It's Wave Season! FULL List of Special Offers!

Once again, cruise wave season is upon us, the time when most bookings for the year are made, and the cruise lines roll out attractive specials to entice you. Below is a FULL list of wave season offers by cruise line! Most of these offers are available through February 4, 2010, though other booking dates may be listed in the specific offers:

Azamara Club Cruises: Receive up to $400 in Onboard Credit (per stateroom) when you book an Ocean View stateroom or higher on select Azamara Club departures. Booking Window: January 7 - February 4, 2010

Applicable Sailings:
Azamara Journey, 5/2/10
Azamara Journey, 5/23/10
Azamara Journey, 6/18/10
Azamara Journey, 8/29/10
Azamara Quest, 7/12/10
Azamara Quest, 11/27/10

Carnival: Up to 2 Category Upgrade on select dates.

Celebrity: Up to $100/cabin onboard credit! Celebrity January Sale

Interested in an Alaska or Europe cruisetour? Up to $200/cabin onboard
credit on Alaska cruisetours if booked by January 31, or $300/cabin onboard
credit for Europe cruisetours if booked by March 31!

Crystal: In addition to the absolutely wonderful As You Wish onboard credits up to $2,000/cabin, 2-for-1 fares and free air on select sailings, an additional $200/cabin onboard credit and pre-paid gratuities.

Solo Travelers: Remember that Crystal has some of the
lowest single supplements in the industry, standard starting at only 25%.
Crystal can be a fabulous value for solo travelers.

Cunard: Up to $300/cabin onboard credit for all 2010/2011 sailings (except 2011 World Cruise) on QM2, Queen Victoria and the new Queen Elizabeth.

Solo traveler alert: I have found ZERO single supplement on some fall 2010 Transatlantic sailings on the Queen Mary 2! Most notably the 11/10/10 sailing. Zero. Nada. Zip! Current inside fares are less than $1,000 SINGLE OCCUPANCY! If you've dreamed of a classic Cunard Transatlantic and sail solo... DO NOT WAIT! These sailings are also eligible for the onboard credit and reduced deposit offers!

Disney: Onboard credit for selected 3- and 4-night spring sailings!

Holland America: Reduced deposit and coupon book for all bookings! Don't forget the ongoing View and Verandah sale with lowered fares for oceanview cabins and above, 50% reduced deposit, savings for 3rd and 4th passengers, and even savings on pre- and post-cruise hotels!

In addition, in an EXCLUSIVE for my clients, I have some Limited Edition The Art
of Cruising books from Holland America! This lovely coffee table book
highlights the fine art and antiques aboard Holland America ships. Book
with me on Holland America by February 5, and I'll enter you into a drawing for
these collectible books!

NCL: Year of Freestyle Vacation offers. Up to 6 category upgrades, certificate books, plus rotating offers every two weeks. Currently on sale: Norwegian Epic with upgrades and reduced deposits!

In addition, for solo travelers, Norwegian Epic is offering
150% single supplements for most 2010 and 2011 sailings! This is huge, as
NCL rarely reduces single supplements. A great opportunity to try not only
NCL, but their brand new Epic!

Princess: Through January 21, reduced deposits of $100/person and coupon books on all sailings 7 days or longer.

In addition, for select 2010 European, Caribbean and Alaska sailings, book a balcony at the price of an Oceanview!

Alaska Cruisetours including Denali are on sale! Up to 25% off Alaska
Cruisetour packages! Book by February 28. Prices start as low as
$1,274/person.

Royal Caribbean: Up to $200/cabin savings for select sailings throughout 2010! Book an oceanview cabin or above by February 28 on select sailings and receive up to $200/cabin savings!

River Cruising: River cruise lines continue to offer tremendous savings, with 2-for-1 pricing, free or reduced air and other special offers. These specials are frequently changing, but if you're considering a river cruise for 2010, don't wait. Unlike 2009, many special dates are already extremely limited.

This is the time to book your 2010 (or even 2011) cruise!

If you're thinking of Alaska this year, I can't emphasize enough to BOOK NOW! Because of the reduction in the number of ships and sailings, I expect Alaska cruises and cruisetours to be going up in price throughout the year. Booking now locks in your preferred cabin and pricing.

Remember that several lines will allow me to adjust your fare if they lower prices, EVEN AFTER FINAL PAYMENT! If you're concerned with getting the best fare, and who isn't, ask for information on these policies. I never charge a fee for changes to your booking, unless the cruise line imposes one directly. So you're protected when booking with me!

Call me at 303-690-8937, or toll-free at 888-SAIL-123 (888-724-5123), or email at amber@cruiseresource.com for more information on any sailing, offer, or to book your cruise! You deserve a great vacation in 2010!

Great News for Charleston! Carnival to Homeport There Year-Round

In news which should make those in the Southeast who are tired of the trek to Florida very happy, Carnival has announced that they will homeport the Carnival Fantasy in Charleston year-round. This does require a bit of a ship shuffle, and the loser in this shuffle is San Diego, which loses the Elation.

The new schedule from Charleston, S.C. will debut on May 18, 2010 with the deployment of the 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy. Carnival Fantasy will operate from the Passenger Terminal in historic downtown Charleston.

Carnival said that Charleston's centralized location within the southeastern U.S., as well as the city's strong appeal as a tourist destination, were key factors in the decision to launch year-round service. The Carnival Fantasy is expected to carry more than 140,000 passengers annually from the port.

Carnival Fantasy will operate five-, six- and seven-day voyages on a variety of different departure days. Five-day voyages departing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will call at Nassau and Freeport, The Bahamas. Six-day voyages departing Saturdays will visit Freeport, Nassau and Key West, Fla. Seven-day voyages depart Saturdays and will feature Grand Turk, the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, and Nassau.

