Ambassadors to sell Majestic America Line

Ambassadors International plans to sell Majestic America Line, whose fleet includes American Queen, Mississippi Queen, Queen of the West, Empress of the North and Columbia Queen, with Delta Queen due to retire from service later this year. ‘Several credible parties’ have expressed interest in acquiring ‘some and/or all the assets of Majestic America Line,’ said Joe Ueberroth, chairman and ceo of Ambassadors International. Speculation about a potential sale of Majestic America Line or various ships has circulated in recent months. Ueberroth today said the decision to exit the river-cruise brand will enable Ambassadors to focus on its successful Windstar Cruises unit. ‘Our dedicated American crew remain committed to providing our customers with extraordinary cruises and key vendors and business partners are working with us to ensure a smooth transition,’ Ueberroth added. He said further information will be provided during the company’s May 6 conference call with analysts to discuss first quarter financial results. AMIE shares closed at $4.80, up 26 cents. The stock has traded as high as $41.16 during the past 52 weeks.

Criminal Records and Canada

Probably the most frequent question I get is what type of documentation is needed to take a cruise. Usually, this is about passport requirements, but for some individuals, it should also go further to their legal and criminal status. Did you know that you may be denied boarding for a cruise leaving from the US if you have delinquent court-ordered child support? Or if you have ever had a criminal conviction? It's difficult to bring up this type of personal information, I know, but it's important your agent has this information to best assist and guide you.

This is the time of year when people are thinking about cruises to Canada, either Alaskan cruises or fall Canada/New England sailings. Because of this, thought I'd briefly highlight a little-known Canadian immigration law which might affect you.

Over the past several years, Canada has been strengthening their border security, just as the United States has. However, one provision of Canadian immigration law which you might not be aware of could affect your next cruise: Canada may prohibit your entry if you have any type of criminal conviction. This includes such things as DUI or DWI convictions, simple assault and shoplifting.

The US has given Canada expanded access to their criminal databases since 9/11, presumably to ensure better cross-border controls, but the result has been increasing numbers of US citizens turned back at the border. Frequently asked questions about this policy can be found at http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/faq-inadmissibility.asp

However, if you have a conviction in your background, all is not hopeless to cruise to Canada (which includes all Alaska cruises as well as Canada/New England cruises). Depending on the circumstances, you can apply to be deemed "rehabilitated." In general, if the conviction was at least 5-10 years ago and your sentence fully served at least 5 years in the past, you may be able to get a waiver from a Canadian embassy or consulate in advance of your visit. For more information on obtaining a waiver, go to http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/visit/conviction.asp. Do know it can take up to a year for an application to be processed, so if you're planning a trip any time in 2008 or 2009, you need to start the process immediately.

If you have questions regarding this type of immigration question, I am always here to provide guidance on where you can go to get firm answers on your particular situation. Information such as this is always kept in strict confidence, but in order to serve you best, I need to know if there are any situations which might keep you from cruising.

Holland America Opens 2009 Alaska Bookings

Many of you have been anxiously awaiting this, and Holland America has finally opened their 2009 Alaska season. Technically, if you call HAL, they'll tell you the cruisetours aren't yet open, but I do have it available to book right now.

The Veendam, Ryndam and Statendam will be doing their cruisetour departures between Vancouver and Seward featuring Glacier Bay and the College Fjords on most departures, while the Westerdam and Zaandam will do 7-night Seattle roundtrips featuring Glacier Bay and the Amsterdam will also sail roundtrip from Seattle visiting Hubbard Glacier. From Vancouver, the Volendam and Zuiderdam will sail roundtrip with Glacier Bay visits.

The cruisetour itineraries remain the same as this year's, which will facilitate selection of your preferred itinerary.

If you've been waiting for Alaska to open up, now's the time to book!

Celebrity Galaxy Leaving Fleet

Frequent Celebrity cruisers often ask me why the Celebrity Galaxy and Mercury haven't received the "Century" upgrades such as a premium restaurant. My response has been that I felt those ships would be leaving the fleet in the next few years. Part of that is now confirmed, but instead of the Mercury leaving first as I expected, it's the Galaxy who will be the first to depart.

In May, 2009, the Galaxy will be transferred to Royal Caribbean's new partnership brand, TUI, based out of Germany and targeted to the rapidly-growing German-speaking market. The last sailing for the Galaxy with Celebrity will be the March 2, 2009 itinerary.

Active and Retired Military Personnel Can Book up to Three ‘Fun Ship’ Staterooms at Special Rates During Month of May

Active and Retired Military Personnel Can Book up to Three 'Fun Ship' Staterooms at Special Rates During Month of May

'Carnival Salutes Our Troops' Promotion Offers Cruises Starting at $219 Per Person

