Disney Cruise Lines to Europe for 2010

Disney Cruise Line (DCL) said it will reposition one of its ships, Disney Magic, to Europe for a five-month season of Northern European and Mediterranean cruises in 2010. For the first time, DCL will offer a 12-night Northern European Capitals cruise, where guests can experience fjords, city centers and Viking lore in such Scandinavian ports as Oslo, Copenhagen and Stockholm. The ship will also sail to Warnemunde, Germany, gateway to Berlin, and to St. Petersburg, Russia. Disney Magic will overnight in St. Petersburg, allowing guests time to experience the city known as the “Cultural Capital of Russia” or use the second day to book a shore excursion to Moscow.

“The Northern European Capitals itinerary provides our guests with an amazing collection of destinations to explore,” said Disney Cruise Line President Tom McAlpin. “We’re excited to bring the rich history, culture and folklore these ports offer to life for our guests in a family-friendly way only Disney Cruise Line can deliver.”

Departing out of Dover, England, Disney Magic will sail a total of four 12-night cruises to the Northern European capitals in June and July 2010. Book-ending the summer season in Northern Europe, Disney Magic will once again return to the Mediterranean with 10- and 11-night cruises, but with three new ports of call not offered when DCL last sailed the Mediterranean. In addition to popular ports in Italy, France and Spain, the Disney Magic will visit Tunis, in Northern Africa, the island nation of Malta, and Corsica, the island that was the birthplace of Napoleon.

Departing out of Barcelona, Spain, the Disney Magic will sail four 10-night and four 11-night cruises in the Mediterranean in April, May, August and September. DCL will also offer four repositioning cruises including two 14-night transatlantic voyages, a seven-night cruise from Barcelona to Dover, England, and an eight-night cruise from Dover back to Barcelona.

While Disney Magic cruises Europe in 2010, Disney Wonder will shift to four- and five-night cruises sailing to Nassau, Key West and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay. The shift is designed to accommodate guests looking for slightly longer cruises with DCL while children are enjoying their summer break. Guests will be able to book all DCL itineraries for the 2010 season beginning on Tuesday, Oct. 14.

Carnival Cruise Lines to add New Balcony Staterooms to Three Ships

Carnival Cruise Lines will add balconies to a number of cabins on three ships during upcoming drydocks over the next few months.
Staterooms on the Carnival Destiny, Carnival Triumph and Carnival Liberty that currently feature floor-to-ceiling windows will be retrofitted with private balconies, creating a total of 48 additional 230-square-foot veranda staterooms.
Also, two new 750-square-foot "deluxe penthouse suites" -- nearly double the size of the largest staterooms in the fleet -- will be added to the Carnival Liberty. The new deluxe penthouse suites will be the largest in the "Fun Ship" fleet and feature a new cabin configuration with a separate bedroom, living area and two full bathrooms, including one with a bathtub.
Located on the ship's forward section on Deck 9, the deluxe penthouse suites can accommodate up to five guests and include two twin beds that convert to a king, a sofa bed and two pull-down upper beds.
"Balcony staterooms continue to be in great demand -- in fact, they're often the first cabin category to sell out," said Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival's executive vice president of marketing and guest experience.
As an added amenity, Carnival balcony accommodations feature terrycloth robes for guest use during their cruise.
The new balcony staterooms on the three vessels are now available for sale.

MSC Cruises Offers Discounts to Baby Boomers and Seniors

MSC Cruises is offering discounts to baby boomers and seniors on its Caribbean cruises.
Boomers and seniors can save at least 50% and take the kids/grandkids along for free with the line's "Kids Sail Free" policy.
Saver prices for boomers/seniors on all 2009-10 Caribbean sailings of MSC Lirica and MSC Orchestra begin at just $449 per person, double occupancy (cruise only, not including government fees and taxes and fuel surcharge) on 7-night itineraries and $749 on 10-night itineraries. At least one guest in the stateroom must be 50 years of age on the departure date and bookings must be made by May 1, 2009.
For more information about MSC Cruises and special Boomer/Senior Saver rates, visit http://www.cruisesbymike.com/ or call me at (706) 579-5005 / (877) CRUISE1

-Also from MSC Cruises

MSC Cruises’ Balcony Blowout promotion offers discounts of more than 60 percent on select Saturday departures of MSC Orchestra this winter when booked by Oct. 13. Cruise-only balcony rates on select seven-night Caribbean sailings begin at $749 per person, double occupancy (government fees and taxes and fuel surcharge are additional). The limited-time rates are available on an Eastern Caribbean cruise departing March 28, and Western Caribbean voyages departing Jan. 10, Jan. 24, March 7 and March 21. As with all MSC Cruises’ sailings, kids under the age of 17 sail free when sharing a stateroom with two full-fare-paying adults (government fees and taxes are additional). This offer cannot be combined with any other offer or discount. Restrictions apply and the offer is capacity controlled.

Norwegian Cruise Line News

An agreement for Star Cruises to sell the Norwegian Dream to Louis Group lapsed on Sept. 29. Star Cruises announced in Hong Kong that it called off the $218 million sale and is seeking legal recourse, Reuters reported on Sept. 30. Louis announced it cancelled the sale “due to technical issues relating to the vessel.” Louis did conclude the purchase of the Norwegian Majesty, which was chartered back to Star until Dec. 1, 2009. Louis will continue implementing its fleet renewal program, with the pursuit of alternative solutions. Star shares 50-50 ownership of NCL Corp. with Apollo Management.

In other related NCL news...

