Merry Christmas Cruisers

A Christmas video to put a smile on your face - Happy Holidays, and be safe - Linda

Carnival Cruise Deal

Carnival Cruise Lines – Carnival Victory – 7 Night Eastern Caribbean from $499

Sail from Miami to San Juan aboard the exciting Carnival Victory. Stroll the cobblestone streets of Old San Juan, filled with galleries, boutiques, and history. Venture further south to St. Maarten for your choice of thirty-seven beaches.

* Endless entertainment with four swimming pools, inviting casino, spa and fitness center, as well as a kids club.

* The Mediterranean restaurant features two level casual dining and panoramic ocean views.

* Las Vegas-style productions in the gorgeous state-of-the-art, three level Caribbean Theater.

* Guests enjoyed the different dining venues from formal to casual including 24-hour pizzeria and room service.

Check out this cruise deal, and more deals from Carnival, and other cruise lines.

American Safari Cruises Offers Small-Group Charters

American Safari Cruises introduced a charter offering for groups of 12 or under to Mexico's Sea of Cortes.

The program is in response to requests for charter cruises on small yachts in Mexico.

The seven-night cruises aboard the 120-foot Safari Quest are available for up to 12 guests through March 25 for $99,995, including a six-person crew with professional naturalist, gourmet dining, a complimentary bar with premium spirits and fine wines, all off-yacht experiences and transfers.

The Safari Quest usually carries 22 guests at a higher charter rate; the special offer for 12 guests represents a savings of up to $27,900.

The one-way itinerary between Loreto and La Paz, the capital of Baja California Sur, includes tiny Isla Coyote where fishermen and their families live in the only permanent settlement in the islands, snorkeling with juvenile sea lions, a burro ride into the arroyos, and time for watching whales and other wildlife, kayaking, sailing, beachcombing and hiking.

Crystal Cruise Offers New Air Options - 2008 Europe

Crystal Cruises is expanding its air/sea program with two new air upgrade options for its 2008 Western and Northern Europe cruises.

A partnership with Eos Airlines provides a corporate jet-like experience, while Premium Economy service through British Airways and Scandinavian Airways offers more legroom and comfort than coach.

The services are available from specific U.S. gateways in addition to Crystal's coach air/sea fares.

This air upgrade is available to Crystal guests for travel between New York's JFK International Airport and London's Stansted International Airport in conjunction with nine April-through-August European and Baltic cruises beginning or ending in London, as well as the September transatlantic crossing from London to New York.


The air add-on fare is $1,300 more each way than the line's round-trip coach fare.

The Premium Economy upgrade is offered with all eight Baltic, North Cape and British Isles cruises departing June through August, as well as the September transatlantic voyage from London to New York.

The service is available on round-trips to London, Copenhagen and Stockholm via British Airways or Scandinavian Airlines, depending on the U.S. gateway. Round-trip add-on fares are $700 to $1,200 more than Crystal's coach air/sea fares.

The Crystal Symphony's Northern European cruises are seven to 14 days. Fares begin at $4,595 per person, double occupancy.

The cruise lines 11-, 12- and 13-day Western Europe itineraries on Crystal Serenity or Crystal Symphony begin at $3,395 per person, double occupancy.

Holland America Donates 800 Televisions

Holland America Line found itself with nearly 800 used television sets in good condition from the Westerdam.

As part of its ongoing Signature of Excellence fleet upgrade program, the sets were gradually replaced with new flat-screen TVs every Sunday when the ship returned to Fort Lauderdale on its weekly cruise schedule.

Holland America's community-relations representative in South Florida, contacted Neighbors 4 Neighbors, a 15-year-old public-service campaign run by South Florida's CBS network affiliate.

South Florida charities that received television sets include Alhambra Heights Residential Force, Borinquen Health Care Center, Broward Partnership for the Homeless, Camillus House, Children's Harbor, Citrus Health Networks, Community Partnership for Homeless, Concept House Inc., The Educational Fund, Fellowship House, Good Samaritans Action, Henderson Mental Health Center, MACtown, Partnership for Recovery Inc., Ronald McDonald House and The Village South.

Dec. 4 was the last day of the program when the final lot of replaced television sets was given away.

California Houseboat Vacations

Not exactly a cruise, but a great website to check out for those who love houseboat vacations . . . Linda

www.houseboats.com offers information on houseboating on California lakes.

California houseboats now feature spas, satellite television, DVDs, stereo systems, video games, and modern appliances.

Houseboats.com, which has several rental locations in Northern California, features houseboats that can accommodate 10 to 22 people.

SeaEscape New Year's Eve Cruise in Florida

SeaEscape is offering a New Year's Eve cruise that features a lavish dinner and live entertainment.

The dinner includes fresh green-lipped mussels, snow crab claws, chilled Gulf shrimp, crowns of Norwegian salmon, sashimi and sushi, Rock Cornish game hen, stuffed veal roast and sliced tenderloin of beef Wellington at the carving station.

The vessel will feature live entertainment and DJs playing rock, Latin, Reggae and Top 40 music. The casino features blackjack, roulette, craps, baccarat, Caribbean Stud Poker, Let It Ride, Texas Hold 'Em Bonus, Three-Card Poker, and slot and video poker machines.

Special New Year's Eve rates include the cruise fare and dinner buffet, a champagne toast at midnight and late-night snacks. A limited number of packages include cabins, champagne, preferred seating in the Verandah Dining Room and other amenities. Advance reservations are required.

Crystal Seven Continents Itineraries For 2009

Crystal Cruises is venturing to all seven continents in 2009, circling the Pacific, and featuring new itineraries in South America, Europe and the Middle East.

Sailing to 185 ports in 57 countries on 57 voyages, Crystal's 2009 program focuses on more port-intensive itineraries with overnight port stays on most cruises. Itineraries range from seven to 106 days, from the exotic to convenient North American departures.

Among the 2009 highlights are a 106-day "Pacific Circle Celebration" World Cruise round-trip from Los Angeles, including the inaugural ports of Rangiroa, French Polynesia; Komodo, Indonesia; Napier, New Zealand; Sihanoukville, Cambodia; and Petropavlosk, Russia.

Also featured is the 150th birthday of the Port of Yokohama and a return to Alaska. Crystal also will return to cruising the Amazon for the first time since 2006, operate a new fall cruise to Israel and Egypt, and feature overnight stays in Dubai on two cruises.

European maiden calls are scheduled to Kotor, Montenegro; Lipari, Italy; Patmos, Greece; Sinop, Turkey; Alesund, Norway and Kiel, Germany. Virtually all Mediterranean cruises feature overnight calls in cities including Barcelona, Istanbul, Monte Carlo, Venice and/or Sorrento.