In honor of Memorial Day, Carnival Cruise Lines is offering active and retired military personnel an opportunity to book up to three "Fun Ship" staterooms for themselves and their friends and family members at special discounted rates.
The new "Carnival Salutes Our Troops" promotion is available in conjunction with a wide variety of three- to 12-day "Fun Ship" voyages to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Hawaii and Europe, departing between now and Dec. 31, 2009, from 20 different departure points. Reservations must be made between May 1-31, 2008, to qualify.
Military personnel and their friends and families can take advantage of the following special rates: $219 per person for three-day cruises to the Bahamas and Baja Mexico; $229 per person for four-day cruises to the Bahamas, Caribbean and Mexico; $279 per person for five-day cruises to the Caribbean, the Bahamas and Mexico; $479 per person for seven-day cruises to the Caribbean and Alaska; and $829 per person for 12-day cruises to Hawaii and Europe.
"The new 'Carnival Salutes Our Troops' promotion is our way of recognizing the tremendous efforts of the brave men and women who serve in our armed forces," said Gerry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.
The promotion is valid for individual bookings only, capacity controlled and not applicable with any other discount offer. Military personnel must provide proof of service during the reservations process to be eligible for the special rates. Certain other restrictions apply.
Carnival is the largest and most popular cruise line in the world, with 22 "Fun Ships" operating three- to 18-day voyages to the Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe, and South America.
The line currently has three new ships scheduled for delivery between now and 2011. The first of those, the 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor, is scheduled to enter service in Europe July 2, 2008.

For additional information and reservations, contact any travel agent, call 800.365.1445or visit http://www.cruisedirectonline.com/

Carnival Cruise Lines, a unit of Carnival Corporation is a proud member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Holland America Line, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest, and a commitment to quality and value, their member lines appeal to a wide range of lifestyles and budgets. Together, they offer exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

Book Royal Caribbean Specialty Restaurants Online!

For those who enjoy the specialty restaurants onboard their favorite cruise ships, this news from Royal Caribbean will be glad tidings indeed. You'll no longer have to make a beeline to Chops and Portofino when you board!

Starting with the Freedom of the Seas, and rolling out to the rest of the fleet over the next few months, you can now:

• Reserve a table for yourself and others
• Pay with multiple credit cards
• Modify your reservation

Just go to www.royalcaribbean.com/specialtyrestaurants and start your dining adventure!

(Psst, this also means that the restaurants will be filling up early in the popular dining times. So I recommend making your reservations early!)

Azamara Cruises Anniversary Sale!

Azamara Cruises is a year old! It's hard to believe that it has already been a year since the Journey had a bumpy start to her Bermuda season, but they weathered that and are well on their way to becoming a truly great line. (You can read my review of the Quest's inaugural here).

To celebrate, Azamara is offering $500-750/cabin onboard credit for almost all summer European sailings! You must book and deposit between April 29 and May 5.

This is an extraordinary offer on an exceptional Deluxe line. If you're interested in exploring the options, give me a call or email me!

Disney Implements Fuel Supplement

The last holdout among the "major" lines in the fuel supplement debate has been Disney Cruise Lines. Unfortunately, today they announced they no longer have a choice and economies of fuel have made it necessary for them to implement fuel surcharges for bookings made on or after May 28.

The surcharge will be $8/passenger per day for the first and second passengers in a cabin, with a maximum of $112 per passenger per voyage, and $3/passenger per day for additional passengers in the same cabin, with a maximum of $42 per passenger per voyage.

I commend Disney for holding out as long as they did, and understand their need to go ahead and add the surcharge. Unfortunately, I think these surcharges are here to stay for the foreseeable future.

Last Delta Queen rescue sunk

WASHINGTON _ Supporters of the famed Delta Queen steamboat failed in a last-ditch effort this afternoon to keep the ship cruising the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers on overnight voyages.

The Delta Queen has operated on a Congressional exemption from federal safety standards since 1968, but the exemption expires Nov. 1. Rep. Steve Chabot, R-Ohio used a procedural maneuver on the House floor in an attempt to force the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee to add the exemption to the Coast Guard reauthorization bill. The effort failed 195-208.

On Tuesday, the House Rules Committee refused to forward the exemption to a full House vote.

“I don’t understand why continuing the Delta Queen’s current exemption for an additional ten years has generated such opposition,” Chabot said.

Rep. James Oberstar, D-Minn., the powerful chair the transportation panel, has blocked efforts by Chabot, Rep. William Lacy Clay, D-St. Louis, and others to continue the Delta Queen exemption.

Oberstar argues that the Delta Queen is unsafe for overnight passengers because it is made primarily of wood.

“We should stop this risk to safety here,” Oberstar said, “Fire at night is terrifying. Oppose the amendment.”

In good humor, Oberstar thanked Chabot for a sheetcake emblazoned with an image of the Delta Queen that was sent to his hospital room as he recovered from surgery earlier this year. He said the hospital staff had never heard of the Delta Queen but enjoyed the cake nonetheless.

After Oberstar’s speech, someone in the chamber shouted, “God save the Queen!”

Oberstar chuckled and responded, “God save its passengers.”

More Carnival News - Carnival Dream to Homeport in Port Canaveral

Looks like today is a Carnival News day. I try to post a maximum of 3 items in a day (so those of you on news readers won't miss something because it scrolled down before you saw it), so might as well finish off today with one last piece of Carnival news.

The new Carnival Dream, the first of a new class of vessel debuting in Fall, 2009, will call Port Canaveral, Florida, home. The 3,652-passenger ship still does not have announced itineraries, nor do we know if she will replace Carnival Glory which currently also sails from Port Canaveral.

This port has been growing in popularity, with Royal Caribbean, Carnival and Disney ships all homeporting there. With Disney's expansion, the Freedom of the Seas moving there in 2009, and this possible addition by Carnival, this could be a very busy port indeed.