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!
Showing posts with label Royal Caribbean. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Royal Caribbean. Show all posts
Sunday, May 23, 2010
Sunday, March 14, 2010
CRUISE LINES ANNOUNCE PRICE HIKES AND 2011 ITINERARIES
Upscale line Regent Seven Seas is the latest to announce upcoming rate hikes. After March 31, prices will increase on many of the line’s voyages, although the free air offer and free unlimited shore excursions offer may still be available. Azamara’s 2-for-1 savings and $500 onboard credit offer will also expire the end of this month.
RSSC’s announcement follows on the heels of similar notices from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and Carnival. That should tell you that cruise bookings are going very well, thank you very much, and ships are beginning to fill. Get those vacations booked now!
We’re also seeing the first of 2011-12 itineraries opening up now. NCL, Princess, and Oceania just announced Europe itineraries. Capacity is expanding in that region, too. Royal Caribbean, Princess, and NCL will all send more ships to Europe in 2011, with more ports of all and overnight stays—music to many a traveler’s ears. Alaska isn’t gaining any more ships, however, so plan to book that Alaska cruise as early as possible. Fewer ships mean fewer berths—and prices increase as ships fill.
As a matter of fact, this is a great time in general to get your 2011 vacation on the books! Remember, unless you’re booking under Carnival’s Early Saver Fare with its nonrefundable deposit (but at a big savings), your cruise deposit will be fully refundable if your plans change. We can move you to a different date or cancel you completely.
Please don’t buy into the notion that you’ll get a better deal by waiting until the “last minute.” Does that work occasionally? Yes, if you live near the departure port, keep a flexible schedule, and aren’t picky about cabin choice or location.
The risks?
- Cabin choices relegated to leftovers at the very front or back of the ship or near a noisy location
- Dining choice relegated to late (after 8 pm), when you prefer to dine early (around 6)
- Higher priced airfare to your embarkation port
- Prices were actually much cheaper 9 months out!
Four weeks from today, Ben and I will be on our way to Portugal for our AMAWATERWAYS river cruise. Watch for live blogs coming your way!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
Wave Season Promotions
Wave season is here, and cruise line deals abound. Promotions can be linked to specific sailing dates, to a simple booking window, or to a certain type itinerary or cabin category. Here is just a sampling of current specials:
• Book a Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Alaska cruisetour by Jan. 31 and receive $200 in onboard credit (select sailings, but the list is long)
• Book a cabin on the NCL Epic for one of her Eastern or Western Caribbean itineraries this summer (her inaugural season) by January 17 and get up to a 6-category upgrade and a 50% reduced deposit. Remember, our agency’s national conference will be held on this amazing ship in October. Beat us onboard one these Eastern or Western itineraries, and we’ll throw in $100 in onboard credit!
• Book a Royal Caribbean or Celebrity cruise by Jan. 28 from a long list of select itineraries and receive up to $300 in onboard credit, plus a reduced deposit.
We know how discouraging it can be to call about an advertised promotion, only to learn your preferred sailing date doesn't apply. The most common reality check? Learning that that advertised "from $399" cruise rate applies to a date in the fall, when rates are always lower, and not to summer or holidays, when you'll pay premium prices. Or, as a client recently learned, these numerous current promotions apply to 2010 sailings and not 2011. In the latter case, however, clients should not worry! Most cruise lines honor lowered rates for already booked passengers before final payment. For instance, we have clients who sail on Royal Caribbean each year and always book a future cruise while onboard to take advantage of onboard credit offers. Before they actually sail, a past passenger or senior promo pops up (or both!), or rates are generally reduced, and they end up getting a lower rate while keeping the onboard credit. You really cannot lose!
So, we always advise our clients to book early. Don't think that by waiting for a potential "better deal," you'll save money. You're more likely to get your preferred cabin type and location, not to mention your favorite dining time choice, by securing that reservation now, and not later. Don’t gamble on last minute pricing! And if you must fly to your embarkation port, add another reason to book early. Fewer flights mean fewer seats and maybe more complicated connections!
