Upper Deck Activities Unveiled on the Disney Dream
February 3rd, 2010 | Comments Off | Posted in Disney Cruise Line, Disney Cruises, disney cruise kids free
Upper Deck Activities Unveiled on the Disney Dream br /br /An elaborately themed interactive sports deck, whimsical water play area and relaxing poolside oasis for adults join the first-ever shipboard water coaster – AquaDuck – to provide fun in the sun for Clients sailing on the newest Disney Cruise Line® ship, the Disney Dream™. These additions offer new experiences for Clients of all ages.br /Goofy's Sports Deckbr /The magic tees off on Goofy’s Sports Deck, located on Deck 13, with Goofy’s Golf – a miniature golf course where “lessons” featuring Goofy and his son, Max, lead your Clients through nine themed holes of wacky fun. Each hole offers special golf instructions – with a goofy twist.br /Guests can choose to use the Goofy or Max tee on each hole, offering twice the fun. Family-friendly competitions and tournaments will keep the excitement on par while quirky golf clubs, some crooked and bent, will challenge golfers to stay on course. Goofy and Max may even swing by to interact with your Clients and offer some tips on club selection, stance or just goofing around.br /Also on Goofy’s Sports Deck, two digital sports simulators provide a variety of virtual game experiences such as soccer, tennis, basketball and more. With the simulators, your Clients can kick, swing and throw, participating in favorite high-action sports without the hassle of chasing the ball.br /br /Max’s Courts are two, mini-sized sports courts for little ones to enjoy soccer, basketball or group play. There’s full-court basketball that may also be transformed into a mini soccer pitch or volleyball court, plus, table tennis and foosball tables. A walking track rings Goofy’s Sports Deck.br /Nemo's Reefbr /br /Little ones discover oceans of fun at this fanciful water-play area overflowing with pop jets, bubblers and lovable underwater friends like Nemo, Dory, Marlin and other favorites from the Disney-Pixar film, “Finding Nemo.”br /br /br /Shaded for protection from the sun and featuring a soft wet deck surface, the 1,500-square-foot Nemo’s Reef is a place for children to cool off and play among colorful, interactive figures that move and spray water. Children will delight as they splash alongside Nemo swimming in a sea anemone, glide down a pint-sized water slide shaped like Mr. Ray and frolic near Pearl the octopus who “inks” herself with a mist of water. Kids can even get soaked in a water curtain that undulates back and forth like the EAC (East Australian Current).br /Nemo’s Reef is surrounded by a glass enclosure, with a main entrance and a wheelchair-accessible entrance.br /Quiet Cove and Pool Barbr /Reserved exclusively for your Clients 18 and older, the Quiet Cove Pool and Cove Bar form a retreat for adults to sunbathe and swim, indulge in a cool drink or enjoy a relaxing dip in a nearby hot tub overlooking the ocean.br /One of three fresh-water pools on the Disney Dream, Quiet Cove Pool features varying depths for taking a dip, sunbathing in comfort and enjoying a poolside cocktail. Featuring a series of connected circular pools, this area includes a four-foot-deep plunge pool, and a six-inch-deep sunbathing pool with built-in loungers and a mister. Guests also can splash up to Cove Bar, which is part of the pool, and sip a refreshing beverage.br /Nearby, on the sides of Deck 11, your Clients can soak in a whirlpool hot tub while overlooking the ocean. Four “infinity” whirlpool hot tubs – two for families and two just for adults – provide spectacular views of the ocean beyond.br /AquaDuck and More!br /The Disney Dream will feature the world’s first shipboard water coaster – AquaDuck – which will sweep Guests away on an exhilarating high-speed flume ride featuring twists, turns, drops, uphill acceleration and river rapids – all while traversing the upper decks of the ship.br /The Donald Pool is the place for families to gather and enjoy all of the activities up on deck. Overlooking the Donald Pool is the giant Funnel Vision LED screen – more than 30 feet wide and 18 feet high – showing Disney films and other live broadcast events. A retractable floor extends over the pool, providing an ideal dance floor for deck parties.br /Continuing a favorite feature of the Disney Magic® and Disney Wonder®, the Disney Dream will also have a Mickey Pool for children. The shape of the Mickey Pool resembles the beloved Disney character, and an oversized version of Mickey’s hand supports a yellow winding slide that splashes down near the pool.br /As an added convenience for parents with children of different ages, the Donald Pool, Mickey Pool and Nemo’s Reef are all located within the same vicinity, on Deck 11 between the forward and aft funnel.br /Source: Disney Cruise Linebr /For more information, contact Travel Direct Online at www.traveldirectonline.com Travel Direct Corporation/Cruise Direct Online™ is an Authorized Disney Vacation Planner*, offering family vacations to the Walt Disney World® Resort, and Disney Cruise Line®.div class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9902695-2910823323473504647?l=cruisenews.blogspot.com' alt='' //div
THE STATE OF THE CRUISE INDUSTRY IN 2010: CONFIDENT AND OFFERING NEW SHIPS, INNOVATION AND EXCEPTIONAL VALUE