Norwegian Cruise Line was featured on Tuesday night’s new ABC primetime game show, “Opportunity Knocks.” The company offered a California family of five the chance to win a seven-day cruise to the Mexican Riviera aboard the Norwegian Star. NCL will be featured on future episodes of the nationally-aired family game show.

Royal Caribbean WOW Sale!

Royal Caribbean is hosting their incredible WOW Sale again!

The sale will be on Thursday, October 2, for one day only.

The sale will include, 50% off deposits, onboard credits ranging from $50 per cabin for sailings of 3-5 nights, $100 per cabin for sailings of 6-9 nights, and $200 per cabin for sailings of 10+ nights! Applicable on ALL future Royal Caribbean sailings! The sale will not be combinable with any other type of benefit, including Crown & Anchor benefits, Future (Onboard) Cruise bookings. Applicable for new bookings only. For Sailings 01/01/09 - 12/31/09 Only.
This is one of Royal Caribbean's biggest sales of the year. Don't miss out! Call me now!!
Mike at CruiseOne - (706) 579-5005, (877) CRUISE1

Are You Taking Advantage of the Suite Life?

The Suite Life!

Suites range from deluxe to “over the top” in terms of size and amenities. Here are some reasons why there should be a suite in your cruising future.

Room Size and Configurations

Size does matter and there’s more of it in a suite. Some people claim, “We don’t spend a lot of time in our cabin”. But imagine relaxing in your private enclave complete with private balcony, butler and ultra-plush furnishings!
Suite size can range from spacious to outrageous – As an example on Regent Seven Seas’ all-suite, all- balcony Seven Sean Mariner accommodations run from 301 sq. ft for a Deluxe Suite to 1204 sq. ft. for a Master Suite not including the private balcony.
On NCL’s Norwegian Jewel, Norwegian Star and Norwegian Dawn there are 10 penthouse suites that share a private courtyard, complete with swimming pool, Jacuzzi and a small gym. These are only eclipsed by NCL’s signature Garden Villas with over 5000 square feet of indoor and outdoor living area including 3 bedrooms!
Imagine cruising down the picturesque rivers of Europe on a Uniworld river boat suite featuring a sitting area with a sofa and two chairs, three floor-to-ceiling windows and an extra-spacious bathroom.
Suite accommodations on cruise ships rival the amenities of world-class hotels. For example Oceania Cruises suites offer sumptuously comfortable twin or queen sized “comfort beds”, a large living area, an intimate area for private in-suite dining, a refrigerated mini bar and ample closet space.

Enhanced Services

Luxury lines such as Regent Seven Seas and Crystal Cruises provide Butler and Concierge Service to their top categories In addition many of the contemporary and premium cruise lines such as Holland America, Celebrity and NCL offer similar services.
Be decadent in one of Crystal Cruises Penthouse Suites by dining in your bathrobe and slippers. Choose from a full selection of delectable dishes from the In-Suite Dining menu, order from the evening's menu in the Crystal Dining Room, or request whatever your heart desires and the Crystal chefs will do their best to fulfill your wishes.
Princess recently upgraded their suite guest amenities to include afternoon tea and complimentary internet access, dry cleaning, laundry and shoe polishing.
Holland America’s Guests who book the Penthouse or Deluxe Verandah Suites have access to the private Neptune Lounge. This lounge features a private place to relax, socialize with other suite guests and enjoy personalized service for making reservations for shore excursions, spa services, car rentals, the exclusive Pinnacle Grill restaurant and more.
Suite guests on most lines also receive expedited cruise embarkation and early disembarkation.
Indulge your “suite” tooth – ask your Cruise Specialist today to show you just how affordable a cruising in a luxury suite can be.

All You Need to Know About Cruising During Hurricane Season

Well, it’s that time of year again when we all start talking about hurricane season. Will it be an easy season? Will it be bad? Who knows?

We’ve already kicked off the season with Hurricane Fay, which brought heavy torrential rains and floods to most of Central and Northeastern Florida. The rain bands even touched north to some of Georgia and North Carolina with down pours and floods. Hurricane Gustov gave New Orleans quite a fright with mandatory evacuations, althought it looks like they might be spared the worst of it. With these two storms already under our belt, what will the rest of hurricane season hold for us?

The thing with hurricane season is, you cannot stop your life for it, and as discount seekers know, some of the best cruise fares to the Caribbean can be found during hurricane season, especially during the peak period, which runs from mid-August through early-October. But do you take a gamble and plan a Caribbean cruise vacation during that time? The answer is Yes! For starters, the chances of your particular voyage being affected by a hurricane are very slim, but it is a possibility, so you need to be prepared.

There is always the potential that your cruise itinerary may be impacted by a storm, but there is not much of a chance you’ll be put in harm’s way. Today’s modern ships come equipped with state-of-the-art satellite equipment to follow the paths of storms and head away from the storm track. Of course do keep in mind, hurricane season is not the time of year to plan a wedding on a particular island or any event, for that matter, that must take place in a particular scheduled port. Itineraries can be disrupted by even the mere threat of a storm.

The most important precaution you can take when considering a cruise during hurricane season is to buy cruise insurance, but make sure the policy covers disruption in case of weather-related events. Insurance is your protection so you don’t loose the money you invested in your cruise, and it is worth the nominal amount it costs.

CruiseOne offers a variety of insurance plans to accommodate all of your needs plus we offer all the major cruise lines, the very best direct prices along with excellent personal service.

CruiseOne Charters New Celebrity Solstice

(Jasper, GA) – 08/07/08 - CruiseOne, the largest independent cruise only franchise agency, has chartered the first exclusive 2-night sailing onboard the brand new Celebrity Solstice. This extraordinary experience is only available through CruiseOne.

