CruiseResource News Blog

HAL Changes Air/Sea Policies

2008-06-27T22:39:00.003-04:00

While one Carnival Corporation brand, Princess, made a move to be more consumer friendly, another sister brand is making a move on their air/sea bookings which could effect you decision to book air through them.

The cruise lines in general don't really like making your air reservations, and do it as a service, or to stimulate sales (such as for exotic destinations). But because they don't like it, and make very little off it in general (even though often their prices are higher than if you booked direct, unless there's an air special on your sailing), they're getting more and more restrictive.

Holland America has announced that they're going to start enforcing the stipulation that, until your cruise and air fare is paid in full, the air pricing is NOT guaranteed. Same goes for the air taxes and air fuel supplements. Of course, the air and cruise are fully refundable up to final payment date, but it's something to take into consideration when adding on cruise air to Holland America bookings - you might just want to pay in full, then remove the air if you find a better deal later.

HAL is being forced to make this change due to their air suppliers not wanting to guarantee rates out a year or more in advance. Don't be surprised if other brands, both Carnival Corp. sister brands such as Princess, and others follow in the near future as their air contracts come up for renewal and pricing for 2009 and beyond.

Princess Lowers Deposit Requirements

2008-06-27T22:36:00.003-04:00

Well, Princess' experiment with 30% deposits for 2009/2010 summer/winter cruises didn't work, and effective immediately they're lowering the deposit requirement to 20% for most cruises (world cruises and world cruise segments over 44 days have different deposit policies).

This is excellent news, as it means many 7-night cruises will actually have a lower deposit than the 2008/2009 sailings. Always a good thing!

You all have spoken, and Princess listened.

Bula from Fiji!

2008-06-27T22:33:00.003-04:00

Been wondering where I've been? I've been away (and still am, in fact) in Fiji with a group of divers onboard a liveaboard dive ship. Truly wonderful country with incredibly beautiful scenery above and below water, and some of the friendliest people in the world. Their sunny smiles brighten every day!

Following are a couple quick articles which may make a difference to you before my return. If you have any questions, feel free to email at my normal address, and you'll receive information on my covering agents.

Until my return... BULA! (The Fijian equivalent of Aloha!)

NCL Enriches Onboard Bookings

2008-06-15T01:58:00.002-04:00

As a further incentive to book onboard, which clients of mine know I strongly encourage in most instances, NCL is sweetening the pot.

Their new program consists of a $250/cabin refundable deposit (NOT per person) on a future cruise. That's somewhat typical, though the per cabin rather than per person charge is a new twist. What's really exciting, however, is that the guest will also receive a $100/cabin onboard credit on their current sailing! While there's no onboard credit for the future sailing, having the extra in your pocket immediately is a different way of receiving the benefit, and I think it will be popular.

Of course, if you cancel your future cruise at a later date, the refund will only be $150 - so don't even think this is a way to get a free $100 with no obligation.

A one other twist on the program is that you have 12 months to specify (book) your future cruise, and 30 months in which to sail.

NCL Increases Fuel Supplements

2008-06-05T17:28:00.002-04:00

Seemingly determined to maintain their status as having the highest fuel supplements in the industry, NCL today announced they would be raising their fuel supplement for new bookings as of June 20. The new daily supplement will be $11/person per day for the first and second passengers in a cabin, and $5/person per day for any additional passengers in the same cabin. Unlike other lines, NCL doesn't place a per-sailing maximum on the supplement.

The only mainstream lines yet to be heard from this week are the two RCI brands - Celebrity and Royal Caribbean. Anyone starting a pool on when they'll chime in?

Carnival to Sail Year Round from Baltimore!

2008-06-05T12:58:00.003-04:00

I think the number one request I get from clients is they want more choices of ships to sail from Baltimore. Well, Carnival listened!

Announced today, Carnival will start sailing year-round from Baltimore with the Carnival Pride! Her inaugural sailing from Baltimore will be on September 13, 2009, and she will sail very different alternating 7-night itineraries.

The first itinerary is what they're calling their Exotic Eastern Caribbean choice, calling at Grand Turk, Turks & Caicos; the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay; and Freeport, The Bahamas.

The second offering is focused on the Bahamas/Florida, visiting Port Canaveral, Fla.; and Nassau and Freeport, The Bahamas.

