Cruise Express Technology Advances Internet Cruise Search. Faster, relevant and more personal interaction equals better results.

Cruise Express Technologybr /Advances Internet Cruise Search.br /Faster, relevant and more personal interactionbr /equals better results.br /br /br /Up until now, finding a great cruise deal could take hours, if not days browsing all over the Internet, calling a half a dozen cruise lines or visiting your neighborhood travel agent spend hours searching for the perfect cruise. A perfect cruise that's not only priced right, but one that fulfills your vacation dream.br /Just searching for a Caribbean cruise can be chore. Do I do a Western itinerary, Southern or Eastern itinerary. Should I risk sailing during hurricane season. When is the best time to cruise, and is it also the best time to save the most money? To find out, you would have to check dozens of web sites, and you’d have to check numerous date ranges to find the best cruise deals. Hours of tedious work.! Don't most of us take a vacation to get away from work!br /Now, Cruise Direct Online, The Ultimate Cruise Traveler's Search Engine takes the work out of searching. Eliminating hours of work with a process that takes just a few short minutes.br /Most travel sites show sample prices, often based on the cheapest inside cabin on a ship. Few show you a lower price, based on where you live. The industry calls them resident rates. Likewise you may not see rates for seniors, family discounts or military rates. Most sites don't post all the promotional and discounted fares cruise lines offer. Rates can change almost daily and many sites don't update their content to match the most up-to-date offers. br /Prices shown often reflect what you don't want (an inside cabin as opposed to a one with a balcony) at a price that looks too good to be true. So the price you see is almost always higher than that "displayed" price. br /You know what happens: You see a "7 Night Cruise to Alaska for $499 per person"…..you click on the link only to discover that the quoted price is only good for the first week in May, ( August is twice the price! ). The price does not include airfare, port charges or government fees, shipboard gratuities or cab fare from the airport to the pier and back. The airfare quoted from the cruise line is way too high, so you search all over the internet looking for a cheap airfare. Low and behold! The price you will have to pay is higher, much higher than $499! br /Sometimes the price is enticing, but the destination is not. You may not know enough about the ports-of-call the ship visits. You don't know what accommodation onboard to pick. What cabin locations to avoid. What value do you get for your money? We know that a number of our guests want help and advice, they may be looking for tips on how to pack, what to see and do, and when to do it. So while the technology is impressive, the service is too. Travelocity provides personalized help 24/7.br /br /How you ask?br /At Cruise Direct Online, we are members of the Travelocity Partner Network. Travelocity's discount cruise engine provides online cruise availability and real-time booking functions, allowing you to compare a number of different cruise lines at once. It features 360-degree virtual ship tours, deck plans, cabin layouts, and facts about destinations and ports of call. You have the ability to make instant reservations online and have access to a 24/7 call center for reservations and customer service.br /You can even enter your zip code to see just the cruises that offer a discounted resident rate, or tell the system you are a senior, and in seconds you can view all the senior specials. Choose from over 40 of the most popular cruise destinations. Find cruises that leave close to home, last minute cruise deals and read an extensive library of customer and Cruise Critic reviews. All, without spending hours traveling all over the Internet.br /Features.....br /br /Advanced Cruise Finder® search programbr /Instant online cruise booking br /Over 18 cruise lines featured br /Direct access to extensive inventory and low rates br /Virtual 360° ship tours, deck plans and cabin layout br /Personal cruise planner br /Seasonal specials and repositioning cruises br /Facts about destinations and ports of call br /Details on shore excursions br /FAQ and in-depth cruise resources br /Up-to-date articles and tips on cruising br /Driving directions and travel tips br /24/7 call center for reservations and customer service br /br /A Sea Of Choices.....br /All major cruise line brands are featured, like Carnival, Celebrity, Cunard, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian,nbsp; Princess, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, and more. Luxury, themed and specialty cruises are also available!br /br /Find out more about a href="http://www.cruisedirectonline.com/travelocity_cruise_deals.htm"Travelocity Partner Network's Cruise Search/adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9902695-6350306313020919040?l=cruisenews.blogspot.com' alt='' //div

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

Holland America Revises Mariner Society Benefits

Holland America has been known in the past for a rather lackluster past passenger program, the Mariner Society. In an announcement today, they are revising the program, to be complete fleetwide by October 18. In looking at the program, I still don't feel it has the same level of benefits overall as some others out there, and until the top level most of the benefits are aimed at onboard spending discounts and are fairly small, but it's a huge improvement over the current offerings, especially at the three and four star levels. Interestingly for a premium brand, many of the benefits are aimed toward families, with discounts for third and fourth passengers.

The new program levels are as follows:

Star Mariner
Guests who complete their initial cruise with Holland America Line are automatically enrolled in the Mariner Society’s first level, earning cruise days towards future cruises and an exclusive collectible gift. Among the features of Star Mariner status: special offers on select sailings, 50 percent discount for third and fourth guests on select sailings, hosted sailings with Holland America Line Ambassadors, a relaxing Welcome Back Embarkation Brunch on future cruises, a subscription to the Mariner Magazine and a Mariner Champagne Brunch on future cruises.

