Happy Fourth Happy Hour!

Celebrity decided to start their own celebration a little early, and have announced that their Happy Hour specials for next week start NOW! Beginning at midnight Eastern on Friday, July 3, they have 3 Alaska Happy Hour specials! Even though they misspelled "Hubbard" Glacier, these are still wonderful cruises.

You can't put off booking Alaska much longer. These deals can get you there!

As always, call or email me to book these specials.

Celebrity Fourth of July Happy Hour/Exciting Deals for Friday, July 3 through Tuesday, July 7

Royal Caribbean will be having their Happy Hours next Tuesday only, and I'll post those over the weekend.

Cruise West Announces 2010 Alaska Deployment Featuring Revised Itineraries

Cruise West Announces 2010 Alaska Deployment Featuring Revised Itineraries

Four Ships & Four Distinct Itineraries

Drawing on its 63 years of tour/cruise experience in Alaska, Cruise West, is introducing a new seven-night Alaska's Inside Passage itinerary that highlights more wilderness and Zodiac experiences and authentic ports of call. Four-night departures will be offered on Glacier Bay Highlights and Glaciers of Prince William Sound voyages, and the popular 10-night Gold Rush Inside Passage returns with a new port of call. The deployment changes reflect the Spirit of '98 staying on the Columbia River and the Spirit of Oceanus venturing on a new epic world voyage in 2010.

"Our redeployment is in response to demand and current market conditions, while maintaining the integrity and heritage of our core Alaska products," said President and CEO Dietmar Wertanzl. "In addition, the new Inside Passage itinerary really reflects our core values as a company, which is to get off the beaten path and explore! The best attributes of both our Whales & Wilderness and classic Alaska's Inside Passage itineraries were combined for the new streamlined itinerary. The included ports of call and waterways are a natural for our small vessels and this itinerary also offers further exploration by small craft excursions."


The deployment modifications include 25 departures of the new seven-night Alaska's Inside Passage cruise roundtrip from Juneau, which includes a winning combination of authentic ports, an included shore excursion in every port and awe-inspiring wilderness cruising. Guests spend one full day exploring both historical Sitka where a choice of additional shore excursions awaits, and World Heritage Site Glacier Bay National Park. The company enhances the itinerary with Wrangell, a hidden jewel that offers a plethora of high action optional excursions including bear viewing from the Anan Bear Observatory and taking a jet boat up the Stikine River. The lovely fishing village of Petersburg features a performance by the Leikarring Dancers, beautiful walks, and the charm of the local people and their rich Norwegian heritage. Always a favorite is scenic cruising in Frederick Sound and Stephens Passage, considered the most prolific whale watching waters in Alaska. Also featured are two additional days spent searching for sea and wildlife, including opportunities to explore around Lake Eva, Red Bluff or Security Bay by Zodiac inflatable craft, and a full day at Icy Strait and the Inian Islands. The action takes place on the 138-guest Spirit of Yorktown and 102-guest Spirit of Endeavour. Prices start at $4,399, per person double occupancy.


Further, the 84-guest Spirit of Discovery will operate 24 departures of the four-night Glacier Bay Highlights itinerary, roundtrip from Juneau. This cruise offers two nights in Glacier Bay National Park, with a stop at Bartlett Cove for a special presentation and an opportunity to take a nature walk, and a full day of adventures at Haines and Skagway. Prices start at $1,599 per person, double occupancy. Pre and post night hotel packages are available to build in time for "Cruise West crafted" excursions to enhance your experience.


The 78-guest Spirit of Columbia will operate 19 departures of the four-night Glaciers of Prince William Sound itinerary, roundtrip from Anchorage. One fifth of the state's tide water glaciers are located in Prince William Sound and this is nature cruising at its finest. The glaciers and scenery are sure to stun even the most seasoned traveler. The small fishing village of Cordova, known for its prized Copper River salmon and inaccessible by highway, is a featured port stop offering adventure activities including kayaking, hiking and river rafting. Prices start at $1,199 per person, double occupancy.