In addition, she will offer a special one-time 6-night sailing on September 7, 2009. Featured ports on this voyage include Freeport and Port Canaveral.

Sailings are open for booking NOW!

Another Fuel Supplement Increase

2008-06-04T19:23:00.002-04:00

Carnival Corporation today announced a further increase in the fuel supplements for their brands. Starting with bookings made on June 12, the supplement will increase to $9 per person per day for the first two passengers in a cabin, up from $7/person per day, to a maximum of $126 per person per sailing. For additional passengers, the supplement is doubling to $4 per person per day, up to a maximum of $56/person per sailing.

This increase will be applicable to their 6 brands which are widely marketed in the US: Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Yachts of Seabourn, Costa and Cunard.

Princess Free Alaska Tour with Mini-Suite!

2008-06-03T17:48:00.002-04:00

Princess just announced a new sale of a type I've never seen before. Purchase a mini-suite on a selected sailing to Alaska this summer, and receive the tour portion FREE!

The applicable sailings are:

Jul 25, 2008, Coral Princess, from $2,448/person
August 1, 2008, Island Princess, from $2,448/person
August 8, 2008, Coral Princess, from $2,448/person
Aug 15, 2008, Island Princess, from $2,173/person
August 29, 2008, Island Princess, from $1,898/person

The tour is the Heart of Alaska, tour 8S, which is a total of an 11-night cruise/tour package.

There are also free upgrades on certain cruisetours from obstructed oceanview to balcony:

Jul 25, 2008, Coral Princess, CT 6S, from $2,648/person
Jul 30, 2008, Sapphire Princess, CT 6S, from $2,648/person
August 8, 2008, Coral Princess, CT 6s, from $2,648/person
Jul 22, 2008, Diamond Princess, CT 1S, from $2,748/person
July 31, 2008, Island Princess, CT1S, from $2,748/person

These prices represent a phenomenal value. If you're interested, call immediately.

It's That Time Again - Hurricane Season

2008-06-02T17:16:00.003-04:00

As Tropical Storm Arthur peters out with rain over the Yucatan Peninsula, hurricane season always brings questions about cruising from June to November. Here's a bit of a hurricane primer for cruisers.

First of all, cruising is one of the safest vacations you can take during hurricane season. Because of advanced hurricane tracking information available to ship captains, ships are able to move out of the way of a hurricane to keep passengers and ship safe. Many times this means altering an itinerary from Eastern to Western Caribbean for example, or the reverse, or changing the order of the ports. It almost never entails the entire cancellation of a cruise, with the rare exception of a shorter 3- or 4- nighter. Usually the itinerary which has the most significant changes in the event of a hurricane is a Bermuda itinerary. In the case of an Atlantic hurricane near Bermuda, you may find your cruise changed to a Canada/New England itinerary or even sailing down to the Bahamas.

This is a huge difference from land-based vacations. If you were to plan a trip to Playa del Carmen, for example, and a hurricane set its sights on that part of Mexico, your choices would be to ride it out or if you were lucky, catch an evacuation flight out before it hit. Either way, you wouldn't have anything close to the vacation you expected.

When exactly is hurricane season? Technically it runs from June 1 through November 30. While a hurricane can hit outside these dates, traditionally this is the most likely time frame. The peak of the season, the week with the highest average hurricane activity, is the second week of September. As you get farther from that date, earlier or later, the less likely you are to experience hurricane activity. An early storm like Arthur is quite unusual for example, and actually formed a day before the official start of the season.

What happens if you're on a cruise and a storm comes through? Well, many times you can get a bit longer cruise at no charge (and sometimes even an open bar). For those scheduled to board on the day a storm comes through, they will have a shorter cruise than expected, but are usually compensated for that by the cruise line, either by direct refund and onboard credit if they choose to sail, or by being allowed to cancel with no penalty, and having 100% of their fare refunded. This type of compensation arrangement is fairly typical, though each line varies slightly in how they handle it, not just in general, but also storm-by-storm depending on how it affects their passengers.

