It’s Wave Season! FULL List of Special Offers!

Once again, cruise wave season is upon us, the time when most bookings for the year are made, and the cruise lines roll out attractive specials to entice you. Below is a FULL list of wave season offers by cruise line! Most of these offers are available through February 4, 2010, though other booking dates may be listed in the specific offers:Azamara Club Cruises: Receive up to $400 in Onboard

Great News for Charleston! Carnival to Homeport There Year-Round

In news which should make those in the Southeast who are tired of the trek to Florida very happy, Carnival has announced that they will homeport the Carnival Fantasy in Charleston year-round. This does require a bit of a ship shuffle, and the loser in this shuffle is San Diego, which loses the Elation.

The new schedule from Charleston, S.C. will debut on May 18, 2010 with the deployment of the 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy. Carnival Fantasy will operate from the Passenger Terminal in historic downtown Charleston.

Carnival said that Charleston's centralized location within the southeastern U.S., as well as the city's strong appeal as a tourist destination, were key factors in the decision to launch year-round service. The Carnival Fantasy is expected to carry more than 140,000 passengers annually from the port.

Carnival Fantasy will operate five-, six- and seven-day voyages on a variety of different departure days. Five-day voyages departing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will call at Nassau and Freeport, The Bahamas. Six-day voyages departing Saturdays will visit Freeport, Nassau and Key West, Fla. Seven-day voyages depart Saturdays and will feature Grand Turk, the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, and Nassau.

Replacing the Carnival Fantasy in Mobile will be its sister ship, the 2,052-passenger Carnival Elation, which will reposition from San Diego to launch year-round service from that port May 15, 2010.

Why You Shouldn’t Dare Someone to Jump… Or Disney Rescues “Daring” Carnival Passenger!

In a story too weird not to be real, the Disney Wonder rescued a passenger who went overboard from the Carnival Sensation. Kudos go out to both ships for their quick action and efforts to save this passenger.

However, as the story is unfolding, in official statements, news reports and in tweets from onboard the ships, it is now being reported the rescued man was overheard arguing with a woman shortly before he was observed jumping from a balcony. In the course of that argument, he allegedly threatened to jump, to which she reportedly replied "go ahead." Of course, that's unofficial at this point, but considering the official statement from Carnival is that he was observed by ship's cameras jumping (not falling) from a balcony, the reports of a dare being involved is not outside the realm of possibility. Anyone want to bet that drugs and/or alcohol were involved as well?

More details can be found at the Cruise Log at Drama at Sea.

I've warned you all before about balcony bungee jumping without the bungee. Didn't think I needed to warn you about accepting dares on a ship. Guess I need to update the cautions, don't I?

Carnival’s New Vacation Protection Plan Provisions - Good Enough?

How could I even ask such a question? Aren't new features almost always good? Not if they don't go far enough toward covering what YOU need.

Carnival announced today that they are adding job loss assurance and severe weather watch/warning protection to their Cruise Vacation Protection Plan offered on Carnival cruises.

The severe weather watch/warning protection provides reimbursement in the event the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and/or National Weather Service issues or maintains a severe weather watch or warning within 48 hours of a cruise departure. Should the watch or warning affect either the cruise departure city or the guest's route to that city, the plan will allow for cancellation and reimbursement up to the full amount of the cruise cost.

Another new weather protection feature provides that if a guest is traveling to the cruise departure port via a common carrier (airplane, bus, train, etc.) and inclement weather ultimately causes the guest to miss 50 percent or more of the cruise vacation, the guest may receive reimbursement up to the total cost of the cruise.

The new job loss plan will provide reimbursement up to the total cruise cost if individuals who have booked a cruise and purchased the plan are subsequently terminated by their employer and have worked for that employer for at least one continuous year.

These two additions definitely have value, and could be important to some travelers. However, like most cruiseline-offered policies, they may not be the right solution for you or provide as comprehensive insurance as do independent policies.

