Royal Caribbean Europe and Alaska Dollar Off!

The next in the series of special pricing offers as part of Royal Caribbean's November First Time Cruisers Month Event is here! Book a selected Alaska or Europe cruise between November 17 and 23, and receive up to $200/cabin savings!

The full list of offers and applicable savings can be found at Royal Caribbean Alaska and Europe Cruise Dollars Off Savings. Find something you like? You know what to do!

Confused about options and itineraries in Alaska or Europe? You're not alone! Know that I've traveled extensively in Europe and actually grew up mostly in Alaska. Call or email me with all your questions. That's what I'm here for!

Uniworld Removes Single Supplement on Select Sailings!

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has announced they are removing the single supplement on selected sailings for Spring, 2009! While river cruises often have a few reduced single supplement cabins, this is the most sweeping elimination of single supplements I've seen for river cruises! While supply lasts, cruises must be booked and deposited by December 31.

River cruising is a wonderful way to see Europe. So much is included, such as wine with dinner, beer and soda with meals, bottled water in your cabins, most tours, even bicycles if you want to explore on your own. Uniworld is a true luxury line with terrific itineraries. I've sailed her twice, once for a Christmas Markets sailing, and a second time round-trip from Paris. Both times were exceptional, and I'm a big fan of river cruising.

For solos, river cruising is especially nice, as the ships are small, socializing is in groups and constant, and you're with others from the ship as you explore each destination. Dinner is open seating, and the conversation flows. If you've ever been intimidated about taking a traditional ocean cruise solo, because of fears of being one out of thousands, this is exactly the way to get into cruising.

Since river cruising often attracts extremely well-traveled passengers, the conversations onboard are fascinating. But don't be intimidated if you haven't traveled extensively yet; all are welcome with a sense of adventure. In fact, many who wouldn't consider an ocean cruise love river cruising for the value, quality, ease and ability to be a true traveler.

The itineraries are fabulous. You're right in the heart of your destinations, places ocean cruises can't get to without long bus rides. You see what's special about each location - and it's all included!

Did I mention that English is the language onboard and on the tours?

And with the Dollar gaining ground almost daily with the Euro right now, and at favorable rates not seen in several years, it's a perfect time to be exploring Europe again!

The sailings which have the no single supplement offer are:

• Tulips and Windmills - Amsterdam to Antwerp 11 days
• Enchanting Danube - Budapest to Passau 9 days
• Eastern Europe Explorer - Vienna to Bucharest 16 days
• Grand European Discovery - Basel to Vienna 16 days
• Rhine Discovery - Nuremberg to Basel 9 days
• Danube Discovery - Vienna to Nuremberg 9 days
• Paris & Normandy - Paris to Paris 9 days
• Burgundy & Provence - Arles to Chalon 9 days
• Grand France - Paris to Arles 16 days
• Portugal, Spain, & the Douro River Valley - Lisbon to Porto 11 Days
• Paris & European River Romance - Paris to Nuremberg 11 Days
• Paris & the Heart of Europe - Paris to Vienna 18 days
• Paris & Grand European Waterways - Paris to Bucharest 32 days

If you're interested in getting more information, and specific dates please call me immediately at 303-690-8937 or toll-free at 888-SAIL-123 (888-724-5123) or email me at amber@singlescruiseresource.com. This offer is capacity controlled, and I'm sure the applicable sailings will go quickly.

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.

Disney Magic to Europe/Africa in 2010

Following up on its extremely successful European season in 2007, Disney has announced that they will be returning the Magic to Europe for the summer and fall of 2010 in a series of itineraries that take it from Russia to Northern Africa between April and September.

The Magic's schedule includes eight 10- and 11-night tours through the Mediterranean. Ports of call on the Mediterranean cruises include Rome, Florence and Nice, as well as new stops at Malta, Corsica and the Tunisian capital city Tunis.

The schedule also includes the company's first sailings to Northern Europe, with four 12-night voyages from Dover to St. Petersburg with stops in six other countries. The four sailings will be in June and July, and will also include stops in Oslo, Copenhagen, the gateway port to Berlin and either Helsinki or Tallinn, Estonia.
Disney will also offer a pair of 14-night, one-way repositioning cruises from Port Canaveral to Barcelona and back.

While the Disney Magic is overseas, the Disney Wonder will sail slightly longer voyages out of Port Canaveral. Instead of three- and four-night Caribbean sailings, the Wonder will offer four- and five-night cruises with new stops in Key West, as well as an extra stop in Castaway Cay, Disney's private island in the Bahamas.

As those of you who love Disney know, these itineraries sell out quickly for the most popular categories. If it is time for your family to experience Europe the Disney way, with all the Disney touches (including specially-designed family-friendly excursions and expanded in-port kids' club hours), then you'll want to make your bookings early!

Wondering what Disney will be doing with their new ships? I'll give you a clue - expect to see one of them summering in Alaska starting in 2011, and sailing to Glacier Bay. They've already made application to the National Park Service for Glacier Bay permits. The main question remaining is not necessarily whether or not they will get some, but whether they'll be sailing one-way sailings with cruisetour packages or round-trips out of Vancouver or Seattle. More details to follow when they're announced.

