Always Have a Back-up Plan

[tee_harbor]

Despite technological advances, Alaskan cruises are at the mercy of the elements.

 

The Associated Press:

 

The Holland-America cruise ship Veendam was forced to cancel a stop in Ketchikan because of bad weather.

 

The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory Wednesday because of gusty winds of 40 knots. High winds were reported at Ketchikan International Airport and in the harbor.

 

The Veendam was scheduled to arrive at 10 a.m. The ship was traveling from Skagway and approaching Ketchikan with at least 1,266 passengers when it filed a notice of diversion.

 

John Kimmel with Cruise Lines Agencies of Alaska says the winds picked up in Ketchikan and it became a safety issue.

 

The ship continued on to its final destination, Vancouver, British Columbia.

 

I'm sure there were plenty of those 1200 passengers on board who'd made independent excursion reservations. When making those reservations, ask the vendor what happens in this circumstance.

 

That 'best weather of the cruising season' that May is guaranteed to have? It's been raining most days this month and cooler than normal. Earlier this week, it was absolutely pouring cold rain, complete with wind. Unless you were in waterproof gear, you'd have been miserable attempting any sort of outdoor activities. I haven't heard a single helicopter go up for the past couple of days, even when it's not raining, because of the low clouds and mist.

 

So my biggest recommendation for visitors is to develop an Alaskan attitude. Expect anything but a guarantee, and be prepared. Have a backup plan, and just kick back if it doesn't work out. :D

[PennyAgain]

People will still fall for the cruise line advertising and merchandising of cruises to Alaska. They don't get reality at all.

 

I'm sure a lot of folks lost money on that missed port stop. They may try to argue with their credit card companies when they get home.

 

With the cruise lines pushing the season earlier in the spring and later in autumn, people need to find out the truth before they book a trip.

[NancyIL]

People will still fall for the cruise line advertising and merchandising of cruises to Alaska. They don't get reality at all.

 

 

The Veendam was in Ketchikan on May 14th. Plenty of people HERE have suggested that mid to late May has great cruising weather.

 

We cruised June 4-11 last year, and we had not-so-great weather in our 3 port towns - although Skagway cleared up nicely later in the day. I figure my late July 2008 cruise can't be much worse!

[Yukon]

I'll continue to tell people that early May isn't cruising weather. Yesterday was Late Winter in Skagway, but the 10-day forecast ( http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/tenday/99840?from=36hr_fcst10DayLink_business ) shows dramatic warming coming. Some folks get lucky, but even if the cabins are free I won't get aboard before May 20th. The reality for the cruiselines is that few people do ANY independent research before they book a cruise, though.

[wrp96]

I'm just hoping for calm seas starting next weekend for my mother's sake. But we'll be happy no matter what to be back home in Alaska.

[GMoney]

Great post tee-harbor - thanks...

[GMoney]

I'll continue to tell people that early May isn't cruising weather. Yesterday was Late Winter in Skagway, but the 10-day forecast ( http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/tenday/99840?from=36hr_fcst10DayLink_business ) shows dramatic warming coming. Some folks get lucky, but even if the cabins are free I won't get aboard before May 20th. The reality for the cruiselines is that few people do ANY independent research before they book a cruise, though.

 

I'm beginning to think I made a mistake with my cruise that starts 5/23 and then 7 days on land in early June...

[Yukon]

I'm beginning to think I made a mistake with my cruise that starts 5/23 and then 7 days on land in early June...

 

The 10-day forecasts for every place I checked show dramatic improvement from what we have now. I think you'll have a great trip :)

[Italy52]

I'm beginning to think I made a mistake with my cruise that starts 5/23 and then 7 days on land in early June...

 

Patrick - Our last two cruises were May 22-29 and we had wonderful weather. The weather reports all said we would have rain and we didn't have any. Keep the Radiance in good shape for our group. Keep the faith - sending good vibes your way.

 

Karen

[mytime53]

I'm beginning to think I made a mistake with my cruise that starts 5/23 and then 7 days on land in early June...

 

For your land portion, at least, the weather's got to warm up sometime! We're actually supposed to (according to one weather forecast, the one I choose to believe;) ) warm up to the 60's in the next few days. It's about time, is all I can say.

 

I started talking to someone in the garden dept. at Walmart yesterday, who was buying tomato and cucumber plants. Turns out this is his first spring here, and he's from Texas. He was having a difficult time believing me when I told him he couldn't plant those tomatoes or cucumbers outside yet.

 

Worse than the temps, though, has been the chilly breeze/wind that's been blowing almost every day. When the breeze quits, it's been very comfortable. Thank goodness for my lightweight windproof layer!

[GMoney]

Patrick - Our last two cruises were May 22-29 and we had wonderful weather. The weather reports all said we would have rain and we didn't have any. Keep the Radiance in good shape for our group. Keep the faith - sending good vibes your way.

