Advance Notice: NCL's Freestyle Resolution Sales Event!

Formerly know as the Sale of all Sails, the Freestyle Resolution Sales Event is NCL's largest sale of the year, typically starting in January (for "Wave" season). Kicking off a bit early this year, this is your exclusive advance notice! As I mentioned in the "When to Book" editorial, whenever possible with NCL you want to wait for one of their promotions. This is one of the richest offers of the year, so it's time to book!

"Wave" season is traditionally the months of January, February and March, when the majority of the bookings for that year are made. It's been a bit less dramatic the past 2 years, and it appears the cruise lines may be doing what they can to spur sales during this critical time. Holland America's "View and Verandah" sale is also a "Wave Season" promotion, though it always starts in December, so this year isn't as unusual for them.

Beginning on Monday, December 15, the following offers will be applicable for all 2009/2010/2011 bookings on NCL:

Per stateroom onboard credit on ALL 3-5 day cruises:

• $30 Inside (I-II)
• $40 Oceanview (H-CC)
• $80 Balcony (BI-BA)
• $100 Mini-Suite (AG-AF)
• $150 Suite and Villa (AE-A1)

Per stateroom onboard credit on ALL 6+ day cruises:

• $50 Inside (I-II)
• $100 Oceanview (H-CC)
• $150 Balcony (BI-BA)
• $300 Mini-Suite (AG-AF)
• $500 Suite and Villa (AE-A1)

Applicability:

• All published 2009-2011 sailings
• Combinable with all fare codes except travel agent and interline
• Does not include 1- and 2-night cruises
• Category AE aboard Norwegian Sun and Pride of America receives $300 onboard credit
• Booking Window December 15, 2008-February 1, 2009

Existing Bookings:

• Anyone outside of final payment can move to the promotion, but at current terms
• Current pricing would apply
• Current onboard credit would replace any other amenity

I've also been given a hint there may be a fleet-wide reduced deposit promotion as well, but have not gotten full confirmation on that.

Call or email me for more information and to take advantage of this terrific promotion!

The End of an Era

I've written before about the struggle to keep the Delta Queen operating. Not only does it appear that Congress won't extend her exemption to regulations against wooden ships, but that the entire line which operated her and other steamships, Majestic America, will be shutting down. This will affect all 8 of their ships, including one already taken over by the US Maritime Administration for non-payment of debt. 5 of the ships will be pulled out of the water and placed in long term storage.

Majestic America is owned by Ambassadors International, which also owns Windstar Cruises luxury line.

The steam vessels have a long history along America's waterways, from the Pacific Northwest to the South along rivers such as the Columbia, Mississippi and Missouri. They were reminders of our history before Interstate Highways, when rivers, lakes and trains handled most of the transportation needs of our country. The disappearance of these magnificent ships, which allowed us a glimpse at live when things were slower and quieter, is a sad note in maritime history.

It is hoped that eventually a buyer for these vessels will be found. However, the economics of them hasn't been strong for many years, and I'm not optimistic here.

All those who loved these vessels, and their history, please hold your memories in your heart, as their time is likely past.

New Princess Itineraries for 2009!

Princess president and CEO Alan Buckelew and VP national account sales Jim Baer said the line will operate cruises to the Arctic Circle and mid-season trans-Atlantic itineraries that will call at Greenland and Iceland. The line also plans to increase its Holy Land cruises, which Buckelew said were very successful this year.

Princess excels at diverse itineraries. While they cover all the "basics", for those who are looking for more adventurous itineraries, or simply different choices, Princess ensures they mix up their choices each year to bring you to new destinations.

If you have questions about these new itineraries, give me a call or email!

Holland America's Volendam to Australia in 2009

Holland America has announced 9 sailings in the 2009/2010 cruise season on the Volendam throughout Australia and New Zealand. This ship represents the largest Holland America has sent to the region thus far.

The itineraries range in length from 14-19 nights, and will depart from Singapore, Auckland or Sydney. Of course, this also means there could be some interesting repositioning cruises as well!