But what if you're on a ship delayed by a hurricane? What about your flights home? That's when trip insurance is your best friend. Many times in this situation, a ship will allow you to make phone calls at a reduced (or no) fee so you can make other arrangements. My first call would be to my trip insurer to have them change my flights for me. A good insurer, such as the ones I recommend, has an emergency trip assistance line you can call 24 hours a day to help you in this type of circumstance. I used it when I became ill in Beijing and needed to find an English-speaking clinic open on a Sunday.

As your agent, I'm also here to help you with any plan changes. I stay on top of storms, and am in fairly constant contact with the cruise lines in these circumstances so I can answer my clients' questions and help you make necessary arrangements.

Hurricane season, particularly September, often brings tremendous value for cruisers. Experienced cruisers know that if they take precautions, like arriving in port a day early, purchasing trip insurance, and being flexible because they may end up at different ports than they originally anticipated, they can have a wonderful vacation at a fraction of the price they'd pay in July for example. Generally, if there's not a hurricane in the immediate vicinity, this time of year brings calm seas, warm water and good weather. I really like sailing in October for example, and you'll almost always find me on a ship sometime during hurricane season.

I have one non-cruise trip (shhh, I didn't say that! Such heresy from me!) scheduled in September/October, and I have to tell you I'm a lot more worried about hurricanes with that than I'd be if I were on a ship at the same time. Each person has to judge for themselves if they're comfortable with the flexibility which is sometimes necessary in hurricane season. However, by reading this newsletter, you've already proven you are someone who appreciates good value. So you might want to take advantage of the savings available. And if the worst happens, a "hurricane party" onboard a ship can be a lot of fun!

If you're interested in a cruise during hurricane season, definitely call to talk with me about it. We'll determine if it's a good choice for you.

Freestyle... For Your Face?

2008-06-02T17:09:00.004-04:00

NCL has announced a new treatment available in certain of their Mandara-operated spas. Botox. That's right, the injections of the botulisim toxin which help relax certain facial wrinkles will be available on ships including the Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Gem and Norwegian Spirit. NCL plans to launch fleet wide this fall.

All of the facial aesthetic treatments are under the supervision of Steiner's medical director, Dr. Brad Herman, a Miami-based, board-certified plastic surgeon and his team of medically licensed doctors who have been trained specifically in the administration of these treatments.

Guests can schedule a 30-minute consultation with the medi-spa physician on board who will create an individualized treatment plan.

NCL stated that BOTOX Cosmetic is a simple, non-surgical treatment that can safely and effectively soften lines and reduce wrinkles. Guests who want to reduce lines from the nose to the corners of the mouth can opt for Restylane or its sister product Perlane.

"By being the first to offer these popular medi-spa treatments, we are furthering the tradition of NCL-led innovation in the cruise industry," said Colin Veitch, NCL's president and CEO.

Not mentioned is whether the injections will be available for treatment of migranes, which is another popular use of the toxin.

Now, when you return from a vacation, your friends may actually be telling the truth when they say you look 10 years younger!

Celebrity Allows Online Booking of Specialty Restaurants

2008-06-02T16:44:00.002-04:00

Celebrity's specialty restaurants have long been a popular feature onboard their Millennium Class ships and Century. For good reason! These restaurants give a truly special experience and excellent menu beyond what is found in the regular dining rooms.

In the past, only Captain's Club members could make reservations for these restaurants prior to boarding. However, that's all changing. Today, Celebrity announced that they'll be rolling out online reservations availability to all their specialty restaurants, beginning with the Millennium.

In addition to making reservations for yourself and up to a total of 6 people (you'll need their reservation numbers), you'll be able to make changes online, make payments (even on separate credit cards), and check the status of your request.

They've set up a web site for more information at www.celebritycruises.com/specialtydining. However, when I checked it a little bit ago, it wasn't yet live.

Not mentioned in the announcement was whether or not Captain's Club members would continue to receive priority in these bookings, or if that benefit is now moot.

As someone who has long counseled people to go immediately to the restaurant upon boarding to make their plans, this will be a convenience for many. But be forewarned, it will likely make it even more difficult to get reservations on popular nights during a cruise. So if dining in these restaurants is a favorite part of your cruise experience, it'll be even more important to plan ahead!

Dealing with Airline Changes

2008-05-28T13:45:00.004-04:00

The airlines keep doing it to us. Changing our flights. Sometimes they tell us, sometimes it comes as a surprise when we go to check in. There are ways to deal with these flight changes. I constantly get questions from clients about this, and thought it was a good time to do a quick article of how to cope with flight changes.