Two ships will cruise in Asia, including China/Japan, Southeast Asia and India with overnight stays in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Osaka, Kobe, Bangkok, among many others. Baltic cruises of seven and 11 days feature overnight calls in Copenhagen and Stockholm, plus double overnights in St. Petersburg.

A North Cape cruise visits Spitsbergen and the Polar Ice Cap. A British Isles cruise features the Military Tattoo in Edinburgh, while a Black Sea features an overnight stay in Odessa.

Reservations are open for Crystal's first quarter of 2009. Pricing and reservations for the remainder of 2009 will be available in early 2008.

Carnival Pride Moving to Miami in 2009

Carnival Cruise Lines' 2,124-passenger Carnival Pride will operate a series of seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises from Miami beginning in April 2009.

Three week-long itineraries will be offered through August 2009. Carnival Pride's seven-day program from Miami kicks off April 11, 2009, with a week-long cruise to San Juan, St. Thomas/St. John and St. Maarten.

Carnival Pride will then operate a series of seven-day Western Caribbean cruises from Miami to Cozumel, Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios departing April 18, May 2, May 16, May 30, June 13, June 27, July 11, July 25, Aug. 8 and Aug. 22, 2009.

Also included in the program are seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises calling at the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, St. Thomas, San Juan, and Grand Turk. Departure dates include April 25, May 9, May 23, June 6, June 20, July 4, July 18, Aug. 1, Aug. 15 and Aug. 29, 2009.

Prior to these voyages, Carnival Pride will operate a 14-day Panama Canal cruise departing Long Beach, Calif., March 22 and arriving Miami April 5, 2009.

Featured ports include Manzanillo, Mexico; and Puntarenas, Costa Rica; prior to the Panama Canal transit; followed by Cartagena, Colombia; Ocho Rios; and Grand Cayman.

Carnival Pride will then operate a special one-time six-day cruise from Miami April 5-11, 2009, calling at Key West, Fla., Grand Cayman and Ocho Rios.

Reservations are currently being accepted for the Carnival Pride's 2009 seven-day cruises from Miami, as well as the 14-day Panama Canal cruise.

Princess Cruises' passengers are finding themselves in a winter wonderland as faux snow falls in the ship's atrium.

A new holiday feature on Princess ships with multi-story atriums, the daily snow flurries are adding to the holiday atmosphere on December sailings. The snow-making process creates falling flakes that vanish on contact.

The ships are trimmed from stem to stern in holiday décor, with a Christmas tree on the vessels' masts.

For more information, visit www.princess.com.

Happy Thanksgiving

Wishing everyone a Happy, Safe Thanksgiving Holiday!

I will be back on Monday with more Cruise News, Travel Specials and more!

Windjammer License to Sell Cruise Travel Expires

Well no surprise here! Making my last posting on this subject for those looking for the latest news on this saga. Have also included a consumer website for customers trying to get refunds . . . And no, we do not have any customers involved in this unfortunate situation - Linda

November 20, 2007
Windjammer Barefoot Cruises has let expire its license to sell travel in the state of Florida.

The company had previously registered as a seller of travel in Florida, which requires an annual renewal. Windjammer's license expired on Nov. 9 and has not been renewed as of Nov. 19, according to Terence McElroy, spokesman for the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

"We are in the process of attempting to verify whether this company remains open and operating and, if they are, we will send a case to our investigation section for some sort of enforcement action to block them from continuing to sell while being unregistered," McElroy said. "On the other hand, if they didn't register because they are no longer selling cruises or out of business, that will probably be unnecessary."

Despite the expiration of the license, Windjammer's website still had a booking icon Monday that would accept payment via credit cards or PayPal.

And and $895 buy now button it's still there today . . . Linda
http://www.windjammer.com/
McElroy said the department has received about 15 complaints from consumers "who are dissatisfied with their service or otherwise unhappy with the service they were provided by this company. We are attempting to mediate them."

Windjammer's four sailing ships have not operated for roughly two months. Joseph Burke, a member of the family that owns the company through a trust, has tried to restart operations with cruises on the Legacy out of Costa Rica.

However, several scheduled departures were cancelled at the last minute, leaving some passengers scrambling to find a hotel in Costa Rica. Calls to Joseph Burke and the Windjammer office were not returned by press time.

For more information, contact the state of Florida's Consumer Services Division at 800-HELPFLA within Florida or 850-922-2966 outside Florida or visit http://www.800helpfla.com/

Source: Modern Agent

Windjammer Barefoot Cruises Sinking

This is such a bad situation for a company once known as a premier cruise line. I posted on Windjammers situation previously, but now there are even more cancelled cruises, and pleas of just wait til we can get our act together. Well, that's just unacceptable with millions of their customers dollars at risk. Thinking about taking a Windjammer cruise - I think not! Linda

Windjammer Barefoot Cruises, which has not operated a cruise in roughly two months, cancelled three more cruises scheduled to depart on Nov. 17, Nov. 24 and Dec. 3.

Passengers booked on those cruises - and the company has many loyal passengers who made reservations despite the ongoing financial troubles - received a notice signed by Danny Walsh, Windjammer's operations manager and director.

"There are just so many difficulties, obstacles and legal issues that stand in our path to continue with enough time for these cruises to sail," according to the memo, posted online at www.JammerBabe.com.
"We truly apologize for the extreme short notice and for the inconvenience for lack of a better word. We are working quite often 16-hour days to get the ships home and the Legacy sailing.

Please, please, please understand we are not giving up and Windjammer will sail again. We are pretty certain that the target date of Dec. 8 will allow us to prepare the vessel and the company to restore our normal semi-professional, Windjammer-style charm."

The memo said those who do not reschedule a cruise would be issued a refund "in a short time. It's your money and you will get it back. Regrettably, Windjammer will not be able to cover any additional air or hotel charges incurred and associated with a re-booking.

Also, if you request a refund, we are unable to cover any air costs if you request a cruise refund unless the flight was booked through us. Even if we wanted to we do not have access to funds yet. We are focusing everything on proper service and logistics beginning with the Legacy."

Windjammer's last scheduled cruise on Nov. 3 -- billed as the relaunching of the company with one ship, Legacy -- was cancelled at the last minute, leaving some passengers to scramble for accommodations in Costa Rica.

Windjammer has four sailing ships, which are all docked at ports in the Caribbean and Central America.

The company has refrained from issuing press releases, has not returned calls to Travel Pulse Daily, and did not post a notice of the latest cancellation on its website.

However, the website still appears to be accepting payment by credit card or PayPal and is advertising an $895 fare.

Read this article:
Windjammer Barefoot Cruises - An End to An Empire


Also read this letter from one of their "customers"

Royal Caribbean Announces Surcharge, and More!

Royal Caribbean Cruises announced today that it will apply a fuel surcharge of $5 per person per day on some of its voyages due to rising fuel prices.

