The weak economy means it's much cheaper to call on Mediterranean ports these days - Spain, Italy, Greece and France.
Cruises under $100 per day are common now, and some are even cheaper if it isn't during the peak summer season.
Read full post at Bankrate
Friday, October 29, 2010
New Trend in Luxury Cruising - Ultimate Yacht Vacations
Why settle for a crowded cruise ship when one can vacation and cruise on a privately crewed yacht? Booking these luxury vessels by the stateroom provides an all inclusive opportunity not previously presented to the public.
Take advantage of this new trend in luxury cruising - Enjoy all the benefits of a private yacht without all the expenses. Ultimate Yacht Vacations provides private staterooms aboard some of the world’s finest yachts for a single, low, all-inclusive price.
Ultimate Yacht Vacations charter yachts include a full crew with a highly trained captain, chef, and stewardess. Safety and comfort are the top priorities, with the yacht’s crew providing everything from navigation to chilled cocktails.
A vacation week will include an unmatched level of service and comfort which is highlighted by the personal accommodations aboard the vessel.
Most of the yachts feature three configurations to choose from priced according to their size, amenities, and appointments and are the Master, the VIP and the Deluxe stateroom. All staterooms are fully air-conditioned, and most have state-of-the-art entertainment systems and of course, private bathing facilities.
Each yacht will have variations in itsspecific configurations and complete details for each vessel can be viewed by clicking on the individual yacht photos located on the company's Yachts page.
Vacation itineraries include the absolute best yachting areas in the world. Caribbean charter yachts and Bahamas chartered yacht vacations allow you to explore natural islands and beautiful beaches while aboard a private luxury charter yacht.
Caribbean vacation itineraries can include the beautiful islands of St Barts, St Martin, The Virgin Islands, Antigua, Barbados, Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, BVI, Canouan, Grenada, Grenadines, Leeward Islands, Martinique, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St Maarten, St. Thomas, St. Vincent, Tortola, US Virgin Islands, and, Virgin Gorda.
Each fully crewed motor yacht visits destinations no cruise ship is able to navigate. Charter experts will help individuals book the finest charter vacations to suit both personality and destination requests.
Packages Include:
First Time Cruiser Specials: Save up to $1500.00 per person on charters through 2011 when booked by February 15th. Mention promotional code "FTC".
Source: PR Web
Take advantage of this new trend in luxury cruising - Enjoy all the benefits of a private yacht without all the expenses. Ultimate Yacht Vacations provides private staterooms aboard some of the world’s finest yachts for a single, low, all-inclusive price.
Ultimate Yacht Vacations charter yachts include a full crew with a highly trained captain, chef, and stewardess. Safety and comfort are the top priorities, with the yacht’s crew providing everything from navigation to chilled cocktails.
A vacation week will include an unmatched level of service and comfort which is highlighted by the personal accommodations aboard the vessel.
Most of the yachts feature three configurations to choose from priced according to their size, amenities, and appointments and are the Master, the VIP and the Deluxe stateroom. All staterooms are fully air-conditioned, and most have state-of-the-art entertainment systems and of course, private bathing facilities.
Each yacht will have variations in itsspecific configurations and complete details for each vessel can be viewed by clicking on the individual yacht photos located on the company's Yachts page.
Vacation itineraries include the absolute best yachting areas in the world. Caribbean charter yachts and Bahamas chartered yacht vacations allow you to explore natural islands and beautiful beaches while aboard a private luxury charter yacht.
Caribbean vacation itineraries can include the beautiful islands of St Barts, St Martin, The Virgin Islands, Antigua, Barbados, Barbuda, British Virgin Islands, BVI, Canouan, Grenada, Grenadines, Leeward Islands, Martinique, St. Kitts, St. Lucia, St Maarten, St. Thomas, St. Vincent, Tortola, US Virgin Islands, and, Virgin Gorda.
Each fully crewed motor yacht visits destinations no cruise ship is able to navigate. Charter experts will help individuals book the finest charter vacations to suit both personality and destination requests.
Packages Include:
- 4 or 8 days on the yacht of your choice
- Choose from three stateroom levels: Master, VIP, and Deluxe
- All meals prepared by onboard chef
- Open bar throughout your trip
- Access to all sporting equipment available upon your chosen yacht
- Experienced captain and crew
- All cruising permits, fuel and docking fees
First Time Cruiser Specials: Save up to $1500.00 per person on charters through 2011 when booked by February 15th. Mention promotional code "FTC".
