Dealing With Electronic Documents

It was inevitable. Electronic documents are becoming the default in the cruise industry. Airlines adopted them years ago (and in fact paper documents are no longer able to be issued for most airlines by travel agencies), and the cruise lines have followed suit. It's long been the case that the printed documents you receive are redundant and unnecessary; several times I have shown up at the pier with nothing other than my confirmation number and passport. That's all you truly need. However, cruisers are attached to their cruise booklets. Unfortunately, most cruise lines are going to break you of that habit soon (though the luxury lines will likely hold on to their upscale presentations awhile longer).

Already, Princess and NCL have gone to 100% electronic documents. Celebrity, Azamara and Royal Caribbean are mostly there. Others are getting close. What does that mean to you?

You will still receive your Shore Excursion booklets by mail after final payment. However, the best source for excursion information pertinent to your particular sailing is found online at the various cruise line websites. There, you can see what is available on YOUR sailing, how many spaces remain, the cost, and go all the way to booking it. You don't have to wait for final payment (which, for some excursions, is too late as they're already full), and in fact even before your sailing shows the specific excursions available, you can download the full brochure - that one you'll receive in the mail later - to your computer.

After final payment, you'll have access to your cruise documents. How that happens varies by cruise line. But in general, either through your log on at the cruise line web site, or through email, you'll be given a link, from which you can print the relevant information. No longer do you need to wait for the cruise lines to send the documents - you can do your "doc dance" whenever you want!

The biggest complaint I hear about electronic documents (aside from the fact they lack some of the "oomph" of the arrival of the old booklets and packets) has to do with luggage tags. Princess and NCL have that solved, sending out the tags with the pre-cruise shore excursion booklets. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara don't send them out, leaving you to print them and tape or staple them to you luggage - not the greatest solution.

However, I do have a supply of the sticky luggage tags for the RCI brands, and I'm happy to print up your official tags and send them to you. All you have to do is let me know when your documents are ready to be printed, and I'll go into the system and take care of the tags.

The other thing which my clients miss from the old document packets are the wonderful Cruises Inc. luggage tags - those blue rubbery ones which are virtually indestructible. Never fear - I have those, too! If you have booked with me before, but need more, just let me know! I'm happy to send you some at any time. New clients will automatically get a set before their first cruise booked with me. If you're not yet a client, but would like some of these terrific tags, send me an email and I'll be happy to send you a few!

Of course, if you don't have a way to print out your documents from the online resources, there's no problem for me to print them for you and send them out. (Though I have to wonder how that would be the case if you're reading this blog.) But if there's someone in your family who is unable to print, simply let me know and it's all taken care of.

And as always, if you have any difficulty with the online registration or documents, give me a call - I can walk you through it on the phone, or even fill it in for you while you're on the line, and either print for you, or get you to the point where you can print them yourself.

Electronic documents don't mean the end of service. Service and value are about knowledge and assistance, not a few pieces of paper and how they're delivered. In fact, most of my clients are happier getting their documents much earlier and in their control. It's simply a change in presentation. I do miss those wonderful personalized books and their pouches, but love the convenience in not having to worry about lost documents.

Expedition Adventures in True Luxury

Taking one more step toward offering their new expedition product, Silversea Cruises has announced they will name their new expedition ship HSH Prince Albert II, in tribute to HSH Prince Albert of Monaco. The ship is the former World Discoverer II, and is currently undergoing extensive renovation, both interior and exterior, to bring the ship to Silversea's exacting standards of luxury. But don't be misled - this isn't a ship for soft expedition cruising. They are anticipating full expedition-style landings for sophisticated travelers who want to experience both luxury and pampering onboard, but exploration and adventure ashore.

The Lloyd's Register A1A ice-rated vessel is purpose-built for expedition cruising and is undergoing an extensive multimillion-dollar renovation at the Fincantieri shipyard in Trieste, Italy. The refurbishment will include exterior design modifications, technological enhancements and a comprehensive upgrade of all guest accommodations and public spaces. The ship is also being outfitted with a new fleet of eight Zodiac boats with low-emission engines. The HSH Prince Albert II will be equipped with satellite communication systems for bow-to-stern wireless Internet access and cellular phone service with guests' own cell phones. All suites and staterooms will feature flat-screen monitors offering interactive TV and video options. In the ship's lounges, the latest audio-visual equipment, complete with high-definition video screens, will display lectures by the expedition and lecture staff as well as visiting destination experts.

