You've Asked For It... And Happy Hours are Back!

It's been good to know I was missed in my blogging absence, but I have to say, I think my weekly posting of the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Happy Hours was missed more than my commentary. I can accept that - while I might be pithy at times, it's all about the savings, right?

And this week we start the new Azamara Deluxe Deals as well!

You all know the drill: The Celebrity and Royal Caribbean deals are good on Tuesday only. Call me prior to Tuesday to discuss your options and to be first in line when I can access the inventory at Midnight on Tuesday. While the fares are in effect all day on Tuesday, the best cabins remaining go quickly. You can reach me at 303-690-8937, or toll free at 888-SAIL-123 (888-724-5123). Email is of course amber@cruiseresource.com.

The Azamara Deluxe Deals are a bit different. They will be on sale on alternating Wednesdays. The other provisions are the same - contact me in advance to discuss the options and to ensure I have you first in line. This week, I don't have the .pdf to post at this time (I'll edit later if it is released), but I'll list the specials below, including the air add-ons.

Here we go!

Royal Caribbean Happy Hour/Sales Event Specials for Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Celebrity Happy Hour/Xciting Deals for Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Azamara Deluxe Deals for June 10, 2009:

• Azamara Journey, 6/18/09, 12-Nt Scandinavia and Russia from Copenhagen, Verandah - $1,399/person, Oceanview - $1,199/person, Single supplement 175%, Air from IAD, ORD, EWR, JFK, DEN - $499/person
• Azamara Journey, 6/30/09, 12 Nt Scandinavia and Russia from Copenhagen, Verandah - $1,399/person, Inside - $1,199/person, Single supplement 175%, Air from IAD, ORD,
  EWR, JFK - $499/person
• Azamara Quest, 6/14/09, 14 Nt Turkey and Greece from Athens, Oceanview - $1,449/person, Single supplement 175%, Air from JFK, ORD, BOS - $499/person
• Azamara Quest, 7/26/09, 14 Nt Mediterranean Cruise from Athens, Sky Suite - $3,199/person, Verandah - $1,799/person, Single Supplement 175%, Air from JFK, EWR, YYZ, BOS, ORD, IAD - $499/person

I definitely call those Amazing!

Part 2 - Norwegian Freestyle Resolution Savings Event - Reduced Deposits!

Beginning today, Sunday January 11, and running through Saturday, January 17, NCL is offering reduced deposits for new bookings! This is in addition to the previously-announced Freestyle resolution Savings Event offers of onboard credits for all new bookings!

The 50 percent reduced deposit offer makes a cruise deposit on a three to five day sailing just $50; cruises from six to nine days can be held for $125 and guests booking cruises of ten days or more pay a $200 deposit, down from $400.

“We understand that everyone needs a break from these turbulent times and cruising offers incredible value for today’s consumer,” said Kevin Sheehan, NCL’s president and CEO. “These offers, with as little as a $50 deposit and up to $500 in on-board credit, make it the perfect time to book a Freestyle Cruising summer vacation to explore Alaska, relax in Bermuda or take the kids on a vacation of a lifetime to uncover the rich history of Europe.”

In mid-December, NCL kicked off its Freestyle Resolution Sales Event where guests who make a reservation from now through February 1, 2009 on any NCL sailing are given up to a $500 on-board credit. The amount of the on-board credit varies depending on the length of cruise and category of stateroom booked. For example, on sailings of six days or longer, the on-board credit ranges from $50 for an inside stateroom; $100 for an oceanview; $150 for a balcony and $500 for a suite or villa. For three to five day sailings, the on-board credit ranges from $30 for an inside stateroom up to $150 for a suite or villa.

The reduced deposit offer is applicable for Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, Mini-Suite, Penthouse and Romance Suites. Unfortunately, it does not apply to Garden Villas, Courtyard Villas and Owner's Suites.

Wave Season Has Arrived! Summary of Offers and NEW Oceania Sales Event!

When my phone rang this morning at 5:44AM, I knew that the first day of Wave Season had arrived. So far, the rest of my Monday has followed suit, and I'd say the rush is on!

What is Wave Season? It's the cruise industry term for the first quarter of the year, which traditionally has the highest number of bookings. In fact, more than half the yearly bookings are usually made in these three months, especially in January. Think of a bell curve, with lows in December and April, and there is a "wave" of bookings this first quarter.

The past couple years, Wave Season has been less of a tsunami and more of just a good surfing day, with bookings spread out more throughout the year. Whether that's because of the growing sophistication of cruisers who book according to their personal needs rather than as a result of increased marketing which takes place this time of year, and have learned when is the best time to book, or other factors, I'm not sure. This year, the industry experts are expecting a little quieter season, but judging from today's responses from my clients, I'm not so sure. While my clients are booking on average closer in, they're still booking. The Wave is On!

To remind you all of the various specials the cruise lines are running, here are some of my past "head's up" posts to help you choose your next cruise:

RCCL, Celebrity and Azamara ASAP Promotion

Holland America View and Verandah Sale/Vacation Stimulus Plan

NCL Freestyle Savings Event

Princess is running their "Balcony Bonanza" and Carnival has some upgrade offers, but nothing out of the ordinary for either of them.

Later today, Oceania will be announcing their Historic 5th Anniversary Celebration of Savings with HUGE reductions. They're offering up to $2,000/cabin discounts off their 2-for-1 sailings in Europe with free air for their 2009 season and 25% single supplements, and up to $1,500/cabin discounts off their 2-for-1 2009/2010 Winter Season sailings, with free air, free pre-paid gratuities, $500 onboard credits and 25% single supplements. Yeah, baby! That's what I'm talking about! These Oceania offers become available for sale on January 7, and I'll be first in line to book myself as these are crazy fabulous prices.

There are a lot of reasons to book, especially in the next week. If you're considering any sailings for the next year, give me a call or email now to see how we can maximize your savings and benefits!

Of course, for close-in bookings, don't forget about the weekly Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Happy Hours and Carnival Pack N Go Specials.

NCL Reduced Single Supplements Are Back!

Great news for all my single occupancy NCL fans! After negotiations, NCL is once again bringing us news of reduced single supplements!

Since October, they'd removed all notifications of reduced single supplements. I've been working with the highest levels of NCL to bring them back, and just in time for the new year they've agreed!

I've updated the NCL page at www.singlescruiseresource.com - Norwegian Reduced Single Supplements, and will keep it updated with new specials as NCL announces them.

The two reduced supplement sailings announced today are the Norewgian Jewel's Spring Transatlantic from Miami to Dover, and the fall return Transatlantic from London to New York. Of course, bookings on these two sailings are also eligible for the Freestyle Savings Event onboard credit benefits.

If you're interested in either of these sailings, let me know!

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!

September 9 Happy Hour Fares

If it is Thursday, it must be time for the Happy Hours for next week to come out!

Here are the specials from Royal Caribbean and Celebrity, valid only on Tuesday, September 9, 2008. Call me for more information or to take advantage of these specials!

However, if you're looking at Royal Caribbean for the rest of the year, remember also that for bookings made between now and Sunday, September 7, all new bookings will give you two new Royal Caribbean robes!

Royal Caribbean Happy Hour Specials for September 9, 2008

Celebrity Cruises Happy Hour Specials for September 9, 2008

Celebrity and Royal Caribbean Happy Hours!

Since my newsletters are a bit missing right now until I can find a new marketing assistant, I've been at a loss on how to get you the information on such things as the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Happy Hours. A regular reader of this blog and my newsletters suggested I upload them and post them here. What a great idea!

So when I'm in town, each week either late on Thursdays or on Fridays, I'll post the next week's Happy Hour specials!

For my solo occupancy readers, do know that the prices listed are double occupancy. But scroll down on the sailing in which you're interested, and at the bottom, it lists the applicable single supplement. For example, on this week's Royal Caribbean Happy Hour, the Legend of the Seas' 13-night sailing on 10/5 is at a 150% supplement! You match the reduced supplements with the lowered fares, and it's often a terrific combination.

Do know that the prices listed are for cruise fare and port charges. Taxes and fuel supplement are still additional.

Hopefully this will work to get the information out to you each week in a timely manner, and we'll figure out a way to get the newsletter back with all the specials. But continue to watch here for other specials, both for double and single occupancy.

Royal Caribbean Happy Hours for September 2

Celebrity Happy Hours for September 2

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!