Source: PR Web
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
10 New Oceania Alaska Cruises
Starting May, 2011, Oceania Cruises will celebrate its inaugural season by offering 10 new sailings through Alaska with 3 promotions including:
Cruise sites will include Hubbard Glacier, the Gulf of Alaska, Tracy Arm and College Fjord.
The four itineraries include:
Majestic Alaska
A 14-day round-trip cruise from San Francisco, a maiden port for Oceania Cruises, will tour Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia; Sitka, Hoonah, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska; and Astoria, Oregon. Departures: May 12, Aug. 26.
Alaskan Grandeur
A 12-day voyage between San Francisco and Vancouver will visit Astoria and Victoria, as well as Wrangell, Juneau, Hoonah, Sitka and Ketchikan. Departures: May 26, Aug. 14.
Frontiers and Glaciers
Sailing round-trip from Vancouver, the 10-day cruise will call at Sitka, Hoonah, Kodiak, Wrangell and Ketchikan. Departures: June 7, Aug. 4.
Glacial Wilderness
Between Vancouver and Anchorage, this 12-day voyage will take you through Ketchikan, Wrangell, Juneau, Hoonah, Skagway, Sitka, Seward and Homer. Departures: June 17 and 29, July 11 and 23.
Call 800-531-5658 or visit www.OceaniaCruises.com
Deal Dates: September 29, 2010 - December 31, 2010
- Per state room savings of $1,000 off cruise fares
- $1,000 shipboard credit on top of two-for-one prices
- Free airfare; and the rate of $999 per person for third and fourth guests in a stateroom, cruise-only, when booked by December 31, 2010.
Cruise sites will include Hubbard Glacier, the Gulf of Alaska, Tracy Arm and College Fjord.
The four itineraries include:
Majestic Alaska
A 14-day round-trip cruise from San Francisco, a maiden port for Oceania Cruises, will tour Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia; Sitka, Hoonah, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska; and Astoria, Oregon. Departures: May 12, Aug. 26.
Alaskan Grandeur
A 12-day voyage between San Francisco and Vancouver will visit Astoria and Victoria, as well as Wrangell, Juneau, Hoonah, Sitka and Ketchikan. Departures: May 26, Aug. 14.
Frontiers and Glaciers
Sailing round-trip from Vancouver, the 10-day cruise will call at Sitka, Hoonah, Kodiak, Wrangell and Ketchikan. Departures: June 7, Aug. 4.
Glacial Wilderness
Between Vancouver and Anchorage, this 12-day voyage will take you through Ketchikan, Wrangell, Juneau, Hoonah, Skagway, Sitka, Seward and Homer. Departures: June 17 and 29, July 11 and 23.
Call 800-531-5658 or visit www.OceaniaCruises.com
Deal Dates: September 29, 2010 - December 31, 2010
Taylor Swift Concert on Allure of the Seas
Four time Grammy award winner Taylor Swift will be performing on the world's largest cruise ship in January.
Swift is booked to perform on Royal Caribbean's new 5,400-passenger Allure of the Seas. The exclusive concert will take place in the ship's open air AquaTheater 750 seat amphitheater while the ship is docked in Cozumel, Mexico, on Jan. 21.
Fans have the opportunity to see the show by entering an online contest (www.TheAllureofTaylor.com) - along with also entering at Clear Channel radio stations and online at www.ryanseacrest.com.
100 contest winners and their guests will receive passage on the weeklong western Caribbean cruise on Allure of the Seas, which departs Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Jan. 16.
Other cruise passengers will have the opportunity to win tickets on board at themed trivia, karaoke and look-alike contests.
Cruise passengers without tickets will be able to see Taylor's performance from their staterooms, balconies and standing room-only areas that overlook the AquaTheater.
Allure of the Seas makes its debuts next month.
Swift is booked to perform on Royal Caribbean's new 5,400-passenger Allure of the Seas. The exclusive concert will take place in the ship's open air AquaTheater 750 seat amphitheater while the ship is docked in Cozumel, Mexico, on Jan. 21.
Fans have the opportunity to see the show by entering an online contest (www.TheAllureofTaylor.com) - along with also entering at Clear Channel radio stations and online at www.ryanseacrest.com.
100 contest winners and their guests will receive passage on the weeklong western Caribbean cruise on Allure of the Seas, which departs Fort Lauderdale, Florida on Jan. 16.
Other cruise passengers will have the opportunity to win tickets on board at themed trivia, karaoke and look-alike contests.
Cruise passengers without tickets will be able to see Taylor's performance from their staterooms, balconies and standing room-only areas that overlook the AquaTheater.