Replacing the Carnival Fantasy in Mobile will be its sister ship, the 2,052-passenger Carnival Elation, which will reposition from San Diego to launch year-round service from that port May 15, 2010.

Why You Shouldn't Dare Someone to Jump... Or Disney Rescues "Daring" Carnival Passenger!

In a story too weird not to be real, the Disney Wonder rescued a passenger who went overboard from the Carnival Sensation. Kudos go out to both ships for their quick action and efforts to save this passenger.

However, as the story is unfolding, in official statements, news reports and in tweets from onboard the ships, it is now being reported the rescued man was overheard arguing with a woman shortly before he was observed jumping from a balcony. In the course of that argument, he allegedly threatened to jump, to which she reportedly replied "go ahead." Of course, that's unofficial at this point, but considering the official statement from Carnival is that he was observed by ship's cameras jumping (not falling) from a balcony, the reports of a dare being involved is not outside the realm of possibility. Anyone want to bet that drugs and/or alcohol were involved as well?

More details can be found at the Cruise Log at Drama at Sea.

I've warned you all before about balcony bungee jumping without the bungee. Didn't think I needed to warn you about accepting dares on a ship. Guess I need to update the cautions, don't I?

Carnival's New Vacation Protection Plan Provisions - Good Enough?

How could I even ask such a question? Aren't new features almost always good? Not if they don't go far enough toward covering what YOU need.

Carnival announced today that they are adding job loss assurance and severe weather watch/warning protection to their Cruise Vacation Protection Plan offered on Carnival cruises.

The severe weather watch/warning protection provides reimbursement in the event the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and/or National Weather Service issues or maintains a severe weather watch or warning within 48 hours of a cruise departure. Should the watch or warning affect either the cruise departure city or the guest's route to that city, the plan will allow for cancellation and reimbursement up to the full amount of the cruise cost.

Another new weather protection feature provides that if a guest is traveling to the cruise departure port via a common carrier (airplane, bus, train, etc.) and inclement weather ultimately causes the guest to miss 50 percent or more of the cruise vacation, the guest may receive reimbursement up to the total cost of the cruise.

The new job loss plan will provide reimbursement up to the total cruise cost if individuals who have booked a cruise and purchased the plan are subsequently terminated by their employer and have worked for that employer for at least one continuous year.

These two additions definitely have value, and could be important to some travelers. However, like most cruiseline-offered policies, they may not be the right solution for you or provide as comprehensive insurance as do independent policies.

I make no secret that in most situations, I'm not a fan of the policies offered by cruise lines. There are several reasons for this: they don't cover any arrangements you book independently, such as airfare, hotels or excursions; they usually don't cover pre-existing conditions; many don't offer refunds but instead offer future cruise credits if you cancel under their "any reason" provisions; they don't protect against supplier default; their coverage limits aren't terribly generous with regard to medical and evacuation coverages; and sometimes limit coverage for illness to non-traveling family members.

Carnival's policy isn't bad, it just doesn't provide comprehensive coverage. It does refund in cash if you need to cancel for a medical reason. It does allow cancellation for the illness of a non-traveling immediate family member. The job loss and weather additions are nice bonuses. But the medical limit is $10,000, and evacuation is only $30,000, neither of which is adequate in this day and age, especially for those covered under Medicare which doesn't allow claims for treatment outside the US. In addition, there is no waiver for pre-existing medical conditions, though if you do need to cancel for a pre-existing condition, they will give you a future cruise credit. And of course there's no provision for coverage for any other aspects of your cruise vacation which weren't booked through Carnival.

I applaud Carnival's enhancements, but as always, I recommend you discuss with your travel advisor your particular needs and what coverage might best suit your situation. In most cases, I feel that independent coverage offers superior protection, often at or close to the same cost as that offered through the cruises. There are exceptions, always, and it's important to look at your specific situation and decide based on that what form of coverage is best for you.

Carnival Not Implementing Fuel Supplement At This Time

Don't know if you noticed, but crude oil prices (most specifically West Texas Light Sweet Crude) slipped over the infamous $70/barrel price yesterday, and is today trading around $71. Many observers in the cruise industry started mulling over whether or not that would mean the return of fuel supplements.

On all recent bookings, Princess and Holland America have had a disclaimer that if fuel exceeds $70/bbl, that they reserve the right to re-impose supplements. Other lines aren't so blatant about it, but if you go back to when they were first implemented, there were a number of "benchmark" dates where, if the price was over $70/bbl at the close of trading, the supplements would be implemented for the following quarter. We have one of those benchmarks coming up on June 17.

First out of the block to address this question is Carnival Corporation's Mickey Arison, who has stated that they have "no plans" to reinstate supplements on any of their brands at this time. It was noted that, while the price of fuel is increasing, they also have to take into consideration the overall economic climate in evaluating whether or not they should implement these fees. An official statement to this effect will be released later today.

Of course, they reserve the right to monitor the prices and review their position as factors change.

Royal Caribbean and Norwegian had actually set their benchmarks at $65/bbl, which we passed several days ago, and have not indicated any move toward re-instating supplements on their lines at this time.

So for right now, cruisers, looks like we're in the clear for the near term on fuel supplements. Stay tuned, as I'll always keep you updated.

Carnival Announces End of Paper Documents

Following in the steps of lines such as Princess, NCL, and Holland America, Carnival announced today they will discontinue issuing paper documents starting with sailings departing on or after August 25. They said, and I agree, that most people are already using online registration and documentation, having been forced to get used to that type of system by the airlines, and it is a huge expense for them.

