NCL Epic and New Promotions

After being away from the office 10 days, we've spent much of the last week simply catching up, and I'm way behind on my blog posts.  Ben did get our conference photos loaded, however, and you can access them all here.  Pictured here are Ben and me with our vice president, Dwain Wall during the Agent of the Year presentation.  We're still in shock, but mighty proud!

I'm also behind on letting you know about promotional offers that are about to expire, so let me address those first.

NCL Epic:  Promotional rates on select sailings between now and March 5 booked by November 15.
Royal Caribbean:  Onboard credit offer on ALL Europe departures in 2010, 2011, and 2012 booked through November 15.
Azamara Club:  Onboard credit offer for Europe, Asia, West Indies, Panama Canal and Sea of Cortez sailings booked now through Novembr 15.  
Carnival: Europe Onboard credit or cash back promotions on sailings booked now through November 14 on the barnd new Magic.
Celebrity:  New lower prices on Caribbean sailings of the Solstice and Eclipse booked now through November 15.
Crystal:  2-for-1 fares, free air, and up to $2,000 per couple in onboard credit, booked now trhough December 31.  On select sailings, Cruises Inc adds additional onboard credit and pre-paid gratuities.

Yes, cruise lines are often throwing promotions into the mix, but remember this:  rates will still likely go higher, so discounts and other offers may not be as sweet as they are now, even with the promotions.  We'd love to help you take advantage of these offers, so please call soon!

Now, back to the Epic.  Wow.  We truly were impressed with this ship.  Much has already been written about the ship, those oddly configured bathrooms in cabin, and the entertainment, but we want to offer some of our views, as well.  Admittedly, conference workshops and events keep us so busy that we didn't get to see and do as much as we'd have liked, but in the the next couple of posts, we'll offer our highlights.

With the Epic, first and foremost, think options:  18 restaurants, 15 bars and lounges, the largest water park at sea, as well as largest casino at sea, and some of the most beautiful suites on any ship.  You're probably thinking, "Yes, but some of those restaurants cost extra money."  True, but compare the base price to, say, the Royal Caribbean Oasis and Allure of the Seas.  NCL always prices lower so that passengers can use the savings to try these eateries.  Prices range from $2.50 in the a la carte Noodles Bar to $30 for Cirque Dreams and Dinner show in the Spiegel Tent.  You can't beat it. Learn more about some of them next time!