Two-Star Mariner
After 30 cruise day credits earned, Two-Star guests receive all the amenities of a Star Mariner plus shopping discounts, featuring 15 percent off merchandise purchased from ShopHollandAmerica.com and 10 percent off logo apparel items onboard in the gift shops. Two-Star Mariners also will receive a complimentary ship photo and be sent an exclusive annual cruise planner and special recognition pin.

Three–Star Mariner
With 75 cruise days earned, Three-Star guests automatically are given all Two-Star amenities plus generous new discounts including 10 percent off on select spa treatments; a 25 percent discount on all wine packages, mini-bar purchases, Explorations Café drinks and alternative restaurant surcharges; special advanced notice of new itineraries; and a waiver of air deviation fees.

Four-Star Mariner
At the top of the tiers, with 200 cruise days earned, Four-Star guests enjoy the benefits of all Star levels below and the bonus of free fare for third and fourth guests on select sailings; complimentary wine tasting and laundry/pressing; a 50 percent discount on all wine packages, mini-bar purchases, Explorations Café drinks and alternative restaurant surcharges; a 15 percent discount on logo apparel items onboard in the gift shops; priority tender service and check-in; priority shore excursion pre-booking; and a free subscription to Food and Wine magazine or Travel and Leisure magazine.

Just As Promised…Mega Secret Hot Summer Sales!

I hinted that there were some upcoming specials for 2009 sailings... and here they are! It's our Mega Secret (as in both Mega Large and Mega Top-Secret) Hot Summer Sale! Book between July 9 and August 9 for these offers!

First up is from Royal Caribbean. Book a balcony or above statement for any 2009 sailing on the Enchantment of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Explorer of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas or Adventure of the Seas between July 9 and August 9, 2009, and receive complimentary dinner for two in any of the specialty restaurants!

Better yet - the offer IS combinable with lowest available fare, restricted rates (EZN, Reduced Air, Seniors, Residents, Military, and Police and Fireman), Crown and Anchor, Shareholder Benefits, and Future or NextCruise offers. (Additional restrictions may apply. )

Prefer Celebrity? No problem! I have a "Beat the Heat" sale just for you (and I have to say, since my A/C keeps freezing over, anything to beat the heat right now is sounding really good to me!)

Book a specified 2009 sailing in an Oceanview cabin or above between July 9 and August 9, and receive up to $100 onboard credit! The applicable sailings and corresponding onboard credit amounts can be found here: Celebrity Beat the Heat Sale.

Still not satisfied? Then I have offers from NCL as well. Once again, book a 2009 sailing between July 9 and August 9 on any ship and the savings are yours! Book any 2009 sailing during the sale period and receive a 50% reduced deposit. Want to sail to Bermuda, Canada/New England, Western Caribbean or Mexican Riviera on NCL before the end of 2009? Then the deal is even better for you with onboard credits up to $250/cabin!

Want to take your family on Disney? I've got you covered with onboard credits! Book a 3-night cruise for 11/5/09 through 12/27/09, and receive a $50/cabin onboard credit. 4 night cruises between November 1 and December 23 net you a $50/cabin onboard credit. If you want to sail a 7-night cruise on Disney between 10/31 and 12/19/09, well, that'll get you a $100/cabin onboard credit!

Holland America your style? We've not forgotten you! We have a super coupon book for you for any cabins booked on 2009 sailings between July 9 and August 9!

You're a Princess lover? Their special is applicable for sailings in 2009 AND 2010! Book during our mega secret summer sale July 9-August 9, receive reduced deposits AND an onboard coupon book valued at $325!

Okay, my fingers are tired and my calculator is smoking at these hot summer savings. Any of these sales sound good to you? Then call or email me to book your cruise!

Don't forget about the Crystal's End of Summer 3-day Sale going on through Friday as well.

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!

Wave Season Has Arrived! Summary of Offers and NEW Oceania Sales Event!

When my phone rang this morning at 5:44AM, I knew that the first day of Wave Season had arrived. So far, the rest of my Monday has followed suit, and I'd say the rush is on!

What is Wave Season? It's the cruise industry term for the first quarter of the year, which traditionally has the highest number of bookings. In fact, more than half the yearly bookings are usually made in these three months, especially in January. Think of a bell curve, with lows in December and April, and there is a "wave" of bookings this first quarter.

The past couple years, Wave Season has been less of a tsunami and more of just a good surfing day, with bookings spread out more throughout the year. Whether that's because of the growing sophistication of cruisers who book according to their personal needs rather than as a result of increased marketing which takes place this time of year, and have learned when is the best time to book, or other factors, I'm not sure. This year, the industry experts are expecting a little quieter season, but judging from today's responses from my clients, I'm not so sure. While my clients are booking on average closer in, they're still booking. The Wave is On!