I do miss the tradition of paper documents and doing the "doc dance" when you received your anticipated package in the mail, but am glad for the efficiencies and savings, not to mention timeliness and environmental sensitivities, of electronic documentation.

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara still do issue paper documentation upon request (as, technically, does Holland America, but not really), but as a company, I am issuing electronic documents for all my clients on these mainstream brands. However, if you should ever need assistance with the online registration or printing of the documents, I'm happy to do that for you and send you the paper backup via regular mail. Electronic documents aren't the end of service, it just changes the dynamics a little.

Most of the Luxury lines and specialty lines, such as river cruises, still have their traditional documentation packets. However, how long until they, too, go the way of the rotary dial telephone?

Carnival Announces "Early Saver" Fares

On Monday, January 12, Carnival Cruise Lines will launch a new cruise pricing option called Early Saver, which will offer fares as much as 25 percent lower than our best generally available rates! Early Saver also provides rate protection if rates later drop below what was originally paid. This will allow you to book early on Carnival with more confidence!

The Early Saver rate protection feature provides that if a lower Carnival advertised rate becomes available after the booking is made, a rate adjustment can be requested and we will issue the difference in the form of a non-refundable shipboard credit. The lower fare must be for the same ship, sailing date, stateroom category and number of guests. This definitely makes booking Carnival cruises early more attractive, and will change my view of "when to book" for Carnival giving them a nod for booking early rather than waiting until late for the best possible fares. (See my article on "When to Book Your Cruise" for more information on my opinions on when to book each line in the current economic circumstances)

Early Saver rates will be offered on virtually all sailings up to three months prior to sailing date for cruises of five days or less and up to five months prior to sailing date for longer length voyages, subject to availability. Early Saver fares include all stateroom types, including suites and allow you to choose a specific stateroom.

There is one significant quirk in that Early Saver deposits are non-refundable, and this does make a difference in your decision-making process, and makes trip insurance, whether traditional or with cancel for any reason coverage, much more important.

Of course, traditional booking options, with fully-refundable deposits, but less certain protections for fare reductions, also will remain.

If you have questions about this new program, or want to discuss when to book for next cruise for your best advantage, just email me! I'm happy to discuss the options with you so you can make the decision right for you.

Cruising Coming to a TV Near You

Designed to further your PCS (post-cruise syndrome) at being landlocked when you want to be cruising, two new programming items from Carnival and NCL are coming to a TV near you.

First up is NCL's Norwegian Pearl on the Travel Channel this Sunday, December 21. The Pearl is focused in a new show from one of her 2008 Alaska sailings. The one-hour special entitled “Great Cruises: Norwegian Pearl,” is hosted by Brook Lee, Miss Universe 1998. Filmed in high-definition during a seven-day Alaska cruise aboard the ship, it will premiere during the network’s Alaska-themed night on Dec. 21 at 10 p.m. EST. The show will feature Lee as the ship sails through Alaska’s Inside Passage with stops in Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Ketchikan, Alaska. While on board, she explores the ship’s amenities, including bowling in Bliss Ultra Lounge; dining in several of the ship’s specialty restaurants; dancing in the Spinnaker Lounge at Nil’s White Hot Party; rock climbing; relaxing in a whirlpools while sailing through Glacier Bay; taking in a show at the Stardust Theater; and getting a hot stone massage at the spa.

On shore excursions, Lee journeys into Juneau to take in the Mendenhall Glacier and sets off on a wildlife quest where she sees orca and humpback whales, seals, salmon and eagles. In Skagway, she indulges in Alaskan king crab at the Skagway Fish Company and sets off shopping in the town. Then, she embarks on a Bering Sea crab fishermen’s tour in Ketchikan aboard the Aleutian Ballad, one of the fishing boats featured on Discovery Channel’s hit show “Deadliest Catch.”

Of course, if you have other plans on Sunday, “Great Cruises: Norwegian Pearl” is scheduled to air again on the Travel Channel on Dec. 27 at 10 a.m. EST, Jan. 10 at 2 p.m. EST, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. EST and Feb. 12 at 10 p.m. EST.

But if that's not enough to get your cruise juices flowing, Carnival is set to debut a new series of commercials. The new network TV advertising campaign kicks off December 25 with two 30 second spots designed to evoke the kind of spontaneous and spirited fun that underlies the Carnival vacation experience. The two spots were shot during local events held recently in Dallas and Philadelphia attended by several thousand people. During the events, Carnival set Guinness World Records for the world’s largest inflatable beach ball and the world’s largest piñata.

The new commercials are part of the line’s new “Fun For All. All For Fun.” branding campaign intended to capture the truly unique essence of the Carnival vacation experience. “Fun is more important today than ever,” said Ruben Rodriguez, executive vice president of marketing and guest experience for Carnival Cruise Lines. “These new spots capture a sense of genuine, spontaneous fun which is the same kind of experience that makes a Carnival cruise such a memorable vacation.”

“There is a difference between telling consumers you’re fun and actually being fun,” added Pete Favat, Arnold’s chief creative officer. “These commercials truly capture the essence of fun and you can’t help but have a good time watching them. We hope that this will create even more passion for the Carnival Cruise Lines brand among consumers.”

In the “Beach Balls” spot, members of the Carnival Fun Team inflate three gigantic beach balls, each measuring a world record-breaking 35 feet in diameter. They then roll the balls off the tops of buildings in downtown Dallas as thousands of people below come together to help bounce the enormous balls up and down the city streets.

In the “Piñata” spot, the Carnival Fun Team assembles the world’s largest piñata in Philadelphia. Members of the community wake up in the morning to discover the gigantic, colorful donkey measuring over six stories tall, standing near a busy street corner. Thousands of people begin gathering to help break open the piñata, and celebrate in the 8,000 pounds of candy that showers down from the massive burro.