The surcharge only applies to the first two guests in a stateroom on new and existing North American bookings and will not exceed $70 per person per trip, the company said. It will be effective on voyages departing on or after Feb. 1, 2008 and will apply to brands including Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises.

The announcement stated that the surcharge will not apply to bookings which are already paid in full.

But Royal Caribbean is offering travel agents a $12 administrative fee to go after existing reservations with post January sailings and collect the surcharges. Now with oil at $100 a barrel, it is understandable that cruise lines are paying more for fuel, but this $12 bait to have agents contact their cruise customers is just plain tacky, and poor customer relations - Linda.

Guests that booked their trips prior to Friday and who do not wish to pay the surcharge can cancel their reservation before Dec. 7 for a full refund of the amount already paid and will not be subject to normal cancellation charges.

Royal Caribbean said the surcharge is intended to be temporary and may be adjusted as fuel prices change.

Carnival Cruise Lines is expected to announce a similar fuel surcharge next year.

NCL Fuel Fee Supplement Starts Dec. 1

NCL Corp. will begin levying a fuel supplement fee effective on all new NCL and NCL America bookings made on or after Dec. 1.

The additional fee will be $7 per person, per day, for the first and second guests in a stateroom and $3 per person, per day, for any additional guests in the same stateroom.

"With oil prices skyrocketing, the fuel supplement is a necessary step for us," said Colin Veitch, NCL's president and CEO.

Holland America Celebrates 25 Years

Holland America to Celebrate 25 Years in Tampa

Holland America Line's 1,258-passenger Veendam (shown here)on Nov. 18 will host a celebration marking the line's 25 years of operations from the port of Tampa.

The ship is one of five to sail from Tampa for the line since 1982, when Holland America first sought an alternative gateway to South Florida cities.

The Veendam today operates seven- and 14-day cruises from Tampa, and is expected to carry some 23,800 guests on 19 cruises in 2008.

Veendam's direct economic impact on the region is estimated at $48 million annually. Passengers and crew are expected to spend more than $6.7 million in shops, restaurants, hotels, museums, local sightseeing attractions and taxicabs.

The line also works with more than 180 businesses in the area. Since 1982, Holland America has carried more than 600,000 passengers through Tampa while the overall impact on the region is estimated at more than $355 million.

Voyages of Discovery Returns to South America

Voyages of Discovery will return to the Galapagos Islands, the Amazon River and Machu Picchu this spring.

Departing April 3, the Discovery will begin an 11-night Amazon expedition from Montego Bay, calling at Curacao and Tobago and sailing 90 miles down the Amazon to Manaus. Stops along the way include the riverside towns of Santarem and Boca da Valeria. Fares begin at $2,795 per person.

Continuing on from Manaus, passengers can add two Brazilian ports and a string of islands for a total of 23 nights on the "Amazon Discovery" cruise. The cruise will visit Parintins, Devil's Island, Trinidad, Grenada, St. Vincent and Barbados.

Fares for the Montego Bay-to-Barbados voyage begin at $4,595 per person. The segment from Manaus to Barbados also is available as a 13-night voyage, with fares starting at $3,095 per person. Fares on these three departures include free air from New York or Miami. Air add-ons of $95 to $245 are available from other gateways.

Complimentary excursions to the Galapagos Islands are featured on a 26-night cruise-tour from Santiago to Quito departing Feb. 21, and a 12-night sailing from Quito to Costa Rica departing March 14. Fares begin at $2,950 per person, double occupancy.

From Manta, Ecuador, complimentary shore excursions include full-day excursions to San Cristobal, featuring tours of Isla Lobos, Kicker Rock, La Galapaguera de Cerro Colorado and La Laguna de El Junco. A second full-day complimentary tour showcases the archeological of Machalilla National Park and the biodiversity of Isla de la Plata.

The Feb. 21 cruise provides an alternate conclusion -- a five-night overland package visiting Lima, Cusco and Machu Picchu. Fares for the 23-night cruise-tour begin at $4,495.

Voyages of Discovery is a division of U.K.-based All Leisure Group.

Regent Seven Seas Cruise Includes Carnival in Rio

Regent Seven Seas Cruises is offering passengers the chance to witness the famous Winner's Parade at Rio de Janeiro's Carnival celebration, in conjunction with a 17-night South America voyage aboard the Seven Seas Mariner.

The cruise departs Feb. 4 from Buenos Aires, Argentina. The cruise will call at ports in Argentina, Brazil and Uruguay, including a visit to Rio de Janiero on Feb. 9 for the Winner's Parade in the Sambadromo (known as the "stadium of samba").

The Winner's Parade, also known as the "Champions Parade," is the highlight event of the Carnival celebration. It takes place on the first Saturday after Carnival is complete, and features the top six samba schools from the five-day celebration. Each school presents several hundred dancers, huge percussion sections and floats.

Ticket packages include transportation to and from the Winner's Parade and an escort is provided for every 20 guests. The package costs $345 per guest.

Elegant Cruise Details 2008 Cruising Schedule

Elegant Cruise & Tours Inc., of Port Washington, N.Y., announced the 2008 program for the 106-passenger Andrea.



The Andrea specializes in expedition-style cruising to lesser-known ports of call.

The company was founded 20 years ago by Capt. Mato Stanovic, who serves as president. In January and February, the Andrea will offer a series of voyages through Antarctica. The itineraries include a 20-day journey that explores Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. In March, the Andrea embarks on a repositioning voyage from South America to Europe.

The 2008 European cruise itineraries range from seven days to 15 days.

Of special note are two cruises hosted by Stanovic -- April 5 to 17 to the Canary Islands, Morocco, Spain, Sicily and Malta; and July 1 to 9 roundtrip from Venice to Croatia's Dalmatian Coast.

New for 2008 is cruise in the Gulf of Bothnia. This July 13 to 26 cruise visits Lapland, the Artic Circle, Stockholm, Tallinn and St. Petersburg. The ship then offers a variety of cruises to the Mediterranean, the Azores, the Channel Isles and the Celtic Sea, the British Isles, the Adriatic.

SeaDream Yacht Club Sets 2009 Sailing Schedule

SeaDream Yacht Club announced its schedule and itineraries through April 2009.

As in 2007 and 2008, both SeaDream I and II will sailing in the Caribbean during that period.


Of special interest for 2009 is a call at the Port of Miami by SeaDream II. On April 5, 2009, SeaDream II will commence a seven-day sailing from San Juan to Miami.

On April 12 the yacht will depart on a seven-day roundtrip from Miami that will call on West Palm Beach; Port Lucaya, Egg Island and Nassau in the Bahamas; and Key West for an overnight.

Also noteworthy for 2009 is a new embarkation and disembarkation port for SeaDream I -- Castries, St. Lucia. Voyages for both SeaDream I and II will also commence and disembark at San Juan, St. Thomas and Antigua.