To remind you all of the various specials the cruise lines are running, here are some of my past "head's up" posts to help you choose your next cruise:

RCCL, Celebrity and Azamara ASAP Promotion

Holland America View and Verandah Sale/Vacation Stimulus Plan

NCL Freestyle Savings Event

Princess is running their "Balcony Bonanza" and Carnival has some upgrade offers, but nothing out of the ordinary for either of them.

Later today, Oceania will be announcing their Historic 5th Anniversary Celebration of Savings with HUGE reductions. They're offering up to $2,000/cabin discounts off their 2-for-1 sailings in Europe with free air for their 2009 season and 25% single supplements, and up to $1,500/cabin discounts off their 2-for-1 2009/2010 Winter Season sailings, with free air, free pre-paid gratuities, $500 onboard credits and 25% single supplements. Yeah, baby! That's what I'm talking about! These Oceania offers become available for sale on January 7, and I'll be first in line to book myself as these are crazy fabulous prices.

There are a lot of reasons to book, especially in the next week. If you're considering any sailings for the next year, give me a call or email now to see how we can maximize your savings and benefits!

Of course, for close-in bookings, don't forget about the weekly Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Happy Hours and Carnival Pack N Go Specials.

Dancing at Sea with Crystal

Premium and Luxury lines, such as Cunard, Holland America, MSC and Crystal, often do Big Band or other dance-oriented sailings during their Transatlantic crossings, and Crystal has just announced a particularly interesting one for one of their spring repositioning cruises in April, 2009.

Crystal Cruises has booked the Glenn Miller Orchestra for concerts and dancing during the May 23 10-day Trans-Atlantic Big Band cruise from Miami to Lisbon. The cruise will include daily live performances and evening dancing, as well musically themed lectures, swing dance lessons, trivia contests, and classic Big Band-themed films. Extra Ambassador Hosts will be available for those who need a dance partner. Led by jazz trombonist Larry O’Brien, the 19-piece band will perform hits made famous in the 1930s and 40s, including “Moonlight Serenade,” “Tuxedo Junction” and “In the Mood.”

The 10-day cruise departs Miami and visits Hamilton, Bermuda and Ponta Delgada, Portugal, before arriving in Lisbon. West Coast guests can precede their trans-Atlantic cruise with a Panama Canal cruise from Los Angeles. The cruise can also be extended in Europe, with a Mediterranean cruise that continues on to Venice. Value Collection cruise fares begin at $3,540 per person, double occupancy. Crystal is also offering bonus savings up to $1,500 per couple, depending on accommodations selected. Other special savings include a Crystal Family Memories package and an additional 5 percent savings for combining two or more voyages.

One of the nice things about a sailing such as this is that it's great for solo ladies who love to dance, but don't have a partner, but equally so for a couple where the husband doesn't particularly like dancing, as the dance hosts are happy to fill in on the dance floor.

Having sailed a Holland America Big Band cruise, I can tell you these are a lot of fun, for dancers and music lovers alike, and active quite late into the night. I was almost literally danced under the table by many close to twice my age. I can't wait until I can book another Big Band cruise!

If this sounds interesting to you, even if not on Crystal or a transatlantic sailing, contact me for information on other options to you as well.

Holland America Vacation Stimulus Plan

Yes, it's another offer designed to prompt you to book your 2009 cruise now! This one is from Holland America, and does have a few nice features.

The components of this plan are:
50% reduced deposit on all cruises sailing on or after May 1, 2009
Up to 25% discount on vacation protection (trip insurance) through Holland America (I don't generally recommend cruise line plans, but this might be worth considering for some people, depending on the cruise and circumstances)
Low fares, including the View and Verandah sale with upgrades from Inside to Oceanview as little as $50/person, or Oceanview to Balcony as low as $100/person
Suspended fuel supplement - Holland America suspended fuel supplements for departures on or after December 17, 2008
Easier free berths for group leaders - time to schedule that group cruise you've been thinking of!

These offers are effective now, so if you've been considering Holland America, they're making it a bit easier for you to book.

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!

Holland America View and Verandah Sale Begins

I'll admit, most of Holland America's "sales" really aren't much of a value (hence why you rarely see me touting the various 1-day and 3-day sales here). But once a year they do have a promotion which is worth promoting: the Holland America View and Verandah Sale!

This sale runs from December 1 through February 28, and offers special pricing for all Oceanview and Verandah cabins, including suites. While many times I do have better fares to offer than even these sale prices, if you're considering Holland America, it is a good starting point to give you an idea of the deals available.

I've scanned the full 10-page listing of specials, and they can be found at 2008-2009 View and Verandah Sale. You know the drill: If you're interested in booking any of these sailings, or if I can research pricing for you for any other options, just email me at amber@cruiseresource.com or phone toll-free at 888-SAIL-123 (888-724-5123).