Be the first to discover an unparalleled class of ship with features you’ve only dreamed of. This weekend discovery cruise is the perfect way to experience all this new ship has to offer at an amazing price.

This exclusive 2-night sailing will depart Fort Lauderdale on Friday, November 21st and return on Sunday, November 23rd. Prices start at $329 per person. Book by August 31, 2008 and receive an instant upgrade from an Inside stateroom to a Deluxe Veranda. You’ll also receive a free future cruise credit worth up to $300. Groups are welcome and will receive a special offer for ten or more staterooms.

See the NEW "CELEBRITY SOLSTICE" Video Here!

Guests on this exclusive Celebrity Solstice sailing will experience a series of brand-defining, first-in-the-industry features onboard, including a half-acre Lawn Club with real grass, a glassblowing show and studio developed with The Corning Museum of Glass. Guests also will experience unrivaled dining venues offering trendsetting cuisine and design, and widely varied entertainment, including new theater productions in partnership with Poet Theatricals. The 2,850-guest vessel also has staterooms 15 percent larger than those on previous Celebrity ships, 90 percent of which will be outside, and 85 percent of all staterooms will have verandas. Celebrity has also added a new stateroom category, the AquaClass stateroom. Sharing a deck with the AquaClass Relaxation room, it incorporates select spa elements into the staterooms, allows for specialized access to spa amenities and the Spa Concierge, and features assigned seating at the deliciously unique Blu.

To book this exclusive 2-night sailing on the brand new Celebrity Solstice please call Mike Ziegenbalg, Your Independent Cruise Specialist, at (706) 579-5005, or toll free (877) CRUISE1, or visit my website at http://www.cruisesbymike.com/ , or click HERE.

Follow-Up: Questions about Hurricanes & Travel Insurance

How can travel insurance cover my vacation investment in the event of a hurricane or other unforeseen severe weather?

In the event of a covered hurricane or other unforeseen severe weather, travel insurance provides coverage under the Trip Cancellation and Interruption benefit. If your trip is cancelled for a covered reason, we will refund the pre-paid, forfeited, non-refundable trip costs trip up to the limit of coverage.

If a hurricane watch or warning is issued that may impact my travel plans, up to what point can I still purchase travel insurance?

Insurance must be purchased 24 hours prior to when the hurricane has been named. Once the hurricane has been named, Trip Cancellation and Interruption losses resulting from the hurricane are excluded from the coverage of the policy.

I'm worried that a predicted storm's path will be too near to the location of my upcoming insured vacation; can I cancel for a refund?

If the storm directly affects your travel arrangements or accommodations, you are entitled to Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption benefits. For example: an airport is closed due to the high winds; you are forced to evacuate your hotel/resort; the road you are traveling is impassable due to high water. On the other hand, if you choose to cancel a trip based on what you think might happen — and not because the inclement weather has directly affected your travel arrangements — that would be considered a matter of choice — not a direct loss to your arrangements.

If my airport is closed due to a hurricane or other weather event, and my vacation is delayed, will I be reimbursed?

Yes, travel insurance will cover the expenses incurred if your trip is delayed and will cover reasonable, additional accommodations and travel expenses until travel becomes possible.

Certain restrictions apply.

All You Need to Know About Cruising During Hurricane Season

Well, it’s that time of year again when we all start talking about hurricane season. Will it be an easy season? Will it be bad? Who knows?

We’ve already kicked off the season with Tropical Storm Bertha, which brought rain to Bermuda while Hurricane Elida swirled around in the Pacific Ocean. With two storms already under our belt, what will the rest of hurricane season hold for us?

The thing with hurricane season is, you cannot stop your life for it, and as discount seekers know, some of the best cruise fares to the Caribbean can be found during hurricane season, especially during the peak period, which runs from mid-July through early-October. But do you take a gamble and plan a Caribbean cruise vacation during that time? The answer is Yes! For starters, the chances of your particular voyage being affected by a hurricane are very slim, but it is a possibility, so you need to be prepared.

There is always the potential that your cruise itinerary may be impacted by a storm, but there is not much of a chance you’ll be put in harm’s way. Today’s modern ships come equipped with state-of-the-art satellite equipment to follow the paths of storms and head away from the storm track. Of course do keep in mind, hurricane season is not the time of year to plan a wedding on a particular island or any event, for that matter, that must take place in a particular scheduled port. Itineraries can be disrupted by even the mere threat of a storm.

The most important precaution you can take when considering a cruise during hurricane season is to buy insurance, but make sure the policy covers disruption in case of weather-related events. Insurance is your protection so you don’t loose the money you invested in your cruise, and it is worth the nominal amount it costs.

Princess sea's fit to add Wii to Cruises

Princess Passengers Are First Cruisers to Experience Nintendo’s Hugely Popular Wii Fit™ Game System

• Innovative Fitness Program Debuts This Week Fleetwide; Makes Exercise Fun for the Whole Family

After the much-anticipated Wii Fit™ system debuted across the country last month, Princess unveils this fitness innovation at sea this week after shipboard staff completed special onboard trainings with Nintendo team members. Princess is the first cruise line to offer passengers the chance to get their hearts pumping with the headline-grabbing new release on Wii™.

All Princess ships, which have long featured Nintendo’s popular Wii systems onboard, add the revolutionary Wii Fit balance games, challenging passengers of all ages to put their athletic skills to the test with active video game tournaments such as the ski jump, Hula Hoop® or heading soccer balls. Exciting family competitions will be held onboard – including on the dramatic Movies Under the Stars poolside screens. Youth and teen centers will also offer younger cruisers the opportunity to participate in Wii Fit activities throughout their vacation.
“We’re very excited to partner with Nintendo to bring the Wii Fit experience to our passengers,” said Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president. “Our onboard team has just finished training with the experts at Nintendo to ensure that we’re able to offer passengers the best possible experience with this innovative fitness game.”