First and foremost, after you book your flights, whether it's a week before you leave, or 11 months, it's a good idea to periodically go in and check your reservations. While the airline does have a duty to alert you to a schedule change, sometimes they wait weeks or months to do so. So especially when you've booked in advance, every couple weeks or so, go into your confirmation with the airline or the booking engine, such as Orbitz, and make sure all is good. If something has changed, you'll be first in line to make sure you get the best alternative.

While you're there, don't forget to check your seat assignments. The airlines often will keep the same flight times, but change the physical type of aircraft on the route. When that happens, the seat assignments go away, and you get a nasty surprise of middle seats when you get to the airport. So make sure every time you're in your flight information to ensure your seat assignments are still what you want.

What happens if you get a schedule change, and the change won't work; for example, a flight which arrives too late for you to catch your cruise, or too early for you to disembark at the end and get to the airport? First thing to do is call the airline directly. Yes, you'll have to deal with the menus and the computer to get to a real person, but that's the only real way to do it. Some of the online agencies can help if you booked through them, but I always recommend going to the airline first.

What you need to know when you call is that if the flight has changed by more than 1 hour, almost all the airlines (I say almost because I don't know of one which doesn't have this policy, but I wanted to be safe) will allow you to make a change to a different flight, without change fees and at the same fare. You do need to explain why the changed flight they assigned won't work, but they're usually good about making the change for you.

Once in awhile, you'll get an agent who either doesn't understand that policy, or plain doesn't know. They'll tell you that you can't make a change without fees. Politely thank them, decline the change and hang up. Then call back and get someone else.

My rule for dealing with airlines (and cruise lines and most similar situations) is: I don't accept the first "no", I rarely listen to the second "no", but begin to believe them if I hear it a third time. In other words, it all depends on who you speak with. In a case like this where you know you're correct, don't force the issue, merely keep calling until someone says "oh yes, that's no problem at all." If you keep getting the wrong answer, you can also politely ask to speak with a supervisor to see if they can "override" the policy. While there really is no reason for an override, the supervisor is more likely to know how to do what you're wanting and get it taken care of. But you can wait awhile to get through to one, so that's not your best first line of attack. Calling back and just getting someone else works 98% of the time.

Sometimes, the airline flight schedule is such that no flight will work for you. In that case, you might have to ask for a refund and purchase on another airline.

Know the options when you call about the change - if you ask for a specific flight (making it easy for the agent), they're more likely to get you exactly what you want. If nothing works, be sure before you accept a cancellation and refund that there's another option which, while perhaps less convenient, isn't so expensive as to make it unworkable.

You can also ask to be moved to another airline. It's rare this day in the case of advance schedule changes that the airlines will do it, but if they have a good working relationship, or code shares (such as US Air and United for example), they may be more accommodating with the request.

What happens if the only option is to go on an entirely different day? Usually the airlines won't cover the cost of a hotel room for that night, even though it's their fault. However, sometimes they will, so it doesn't hurt to ask. You can also check with your trip insurer to see if they'll cover it, but likely not. If the best (sometimes only) option is to fly a day earlier or later, you may have to accept it and find a hotel on your own. Not terrific, but at least you're finding out early so you can find a better price than trying to work it out just before your departure.

I don't really find that one airline is better than another in dealing with this kind of thing. Southwest is generally the friendliest and most flexible, but since they cannot book you on any other airline, the options are limited there. There simply may not be anything they can do, but at least you're pretty well guaranteed they'll be nice when they tell you that.

While the airlines may not vary much from line to line with how well they deal with this, it does vary dramatically individual to individual. So the big key is to be nice, be persistent, don't be afraid to hang up and try again. And if you have the golden ticket of being elite with the airline, use your exclusive phone numbers - those agents will take much better care of you and prioritize your requests. Put those numbers in your cell phone book, too, so you call the right one if you get in trouble on the road. Elite fliers are really treated differently. Use every bit of leverage you have.

Of course, if you have questions, even if I didn't book the air for you (which I generally don't), I do deal with these situations all the time. Call for advice and assistance! After all, that's why you use a full-service agent. My experience isn't only about the cruises themselves, but the other aspects of it. I'm here to help!

