Just kidding, it is another free cruise post. But, it’s a short one.
In case you haven’t been following this saga, last year I status-matched my way to 4 free cruises (2 on Carnival, 1 on Holland America, 1 on Princess). I sailed on two Carnival cruises, but sadly had to cancel my Holland America cruise last month due to illness. I decided not to take advantage of the Princess offer. This year, Leana is also busy racking up some free cruises of her own! (FYI–I do not gamble. My MGM status came from matching my Hyatt status, which is now no longer possible).
Anyway, I was ok with leaving my free Holland American cruise behind after being sick. After all, I’ve got a lot of travel coming up this year.
However, Leana encouraged me to try a re-match with Holland America before my MGM Gold status expires at the end of this month. So, I reached out via the match link and explained how I had a free cruise offer but had to cancel it due to sickness. The rep asked me to send in confirmation of my cancellation. Then, two days later, I received a replacement free cruise offer that doesn’t expires until April 2025! YESSSSSS!
I decided to book a cruise to Alaska this summer. I’ve sailed to Alaska already on Disney Cruise Line with my family, and it was one of my most favorite cruises ever!
However, my cruise in 2017 did not sail through Glacier Bay National Park, which is supposed to have the most stunning scenery. Only two cruise ships per day can enter, so many cruise line itineraries don’t include Glacier Bay.
So, I picked a cruise on Holland America that sails through Glacier Bay. The itinerary also includes 3 other new-to-me ports: Sitka, Icy Strait Point and Victoria.
Since I have so much more travel planned this year, I’m trying to keep this “free” cruise as cheap as possible. I already booked my flights using miles. I’m also planning to skip excursions and explore the ports on my own, with one exception.
The great thing about these free cruise offers is that there is no single supplement charge. So, if I go on my own, there is no upcharge for taking up an entire stateroom by myself. I might bring a Plus One, but my entire family won’t be joining me. Also, if I cancel, I will get a refund of the port taxes I paid. Plus, I can cancel my award flights and get my miles back.
Am I crazy for adding more travel to my already jam-packed 2024? Maybe. But, when it’s free/cheap and while I’ve got good health, I’m seizing every opportunity.
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
Does this cruise include the land components (rail/bus)?
@Gigi No, I picked a cruise that doesn’t include the land journey. I did not inquire whether those extended cruises are included in the offer.
The problem for me is that, when I add the mandatory gratuities, the beverage and wifi package, and the taxes and fees, the cost skyrockets. I have never done a cruise and don’t like all inclusive resorts, so I’m hesitant to bite on the “free” cruise that ends up being about $700pp for the week. I realize that’s better than $1400. But it’s not really free.
@Beck You’re absolutely right, these free cruises are not really free, and the cruise lines are counting on us to spend on excursions, drinks, upsell restaurants, casino, etc. I might not get the WiFi package on this cruise since we will be in a lot of U.S. ports with a cell connection. But still, I’ll probably end up spending $500 out of pocket.
Icy Straight Point was amazing when we were there. We saw lots of whales doing their thing seen very close to shore. I hope you go!
@Talchinsky I’m excited to see more whales!