The new commercials are scheduled to air nationally on ABC, CBS and NBC as well in select local markets on FOX, on primetime programming including Grey’s Anatomy, Ugly Betty and Private Practice. They will also be running on several cable networks as well as in movie theaters nationwide and in various online channels.

In other words, they'll be tough to miss if you watch TV.

So while you're celebrating the holidays be sure to get your cruise fix from NCL and Carnival on a TV near you!

Carnival Brands Eliminate Fuel Supplement!

In the best news yet in the ongoing saga of fuel supplements, Carnival Corporation announced today that they will be suspending (eliminating) fuel supplements for all of their North American brands (Carnival, Costa, Cunard, Holland America, Princess and Seabourn) starting with sailings departing on or after December 17, 2008. No complicated formula of watching the West Texas Intermediate Crude for 20 consecutive days beginning 25 days prior to sailing, not even the quarterly formula of the other major brands. It's just gone, vamoosed, outta here!

For those who have already paid their final payment and are sailing on or after December 17, the fuel supplement will be refunded in the form of onboard credit on your cruise (do be sure to check your account to verify it shows up). For those who have not yet paid final payment, the amount will be removed from your booking.

From the Carnival press release:

“As the price of oil has dropped to $46 per barrel, it has now reached a level where we are able to suspend the fuel supplement,” said Bill Harber, director of marketing for Carnival Corporation & plc. Harber cautioned that the fuel supplement could be re-instated if oil prices increase
significantly.

The company reserves the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for all guests at up to $9
per person per day (except Seabourn, which would be up to $15 per person per day) should the price of light sweet crude oil according to the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index) increase above $70 per barrel.

“It is our hope that fuel prices have stabilized and will remain at a more rational level. The complete suspension of the fuel supplement makes the inherent value of a cruise even greater and that is increasingly important in the selection of a vacation in the current economic climate,” Harber added.

The next logical question is if other brands will follow suit Of course, Disney has already suspended their fuel supplements, which may have precipitated this announcement by Carnival. I think it's possible other brands will make similar announcements, though their quarterly assessment of fuel prices is a much more sensible formula than what the Carnival brands had set up, and I'm not sure that the Royal Caribbean International brands, at least, will do so.

At least we have this for now, and it's great news!

Honoring Our Military

In honor of Veteran's Day, both Royal Caribbean and Carnival today announced some nice additions to their military rate programs for the month of November, applicable for both active-duty military and honorably-discharged former military personnel as well.

First up, Royal Caribbean is extending their Military Rate Program through the month of November with the following offers:

• 3-5 Night Cruises - $50/cabin discount
• 6-9 Night Cruises - $100/cabin discount
• 10+ Night Cruises - $200/cabin discount

This offer is not only applicable for the military personnel's own cabin, but can be extended to two others as well for family or friends!

Carnival's offer is very similar, though they don't do a specific amount off per cabin. The discount is determined by ship and sale date. But it is also good through November and may be applied up to three cabins per eligible military person!

I will say that these discounts are stringently enforced, with proof in the form of a current military ID or DD-214 being required in order to book. But it's a nice way for the cruise lines to give back to those who give so much to us. I'm honored to extend these offers to you and to support our military!

Carnival Makes Fleet Changes with Liberty and Pride

Carnival has announced a couple changes to their fleet schedules affecting the Carnival Liberty and Carnival Pride.

In anticipation of a bit lower demand for European cruises in the summer of 2009, mostly due to air issues, Carnival has decided to bring the Carnival Liberty back to the Caribbean year-round! They will still have the brand new Carnival Dream in Europe for a few sailings after her inaugural, but since most of Carnival's passengers in Europe are from North America, and we all are aware of what's happening with air fares and lowered availability, they believe that even with the exchange rate improving (rather dramatically this last week, actually), fewer North Americans looking for mainstream cruises will be heading to Europe next summer.

The Liberty will continue her previously-scheduled itinerary of sailings through the spring, then in April, 2009, she will begin a new series of 7-night sailings from Miami.

This change means that the Carnival Pride will be able to move up to Baltimore to start her year-round cruises even earlier than originally announced! She will now begin her Baltimore deployment on April 27, 2009!

Reservations for both ships for the new sailings will begin on October 30.

Carnival Returning to Galveston on November 1

In one of the largest steps toward Galveston's tourism recovery efforts, Carnival Corporation yesterday announced they will be returning to the Port of Galveston on November 1. As you may remember, Galveston was hit by Hurricane Ike early in September, and the port facilities required significant repair. In the meantime, the affected ships have been sailing from Houston.

While this is good news for Galveston, I'm sure it serves as a huge disappointment to the Port of Houston, which had an unexpected opportunity to showcase its brand new Bayport Cruise Terminal. By all reports, this new facility functioned beautifully, even with the difficult circumstances and very short notice, and hopefully other cruise lines will take a look at basing a ship here, at least seasonally, in the future. By stepping up in this way, both by building the terminal without a contract with a cruise line, and hosting the displaced cruise ships, Houston has earned a shot at future business.

The Carnival Ecstasy will resume year-round four- and five-day cruises from Galveston with a five-day voyage departing on Saturday, Nov. 1. The Carnival Conquest will begin year-round seven-day service from Galveston Sunday, Nov. 2. Up until that time, the ships will continue to operate round-trip from the Port of where they were shifted temporarily following Hurricane Ike. The Carnival Ecstasy cruises on October 23 and October 27; and the Carnival Conquest cruise on October 26 will operate round-trip from Houston.

“We are extremely pleased to be resuming service from the Port of Galveston and extend our congratulations and appreciation to the port and the Galveston community as a whole for enabling us to return so quickly,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO.