I make no secret that in most situations, I'm not a fan of the policies offered by cruise lines. There are several reasons for this: they don't cover any arrangements you book independently, such as airfare, hotels or excursions; they usually don't cover pre-existing conditions; many don't offer refunds but instead offer future cruise credits if you cancel under their "any reason" provisions; they don't protect against supplier default; their coverage limits aren't terribly generous with regard to medical and evacuation coverages; and sometimes limit coverage for illness to non-traveling family members.

Carnival's policy isn't bad, it just doesn't provide comprehensive coverage. It does refund in cash if you need to cancel for a medical reason. It does allow cancellation for the illness of a non-traveling immediate family member. The job loss and weather additions are nice bonuses. But the medical limit is $10,000, and evacuation is only $30,000, neither of which is adequate in this day and age, especially for those covered under Medicare which doesn't allow claims for treatment outside the US. In addition, there is no waiver for pre-existing medical conditions, though if you do need to cancel for a pre-existing condition, they will give you a future cruise credit. And of course there's no provision for coverage for any other aspects of your cruise vacation which weren't booked through Carnival.

I applaud Carnival's enhancements, but as always, I recommend you discuss with your travel advisor your particular needs and what coverage might best suit your situation. In most cases, I feel that independent coverage offers superior protection, often at or close to the same cost as that offered through the cruises. There are exceptions, always, and it's important to look at your specific situation and decide based on that what form of coverage is best for you.

Carnival Not Implementing Fuel Supplement At This Time

Don't know if you noticed, but crude oil prices (most specifically West Texas Light Sweet Crude) slipped over the infamous $70/barrel price yesterday, and is today trading around $71. Many observers in the cruise industry started mulling over whether or not that would mean the return of fuel supplements.

On all recent bookings, Princess and Holland America have had a disclaimer that if fuel exceeds $70/bbl, that they reserve the right to re-impose supplements. Other lines aren't so blatant about it, but if you go back to when they were first implemented, there were a number of "benchmark" dates where, if the price was over $70/bbl at the close of trading, the supplements would be implemented for the following quarter. We have one of those benchmarks coming up on June 17.

First out of the block to address this question is Carnival Corporation's Mickey Arison, who has stated that they have "no plans" to reinstate supplements on any of their brands at this time. It was noted that, while the price of fuel is increasing, they also have to take into consideration the overall economic climate in evaluating whether or not they should implement these fees. An official statement to this effect will be released later today.

Of course, they reserve the right to monitor the prices and review their position as factors change.

Royal Caribbean and Norwegian had actually set their benchmarks at $65/bbl, which we passed several days ago, and have not indicated any move toward re-instating supplements on their lines at this time.

So for right now, cruisers, looks like we're in the clear for the near term on fuel supplements. Stay tuned, as I'll always keep you updated.

Carnival Announces End of Paper Documents

Following in the steps of lines such as Princess, NCL, and Holland America, Carnival announced today they will discontinue issuing paper documents starting with sailings departing on or after August 25. They said, and I agree, that most people are already using online registration and documentation, having been forced to get used to that type of system by the airlines, and it is a huge expense for them.

I do miss the tradition of paper documents and doing the "doc dance" when you received your anticipated package in the mail, but am glad for the efficiencies and savings, not to mention timeliness and environmental sensitivities, of electronic documentation.

Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara still do issue paper documentation upon request (as, technically, does Holland America, but not really), but as a company, I am issuing electronic documents for all my clients on these mainstream brands. However, if you should ever need assistance with the online registration or printing of the documents, I'm happy to do that for you and send you the paper backup via regular mail. Electronic documents aren't the end of service, it just changes the dynamics a little.

Most of the Luxury lines and specialty lines, such as river cruises, still have their traditional documentation packets. However, how long until they, too, go the way of the rotary dial telephone?

Carnival Announces “Early Saver” Fares

On Monday, January 12, Carnival Cruise Lines will launch a new cruise pricing option called Early Saver, which will offer fares as much as 25 percent lower than our best generally available rates! Early Saver also provides rate protection if rates later drop below what was originally paid. This will allow you to book early on Carnival with more confidence!