 

Karen

 

Thanks Karen and everyone for your optimistic comments. Any vacation is still a good vacation, regardless of weather! :)

[msmoger]

I know predicting 10 days out is fairly unreliable (especially in Alaska), but here are some Weather.com links (in alphabetical order):

 

Anchorage: http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/tenday/ANC:9

 

Denali: http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/tenday/AKDENA:13

 

Fairbanks: http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/tenday/USAK0083?from=36hr_topnav_outdoors

 

Glacier Bay (actually Gustavus): http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/tenday/USAK0100?from=36hr_topnav_outdoors

 

Haines: http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/tenday/USAK0101?from=36hr_topnav_outdoors

 

Homer: http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/tenday/USAK0105?from=36hr_topnav_outdoors

 

Hoonah (ISP): http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/tenday/USAK0106?from=36hr_topnav_outdoors

 

Juneau: http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/tenday/USAK0116?from=36hr_topnav_outdoors

 

Ketchikan: http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/tenday/USAK0125?from=36hr_topnav_outdoors

 

Prince Rupert: http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/tenday/CAXX0382?from=36hr_topnav_business

 

Seattle: http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/tenday/USWA0395?from=36hr_topnav_business

 

Seward: http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/tenday/USAK0216?from=search_10day

 

Sitka:http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/tenday/USAK0224?from=36hr_topnav_outdoors

 

Skagway: http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/tenday/USAK0225?from=36hr_topnav_outdoors

 

Talkeetna: http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/tenday/USAK0236?from=36hr_topnav_business

 

Valdez: http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/tenday/USAK0258?from=36hr_topnav_business

 

Vancouver: http://www.weather.com/outlook/travel/businesstraveler/tenday/CAXX0518?from=36hr_topnav_business

 

Whittier: http://www.weather.com/outlook/recreation/outdoors/tenday/USAK0266?from=36hr_topnav_outdoors

[Putterdude]

I'll continue to tell people that early May isn't cruising weather. Yesterday was Late Winter in Skagway, but the 10-day forecast

 

I couldn't agree more, it used to be that the cruising season was June thru mid Sept. Now it is May thru mid Oct and we sit and watch the ships sail by like we have this week and remark how people arn't going to see a thing.

[NancyIL]

I couldn't agree more, it used to be that the cruising season was June thru mid Sept. Now it is May thru mid Oct and we sit and watch the ships sail by like we have this week and remark how people arn't going to see a thing.

 

I haven't seen any cruises that are still in Alaskan ports in October. Which ones are you referring to? The first cruises now leave in late April. I think April is a great month - in Florida! :D

[HIgirl]

Hi Tee Harbor,

thanks for the reminder of always having a backup plan. We leave on the Veendam today out of Vancouver for a two week back to back to AK. Thanks to another cruise critic member who posted about Captain Albert's blog, I was able to read about the horrible weather they've been having. Glad I brought all my rain/winter gear!

 

Janna

[sandune]

PATRICK!!!!! You are going to have a GREAT vacation, regardless of the weather. Some things you can change and some things you can't-weather is one that you can't. I have been reading some of the same posts as you..then I go and add a few more goodies to the suitcase-I intend to be both warm and dry!!!I am starting to get the heeby geebies....we will be in Alaska in 12 days and cruising in 2 weeks. This is the trip that I have longed for my whole life-I intend to make the most of it-rain or shine-hot or cold. If the weather is not our friend on this cruise-I will just have to do it again!!!!!!! I am not so worried about the weather as much as I am about the long flight to get there.My intention is to sleep-with or without medication!!!!! Keep us posted about how you made out on the cruise and the land portion-it will be interesting to hear! We will be back on June 8th.We will be getting on as you are getting off The Radiance (not really-we have the 6 hr Renown Tour before we board). Hopefully we will be able to drop off our luggage at the port before our Tour!!! Patrick,smile!!! Susie

[CowPrincess]

I intend to be both warm and dry

 

That is the best idea :) We were on Ryndam May 7-14, and had overall fabulous weather (5 of the 7 days onboard). The last 2 days would have been h*ll if we'd not had good warm/dry clothing. With the warm/dry clothing, we were still able to enjoy ourselves.

[FSUFAN]

This is definitely a YMMV (your mileage may vary) scenario when it comes to Alaska.

 

We were there Last week May 4-11 and look at the blue sky that we had to "endure". While we did have high winds on the way back, the only rain we had to deal with was in Seattle on the front and back end.

 

 

 

 

 

[Stormy256]

FSUFAN....what lovely pictures!!

 

I've been twice....first time last week of July 2001, inside passage cruise. Weather was in the 40's-50's the whole week. Cloudy, and a little misty.

 

Second time was the "last" cruise of the season....mid September 2005, left from Vancouver and ended in LA. Weather was 40's-50's with rain and rough seas (most of the M&M group didn't make it to the party). Missed stopping at Skagway that time. We were caught in some really rough weather....30 foot high waves (according to the Captain), that lasted about a day and a half. They said one night over 500 people didn't make it to dinner. Lucky for us our whole group was fine. The Captain took us to Icy Strait that day instead of Skagway and we had a great time.