“We would also like to express our gratitude to the Port of Houston for their tremendous efforts in accommodating our ships and being such exceptional partners. Their support enabled these ships to remain Texas based while Galveston worked through its recovery process,” Cahill noted.

According to Steve Cernak, director of the Port of Galveston, “We took a hit however we rapidly rebounded. We had our first cargo ship in nine days after the storm. Now, six weeks after Hurricane Ike, we are fully operational. The Port, as well as all of Galveston Island, is excited to welcome home both Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Conquest."

Carnival to Hold "Fun Crowd" Events in Dallas and Philadelphia

Carnival is out to break world records. No, not with their ships - but in two recently-announced "Fun Crowd" events.

The first event is Sunday, October 26th at 12 noon at Pegasus Park in downtown Dallas, where Carnival will be unveiling the World's Largest Beach Ball (35 feet tall or approx 3 stories). In addition to tossing around the humongous beach ball with Carnival's own Senior Cruise Director John Heald and breaking a Guinness World Record®, there will be music, ice cream , and free Carnival Cruise giveaways.

The second event will be in Philadelphia's City Center on November 2, where they will attempt to break a Guinness World Record for the World’s Largest Piñata . The event will be at North 20th and Market streets, where the six-story-tall piñata -- filled with 8,000 pounds of candy -- will be unveiled, along with free ice cream, live music, cruise giveaways and a booth of activities that can be shared online with friends. To break the world record, the piñata will be 62 feet tall and 55 feet from nose to tail. Philadelphia was chosen for this event because Carnival launches the first year-round cruise program from the Port of Baltimore beginning in fall 2009.

A Guinness World Record adjudicator will be on hand at both events to make the proper inspections and certifications. Those attending the events will have the opportunity to be in Carnival’s new TV commercial being shot on-site, and have the chance to win one of five free Caribbean cruises.

Shhh - Carnival's Pack & Go Promotions

Shhh, Carnival Cruise lines has just announced that they have a new set of last-minute, limited inventory clearance pricing for their ships, called their Pack & Go Fares. Why am I whispering about this? Because they're not permitted to be posted on any web site (including this one) and they cannot be searchable in fare search engines.

Operating much like the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Happy Hour specials, though not limited to sales only on a single day, these particularly low offers are for new bookings only, and existing bookings will not be able to receive these low rates. Updated weekly, these fares are extremely attractive. Of course, not all ships or sailings are included, just those which need a bit of help in selling out the last cabins.

What does that mean to you? If you are looking to cruise last minute (generally within about 2 months of sailing), and you like Carnival, when you call or email to ask about specials, be sure to ask me about Pack & Go fares as well.

Carnival Reveals Fuel Supplement Reduction/Removal Plan

Carnival has revealed their plans for removing and/or incorporating fuel supplements in the future, setting out specific guidelines for refunding of existing supplements, and incorporating future supplements into fares. Because the plan is pretty complicated, I'm going to put the release to the industry here in its entirety for your reading pleasure:

Over the past few months as fuel prices have declined, we have had many questions about our fuel supplement. While fuel prices today remain very volatile, we have given this careful consideration and I am pleased to update you on some new and important information regarding the fuel supplement for Carnival Corporation & plc brands.

Six of our brands, Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn have announced that effective October 31, 2008, the existing fuel supplement will be eliminated for all new bookings on 2010 departures. At the same time, a price increase on 2010 sailings will become effective.

Additionally, the company has established specific guidelines under which the current fuel supplement may be reimbursed to consumers for 2008 and 2009 voyages. For 2008 and 2009 departures, if the price of light sweet crude oil according to the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index) is $70 per barrel or less at the 2:30 p.m. close of business as reported by Reuters on each of the 25 consecutive trading days ending five trading days prior to the guest’s
cruise departure date, the fuel supplement will be refunded in the form of a shipboard credit.
Guests who book a 2010 cruise prior to Oct. 31, 2008, will still be charged the current fuel supplement but will also be eligible for a refund of the fuel supplement in accordance with the same fuel price conditions that are being implemented for current 2008 and 2009 departures.

We are implementing these initiatives due to recent trends in declining fuel prices in an effort to migrate away from charging a separate fuel supplement. If fuel prices stabilize below $70 a barrel, we will be able to effectively eliminate the fuel supplement. However, there is still a risk that fuel prices could move higher which would require us to maintain or reinstate a fuel supplement but we are hopeful that the goal of eliminating the fuel supplement can be achieved.

What does this really mean? Don't even think of looking for a rebate on cruises already booked unless, just before your sailing, crude pricing is below $70/barrel for the month prior to your cruise. And if that happens, be pro-active on your cruise to ensure you get the promised onboard credit. So if fuel drops to $70 a barrel or less for 25 days in December, 2008, but your cruise isn't until May, 2009, your fuel supplement will remain on your booking. However, if the fuel supplement is $70 or less for 25 consecutive days in April, start paying close attention for your May sailing - you may be eligible for an onboard credit refund.

Second, for new 2010 bookings starting October 31, fuel supplements will be incorporated into the price of your booking not a separate line item. This means likely they will not be taken out, even if fuel price is reduced in the future.

Thinking about booking one of the Carnival brands for a 2010 sailing? Do it prior to October 31! Otherwise, no chance of getting any type of fuel supplement refund, and you will see a price increase across the board on November 1.

Finally, watch for other lines to come out with plans of their own to incorporate fuel supplements into their pricing and/or how they would remove or refund them in the future.

Confusing? You bet. If you have questions, let me know. I'll be keeping on top of these to be sure

Carnival Offers New Itineraries to Quebec

Carnival is dipping into the longer Canada/New England sailing market with a series of 9-night sailings round trip from New York.

