NCL’s Year of Freestyle Vacation Continues

As was mentioned before, Norwegian Cruise Lines is offering a series of promotions during this "wave" season. First up was the Epic, now Alaska and Panama Canal sailings are on sale, with up to 6-category upgrade and 50% reduced deposits, along with onboard credit on select sailings!This offer is good through January 31. If you're interested, call or email me at amber@cruiseresource.com!

An Epic Announcement for Solo Travelers on NCL!

Earlier this week when I posted the Wave Season specials, I highlighted that solo occupancy cruisers were being offered reduced single supplements on the Epic. Today, NCL makes the offer even better!NCL has not traditionally been a solo-friendly line, with almost entirely 200% supplements fleet-wide, and only a few reduced supplement sailings each year. Starting Monday, January 18, they will

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

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.

NCL’s Telling You One More Time - Stop Procrastinating!

In a very late night announcement (or early morning, depending on where you are), NCL has announced their latest "Pity the Procrastinator Sale."

Starting this very minute, July 6, and lasting through August 2, you can receive up to a 6 category upgrade on all 2010 and 2011 sailings! (Inside to Inside, Oceanview to Oceanview, etc.) Not sure if you're ready to book yet? Decide quickly, as that's where the "procrastination" part comes into play. NCL at some point will reduce the upgrade to only a 3 category upgrade if you wait... and that could happen as soon as tomorrow!

Still not sure? Third and Fourth guests in a stateroom start at only $99 plus taxes.

The faster you act, the better the deal and the better the selection. This includes the new Norwegian Epic!

(Wanting to book something still for 2009? Don't worry, I'm not letting you get left out - stay tuned for a special for you starting on July 9! Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh)

So call or email me now! (Yes, believe it or not, I'm still working - that's why you're the FIRST to know!)

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.

Forget Wow Sales - Here Comes the NOW Sale!

When's the best time to buy your cruise? According to Norwegian Cruise Lines, it's NOW! Starting on Tuesday, June 16, and running through June 19, they are holding their NOW Sale, offering up to $250/cabin onboard credit and 50% reduced deposits ! I've mentioned before that the best time to book NCL is during one of their periodic sales, and this is one of those opportunities. Take advantage of the reduced deposit to help your cash flow, but more important use the onboard credits toward your gratuities, specialty dining, excursions... whatever!

But wait... there's more! NCL has spearheaded a lot of innovations in cruising, and they're changing something else which has been a given in the industry for recent memory... the type of soda onboard. Most cruise lines stock Coke products, and the Coke trucks are ubiquitous at the various ports around the world. But in a first for the major lines, NCL is partnering with Pepsi. Pepsi lovers rejoice! You no longer have to bring your caffeine of choice onboard (Coke lovers, join me in a moment of silence when we board NCL ships).

To celebrate this partnership, book a NCL cruise by October 15, 2009, for sailings through 2010, and receive a commemorative Pepsi Cup aboard and unlimited fountain soda refills for the cruise. This is applicable for up to 2 people per cabin and combinable with most other promotions.

Norwegian Epic Deck Plans Released!

While individual reservations for the Norwegian Epic won't open for another month, I've received access to the deck plans and the ability to make group bookings immediately!

There are a number of surprises in these deck plans, such as "studio" staterooms with some exclusive features, and of course the increasingly-popular Spa stateroom categories.

"Since this ship is our largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising vessel to date, we've taken a fresh approach to our stateroom mix, offering niche accommodations such as our family and spa categories, along with creative, ground-breaking design as evidenced by The Studios with Living Room and largest ever Courtyard Villa complex," said Kevin Sheehan, NCL's CEO.

According to NCL, the new Studio staterooms are designed with the budget-conscious traveler in mind and were created to maximize space, as the Studios are slightly smaller than standard inside staterooms. Each studio can sleep up to two people and features a large, round window that looks out into the corridor, along with customizable color changing light effects that mirror different stages of the day. Guests can also change the light by mood settings, such as the love setting.

The 128 Studios occupy decks 11 and 12 and Studio guests have exclusive key-card access to the Living Room, a two-story lounge area featuring a concierge, bar, room service, two large TV screens, a quiet reading section and comfortable seating for hanging out.

NCL will also be introducing spa balcony, deluxe balcony staterooms and suites within the spa for the first time. Guests in the 39 Spa suites, which feature a unique look and feel, will have complimentary 24-hour access to the ship's thermal suite and fitness center. In addition, eight of the spa suites each feature an in-room whirlpool.

Norwegian Epic's ship-within-in-a-ship complex will be comprised of 60 suites and villas spanning two private decks (decks 16 and 17) at the top of the ship. The suite category choices will include Courtyard Villas, Penthouse Suites and Deluxe Owner's Suites. Guests staying in one of these suites will have exclusive access to the Courtyard Villa, which features a pool, two whirlpools, gym, saunas, sundeck, the Uber bar, a concierge lounge and indoor/outdoor dining.

Norwegian Cruise Line's popular family-friendly staterooms are available on the Epic as well. The majority of the staterooms, both deluxe balcony and balcony, many that connect, will be on two decks close to an expanded Kids Crew facility. The family staterooms will feature Norwegian's signature New Wave design.

There are still some "reveals" to come, and blank public spaces on the deck plans, but if you're dreaming of this innovative new ship, knowing that NCL strives to be a design and lifestyle leader in the cruise industry, you can now start planning your inaugural season bookings!

And if you have at least 5 cabins ready to go, I can book you immediately! Give me a call or email me for details on dates, fares and availability.

Norwegian Epic Deck Plans

Part 2 - Norwegian Freestyle Resolution Savings Event - Reduced Deposits!

Beginning today, Sunday January 11, and running through Saturday, January 17, NCL is offering reduced deposits for new bookings! This is in addition to the previously-announced Freestyle resolution Savings Event offers of onboard credits for all new bookings!

The 50 percent reduced deposit offer makes a cruise deposit on a three to five day sailing just $50; cruises from six to nine days can be held for $125 and guests booking cruises of ten days or more pay a $200 deposit, down from $400.

“We understand that everyone needs a break from these turbulent times and cruising offers incredible value for today’s consumer,” said Kevin Sheehan, NCL’s president and CEO. “These offers, with as little as a $50 deposit and up to $500 in on-board credit, make it the perfect time to book a Freestyle Cruising summer vacation to explore Alaska, relax in Bermuda or take the kids on a vacation of a lifetime to uncover the rich history of Europe.”

In mid-December, NCL kicked off its Freestyle Resolution Sales Event where guests who make a reservation from now through February 1, 2009 on any NCL sailing are given up to a $500 on-board credit. The amount of the on-board credit varies depending on the length of cruise and category of stateroom booked. For example, on sailings of six days or longer, the on-board credit ranges from $50 for an inside stateroom; $100 for an oceanview; $150 for a balcony and $500 for a suite or villa. For three to five day sailings, the on-board credit ranges from $30 for an inside stateroom up to $150 for a suite or villa.

The reduced deposit offer is applicable for Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, Mini-Suite, Penthouse and Romance Suites. Unfortunately, it does not apply to Garden Villas, Courtyard Villas and Owner's Suites.

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!