 

Hopefully the third time will be a charm!! We leave in a couple of weeks, May 30 from Seward and end in Vancouver. The only thing I really hope for is some sunshine. I can deal with the cold (even though I don't like it).

 

No matter what......we will have a GREAT cruise :D

[tee_harbor]

I've been intrigued by the cruise ship companies pushing the boundaries of the season. When I was a kid, it was June, July, August. Of course, there were only a couple ships a week instead of a day, the ships were half the size they are now, and no shops shut down in the winter. :rolleyes:

 

Part of me thinks, well, at least with a cruise, you still have the ship. There are a certain number of people who don't even get off in port or just do the quick tee shirt shop stroll. So no matter how bad the weather, there's something to do.

 

People will still fall for the cruise line advertising and merchandising of cruises to Alaska.

 

I'd say anyone who's found this board wants to be an informed consumer. I'm sure buried somewhere in the sales contract, there's an explanation about the possibility of skipping ports, but who's reading through all that?

 

Does this happen often? I'd say a few times a year, if you include various mechanical breakdowns. More often, I'd say that weather can cause your plans to not quite go as envisioned--your fantasy assisted by the glossy ads. I love one TV that makes it seem as though the ship is snuggled right up to the face of the glacier as it calves. And yet everyone's in resort wear!

 

I see a lot of weather questions and a lot of 'We had great weather in May/June/July/August/September 20003!' I'm thrilled. Like an hostess, I want my visitors to enjoy their visit. But like that quickly mumbled line at the end of mutual funds ads, past performance is no indication of future results.

 

Last week, a poster asked about this week's weather forecast, which was for bad weather. How that shook out was, some days of the week have been miserable and some of been okay, with just overcast skies.

 

Go ahead and book the dream helicopter tour, but learn what the options are if it's cancelled. Even with this heavy rain, I'd go to Mendenhall Glacier. It's still pretty in the rain, there's a film to watch, and exhibits to view, inside and warm. The fish hatchery has covered viewing areas and an aquarium inside. Go sip beer at the brewery. Each port has not quite as exciting options. :D

 

As I said, I don't think any helicopter tours have gone up in the past couple of days. It's interesting, because the tour companies want to increase the permits for landings from 24,000 a season to 42,000. Yet last year, they only were able to do 17,000. All I can think is that they'd send up twice the number of copters on nice days. *shudder*

[CC Help Michell]

I couldn't agree more, it used to be that the cruising season was June thru mid Sept. Now it is May thru mid Oct and we sit and watch the ships sail by like we have this week and remark how people arn't going to see a thing.

 

That's what I'd always heard, too, and how we booked. But this year the first "Alaskan cruise" of the season left in April! I realize that there's no guarantee we will make every port on our cruise from June 1 - 15, but I think our odds are a lot better than similar dates in May.

 

I do feel for the folks on the Veendam who might have lost money (though every independent excursion I've booked has a policy that "if the ship can't dock, we refund," and I have it in writing -- a reasonable policy to have, since this happening is very rare, and if it's so bad to keep the ship from making port, it's probably filthy weather IN port, too). We also have cruise insurance to cover non-refundable expenses in the event of cancellations.

 

I also agree with the OP's basic point -- have a back up plan! I just today finished figuring out what we'll do on our day in Seward if our Kenai Fjords Northwestern trip has to be cancelled due to weather. I'm also packing as if at EVERY port we will need a fully waterproof outer layer, and as if on every glacier day we will need scarf, hat/earmuffs, gloves, and lots of layers. I figure if I plan and pack that way, we will be ready for anything, "warm and dry" as well! :)

[mckendus]

Weather is a crap shoot wherever you live. Our area on the east coast has had a few nice warm weather days, but mostly we're having Alaska weather! LOL You just never know. Best thing is to be prepared for the worst and hope for the best. :D

[danelady]

I can guarantee beautiful weather May 19-30 between San Francisco and Juneau. I'm on an 11 nite cruise during that time. I got so paranoid about the rain I was seeing that I went out today and bought a Froggtoggs rain suit and New Balance waterproof shoes. That makes it a sure bet that we'll have 12 days of sunny skies!!:D

-Kathy

[DougH]

I've sailed Alaska 5-6 times in May and have had decent weather every time. (generally May 15th or later) This time I'm pushing it the other way and am on the Dawn Princess for the last cruise in Sept. I've had much better luck in May than in Aug/Sept so far.

[Iggipolka]

We had fantastic weather on our April 27th - May 11th cruise to Alaska. We had one day of off and on rain in Ketchikan and some rainy weather on the way to Vancouver, but otherwise, it was great! Yes, it was cold, but we expected that. We made it to all of our ports and none of our excursions were canceled due to weather.

 

I have sailed to the Caribbean and have had ports bypassed because of weather. I've cruised to Mexico and had excursions canceled because of weather.

 

Weather happens no matter what ship, port of call or season.