For the full schedule, visit www.seadream.com.

Podcasting is the New Wave of Vacation Planning for Disney Cruise Line

In a cruise industry first, Disney Cruise Line is reaching out to perspective guests through podcasts that offer a new way to get customized information about family-friendly Disney cruise vacations

Read more

Aruba Opens Expanded Cruise Terminal

Aruba Ports Authority has inaugurated its upgraded and expanded cruise terminal, just in time for the winter cruise season.

The authority invested more than 3 million Aruban guilders (about US$1.67 million). The cruise terminal features murals of birds flocking to our island during winter season, as well as local bird species.

The Aruba Information Booth, manned by trained Aruba Cruise Tourism PR Cruise Greeters, was upgraded as well. The booth is designed and equipped with two mega-displays the island's coral stones.

The terminal has also a first-aid station, a telephone service and a coffee shop. The terminal is now the home of 17 stores offering an array of local and international products, including perfume, souvenirs, clothing, jewelry, postcards, paintings, towels and accessories.

For more information, visit www.ArubaByCruise.com.

MSC Cruises Offers Air/Sea Rates to Europe

MSC Cruises is offering a special air/sea rates from certain U.S. gateways in conjunction with select seven-night Europe cruises.

The air/sea package is available from Atlanta, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami and New York City-JFK.

Rates begin at $1,949 per person, double occupancy, for an interior stateroom, including airfare and transfers. Government fees and taxes are additional. Ocean-view staterooms begin at $2,099.

Air/sea packages are available for the MSC Poesia's Eastern Mediterranean roundtrip from Venice; MSC Musica's Eastern Mediterranean and Greek Isles roundtrips from Venice; MSC Orchestra and MSC Melody's Western Mediterranean roundtrips from Barcelona; MSC Opera and MSC Lirica's Russia and The Baltic or Scandinavian Fjords roundtrips from Copenhagen; MSC Lirica and MSC Sinfonia's Western Mediterranean roundtrip from Rome.

Carnival Wins Awards from Cruise One/Cruises Inc.

Carnival Cruise Lines was named "Best Outside Sales Force" and "Most Improved Cruise Line" by Cruise One/Cruises Inc., a national travel consortium of U.S. and Canadian travel agents.

The awards were presented during the recent Cruise One/Cruises Inc. 2007 annual conference and are based on a survey of hundreds of the organization's field sales representatives who were asked to rate cruise lines in a variety of product- and service-related categories.

Carnival received its "Best Outside Sales Force" award for its outstanding service to travel agents, who are served by 77 business development managers (BDMs). BDMs are supported by 50 business development specialists located at the company's Miami headquarters.

Carnival's "Most Improved Cruise Line" award is based on the line's many recent product enhancements.

Among these is the $250 million "Evolutions of Fun" ship refurbishment program which recently debuted on the Carnival Inspiration and will be incorporated into the line's other Fantasy-class vessels over the next few years.

Holland America Marks Ten Years at Half Moon Cay

Holland America Cruise Line will mark the 10th anniversary of the opening of Half Moon Cay on Dec. 12 when the Amsterdam visits the premium line's private Bahamian island.


In December 1996, Holland America Line purchased the uninhabited 2,400-acre island of Little San Salvador from several Bahamian owners for $6 million and debuted Half Moon Cay as a port of call Dec. 12, 1997.

The cruise line initially invested $16 million in the facility and developed it according to the guidelines of the Business Charter for Sustainable Development established by the International Chamber of Commerce.

Half Moon Cay, located less than 100 miles southeast of Nassau, was conceived to provide an indigenous Caribbean island experience in an authentic natural setting to Holland America guests on Caribbean and Panama Canal itineraries.

Amenities that were required to support ship visits included food and beverage facilities, shops, restrooms and other facilities. The island's offerings have steadily expanded to also provide a full beachside water park for children, private beach cabanas and an array of shore excursions that include horseback riding by land and sea, personal watercraft adventures and an opportunity to swim with stingrays.

Although only 2% of Half Moon Cay has been developed (50 out of 2,400 acres), the cruise line has fulfilled its goal of maintaining and enhancing the island's beauty.

Much of the island is a migratory bird reserve and, according to Bahamas National Trust surveys, since Half Moon Cay's inauguration, its water fowl population has significantly increased due to habitat enhancement. The necessary support structures were designed to be compatible with the island's topography and existing flora; plantings were selected to complement existing subtropical foliage.

Half Moon Cay has created nearly 100 full-time, year-round jobs for Bahamian craftspeople and workers from nearby islands.

The island generates more than $5.5 million in local purchases and wages annually. To date, $23 million in taxes has been generated for the Bahamas government.

Holland America guest surveys consistently rank Half Moon Cay as the highest-rated port on the Caribbean itineraries.

Source: Modern Agent - Travel Pulse Daily

Carnival's Spectacular Thanksgiving Sale!

Save up to $160 per stateroom on select 3-5 day Thanksgiving Sailings in 2007.

This Wednesday November 7th ONLY, book your select 3-5 day cruise from $229 per person.


The difference in price on some cruise reflects cabin choice of 4A, the cheaper category versus 6A a higher cabin category. If only one price is given, the 6A category is sold out for that particular cruise.

Check out our Applicable Sailings !

Carnival Fascination - 3 Day Cruise from Miami - 11/23/2007 - $249 to $289

Carnival Sensation - 3 Days from Port Canaveral - 11/22/2007 - $389

Carnival Sensation - 3 Days from Port Canaveral - 11/29/2007 - $229 to $249

Carnival Fantasy - 4 Days from New Orleans - 11/22/2007 - $389 to $419

Carnival Fascination - 4 Days from Miami - 11/19/2007 - $249 to $319

Carnival Fascination - 4 Days from Miami - 11/26/2007 - $199 to $239

Carnival Imagination - 4 Days from Miami - 11/29/2007 - $239 to $279

Carnival Paradise - 4 Days from Long Beach - 11/19/2007 - $289 to $349

Carnival Celebration - 5 Days from Jacksonville - 11/17/2007 - $319 to $339

Carnival Imagination - 5 Days from Miami - 11/19/2007 - $389

Terms & Conditions:

Cruise rates are in U.S. dollars, per person and are based on double occupancy in category 4A. Offer is non-transferable, and has no cash value. Farecode must be requested to receive promotion. Full deposit is required at time of booking. Sailings within range may be slightly higher. Government taxes and fees are additional for all guests. Offer excludes categories 1A/IS/7A/OV/9A/BL/ST/11/12. Combinable with supersaver rates only. Offer is capacity controlled and is not combinable with any other discount or promotional offer.

Rates are subject to change at any time without prior notice. Savings up to $160 per stateroom on select 3-5 Day Thanksgiving sailings in 2007. All savings based on double occupancy. Single occupancy bookings receive half of the savings amount. Valid on new individual bookings only. Savings based on supersaver rates.