THE STATE OF THE CRUISE INDUSTRY IN 2010: CONFIDENT AND OFFERING NEW SHIPS, INNOVATION AND EXCEPTIONAL VALUE br /br /br /Celebrating 35 Years of History, Cruise Lines International Association and its Members Forecast 2010 Growth and Continued Success br /Fort Lauderdale January 20, 2010 —br /br /Having weathered perhaps the most challenging 18 months in its history, the cruise industry as represented by Cruise Lines International Association's (CLIA) member lines, is looking ahead with optimism and a proud sense of accomplishment. CLIA, its member lines and travel agents, have adapted quickly and effectively to the global economic downturn in order to keep ships sailing at full capacity throughout 2009 and expect continued growth in 2010.br /CLIA was founded in 1975 to serve the needs of a small, new venture - the transformation of increasingly obsolete maritime transatlantic travel into trend-setting leisure vacationing. The industry's story is one of impressive growth - 118 new ships since 2000, and, since 1980, average annual growth in passengers of 7.4 percent, despite numerous economic downturns and other obstacles.br /In 2008/2009, the cruise industry was impacted by many of the same challenges facing all businesses. Fuel prices, H1N1, the stock market crash and continued fluctuations, the housing crisis, corporate restructuring, stimulus plans and bailouts, even the uncertainty of a presidential election and, certainly, declining and fragile consumer confidence. Unlike many other industries, cruising, with an impressive history of recession-resistance, had several advantages. These include vessel mobility and redeployment, ability to quickly adapt to change, effective expense management and, above all, a product with the highest perceived value for money spent. Combined with the excitement of new ships, a proactive travel agency sales network and promotional efforts to create incredible vacation values, CLIA member lines were able to drive consumer demand and operate at full capacity throughout the most challenging months.br /"CLIA's member lines and travel agents responded amazingly well to the economic crisis and have put themselves in a very strong position to succeed in 2010," said Terry L. Dale, CLIA's president and CEO. "In many important ways, if you have to have these challenges, cruising is the industry to be in. We have continued high cruise vacation interest and demand and an under-penetrated market of millions who have never cruised before; approximately 80% of Americans have yet to cruise and the opportunity is even greater in Europe and abroad where cruise vacation adoption is growing at an accelerated rate. Statistically, cruising exceeds traveler expectations and first-timers and past cruisers keep coming back. The industry's history of thriving through even the hardest of times gives our guests confidence that they are making a safe and rewarding purchase. And, most important, cruise vacations are perceived by virtually all consumers as very high value when those consumers are seeking value above all else."br /Industry Growth and Economic Impact br /br /Despite the economic turmoil of 2009, the cruise industry continued to grow. A total of 13.445 million guests are forecast to have sailed last year (totals through the third quarter, 2009 - 9,999,068 passengers - indicate that forecast is on track), U.S. and Canadian residents accounted for 76.5 percent of guests, with 23.5 percent sourced internationally. Volume of international guests has been growing consistently. In 2000, less than 10% of the guests sailing on CLIA member cruise lines were sourced to international markets. The CLIA fleet (collectively among all 25 member cruise lines) in 2009 sailed at an average occupancy of 104.4 percent, with an average length of cruise of 7.2 days. In short, passenger volume continues to keep pace with capacity.br /CLIA forecasts a total of 14.3 million passengers in 2010 - 10.7 million from North America and 3.6 million sourced internationally. This represents a total increase of passengers of 855,000 or 6.4 percent growth.br /The industry's growth is also reflected in its economic impact. In 2008, direct spending in goods and services by cruise lines and their passengers totaled $19.07 billion, a 2 percent increase over 2007. Factoring in indirect spending, the total economic impact of the industry on the U.S. economy was $40.2 billion, an increase of six percent. All 50 states were positively impacted. This included the generation of 357,710 jobs paying a total of $16.2 billion in wages and salaries nationwide.br /New Ships br /br /After introducing 14 new ships representing a total investment of $4.7 billion in 2009, the CLIA fleet will invest an additional $6.5 billion and welcome 12 new vessels this year. Significantly, the new ships continue to reflect the diversity of ships and cruise experiences available to the traveling public, ranging in capacity from 101 passengers to 5,400 passengers and built for everything from roaming the globe in sheer luxury to sailing the waters of Europe's most famous rivers and the coastlines of North America.br /The newest members of the CLIA fleet will include:br /Royal Caribbean International: Allure of the Seas (5,400 passengers )br /Norwegian Cruise Line: Epic (4,200 passengers)br /Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Eclipse (2,850 passengers)br /MSC: MSC Magnifica (2,550 passengers)br /Costa Cruises: Deliziosa (2,260 passengers)br /Holland America Line: Nieuw Amsterdam (2,100 passengers)br /Cunard Line: Queen Elizabeth (2,092 passengers)br /Seabourn Cruise Line: Seabourn Sojourn (450 passengers)br /Avalon Waterways: Felicity and Luminary (138 passengers)br /Pearl Seas Cruises: Pearl Mist (110 passengers)br /American Cruise Line: Independence (101 passengers)br /br /Looking forward, CLIA member lines have 26 new ships on order between 2010 and 2012 - 23 ocean-going vessels and three built for river/coastal cruising. This represents a net increase in capacity of 18 percent, or 53,971 beds.br /Industry Trends br /br /At the end of 2009, CLIA surveyed its member lines and member travel agents to get a better picture of their outlook and level of optimism for 2010 and to identify major industry trends. These are some of the findings:br /Travel agents are optimistic about the coming year, with 75.7 percent anticipating an increase in sales and another 11 percent expecting to hold even with 2009. Most agents surveyed looked forward to sales increases of approximately 15 percent.br /br /Although the cruise selling season spans the entire year, the traditional "Wave Season" (January-March) will continue to be important for cruise sales, according to agents, with 83 percent predicting an increase in booking volume of 10-20 percent.br /br /Consumers, according to agents, continue to express strong interest in all types of cruising. High interest in contemporary cruising was expressed by 73 percent of clients, followed by premium cruise lines (49.7 percent) and destination/niche cruise products (47 percent). One of the most dramatic findings was the high interest in river cruising by 34 percent of clients.br /br /Cruising continues to rank number one among consumers for perceived value, vacation interest and, for travel agents, ease in selling.br /br /The anticipated top cruise destinations for 2010, by volume of sales, according to agents, are: The Caribbean/Bahamas, including eastern Mexico, Alaska, Mediterranean and Greek Islands/Turkey, Europe, Hawaii, Panama Canal, West Coast of Mexico, Bermuda, European rivers and Canada/New England.br /br /The top "hot" destinations (consumers increased interest) include: The Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Alaska, European rivers, Europe, Hawaii, Panama Canal, West Coast of Mexico and the Bahamasbr /br /While remaining relatively short, the cruise booking window is lengthening. Agents report an average window of 5.04 months (compared to 4.6 months in 2009), with only 30 percent of clients booking less than four months out (compared to 39 percent in 2009).br /br /Couples dominate cruise demographics although agents report continued growth in families, extended families, and friends traveling together as well. Seniors also continue to be an important segment.br /br /Fifty-three percent of agents expect to book more new cruisers in 2010 while 37 percent expect their client mix of new and repeat customers to remain constant.br /br /CLIA travel agents continue to be very optimistic about travel in the next three years, particularly cruise travel - 71.1 percent describe themselves as "very or extremely optimistic."br /br /CLIA training remains extremely important for member agents. Eighty-eight percent have taken CLIA training; almost 70 percent are currently enrolled in some form of CLIA education, and 87.2 percent say training is important.br /br /CLIA member lines, meanwhile, identify a number of trends that will help define cruising in 2010:br /Strong interest in group and affinity travel (for some lines more than 40 percent of business)br /Popularity of theme cruises, notably music, food and wine cruisesbr /Some lines are increasing their line-up of onboard speakers for enhanced enrichment programsbr /Cruise lines expect baby boomers and repeat cruisers to be the biggest growth marketsbr /Historical and cultural shore excursions tend to be the most popularbr /Shipboard spas continue to attract cruisers, with some lines reporting use by 40-50 percent of passengersbr /br /New green, environment-friendly shipboard technologies being utilized, such as solar power, advanced water treatment systems, Alternative Maritime Power, fuel conservation, innovative hull treatments and othersbr /br /It is also worth noting that many CLIA member lines have plans in place to boost marketing efforts for 2010 to ensure continued demand, including taking full advantage of social media, including Facebook and Twitter.br /br /CLIA travel agents agree with member lines that consumers have much to look forward to in 2010. In addition to new ships of every size and description, these are some of the innovations that are guaranteed to generate strong interest among vacationers:br /br /New shipboard amenities and facilities such as themed "neighborhoods," full-sized waterparks, adults-only areas, comedy clubs, more and more dining choices and a greater choice of accommodationsbr /br /Expanded and diversified shore excursions, including private excursionsbr /Incentives to book in advance, such as gratuity packages and discountsbr /br /Approximately 30 domestic ports of embarkation mean that half the residents of the United States are now within driving distance of cruises sailing to all parts of the world, eliminating the cost and inconvenience of flyingbr /br /"Vacations are needed now more than ever; everyone needs the time and space to relax and revitalize. Nothing makes that easier than a cruise and we are confident that with new ships and itineraries, innovative shipboard experiences and incredible value, 2010 will be a great year for cruising," Dale said.br /br /###br /About CLIAbr /br /The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North America’s largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 25 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations and counts as members 16,000 travel agencies. For more information on CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member cruise lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org.div class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9902695-2013943388152654846?l=cruisenews.blogspot.com' alt='' //divWindstar, Paul Gauguin and the Queen Mary 2 named
January 22nd, 2010 | Comments Off | Posted in Cruise Traveler Magazine, Paul Gauguin, Windstar, anniversary at sea, couples cruises, honeymoons at sea, love boat, queen mary 2, romance, romantic cruises
Windstar, Paul Gauguin and the Queen Mary 2 namedbr /World's Most Romantic Cruises For 2010br /br /January 21, 2010 - Cruise Traveler Magazine names the three most romantic cruises for 2010.br /br /div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C5EU8WrpACw/S1mmy5rwiFI/AAAAAAAAABU/JvjLuL4vz6Q/s1600-h/worlds4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"img border="0" mt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C5EU8WrpACw/S1mmy5rwiFI/AAAAAAAAABU/JvjLuL4vz6Q/s320/worlds4.jpg" //abr //divFirst, picture in your mind a remote beach on a tranquil South Pacific island or a suite that overlooks St. Bartholomew scenic harbor and you're ready for romance! Exotic far away destinations, or lesser traveled Caribbean Islands, are what most of us see in our dreams. br /br /But a cruise can be just as romantic, if not more. A journey to new lands or a return to a favorite destination instills a sense of excitement and wonder. Made even the more fun, when you go with someone you love or are about fall for!br /br /For the heart and soul, romantic cruising is best enjoyed on ships both large and small who offer unique amenities and quality time to spend together. From easy, carefree afternoons by the pool to lively evenings of dining on acclaimed cuisines of world-famous chefs, Broadway-styled shows, casino gaming, dancing and socializing (or not). With a rich roster of shipboard activities you can do as much as you want together, or escape for some quite time alone. br /Cruise lines such as Windstar, Seabourn, Silversea ,SeaDream Yacht Club, and Regent offer a smaller cruise experience. Unlike Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas with over 6,000 people onboard - these smaller ships carry as few as 150 to around 800 guests. It also includes the small ships of Princess, Celebrity, Oceania, and Azamara, who incedently have almost identical ships as they acquired them from the same source.br /You of course want to stay away from the cruise lines and ships that cater to families with kids, party-till-the-sun-comes-up singles, and the over 55 crowd. Your not likely to like the "romantic getaway" cruise they promote. br /br /Our Number One Pick for a true Romantic Getaway! br /br /1. Windstar Cruises, which operates a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that explore hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world's most treasured destinations, has been recognized as the "Most Romantic Cruise Line". Sailing under the banner of its appropriate tag line "180º From Ordinary," Windstar was created in the mid-1980's with the vision to offer an alternative to the typical cruise or resort vacation. The Windstar passenger sees the world from a romantic computerized sailing ship with luxurious accommodations, a casual yet elegant atmosphere, and exquisite service and cuisine. Windstar Cruises operates the 312-passenger Wind Surf and 148- passenger Wind Star and Wind Spirit. The three sailing yachts cruise to over 47 countries worldwide offering an affordable luxury vacation. A Windstar voyage lets you safely sail off beyond the familiar to discover the adventures waiting for you around every bend. For every traveler who’s ever experienced the flawed logic of “big is better,” Windstar’s sleek, white-sailed yachts are a welcome departure from the ordinary — and so are the places they take you. Ancient towns, hidden harbors, secluded coves — some of the most amazing coastline on the planet was never intended for large cruise ships, and vice versa. On the other hand, Windstar’s smaller, luxury yachts are beautifully designed to take you places where intimate scale and romance are part of the magic.br /br /Or consider these other choices...br /2. Paul Gauguin Cruises, 'Paul Gauguin"; Tahiti, The South Pacific. French Polynesia. The destination says it all. At the turn of the century, impressionist Paul Gauguin traveled to the tropical shores of French Polynesia to create some of his most renowned masterpieces. Today his namesake, the m/s Paul Gauguin, can transport you both to the same romantic Tahitian vacation paradise—to explore, experience and escape. Nested in the cool Pacific waters, Polynesian settlers found a string of emerald islands, fruitful and fertile, carpeted with lush rain forests and vibrant life. Scattered over a vast, 2.5 million square kilometers area in the South Pacific, French Polynesia is made up of several series of islands, atolls, and archipelagoes, independently surrounded by lagoons and barrier reefs that create unique eco-systems and divine respites for the traveler weary of the usual getaway. With the freedom to discover the exotic ports of the South Pacific without limitation, your cruise aboard m/s Paul Gauguin will likely fulfill your every romantic dream and expectation.br /br /3. Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2; Her 6 or 7-night transatlantic crossings are as "romantic" as you can get on the high seas. Queen Mary 2 is the most magnificent ocean liner ever built. Her every detail harkens to the Golden Age of Ocean Travel, while providing one of the most modern travel experiences on earth. From bow to stern, you both can relax and unwind; to indulge in the most romantic pleasures and pursuits you never normally have time for. Opulent public areas, extravagant dining rooms, ballrooms, theatres, lounges...even the only Planetarium at sea. It is only in a world like this that modern fairy tale romances at sea are possible - where ordinary travelers can feel like royalty for a week or two. But words can only do such a lady so much justice, for to truly revel in the grandeur that is Queen Mary 2, you must sail with her. Click here for the 101 Things To Do on a Queen Mary 2 Transatlantic Crossing.br /Romantic Question of the Day br /br /I'm thinking of "proposing" onboard. How can I become creative with the approach?br /Try Princess. The Love Boat of course!br /div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C5EU8WrpACw/S1mm-eHKy_I/AAAAAAAAABc/BbCS1Mh1HYs/s1600-h/worlds5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; cssfloat: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"img border="0" mt="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_C5EU8WrpACw/S1mm-eHKy_I/AAAAAAAAABc/BbCS1Mh1HYs/s320/worlds5.jpg" //abr //divPrincess Makes Marriage Proposals Memorable with their "Engagement Under The Stars" Package br /Where else should suitors turn for help in creating a "stellar" marriage proposal than Princess Cruises, famous as the romantic setting of "The Love Boat" television series? On the Crown Princess, an "Engagement Under the Stars" package offers the opportunity for a couple to enjoy movie-star status when they agree to tie the knot. br /Guys can pop the question to their unsuspecting betrothed with a personal video proposal shown on the ship's giant outdoor Movies Under the Stars movie screen and, after she says "yes," Princess will continue to keep the stars in their eyes throughout the sailing with a special romantic dinner, amenities, and the creation of keepsake items to remember the occasion long after they return home. br /"Engagement Under the Stars" proposals will take place just prior to one of the evening's outdoor feature films at a time prearranged with the proposer, who will bring his unsuspecting fiancé-to-be to the scene under the guise of seeing the evening's show. The package includes: br /A secret session for the proposer with the ship's videographer to create a personalized on-screen proposal br /Two glasses of champagne and a red rose presented to the couple immediately following the proposal br /A bottle of champagne and chocolate covered strawberries in the couple's stateroom the evening of the proposal br /An engagement portrait session with 8x10 engagement photo br /Four candid 8x6 photos of the surprise proposal br /A Princess Cruises romantic, in-room breakfast br /A dinner for two at one of the ship's sophisticated alternative dining venues, such as Sabatini's Trattoria or Crown Grill br /A couple's massage in the Lotus Spa br /A complimentary pottery class offered through the ship's signature learning program, at which the couple will design a commemorative "engagement plate" souvenir br /A 10 percent discount off of fine jewelry in the shipboard boutiques, just in case the groom didn't bring a ring br /A $100 credit towards a wedding-at-sea package on a future voyage br /br /The "Engagement Under the Stars" package enables any "Regular Joe" to provide his bride-to-be with a highly romantic and attention-getting proposal...without him having to do any of the planning. "All the gentleman has to bring is the ring and the question," says Jan Swartz, Princess' senior vice president of customer service and sales. "We've tapped into many of the ship's fabulous amenities - from dining, to spa, to our ScholarShip@Sea program, and of course, our signature Movies Under the Stars screen - to combine the most romantic and memorable experiences for newly engaged couples, and we're very happy to offer this package to grooms-to-be who want to create a lasting impression on their partners."div class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9902695-8311732474342473341?l=cruisenews.blogspot.com' alt='' //div
Regent Reduces Single Supplement!
January 21st, 2010 | Comments Off | Posted in Regent Seven Seas, cruise, free air, reduced single supplement, unlimited shore excursions
Regent Seven Seas Cruises has today announced a program of reduced single supplements on many of their 2010 sailings! Offering supplements of 30-50% on selected sailings on both the Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner, this represents an exceptional value for solos looking for a relaxed experience on a true luxury line.Regent offers all-inclusive pricing, encompassing gratuities, wine and
Cruise Express Technology Advances Internet Cruise Search. Faster, relevant and more personal interaction equals better results.
January 21st, 2010 | Comments Off | Posted in Carnival cruise, Celebrity, Cunard, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, Regent Seven Seas, Royal Caribbean, Silversea, cruise deals, travelocity
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
The State of the Cruise Industry in 2010: Confident and Offering New Ships, Innovation and Exceptional Value
January 20th, 2010 | Comments Off | Posted in CLIA, Cruise Indusrty Trends, Cruise Lines International Association, cruise deals, cruises
Celebrating 35 Years of History, Cruise Lines International Association and its Members Forecast 2010 Growth and Continued Successbr /br /Having weathered perhaps the most challenging 18 months in its history, the cruise industry as represented by Cruise Lines International Association's (CLIA) member lines, is looking ahead with optimism and a proud sense of accomplishment. CLIA, its member lines and travel agents, have adapted quickly and effectively to the global economic downturn in order to keep ships sailing at full capacity throughout 2009 and expect continued growth in 2010. br /br /CLIA was founded in 1975 to serve the needs of a small, new venture – the transformation of increasingly obsolete maritime transatlantic travel into trend-setting leisure vacationing. The industry's story is one of impressive growth – 118 new ships since 2000, and, since 1980, average annual growth in passengers of 7.4 percent, despite numerous economic downturns and other obstacles. br /In 2008/2009, the cruise industry was impacted by many of the same challenges facing all businesses. Fuel prices, H1N1, the stock market crash and continued fluctuations, the housing crisis, corporate restructuring, stimulus plans and bailouts, even the uncertainty of a presidential election and, certainly, declining and fragile consumer confidence. Unlike many other industries, cruising, with an impressive history of recession-resistance, had several advantages. These include vessel mobility and redeployment, ability to quickly adapt to change, effective expense management and, above all, a product with the highest perceived value for money spent. Combined with the excitement of new ships, a proactive travel agency sales network and promotional efforts to create incredible vacation values, CLIA member lines were able to drive consumer demand and operate at full capacity throughout the most challenging months.br /br /"CLIA's member lines and travel agents responded amazingly well to the economic crisis and have put themselves in a very strong position to succeed in 2010," said Terry L. Dale, CLIA's president and CEO. "In many important ways, if you have to have these challenges, cruising is the industry to be in. We have continued high cruise vacation interest and demand and an under-penetrated market of millions who have never cruised before; approximately 80% of Americans have yet to cruise and the opportunity is even greater in Europe and abroad where cruise vacation adoption is growing at an accelerated rate. Statistically, cruising exceeds traveler expectations and first-timers and past cruisers keep coming back. The industry's history of thriving through even the hardest of times gives our guests confidence that they are making a safe and rewarding purchase. And, most important, cruise vacations are perceived by virtually all consumers as very high value when those consumers are seeking value above all else." br /br /Industry Growth and Economic Impactbr /Despite the economic turmoil of 2009, the cruise industry continued to grow. A total of 13.445 million guests are forecast to have sailed last year (totals through the third quarter, 2009 – 9,999,068 passengers – indicate that forecast is on track), U.S. and Canadian residents accounted for 76.5 percent of guests, with 23.5 percent sourced internationally. Volume of international guests has been growing consistently. In 2000, less than 10% of the guests sailing on CLIA member cruise lines were sourced to international markets. The CLIA fleet (collectively among all 25 member cruise lines) in 2009 sailed at an average occupancy of 104.4 percent, with an average length of cruise of 7.2 days. In short, passenger volume continues to keep pace with capacity.br /CLIA forecasts a total of 14.3 million passengers in 2010 – 10.7 million from North America and 3.6 million sourced internationally. This represents a total increase of passengers of 855,000 or 6.4 percent growth.br /The industry's growth is also reflected in its economic impact. In 2008, direct spending in goods and services by cruise lines and their passengers totaled $19.07 billion, a 2 percent increase over 2007. Factoring in indirect spending, the total economic impact of the industry on the U.S. economy was $40.2 billion, an increase of six percent. All 50 states were positively impacted. This included the generation of 357,710 jobs paying a total of $16.2 billion in wages and salaries nationwide.br /New Shipsbr /After introducing 14 new ships representing a total investment of $4.7 billion in 2009, the CLIA fleet will invest an additional $6.5 billion and welcome 12 new vessels this year. Significantly, the new ships continue to reflect the diversity of ships and cruise experiences available to the traveling public, ranging in capacity from 101 passengers to 5,400 passengers and built for everything from roaming the globe in sheer luxury to sailing the waters of Europe's most famous rivers and the coastlines of North America.br /The newest members of the CLIA fleet will include:br /Royal Caribbean International: Allure of the Seas (5,400 passengers) br /br /Norwegian Cruise Line: Epic (4,200 passengers) br /br /Celebrity Cruises: Celebrity Eclipse (2,850 passengers) br /br /MSC: MSC Magnifica (2,550 passengers) br /br /Costa Cruises: Deliziosa (2,260 passengers) br /br /Holland America Line: Nieuw Amsterdam (2,100 passengers) br /br /Cunard Line: Queen Elizabeth (2,092 passengers) br /br /Seabourn Cruise Line: Seabourn Sojourn (450 passengers) br /br /Avalon Waterways: Felicity and Luminary (138 passengers) br /br /Pearl Seas Cruises: Pearl Mist (110 passengers) br /br /American Cruise Line: Independence (101 passengers)br /Looking forward, CLIA member lines have 26 new ships on order between 2010 and 2012 – 23 ocean-going vessels and three built for river/coastal cruising. This represents a net increase in capacity of 18 percent, or 53,971 beds. br /Industry Trendsbr /At the end of 2009, CLIA surveyed its member lines and member travel agents to get a better picture of their outlook and level of optimism for 2010 and to identify major industry trends. These are some of the findings:br /Travel agents are optimistic about the coming year, with 75.7 percent anticipating an increase in sales and another 11 percent expecting to hold even with 2009. Most agents surveyed looked forward to sales increases of approximately 15 percent. br /br /Although the cruise selling season spans the entire year, the traditional "Wave Season" (January-March) will continue to be important for cruise sales, according to agents, with 83 percent predicting an increase in booking volume of 10-20 percent. br /br /Consumers, according to agents, continue to express strong interest in all types of cruising. High interest in contemporary cruising was expressed by 73 percent of clients, followed by premium cruise lines (49.7 percent) and destination/niche cruise products (47 percent). One of the most dramatic findings was the high interest in river cruising by 34 percent of clients. br /br /Cruising continues to rank number one among consumers for perceived value, vacation interest and, for travel agents, ease in selling. br /br /The anticipated top cruise destinations for 2010, by volume of sales, according to agents, are: The Caribbean/Bahamas, including eastern Mexico, Alaska, Mediterranean and Greek Islands/Turkey, Europe, Hawaii, Panama Canal, West Coast of Mexico, Bermuda, European rivers and Canada/New England. br /br /The top "hot" destinations (consumers increased interest) include: The Mediterranean, the Caribbean, Alaska, European rivers, Europe, Hawaii, Panama Canal, West Coast of Mexico and the Bahamas br /br /While remaining relatively short, the cruise booking window is lengthening. Agents report an average window of 5.04 months (compared to 4.6 months in 2009), with only 30 percent of clients booking less than four months out (compared to 39 percent in 2009). br /br /Couples dominate cruise demographics although agents report continued growth in families, extended families, and friends traveling together as well. Seniors also continue to be an important segment. br /br /Fifty-three percent of agents expect to book more new cruisers in 2010 while 37 percent expect their client mix of new and repeat customers to remain constant. br /br /CLIA travel agents continue to be very optimistic about travel in the next three years, particularly cruise travel – 71.1 percent describe themselves as "very or extremely optimistic." br /br /CLIA training remains extremely important for member agents. Eighty-eight percent have taken CLIA training; almost 70 percent are currently enrolled in some form of CLIA education, and 87.2 percent say training is important.br /CLIA member lines, meanwhile, identify a number of trends that will help define cruising in 2010:br /Strong interest in group and affinity travel (for some lines more than 40 percent of business) br /br /Popularity of theme cruises, notably music, food and wine cruises br /br /Some lines are increasing their line-up of onboard speakers for enhanced enrichment programs br /br /Cruise lines expect baby boomers and repeat cruisers to be the biggest growth markets br /br /Historical and cultural shore excursions tend to be the most popular br /br /Shipboard spas continue to attract cruisers, with some lines reporting use by 40-50 percent of passengers br /br /New green, environment-friendly shipboard technologies being utilized, such as solar power, advanced water treatment systems, Alternative Maritime Power, fuel conservation, innovative hull treatments and othersbr /It is also worth noting that many CLIA member lines have plans in place to boost marketing efforts for 2010 to ensure continued demand, including taking full advantage of social media, including Facebook and Twitter.br /CLIA travel agents agree with member lines that consumers have much to look forward to in 2010. In addition to new ships of every size and description, these are some of the innovations that are guaranteed to generate strong interest among vacationers:br /New shipboard amenities and facilities such as themed "neighborhoods," full-sized waterparks, adults-only areas, comedy clubs, more and more dining choices and a greater choice of accommodations br /br /Expanded and diversified shore excursions, including private excursions br /br /Incentives to book in advance, such as gratuity packages and discounts br /br /Approximately 30 domestic ports of embarkation mean that half the residents of the United States are now within driving distance of cruises sailing to all parts of the world, eliminating the cost and inconvenience of flyingbr /"Vacations are needed now more than ever; everyone needs the time and space to relax and revitalize. Nothing makes that easier than a cruise and we are confident that with new ships and itineraries, innovative shipboard experiences and incredible value, 2010 will be a great year for cruising," Dale said.br /About CLIA br /The nonprofit Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) is North America's largest cruise industry organization. CLIA represents the interests of 25 member lines and participates in the regulatory and policy development process while supporting measures that foster a safe, secure and healthy cruise ship environment. CLIA is also engaged in travel agent training, research and marketing communications to promote the value and desirability of cruise vacations and counts as members 16,000 travel agencies. For more information of CLIA, the cruise industry, and CLIA-member lines and travel agencies, visit www.cruising.org. CLIA can also be followed on Twitter @TerryAtCLIA and on the Cruise Lines International Association's Fan Page on Facebook. br /br /SOURCE Cruise Lines International Associationdiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/9902695-2263260575244556018?l=cruisenews.blogspot.com' alt='' //div
Celebrity Up To $300/cabin Onboard Credit!
January 18th, 2010 | Comments Off | Posted in Celebrity, Celebrity Century, Celebrity Solstice, Designed for You, Onboard Credits, YES promotion, reduced deposit
Celebrity is offering up to $300/cabin onboard credit AND 50% reduced deposit for oceanview cabins or above on most sailings to Alaska, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, Europe, or Panama Canal in 2010!The details are:- Book by January 31, 2010- Oceanview cabin or above- Deposit due at time of booking- New bookings only- Select sailings between February 10, 2010 - December 16, 2010- $50/cabin onboard
More on RCCL’s Haiti Relief Efforts
January 18th, 2010 | Comments Off | Posted in Celebrity, Haiti, Labadee, Royal Caribbean, azamara club cruises, earthquake relief
Following up on the promised aid to Haiti, Royal Caribbean has detailed their future plans for relief efforts to the devastated country.Royal Caribbean is partnering with charitable organizations – such as Food for the Poor, Pan American Development Foundation and the Solano Foundation, the company’s foundation in Haiti, to provide additional assistance to the people of Haiti. Royal Caribbean
NCL’s Year of Freestyle Vacation Continues
January 18th, 2010 | Comments Off | Posted in Alaska, NCL, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Panama Canal, Year of the Freestyle Vacation
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!