Countdown to Koningsdam Episode 7: Crew Arrivals

March 25, 2016

Hosted by Johnathan Rogers, Koningsdam‘s cruise director, the video, this video features Hotel Director Stan Kuppens, who talks about the crew arriving at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard, loading supplies onboard and preparing the ship for delivery as deck, engine and hotel officers also make their way to Italy.

“The officers and crew are the heart of our ships, and we wouldn’t be able to fully prepare for Koningsdam‘s delivery without their support and dedication,” said Orlando Ashford, Holland America Line’s president. “The ship is nearing delivery, and we know our fans will enjoy seeing the crew at the shipyard working on final preparations.”

When it sets sail, Koningsdam will have 1,036 officers and crew on board, and approximately 350 of those employees will be at the shipyard in Italy prior to delivery. In addition to loading supplies and helping the ship get ready for delivery, crew members also are assisting with cabin inspections, washing linens and getting fitted for uniforms.

All officers and crew will move on board approximately three weeks before the March 31 delivery and bring the ship to life in anticipation of the April 8 Premiere Voyage.

A Game Changer

Koningsdam represents a new Pinnacle Class of ship for Holland America Line. The vessel will debut several innovative concepts and new public spaces and venues while still featuring popular amenities guests associate with Holland America Line.

Guests will enjoy fine dining in several alternative restaurants including Sel de Mer, a new French seafood brasserie; a new immersive farm-to-table concept dinner experience in the Culinary Arts Center, presented by Food & Wine magazine; a redesigned Lido Market with themed serving stations; a stunning main dining room; and favorites such as Pinnacle Grill, Canaletto Italian restaurant and pan-Asian Tamarind. The ship also will feature Holland America Line’s first purpose-built staterooms for families and single staterooms among its 1,331 guest accommodations.

Onboard entertainment will be taken to a new level with the energetic Music Walk area featuring all genres of music showcased in venues including Lincoln Center Stage, offering chamber music nightly; Billboard Onboard, where live musicians rock the crowd with chart-topping hits; and the popular B.B. King’s Blues Club in the Queen’s Lounge, bringing the best of Memphis music to sea. With the 270-degree LED projection at World Stage, new concepts for show time performances will immerse the audience in panoramic visual and sound effects.

For more information about Holland America Line and Koningsdam, consult a travel professional, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Princess Cruises Reveals Next Year’s Itineraries and Programs

Dana Lawson

March 25, 2016

Crown Princess in Glacier Bay National Park, Alaska

Six Princess Cruises’ ships will sail Alaska’s waters next summer offering multiple itinerary options, immersive onboard culinary and cultural experiences, and a variety of “Land & Sea Vacations” for further exploring the state’s vast wilderness.

The line’s signature “Voyage of the Glaciers” itinerary — with its unrivaled glacier-viewing opportunities — will be offered on Coral Princess, Star Princess and Island Princess between Whittier (Anchorage) and Vancouver, B.C.

Cruises through the Inside Passage — with its ever-changing scenery from picturesque shores to quaint coastal towns — will be offered aboard Ruby Princess and Emerald Princess from Seattle and Grand Princess from San Francisco.

While on board, guests will encounter a variety of ways to engage in authentic experiences through the award-winning North to Alaska program. It features the newest Cook My Catch, an exclusive culinary program allowing guests to return from select Princess fishing excursions to have the chef prepare their very own catch of the day.

Also offered in 2017, the crowd-favorite Puppies in the Piazza, where guests can interact with real Alaskan sled dog puppies that are brought on board. On land, guests will hear first-hand tales from mountain climbers who have conquered Denali as they tell the exhilarating stories of their journey in the new Hudson Theater.

In addition, the cruise line’s “Land & Sea Vacations” will offer flexible ways to delve deeper into the fascinating Alaska frontier. Land tours are combined with a seven-day “Voyage of the Glaciers” cruise and include the company’s premier wilderness lodges, exclusive rail service, plus visits to the top two attractions in Alaska – Glacier Bay National Park and Denali National Park.

All 2017 Alaska cruises and “Land and Sea Vacations” are open for booking.

“Princess continues to offer guests the best of this beautiful state while on land and at sea,” said Jan Swartz, president of Princess Cruises. “From wilderness and glaciers to fresh salmon and sled dog puppies, the newest North to Alaska experiences truly delivers on our commitment to ensuring our guests come back new.”