Sailing on the Carnival Triumph, these sailings feature an extended, 16-hour visit to Quebec, the first for the line in many years. There are three sailings in 2009: June 25, July 23 and August 20.

These sailings are already proving to be extremely popular! If you'd like to book, just call or email for more details on these wonderful values!

That Was Quick! Turks & Caicos Cruise Port Scheduled Reopening

Carnival Corporation today announced the expected date to reopen the Turks & Caicos Cruise Port, with the first cruise ship call scheduled for October 8 with the Carnival Destiny.

This quick a reopening isn't unprecidented, as Cozumel re-opened in approximately the same amount of time after Category 5 Wilma slammed over the island 3 years ago. And I expect the reason for the quick reopening is for the same reason - the island desperately needs the income cruisers bring.

"We believe we can complete repairs to the cruise center within a 30-day period and bring cruise ships back to Grand Turk," said Giora Israel, Carnival's vice president of strategic planning and port development. In addition to its existing staff on the island, Carnival Corp. & plc will bring in a number of additional skilled workers who will not only repair the cruise center complex, but also assist in the repair of some of the island's key attractions.

"We will be investing millions of dollars in the coming months to help Grand Turk quickly rebuild its cruise-focused tourism. Bringing tourists back to the island as quickly as possible will play a major role in driving the island's overall recovery," said Israel.

The Grand Turk Cruise Center is the largest private employer on the island and the cruise center staff, combined with shore excursion operators, comprises approximately 80% of non-government jobs in Grand Turk.

Carnival Corporation & plc will also be providing financial and logistical assistance to shore excursion operators to enable them to resume their businesses. Cruise passengers and crew members will be provided the opportunity to participate in volunteer-oriented excursions for those who wish to assist in the island's recovery effort.

Turks & Caicos Off The Itineraries... For Now

In the wake of Hurricane Ike, which crossed over Grand Turk as a Category 4 hurricane, Grand Turk is being moved off the cruise line itineraries, at least for the near term. While the pier itself sustained little damage, having been built to withstand a Category 5 hurricane, as was the cruise center itself, most of the residents and other businesses on the island have suffered significant damage, and are in no position to be accepting cruise passengers at this time.

Carnival Corp lines (Carnival, Princess, Holland America, etc.) make up the bulk of the passengers to Grand Turk, and they are investigating other options. However, they have made a commitment to return as quickly as possible, as they understand the importance of tourism to the economy, and thus to the recovery of this island. Many residents are employed, directly or indirectly, in the cruise industry, so a return to work to them is doubly important.

In addition, passengers will miss this highly-rated port. However, I think most will understand that the decision to remove this port from sailings in the next few weeks is done for their benefit, but also for that of the residents who need to repair their homes and island before they can welcome visitors.

Hopefully this wonderful port will return soon to full capacity!

More Changes to Carnival's Lineup

Two more changes to Carnival's home ports and itineraries have been released this last week. First off, Carnival Triumph will replace Carnival Fantasy which is moving to Mobile. The change will come in November, 2009. The Triumph will offer the same 7-night sailing itinerary that the Fantasy did, but the ship is a significant upgrade, both in size and amenities. While it's not the Conquest I'd hoped for (because she belongs in New Orleans), it is a good-sized ship for this market and should prove to be quite popular.

The next change isn't to a home port, but to an itinerary. The Carnival Elation will shift to 3- and 4-night sailings from San Diego, expanding the selection of short cruises from southern California. These quick getaways are very popular, and the Elation will allow for two additional departure dates, with the three-night getaways departing on Thursday, and the 4-nighters on Sunday. These new itineraries will begin on February 11, 2009.

Mobile's Fantasy Coming in November, 2009

Since almost the second Carnival announced they'd homeport a ship in Mobile, AL over 4 years ago, Mobile has been lobbying with intensity and consistency for another ship, or perhaps a larger ship, and for 7-night itineraries. Part of their efforts will bear fruit in November, 2009, when the Carnival Fantasy replaces the Carnival Holiday in Mobile.

The Fantasy is a significantly larger ship than the Holiday, bringing a 42% increase in capacity. She will undergo her "Evolutions of Fun" makeover in the fall this year, so will embody quite an upgrade in facilities to this port. While Mobile hoped for a 7-night itinerary with a second ship, at this time that's not to happen as the Fantasy will be taking over the alternating 4- and 5-night itineraries the Holiday is currently sailing.

The Holiday will be transferred to the new joint venture in Spain, Iberocruceros, where she will join her sister ship Celebration.

Wondering what will replace Fantasy in New Orleans? Stay tuned - that announcement is promised soon. My personal hope is for a Conquest-class ship, and hopefully it will be the Conquest herself returning to the port for which she was designed.

Carnival Reorganizes Cabin Categories

Carnival was one of the last holdouts among the mainstream lines with regard to their cabin categories. In general, they didn't segment their decks with too many cabin categories - for example if you were on Main deck, there was one oceanview category and one (sometimes two with 1A cabins) inside category. That's all about to change as they announced today a fleetwide cabin recategorization.

Since most people prefer "midship cabins", most lines have responded by making these a different category, ostensibly to make it easier to book the, but in reality to be able to have a bit higher charge for these popular cabins. Count Carnival in that company now, as their recategorization will split the decks into different zones, with potentially different categories and of course prices.

The change is effective starting with bookings made today, August 15, and will start with the Carnival Valor. Existing bookings will not be effected in pricing or cabin assignment, but all future bookings are subject to the new categories and pricing structure.