American Airlines Cuts Service

2008-05-28T13:11:00.003-04:00

Hidden in the announcement last week about American Airlines charging $15 for the first checked bag, was a statement that they would also be cutting service. The first round of cuts was announced today, and several of them will effect cruisers.

First off, and probably most significantly, they're "restructuring" flights in and out of San Juan. They're the biggest carrier there, and I know many of my clients fly them for Southern Caribbean flights. If you're booked through American, you'll likely be contacted starting next week for reaccommodation. I'd suggest waiting that week before you pro-actively call them. Likely they don't have the changes yet in the computer.

For other cruisers heading to South America next year, American is also eliminating one of their routes to Buenos Aires. Those scheduled from Chicago on American will have to find other routing, as that flight will be cancelled as of September 3.

Flying on American to Hawaii after September 3? Only select flights will continue, and all non-stop service will end on January 5.

Apology on the Happy Hours!

2008-05-28T13:02:00.002-04:00

An apology is owed! After my wonderful assistant completed the information for the newsletter with all the Happy Hours in it this past weekend, I thought I'd set it to be sent out automatically, but obviously I goofed and it did not get out as scheduled. I'm so sorry! I was spending time up in Windsor, Colorado, the community which was hit hard by a F4 tornado last week, helping family friends with some clean-up efforts, and didn't even notice I didn't have the confirmations in my email. Oops!

RCCL Genesis Ships Named!

2008-05-23T14:01:00.004-04:00

After a "Name that Ship" contest which brought in over 91,000 entries, two names have been chosen for the upcoming "Genesis Class" Royal Caribbean ships.

The new names are to be Oasis of the Seas (launching in 2009) and Allure of the Seas (2010). George Weiser, of Livonia, Mich., submitted the names. He will name the entire class of new ships.

When launched in late 2009, the Oasis of the Seas will be the largest cruise ship in the world, with 16 decks and 2,700 staterooms, and coming in at 220,000 gross registered tons with capacity for 5,400 guests. It will homeport at Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale.

That's one big Oasis and Allure! Looking forward to seeing if they live up to their respective names!

Celebrity Memorial Weekend Happy Hours

2008-05-22T16:25:00.003-04:00

Disappointed that there weren't any Alaska sailings for Royal Caribbean's Happy Hour this weekend? Never fear! Celebrity has their own extended sale as well, and they prominently feature Alaska sailings, along with Europe.

Like Royal Caribbean's sale, it starts tomorrow, Friday May 23, and extend through Tuesday, May 27! Again, if you'd like the preview before the newsletter is delivered tomorrow, just email me at amber@cruiseresource.com for your copy of the .pdf flyer.

Royal Caribbean Memorial Day Happy Hours!

2008-05-22T15:39:00.002-04:00

It's a sign of the economy. Likely fearing higher gas prices and other concerns with the economy, many of the closer-in sailings this summer seem not to be selling as well as Royal Caribbean may want. While the longer sailings as a whole, along with farther-out sailings, are selling well, the summer sailings... well, need some help.

So, it's time for a Memorial Day Happy Hour Weekend! Starting tomorrow, Friday, May 23 and continuing through Memorial Day, Royal Caribbean has the most sailings I've ever seen on Happy Hour - 12 full pages! Mostly Caribbean, Bahamas and European sailings (I don't see any Alaska), there is a wide variety to choose from for June and July sailings.

The full list will be in the newsletter tomorrow. However, if you'd like to get a jump on picking out your choice (and having me book them for you late tonight when they open for sale for the best availability), just drop me an email at amber@cruiseresource.com. I'm not permitted to post the list online, but I have it in .pdf form and I'm happy to shoot it over to you!

Mexico to Refund VAT Tax for Tourists

2008-05-22T15:31:00.002-04:00

It may soon cost you less to shop in Mexican ports!

Industry watcher Travel Weekly reports that Mexico soon will begin reimbursing the 15% value-added tax (VAT) that cruisers and other tourists pay when buying goods in the country.

The travel publication says that as early as June tourists will be able to use kiosks at five major airports (Mexico City, Cancun, Guadalajara, Los Cabos and Puerto Vallarta) to get back the tax, though the kiosks won't appear at cruise ports (and other airports) until 2009.