Wii Fit gets everyone pumped up about making physical activities an enjoyable part of their daily routines. Wii Fit even tracks users’ progress, which lets people see how they’ve improved while challenging them to better their scores and stay motivated to keep going.
The Wii Fit Balance Board™ is a precisely engineered platform that senses both weight and shifts in movement and balance. It connects wirelessly to the Wii console and serves as the centerpiece for more than 40 fun activities that challenge users in areas like yoga, aerobics, strength training and balance. Helpful virtual trainers in the game talk users through the different motions and makes suggestions for improvements.

The hugely popular Wii system has been instrumental in expanding the video game experience across generations and genders. “Kids” of all ages have enjoyed playing games such as Wii Sports™ Golf and Tennis using the unique Wii Remote™, which enables a player’s movements to directly affect what happens on screen.

On ships equipped with Movies Under the Stars screen, the Wii tournaments are shown on the giant poolside screens, offering a unique, larger-than-life gaming experience. The distinctive 300-square-foot screens are featured on Caribbean Princess, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, Grand Princess, Sea Princess and the upcoming Ruby Princess, offering a variety of movies and events daily, including family films and first run hits, as well as concert footage and other special programming.

Overseas, "The Ugly American" needs a manners makeover

By Kyle Kreiger, Times Staff Writer
Posted: Jun 10, 2008 11:18 AM

It never takes long for the ugly American tourist to appear. No, not the stereotypical elderly guy wearing shorts, black socks that seem to reach above his knees, and sandals. I'm talking about the demon that appears whenever I'm out of the country. This time, it reared up before we had even left the United States.
Passengers had been aboard the Norwegian Sun cruise ship for an hour when I spotted a woman complaining to an employee that her luggage hadn't arrived at her room. The ship was still tied to the pier. Her luggage was probably being X-rayed in the terminal. But this woman wanted it - NOW. She had only the jeans she was wearing, she complained, and certainly couldn't go to dinner dressed like that. To a dinner that was at least four hours away. "I expected better,'' she lectured the crew member, who did an admirable job of remaining positive and telling the woman she could call him later if her luggage didn't arrive before dinner. I would have abandoned ship if I'd been in his uniform. Instead, he probably shared the story about the crazy American woman with the rest of the crew.
Why do so many Americans become morons when they go abroad? It's embarrassing. So, in the interest of improved foreign relations (and to ease my humiliation) here's a primer for avoiding Ugly American Syndrome when traveling to Canada, the Caribbean and all other points east, west, north and south.

• Tip No. 1: Things will be different. You're not in Kansas anymore, Toto. Forget the comforts of home. I'm tired of hearing: "I will never go back to (insert name of country here)." Each "here" is an adventure. Avoiding a place like Dominica means missing out on stunning volcanic peaks engulfed by rainforests. A Pirates of the Caribbean movies was filmed there. It is one of the few places where the original residents of the Caribbean, the Carib Indians, can be found. The unspoiled island boasts 365 rivers, amazing waterfalls and a famous fruit stand where Mr. Nice gives away the fruit, but sells the jokes. But many Americans see only a poor island with bad roads and dilapidated homes - a place without megaresorts, fancy restaurants and upscale shopping. My suggestion for them? Try Orlando.
• Tip No. 2: Do some research. Get friendly with Google.com. Learn about your destination. It might be embarrassing if you don't learn beforehand that all camouflage clothing is illegal in Barbados. At the very least, learn the name of your destination. The beautiful island in Tip No. 1 is da-ma-NEE-ka (not da-MI-na-ca, as in the Dominican Republic). The residents are proud of their island and don't like being confused with the Dominican Republic. Yet I don't remember anyone on our cruise pronouncing it correctly. Imagine our reaction if foreigners talked of being in flor-i-DAY.
• Tip No. 3: Be aware, not scared. Americans tend to travel in large herds. It's the pack mentality. There are dangers everywhere (but a lot more at home). By combining a little bit of Tip No. 2 and some common sense, it's easy to stay safe.
• Tip No. 4: Language will be a problem, because in many places, the residents will speak better English than you (or me).
• Tip No. 5: You have a passport to adventure. Use it. You don't have to go cliff diving (unless you want to), but try something new. Pass up the hamburger on board ship and sample the local cuisine. Talk to the residents. Most locals are proud of their country and are willing to share its heritage.
• Tip No. 6: Don't buy into the stereotypes. Will you be approached by Jamaicans aggressively trying to sell souvenirs? Sure - by people trying to put food on their table. Isn't that better than begging? Are some worse than others? Of course. On one visit I was passing through a craft colony. An American was chatting with a jewelry maker who was selling his wares. The tourist's wife yanked him away and scolded him. "Stop talking to him or he'll end up owning our house." I apologized for the woman's comment. "No problem," the jewelry maker said with a smile. I told him his work was beautiful but that I couldn't buy anything. He thanked me for the compliment and continued on, still smiling. I suspect the woman remembers things differently. I'm sure she still brags to friends about saving her husband from the dangerous, dreadlocked Jamaican scam artist who was after their home.

What are you Spending Your Tax Stimulus Check On?

It's June 2008 and you know what that means, it's tax stimulus time for most. This gift from the government is being provided to get consumers spending. A recent Goldman Sacks report showed that stocks like Royal Caribbean are sure to benefit from these dollars as consumers seek out their next vacation or upgrade from an ocean view stateroom to a private balcony with their new found monies.