You didn't hear this from me...

Shhh, don't tell anyone, but I have advance information that RCCL is planning on opening their Summer, 2009 Europe schedule on March 18. It's not set in stone yet, but that's what they're looking at.

Since I'm heading to the Galapagos, if you're looking for something for the summer of 2009, give me a call Tuesday or Wednesday (that's today or tomorrow) so I can get it set up for cabins to be held for you on the 18th.

NCL Jade to Remain in Europe

NCL Jade, the former Pride of Hawaii, has not only been reflagged to the international fleet of NCL, but is going to become NCL's first year-round ship in Europe.

The European market has just exploded in the past few years. It used to be that conventional wisdom was that Europeans (and Americans) weren't interested in winter cruising in the Mediterranean and the surrounding areas. Costa and MSC have really proven that wrong, and NCL is looking to expand that success with the Jade over the next few years, as she's set to remain there at least through summer, 2010.

As part of this year-round deployment, NCL is introducing three new itineraries all roundtrip from Barcelona -- 12-day Eastern Mediterranean sailings, nine-day Canary Islands and Morocco sailings, and a 14-day Eastern Mediterranean holiday cruise.

While the majority of their winter clients are expected to be Europeans, these cruises will also be offered to the US market, and will be excellent for winter getaways. Remember that winter airfare to Europe is *much* more affordable than during the peak summer seasons. While it may not be as warm as the Caribbean in January, these are still great for winter getaways.

These sailings are now on sale!

Azamara and Oceania Europe 2009 Itineraries Announced

Oceania has opened the books on their 2009 European season! Since their inception as a line, they've become known for their innovative and exciting itineraries, and 2009 will be no exception. Some of the highlights:

• All sailings will be offered with Free Airfare & 2-for-1 Cruise Fares through August 31, 2008.
• From the Black Sea to the Baltic, there are 52 extraordinary voyages to choose from including 10 distinct Western Mediterranean itineraries.
• A new 16-day Venice to Rome voyage highlights the scenic splendor and intriguing history of the Dalmatian Coast.
• Regatta returns to Scandinavia and Russia and marks Oceania Cruises' return to Norway and the British Isles.
• Magnificent maiden ports include: Hellesylt, Norway; Fowey, United Kingdom; Biarritz, France; and Koper, Slovenia.

Following on the heels of sister line Celebrity, and not surprisingly right after competitor Oceania announced their 2009 summer European schedule, Azamara Cruises has announced the opening of their 2009 European season. Sailings will go on sale starting April 2.

Cruises range in length from 7-15 nights, and feature visits to a total of 91 ports in 36 different countries. They will depart from five different home ports through the season: Athens, Greece; Barcelona, Spain; Copenhagen, Denmark; and Rome and Venice, Italy. Overnight stays are be offered in Barcelona; Edinburgh, Scotland; Florence and Ravenna, Italy; Istanbul, Turkey; St. Petersburg, Russia; and Stockholm, Sweden. Late-night (10 p.m. or after) departures will be offered in 10 ports of call.

Azamara ships, being smaller and targeted toward cruisers who are looking for a more intimate experience, both onboard and ashore, are well suited for European cruising. In many locations, they can dock as opposed to tender, or dock far closer to cities such as Paris, allowing passengers more time in the featured cities.

This looks to be a great season for both lines! And of course I have to say - if you're interested, or want to know more about the itineraries or to get in your advance reservation, give me a call or drop me an email!

Celebrity Announces 2009 Europe Itinerary Releases

Celebrity has announced the opening for their 2009 European season! Captain's Club members have an exclusive early booking period from March 13-20, with bookings open to the general public starting on March 20.

5 ships will make up the Celebrity fleet in Europe in 2009, with the brand new Solstice and Equinox being joined by the Century, Constellation and Summit. Big season for them!

With regard to the Equinox, she will be making her debut in Europe on August 8 with a 10-night sailing from Southampton to Rome, to be followed by a series of 13 and 14-night "Ancient Empires" sailings featuring several overnight port calls and Egypt.

Call or email me now to discuss plans for 2009!

Psst - Heads up on NCL Sale

As I mentioned in my newsletter this week (click the Subscribe to Newsletter link on the right if you're not getting this regularly direct from me), Norwegian Cruise Lines is going to have 6 weeks of specials in their Freestyle Resolution Sales Event (formerly known as the Sale of all Sails), with a different destination featured each week. The first two weeks are announced, though not publicly, and you're getting advanced notice!

Starting TODAY, January 1 through January 13, all European sailings are featured and offer onboard credit!

The second featured destination, on sale between January 14-20 will be ALASKA! Offers include onboard credit AND a 10% Suite discount. NCL has the best suites in the business, so if you've wanted to try one and are planning on Alaska next year, this is your chance!

Watch here and the newsletter for announcement of the other offers for later in January and into February. They will be featuring Caribbean, Hawaii, Mex Riv, Alaska, Bermuda, Europe, Canada/New England, and South American sailing one week at a time.

Call or email me for more information!