Cruisers only will be able get refunds for purchases totaling at least $115 (1,200 Mexican pesos), and the purchases have to be made at approved stores with cash or credit/debt cards issued outside of Mexico, Travel Weekly says.

No surprise that other restrictions may apply.

This is good news for cruisers who enjoy shopping in ports, and good news for Mexican shops as well... except for the extra paperwork. Having taken advantage of VAT refunds in many other countries, I find it's usually well worth the effort.

A Ship With Curves!

2008-05-09T17:30:00.004-04:00

As they laid the keel of their new ship, dubbed F3 (for Third Generation Freestyle), NCL slowly began to release some pretty unique details of their newest creation. They've been touting to the media and cruise agents that they've thrown away the rule book in cruise ship design, and so far I'd say that if not totally gone, they're definitely making major re-writes.

Of course, the first thing that people think about with a Norwegian Cruise Lines ship is the dining. Freestyle dining is the hallmark of the line. F3 takes that concept to a new level, doing away completely with a "main" dining room. All the restaurants onboard are the smaller (but still plenty large enough to serve all the passengers onboard between them) themed venues.

But where you'll really recognize the physical difference of the ship is in the cabins. Gone are the traditional box shapes we've all come to know so well. Instead, these rooms have some bodacious curves! It's hard to describe, but in suites and balcony cabins, the wall opposite the bed is one big bowed shape. The wall behind the bed is in an undulating wave. Even the sofa is curved. Look to the flooring - the carpeting isn't cut straight, but instead is curved as well!

This non-linear design is becoming very popular in higher-end hotels and boutiques, and actually is easier than you might think to build. Because adjacent cabins are mirrors of one another, fitting together like a jigsaw, two cabins together are actually a box-shaped component and fit nicely in the modular building of a modern cruise ship.

These curved spaces and furnishings - the bed also has rounded edges - actually make for better space allocation, as traffic flows more easily around them. Royal Caribbean and Carnival have had rounded beds for awhile, and though sometimes you feel like the bed is smaller, especially for taller people (something I've not had to contend with), they're actually almost exactly the same size as traditional, rectangular beds. In addition, curved lines are more restful to the eyes and brain. While western societies have traditionally been rectilinear (straight lines), many Asian cultures are more comfortable with curved lines. Think highway vs. garden path. These cabins will take a bit of getting used to, but I'm looking forward to them!

Another divergence from the norm is the way they've designed the bathroom area. Gone is the single box with the commode, sink and shower all together. While NCL had split the commode and shower into separate stalls a few ships ago, they're taking that a step further with this design, placing the commode on one side of the entry door, and the shower on the other! The sink and vanity are actually outside either area, in the cabin itself. It's an interesting concept, but not one which I can pass judgment on until I see it. I do like having the commode separate - that way two people can shower and use the commode at the same time while preserving each's modesty, but the sink in the cabin has me pausing, as does less room in the shower area. I can envision some "oops" moments with the cabin door at the entry to the shower if there's not much room in the shower to get dressed. But I'm sure NCL has thought this through, and the functionality will be much better than the concept on paper. It's one of those "you have to experience it to understand it" things.

Color and light will also play a key role in these new staterooms, with recessed dome lighting and a very comfortable color palette.

Overall, I think this is a great step in cabin design. Like the Celebrity Solstice, I applaud NCL for daring to change the traditional.

Want to see more? The artist renderings can be found at f3.ncl.com.

Dealing With Electronic Documents

2008-05-09T17:19:00.002-04:00

It was inevitable. Electronic documents are becoming the default in the cruise industry. Airlines adopted them years ago (and in fact paper documents are no longer able to be issued for most airlines by travel agencies), and the cruise lines have followed suit. It's long been the case that the printed documents you receive are redundant and unnecessary; several times I have shown up at the pier with nothing other than my confirmation number and passport. That's all you truly need. However, cruisers are attached to their cruise booklets. Unfortunately, most cruise lines are going to break you of that habit soon (though the luxury lines will likely hold on to their upscale presentations awhile longer).

Already, Princess and NCL have gone to 100% electronic documents. Celebrity, Azamara and Royal Caribbean are mostly there. Others are getting close. What does that mean to you?