I'm actually surprised Carnival didn't go to this several years ago, when they acquired Princess as a sister company under the Carnival Corporation banner. Princess is the queen of maximizing revenue...er, prioritizing cabin categories based on location. Carnival's system is much more simple, but along the same lines.

If you have questions, give me a call!

Carnival to Sail Year Round from Baltimore!

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

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.

Carnival Corporation Lines Raise Fuel Supplement

In a series of press releases today, Carnival Corporation brands have announced they will be increasing their fuel supplements. The increases will impact Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Costa, Cunard and Seabourn.

Carnival Corporation has stated that, starting with new bookings on or after April 21, 2008, they will increase the fuel supplement to $7/person per day for the first and second passengers, up to a maximum of $98/person per voyage, and for the first time implement a supplement of $2/person per day up to a maximum of $28/person per voyage for the third and fourth passengers as well.

Of course, for bookings made between November 7 and April 20, the originally-announced supplements of $5/person per day will apply.

What does this mean to you?

First off, if you're looking to book any of these lines, try to do so before April 21 for a bit of a savings. Secondly, expect to see the other lines (meaning Royal Caribbean, Azamara and Celebrity) following very soon.

Royal Caribbean International and Carnival Corp Modify Fuel Supplements!

And it's actually a good thing!

In early published reports this evening, it appears that from negotiations between both Carnival Corporation (Carnival, Princess, Holland America, etc.), Royal Caribbean International (Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara) and the Florida Attorney General, both corporations have voluntarily agreed to refund to passengers booked prior to November 15 any fuel supplements charged on their bookings.

The Attorney General's office is expected to issue a release regarding the agreement on Tuesday morning.

Carnival has said that this refund will affect approximately 300,000 bookings, with a total refund around $21 million. Royal Caribbean didn't release their exact figures.

The fuel supplements will remain in effect for all bookings made after the announcement of the implementation of the surcharges.

Have to say I did expect this, as the way they were implemented really seemed to go against the settlement from the 1990s which prohibited adding fees without disclosure. I believe this is an equitable settlement to the issue, and am glad to see it happen relatively quickly and without too much fuss. Well done to all parties involved!

Carnival's Funtennial Celebration

As I mentioned in the Leap Year Special Edition newsletter this week, Carnival is starting a month-long "Funtennial" Celebration in honor of the anniversary of the line's inaugural.

For the week of February 29-March 7, their gift to you for booking any of the below sailings is up to $100/cabin onboard credit! The applicable sailings are:

• Carnival Fascination, 3/14/08, 3 Nt Bahamas, Miami RT, from $329
• Carnival Sensation, 3/20/08, 3 Nt Bahamas, Port Canaveral RT, from $329
• Carnival Paradise, 5/23/08, 3 Nt Baja Mexico, Los Angeles RT, from $469
• Carnival Elation, 4/24/08, 4 Nt Baja Mexico, San Diego RT, from $399
• Carnival Elation, 5/22/08, 4 Nt Baja Mexico, San Diego RT, from $579
• Carnival Fascination, 3/17/08, 4 Nt W. Caribbean, Miami RT, from $429
• Carnival Fascination, 5/5/08, 4 Nt W. Caribbean, Miami RT, from $309
• Carnival Paradise, 5/5/08, 4 Nt Baja Mexico, Los Angeles RT, from $269
• Carnival Celebration, 3/27/08, 4 Nt Bahamas, Jacksonville RT, from $399
• Carnival Ecstasy, 4/5/08, 5 Nt W. Caribbean, Galveston RT, from $429
• Carnival Ecstasy, 4/19/08, 5 Nt W. Caribbean, Galveston RT, from $429
• Carnival Elation, 4/19/08, 5 Nt Baja Mexico, San Diego Rt, from $349
• Carnival Liberty, 5/24/08, 7 Nt W. Caribbean, Miami RT, from $719
• Carnival Triumph, 4/19/08, 7 Nt E. Caribbean, Miami RT, from $589
• Carnival Pride, 5/4/08, 7 Nt Mexican Riviera, Los Angeles RT, from $649
• Carnival Valor, 4/6/08, 7 Nt E. Caribbean, Miami RT, from $649

Carnival doesn't often have onboard credit offers, so if you're looking for a cruise in the next few months, this is a great opportunity! Call or email me for more details.

In addition, book *any* Carnival cruise during March, and be entered into a weekly drawing for a free cruise in a Grand Suite aboard the Carnival Imagination or Carnival Inspiration, or 10 second prizes for Fuji digital cameras.

Carnival Enhances Online Registration

Carnival has finally enhanced their online FunPass Registration, allowing registration of credit cards and acceptance of the Terms and Conditions of Passage online prior to sailing. This should help aleviate lines at check in and speed the boarding process!

To utilize this service for an upcoming cruise, just log onto www.carnival.com, go to FunPass and enter your information at least 24 hours prior to sailing.

First 2009 Summer Sailings Released!

Carnival Cruise Lines has announced the opening of some of their Summer, 2009 itineraries! They're certainly getting the jump on their competition.

