Bits and Pieces

You’ve probably wondered where I’ve been for the past three weeks (I hope you have, anyway!), but things have been pretty crazy since our return from Portugal. First, I came down with bronchitis; then both Ben and I experienced weird outgoing email issues with Outlook and our Time Warner Roadrunner account that kept us on the phone WAY too much time. Various trouble-shooting efforts determined that there was nothing wrong with Outlook or McAfee security, and no viruses were detected. Technical support began with call centers in the Philippines, migrated to Guatemala tech centers, and finally back to our local San Antonio support desks (yes!).

We learned, however, that there are five levels of support at TW. Before we finished, our case had reached Level 4! It was finally determined that my blog link in our email signatures was the culprit, supposedly having been blocked by a third-party SPAM database. I’m still trying to verify which one and how/if to restore the link, but for the time being at least, email is working without the blog hyperlink.

That aside, I’m way behind with cruise news updates, so I think I’ll just highlight some recent news in case you didn’t catch it elsewhere.

Mexican Riviera Losing Ships

Our West Coast colleagues and cruisers alike are bemoaning the lost of ships sailing to popular ports like Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan, and Puerto Vallarta, and further south. Royal Caribbean had already pulled the Radiance of the Seas from San Diego (our ship for the group we escorted last year); more recently, RCI announced redeployment of the Mariner of the Seas in 2011after only a couple of years sailing from Los Angeles.

The Mariner will offer a short South America season beginning January 2011 before debuting in the Mediterranean that summer, sailing from Rome (Civitavecchia) through October. She will then reposition to Galveston, TX for the winter season, replacing Voyager of the Seas. The Voyager will move to New Orleans, marking Royal Caribbean’s welcomed return to the Big Easy in several years. Good news for Galveston and New Orleans, of course, but not so good for the West Coast.

Alaska Additions

I’ve written previously about the number of ships pulled from Alaska this year and next, much to the dismay of local vendors in our 49th state. However, better news is on the horizon. First, Alaska's state legislature approved a bill in April that would reduce the $50 entry fee or "head tax" currently levied on passengers of large cruise ships. As you recall, the tax drew fire from the cruise industry leading to the pullout. Other economic factors contributed to the drop in visitor count, too, but perhaps the tax relief will help increase cruise bookings there—a very good thing since Alaska is a marvelous destination not to be missed!

In addition, however, two lines will sail Alaska’s waters for the very first time: Disney Cruise Line (announced earlier), and the more upscale line Oceania. The latter will offer ten cruises to Alaska from 2011, not only calling on popular ports like Sitka, Juneau and Ketchikan, but also at less-visited place such as Kodiak, Homer and Hoonah. Neither will be cheap, but nobody “does Disney” but Disney, so expect innovative excursions and learning opportunities for kids and teens; and Oceania brings a classy option for those who enjoy cruising in style.  Bookings are open on all cruise lines for the 2011 Alaska season!

CRUISE HEADLINES

As a follow-up to my postings in January about Alaska, I decided to pass along the latest news on that controversial Alaska tourism head tax. According to separate articles in Travel Weekly in March, Alaska Gov. Sean Parnell “announced his support for a 25% reduction in the tourism head tax, from $46 per head to $34.50,” and Carnival Corporation’s Chairman Micky Arison called the proposal a "great first step" for Alaska’s cruise business.

Several cruise line execs have denounced the tax, calling it (in various terms) overly burdensome on passengers and a step backwards for the cruise industry in Alaska. Of course, both sides want assurances from the other: that steps will actually be taken to reduce the tax over the next few years, and that cruise lines would commit to increasing deployments in Alaska rather than scaling back as they have done for this season.

And so the game continues! But don’t let this bickering keep you from seeing Alaska, one of the most magnificent areas of the world—and that’s no April Fool Joke!

Reservations open April 1 for a special 4-night Pre-Inaugural Sailing of the new Allure of the Seas on December 1. You can be among the very first to experience this amazing ship, sister to the Oasis of the Seas that Ben and I sailed on for 9 nights last fall. Thinking four days isn’t long enough? Then just stay onboard for the official 7-night inaugural sailing on December 5. Inside prices on the four-nighter begin at just $599 pp cruise/port charges and Boardwalk Balconies at $889 pp.

Speaking of the Oasis, between now and the end of May, we’re seeing resident’s, senior, and military rates on some sailings priced as low as $699 (cruise/port charges) for an inside cabin. These offers could expire at any time, though, so call us soon to take advantage of these great savings on a truly amazing ship.

By the way, more cruise lines have announced 2011 itineraries, especially for Europe. Want to get a group together? Now is the time to block space and receive the most group amenities possible, the best cabin locations, as well as your preferred dining time.

Happy Passover and Easter!

Alaska Part 1

Alaska remains among the most desired of all cruise destinations. Majestic mountains, icy blue glaciers, coveted wildlife sightings, and incredible beauty at every turn. Ben and I love the area so much that we've already visited four times, either on a cruise, land tour, or both.

For 2010, most cruise lines pulled at least one ship from Alaska. Factors were complicated and a bit controversial. In 2006 Alaska voted in a $50 per person head tax for every visitor arriving by cruise ship. Cruise lines, of course, passed the fees on to passengers, interpreted by some as "Thank you for visiting us and spending money here. Now pay us more!"

Most of the money ($46) was supposed to help spiff up port facilities and other infrastructure impacted by the thousands of summer visitors, with the remainder going toward environmental control. In response last September, the Alaska Cruise Association filed a complaint in the US District Court in Alaska seeking a $46 relief for passengers who were already contributing to the economy there. We don't yet know the outcome.

Then, of course, came the economic downturn. Whether the slower-than-usual 2009 Alaska season was due to the extra $50 tax or to the economy in general is anyone's guess. Regardless, the end result was the ship pullout, fewer available berths, and somewhat higher rates for the 2010 season. All is not lost, however, if you book early for the best rates, best cabin choices, and your preferred dining time. Remember, when ships fill up, prices usually head up, too.

Does this mean you should delay YOUR dream cruise to Alaska? Absolutely not! Who's to know what the morrow will bring, as they say, so now is the time to lock in those rates.

What are our favorite things about Alaska? Where to begin? Heading into Glacier Bay National Park or to the Hubbard Glacier area and listening as chunks of ice calve off into the sea; eating salmon cooked over an open alder wood flame; boarding a whale watching excursion to follow a humpback's trail; soaring in a flight plane through the Misty Fjords (on a sunny day with no mist in sight); and walking up Creek Street in Ketchikan to browse the shops and buy another bag of Raven's Brew Wicked Wolf coffee.

And in the interior of Alaska? How about watching out the window of our train as Denali Park's glorious Mt. McKinley comes into view around the corner or boarding the River Boat Discovery for a lazy cruise down the Chena and Tanana Rivers to learn more about the Athabaskan Indians and those famed Alaskan Huskies.

Next week I'll write more about the cities and glaciers along the way.

Check out more of Ben's photos here!