Offer expires at 11:59PM EST on Wednesday 11/7/07. Blackout dates may apply. Some restrictions (including stateroom/category availability) apply. Request fare code CPDW. Ships' Registry: The Bahamas & Panama.

Source: Joystar Agent Services

SeaDream Yacht Club Creates Cookbook

"Dream Cuisine: An Adventure for the Senses" describes the total SeaDream dining experience that includes linen tablecloths and napkins of 100 percent Italian cotton woven in Belgium.

Flatware was designed and crafted in Norway. The china comes from Porsgrund and crystal from Hadeland Glasswerk, both of Norway and owned by SeaDream Yacht Club Owner Atle Brynestad.

The cookbook presents SeaDream's cuisine a la minute whereby each dish is made with fresh ingredients -- frequently found in the markets of ports of call -- and then prepared to order.

Designed for four servings, "Dream Cuisine" recipes are for hors d'oeuvres, lunch, dinner, desserts, and spa and vegetarian choices.

Special sections present "SeaDream Signature Dishes," a "Menu Degustation," a section describing the SeaDream wine cellar with rare Old World and New World offerings, a bar menu featuring unusual beverages and SeaDream's "Champagne & Caviar Splash."

There are more than 90 recipes in the collection. Among them are gratinated escargot served with aubergine caviar and mushrooms; Thai-style chili garlic quail served with Basmati rice and coriander; salad of marinated monkfish with spinach and tomato salad; terrine of foie gras with fig compote, truffle dressing and brioche; and sautéed Gariguette strawberries with candied black olives and olive oil ice cream.

"Dream Cuisine" was introduced during a recent Club Members' voyage between Valletta and Naples by company President, CEO and Co-Owner Larry Pimentel.

The cookbook is available through the Boutique section of SeaDream's website for $30 per copy, plus shipping, and in the onboard boutiques on SeaDream I and II.

For more information, visit www.seadream.com.

NCL Increases Calls in The Bahamas

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will return to Grand Bahama Island beginning next month and is increasing calls to the Bahamas, adding 32 cruises between 2007 and 2009.

Twenty-eight of these calls will be made by NCL's new Norwegian Gem, which entered service on Oct. 1.

Norwegian Jewel will make the first stop in Grand Bahama, along with a stop in Nassau, during a three-day cruise on November 15, 2007, sailing roundtrip from Miami.

NCL estimates that these calls will contribute approximately $9 million directly to the economy of the Bahamas, with $4 million going directly to Grand Bahama Island.

Norwegian Gem, carrying approximately 2,400 passengers, will sail seven-day Bahamas and Florida itineraries roundtrip from New York in December 2007 and February, March, April and December 2008, with stops in Grand Bahama Island, Nassau, Great Stirrup Cay and Port Canaveral. In 2009, the ship will sail the same itinerary from January through April.

Norwegian Jade, a Jewel-class ship, has three scheduled seven-day Bahamas and Florida sailings roundtrip from New York on Dec. 14, Dec. 21 and Dec. 28, 2008, with stops in Grand Bahama Island, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, along with Port Canaveral.

NCL decided to return to Grand Bahama Island after being invited by the Ministry of Tourism to experience the island.

NCL's development team toured the area for the new cruise port facility, visited the dolphins at UNEXSO, enjoyed a Safari Jeep Tour and took an air boat tour through the mangroves.


Source: Modern Agent

Windjammer Reportedly Cancels Nov. 3 "Restart" Cruise

Windjammer Barefoot Cruises has apparently cancelled the Nov. 3 departure of the Legacy, a cruise billed as the restart of the financially troubled line.

Two members of the Burke family, which owns the company, have promoted a $399 offer for a weeklong cruise on Legacy as part of the "Windjammer Restart" program.

The discounted fares were purportedly to be used as "startup money for food, fuel and wages." The company's four sailing ships have been laid up in ports in the Caribbean and Costa Rica. Joseph Burke, the youngest son of founder Capt. Mike Burke, has been joined by Danny Walsh, Capt. Burke's grandson, in trying to resurrect the line.

While company executives have not responded to phone or email messages left by Travel Pulse Daily on and off for two months, Joseph Burke and Walsh have posted messages on a website of devoted fans in recent days -- most recently to promote the Nov. 3 cruise.

However, on Nov. 1, a memo apparently signed by Walsh said the Nov. 3 cruise is cancelled. "We would like you to know that we will be sailing on the week of the 17th," the memo reads. The message invites passengers already in Costa Rica to board the Legacy. "Feel free to call to rebook, we will cover air charges," the message states.

However, the company's website, which on Oct. 31 included a PayPal link for booking the $399 fare, did not include any notice of the cancellation on Nov. 1.

Several travel insurers are no longer covering Windjammer voyages, and ASTA (American Association of Travel Agents) has issued a cautionary alert to its members.

For more information, call 800-327-2600 or visit www.windjammer.com.

Source: Modern Agent

Carnival Cruise Line Overview

Carnival Cruise Lines is the world's largest cruise line, and currently operates 22 cruise ships.

The name Carnival is famous in cruising circles for good reason. The company has transformed cruising from the realm of a luxury reserved for the well-to-do to a vacation available to just about anyone.

Carnival pioneered the idea that shorter cruises could be profitable. At the same time, they have designed many shorter cruises that allow not only a reduced price, but the ability of busy people to take a short vacation on ship.

Stressed corporate workers can now hop off to Mexico on a ship the way they might have hopped onto a plane to Vegas 20 years ago.

Along with that convenience factor has come many more entertainment options on board. Many ships in Carnivals ever-growing fleet now resemble Las Vegas hotels. Some resemble Las Vegas itself, they've grown so large. That has brought dozens of new forms of enjoyment for cruisers.

Gambling and musical entertainment has long been part of some cruises. But Carnival has raised it to the same heights seen in Las Vegas by offering shows that look as if they might have just stepped right off the Strip and onto the deck.

And the company continues to expand its shipping fleet and the number and type of voyages. One of the latest, the Carnival Liberty is their first to be based in Europe. From there it can sail to the South of France or the Greek Isles and many places in between.

Even larger ships are about to debut . . .

The Carnival Splendor will set sail in July 2008, and house up to 3,000 passengers, a population larger than many small towns in America. The Splendor will have one of the largest spas afloat, the Cloud9 Spa will feature 21,000 sq feet of spa and gym facilities, as well as 19,000 sq feet of spa-dedicated staterooms, for a total of 40,000 sq feet of dedicated spa space.

The brand new Carnival Freedom offers an itinerary for the Caribbean, Mediterranean, and European transatlantic cruises. This mega ship offers an abundance of duty-free shops, delicious dining options, bars, clubs, onboard activities and the addition of the Carnival Seaside Theatre – a 12-foot-high by 22-foot-wide LED screen located poolside on Carnival Freedom’s Lido deck showing movies, sporting events, concerts, and various other programming.