There are a lot of places to spend the stimulus monies like on a new sofa, paying down some credit card bills, doing some home repairs or getting away on an exciting cruise vacation. But how about spending it on all or at least some of those things? We have some amazing getaways that won't deplete your whole stimulus check.

Getaway with the whole family this summer for as little as $32 a person, a day (for a family of four). Norwegian Cruise Line just announced they are moving a ship to the Caribbean this summer that will sail 3- and 4-night cruises from Miami and for a limited time, Kids Sail Free. There are a number of other ships and itineraries to choose from for under $50 per person, per day. Sail a 4-night Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Imagination from Miami or sail a 5-night Bahamas cruise on the Carnival Fascination from Jacksonville. For under $60 per day you can sail a 4-night Baja Mexico cruise on the Carnival Paradise from Los Angeles, a 4-night Bahamas cruise on the Carnival Sensation from Port Canaveral, a 4- or 5-night Western Caribbean on the Carnival Holiday from Mobile, a 5-night Baja Mexico cruise on the Carnival Elation from San Diego, a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Fantasy from New Orleans, or a 7-night Florida & Bahamas cruise on the Norwegian Majesty from Charleston. How about sailing in a Balcony stateroom for under $100 per person, per day? You can on a number of 7-night Caribbean cruises on the Carnival Triumph, Liberty or Valor, on Carnival Spirit's 8-night Mexican Riviera cruises or on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas 12-night transatlantic cruise.

There are a ton of deals out there and your Cruise Specialist is just the person to find them for you. So when your stimulus check arrives, go ahead and use some of it to pay down your mortgage, or make a car payment, but be sure to keep just a little to spend on a holiday for yourself and your family. This might be the only time the government pays for your vacation.

Cruising Your Style...

Today’s modern cruise industry is made up of many different styles and sizes of ships, from contemporary to deluxe to luxury and everything in between. All of this terminology can be very confusing but knowing the differences will help you and your Cruise Specialist make the perfect choice to fit your unique needs for your next cruise vacation. Let’s take a look at the differences between styles of cruise lines.

What exactly is a “Contemporary” Cruise Line?:

Contemporary cruises are the most popular segment of the cruise industry and may also be referred to as mass market or First Class cruises. Cruise lines included in this category are Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, Carnival Cruise Lines, MSC Cruises, Princess Cruises and Costa Cruises. These larger ships cater to thousands of guests and typically have resort-style facilities with heavy emphasis on shipboard activities. Many short three, four and five day itineraries departing from close to home U.S. cities and visiting the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Baja Mexico are offered. In the seven day contemporary market, cruise travelers can enjoy the Caribbean, Mexican Riviera and Alaska. Longer international itineraries of 10-14 days such as Europe, South America and Asia are also seasonally offered. Contemporary lines tend to have newer and larger cruise ships with lots of amenities including lavish show rooms, extensive spa facilities, large casinos, expansive children's programs, televisions and in-room movies in all cabins, double/queen beds, etc. A contemporary cruise will have something for everybody - all age groups. Best for families and kids of all ages as the award winning kids programs dedicate staff and space to entertain kids and teens of all ages.

What makes a cruise line part of a “Premium” class of lines?:

A step above contemporary, premium lines offer more service and added amenities. Holland America and Celebrity are two well known premium lines and are famous for catering to more experienced cruisers. While still offering most of the activities of a contemporary line, premium lines include more upscale offerings such as white glove service, high tea, wine tastings, cigar bars, etc. Many itineraries are for seven+ days and travel to similar destinations as the contemporary lines, but longer more extensive itineraries including Europe and Alaska in the summer months. Holland America Line even offers a full 100+ day World cruise. Premium lines are great for couples of all ages and traditionally have good children’s programs.

I have not ever heard of a “Deluxe” Cruise Line can you explain the difference?:

The newest category in cruising is deluxe – the ships are more elegant but would not be considered “all inclusive” as most of the luxury lines are. The two cruise lines that fall into this category are Azamara and Oceania Cruises. The ships are smaller and carry fewer guests, approximately 800. Stateroom amenities are more luxurious with high thread count sheets, high end toiletries, pillow menus, etc. Entertainment is more cabaret style, casinos are smaller and the libraries are extensive. Itineraries tend to be longer that seven days and to more exotic destinations. These lines are not recommended for families with young children as there traditionally are not activities or staff dedicated to children and teens.

Is “Luxury” just a fancy word for expensive?:

Actually, when it comes to a luxury cruise, the value far exceeds what is delivered by a luxury hotel or resort. Luxury or ultra luxury cruising delivers personalized service and high space to guest ratios, and are considered the highest quality of cruise experience available. With a staff to guest ratio of 1:1.5, guests’ needs are always anticipated and attention to detail waits around every beautiful corner. World-class cuisine is created and designed by leading celebrity chefs and served in an “open seating” environment where every meal is prepared to order. Some of the top Luxury cruise lines include: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Cunard Line, The Yachts of Seabourn and SeaDream Yacht Club. These lines are rich in amenities, service and style and focus on the world’s most unique destinations. These luxury cruise lines welcome between 100-900 guests and provide each traveler with the opportunity to be treated like an individual and not part of the crowd. Some sailings tend to be significantly more formal than contemporary cruise lines. Their ships tend to carry far fewer passengers and accommodations are often more spacious with a very high percentage of oceanview staterooms and balcony suites including king-sized beds, sitting areas and private teak wood verandahs. Many of these lines are “all inclusive” where items like gratuities, wine and spirits, custom shore excursions and more are included in the base cruise fare. These cruise lines are much more itinerary oriented and often feature longer cruises, international travel and follow warm weather around the world. Many luxury guests are more experienced and more discerning travelers. These sailings are not as "entertainment-oriented" as they are "experience-oriented". Luxury lines have very limited or no programs for children and would not be the first choice for families.