Princess’ 2017 Alaska program includes:

Alaska Cruises
With 113 departures from Seattle, San Francisco, Vancouver and Whittier — featuring unique ports and destinations — options abound for exploring Alaska in 2017 aboard Princess ships, including:

Voyage of the Glaciers – Princess’ most popular Gulf of Alaska sailings between Vancouver and Whittier features two glacier-viewing experiences on every voyage, with visits to the UNESCO-listed Glacier Bay National Park plus either Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord.
Inside Passage –This awe-inspiring part of Alaska, known for its lush scenery and pristine fjords, will be featured on seven- and 10-day roundtrip voyages with the option to visit Glacier Bay on select sailings from Seattle, Vancouver and San Francisco.

Alaska Land & Sea Vacations
Princess offers guests more than 20 “Land and Sea Vacations” in 2017, most featuring multiple nights at Princess-owned Wilderness Lodges to experience the grandeur of Denali. Guests will once again be able to purchase a pre-paid meal package for the land portion of their vacation in 2017. Options include:

Denali Explorer – As Princess’ most popular “Land & Sea Vacation,” these itineraries feature multiple nights at the line’s Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and/or Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge.
On Your Own – An affordable option for independent-minded travelers, these itineraries offer a flexible way to see the heart of Alaska. Tours follow similar routes as Denali Explorer options but do not include any pre-planned excursions, giving travelers the opportunity to customize their own experience.
Off the Beaten Path – These itineraries are designed to take travelers beyond Denali to sought-after, remote regions of the state such as the Kenai Peninsula and Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve.
Connoisseur – The line’s highest level of service, these tours provide a truly immersive experience. With a professional tour director, most meals included, and enhanced sightseeing, guests experience the best of the great land.
Heart of the Rockies Plus Rail – This 14-night cruisetour originates in Calgary and includes daylight Silverleaf rail service on the Rocky Mountaineer. The fully-escorted land tour combines with a seven-day northbound “Voyage of the Glaciers” cruise on Star Princess and includes most breakfasts and dinners.

Viking Ocean Cruises Takes Delivery of Viking Sea

John Shallo

March 24, 2016

Viking Ocean Cruises has taken delivery of Viking Sea, the company’s second ship. The delivery ceremony took place today when the ship was presented at Fincantieri’s shipyard in Ancona, Italy. On April 3, Viking Sea will set sail from Istanbul and will make her way through the Mediterranean and into the Atlantic on her way to be officially christened on May 5 on London’s Thames River in Greenwich. Following the christening, Viking Sea will spend her maiden season sailing itineraries in Scandinavia and the Baltic, as well as the Western and Eastern Mediterranean.

“What a remarkable 12 months this has been, launching our first ocean ship, taking delivery of our second ship and preparing for the final outfitting of our third ship. I am proud of everyone at Viking and Fincantieri for their contributions,” said Torstein Hagen, chairman of Viking Cruises. “As we take delivery of Viking Sea we now double Viking’s ocean capacity, which demonstrates how enthusiastic our guests are for destination-focused cruises. We look forward to further increasing our presence next year and the years after that.”

Viking Star's Wintergarden — **Viking Star’s Wintergarden**

The all-veranda Viking Sea is a sister ship to Viking Star, which launched in April 2015 to great customer and industry acclaim. In addition to being named “Best New Ocean Ship” in the Cruise Critic® 2015 Editors’ Picks Awards, Viking Star received three First Place Placements in the 6th Annual Cruise Critic Cruisers’ Choice Awards. The ship was also rated number one in its category in Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2016. In 2015, Viking was also rated the highest of all river and ocean cruise lines in Travel + Leisure’s “World’s Best” Awards.

Viking’s ocean ships have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, boast 465 cabins and accommodate 930 passengers. Viking Sea is the second of six ocean cruise ships on order. The third ship, Viking Sky, will be delivered in early 2017; the three remaining yet-to-be-named ships will be delivered in late 2017, 2018 and 2020, respectively.

Designed for discerning travelers, Viking offers guests “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. The Viking Difference is providing guests with extraordinarily well-designed cruises that bring them closer to the cultures of the world. Ships are small to get guests closer to their destination, with more time in port, more overnights and fewer days at sea. Onboard, guests find serene Scandinavian spaces, where every room is beautiful and functional, quiet and filled with

light. All-veranda ships mean that guests experience every day with a new, expansive vista. With the most al freso dining at sea, featuring regional cuisines and always-available American classics, Viking’s guests can truly dine in their destination. A focus on cultural enrichment brings immersive experiences onshore and onboard. And only The Viking Way brings guests itineraries that feature Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access experiences.