Allure of the Seas makes its debuts next month.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Silversea Solo Traveler Fares on Select 2011 Voyages
All-inclusive fares include a spacious, ocean-view suite (most suites feature a private veranda), attentive butler service, complimentary wines and spirits, fine dining, sophisticated enrichment and entertainment programs, and all on board gratuities.
The ultra-luxury line has reduced the single supplement on more than 20 sailings in 2011 to just 10% to 25% (above the per-person, double-occupancy fare) for Vista, Veranda and Midship Veranda suites.
Also, on several voyages, Gentlemen Hosts will be on board, which is a real plus for single female guests looking for a dining companion or a dance partner.
Following is a sampling of 2011 voyages offering a 10% single supplement:
Arabian Peninsula 2101 : Silver Wind, January 3 - 10, Dubai to Dubai. Solo Traveler fares start at $5,058 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Gentlemen Hosts will be on board. Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.
Caribbean Voyage 1103 : Silver Cloud, January 22 - 29, San Juan to Barbados. Solo Traveler fares start at $3,078 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities. Voyage also offers single travelers a $250 Shipboard Credit.
Caribbean Voyage 1109 : Silver Cloud, March 14 - 24, Fort Lauderdale to Fort Lauderdale. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,442 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities. Voyage also offers single travelers a $250 Shipboard Credit.
Caribbean Voyage 4113: Silver Whisper, April 27 - May 7, Fort Lauderdale to Barbados. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,442 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities. Voyage also offers single travelers a $250 Shipboard Credit.
Northern Europe Voyage 5111 : Silver Spirit, May 19 - 26, Southampton to Barcelona. Solo Traveler fares start at $4,926 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Gentlemen Hosts will be on board. Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.
Following is a sampling of 2011 voyages offering a 25% single supplement:
South America Voyage 4103 : Silver Whisper, February 5 - 23, Santiago to Fort Lauderdale. Solo Traveler fares start at $8,798 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities.
Far East Voyage 3106 : Silver Shadow, April 6 - 15, Singapore to Hong Kong. Solo Traveler fares start at $6,648 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Gentlemen Hosts will be on board. Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities. Voyage also offers single travelers a $250 Shipboard Credit.
Far East Voyage 3109 : Silver Shadow, May 7 - 17, Shanghai to Tokyo. Solo Traveler fares start at $7,398 (reflecting a 60% Silver Savings discount). Gentlemen Hosts will be on board. Plus, *Free Air is available from select gateway cities. Voyage also offers single travelers a $250 Shipboard Credit.
All fares listed above are per person based on single occupancy for a Vista Suite and do not include port charges and handling fees that can range from $100 to $575 per person on these sailings, depending on the itinerary.
Solo Traveler, Silver Savings and $250 Shipboard Credit are capacity-controlled programs and subject to availability.
The Shipboard Credit is offered per suite, not per voyage, and only once to guests sailing on consecutive voyages. Shipboard Credit is valued in U.S. dollars, regardless of booking currency.
*FREE AIR: A free roundtrip economy air package, that includes transfers between airport and pier on the day of embarkation and disembarkation, is available from 22 gateway cities in the U.S. and Canada. It is a capacity-controlled program offered for a limited time. Additionally, there are specially priced air programs available from another 50 cities.
Click here for complete list of 2011 sailings offering single supplements from 10 to 25%, or visit Silversea.com and click on Special Offers.
Deal Dates: October 14, 2010 - December 31, 2010
Source: Travel Agent Central
Saturday, October 23, 2010
Seven Seas Offers Guests Pre Cruise Complimentary Accommodations
Regent Seven Seas offers airfare, all-suite accommodations, gourmet cuisine, open bars, sightseeing excursions, gratuities and taxes all included in its fare.
Beginning with its 2011 Europe season, every cruise will also include a free, pre-cruise luxury hotel package that features airport-hotel and hotel-ship ground transfers and breakfast prior to check-out.
The award-winning Regent Seven Seas fleet is comprised of three all-suite ships that carry from 490 to 700 guests in luxury to ports in Australia, Europe, Asia, Alaska and the Caribbean. Public areas feature rich fabrics, textures and furnishings.
The suites, among the more spacious at sea, measure from 300 to 1,200 square feet and offer full living and sleeping areas, marble bathrooms, walk-in closets, flat-screen TVs, a fully stocked bar and private balconies.