Cruise West's popular 10-day Gold Rush Inside Passage itinerary has been revised to include Misty Fiords and the authentic Tsimshian community, Metlakatla. Ten departures will cruise between Seattle and Juneau at the beginning and end of the season on all four ships. Port calls include traditional favorites and many jewels: San Juan Islands; scenic sea and wildlife cruising in the Strait of Georgia, Frederick Sound, Tracy Arm and Sergius Narrows; the Norwegian fishing village of Petersburg, Sitka, Skagway and Glacier Bay National Park. This cruise offers exceptional value with prices starting at $3,599 per person, double occupancy.


Cruise West is the only cruise line that provides a land tour extension featuring a 3-night stay at the six million acre Denali National Park and Preserve, included in all standard land tours. Guests have more time to explore the park and enjoy included exclusive lectures by naturalists from the Denali Education Center and Alaska Geographic. For guests seeking an even more in-depth and active Denali adventure before their cruise, the company offers a more exclusive and intimate experience at two interior park lodges: Kantishna Roadhouse or North Face Lodge.


As always, Cruise West includes a shore excursion in every port and offers numerous optional excursions to further personalize the guest experience. For maximum value, book and pay in full by August 14, 2009, and save up to $700 per person. For additional information regarding Cruise West's Alaska voyages visit Alaska Cruisetours Online at www.alaskacruisetoursonline.com or to book a cruise call 800.365.1445


~Up-Close, Casual and Personal Cruising ~


Cruise West believes that small is beautiful. Small-ship exploration cruising allows up-close and personal experiences unmatched by the traditional larger cruise lines. For more than 63 years Cruise West has provided authentic travel experiences where the destination is the focus. Nine small ships with guest capacities ranging from 78-138 explore remote and distinctive destinations throughout the globe. A robust onboard enrichment program further enhances the guest experience through topical guest lecturers, additional exploration by Zodiac and included excursions at every port.

Holland America Line Enters 2010 With Most Diverse Alaska CruiseTour Program Yet

Holland America Line Enters 2010 With Most Diverse Alaska CruiseTour Program Yet

Thirty-one CruiseTours are 10 to 20 days in length

For travelers wishing to see the beauty of Alaska and the Yukon, Holland America Line features 31 CruiseTour itineraries in 2010 exploring Southeast Alaska, the Kenai Peninsula, Arctic, Denali and the Yukon Territory. All CruiseTours combine an Inside Passage sailing with in-depth land tours, designed to show guests the best of Alaska's wilderness, wildlife, native culture and history.


Ranging from 10 to 20 days in length, the ever-popular Great Land and Glacier Discovery CruiseTours explore Alaska and the Yukon by land and sea. Twenty Holland America CruiseTours feature a Double Denali option - two nights at a classic wilderness lodge near the gates of Denali National Park. Many tours also feature Canada's Yukon Territory, with its Klondike Gold Rush heritage and pristine national parks.


"More than sixty years of experience in the region is wrapped up in each of our cruise tours," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales, and guest programs. "These are comprehensive tours. Holland America has always sought to provide guests with in-depth wilderness experiences."


The new 2010 itineraries and optional excursions offer a choice of 14 national parks and wilderness areas including less visited gems such as Kluane National Park and Tombstone Park along with popular Glacier Bay and Denali National Parks.


Holland America's comprehensive CruiseTours combine a variety of transportation adventures to explore Alaska and the Yukon. Guests travel by five-star cruise ships; luxury, domed McKinley Explorer(R) railcars; intimate vessels such as the mv Yukon Queen II; and comfortable custom-built highway Explorer Coaches(TM) on Great Land itineraries.


Great Land CruiseTours

The core of the company's extensive Alaska tour program consists of 10 Great Land CruiseTours, combining a southeast Alaska cruise with an in-depth tour of the vast interior. The cruise sails for three or four days between Vancouver, British Columbia, and Skagway.


Great Land Klondike CruiseTours offer 11- to 15-day adventures to Denali National Park; Dawson City; Fairbanks and Whitehorse. Four Great Land Wilderness CruiseTours range from 10 to 13 days and provide a more affordable wilderness experience with travel along the most scenic stretch of the famed Alaska Highway.


Glacier Discovery CruiseTours

Guests who prefer a longer Inside Passage cruise with added glacier viewing can choose among 18 Glacier Discovery CruiseTours. Ranging from 11- to 20-days, these CruiseTours include a seven-day sailing and most offer two-night Double Denali stays and the Denali Tundra Wilderness Tour.


New Expedition CruiseTours are designed to provide more off-the-beaten-track wilderness experiences. Three itineraries highlight uncrowded, authentic wilderness experiences in the Kenai, Denali and the Yukon. Two tours include accommodations at small, exclusive lodges in remote locations.


The leader in Alaska Cruises and CruiseTours

Holland America Line has been Alaska's leading tour operator for more than 60 years. The line has eight premium ships, offering 148 Alaska cruises in 2010. These include 60 sailings on four ships home-ported in Seattle and 88 cruises on four ships based in Vancouver.


CruiseTours start at $1,099 per person, double occupancy. To book an Alaska cruise or CruiseTour, contact Alaska Cruisetours Online 800.365.1445 or visit www.alaskacruisetoursonline.com


About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc (NYSE: CCL) (NYSE: CUK) ]

Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 320 ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, and highlights include Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. A 15th ship, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, is scheduled to join the fleet in 2010.


World's Leading Cruise Lines

The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland America Line is a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn Cruise Line and Costa Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, these lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. The World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

Super SuperShuttle Savings

It's not always about cruises here; sometimes I'll pass along savings or information about other aspects of travel you may encounter in association with a cruise. Today you get information on one of those specials.

Just received an email from SuperShuttle offering $5 rides to/from your home, and double miles this summer! Book between now and September 15, and second through sixth passengers from the same address will be transported for just $5/person. And you'll get double miles on Delta, Frontier, Northwest, United or USAir! Nice deal!

Here's the fine print:

$5 additional passenger rides must be booked on same reservation as first passenger and from the same address. Limit to 6 additional passengers. Valid for residential service only between Jun 29 and Sep 15. Not valid with hotel fares or any other discount offers. Double airline miles apply only to online reservations and the airline membership number must be entered in the
appropriate field at the time of booking. Only one person may earn miles when 2 or more individuals are booked in one reservation. The name on the reservation must match the name on the airline mileage account to qualify for the offer.

This promotion is not valid in Miami, FL, Palm Beach, FL or Houston, TX.

So if you're planning on using a shuttle service this summer, and SuperShuttle serves your area, head over to http://www.supershuttle.com/default.aspx?content=SummerLift&GC=RIDES to take advantage of the savings!

Alaska Savings on Holland America

A number of factors have contributed to 2009 being the "Perfect Storm" for amazing prices in Alaska: lots of ships, lowered demand, high taxes and a market which has experienced a large number of new cruisers the past few years, making it a "mature" (rather than growing) destination. There have been many exceptional fares on all lines, and it's actually getting quite difficult to find inventory (especially balconies) for late summer sailings.

But cruises out of Vancouver are the exception. Most people sailing round-trip have been specifying Seattle to me, because of the lowered air costs. Because of this, it's very difficult to find inventory on Seattle round-trip sailings right now (though some does exist if you're not picky as to date or type of accommodation). But many sailings from Vancouver have much better availability, and fares to match.

The latest round of promotions comes from Holland America, for their Vancouver Round Trip sailings along with much less often discounted cruise tours! Up to 50% off selected sailings! Insides start at just $599, and balconies at $1,099, and cruisetours from $999 for a 14-night package!

Holland America Up to 50% off Alaska Cruises and Cruise Tours

Holland America, along with Princess, has been sailing in Alaska longer than any other of the large lines, and they do a great job at it. You'll find the average age on HAL ships in Alaska to be lower than it is in the Caribbean (surprise), mostly because of all the multi-generational families which come onboard. They have excellent naturalists, and good port times and itineraries. I highly recommend these sailings. I spent much of my youth growing up in Alaska, so am happy to help you navigate the options to find the right cruise for you.

Next year, there will be significantly fewer ships sailing the Alaska waters. I guarantee you will never see prices like this again with so many options. If you've been thinking about Alaska, STOP THINKING AND BOOK NOW!

NCL Reduced Single Supplements

While NCL isn't the most generous when it comes to reduced single supplements, they do from time to time make me aware of a few specials. I know that some of you anxiously await notification of these specials, so here they are!

• Norwegian Jewel, 10/10 and 10/20/09, 10 Nt Canada/New England from New York, 150% supplement
• Norwegian Majesty, 9/13 and 9/23/09, 10 Nt Canada/New England from Philadelphia, 150% Supplement
• Norwegian Spirit, 10/16/09, 7 Nt Canada/New England from Quebec to Boston, 150% supplement
• Norwegian Sky, 7/10/09 through 9/11/09, all 3-Nt Bahamas sailings from Miami, 150% supplement

Not all categories may be included, but a quick peek at the dates look promising. So if you're wanting a getaway this summer or fall and love solo Freestyle Cruising, NCL is making you an offer you shouldn't refuse! Call or email me for more details and to book these special fares.

Happy Hour - Partially

For some reason, Celebrity hasn't yet released their Happy Hour specials for next week. I'd held off posting the specials as I hoped they'd rectify it this weekend, but no luck so far. This happens occasionally, but not sure what it means this week. Usually, if they're not running any specials, they announce that, but haven't yet seen anything. It's possible the IT people just forgot to post the specials before the weekend. In any event, if they become available later, I'll post again then.

In the meantime, here are the Royal Caribbean specials for Tuesday, June 30. The offerings are a bit light this week, but if there's a sailing you've had your eye on, or which appeals, let me know and we'll get you cruising!

Royal Caribbean Happy Hour/Sales Event Deals for Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Peter Deilmann Cruises Bale out

Peter Deilmann Cruises has withdrawn from the river cruising market with the division of the German-based company declared insolvent.

The decision will impact “hundreds” of group and charter Australian bookings, Sydney-based general sales agent Classic Voyages said.

A statement from Peter Deilmann said that its “river ship division has been moved into insolvency which is the German for corporate reorganisation”.

“The 2010 river cruise program has been cancelled and charter and group operators involved have been advised of this situation,” the company said.

The 2009 season will go ahead as planned.

The move does not affect voyages of its cruise ship ms Deutschland, which is separately owned and operated.

Peter Podesta, managing director of Classic Voyages, said the river cruising vessels have independent owners and it remained to be seen what decision they will make over future bookings. “As more information comes to hand we will advise the trade,” he said.

The operation has been losing money in a tough market which the cruise company could no longer sustain.

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River Cruising Expands Market

Over the past few years, river cruising has become an increasingly popular vacation option. Today, thanks to affordable pricing and innovations by several top river cruise lines, the category’s sales continue to skyrocket. river cruise sales are up 67% in 2009 vs. 2008.



There are several reasons for the growing popularity of river cruising. First, many of the world’s finest destinations cannot be reached by traditional cruise ships. These much sought-after spots can, however, be reached by river cruising vessels. Then, there are the ships themselves. River cruise ships typically transport less than 200 passengers, offering an intimate “boutique hotel” feel. Cabins are, in some cases, more spacious than on larger ships. And, there is no shortage of evening entertainment including piano players, singers and local talent. Today’s river cruise ships even feature gyms, swimming pools and Wi-Fi.