In addition, Viking Inclusive Cruising provides a small ship experience at a big ship value—with every cruise fare including a veranda stateroom, shore excursions in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including: beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; premium dining reservations; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service—a value of more than $2,400 per couple for an average cruise.

Viking Ocean Cruises Celebrates Float Out Of Third Ship

By
John Shallo
-

March 23, 2016

Marit Barstad, sister of Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen, served as Viking Sky’s madrina and welded commemorative coins under the ship’s mast.

Orders Three Additional Ships, Will Have Six Sister Ships by 2020

Today Viking Ocean Cruises announced its third ship—the 930-passenger Viking Sky—was “floated out,” marking a major construction milestone and the first time that the new ship touches water. The traditional ceremony took place yesterday at Fincantieri’s Ancona shipyard, just one day before the company takes delivery of its second ship, Viking Sea, which will officially debut to guests next month. Viking Sky is scheduled for delivery in early 2017.

Viking also announced that it has placed an order with Fincantieri for three additional sister ships, which will bring Viking’s total number of ocean ships to six by 2020.

“It is a special day when a new ship meets water for the first time. This is our third ship to be floated out in three years, so it is indeed a proud moment for our entire Viking family,” said Torstein Hagen, founder and chairman of Viking Cruises. “Our first ship, Viking Star, has enjoyed great success in her maiden season. I look forward to her five sister ships experiencing the same respective success as they debut over the coming years.”

The Winter Garden

The float out ceremony is significant because it denotes a ship moving into its final stage of construction. Viking Sky’s float out began at approximately 4:30 p.m. local time, and in keeping with maritime tradition, a madrina – a special woman of honor – assisted with the ceremony. Marit Barstad, sister of Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen, served as Viking Sky’s madrina and welded commemorative coins under the ship’s mast that represented three family birth years: 1911 (mother Ragnhild “Mamsen” Hagen, after whom the onboard Norwegian deli Mamsen’s is named; 1943 (Ms. Barstad’s own birth year) and 1948 (brother and Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen’s birth year). Ms. Barstad also cut a cord to allow water to begin flowing into the ship’s building dock. Following a two-day process that will set Viking Sky afloat, she will then be moved to a nearby outfitting dock for final construction and interior build-out.

A Growing Ocean Fleet – Viking Star, Viking Sea and Viking Sky

Classified by many as “Small Ship’s”, Viking’s ocean ships have a gross tonnage of 47,800 tons, with only 465 cabins and accommodate 930 passengers. Viking Sky is the third of six ocean cruise ships on order and will be delivered in early 2017; the three remaining yet-to-be-named ships will be delivered in late 2017, 2018 and 2020, respectively. The fleet features understated elegance and modern Scandinavian design. Highlights include:

The Explorer’s Suite

All Veranda Staterooms: Guests can choose from five stateroom categories, starting from a 270 sq. ft. Veranda Stateroom, all with private verandas and premium amenities that include king-size beds with luxury linens, large showers, luxury toiletries, heated bathroom floors and large interactive flat-screen LCD TVs with movies-on-demand.

Explorer Suites: The ship features 14 Explorer Suites, which are two-room suites ranging from 757 to 1,163 sq. ft. that offer sweeping views from wraparound private verandas as well as the most amenities and privileges of any category onboard.

Two Pool Choices: In addition to the Main Pool with a retractable roof permitting any-season swimming, the ship features a first-of-its-kind glass-backed Infinity Pool cantilevered off the stern, allowing guests to swim surrounded by their destination.
The Explorers Lounge

LivNordic Spa: In keeping with Viking’s Nordic heritage, The Spa onboard is designed with the holistic wellness philosophy of Scandinavia in mind—from the centuries-old tradition of the sauna to a Snow Grotto where snowflakes gently descend from the ceiling through chilled air. Berlitz Cruising & Cruise Ships 2016 named it one of the “5 best cruise ship spas.

Explorers’ Lounge and Mamsen’s: Share a cocktail with friends. Linger over a Norwegian breakfast and a nautical history book. The Explorers’ Lounge and Mamsen’s gourmet deli are thoughtful spaces located at the bow and designed in the Scandinavian spirit, for complete relaxation and for marveling at sweeping views through double-height windows.

The Wintergarden: Guests looking for serenity will find it in the Wintergarden. In this elegant space under a canopy of Scandinavian trellised wood, guests can indulge in afternoon tea service.