Facilities include several elegant bars, a show lounge, casino, library, Internet center, card room, outdoor pool, hot tubs and Canyon Ranch SpaClub. Depending on the ship, guests can choose from up to four, open-seating gourmet restaurants, including Prime 7, a new steakhouse.
http://www.rssc.com/
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Crystal Cruises' Annual Wine & Food Series Classes
Cruisers can a full taste of Crystal Cruises' 15th annual Wine & Food Experiences of Discovery series in 2011, as star chefs like three-star Michelin chef Heinz Beck offer hands-on cooking classes, among other on board presentations.
On seven cruises through South America, the Mediterranean, northern Europe, Alaska and the Mexican Riviera, the line will feature celebrated chefs, wine experts and mixologists.
Among them will be celebrity chef Jon Ashton, wine director at L'École French Culinary Institute, Alexis Kahn, and H. Joseph Ehrmann, mixologist and saloonkeeper of San Francisco's Elixir.
During the sailing, guests will get a chance to learn first-hand as well as benefit from chefs' demos, wine tastings, pairing sessions and lessons in the art of the perfect cocktail.
The chefs will create a dinner menu with signature specialities, and passengers on select voyages can take sushi-making classes with Nobu-trained chefs behind the scenes in Silk Road and The Sushi Bar.
Ashore, guests can choose from Crystal Adventures including private wine tastings, cooking lessons, and regional food sampling with local experts.
Onboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, Nobu Matsuhisa's cuisine will take the spotlight, with innovative wine and food pairings scheduled in the Vintage Room.
In addition, the line's cheese and wine sommeliers, certified through the Court of Master Sommeliers, will be on hand to discuss the line's cheese and wine cellars.
During the cruise, guests can take advantage of the line's expanded cuisine scene, with Crystal Cruises' Crystal Dining Room with Perfect Choice Dining and Open Dining by Reservation, with which guests can choose when and where they dine, in addition to Crystal's main and late seating choices.
Visit www.crystalcruises.com
Source: Travel Agent Central
On seven cruises through South America, the Mediterranean, northern Europe, Alaska and the Mexican Riviera, the line will feature celebrated chefs, wine experts and mixologists.
Among them will be celebrity chef Jon Ashton, wine director at L'École French Culinary Institute, Alexis Kahn, and H. Joseph Ehrmann, mixologist and saloonkeeper of San Francisco's Elixir.
During the sailing, guests will get a chance to learn first-hand as well as benefit from chefs' demos, wine tastings, pairing sessions and lessons in the art of the perfect cocktail.
The chefs will create a dinner menu with signature specialities, and passengers on select voyages can take sushi-making classes with Nobu-trained chefs behind the scenes in Silk Road and The Sushi Bar.
Ashore, guests can choose from Crystal Adventures including private wine tastings, cooking lessons, and regional food sampling with local experts.
Onboard Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, Nobu Matsuhisa's cuisine will take the spotlight, with innovative wine and food pairings scheduled in the Vintage Room.
In addition, the line's cheese and wine sommeliers, certified through the Court of Master Sommeliers, will be on hand to discuss the line's cheese and wine cellars.
During the cruise, guests can take advantage of the line's expanded cuisine scene, with Crystal Cruises' Crystal Dining Room with Perfect Choice Dining and Open Dining by Reservation, with which guests can choose when and where they dine, in addition to Crystal's main and late seating choices.
Visit www.crystalcruises.com
Source: Travel Agent Central
Tuesday, October 12, 2010
Cruise Packages - Pier Transfers and 21-Day Parking
Travelers set to sail out of Florida should look into Homewood Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport and Cruise Port, whose two cruise packages include pier transfers and parking for up to 21 days through December 30, 2011.
Located in Dania Beach/Fort Lauderdale, the Hilton property has released the Fort Lauderdale Cruise Package from $109 per night with transfer to Port Everglades and the Cruise Miami Package from $129 per night with transfer to Port of Miami.
Cruise Packages Include:
Contact Area Director of Sales Carolina Torres at carolina.torres@hilton or visit www.hwsfllairport.com
Source: Travel Agent Central
Located in Dania Beach/Fort Lauderdale, the Hilton property has released the Fort Lauderdale Cruise Package from $109 per night with transfer to Port Everglades and the Cruise Miami Package from $129 per night with transfer to Port of Miami.
Cruise Packages Include:
- 24/7 Shuttle service to-from Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International Airport (FLL)
- Hot breakfast buffet
- Evening shuttle to-from restaurants, shopping and entertainment
- Mon-Thu evening reception/meal
- Wireless and high speed Internet connection
Contact Area Director of Sales Carolina Torres at carolina.torres@hilton or visit www.hwsfllairport.com
Source: Travel Agent Central
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Princess Cruises Introduces "Bucket List" Blog
Princess "Bucket List" Blog will feature the top 50 travel experiences from their own destination experts.
