Why Luxury Cruises Are Investing More In First Class Sections

Dennis Nienkerk, a luxury cruise specialist with Strong Travel Services in Dallas, recently returned from a week-long cruise on the Norwegian Epic, which sailed round-trip from Miami. 

I fell in love with the sea while in the Navy in the late 1960’s, and spent over 700 days “cruising” on a guided missile frigate, which gave me the opportunity to see much of the world.  

After beginning my business career, my first real cruise was on the Cunard Princess in 1977 and I was hooked forever, and went on to take at least 12 cruises over the next 25 years.  


Ten years ago I walked into a travel agency to book my first post-retirement cruise and knew so much more about the industry than the agent I talked to that I told the owner that if he hired me I would be his top agent within six month.  I was, and moved into specializing in luxury cruises.  In total, I’ve taken over 40 cruises and now take 3-4 every year.


In a Q&A, Nienkerk reviewed his experience and discussed a new trend in luxury cruising.
Why Luxury Cruises Are Investing More In First Class Sections - Forbes

Norwegian Kids Sail Free Announcement

Norwegian Cruise Line is inviting children ages 17 and under to sail for free when their parents book them on a cruise by May 7, 2011 as third or fourth guests on select sailings fleet-wide. 

Destinations include the Bahamas, Bermuda, Hawaii, the Caribbean and Europe.

Ships included in this promotion are Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Jade, Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Spirit, Norwegian Star, Pride of America, Norwegian Jewel and Norwegian Pearl.

Family Friendly Features:

• Signature Nickelodeon activities and shows

• Waterslides

• Two-story Wii wall

• Supervised kids and teens programs

• Dedicated Kid’s Café

• Norwegian Epic features an Aqua Park, a two-deck sports complex and an interactive children’s area, Recess

Visit www.ncl.com

Norwegian Epic - Wonder or Blunder

It's difficult for a new cruise ship to get noticed when it has 10 other new competitors in the same year - that is unless the particular ship offers something other cruise ships don't . . . 

I personally was excited to hear that Epic was going against all the major cruise lines in finally eliminating the dreaded "single cruise supplement" - and offering cabins specifically designed for the solo traveler.

My friend Toni loves to cruise, and often complains about not having a cruise companion available when she wants to travel. Paying the extra single supplement, or having a stranger as a cabin mate are not acceptable to her.
So when I sent her info on the Epic, she was game!

Upon her return, Toni had LOTS to say -

CABINS:

• Prior to the booking, Toni was aware that the cabin space would be small - and in her opinion the cabin only has ample space for one average sized person.

• The large bed was far too big for one person, and takes up valuable space, making it difficult to move around the cabin. 

• No balconies are available in the Solo cabin cateogry - all cabins are inside with a small frosted window that face a neon hallway.  Many of the solo cruisers felt the frosted window was a joke, and the cabins would be better without the neon glare.  

• Solo cabins have lots of lighting and cubbies for storage - however there is no room diagram provided on where to turn on/off the lights. Most of the solo cruisers complained of not finding the hidden cubbies, or being able to turn on/off lights until well into the cruise.

• The shower in the Solo cabins was a plus, and offers more space than your average cabin bath room.

•  Toni was able to view several cabins of fellow cruisers. The Deluxe Balcony Stateroom would be great for a couple, but way too small for 3-4 people.  And the regular Inside Cabins were enough to make her appreciate her solo cabin. She says the cabins are very small - the shower is located on one side of the cabin, while the toilet is on the other side - with the sink in the middle. Very strange configuration!

ENTERTAINMENT:

• The Studio Lounge and Bar - reserved for the Solo cabins - was a good place to meet and mingle with other solo travelers.

• The entertainment areas like the Epic Theatre (800 seats) and Spiegel Tent (120 seats) are much too small for 4,100 passengers. You definitely have to book everything as soon as you get onboard - as the performances sell out for the entire cruise. 

• AND be prepared to pay a cover for the onboard entertainment such as the Ice Bar, Cirque Show, Murder Mystery Lunch!

DINING:

• While Epic offers many dining venues (20 restaurants), only 3 are included in your cruise price. The other "specialty restaurants" have cover charges. Toni recommends the specialty dining at  Le Bistro ($20 cover), however declined the other specialty restaurant cover charges to stay on budget.

• The main dining venues that are included in your cruise price offer good food, but not much of a variety from day to day.

FACILITIES:

• The Gym has great facilities, and also one of the few places to view the sea! It's difficult to imagine a cruise ship that offers few sea view. 

• Jogging path has no sea views! Path is located on Deck 7 between the lifeboats and exhaust vents - providing little fresh air.

• The 2 pools are narrow, small and crowded. Water on the pool deck does not have proper drainage - an accident waiting to happen. 

• Epic offers no Library, Study or Secluded Lounges.

All in all, Toni says she had a great time, and met up with a lot of great people. Being a long time cruiser, she has seen the best, along with the worst. 

How does she rate the Epic overall?
Great price for solo cruisers, however she would not recommend for families - unless they are well aware of the small cabin spaces/odd bathroom configuration, and the many nickel and dime charges for entertainment/activities that quickly add up on your room cabin bill.

Would she sail Epic again?
Maybe - with one travel companion, and a Deluxe Balcony Stateroom.

Norwegian Cruise Line Balcony Upgrade

Norwegian Cruise Lines is offering guests who book an oceanview stateroom a complimentary balcony upgrade now through August 1 on select sailings fleet-wide.

This promotion also applies to varies categories including upgrades from an inside to oceanview and balcony to deluxe balcony staterooms.

In addition, as a special launch offer to celebrate Norwegian Epic's christening and inaugural season, guests will receive half-off standard cruise deposits and up to $150 in onboard credit per stateroom, based on cruise length and category, for new Norwegian Epic reservations.

The "Hello Balcony!" promotion is combinable with Norwegian Epic's Fly, Sail and Save offer for $99 flights, plus air and port transfers, from 16 gateway cities.

Deal Dates: July 07, 2010 - August 01, 2010

Norwegian Epic Set to Sail June 2010

The 153,000-ton, 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic, will be the largest and newest Freestyle Cruising ship - and Norwegian Cruise Lines plans multiple inaugurals.

Onboard, guests will enjoy Blue Man Group performances, a three-waterslide AquaPark and 20 dining options. Interestingly, Epic boasts new 100-square-foot Studio accommodations; those cabins offer a corridor-facing window and shared access to The Living Room with seating, a bar, TVs and a concierge.

Norwegian Epic will operate alternating eastern and western Caribbean itineraries—with calls at Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatan, Honduras, or at Nassau, the Bahamas, St. Maarten and St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands.