Triple Happiness!

Missed the postings of Happy Hours while I was away? Well, they're back from Royal Caribbean, Celebrity AND Azamara!

Royal Caribbean this week has a wide variety of offers, with the emphasis on 4-5 night sailings. However, there are some Canada/New England, 7-night Caribbean and even Hawaii or Mediterranean/Holy Land sailings in there. Good options!

Most notable this week, however, is Celebrity's Mercury sailing from Baltimore. If you weren't paying attention, you might have missed the fact that the Mercury will be sailing from Baltimore! And the November 9 12-night first sailing is on Happy Hour this week, with reduced supplements! Take a look!

Watching the fares to Europe dropping for fall travel? Thinking you'd like to take advantage of them? Then take a look at Azamara Journey's 14-night sailing from Athens. Great price for balconies on a true Deluxe line.

As always, the Royal Caribbean and Celebrity offers are good only on Tuesday, September 1, while Azamara's offer is applicable on Wednesday, September 2. Give me a call or email for more information and complete pricing for any of these deals. Best to contact on Monday so I can hold your space as soon as it becomes available on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Royal Caribbean Sales Event/Happy Hour Specials for Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Celebrity Xciting Deals/Happy Hour Specials for Tuesday, September 1, 2009

Azamara Deluxe Deals/Happy Hour Specials for Wednesday, September 2, 2009

BREAKING NEWS About Azamara!

Azamara Cruises, the sister brand to Celebrity and Royal Caribbean, is getting a new President and CEO!

Since its inception, Azamara Cruises has come under the direction of Dan Hanrahan, President of Celebrity. However, they're going to give Azamara separate leadership under the helm of Larry Pimentel, who has formerly run Seabourn, Sea Dream and Cunard.

Information on what else this will mean to Azamara is still sketchy. My sources hinted last week that a separate past passenger loyalty program was "being evaluated" and I'd guess this would make that far more likely by the end of the year for a start. Other changes may be more logistical and behind the scenes and important more to the agency community than the guests.

I should have more information late this afternoon, and will post when I have it. In the meantime, you can read more at USA Today Cruise Log. Gene Sloan is updating his posts throughout the day. I'll add more information to this post as I receive it as well.

Azamara's Flying You to Europe

Starting today, if you're into the Suite Life on Azamara Cruises, there are a slew of sailings this summer and fall offering free air for Penthouse Suite and Royal Suite passengers.

Not looking for a suite? They also have some pretty sweet reduced air prices for other categories, too. There is flat rate reduced air starting today for the July 12, September 27, October 25 and November 8 Journey, and for the October 7, 17, 31 and November 14 Quest from ATL; BOS; BWI; CLT; DEN; DFW; DTW; EWR; IAD; IAH; JFK; LAS; LAX; MCO; MIA; MSY; ORD; PDX; PHL; PHX; RDU; SAN; SEA; SFO; TPA; YUL; YVR; YYZ.

Azamara is a Deluxe line, offering a small-ship experience with unique itineraries in the Baltic and Mediterranean this summer and fall. I will be returning to the Quest this August myself, and am a big personal fan of this line. Want more information on the line itself, or any of these offers? Just give me a call!

We're Back! And terrific news from Azamara!

Sorry for the long absence of this blog. People have been calling to see if I've been traveling. Alas, no, but I'm glad to say that things have just been extremely busy here, both personally and professionally, so unfortunately this was one area which suffered a bit. But I've found a way to carve out a bit more time, so we're here again!

The Happy Hour Specials will be returning this weekend, but there will be a new addition to the list - Azamara Deluxe Deals! These will only occur bi-weekly, but are the long-awaited equivalent to the Celebrity Xciting Deals and Royal Caribbean Sales Event savings, both commonly called the Happy Hours. I'm excited to see this, as the Azamara fares for this summer are already fantastic, and these should be truly remarkable. Watch for these on Saturday or Sunday!

In the meantime, hope you didn't miss the opening of the sales for the new Norwegian Epic. Most dates for the inaugural season are still open, but many categories are getting limited on the popular dates, and there are even a few fare increases. Do you want to experience this ground (or should I say water) breaking new ship? Call me to get in on the deals!

Lots more in the next several days. It's good to be back again!

Luxury Savings News

You've all most likely been inundated with sales and offers from the mainstream brands such as Carnival, Princess, NCL, etc. But you may not have seen some spectacular offers from lines such as Crystal, Regent, Oceania and Azamara. All are offering similarly amazing deals, which bring their pricing down to values never before seen.

Would you believe up to $2,000 in onboard credit from Crystal for 2009 European sailings? In addition to other savings offers? Huge discounts on the Regent Paul Gauguin in French Polynesia if booked prior to March 31? And did you notice that there are now included shore excursions with Regent sailings?

Azamara has announced they will be offering cruise-only rates so you can take advantage of the discounts available in airfares right now direct from the airlines.

How about a historic Transatlantic crossing on the Queen Mary 2? You've not seen prices like this before!

Interested in a river cruise? There are fabulous bargains to be found this summer, even in high season.

And these are only a tiny portion of the offers available right now in the Deluxe and Luxury brands.

So if you've longed for the pampering and quality of these Deluxe and Luxury lines, and have the ability to travel this summer, now is the time to book! You might find yourself paying less for one of these cruises than you've paid in the past for a mainstream brand.

As a CLIA-certified Luxury Cruise Specialist, I can help you find the line, itinerary and value best suited to your preferences. Give me a call or email me at amber@cruiseresource.com!

Exclusive Savings on Celebrity and Azamara!

No, you're not imagining things. While this is the time of year you tend to see a plethora of offers from the various cruise lines, the offers are increasing in frequency (and value). Cruise lines are doing what they can to attract your vacation dollars, and help you to keep travel within your budget.

Is all this confusing you as to what and when to book? You're not alone. I'll be writing a feature editorial here this weekend which will help you make sense of when you should book, and perhaps on which lines, so that you can maximize your savings. You may be surprised by what I have to say.

In the meantime, however, Celebrity and Azamara have released some exclusive pricing just for my family of companies for bookings made in the month of November! (How on earth did it get to be November already?)

Book a selected Celebrity sailing in an oceanview cabin or above and receive up to $200/cabin savings plus 2 Exceptional Offers booklets.

The savings are as follows:

• Celebrity Century, April 6, 11, 2009, 5 N Western Caribbean, $50.00/cabin
• Celebrity Century, August 1, 13, 2009 , 12 N Scandinavia/Russia, $200.00/cabin
• Celebrity Constellation, May 30; June 27, 2009, 14 N Scandinavia/Russia, $200.00/cabin
• Celebrity Constellation, February 23; March 16; April 6, 2009, 11 N Ultimate Caribbean, $200.00/cabin
• Celebrity Galaxy, February 9, 2009, 11 N Southern Caribbean, $200.00/cabin
• Celebrity Infinity, April 12, 2009, 14 N Panama Canal, $200.00/cabin
• Celebrity Infinity, May 29, 2009, 7 N Alaska, $100.00/cabin
• Celebrity Infinity, January 18; February 1; March 1, 2009, 14 N South America, $200.00
• Celebrity Mercury, March 30; April 13, 2009, 14 N Panama Canal, $200.00
• Celebrity Mercury, June 14, 21, 28, 2009, 7 N Alaska, $100.00/cabin
• Celebrity Millennium, February 1, 15; March 1, 15, 29, 2009, 14 N Australia/New Zealand, $200.00/cabin
• Celebrity Millennium, April 12, 2009, 14 N Pacific Islands, $200.00/cabin
• Celebrity Millennium, June 26, 2009, 7 N Alaska, $100.00/cabin
• Celebrity Solstice, May 15; June 5, 26; July 17, 2009, 10 N Mediterranean, $100.00/cabin
• Celebrity Summit, April 18, 2009, 12 N Transatlantic, $200.00/cabin
• Celebrity Summit, May 22; June 3; July 9, 2009, 12 N Mediterranean, $200.00/cabin
• Celebrity Summit, April 30, 2009, 10 N Mediterranean, $100.00/cabin
• Celebrity Summit, February 21, 28; March 7, 14, 21, 28; April 4, 11, 2009, 7 N Southern Caribbean, $100.00/cabin
• Book selected Alaska or European Cruisetour by December 1, and receive up to a $300/cabin onboard credit! (not combinable with the above dollars off promos)

On Azamara, book one of the selected sailings in oceanview or above during November and receive up to $300/cabin discount!

• Azamara Journey, January 3, 2009, 16 N Panama Canal, $300.00/cabin
• Azamara Journey, March 20, 2009, 16 N Transatlantic, $300.00/cabin
• Azamara Journey, April 5, 2009, 10 N Europe, $300.00/cabin
• Azamara Journey, April 15, 2009, 10 N Europe, $300.00/cabin
• Azamara Journey, April 25, 2009, 7 N Mediterranean, $300.00/cabin
• Azamara Journey, January 19, 2009, 12 N Caribbean, $300.00/cabin
• Azamara Journey, January 31, 2009, 12 N Caribbean, $300.00/cabin
• Azamara Journey, February 12, 2009, 12 N Caribbean, $300.00/cabin
• Azamara Journey, March 8, 2009, 12 N Caribbean, $300.00/cabin
• Azamara Quest, January 3, 2009, 14 N Asia, $300.00/cabin
• Azamara Quest, January 17, 2009, 14 N Asia, $300.00/cabin
• Azamara Quest, February 14, 2009, 14 N Asia, $300.00/cabin
• Azamara Quest, March 14, 2009, 14 N Asia, $300.00/cabin
• Azamara Quest, April 7, 2009, 24 N Singapore to Athens, $300.00/cabin

These discounts ONLY apply when booked through me - you won't find this at my competitors (with the exception of other brands within our family of companies).

Azamara Cruises Anniversary Sale!

Azamara Cruises is a year old! It's hard to believe that it has already been a year since the Journey had a bumpy start to her Bermuda season, but they weathered that and are well on their way to becoming a truly great line. (You can read my review of the Quest's inaugural here).