The cruise lines 50 experts are those who have been with Princess Cruise Lines for more than 15 years. In that length of time they have traveled a countless number of miles, and during the next year will offer their experiences of the top 50 places to see around the globe.
The blog also offers a forum for travelers to share their best travel experiences, and add to the "bucket list."
Head over to the blog and read the 1st of 50 travel bucket list experiences
In the Embrace of Rio’s Most Famous Monument
The blog also offers a forum for travelers to share their best travel experiences, and add to the "bucket list."
Head over to the blog and read the 1st of 50 travel bucket list experiences
In the Embrace of Rio’s Most Famous Monument
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Royal 5k St. Maarten for Allure Of The Seas’ Guests
Royal Caribbean International today announced the first-ever Royal 5K to be held in St. Maarten, on Thursday, December 16, 2010.
Open to guests sailing aboard Allure of the Seas’ December 12, 2010 voyage - fellow running enthusiasts can enjoy a seven-night Eastern Caribbean cruise aboard Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship.
Guests can opt for an entire week of exclusive, vitality-themed activities, including port explorations through group fun runs, onboard seminars and lectures with high-profile athletes; and jog, sprint or walk a magnificent five-kilometer course, taking participants through one of the Caribbean’s island jewels.
$50 registration fee for adults, and $35 for children, for booked guests who sign up on board and in advance at http://www.RoyalCaribbean.com/Royal5K
Participating guests also will receive a commemorative race t-shirt, as well as exclusive access to a post-race reception on board.
Source: Read more at TTKN
Guests can opt for an entire week of exclusive, vitality-themed activities, including port explorations through group fun runs, onboard seminars and lectures with high-profile athletes; and jog, sprint or walk a magnificent five-kilometer course, taking participants through one of the Caribbean’s island jewels.
$50 registration fee for adults, and $35 for children, for booked guests who sign up on board and in advance at http://www.RoyalCaribbean.com/Royal5K
Participating guests also will receive a commemorative race t-shirt, as well as exclusive access to a post-race reception on board.
Source: Read more at TTKN
Monday, October 4, 2010
Cruise Prices Dive, Value Skyrockets
The cruise lines thought they had a great plan. Deep discounts were given last year at the bleakest moments of the Great Recession when cautious buyers hesitated to book.
After the first of the year, consumers felt better about it all and bookings increased. A strong Summer sailing season seemed to solidify a feeling that things were getting back to normal.
That was good news for cruise lines eager to raise pricing back to a pre-recession level. The news was not so good for consumers now able to book but finding higher pricing.
Buyer hesitation again set in but this time cruise lines are reacting differently.
Continue Reading Article at Examiner.com
After the first of the year, consumers felt better about it all and bookings increased. A strong Summer sailing season seemed to solidify a feeling that things were getting back to normal.
That was good news for cruise lines eager to raise pricing back to a pre-recession level. The news was not so good for consumers now able to book but finding higher pricing.
Buyer hesitation again set in but this time cruise lines are reacting differently.
Continue Reading Article at Examiner.com
Discovery Cruise Introduces New All-Inclusive Cruise
Discovery Cruise Line is introducing a new All-Inclusive Cruise product.
Deal Dates: Now thru February 10, 2011
The new product includes two all-you-can-eat buffet meals on the roundtrip cruise and all-you-can drink alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on the ships starting at $49.99 per person. This is valid on the Fun Day cruise. Two day, one night cruises are available from $69.99 per person.
Discovery is also offering a new 10 a.m. departure from Port Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale, music and a V-Jay, movies and more.
Visit www.discoverycruiseline.com
Deal Dates: Now thru February 10, 2011
Discovery is also offering a new 10 a.m. departure from Port Everglades, Ft. Lauderdale, music and a V-Jay, movies and more.
Visit www.discoverycruiseline.com
Friday, October 1, 2010
Cunard Line Takes Delivery of Queen Elizabeth
This is just the first of a number of significant events over the next few weeks - including the ships official naming by Her Majesty the Queen in Southampton on Monday, October 11, 2011.
Queen Elizabeth left the shipyard on September 30 to sail to Southampton, where she will berth at the Ocean Cruise Terminal on October 8.
Queen Elizabeth will depart on her maiden voyage at 5 p.m. on October 12.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)