In a related development, the company named Conrad Combrink as Silversea's director of expeditions, with responsibility for developing the ship's itinerary and programs. He will also oversee the recruitment of expedition staff and lecturers. Combrink's career of over 10 years in expedition cruising includes serving as expedition leader on World Discoverer I and II. The Prince Albert II's inaugural season features voyages of 10 to 21 days focusing on polar adventures. Sailing first to the Arctic Circle, Svalbard, Iceland and Greenland for the summer, the ship will reposition to South America and Antarctica for autumn and winter voyages. From mid-August to November, HSH Prince Albert II will journey from the east coast of North America through the Panama Canal to Los Angeles before heading south to Ushuaia. Along this special repositioning route are opportunities to explore the Sea of Cortez (with an extension to Copper Canyon), the Falklands and South Georgia Island. Pricing starts at $3,867 per person, double occupancy, and includes shore excursions as well as Silversea's all-inclusive amenities. After the ship's refit, the ice-class vessel will carry 132 guests in 66 ocean-view accommodations, many featuring private verandas. Staterooms and suites range in size from 180 to over 600 square feet. Eighteen suites will each be more than 400 square feet. Other features include a single-seating main dining room, a library with computers and Internet access, a boutique, a beauty salon, a fitness center, a full-service spa and two Jacuzzi pools. The ship will also have several lounges, including a cigar lounge like the Humidor on the line's other ships.

Staterooms will go on sale on Feb. 29. Interested? So am I! Contact me for more details and to book this remarkable adventure!

Suit Filed Alleging Price Fixing

One week after the Florida Attorney General's office announced that it was looking into improper disclosure of fuel surcharges by several cruise lines, a New York man has filed a class action lawsuit alleging price fixing and collusion. He claims that the fact all the lines have added fuel surcharges indicates they were improperly acting together.

While I do expect the retroactive nature of some of the fuel surcharges to be seriously considered as perhaps improper by the courts (and some of those cases have been filed, in addition to the Florida investigation), I don't think this particular legal theory and class action suit will go too far forward. The cruise industry is much of a follow the leader type industry. Often, they'll wait for one line to take the first step, then follow behind. Airlines have done this for years with price hikes, fuel surcharges and the like, and it's been deemed perfectly proper.

With no more evidence than simply the fact the fuel surcharges were all announced and implemented within a few days of one another, this suit probably won't prevail.

Florida Attorney General Investigates Fuel Surcharges

In a move I'm surprised took so long, the Florida Attorney General's office has announced they are investigating whether the fuel surcharges imposed on existing bookings for sailings after February 1 violate the 1997 settlement with the cruise lines regarding fees and taxes.

The 1997 state settlement arose from accusations of misleading advertising on "port charges" that included additional fees to cover the cost of fuel, fresh water and wages. Travelers complained that they didn't realize the fees were not included in the advertised cruise price.

Several cruise lines, including Carnival and Royal Caribbean, agreed not to put extra charges on their bills unless they were for taxes or government fees.

The Florida Attorney General's office is reviewing these fees after receiving more than 150 complaints by consumers who feel the surcharge, made after they'd already made their bookings, were not adequately disclosed as required by the settlement.

While there's no question that the cruise lines are feeling the bite from increased fuel charges, the issues is the retroactive nature of this surcharge on existing bookings. Alone among the "major" cruise lines, NCL only imposed the surcharge on new bookings made after they announced the surcharge, a move I applauded at the time and continue to feel was the most fair way to address the issue.

I'll continue to watch this issue and report on any developments. In reality, this will probably be something we'll still be talking about a couple years from now.

Earlier Check-In Going Industry-Wide

I've received information that the changes implemented last week by
NCL, requiring check-in at least 2 hours before sailing, are soon to
be going industry-wide for all lines and ships departing from the
US. This is mandated by changes mandated by US Customs and Border
Protection requiring transmission of the complete manifest at least
60 minutes before sailing. In order to have all passengers processed
by this deadline, arrival at the pier no later than 2 hours prior to
sailing will become necessary.