The Chef’s Table aboard Viking Star

Dining Choices: Viking Star offers multiple restaurant locations and food choices—from fine dining in The Restaurant, which serves three full meals and the widest choice of culinary options, and the World Café, which serves international fare and regional specialties—to intimate dining experiences at The Chef’s Table, which offers a multi-course tasting menu complete with wine parings, and Manfredi’s, which features freshly prepared pastas and Italian favorites. Additionally, The Kitchen Table focuses on regional dishes from market to table; the Pool Grill specializes in gourmet burgers; afternoon tea and scones are available in the Wintergarden; and Mamsen’s serves Norwegian deli-style fare. Furthermore, with multiple choices for outdoor seating during meals, Viking Star offers the most al fresco dining at sea.

Enriching Entertainment: Connecting guests to their destinations through authentic experiences is central to Viking in creating “the thinking person’s cruise.” Instead of casinos and water slides, guests are offered Viking’s Culture Curriculum® including: world-class lectures on history and art; tasting of vintage wines from their destinations; restaurant menus inspired by local cuisine; informative port talks; enriching Destination Performances featuring folkloric shows and musicians playing regional and classical music; an onboard cooking school allowing guests to learn how to prepare local specialties.

Sustainable Features: Designed with the environment in mind, Viking Star features energy-efficient hybrid engines, hydro-dynamically optimized streamlined hull and bow for maximum fuel efficiency and equipment that minimizes exhaust pollution and meets the strictest environmental regulations.

Viking Star’s Pool

The Viking Difference

Viking Star’s Explorer’s Lounge

Viking offers guests “the thinking person’s cruise” as an alternative to mainstream cruises. The Viking Difference is providing guests with extraordinarily well-designed cruises that bring them closer to the cultures of the world. Ships are small to get guests closer to their destination, with more time in port, more overnights and fewer days at sea. Onboard, guests find serene Scandinavian spaces, where every room is beautiful and functional, quiet and filled with light. All-veranda ships mean that guests experience every day with a new, expansive vista. With the most al freso dining at sea, featuring regional cuisines and always-available American classics, Viking’s guests can truly dine in their destination. A focus on cultural enrichment brings immersive experiences onshore and onboard. And only The Viking Way brings guests itineraries that feature Local Life, Working World and Privileged Access experiences.

In addition, Viking Inclusive Cruising provides a small ship experience at a big ship value—with every cruise fare including a veranda stateroom, shore excursions in each port of call, all onboard meals, and all port charges and government taxes. Guests also enjoy many complimentary amenities as part of their fare, including: beer and wine with lunch and dinner service; premium dining reservations; Wi-Fi; self-service laundry; access to the Thermal Suite in the LivNordic Spa; and 24-hour room service—a value of more than $2,400 per couple for an average cruise.

Interested In Booking?

You can take advantage of a special promotion from now through March 31, 2016. Viking is offering U.S. residents a 2016 Special Savings Discount with free air from 150 cities, plus up to $1,000 off per couple. Contact a travel agent or call Viking toll free at 1-855-8-VIKING (1-855-884-5464). For more information visit http://www.vikingcruises.com

Imaginative, high-tech shows headline on Royal Caribbean’s new ship

By
Dana Lawson
-

March 23, 2016

Two70

Royal Caribbean has revealed its newest entertainment lineup for its first ship built for China, Ovation of the Seas.

A product of the largest entertainment production operation at sea, Ovation’s entertainment will continue Royal Caribbean’s standard of combining talent, technology, and special effects with a spectacular selection of stage shows, productions, and events.

Ovation and her sister ships, Quantum of the Seas and Anthem of the Seas belong to the Quantum class of ships and are built with the most advanced technology. Entertainment and technology are fused together in Two70 — a multi-level great room which transforms into a multifunctional entertainment place in the evening. The venue enables immersive experiences to take place all around the room due to the integration of Vistarama – expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that can be set into any scene, real or imagined, by combining 18 projectors to create an ambient surface over 100 feet wide and over 20 feet tall.

In addition, a troupe of six, agile Roboscreens combined with highly trained live performers, music and special effects, gives guests front-row seats to these stunningly visual shows that can only be seen while sailing onboard Royal Caribbean’s Quantum-class ships:

Spectra’s Cabaret – This completely original production, created by Royal Caribbean International and Moment Factory exclusively for Two70, will take the stage on Ovation. This wildly popular show, already a fan-favorite on Anthem of the Seas, features the Maestro and his “Agents of Rhythm” as they invite the audience to an electric, multi-dimensional cabaret that transports them to invisible realms. “Spectra’s Cabaret” blends live performance and experiential cinema with music from contemporary pop culture. It creates a world seen through the lens of music and technology, all while exploring the deepest recesses of the heart.

Seating 1,300 guests, the magnificent Royal Theater is home to Ovation of the Seas’ two new production shows:

The Dream – This thrilling production chronicles the story of a man who is visited by his departed soulmate in a very special dream. His long-lost love has come to help him rediscover his passion for life, and gives him the will to pursue his wildest dreams and to find love again. The unique combination of wonderful storytelling, soulful performances and spectacular production values will surprise and delight audiences.

Live. Love. Legs. – The same highly-acclaimed creative team behind the wildly popular “Sequins & Feathers” on Quantum of the Seas has brought its signature combination of talented artists, high-energy performances, and remarkable beauty, to deliver another unforgettable theatrical experience. “Live. Love. Legs” brings a collection of incredible aerial acrobatics, next-gen choreography and superb vocal performances that come straight from the Broadway stage.

With Royal Caribbean, the entertainment doesn’t end on stage. Ovation offers guests a lineup of fully produced late-night events and parties. In the ever popular Music Hall, guests are treated to the most exciting live music venue at sea, where travelers can dance till the wee hours of the morning as well as enjoy theme parties such as Groovy Town.

Two70 hosts late-night themed parties such as Twist & Shout and Fireworks Party along with the Roboshows that perfectly incorporate live performers and technology.

Ovation also will deliver entertainment experiences for its youngest guests, with events and activities featuring DreamWorks Animation’s popular film characters, including: character breakfasts in the main dining room, impromptu “meet-and-greet” experiences, photo-ops throughout the day, and exclusive DreamWorks merchandise. Additionally, guests can watch the latest DreamWorks Animation films in the ship’s movie theater or on the dedicated DreamWorks TV channel in their stateroom.

The Quantum class ships feature unprecedented first-at-sea experiences and amenities, including: the North Star, an observation capsule that gently rises more than 300 feet in the air; thrilling skydiving and surfing experiences; Two7; and SeaPlex, the largest indoor activity space at sea, which includes basketball, roller-skating, bumper cars, and more.

Each ship offers 18 restaurants onboard with a variety of cuisines as well as the industry’s most relaxing and luxurious accommodations at sea with the unique “Loft Suites” and “Virtual Balcony staterooms” — interior accommodations that feature large digital screens displaying real-time views, ensuring that every room has a view.

The newest addition to Quantum class will officially launch in April 2016, when she departs Southampton, England, for Tianjin, China, on a 52-day “Global Odyssey” voyage. She will begin her first homeport sailing season in China from Tianjin in June 2016. Ovation, together with Quantum of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas and Legend of the Seas, will make up the largest fleet of any cruise line sailing in China.

Ovation spans 18 decks, encompasses 168,666 gross registered tons, carries 4,180 guests at double occupancy and features 2,091 staterooms.

Cruise Cabins: What To Know Before Selecting Yours

By
Chris Owen
-

March 23, 2016

A common question from those who have not sailed before a lot has to do with cabin categories and might go like this; “What is the difference between all these categories of cabins?” Each cruise line has their own way of classifying cabins. Knowing the difference between each can help match travelers with accommodations that are appropriate for them and those they are sailing with, eliminating a bunch of problems before they start.

Image- Carnival Cruise Line

On Carnival Cruise Line, it’s a number and a letter like 4A. Princess uses two letters like BB or AC. Royal Caribbean uses a combination of both with designations like E2 or PR. Other lines use a variation of these.

The easy way to sort this out is to remember that there are really three basic cabin configurations:

Inside cabins with beds, a bathroom, places to store clothes, a tv, a phone and maybe a refrigerator or desk but no view. You can’t see out of them.

Oceanview cabins are for the most part the same as an inside cabin except that they have a porthole or window to look out of.

Balcony cabins can be the same as the inside and Oceanview except they have a balcony attached that you can walk out onto.

Suites are balcony cabins with more. That ‘more’ could be as simple as more space and that’s it. Suites can also come with more space and added amenities.