Now, it's true that sometimes cruise lines offer certain types of promotions at the last minute (within the final 90 days) that apply to new bookings only. In this case, they may not reduce the price of previously booked cabins. However, the airfare to get you to the port usually negates any savings you may have reaped. For instance, Holland America's "Flash Specials" through January 17 feature Australia/South Pacific and South America sailings departing March 14 at reduced rates. Great deals if your schedule is flexible, and we can secure flights/seats this late. On the flip side, there are also some great rates for 7 to 9 day Mexican Riviera and Caribbean itineraries sailing in March, which might prove an easier addition to the calendar.
You'll notice that Carnival Cruise Line is not included in the promotions list. That's mainly because of CCL's new Early Saver Program that offers sailings at enticingly lower rates when booked at least 120 days from the sailing date. Buyer beware, however! With the ESP, deposits are non-refundable and non-transferrable, and name changes are not allowed. If you cancel the booking, CCL will hold your deposit in-house for up to a year, but you will be charged a $50 per person service fee. Bottom line, it's a great deal as long as you are SURE the people you are booking into a cabin will actually sail. Of course, if you purchase travel protection insurance and cancel for a health related reason, the insurance company will refund your money. Please, please--when booking under the ESP rate, buy the insurance!
Do all of these in's and out's make you realize how complicated booking a cruise can be? Book through an experienced cruise agent and let a professional take good care of you. Translation: call or email us any time!
• Book a Royal Caribbean or Celebrity Alaska cruisetour by Jan. 31 and receive $200 in onboard credit (select sailings, but the list is long)
• Book a cabin on the NCL Epic for one of her Eastern or Western Caribbean itineraries this summer (her inaugural season) by January 17 and get up to a 6-category upgrade and a 50% reduced deposit. Remember, our agency’s national conference will be held on this amazing ship in October. Beat us onboard one these Eastern or Western itineraries, and we’ll throw in $100 in onboard credit!
• Book a Royal Caribbean or Celebrity cruise by Jan. 28 from a long list of select itineraries and receive up to $300 in onboard credit, plus a reduced deposit.
We know how discouraging it can be to call about an advertised promotion, only to learn your preferred sailing date doesn't apply. The most common reality check? Learning that that advertised "from $399" cruise rate applies to a date in the fall, when rates are always lower, and not to summer or holidays, when you'll pay premium prices. Or, as a client recently learned, these numerous current promotions apply to 2010 sailings and not 2011. In the latter case, however, clients should not worry! Most cruise lines honor lowered rates for already booked passengers before final payment. For instance, we have clients who sail on Royal Caribbean each year and always book a future cruise while onboard to take advantage of onboard credit offers. Before they actually sail, a past passenger or senior promo pops up (or both!), or rates are generally reduced, and they end up getting a lower rate while keeping the onboard credit. You really cannot lose!
So, we always advise our clients to book early. Don't think that by waiting for a potential "better deal," you'll save money. You're more likely to get your preferred cabin type and location, not to mention your favorite dining time choice, by securing that reservation now, and not later. Don’t gamble on last minute pricing! And if you must fly to your embarkation port, add another reason to book early. Fewer flights mean fewer seats and maybe more complicated connections!
Now, it's true that sometimes cruise lines offer certain types of promotions at the last minute (within the final 90 days) that apply to new bookings only. In this case, they may not reduce the price of previously booked cabins. However, the airfare to get you to the port usually negates any savings you may have reaped. For instance, Holland America's "Flash Specials" through January 17 feature Australia/South Pacific and South America sailings departing March 14 at reduced rates. Great deals if your schedule is flexible, and we can secure flights/seats this late. On the flip side, there are also some great rates for 7 to 9 day Mexican Riviera and Caribbean itineraries sailing in March, which might prove an easier addition to the calendar.
You'll notice that Carnival Cruise Line is not included in the promotions list. That's mainly because of CCL's new Early Saver Program that offers sailings at enticingly lower rates when booked at least 120 days from the sailing date. Buyer beware, however! With the ESP, deposits are non-refundable and non-transferrable, and name changes are not allowed. If you cancel the booking, CCL will hold your deposit in-house for up to a year, but you will be charged a $50 per person service fee. Bottom line, it's a great deal as long as you are SURE the people you are booking into a cabin will actually sail. Of course, if you purchase travel protection insurance and cancel for a health related reason, the insurance company will refund your money. Please, please--when booking under the ESP rate, buy the insurance!
Do all of these in's and out's make you realize how complicated booking a cruise can be? Book through an experienced cruise agent and let a professional take good care of you. Translation: call or email us any time!
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