The Early Saver rate protection feature provides that if a lower Carnival advertised rate becomes available after the booking is made, a rate adjustment can be requested and we will issue the difference in the form of a non-refundable shipboard credit. The lower fare must be for the same ship, sailing date, stateroom category and number of guests. This definitely makes booking Carnival cruises early more attractive, and will change my view of "when to book" for Carnival giving them a nod for booking early rather than waiting until late for the best possible fares. (See my article on "When to Book Your Cruise" for more information on my opinions on when to book each line in the current economic circumstances)

Early Saver rates will be offered on virtually all sailings up to three months prior to sailing date for cruises of five days or less and up to five months prior to sailing date for longer length voyages, subject to availability. Early Saver fares include all stateroom types, including suites and allow you to choose a specific stateroom.

There is one significant quirk in that Early Saver deposits are non-refundable, and this does make a difference in your decision-making process, and makes trip insurance, whether traditional or with cancel for any reason coverage, much more important.

Of course, traditional booking options, with fully-refundable deposits, but less certain protections for fare reductions, also will remain.

If you have questions about this new program, or want to discuss when to book for next cruise for your best advantage, just email me! I'm happy to discuss the options with you so you can make the decision right for you.

Cruising Coming to a TV Near You

Designed to further your PCS (post-cruise syndrome) at being landlocked when you want to be cruising, two new programming items from Carnival and NCL are coming to a TV near you.

First up is NCL's Norwegian Pearl on the Travel Channel this Sunday, December 21. The Pearl is focused in a new show from one of her 2008 Alaska sailings. The one-hour special entitled “Great Cruises: Norwegian Pearl,” is hosted by Brook Lee, Miss Universe 1998. Filmed in high-definition during a seven-day Alaska cruise aboard the ship, it will premiere during the network’s Alaska-themed night on Dec. 21 at 10 p.m. EST. The show will feature Lee as the ship sails through Alaska’s Inside Passage with stops in Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Ketchikan, Alaska. While on board, she explores the ship’s amenities, including bowling in Bliss Ultra Lounge; dining in several of the ship’s specialty restaurants; dancing in the Spinnaker Lounge at Nil’s White Hot Party; rock climbing; relaxing in a whirlpools while sailing through Glacier Bay; taking in a show at the Stardust Theater; and getting a hot stone massage at the spa.

On shore excursions, Lee journeys into Juneau to take in the Mendenhall Glacier and sets off on a wildlife quest where she sees orca and humpback whales, seals, salmon and eagles. In Skagway, she indulges in Alaskan king crab at the Skagway Fish Company and sets off shopping in the town. Then, she embarks on a Bering Sea crab fishermen’s tour in Ketchikan aboard the Aleutian Ballad, one of the fishing boats featured on Discovery Channel’s hit show “Deadliest Catch.”

Of course, if you have other plans on Sunday, “Great Cruises: Norwegian Pearl” is scheduled to air again on the Travel Channel on Dec. 27 at 10 a.m. EST, Jan. 10 at 2 p.m. EST, Jan. 16 at 10 a.m. EST and Feb. 12 at 10 p.m. EST.

But if that's not enough to get your cruise juices flowing, Carnival is set to debut a new series of commercials. The new network TV advertising campaign kicks off December 25 with two 30 second spots designed to evoke the kind of spontaneous and spirited fun that underlies the Carnival vacation experience. The two spots were shot during local events held recently in Dallas and Philadelphia attended by several thousand people. During the events, Carnival set Guinness World Records for the world’s largest inflatable beach ball and the world’s largest piñata.

The new commercials are part of the line’s new “Fun For All. All For Fun.” branding campaign intended to capture the truly unique essence of the Carnival vacation experience. “Fun is more important today than ever,” said Ruben Rodriguez, executive vice president of marketing and guest experience for Carnival Cruise Lines. “These new spots capture a sense of genuine, spontaneous fun which is the same kind of experience that makes a Carnival cruise such a memorable vacation.”