This rule is slated to go into effect on February 19, 2008.

If you have flights which might put you to the port within this
2-hour window, NOW is the time to contact them and see if they can
reschedule you. There's no guarantee they will, but many times with
this type of change, they may be understanding and waive change fees.

More information will be forthcoming over the next few weeks as this
rule comes closer to implementation, but as always, I wanted to get
you the information as soon as possible so you can make decisions and
changes if need be.

Who Says Hurricane Season Is the Worst for Missed Ports?

Conventional wisdom in cruising is that you should be very careful of booking in hurricane season, as you may end up with missed ports due to weather. Most experienced cruisers know that at least during the peak of the season you may have to be flexible with your plans.

Outside that traditional season, however, many people don't think much about the potential they'll be skipping ports due to adverse weather conditions - at least not ports where you actually dock rather than tender. This last week proves that you always have to take that into consideration.

Rough seas in the Caribbean this week forced some cruise ships to divert from their regularly scheduled port calls. A cold front that stirred up a choppy sea caused two Carnival ships to miss calls Thursday at Ocho Rios in Jamaica. Carnival Liberty and Carnival Imagination had to bypass the port and continue on with a day at sea. Two ships, Carnival Victory and Coral Princess, are scheduled to dock at Ocho Rios on Friday, I'm uncertain at this time if they were able to make it.

I'm a big advocate of booking excursions on your own if you're a confident traveler. However, this reminds us that when you do book outside the cruise line, be sure you know the vendor's cancellation policies if the ship is unable to make it into port.

It also reinforces the point that, while itinerary is a part of why you choose a particular cruise, you also should make sure the ship itself is one which fits your style and preferences - you might be spending more time aboard than you expected!

Trio of Queens in New York

The three Cunard Queens, QM2, QE2 and QV, will all be meeting in New York on January 13. According to Cunard, this will be the first, and only, meeting of all three since the QE2 is retiring at the end of the year. It's a unique opportunity, as this is the first time in Cunard's history they've had 3 Queens sailing at one time.

Scheduled for departure at 6:30PM, Queen Mary 2 will depart her winter home at Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, Queen Elizabeth 2 will leave from Pier 92 of the Manhattan Cruise Terminal and Queen Victoria from Pier 88 also in Manhattan. The three regal ladies will then rendezvous and sail by the Statue of Liberty together at approximately 7PM, accompanied by a "spectacular" fireworks display.

If you're in the area and would like to witness this historic cruising event, Cunard recommends the following vantage points:

• Battery Park: On the southern shoreline of Manhattan, www.thebattery.org
  Map link: http://www.bpcparks.org/bpcp/map/map.php


• Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park: Overlooking the Hudson River with great views of the Statue of Liberty
  Getting there: Just south of the Museum of Jewish Heritage. By subway: 4 or 5 to Bowling Green, or N or R to Whitehall.


• The Esplanade: Running the entire length of Battery Park City, along the Hudson River from Stuyvesant High School on the north end all the way south to Battery Park


• Hudson River Park: 550 acre park extends for five miles along the Manhattan shoreline from Battery Place to West 59th Street.

Dubai Building Second Cruise Terminal

Huh? Where you may ask? Why should I care?

Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates, is one of the fastest-growing travel destinations in the world. Most travelers come from Europe, not from America, but this is likely to change as this destination grows and matures and Americans look for new destinations.

As a cruise port, Dubai is relatively new. However, 2 years ago, Costa announced they were going to base a ship there (marketed to Europeans) in the winter months. It was a huge success, quickly selling out all its sailings. A second ship was added for this year and it's proving to be just as popular. It's expected that 165,000 passengers will sail through Dubai this season, and that number is expected to grow to 350,000 by the 2010 season.

Why is this important to you? It's another example of the growing importance of the European cruise market. More and more cruise line resources are going to serve this market, and it's expanding the areas of the world where you can cruise. While not many Americans are yet exploring these areas in the winter, I expect that to change over the next few years. In addition, expect to see a growing percentage of the newbuilds going to the European brands instead of the US market.

Finally, if you thought Dubai sounded familiar, this is where, after November 2008, you will have to go to see the Queen Elizabeth II. One mega resort there has purchased her to be a permanent attraction.