You will still receive your Shore Excursion booklets by mail after final payment. However, the best source for excursion information pertinent to your particular sailing is found online at the various cruise line websites. There, you can see what is available on YOUR sailing, how many spaces remain, the cost, and go all the way to booking it. You don't have to wait for final payment (which, for some excursions, is too late as they're already full), and in fact even before your sailing shows the specific excursions available, you can download the full brochure - that one you'll receive in the mail later - to your computer.

After final payment, you'll have access to your cruise documents. How that happens varies by cruise line. But in general, either through your log on at the cruise line web site, or through email, you'll be given a link, from which you can print the relevant information. No longer do you need to wait for the cruise lines to send the documents - you can do your "doc dance" whenever you want!

The biggest complaint I hear about electronic documents (aside from the fact they lack some of the "oomph" of the arrival of the old booklets and packets) has to do with luggage tags. Princess and NCL have that solved, sending out the tags with the pre-cruise shore excursion booklets. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara don't send them out, leaving you to print them and tape or staple them to you luggage - not the greatest solution.

However, I do have a supply of the sticky luggage tags for the RCI brands, and I'm happy to print up your official tags and send them to you. All you have to do is let me know when your documents are ready to be printed, and I'll go into the system and take care of the tags.

The other thing which my clients miss from the old document packets are the wonderful Cruises Inc. luggage tags - those blue rubbery ones which are virtually indestructible. Never fear - I have those, too! If you have booked with me before, but need more, just let me know! I'm happy to send you some at any time. New clients will automatically get a set before their first cruise booked with me. If you're not yet a client, but would like some of these terrific tags, send me an email and I'll be happy to send you a few!

Of course, if you don't have a way to print out your documents from the online resources, there's no problem for me to print them for you and send them out. (Though I have to wonder how that would be the case if you're reading this blog.) But if there's someone in your family who is unable to print, simply let me know and it's all taken care of.

And as always, if you have any difficulty with the online registration or documents, give me a call - I can walk you through it on the phone, or even fill it in for you while you're on the line, and either print for you, or get you to the point where you can print them yourself.

Electronic documents don't mean the end of service. Service and value are about knowledge and assistance, not a few pieces of paper and how they're delivered. In fact, most of my clients are happier getting their documents much earlier and in their control. It's simply a change in presentation. I do miss those wonderful personalized books and their pouches, but love the convenience in not having to worry about lost documents.

Ready? Set? WOW Sale! The Big One!

2008-05-08T12:03:00.004-04:00

You read it here first! On Tuesday, May 13, the original (and best) WOW Sale from Royal Caribbean is back. This is the one which makes everyone excited!

Book on May 13 ONLY, and receive up to $200 onboard credit and 50% off your deposit on ANY Royal Caribbean sailing between September 1, 2008 and April 30, 2010!

Here are the details:

3-5 night sailing, $50/cabin onboard credit, $50/person deposit
6-9 night sailing, $100/cabin onboard credit, $125/person deposit
10+ night sailing, $200/cabin onboard credit, $225/person deposit

As before, technically this offer isn't combinable with any other offer, including shareholder benefits, Crown & Anchor benefits (including balcony discounts), Future Cruise Credits or NEXT cruise offers. However, if one of these applies to you, talk with me before the sale ;)

Existing bookings which are cancelled and rebooked are not eligible for these offers. Darn it!

If past WOW sales are any indication, things are going to be crazy on the 13th. If you're interested, give me a call or email me prior to the 13th, and you'll be taken care of even before Royal Caribbean reservations opens!

Princess Expands Past Passenger Early Booking Bonus

2008-05-06T21:41:00.002-04:00

Expanding on the program they began with the announcement of the European and Alaska 2009 season, Princess announced that they will continue to offer early booking bonuses of up to a $300/cabin discount. Debuting with summer 2009 itineraries, the savings vary by destination and apply to all cabin categories.

The program is offered to Captain's Circle Members at all membership levels - Gold, Platinum and Elite. For 2009-2010 departures, Europe and Alaska cruises must be booked by September 30, 2008 and all other destinations must be booked by December 31, 2008.

