or per cabin.

[SeattleCruiselover]

KeystoneCruiser

 

dafish: The Jones Act requires all non flagged ships that call on US ports to either originate or dock in a foriegn port during their cruise. The only way to drop Prince Ruppert would be for the Dream to sail from Vancouver instead of Seattle or make a stop at Victoria as the Star does.

 

 

Your statement about the Jones Act confused me a little. I thought the Jones Act (passed in the 1920's) was more to protect seamen and allow them recourse in United State judicial system for injuries and such. I thought that the Federal Goverment tended to stay away from laws concerning gambling thus the gambling on Native American lands are allowed while gambling on state lands is regulated by the state. I know that Texas and Louisiana have state laws regulating gambling on cruise ships porting in their states. Could this be the same for Washington? :confused:

 

To answer your question about the gambling only, yes WA does have a law prohibiting casinos on cruise ships being open while in state waters.

[thefish]

SeattleCruiselover

 

Thanks for your reply. I searched the Washington State Gambling Laws posted on the Internet but could not find this information. If you would, let me know what section it is in. I did find that the Federal Johnson Act which covers mostly manufacturing and transportation of gambling devises also prohibits gambling in territorial waters but leaves a lot of leeway for States to make further restrictions concerning gambling on ocean going vessels visiting their states. There are exceptions in the Johnson Act for Alaska and Hawaii. I know American Flagged Lines have come and gone so I guess the Alaska and Hawaii exceptions were made to give American Flagged Cruise Lines a chance to compete in these markets. It has already resulted in the POA to be built with an original U.S. registry, not a transfer from a previously foreign flagged cruise ship. There is also a Federal Gambling Ship statute but it seems to deal with ships whose main purpose is gambling and not cruise ships. Below is Louisiana's law on ocean vessel gambling as an example. Texas's law seems to be even less restrictive. I am sure the IRS also has a code or two covering cruise ship gambling.

 

B. The conducting, or directly assisting in the conducting, as a business, of any game, contest, lottery, or contrivance on board a commercial cruise ship used for the international carriage of passengers whereby a person risks the loss of anything of value in order to realize a profit is not gambling and shall not be suppressed by any law enforcement officer of the state of Louisiana or any of its political subdivisions. This Subsection shall apply only to commercial cruise ships for the carriage of passengers which are sailing from a port outside the continental limits of the United States to a port in any parish of this state having a population of more than four hundred seventy-five thousand or any such ship which is sailing from a port in such a parish to a port outside the continental limits of the United States, provided that the ship is not docked or anchored but is navigating en route between such ports.

 

Please forgive me, I know this was not meant to be a Cruise Ship Gambling Laws Post but my curiosity got the best of me.

[born2cruize]

Just talked to NCL and they confirmed that Sitka has been removed from ALL remaining cruises on the Dream. Not just the 10 day cruises.

 

Also found it interesting that over at Carnival, the Spirit has also been missing Sitka.

[2fun]

Did they offer you any onboard credit for the change? Since they gave that to that last sailing out, it seems that we should all be entitled to that as well.

 

I called the number in the first listing only to be told they are the POST cruise number and I needed to call reservations so I did and was told I needed to have my TA call which will take me another few days to get going I am sure! I will NEVER book from them again as she is so hard to reach!! anyway I was hoping to get a feel of whay options others are hearing and getting by the time she bothers to call me back.

 

Chole

[niya305]

Subject: Norwegian Dream’s Altered Itinerary

 

 

Due to a technical problem affecting the Norwegian Dream’s speed, the ship will be unable to call at Sitka, Alaska, on the following voyages:

 

July 11, 2005

 

August 1, 2005

 

August 22, 2005

 

Instead the ship will be spending a full day at sea. The reminder of the cruise itinerary is as originally scheduled.

[hotspur]

Subject: Norwegian Dream’s Altered Itinerary

 

 

Due to a technical problem affecting the Norwegian Dream’s speed, the ship will be unable to call at Sitka, Alaska, on the following voyages:

 

July 11, 2005

 

August 1, 2005

 

August 22, 2005

 

Instead the ship will be spending a full day at sea. The reminder of the cruise itinerary is as originally scheduled.

Well, these are all 10-day cruises. The NCL web site now shows a sea day for these three cruises rather than Sitka. But the 11-day itineraries still show Sitka, as does the itinerary for the September 12 10-day cruise.

[born2cruize]

We I guess I won't know until July 21, 2005. I do find it interesting as another thread from someone currently on the Dream (which is an 11-day) has been informed that they will miss Sitka.

[flyhi120]

I am really unhappy and called the customer complaint # 1-866-625-1164...the lady said they only take complaints AFTER the cruise has departed...BAD SIGN!!! We will be aboard the DREAM on 7/11/05...will let you know if they redeem themselves...:(

[niya305]

I am really unhappy and called the customer complaint # 1-866-625-1164...the lady said they only take complaints AFTER the cruise has departed...BAD SIGN!!! We will be aboard the DREAM on 7/11/05...will let you know if they redeem themselves...:(

 

But why would you want to complain before the cruise? Just b/c 1 port was cancelled? At least give the cruise a chance & see what happens, then if you still find yourself unsatisfied, give them a call. BTW every cruise line is allowed to cancel or substitute a port of call.

[jdr2alaska]

#7 out of the Passenger Ticket Contract:

 

Carrier, in its sole discretion, shall have full liberty to proceed without pilots and tow and to assist vessels in all situations; to deviate from the direct or customary course for any purpose, including, without limitation, in the interest of passengers or of the vessel, or to save life or property; to put in at any unscheduled or unadvertised port; to cancel any scheduled call at any port for any reason and at any time before, during or after sailing of the vessel; to omit, advance or delay landing at any scheduled or advertised port; to put back to port of embarkation or to any port previously visited if Carrier shall deem prudent; to substitute another vessel or ports of call without prior notice and without incurring any liability to the passengers on account thereof for any loss, damage or delay whatsoever, whether consequential or otherwise.

[Don Haynes]

Ships can and do make repairs at sea. I heard the Dream through a rod in one of its diesels, which will slow the ship down a few knots. However, they will have to tear the diesel down to replace the rod. The problem is the spare part, which will have to built and shipped from Europe. In a couple of months the Dream will be fixed. Of course, it appears the port of Sitka on the 10 day cruises has been eliminated in the meantime.

 

No matter how well you maintain your vessel, or your car, mechanical things do break..... Its not as if NCL is doing this to break your heart.....they have no choice in the matter.....

[flyhi120]

Alaska is a destination cruise, unlike warm weather cruises, where pool time is a destination in itself...having been reading up on Sitka and its rich Russian heritage, and choosing NCL Dream because of its ports of call in Juneau, Ketchican and Sitka, I am disappointed and think they should be aware of it...hence, I called and let them know...unfortunately, we aren't going to go Sitka, and I am just another disappointed passenger...:D