“There is a difference between telling consumers you’re fun and actually being fun,” added Pete Favat, Arnold’s chief creative officer. “These commercials truly capture the essence of fun and you can’t help but have a good time watching them. We hope that this will create even more passion for the Carnival Cruise Lines brand among consumers.”

In the “Beach Balls” spot, members of the Carnival Fun Team inflate three gigantic beach balls, each measuring a world record-breaking 35 feet in diameter. They then roll the balls off the tops of buildings in downtown Dallas as thousands of people below come together to help bounce the enormous balls up and down the city streets.

In the “Piñata” spot, the Carnival Fun Team assembles the world’s largest piñata in Philadelphia. Members of the community wake up in the morning to discover the gigantic, colorful donkey measuring over six stories tall, standing near a busy street corner. Thousands of people begin gathering to help break open the piñata, and celebrate in the 8,000 pounds of candy that showers down from the massive burro.

The new commercials are scheduled to air nationally on ABC, CBS and NBC as well in select local markets on FOX, on primetime programming including Grey’s Anatomy, Ugly Betty and Private Practice. They will also be running on several cable networks as well as in movie theaters nationwide and in various online channels.

In other words, they'll be tough to miss if you watch TV.

So while you're celebrating the holidays be sure to get your cruise fix from NCL and Carnival on a TV near you!

Carnival Brands Eliminate Fuel Supplement!

In the best news yet in the ongoing saga of fuel supplements, Carnival Corporation announced today that they will be suspending (eliminating) fuel supplements for all of their North American brands (Carnival, Costa, Cunard, Holland America, Princess and Seabourn) starting with sailings departing on or after December 17, 2008. No complicated formula of watching the West Texas Intermediate Crude for 20 consecutive days beginning 25 days prior to sailing, not even the quarterly formula of the other major brands. It's just gone, vamoosed, outta here!

For those who have already paid their final payment and are sailing on or after December 17, the fuel supplement will be refunded in the form of onboard credit on your cruise (do be sure to check your account to verify it shows up). For those who have not yet paid final payment, the amount will be removed from your booking.

From the Carnival press release:

“As the price of oil has dropped to $46 per barrel, it has now reached a level where we are able to suspend the fuel supplement,” said Bill Harber, director of marketing for Carnival Corporation & plc. Harber cautioned that the fuel supplement could be re-instated if oil prices increase
significantly.

The company reserves the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for all guests at up to $9
per person per day (except Seabourn, which would be up to $15 per person per day) should the price of light sweet crude oil according to the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index) increase above $70 per barrel.

“It is our hope that fuel prices have stabilized and will remain at a more rational level. The complete suspension of the fuel supplement makes the inherent value of a cruise even greater and that is increasingly important in the selection of a vacation in the current economic climate,” Harber added.

The next logical question is if other brands will follow suit Of course, Disney has already suspended their fuel supplements, which may have precipitated this announcement by Carnival. I think it's possible other brands will make similar announcements, though their quarterly assessment of fuel prices is a much more sensible formula than what the Carnival brands had set up, and I'm not sure that the Royal Caribbean International brands, at least, will do so.

At least we have this for now, and it's great news!

Honoring Our Military

In honor of Veteran's Day, both Royal Caribbean and Carnival today announced some nice additions to their military rate programs for the month of November, applicable for both active-duty military and honorably-discharged former military personnel as well.

First up, Royal Caribbean is extending their Military Rate Program through the month of November with the following offers:

• 3-5 Night Cruises - $50/cabin discount
• 6-9 Night Cruises - $100/cabin discount
• 10+ Night Cruises - $200/cabin discount

This offer is not only applicable for the military personnel's own cabin, but can be extended to two others as well for family or friends!

Carnival's offer is very similar, though they don't do a specific amount off per cabin. The discount is determined by ship and sale date. But it is also good through November and may be applied up to three cabins per eligible military person!

I will say that these discounts are stringently enforced, with proof in the form of a current military ID or DD-214 being required in order to book. But it's a nice way for the cruise lines to give back to those who give so much to us. I'm honored to extend these offers to you and to support our military!