What's especially nice about these discounts is that, even if you later qualify for a different price promotion, such as special savings offers or group discounts, the discount will remain in effect. Once booked, Launch Savings remain in effect, and can be applied to most other subsequent promotions, allowing past passengers to always have the best fares for which they qualify. The savings can be combined with Escape Fares, group rates, regional promotions, and other past passenger discounts.

I've said all along that the best time to book is when the sailings are first released. Princess is helping to reinforce that with a very generous offer!

Royal Caribbean Releases Mexican Riviera Schedules/Princess Announces Panama Canal Itineraries

2008-05-06T21:23:00.005-04:00

Mexican Riviera fans rejoice! Royal Caribbean has finally announced their 2009/2010 schedules for the region!

The biggest news from Royal Caribbean is their Mariner of the Seas 7-night itinerary out of Los Angeles, marking the first time a Voyager-class ship has sailed from the west coast, and the Radiance of the Seas offering 4- and 5-night sailings from San Diego.

Expect to see Princess release their itineraries Mexican Riviera itineraries soon, as today they announced their Panama Canal sailings with some unique offerings, including a shorter 10-night full transit, along with itineraries which include a "Canal Experience" of 2 full days in the canal zone, featuring the full Canal transit plus a day with the ship at anchor at Fuerte Amador, on the Canal's Pacific side.

NCL Pulls a Switcheroo

2008-05-06T21:01:00.002-04:00

After announcing that the Pride of Aloha would be leaving the NCL America fleet and be transferred to Star Cruises (NCL's parent company), which anticipated selling the Aloha, NCL today announced a bit of a switcheroo. Instead of saying goodbye to the Pride of Aloha, she will instead be transferred to NCL, reflagged in the Bahamas with an international crew, and renamed back to her original name, Norwegian Sky.

That's not all the changes for her, either. NCL is going to use her to re-enter the popular 3- and 4-night Bahamas market out of Miami, a market they left back in 2003 due to lack of available ships. This market is one I expect to become more popular in the next year as some feel they need to tighten their belts, not to eliminate vacations, but perhaps scale them back a bit. These shorter cruises make for a great, affordable quick getaway. When she begins service, she will be the newest ship for any line serving these shorter Bahamas itineraries.

It was originally thought that she couldn't serve the new "NCL 2.0" as she had fewer restaurants than the newer ships, but for the shorter market, she can offer the choice that makes NCL so popular, and perhaps introduce more people to the concept.

Of course, during her wetdock prior to introduction in this market, she will be re-fitted with a casino and have other NCL 2.0 enhancements added. However, both her itineraries are fairly port intensive, featuring visits to Nassau and the NCL private island, Castaway Cay, with the 4-night option also visiting Grand Bahama Island, so you might not even notice the casino is there.

Sailings will start on July 14, 2008, and bookings through April, 2009, are currently on sale, starting at $229/person for the 3-night itineraries and $329/person for the 4-night options.

Sailings between July 18-September 26, 2008 have an additional bonus of a "Kids Sail Free" promotion if booked byMay 31, 2008. Call me for details and the fine print.

Exclusive Royal Caribbean WOW Sale May 6-8!

2008-05-05T15:10:00.003-04:00

This year, my parent company and our affiliates were named Royal Caribbean's Partner of the Year. To celebrate that, Royal Caribbean is offering us an EXCLUSIVE 3-day sale this week, May 6-8, with up to $200 off selected sailings! This is huge!

The selected sailings are:

Brilliance of the Seas, 7/16; 9/2; 9/26; 11/1; 11/13; 11/25; 12/7 - $200 off
Navigator of the Seas, 10/10 and 10/31 - $200 off
Legend of the Seas, 6/27; 7/22; 8/16; 9/10; 10/5; 10/30 - $200 off
Rhapsody of the Seas, October and November Australia sailings - $200 off
Liberty of the Seas, September and October Eastern Caribbean Sailings - $100 off
Monarch of the Seas, July, August and September sailings - $50 off
Majesty of the Seas, September and October sailings - $50 off
Sovereign of the Seas, September and October sailings - $50 off
Enchantment of the Seas, September and October sailings - $50 off

If you've been thinking about booking for the fall, now is the time! Give me a call to set up your booking.

By the way, this is in addition to the regular "Dollars Off" we can offer on bookings this month for August through December, 2008 sailings on many different ships. Royal Caribbean is pushing these dates, so NOW is the time to book!