The ships and itineraries announced today are:

CARNIVAL TRIUMPH 4, 5 & 7 Day Canada Cruises - Departing NYC - 2009
One (1) 4 Day Canada Cruise on Sunday, June 7, 2009
Six (6) 5 Day Saturday cruises: 6/20, 7/4, 7/18, 8/1, 8/15, 8/29/09
Sieven (7) 5 Day Monday cruises: 6/15, 6/29, 7/13, 7/27, 8/10, 8/24, 9/7/09
Seven (7) 4 Day Thursday Weekend cruises: 6/11, 6/25, 7/9, 7/23, 8/6, 8/20, 9/3/09
Five (5) 7 Day Fall Foliage Saturday cruises: 9/12, 9/19, 9/26, 10/3, 10/10/09

2009 Alaska - Carnival Spirit - 7 day cruises - May 6, 2009 through September 9, 2009!

2009 Europe - Carnival Liberty - May 9, 2009 through November 18, 2009 (plus two special Caribbean sailings):

Sat. 5/9/2009 London - 12 Day 1 Northern Europe
Thurs. 5/21/2009 London - 12 Day 2 Northern Europe
Tues. 6/2/2009 London - 12 Day 3 Northern Europe
Sun. 6/14/2009 London - 12 Day 4 Northern Europe
Fri. 6/26/2009 London - 12 Day 5 Northern Europe
Wed. 7/8/2009 London - 12 Day 6 Northern Europe
Mon. 7/20/2009 London - 12 Day 7 Northern Europe
Sat. 8/1/2009 London - 12 Day 8 Northern Europe
Thurs. 8/13/2009 London - 12 Day 9 Northern Europe
Tues. 8/25/2009 London - 12 Day 10 Northern Europe
Sun. 9/6/2009 London - 13 Day Western Europe
Sat. 9/19/2009 Rome - 12 Day 1 Grand Mediterranean
Thurs. 10/1/2009 Rome - 12 Day 2 Grand Mediterranean
Tues. 10/13/2009 Rome - 12 Day 3 Med, Greece & Turkey cruise
Sun. 10/25/2009 Rome - 12 Day 4 Grand Mediterranean
Fri. 11/6/2009 Rome - 12 Day 5 Grand Mediterranean
Wed. 11/18/09 Rome - 16 Day Transatlantic to Miami
Fri. 12/4/09 Miami - Offers a special 8 Day Exotic EC cruise
Sat. 12/12/09 Miami - Resumes 7 Day WC & EC alternating cruises
(this one is EC)

2009 Europe - Carnival Freedom - May 9, 2009 through November 5, 2009 (plus two special Caribbean sailings):

Sat. 05/09/09 Rome - 12 Day 1 Med, Greece & Turkey cruise
Thurs. 05/21/09 Rome - 12 Day 2 Grand Mediterranean
Tues. 06/02/09 Rome - 12 Day 3 Grand Mediterranean
Sun. 06/14/09 Rome - 12 Day 4 Grand Mediterranean
Fri. 06/26/09 Rome - 12 Day 5 Grand Mediterranean
Wed. 07/08/09 Rome - 12 Day 6 Grand Mediterranean
Mon. 07/20/09 Rome - 12 Day 7 Grand Mediterranean
Sat. 08/01/09 Rome - 12 Day 8 Grand Mediterranean
Thurs. 08/13/09 Rome - 12 Day 9 Med, Greece & Turkey cruise
Tues. 08/25/09 Rome - 12 Day 10 Grand Mediterranean
Sun. 09/06/09 Rome - 12 Day 11 Grand Mediterranean
Fri. 09/18/09 Rome - 12 Day 12 Med, Greece & Turkey cruise
Wed. 09/30/09 Rome - 12 Day 13 Grand Mediterranean
Mon. 10/12/09 Rome - 12 Day 14 Grand Mediterranean
Sat. 10/24/09 Rome - 12 Day 15 Grand Mediterranean
Thurs. 11/05/09 16 Day TRANSATLANTIC Rome to Ft. Lauderdale
Sat. 11/21/09 8 Day Exotic Western Caribbean - Ft. Lauderdale

In addition, the Carnival Miracle 8-night Caribbean sailings from New York will open later this week. If you're interested in any of these sailings, call now for the best availability!

German Cruise Market Heats Up

We mentioned here a couple days ago the growing popularity of the German cruise market. Carnival today confirms that, with orders of 2 newbuilds from Meyer Werft shipyard for their Aida brand. This brings their total newbuilds to 6 in just the past three years.

The two ships will each be 71,000 tons, with a passenger capacity of 2,174, and will be scheduled to enter service in April 2011 and May 2012.

Additionally, the company announced that it has contracted with Meyer Werft to increase the size of the fourth vessel in the series, set to debut in April 2010, to 71,000 tons with a passenger capacity of 2,174, making it a sister to the two ships ordered today. The all-in cost for that vessel has been increased from ?335 million to ?350 million.

All of these vessels will operate under AIDA Cruises’ informal “club resort” cruise concept which is marketed exclusively to German-speaking clientele and offers a product aimed at younger, more active guests who enjoy a host of on-board amenities and facilities.

“With the interest in cruise vacations among Europeans continuing to grow significantly, we are committed to investing in our European brands. The addition of these 71,000-ton ‘club resort’ newbuilds and the increase in capacity for the fourth in the series will help to ensure that we have adequate capacity to meet growing demand, while further reinforcing AIDA’s position as the leader in the German cruise industry,” said Micky Arison, Carnival Corporation & plc chairman and CEO.

AIDA Cruises’ President Michael Thamm added, “Our business has been performing very strongly and our parent company, Carnival Corporation & plc, shares our confidence in the potential of the German cruise business as demonstrated by the more than ?2 billion investment in six exciting new shiips.”

These vessels will join the 68,500-ton AIDAbella, set to debut in April 2008, and an as-yet-unnamed sister ship in April 2009. The first vessel in the series, AIDAdiva, was introduced earlier this year.

AIDA Cruises revolutionized the German cruise market with the introduction of its first “club ships” in 1996. By 2012, a total of nine “club ships” will be in service, operating voyages to the Mediterranean, the Canaries, the North Sea, the Baltic, the Caribbean, the Arabian Gulf, Asia and Central America.

So, sailing around the world, when you see these ships, you know you might need to say "guten tag" in port, in addition to "good morning".