A variety of new innovations by three top river cruise lines have contributed to the category’s rising popularity. Examples include:



Avalon Waterways

“In preparing for 2010, Avalon announced a renewed focus on unique themed river cruise vacations, dubbing their approach ‘passion travel’,” “An emphasis on wine, music and other cultural traditions is being marketed and attracting the attention of avid cruisers seeking a new experience.”



Uniworld

“Uniworld has really committed to upgrading their ships and services this year “Our 2009 Uniworld bookings continue to increase, primarily because of the line’s two new ships and emphasis on technology and amenities.”



The new vessels include the 160-passenger River Beatrice and the 82-passenger River Tosca. Both have new hi-tech features including iPOD docking stations and flat-screen TVs, as well as new pool areas with cabanas, hotel-style beds, pillow menus and L’Occitane bath products.



Viking

“Viking is one river cruising line that should not be left out of the mix when talking about innovation in 2009,”“Most significantly, Viking has redesigned their itineraries and ships in Russia in response to consumer demand, which is satisfying customers looking for shorter, aggressively priced China and Europe voyages.”



One example of this is Viking’s new 10-day China Discovery, which includes three days in Beijing and a six-day Yangtze River cruise. A new 8-day Imperial Danube sailing begins and ends in Passau, letting travelers will enjoy an intimate journey through Germany, Austria, Hungary and Romania.



Amawaterways have added new ships along with a new itinerary from Amsterdam to Switzerland. Bikes are available for passengers along with free internet.

RiverDiscounts.com 800-640-4899 

Globus’ Avalon and Monograms Partner on Cruise Tours

The Globus family of brands’ Avalon Waterways and Monograms have put together seven- to 10-day pre- and post-cruise packages for river cruise itineraries in London, Paris, Nice, Amsterdam, Vienna, Prague, Munich, Zürich, Interlaken, Lucerne and Berlin. Monograms’ A Week in Paris vacation interlocks perfectly with Avalon Waterways’ Burgundy & Provence itinerary. And the seven-day Vienna & Prague vacation package is good fit with Avalon’s A Taste of the Danube itinerary, post-cruise. In 2010, Avalon Waterways and Monograms are offering nearly 15 pre- and post-cruise packages to fit many river cruise itineraries. Additional examples include Paris & Nice -- seven days, priced from $1,599, combining pre-cruise with Avalon Waterways’ Burgundy & Provence; Amsterdam, Paris & London -- seven days, priced from $1,389, combining post-cruise with Avalon Waterways’ Romantic Rhine, European Splendor, Magnificent Europe, Windmills, Vineyards & Paris or North Sea-Black Sea Cruise; and Vienna, Munich & Berlin -- 10 days, priced from $2,429, combining post-cruise with Avalon Waterways’ A Taste of the Danube

“Monograms is independent travel made simple and a perfect choice for first-time travelers to a destination. We pair travelers with local hosts in European cities to provide guided sightseeing and point them in the right direction on trip,” said Steve Born, vice president of marketing for the Globus family of brands. “We also ensure travelers are staying in hotels located in the heart of each city for easy access to sites. Booking a Monograms vacation pre- or post-cruise is a safe and easy way for agents to not only build business but also to enhance client satisfaction.”

To encourage travelers to book the cruise of their dreams, Avalon Waterways is offering early booking incentives. Receive $150 off per person on any Egypt, China, Galapagos or Taste of the Danube cruise/land-only vacation in 2010, or $300 off per person when booking air on the same itineraries. For most Europe cruise vacations, the deal increases. Receive $250 off per person on select Europe river cruise/land-only vacations, or $500 off per person when booking air on the same itineraries. Avalon Waterways is part of the Globus family of brands, a travel industry leader with 80 years of international travel expertise. Monograms offers travelers packaged vacation options, enabling them to embark on getaways in cities around the world, without any pre-planning. For information on Avalon Waterways, call 800-640-4899