The Carnival Fantasy-class ships include:
Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Ecstasy, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Fascination, Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Elation and Carnival Paradise, comprise the most successful series of ships ever introduced. Many of the enhancements to these fabulous "Fun Ships" have already been completed - Carnival WaterWorks, Resort-Style Pools, Serenity Adult Retreat Area and much more have already been completed aboard the Carnival Inspiration!

They recently began a series of four and five day voyages from San Diego to Cabo and Ensenada in Mexico. These trips aboard the Elation are selling reservations like MP3 downloads – hot, hot, hot! Travelers can take a week's vacation in the sun, or just escape for a long weekend.

They also have 15-day voyages all the way to the Panama Canal. You can see one of the most important construction projects in the world and have plenty of time to unwind, enjoy the sea air and sun. You can also take advantage of the amazing variety of things to do on board. The ship has three elegant restaurants, three swimming pools, a gym, a large theater, and dozens of other attractions.

Carnival is also associated with the Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Windstar Cruises and others. They purchased the famed Cunard Line (owner of the Queen Mary) several years ago.

As a result, no matter what kind of voyage you're interested in, they'll have something to interest you. Prices vary widely and trips can be tailored to just about any budget.

Take a look at what they have and be prepared to see one of their trademark clever animal-shaped towels in your cabin as you reach for that chocolate on the pillow.

Bon Voyage!

Linda Thompkins, Travel Consultant
Travel 2 the Caribbean
http://www.travel2thecaribbean.com

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Cruises - Common Misconceptions

Cruises - Common Misconceptions About Cruises

Cruise ships have long been floating hotels, but today they are more like floating cities. As such, they have all the exciting things to do that any great city will have all within easy reach.

Still there are a number of views commonly held by those who haven't actually been on a cruise. Those views may be keeping them from even exploring the possibility of taking one. So, exposing some of those misconceptions may help.

Lots of people, not unreasonably, believe that cruises are dominated by the elderly or late-middle aged. While it's certainly true that many cruise goers have a bit of gray in their hair, today all different ages go on cruises. Family trips are increasingly popular and kid-specific facilities and activities are offered by all the lines now.

Teens and 20-somethings form a larger percentage of cruise goers than in the past. Many in this age group have funds from generous parents and their own savings, so they are taking advantage of cruise discounts and the shorter cruises. Even though retired individuals often have more free time and spare income from years of saving, they are no longer the majority of cruise passengers.

Also there are many theme cruises for travelers that have specific interests such as music, lecture series, sports, gourmet food, etc. Picking one of these cruises will insure you will be on board with those who share similar interests, and activities. Theme cruises usually occur once or twice a year, so advance planning is necessary.

Cruises in the past sometimes had very set schedules, for eating and recreation or entertainment, and has turned off many potential travelers. All that has changed. Though major meals do occur between certain hours, there are lots of alternatives today. There are in-between meal buffets, and alternative dining options for the more independent traveler. In essence, you can eat anytime or anywhere you choose.

A similar objection to cruises that is sometimes raised is a view that there are not enough of a choice of activities. That, too, is certainly no longer the case. In times past a walk around the deck, a little table tennis, or a good book were just about the only options.

Today, there are more things to do on board than any one person could enjoy in 10 cruises.

Aside from the daily musical and theatrical performances, and casinos, today there are so many alternatives for entertainment that you can amuse yourself a dozen different ways at any time of the day or night. You can choose from activities like bowling, ice skating, rock climbing, basketball, golf, shuffleboard, deck tennis, and ping pong. Most cruise lines also offer daily exercise classes, and many have jogging tracks. For those who like to work out on their own, you will be pleased with the state of the art exercise gyms.

Also you can pick up a new skill, or even enjoy some of your favorite hobby activities. Most cruise lines offer scuba certification and snorkeling instruction. Others offer cruise travelers the opportunity to enjoy hobbies such as scrap booking, photography, dancing, wine tasting, etc.

If you prefer something a little more sedate, there are dozens of choices such as card games, computer games, on board auctions, or you can take in a movie at the theater. The new mega ships have tons of interesting boutique shops, and state of the art spa facilities as well. And for book lovers - some of the on board libraries have a great selection, as well as being extremely comfortable. And of course you can always opt to simply lie around and soak up the sun, swim or relax in the jacuzzi too.

Even apart from all the fun and interesting activities, the ship itself has fascinating things to see. Touring most of these behemoths that sail the seas today would take a good two days or more all by itself.

Note: Even with a vast array of on board activities, some travelers do not want to be confined on board a ships for days at a time. The only cruises that are this confining are European cruise that cross the Atlantic, and some U.S. cruises. So if the thought of sailing for days before reaching land is an issue, you might want to think twice before booking these particular cruises.

Once you get acquainted with all the on board ship activities, then it's time to visit all those exciting cruise port destinations. Do a little prior homework about each destination, and take advantage of all the information given by the cruise director. Please check out our posting on offshore tours and activities for more information.

Then by the time you've become worn out with tourist hopping, shopping and sightseeing, you'll be ready to return to your cabin for some rest, and the get ready for your next days activities.

It just doesn't get any better than that!


Bon Voyage!

Linda Thompkins, Travel Consultant
Travel 2 the Caribbean
http://www.travel2thecaribbean.com

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Holland America's Prinsendam to Sail Two Grand Voyages

Holland America Line's 793-passenger Prinsendam will sail two Grand Voyages in 2009 from January through April.

The ship will cruise around South America and Antarctica on the "Grand South America and Antarctic Voyage," and explore Europe lesser-visited ports on the "Grand Mediterranean and Black Sea Voyage."

The "Grand South America and Antarctic Voyage" departs Jan. 2, 2009, on a 68-day roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale. During the circumnavigation of the continent, Prinsendam will journey more than 17,700 nautical miles and visit 32 ports of call in 14 countries, including overnight stays in Manaus and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Callao (Lima), Peru; and Fuerte Amador, Panama. Prinsendam will visit 13 ports in Brazil, including maiden calls at Maceio, Ilhabela (Sao Sabastiao) and Itajai. Additional highlights include a daylight passage through the Panama Canal, a call at Devil's Island and four Equator crossings. Segments of 11 to 57 days are available between Fort Lauderdale, Buenos Aires and Callao.