Where the difference in designation, say between 4A and 4D, comes from for the most part where the cabin is located on the ship. The prime real estate is the dead center of the ship because there is less noticeable movement there and it’s closer to everything. 4A will be in a less desirable location while 4D will be better. Important to note: there is usually little or no difference in the interior configuration of these cabins. They are all exactly the same.

Your Work In Progress Cruise Booking

One mistake made by those new to the world of cruise vacations: Considering booking the end of the search process. The potential to gain value in some way by continuing to watch cruise pricing and special offers between when the booking is made and when the ship sails is considerable.

Frequently, we have started out in a lower priced category cabin and moved up as we came closer to sailing. Two common reasons: Our closely-watched budget for any given trip may have some extra funds to play with and/or the price of a higher category cabin than we are booked in has gone down. We have gone the other way too, moving to a less expensive cabin for whatever reason.

Taking a step back though and looking beyond price/value, while cabin categories are similar in design elements, there are some noteworthy nuances exclusive to each category. Let’s take a look:

Image- Carnival Cruise Line

INSIDE CABINS

Great if you like to sleep in- very dark

Even though dark you can still see outside and what the weather is- on the cabin tv via the bridge cam

Starting prices can be misleading. All the cruise lines do this; advertize a really “cheap” deal then we go find out that it is in a cabin with bunk beds and that taxes are not included.

Tend to be mostly on the lower decks. This could be good or bad depending on your outlook. No, the higher class guests are not on the higher decks…well except on Cunard. or so they say.

Image- Carnival Cruise Line

OCEANVIEW CABINS

May be “obstructed view” meaning they really don’t have much of a view of the ocean..if you look straight out. If you look more down you can often see past the lifeboat that is in the way otherwise to the ocean below

Some may have picture windows, other portholes

Great choice if claustrophobia is an issue- stay away from inside cabins

Image- Carnival Cruise Line

BALCONY CABINS

The cruise lines add more and more of them because they are very popular

Offer a private outside refuge on a day when the pool area might be very crowded

Awesome place to watch the ship sail away and leave your real life behind

Basic balcony cabin could be about the same as the inside or oceanview. except that there is a sliding glass door that opens to a wonderful world.

The point of all this is to be informed about the differences in cabin categories, which seem to be more all the time. Where that cabin is located can make a huge difference.

Also to know: the terms “cabin” and “stateroom” are interchangeable. Stateroom just sounds better, I suppose.

This article is brought to by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts.

Cover image- Flickr user Dan Moyle

Cruise Buying Tactics: Commando Style

By
Chris Owen
-

March 23, 2016

Cruise vacations have always been a good value compared to travel by land. Try pricing the exact same vacation without the cruise ship. Odds are staggeringly against land travel coming out ahead, just comparing the price of hotels, meals and transportation. Forget the convenience, sailing experience and other parts of cruising that are harder to put a $ value on. Cruises are a real deal. Still, from time to time it’s a good idea to take another look at how we go about researching, planning and booking. Here we take that fresh look, stripping away all the warm and fuzzy marketing ploys cruise lines get to draw us in and go for the kill.

Use a travel agent– it was good advice before, now it’s essential. Your good travel agent will be on top of all this and have the best values, such that they are, available for you at a moment’s notice. This year, for example, there are a number of new ships entering service, potentially bringing a glut of available berths that need to be filled. That might translate to lower prices on a cruise booked right now.

Research the right way– Surfing the Internet for pricing by potential cruise travelers was an activity that used to scare the death out of travel agents. Surely they would be replaced by online internet cruise brokers with low overhead who would undercut them on pricing. But that didn’t happen. There were enough savvy travelers out there to keep travel agents in business long enough for consumers to figure it out: they can gain from using an agent and their contacts to get a better deal. Now, surfing the Internet by potential clients is a wonderful thing as those potential clients come to the travel agent with knowledge of what is available, making the whole process more efficient.

Learn the ship– Forget the price and date of a desirable sailing for a moment to consider the ship. Really look at deck plans, considering where public venues are in relationship to a stateroom category you might find attractive. Forget the long list of features and activities on the cruise line website too. Study the deck plans to see where different venues are. Print a set of deck plans and cross off features you will probably never use. Now take another look. This new way of sizing up a ship may surprise you.

Skip the new ship– Traditionally, new ships bring the highest prices, especially before they are launched, and why not. There was/is a percentage of cruise travelers to whom being on the new ship when it is first launched is really important. But that percentage is shrinking. A better thought pattern would be to go ahead and pay the deposit on that new cruise ship, forget the pricing for now then watch to see if it will go on sale later. It probably will. A good example can be found in Royal Caribbean’s Quantum and Anthem of the Seas, strictly not discounted or included in any sale for the first six months of operation. Still, a little more than half way through their first seasons, sale pricing started to apply.

