In this episode of Billy's Cruise Takes we discuss Carnival's return to service, the importance of Alaska sailings resuming, mixed vaccines, the state of the Conditional Sail Order, and a new cruise that we just booked
The last time a large cruise ship was in Alaska was September of 2019 - until now. That might not matter to some, but if you’re one of the 8,500 residents of Sitka, AK, the return of cruising is the ability to breathe again. Just like when cruising returned to the Caribbean in early June of 2021, it was Royal Caribbean Group that was first to bring that oxygen to the community, this time in the Last Frontier, with Serenade of the Seas and her 2,143 guests. read more
In a move that most had written off as impossible in 2021, a bill has been passed by both houses of Congress with bipartisan support. Oh, and once signed by President Biden, that bill means that Alaska cruises can resume in July! read more
Hopefully cruising will resume in the coming months, right around what should be the Alaska cruise season. Unfortunately, even if cruising returns soon, the Mendenhall Glacier, quaint buildings of Ketchikan's Creek Street, and Juneau's Mt Roberts might not be on your itinerary. Canadian and US laws and even CDC restrictions are putting the Alaska cruise season in jeopardy, but there are six things that might save it. read more
Recently, Celebrity announced in an abundance of caution related to coronavirus, they'd be canceling all remaining Celebrity Millennium sailings in Asia for this season. This means they've added several five night Pacific Northwest and eleven night Alaska sailings, offering amazing opportunities to sail on a newly Revolutionized ship at great rates. How great? In some cases, we're talking about suites for under $152 pp/pn...
Regardless of where you're cruising, we always recommend getting a passport. Frequently though, there is some confusion about requirements for Alaskan cruises, since they sometimes leave from the United States (mostly Seattle) and visit Alaska, also part of the United States. Because of the Passenger Vessel Services act, an old law that restricts non-US flagged ships from traveling only to US ports, your cruise will make a stop in Canada, and as such, you'll need a passport or other proof of citizenship. This means... read more
Alaskan cruises visit many small towns and in general they've no shortage of ways to take in the beautiful scenery. The largest city you might visit when cruising Alaska is the capital city of Juneau. While visiting the capital may lead you to look for adventures in the city, beautiful Mount Roberts can be enjoyed in several ways, and is just steps from your ships gangway... read more