The "Grand Mediterranean and Black Sea Voyage" departs Fort Lauderdale March 11, 2009, for a 50-day roundtrip to the Mediterranean and Black Sea. During the voyage, Prinsendam will sail more than 14,400 nautical miles and visit 25 ports of call in 15 countries, including Spain, Italy and France, as well as Bulgaria and Ukraine. Overnight stays in Barcelona and Istanbul are planned as are late-night departures in Arrecife, Canary Islands; Monte Carlo, Monaco; Kusadasi, Turkey; Santorini, Greece; and Lisbon, Portugal. Reservations are now available for Prinsendam's 2009 Grand Voyages. Early-booking bonus amenities for full-cruise guests include airfare, prepaid hotel service charges, shipboard credit, luggage delivery service and limousine transfers when booking select stateroom categories; amenities vary by cruise and booking date.

Per-person, double occupancy cruise fares start at $13,599 for the 68-day South America and Antarctica voyage and $8,749 for the Mediterranean and Black Sea cruise.

The back-to back Grand Voyages can be combined for a 118-day adventure sailing round-trip from Fort Lauderdale on Jan. 2, returning April 30, 2009 with additional savings available.

The 2009 Grand Voyages brochure is now available.

MSC Cruises Schedules Food & Wine Cruises

MSC Cruises will host five food and wine cruises on MSC Lirica, MSC Poesia and MSC Orchestra.

These cruises will feature cooking demonstrations on how to prepare regional dishes from the countries visited on the itinerary. There will also be tips on selecting and preserving the best ingredients. A sommelier will also offer advice during wine-tasting, and barmen will offer advice on mixing cocktails.

Guests will also receive a wine dictionary to increase their knowledge of wines
produced around the globe. Lessons will be offered on how to set a table, including the center piece and place cards. There will also be games and contests with a culinary theme, and aspiring chefs can compete against one another.

Food and wine themes are scheduled for the MSC Poesia's April 19 and Sept. 13 cruises departing Venice. The seven-night Eastern Mediterranean cruises will call at Bari, Olympia (Katakolon) in Greece, Izmir and Istanbul in Turkey and Dubrovnik in Croatia. Prices start at $999 per person, double occupancy.

The MSC Orchestra's culinary cruise will depart May 9 from Barcelona on a seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise. The ship will visit Marseille in France, Genoa and Naples in Italy, Palermo in Sicily and Palma de Mallorca in Spain. Prices start at $1,099.

The MSC Lirica will departs Rome Oct. 4 on a seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise to Genoa, Marseille, Valencia, Tangier and Malaga. Prices start at $999.

The MSC Poesia will depart Nov. 15 from Venice on a 10-night Eastern Mediterranean cruise concluding in Genoa. Ports of call include Bari, Corfu, Piraeus and Rhodes in Greece, Antalia in Turkey, Heraklion on Crete, Tripoli in Libya, and Valletta on the island of Malta. Prices start at $999.

All prices quoted are cruise-only based on MSC Cruises' "Best Fare, Best Room" promotion, which provides guests with the best stateroom available within their desired category at the time of booking.

NCL Renews Partnership with "Cooking Light" Magazine

NCL Corp. and "Cooking Light" magazine renewed their partnership to provide healthy meal options on NCL ships in 2008.


NCL has offered "Cooking Light"-branded menu options on its ships since 1999.

As part of the agreement, "Cooking Light" will continue to provide appetizer, entrée and dessert recipes incorporated and rotated among menus on NCL and NCL America ships, which offer up to 10 restaurants on each vessel.

A "Cooking Light" chef will board NCL ships to oversee recipe execution and taste test meals, and will provide direction and additional menu suggestions throughout the year.

Menu items include delicious fare such as jerk-style chicken with cinnamon, thyme, jalapenos and allspice; and sautéed tilapia with lemon-peppercorn pan sauce.

"Cooking Light" will also host its annual Ship Shape cruise, for the ninth year in a row, aboard Norwegian Dawn Nov. 11-18, departing roundtrip from Miami. Embarking on an Eastern Caribbean itinerary, the health- and wellness-focused voyage calls on Samana, Dominican Republic; Tortola, British Virgin Islands; and Great Stirrup Cay, Bahamas.

Guests can participate in morning walks, customized shore excursions, cooking demonstrations and question-and-answer sessions with "Cooking Light" chefs, a private beach party in St. Thomas, Iron Chef-style cooking competitions, and more.

Ship Shape cruise rates start at $655 per person.

Cruise Ship Offshore Tours

In planning your cruise vacation you may want to look at offshore tours for your cruising destinations.

The most popular tours sell out quickly. So do you book the offshore cruise excursions with your cruise package, or wait until you get on board? Are the offshore cruise excursions offered by the cruise line cheaper versus booking on your own?

Cruise passengers only have a specific amount of time in each cruise port, so if you definitely want a particular tour, I would suggest booking prior to arriving onboard.

On the other hand, if your budget dictates that you could not add the additional cost at the time of booking, or you needed time to choose your offshore tours, you should immediately ask about the tour as soon as you board the ship. All inquiries should be made at the purser's desk. When you inquire, if you are told the specific tour cannot be booked yet, ask about the first available time this can be done - and be sure to follow up. As stated above, popular tours do sell out quickly.

Cruise ships sail to ports every week, and they usually have a negotiated price that may be below what you can find on your own. However, it is always good to check around - you may also find an interesting tour that the cruise company does not offer, or a cheaper price.

Independent travelers may not want to be part of a large group, structured offshore tour excursion. If you fit into this category, after you arrive at your destination, you can hire a local driver to take you around. Also look at different tour options that the cruise company does not offer.

So there are many options when it comes to exploring your cruise port destination. Cruise passengers should some thought to the best and most economical way to explore their interests at each destination.

Then again, you might just be content to stay onboard while the crowd goes ashore! Cruising vacations allow for a lot of flexibility, so it's always up to you to decide how to best enjoy your cruise vacation.

If you would like to explore worldwide tours, and other interesting things to do, check out our offerings.

We use Viator as a tour supplier because they are one of the leading tour suppliers across the globe. You can explore many different options not offered by the cruise company. And for those options that are offered by the cruise company, jot down our price vs. the cruise company - and you know what to do in that case :)

Worldwide Tours

Cruise Booking Considerations - Part 3

Cruises Booking Considerations – Part 3

This is the 3rd posting on what you should consider before booking a cruise.

Just so we are all on the same page, you can see where the conversation started by clicking here, and then read the 2nd posting, and come on back - Linda




Okay, now that we are on the same page, let's talk a little more about WHEN to book in relation to WHERE to sail.

When considering when to book - which can be a tricky choice - there are a few specifics that can guide your planning.

Cruises to Bermuda and The Bahamas are popular for a number of reasons. They are both great islands to visit, and the trip from Florida is short, making for a great two or three day cruise.

As a result, prime cabins in the summer months of July and August will sell out six to nine months in advance. Also, if in choosing Bermuda - do check the weather if you decide on "out of season cruise" - while they are much cheaper, the island can get rather chilly at times, so just passing that along. Who wants to sail to a chilly island? Count me out!