Book far in advance– this has always been a good idea but is essential right now as last-minute “fill-up-the-ship” bargains dry up. There are times when waiting until the last minute to book might have been a good idea. But unless you want to sail in the next 30-60 days, forget it. The cruise lines are holding fast or raising prices because the demand has increased which will soon translate into fewer last-minute great deals. That Royal Caribbean’s Chairman has issued an edict that last minute discounts will not be offered in the future adds fuel to this fire.

Be patient- Book it and forget it is not a good idea as things change. New promotions, discounts and programs that might apply later are not available now. So keep looking and comparing values but be patient too. Today, cruise lines pricing typically begins with no discounts available, adding them later if needed, to fill up the ship. As much as we might like to believe that cruise lines offer discounts for Seniors, Military Members, Past Guests and/or Residents of certain states because they love us, the purpose is to fill up ships.

Make it a group cruise– Group cruises of yesteryear were almost always a better value. Cruise lines loved them because they made filling up ships easier. Then, about five or six years ago, cruise lines decided they did not need that group action quite so bad as the industry was beginning to mature and more travelers than ever were choosing a cruise vacation. The good group deals dried up and so with it a focus on groups as a best value. Then came the global recession, some bad luck at sea for a number of lines and that growth stalled a bit. Back are groups now, almost as good as before and a very viable way to get bonus value on top of the very best deal available when booked as an individual reservation.

Cruise Buying Tactics – Commando Style

At the end of the day, it’s up to each traveler to insure they have the best value. It’s an activity someone should do for every booking be they the savvy traveler who has the time or your travel agent who works on your behalf. Take another look at your cruise buying tactics. It should not take long to see if a little attention will pay off with a lot of value.

This article is brought to by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts.

Flickr photo- ResoluteSupportMedia

Eight Reasons To Choose Celebrity Cruises

By
Chris Owen
-

March 23, 2016

Celebrity Cruises Modern Luxury moniker has every bit as much true, street- level meaning as Carnival Cruise Lines being the “Fun Ships“, Princess Cruises enabling us to “Come Back New” or sister-line Royal Caribbean delivering the “Wow“. But each cruise line is a bit different and each has a focus that weaves its way through everything they do. Here are eight we like as unique reasons to sail with Celebrity Cruises.

Celebrity Solstice Class- Truly a brand-defining series of vessels, a half-acre lawn club and a slew of top shelf dining venues get all the attention and rightfully so; they are unique. Better yet, Solstice-class ships have a “comfy feel” one guest told me which works nicely.

Celebrity Life- An exciting and enriching onboard programming schedule with something for everyone broken down as: Taste. Learn. Revive. Play

Concierge Class- Staterooms designed for travelers who appreciate little things that make for a big wonderful experience. Fresh flowers, expanded room service menu, complementary shoeshine and more make this a good choice for discerning cruisers.

Attentive Service- Going beyond “meeting expectations”, Celebrity Cruises crew members are enabled to look after their guests every need, even moreso in suites that feature European-style butler service.

Choice Air- Like choosing your own air arrangements online from various gateways and airlines at affordable rates. Includes No-Cost Flight Disruption Re-accommodation, extensive flight schedules, ChoiceAir specials and more. What used to be a horrible choice and value is now a competitive advan

Youth and Teen Program-From karaoke , treasure hunts, theme movies and more an assortment of activities for toddlers through teens are featured in the XClub with programs divided by age. It’s a part of the Celebrity experience that gets little attention but a lot of compliments from parents.

Dining Venues- Featuring favorites and soon-to-be favorites in up to 10 distinctive restaurants, menus are crafted by a James Beard nominated chef, giving dining options great flexibility.

An Adult Feel- As noted above, Celebrity Cruises has a fully-functional youth program but offers more of a mature adult experience. Not stuffy and old but vibrant and relevant for today’s travelers.

Knowing that the eight reasons listed here are part of the recipe that makes Celebrity Cruises a stand alone favorite cruise line, the scary part is that consumers don’t always know these things before booking. That’s where a good travel agent can help, one that is well-versed in what each line does, the clientele they draw and IF Celebrity would be a good fit for them.

