It’s That Time of Year Again!

It's time for the major cruise lines to release their next year's set of itineraries! Spring is in the air, so of course you're beginning to think of your 2010 winter cruises, right? Well, the cruise lines are, and often with their itinerary announcements comes some wonderful offers (such as for Princess past passengers who book early), or best savings for those looking for specific time frames like Christmas or New Year's, or certain cabins for itineraries like Alaska.

It's also when we start to see trends in the industry, such as fewer ships seasonally in Alaska, South America and Australia/New Zealand, and get to learn what new itineraries may be announced for familiar ports or even ships sailing from new ports. Even if you're not actively planning for 2010/2011, it is interesting to watch the announcements to see if something new pops up which catches your fancy.

First up in the long series of releases will be Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara. Azamara kicks off the series on March 4 with their 2010 European deployment schedule, followed by Celebrity on March 5 with the opening of their much-anticipated Bermuda and Canada/New England itineraries.

The full opening schedule (subject to change) for Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara can be found below:

Royal Caribbean 2010/2011 Deployment Opening Schedule

• March 12 - Europe/Transatlantic
• March 19 - Alaska
• March 24 - Asia Summer
• March 25 - Northeast (Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada/New England)
• March 31 - Panama Canal
• April 9 & 16 - Caribbean Year Round and Summer
• April 22 - Short Caribbean, Bahamas
• April 28 - Mexico
• April 29 - Seasonal Caribbean
• May 5 - Dubai
• May 6 - Winter Europe
• May 12 - Australia, Hawaii
• May 14 - Asia Winter
• July 15 - South America

Celebrity 2010/2011 Deployment Opening Schedule:

• March 5 - Bermuda, Canada/New England
• March 10 - Europe, Transatlantic
• March 17 - Alaska
• April 2 - Panama Canal
• April 14 - South America
• April 23 - Short Caribbean, Bahamas
• April 30 - Seasonal Caribbean

Azamara 2010/2011 Deployment Opening Schedule

• March 4 - Europe, Transatlantic
• April 8 - Exotic Winter

I usually get the schedule of sailings a day or two prior to the official opening, so if there's an itinerary in which you're interested, or a port which you want to watch for new ships or itineraries, let me know! And of course, when you're ready to book one of the new dates, I'm here to assist you.