But, fortunately for Caribbean cruise-goers, usually the weather in April-May and September-October can be great. Those off-peak months give travelers many more options. Cruises can book quickly due to family summer travel - the kids are out of school - so if you are looking for a nice, romantic honeymoon cruise, or an adult getaway - this may not be the best time to go. My suggestion for honeymooners and romantics is a land vacation package in the summer months.

And keep in mind that hurricanes, or at least heavy storms, can affect travel from June to near the end of October. Be prepared to be flexible.

If you are already sailing, and a hurricane system is threatening the Caribbean, you can be assured the captain will stear the ship out of harms way. While you may not get to visit all the islands on the cruise schedule due to storms, you can still have a great time visiting alternative destinations - and most cruise ships go overboard in customer service to assure passengers are as happy as possible. I've experienced many cruise like this, and you go with the flow - mother nature always rules.

Now - if a storm approaches before your cruise ship sets sail, you should be offered a full refund, or given alternative cruise dates. Prior to booking, make sure you know the hurricane and cancellation policies for the particular cruise line. I always advise purchasing travel insurance to cover "we didn't think of this happening" expenses such as flight re-booking penalties, etc.

Now if you decide to book a last minute cruise, you will have more options by selecting an older ship or a less popular destination - and some of the older ships are still floating palaces. But again, homework is required on some of the older ships - and really give some thought whether you want to sail to the particular islands destinations offered.

Booking last minute cruises on popular ships will require that you take the cabin inventory that is being offered - and often (but not always), this includes inside cabins at the bottom of the ship. The ship staff and crew cabins are in the lower areas, along with the engine rooms, so there can be extra noise and vibration at the lower level cabins.

On the other hand, good cabins on any cruise can be had for a bargain at the last minute - it just depends on booking at the right time, and some luck.

Cruises from New York (and other U. S. ports) to Europe are still some of the best, 100 years after they first began. Cruise lines have responded by offering more trips - but demand still presses on supply, keeping the price high. The 7-night cruises to the Mediterranean are the most popular, and The Baltic also remains a popular destination. As with other European trips, plan to book a year in advance to get the type of voyage you want.

If you plan on shopping at any of the European ports, keep in mind the U.S. dollar is currently depressed against the Euro currency - so plan to get a less than expected exchange. And if the captain warns of heavy surf, do consider taking the "sea sick" medications offered - there is nothing worse than getting sick on a transatlantic cruise. These medications do not work AFTER you get sick - and keep this in mind on ANY cruise vacation.

Cruises to Australia will require booking far in advance at almost any time of the year. When it's winter in the U.S. it's summer there and vice-versa. And South America is still a hot destination, in more ways than one.

On Alaska cruises, the balcony cabins ALWAYS sell out first. Though more expensive, the demand from those who can afford it is still high enough to make booking far in advance a necessity. It's all about those beautiful scenic views! Since the economy has been fairly robust for the last few years, this trend has continued.

Hawaii is still a desirable cruise voyage for many. For those of us in the Midwest and eastern seaboard, Hawaii will be a very long flight. On the return trip, you will have an overnight stay because there are no early morning flights leaving the island. This is a rather expensive destination, and the overnight stay on the return flight must be factored into your budget and vacation time - so include an extra day getting home in your planning.

Cruising the waterways of the U.S and Mexico - Consider cruises up and down the two coasts of the U.S. and U.S. to Mexico, from San Diego to Cabo, and New England to Florida. Though not as glamorous perhaps as a European or Caribbean cruise, but the ships are still first rate. You'll have a great time on board and there are, in fact, several excellent stops on the way.
Bookings for U.S. and Mexico cruises are often less intense and less expensive, but you can still take advantage of early booking discounts. If you see a better deal a couple of months before departure, you can sometimes get it by working through a travel agent - and it's always good to check the online booking sites - just make sure it is a reputable site, and please do not fall for those cruise deals to anywhere that seem to good to be true that arrive in your mailbox, either on or offline.

Whether you choose to work with an agent, or make your own cruise reservations, just keep in mind that YOU are the only one who should decide what YOU want in a cruise vacation, and how best to spend your hard earned money. So, do a little homework, and you will get the best cruise vacation value.

Bon Voyage!
Linda Thompkins, Travel Consultant
Travel 2 the Caribbean
http://www.travel2thecaribbean.com

P.S. I plan on doing the next posting on how and when to choose offshore tours and activities at the cruise ship destination ports. Yes, even more pre-planning to save time and money. Come back on Monday for this posting . . .

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Cruise Booking Considerations - Part 2

Cruise Booking Considerations - Part 2

In the previous posting, I discussed the start of the booking process. So you may want to read the previous posting prior to reading this one . . . Linda

When considering when to book, which can be a tricky choice, there are a few specifics that can guide your planning.

On Alaska cruises, for example, balcony cabins on newer ships usually sell out long before less desirable accommodations. Though these are more expensive, the demand is still high enough (and the supply small enough) that getting in early is a must.

Route matters, too. The Gulf Route between Vancouver and Anchorage is the most popular choice for Alaska cruises. Several lines offer on shore excursions as part of a package deal. Book as far in advance as possible, certainly no later than six months ahead for May-September departures.

Round Trip cruises beginning at Vancouver often have more spaces closer to the departure date. Booking for May or September will give you more choices, too. In every case, unless you just get lucky, you can expect to pay $100 (and up) more for a ocean view cabin than for an interior one.

You'll find you have a lot of factors to weigh as you do your research. Having a checklist of your wishes, your budget and a table of options in a spreadsheet will help you decide.

The Bahamas/Caribbean cruises are slightly different. Though they too require planning in order to get a good deal, there are so many lines going so often you have much more choice. Also, the weather is less of a consideration.

Holidays, not surprisingly, sell out first.

Spring Break week (when college students flood every tourist destination), the Christmas-New Year week, and of course July and August are the most desired times.

Even with all the options to the Caribbean, demand is so high that you'll need to book almost a year in advance to get a good cabin on a nice voyage.

Increased demand in the face of limited supply leads to a higher price. (There's no escaping basic economics!)

Summers are, of course, more common vacation times for families traveling together - book accordingly.

The late winter/early spring months (in the Northern Hemisphere) of Feb-April will start to book up next. By then, many living in sections of the U.S. that get cold in winter are looking to find relief from the cold. Even though they won't leave for months, the act of booking seems to provide some relief from the winter doldrums - for sure!

Bargains abound for September-early December and you may find a good cabin available as short as 60 days before departure. If you can, take advantage of that, since the weather can still be pleasant. Take account of the possibility of hurricanes during that time of year, though. Be prepared to be flexible.

Next posting, we will discuss when to go in more detail . . .

Bon Voyage!
Linda Thompkins, Owner/Travel Consultant
Travel 2 the Caribbean
http://www.travel2thecaribbean.com

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