So now that you know the differences between a contemporary cruise line and a premium, deluxe and luxury cruise line you can make an educated decision on what type of ship you would like to sail on. Your Cruise Specialist is here to help you choose the right ship and the right itinerary to create your dream cruise vacation. Call now and start planning your getaway today!

Baltic Cruising: The Land of Enchantment

Enjoy the multitude of enchanting fascinations that encompass the Baltic region of Europe. Whether you are looking for majestic landscapes,, the contrasts of ancient and modern culture, world-class gastronomy, outdoor activities, or simply want to experience life in another part of the world, you will find it all on a Northern European cruise.
The beautiful Baltic Sea extends from the British Isles to St. Petersburg, Russia and offers a number of distinct ports in England, Scotland, Denmark, Norway, Ireland, Lithuania, Russia, Estonia, Finland, Amsterdam, Holland, Germany and Sweden.

Discover an unseen variety of destinations, sights and adventures. The region’s exciting history, rich traditions and spectacular nature invites an extraordinary experience.

Explore the medieval as well as modern cities with vibrant nightlife. Encounter the amazing culture of the Vikings in an area rich in folklore and fairy tales. Let yourself be transported back in time to the land of the original oceangoing explorers.

Shore excursions typically visit fascinating museums, palaces, castles and cathedrals. The close proximity of the Baltic landmarks makes it easy to see a lot in a small amount of time. Be one of the few to transit the Kiel Canal or discover the majestic beauty of the Norwegian Fjords. Sail to the polar ice cap, get back to nature with a hike in the mountains, delve into Celtic history or discover a grand winter palace filled with Masterpieces. The options are endless on a Baltic cruise.

Several cruise lines will sail the Baltic this summer. The season typically runs from May through August and you will find a variety of cruise ships in the area. Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Jade and the Norwegian Jewel will be sailing on 12- and 13- night voyages from Southampton and Dover. Carnival will introduce the brand new Carnival Splendor to the Baltic region along with the Carnival Liberty, both sailing 12- night voyages from Dover. Royal Caribbean takes to the seas with 12- night sailings from Harwich on the Jewel of the Seas and MSC Cruises will sail seven, 10- and 11- night voyages on the MSC Opera, MSC Lirica and MSC Armonia from Copenhagen and Dover. Princess Cruises’ offer Crown Princess from Copenhagen and Southampton, and the Sea Princess and the Grand Princess from Southampton.

A number of premium lines will sail Northern Europe this summer. Celebrity Cruises’ Celebrity Century will sail from Amsterdam and Celebrity Constellation from Harwich. Holland America will have three ships in the region including the brand new ms Eurodam along with the ms Prinsendam and the ms Rotterdam. Sailings on these lines range from 5 nights to 16 nights.

If you are looking for a deluxe or luxury ship sailing in the Baltic look no further than the Azamara Journey, sailing 12- and 14- night voyages from Copenhagen. Oceania will sail Regatta all season long alternating between Stockholm and London on 14- night voyages while Cunard sails the Queen Mary 2 and the Queen Victoria from Southampton on voyages ranging from 7- to 14- nights. Regent Seven Seas will sail the luxurious Seven Seas Voyager on 7- to 15- night voyages from Dover, Stockholm, Copenhagen, Southampton and Reykjavik.

Like brilliant pearls on a string lie the countries surrounding the Baltic Sea. In every port and in every city, there are countless precious gems just waiting for you to enjoy. Set sail on a Baltic cruise and begin a journey to the land of enchantment.

Cruise Travel Insurance - You Never Know What's Out There

So, you are getting ready for your vacation. You’re bags are packed, your flights on time and the kids are waiting in the car cheering with excitement. You think to yourself, “This is going to be the best trip ever!” But you didn’t realize your luggage was about to get lost and you would end up having a mild heart attack on the cruise ship. Good thing you have travel insurance.

Trip Insurance is just like auto or home insurance. You hope you never have to use it but when you do, it’s important to have a good policy. No one starts off on vacation planning for something to go wrong, but each year thousands of travelers experience a problem along the way. Good travel insurance can help you visit the far flung corners of the world worry free.

If you become sick or injured on board a ship or in a foreign port of call, the cruise line has limited liability and responsibility to get you to the nearest emergency medical facility. They are not responsible for the costs incurred for medical treatment. While many foreign countries have excellent medical facilities, some are not up to normal U.S. standards. Patients and their families often desire to be transported back to the U.S. and if this involves an air ambulance the costs can run from $10,000 to over $100,000 depending on the circumstances. Air evacuation is generally covered under Trip Insurance policies.

Another popular feature of Trip Insurance is coverage for cancellation in the event of illness or injury prior to the departure. Most policies cover not only the travelers but also your immediate relatives. And your policy may even provide something called "pre-existing condition" coverage. This means that you may be eligible for coverage for medical conditions which exist before you depart on your trip. In this regard, timing of the purchase of the policy is critical to establish coverage applicability.

There are many additional benefits Trip Insurance offers including lost or delayed baggage, renter’s collision insurance, missed airline connection and more. Your Cruise Specialist can assist you in determining which Trip Insurance plan best suits your needs. Remember to carefully review all the details of your policy to insure that you have the limits and coverage needed to insure a stress free cruise. Proper insurance is the right way to start off your cruise, because you never know what’s out there.