To celebrate, Azamara is offering $500-750/cabin onboard credit for almost all summer European sailings! You must book and deposit between April 29 and May 5.

This is an extraordinary offer on an exceptional Deluxe line. If you're interested in exploring the options, give me a call or email me!

Azamara Announces 2009 Itinerary Releases

Hola from Quito, Ecuador! Am still on my way back from Galapagos and putting together my "almost live from" series for you, but wanted to get out some itinerary release announcements for you.

First up is Azamara Cruises. They have announced the following booking opening dates for 2009 sailings:

• Europe and Transatlantic: Wednesday, April 2
• Caribbean and Panama Canal: Wednesday, April 30
• Asia: Wednesday, May 21.

The 2009 lineup is exciting, with many unusual ports of call, several late night departures or overnight stays on various itineraries, and of course the advantage of a small ship which can get you closer to your destination.

If you have questions about itineraries or want to get in your request with me, let me know!

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!

Holland America and Azamara Ease Navigation

This past week, two cruise lines dramatically improved the way they handle navigation... of their web sites! Both Holland America and Azamara debuted revitalized websites with easier navigation and more tools to help you research and find information on their itineraries, ports, destinations and excursions.

With more rich media features, www.hollandamerica.com combines updated graphics, reorganized information and search tools. An interactive map lets users click on a continent and zoom in on a particular destination with access to port details, shore excursions, and itineraries. A video gallery is filled with snapshots, video clips, virtual tours, ebrochures and podcasts. Content covers destinations, ship details and activities. Video clips give an overview of dining options, show the range of shipboard activities and highlight global destinations. Podcasts narrate the collection of art and antiques displayed on each ship. A new Cruise Finder tool helps visitors narrow down options on their desired itinerary. Visitors may select up to three itineraries to compare side-by-side. After choosing to view details on one, adjoining tabs display a map, destination information, available shore excursions and ship information. By creating an account, visitors may save favorites to review later.

Holland America's site even makes choosing an Alaska Cruise Tour easier! Visitors are asked to rate an array of photos based on their personal preferences. Is it important to see tidewater glaciers or visit the Yukon? After rating photos, the guide recommends three cruise-tours based on responses. A new My Account feature allows visitors to set up an account with their personal profile where they can save favorite cruises and shore excursions for later review. Visitors can also book shore excursions, check-in online and buy onboard gifts. The website will return information to the visitor based on their identified interest. For example, current promotions available in Europe are displayed for a visitor looking at European destinations.

Azamara's revitalized site, in addition to allowing cruisers to browse itineraries and cruise tour options and shore excursions, now features a new virtual ship tour with interactive images, as well as 360-degree views of all stateroom categories, enhanced ship-deck information, details about the experience onboard Azamara's ships and in the ports and cities to which they sail, and facts about pre- and post-cruise stays in various destinations. Members of Azamara's loyalty program, Captain's Club, can edit their membership profile online and eligible guests who want to sign up can experience real-time enrollment. Cruisers also can access a feature that allows them to create and maintain a personal profile that includes their favorite itineraries and personal and emergency contact details.

More and more, the cruise line websites are becoming full functioning with virtual tours of cabins and public areas, chock full of destination information so you can better plan your time in port, and information on your time onboard. Once you've booked your cabin, you have full access to pre-cruise reservations, excursions and even spa reservations on some lines. You can even view a full eBrochure! Check them out!

Azamara Makes Changes to 2009 Schedule

In a major change to their previously-announced itineraries, Azamara
has cancelled the Azamara Journey's 2008/2009 South America season
and the 2010 World Cruise.

Instead, starting on Nov. 12, 2008, the Journey will sail a new
12-night Western Mediterranean cruise roundtrip from Barcelona. On
Dec. 3, 2008, the ship will sail from Barcelona on a 15-night
transatlantic voyage concluding in Miami, where Azamara will present
two new, 16-night Panama Canal sailings, followed by a series of
12-night exotic Caribbean cruises through March 2009, when the ship
will relocate to Europe. Azamara Journey will retain its current,
published itinerary lineup until the Nov. 12 sailing. The new
deployment replaces the itineraries previously announced for Azamara
Journey in South America from December 2008 through March 2009.

"Demand from both our travel agent partners and guests for our new
Asia and exotic Caribbean cruises has led us to focus on these
markets in lieu of South America and a world cruise," said Azamara
President and CEO Dan Hanrahan. These changes will replace Azamara's
previously announced 2008-2009 sailings in South America and world
cruise in 2010. Azamara Cruises plans to announce details of its 2010
cruise itineraries for both Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest in late
March or early April.

I have to admit I'm a bit disappointed with this, but understand the
decision. The market for these wonderful, smaller ships is
sophisticated and fairly well traveled, the type who likely explored
South America in the past 2-3 years and are now looking farther
afield. It might also be a bit too soon for them to embark on a
World Cruise and have the support of those who have come to love the
line and can see the appeal. But I am excited about these new
itineraries as they offer a longer Caribbean itinerary for those who
want the warm weather but desire a more "connoisseurs Caribbean"
experience, along with Asia.

Bookings on these new itineraries will be open soon.