There's big money in Dubai, as they seek to diversify beyond oil revenue, and are intentionally growing their tourist base. Amazing hotels, theme parks and other attractions (including casinos) are being built. Keep an eye on it for the future!

Holland America Heads Down Under

HAL returns to their popular Australia and New Zealand itineraries in 2009, this time with the Amsterdam.

Starting with a 67-day voyage to the South Pacific, Australia and New Zealand, this "Grand Voyage" departs Sept. 26, 2009, from Seattle, and sails westward to Papeete, Tahiti; Bora Bora; Pago Pago, Samoa; Port-Vila, Vanuatu; Cairns and Sydney, Australia; Christchurch, Napier and Tauranga, New Zealand; Hawaii; and Los Angeles.

Highlights include scenic cruising through New Zealand's Milford Sound, a 12-mile long incision through 5,000-foot hillsides, and Fiordland National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The voyage also offers more than 20 relaxing days at sea. Holland America Line offers departures from Seattle, Vancouver or Los Angeles, and segments from 31 to 36 days. Reservations are now open. Early-booking bonus amenities for full-cruise guests include airfare, prepaid hotel service charges, shipboard credit, luggage delivery service and limousine transfers when booking select stateroom categories; amenities vary by cruise and booking date. Cruise fares start at $11,399 per person, double occupancy, for the entire 67-day cruise. Taxes and fuel supplement are additional.

For those wishing to cruise in Australia and New Zealand, but who want to avoid long flights, this extended voyage is just the ticket!

Now It's Mexico's Turn to Take A Bite

Mexico has approved a 56 Peso (approximately $5) head tax on cruise passengers, effective July 1, 2008. Several ports, including the struggling and rebuilding port of Costa Maya, opposed the tax.

The tax will be distributed 95% to municipalities, 5% to the National Institute of Migration. I'm guessing that's their immigration department which handles the paperwork for the ships when they come into port.

Several ports in the Caribbean have toyed with instituting large head taxes on cruise passengers. Hopefully this fairly small tax won't be the first of many increases.

More Fuel Surcharges

Oceania and Regent Seven Seas have both added new fuel surcharges for their passengers. Oceania passengers will be assessed $7/person per day effective December 1 for sailings which are not paid in full as of that date and all new bookings. Regent's surcharge is $7.50/person per day also effective for new and unpaid bookings as of December 1, 2007.

I believe it's only a matter of time before the RCI brands (Celebrity, Azamara and Royal Caribbean) announce similar surcharges.

Explorer of the Seas - Hurricane Noel Itinerary Update

Royal Caribbean International continues to closely monitor the aftermath of Hurricane Noel to ensure our guests enjoy safe and comfortable cruises, and to make certain our ships steer clear of the storm.

The safety of our guests and crew is always the foremost concern of Royal Caribbean International.

Given Hurricane Noel's impact, Royal Caribbean is providing the following guidance:

Ships sailing from Cape Liberty Cruise Port
(Bayonne, New Jersey)

Explorer of the Seas: Due to wind and sea conditions created by Hurricane Noel, Explorer of the Seas was forced to reduce its speed while returning to Cape Liberty. The ship will now arrive in Cape Liberty, at approximately 3 p.m. Sunday. Guests embarking on Sunday's sailing are asked to arrive at the port no earlier than 4 p.m. The ship's next itinerary will not be impacted.

At this time, no other Royal Caribbean International itineraries are being adversely impacted by tropical weather. Royal Caribbean will continue to closely monitor weather conditions and update this information at 8 p.m. today.

Welcome to CruiseResource News Blog!

Welcome to the new CruiseResource.com and SinglesCruiseResource.com blog! We will be using this format to allow us to give you more timely information on news, upcoming promotions and other information which affects you as cruisers and frequent travelers. The weekly specials newsletters will continue to go out, including specific pricing, as many lines will not allow certain specials to be posted on the web, but this blog will allow the newsletter to go out with better regularity while I'm traveling, and will also give you advance information on special sales I can offer to you between newsletters.

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-Amber Blecker, ACC
CruiseResource.com and SinglesCruiseResource.com
Cruises Inc.