Cruising - The Perfect Family Choice

It’s nearing the end of the school year and it will soon be time for families to gallivant around the globe on their annual summer family vacation. Although plenty of families already have their vacations planned down to the most intricate details, many of us like to wait to the last minute to start planning our getaway. Well, have no fear, there are plenty of options onboard a number of cruise lines this summer. From Alaska to the Caribbean to Europe, you’re sure to have loads of family fun onboard a cruise.

With more than one million children sailing the high seas each year, you will have no problem finding family-friendly amenities and programs on everything from today’s largest ocean liners to the smaller, more-intimate ships. With new ships making their debut each year, cruisers can choose among increasingly innovative perks like onboard nurseries, wave simulators, ice-skating rinks, bowling lanes and movies on a giant screen under the stars.

But why choose a cruise for your family vacation? The answer is simple. A cruise offers something for the whole family at a very reasonable price. Parents can enjoy rest and relaxation while kids get to hang with other kids. Don’t worry, they’ll also be plenty of time for families to come together and participate in fun activities as a group. It’s important to spend time as a family on your vacation, but let’s be honest, parents could use some time alone and kids can’t wait to participate in the children’s clubs. Many cruise lines offer extensive kids programs with age appropriate activities, so kids get to have fun with other kids their own age. On average, children ages 3 –17 can participate in the kids programs, with some cruise lines taking children as young as 6 months. The cruise lines have different age restrictions and some do not allow children who are not potty trained in the kids club. Most programs group children by age in only two- to three-year spans. Kids programs can be found on Carnival, Celebrity, Costa, Cunard, Crystal, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, Regent and Royal Caribbean. Most cruise lines offer the programs year round but a few only offer the kids club on summer voyages and holiday sailings.

Will my child get bored in the kids club? Of course not! There are so many activities to choose from, your kids will be begging you to leave them alone. Young ones enjoy sing alongs, arts & crafts, cookie decorating, treasure hunts, ice cream sundae parties and so much more while tweens get to hang with their new friends, play video games, take dance classes, participate in a talent show, compete in a sports competition and maybe even participate in a Junior Ranger program. A number of cruise ships have added teen only areas including lounges and discos where teens can chill with their new buds, try their hand at the latest video games on Xbox or Playstation, watch late night movies or attend a teen only party.

These days, one of the biggest advantages for families is the cruise industry’s support of US homeports. You’ll find more ships sailing year-round from the nations most popular drive-to ports of call including San Francisco, San Diego, Galveston, Mobile, Charleston, Baltimore, Cape Liberty and many more. Homeporting is a huge savings when traveling with a family. Just think, you can use the money you were going to spend on multiple airline tickets to upgrade your family to a larger cabin!

Speaking of staterooms, there is a wide variety of room options for any budget onboard a cruise. Choose from an inside or ocean view cabin, a balcony stateroom, suites, multi-family suites and even villas, with up to three bedrooms. You can even find adjoining staterooms on many ships for added convenience.

When it comes to dining, the choices abound. There’s the traditional dining room experience, grab-n-go meal options, buffets, formal & informal restaurants, and room service. Most lines offer some type of food 24 hours a day so you’ll never be hungry.

Cruising is a great option for a family vacation with one price covering your meals, shipboard activities, entertainment and more. Plus you can visit a number of ports without having to pack and unpack. So when you’re ready to start thinking about that summer family vacation compare your options and you’ll find cruising is the best and most affordable choice with fun for the whole family.

What is Luxury Cruising?

Luxury cruising is not just about being pampered in paradise; it’s about unique, once in a lifetime experiences that will completely wow you. Many luxury cruise lines offer their own special “wow” factor, but it is up to you to choose what meets your fancy. Is it watching nature unfold on the plains of Africa or savoring vintage wines in the hills of Tuscany? Do want to explore the wild side of the Amazon or relax on a private Tahitian island? The possibilities are endless on a luxury cruise.

Discover the world of luxury cruising as you set sail across the sea. Sit back and relax as the staff attends to your every need. Spend your day exploring cities rich with culture and history while your evenings are filled with elaborate meals, top shelf drinks and world-class entertainment. Renew your soul at the spa or enrich your mind through education. From computer lessons to photography to cooking classes, you’ll not only discover new things off the ship you’ll also discover them onboard. But one of the best advantages of sailing on a smaller, luxury cruise is the simple fact that these intimate vessels can sail in and out of smaller ports, offering you less crowds and more intimate experiences on shore.

Simple touches can make such a difference between good and great! Luxury cruise lines pay so much attention to detail and layout, creating the perfect atmosphere for an unbelievable cruise experience. You’ll enjoy top of the line toiletries from leading brands like Acqua Di Parma in spacious bathrooms complete with twin sinks, a separate bathtub and shower, and terry cloth robes. Slumber on 350 thread-count Egyptian cotton linens; then wake up to breakfast served by your butler on your private wraparound teak veranda. Now that is cruising in style!

One of the greatest benefits of luxury cruising is the crew to guest ratio, which is most often 1 crew member to 2 guests, with some ships offering a 1 to 1 ratio. So, what does this mean for you? It means more personal attention and better service. When a crew member only has you and your traveling companion to tend to as opposed to a whole slew of guests, the crew member is able to learn your desires and becomes proficient in accommodating your every wish. When you sail on a luxury cruise you’ll discover what it means to be taken care of.

