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-   -   Looks like really wet weather...should we cancel cruise? (https://www.fodors.com/community/cruises/looks-like-really-wet-weather-should-we-cancel-cruise-616647/)

mgtr May 18th, 2006 12:56 PM

Looks like really wet weather...should we cancel cruise?
 
We leave in a week for our Alaskan cruise. I knew when we booked it that the end of May is still the off season (which is why we got a great deal) and we may encounter some wet weather.
However, when I look at the 10 day forecast, it says showers every day! Has it just been the light mist sort of showers or rain on and off....or is it at constant downpour?
Should we cancel the cruise?
We booked excurions and the main one I am worried about if it rains is the Taku Lodge Float Plane....will they even go up in rain?
I would appreciate any advice or input.
Thanks

Cruiser May 18th, 2006 02:09 PM

Yes, you should cancel.
If you can afford it, wait until better weather and then rebook! ;-)
Hopefully you can get your money back from all the excursions also.

Might as well go unpack.

mgtr May 18th, 2006 02:12 PM

Is the weather that awful?

Hold May 18th, 2006 02:29 PM

I've never heard of any line that would let you cancel a cruise a week before it sails without you loosing everything. Cruise insurance won't cover such a thing either.
What am I missing?

Cruiser May 18th, 2006 02:31 PM

I don't know. You were the one that was concerned with the daily "showers" mentioned. Are showers awful to you? Then cancel and be done with it--don't stress over the decision.

I personally wouldn't cancel, but I can deal with showers. The excursion coaches I was on even had umbrellas for you to grab as you exited the busses when the rain arrived.

I always take a wind-breaker with attached hood for unexpected showers. Then dress with layers for days that are cooler.


Cruiser May 18th, 2006 02:35 PM

Hold: You aren't missing anything. But the OP will be missing a beautiful state if he cancels and doesn't rebook.

I don't know of any insurance that will let you cancel for the reason of daily showers. Like I said, IF he can afford it .....go ahead and cancel.

Gardyloo May 18th, 2006 03:49 PM

If you wait for the promise of perfect weather in Alaska, you will wait a long time.

It's <i>Alaska,</i> for Pete's sake. Not to be confused with San Diego.

If it's overcast and drizzly but flyable, you'll fly. If it's socked in, you won't fly. But 20 minutes later it might be un-socked, so you'll fly then.

Visiting temperate rain forests implies... rain.

P_M May 18th, 2006 04:44 PM

I went on a land trip to AK several years ago and it rained every day, except of course, the day we left. It wasn't hard rain, just the all-day drizzle. Our relatives in AK said they rarely get storms, just a lot of drizzle. We were there in the month of August, so there's no guarantee of good weather at any time of the year in AK.

I completely agree w/Gardyloo--if you wait for good weather in AK, you will never go. It's never been a sun-seeker's paradise, and hopefully global warming will not change that. :-)

Buy some rain ponchos and GO!! Have a great trip.

BudgetQueen May 19th, 2006 06:19 AM

I replied to this post on the Alaska board, but agree completely, if weather is such a concern for you then forget Alaska, no way to predict and you are asking a question that can't be answered.

I also know of NO major cruiseline that you can cancel because of your weather preferences???

Yes the floatplanes go in rain.

megtr May 19th, 2006 10:25 AM

We bought a seperate policy (as we do for all trips-b/c you never know) and it allows a wide variety of reasons for canceling.
I appreciate the posts from those that provided worthwhile input. I checked several web-cams in the area and it looks like a fine mist rather than downpour....
looks like no need to cancel.

katybird May 19th, 2006 12:54 PM

I'm curious. Are you saying you have an insurance policy that allows you to cancel because of poor weather?

mgtr May 19th, 2006 05:59 PM

We buy trip insurance from a program that specializes in trips for educators. While weather isn’t a reason for cancellation….the policy is very general and there are other reasons we could claim if necessary.(ie-change of class schedule, dates of exames)

Louise May 20th, 2006 05:58 AM

Am I reading this correctly - are you saying you would tell a fib in order to get out of a cruise because weather isn't covered? I would think you would have to provide some kind of documentation if you are claiming but I suppose even that could be fabricated.

luv2fly May 20th, 2006 07:07 AM

Alaska = drizzle
Mediterranean = sun
Hawaii = sun
Mexican Riviera = sun

You decide - - -

mgtr May 20th, 2006 08:09 AM

No, we simply into a few differnt categories that qualify as a reason for cancel. (and you are correct....we would need to provide documentation for ANY reason that we cancel)

jecrow May 23rd, 2006 12:43 PM

That part of Alaska is always rainy/foggy. So you are taking your chances at all times.

abram May 23rd, 2006 01:47 PM

In Ketchikan, we were told that if you can't see the mountain, it's raining, and if you can see it, it's about to rain.

Spray waterproofing on your shoes, get a waterproof jacket with a hood, wear quickdrying pants (as opposed to heavy jeans)and have fun.


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