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!

Happy New Year!

I hope all of you had an enjoyable holiday season! Down time can be a good thing for all of us, especially when coupled with the opportunity to visit with family and friends. Today's post will be brief, with just a heads-up about the upcoming "wave season"--that traditional heavy booking period when many cruise lines offer discounts and/or onboard credit on select itineraries to rev up cabin sales. The key word, of course, is "select." If you can manage some flexibility in your travel dates, you will likely have access to a broader range of offers. Most of these offers through Cruises Inc. don't begin until January 7, however, so start thinking where you might want to sail in 2010 and prepare to book while the best cabins are still available. I'll be discussing some of these offers in the coming weeks.

In the meantime, Ben has posted his photos from our two-night inaugural on the Oasis of the Seas: http://picasaweb.google.com/bcatcruise/OasisOfTheSeasPreInaugural2224Nov2009#. Enjoy!