Even with all this superb service, you won’t need to keep reaching into your pocket when onboard a luxury cruise line. Most luxury cruise lines do not encourage tipping. In fact, some make it very clear that tips are not accepted at all. But what kind of service do you get with a no tipping policy, you ask? The best service imaginable. The luxury cruise lines have searched high and low to find the best staff members possible, well-trained and well-disciplined, and they pay them accordingly. Experience what it feels like to come first without having to pay extra for it on a luxury cruise.

Getting to know your neighbors is a huge advantage of luxury cruising. In this day and age of mega-ships, it’s possible to meet people once onboard and never see them again. The smaller, luxury ships emanate a cozier atmosphere, setting the stage for social butterflies to flourish. You will often see the same people at dinner, in the lounge, on the deck and even on excursions. This country club ambiance gives you plenty of opportunities to meet and mingle with your newfound friends.

It’s not too early to start thinking about a luxury cruise. The best way to see the world is by sea, onboard a luxury liner, where your every need will be attended to while you sail into the most exciting adventure of your life.

Cruise the Exotic Islands of the Southern Caribbean

Vibrant blue waters, white-sand beaches, swaying palms and the sounds of a steel drum band often come to mind when thinking about the Caribbean. Been there, done that also comes to many experienced travelers minds.

Many cruise travelers have had the opportunity to visit the most popular islands in the Eastern and Western Caribbean, but how many of us have sailed south to discover the more exotic, unspoiled islands? But what makes these southern islands more exotic than their northern counterparts? Part of it is due to the fact that most of the Southern Caribbean islands still enjoy a strong colonial influence. The majority of the southern islands, at one time or another have belonged to larger European countries like France, the Netherlands and the U.K. and many of these islands are still considered territories. Think of the Southern Caribbean as a little piece of European charm surrounded by a warm tropical paradise and you’ll understand why they are so special.

Just east of Puerto Rico, lies the island of Tortola. The largest of the British Virgin Islands, Tortola is home to some of the best white-sand beaches around as well as rugged mountain roads that lead to breathtaking views. In close proximity to Tortola is the neighboring island of Virgin Gorda with her unusual rock formations know as “The Baths.” These huge granite rocks give way to quiet coves and lush grottos where swimmers can soak their cares away in the hidden pools.

Heading south east, you’ll come to the island of Antigua, which is one of the largest boating islands in the Caribbean and home to 366 beautiful beaches; one for every day of the year. Just southwest of Antigua lays the island of St. Kitts. This beautiful island boasts pink sand beaches, rolling green hills and dormant volcanoes. While you are there, you must visit the 350-year-old Romney Manor Estate and Brimstone Hill Fortress National Park, two of the must see sites on St. Kitts.

Farther south in the Lesser Antilles, you’ll find the French island of Martinique as well as St. Lucia, Barbados and Grenada. From the islands’ architecture to its enchanting local flavor, Martinique exudes a distinct French feeling you won’t be able to miss. The lush island of St. Lucia with its twin Piton peaks offers the best of both worlds. Get back to nature as you explore verdant rain forests, discover striking waterfalls and unique sulfur springs, then kick back and relax on the unspoiled golden beaches. The once British controlled island of Barbados is rich with English influence, which is apparent in its sports (like Cricket) as well as its English architecture that dates back to the 17th century. The spice capital of the Caribbean, Grenada is the most fragrant of the islands where you will find nutmeg, cloves, ginger, cinnamon and cocoa on many of the spice estates. This island is also considered one of the most picturesque ports in the Caribbean with its lush vegetation, mountainous terrain and colorful colonial architecture.

To the west of the Lesser Antilles, you’ll find the Netherlands Antilles and the island of Bonaire and Curacao. Bonaire is famous for it’s diving with 100-ft visibility and a colorful array of tropical fish and vibrant coral reefs. Dutch influence can be seen throughout the island of Curacao, especially in its architecture, which is a replication of the houses built in Amsterdam but painted with a distinctly Caribbean color palette. Be sure to explore Hato Caves where you’ll find two large caverns with ancient Indian pteroglyphs and a mystical underground lake.

So when you’re ready to head to a warmer climate but you want something new, head south and discover the European enriched, unspoiled islands of the Southern Caribbean. With so many choices to choose from, you won’t be disappointed.

Amadeus Waterways Unveils 2009 Expansion

Six year-old Amadeus Waterways unveiled its plans for 2009 this week, and they're as ambitious as ever, bringing an increase in voyages in central Europe, Russia, Portugal and Egypt.
The river ship operator's expansion includes the rollout of two new, 150-passenger luxury vessels, the fifth and six in a series the line began launching in 2006. The Amalyra will debut in March, 2009. The Amadolce will arrive in May, 2009.
The two new river ships are on top of two sister vessels the line will bring out this year, the Amadante and the Amacello. Amadeus launched the first two ships in the series in 2007 and 2006, respectively.
Amadeus says it will offer 17 itineraries in 2009. Among the highlights: A trip down the Mosel and Main River from Trier to Nuremberg; an epic voyage from Amsterdam all the way to Budapest; and a cruise through Eastern Europe to the Black Sea.
Like the earlier ships in the series, the new vessels arriving in 2009 will have luxury-appointed cabins with flat-screen TV and Internet access, among other amenities. Cabins on the top two decks of the ships will have French balconies. The vessels also will boast a sun deck with walking track, a whirlpool and a supply of bicycles that cruisers can use to explore the countryside during port calls.
Amadeus, for those of you who don't recall, was launched in 2002 by two veterans of the river cruise and tour business: Rudi Schreiner, the former president of Viking River Cruises, and Jim Murphy, the former owner of Brendan Worldwide Vacations.
The line is taking bookings for 2009 starting this week. Cruisers who book by Sept. 30 will get a 5% "early booking" discount.

Information courtesy of USA Today.