Eight More Reasons To Choose Celebrity Cruises

Eight more reasons? Celebrity Cruises has been voted the best Premium Cruise Line for eight years in a row in the Travel Weekly Readers Choice Awards. Impressive.

How does all this translate to the onboard cruise experience?

This fresh new video from Celebrity Cruises, highlighting what they do in Alaska, gives us an idea:

This article is brought to by Cruise Compete. CruiseCompete.com allows you to easily compare multiple offers from Cruise Experts.

Carnival Corporation Granted Approval by Cuba to Cruise from U.S. to Cuba

By
John Shallo
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March 22, 2016

Announcement makes history with Carnival Corporation becoming first cruise company to be approved to sail from the U.S. to Cuba — and told it will become the first to sail in over 50 years

Today Carnival Corporation announced that Cuba has granted approval for the company to begin travel to Cuba starting on May 1, 2016. Following U.S. authorization granted in July 2015, Carnival Corporation is now cleared to operate the 704-passenger MV Adonia to Cuba through its newest brand Fathom. This marks the first time in over 50 years a cruise ship is approved to sail from the United States to Cuba.

Cuban authorities from Havanatur Celimar, various other agencies and Carnival Corporation today signed agreements enabling cruising by Carnival Corporation to Cuba.

“Our Carnival Corporation and Fathom brand teams have worked closely with Cuba throughout this process and we are thrilled to begin regular sailings to Cuba from Miami starting on May 1, 2016,” said Tara Russell, president of Carnival Corporation’s new Fathom brand.

“We have been told that we will be the first cruise line to sail from the U.S. to Cuba with our historic inaugural sailing.”

“We are excited about Cuban approval and are ready to take travelers there through an extraordinary guest experience on the beautiful MV Adonia,” said Arnold Donald, CEO of Carnival Corporation. “This is a historic opportunity, and we know there is pent-up demand amongst Americans who want to experience Cuba. We believe there is no better way to experience so much of Cuba in seven days. Everyone who sails with us with Fathom to Cuba will have a very special, rewarding and enriching experience with our Fathom brand.”

Fathom Cuban itineraries feature three ports of call

During each sailing, Carnival Corporation through its Fathom brand initially will visit Havana, Cienfuegos and Santiago de Cuba, three ports of call for which Carnival Corporation has obtained berthing approval.

As part of this historic sailing in this inaugural year, travelers will enjoy an exciting Cuban experience and will sail aboard the 704-passenger MV Adonia, where they can choose to partake in onboard experiences, including Cuban- and Caribbean-inspired music and film options, as well as Cuban-inspired menu options.

Special onboard programming will include a wide variety of activities covering an array of interests, ranging from an orientation to Cuba’s history, customs and culture, to geographic-inspired entertainment, to casual and fun personal enrichment activities, to conversational Spanish lessons, to guided sessions with the Fathom team.

“We are humbled and honored to offer a one-of-a-kind Cuban experience to our travelers,” said Russell.

Seven-day itineraries on Carnival Corporation’s Fathom brand depart from PortMiami on Sundays at 4:30 p.m. Eastern Time. The ship will arrive at its first destination, Havana, the following morning (Monday) at 11 a.m. Eastern Time. The MV Adonia returns to its homeport, PortMiami, at 7:30 a.m. Eastern Time Sunday.

Prices for seven-day itineraries to Cuba start at $1,800 per person, excluding Cuban visas, taxes, fees and port expenses and including all meals on the ship, onboard experiences and on-the ground activities. Prices will vary by season.

To secure a spot on future sailings, a $600 per person deposit is required for all cabin categories and occupancy levels. Final payment is due 90 days prior to departure. To reserve a spot on future sailings, travelers may contact their travel professional or call 1-855-9Fathom. Learn more at http://www.fathom.org/.

Viking Cruises Sponsors “The Viking Exhibition”

By
Dana Lawson
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March 22, 2016

Today Viking Cruises announced that it will be the presenting sponsor of The Vikings Exhibition, which recently debuted in New York City’s Discovery Times Square.

Viking also sponsored this exhibition during its successful tenure at Chicago’s Field Museum in 2015.

The new deal builds on Viking’s commitment to supporting cultural programming around the world. Current and past partners include PBS’ Masterpiece, the Los Angeles Philharmonic at The Hollywood Bowl, the Victoria & Albert Museum, the RHS Chelsea Flower Show, the Museum of Russian Art, and the Terra Cotta Warriors exhibition.

“Viking’s commitment to cultural exploration extends far beyond the walls of our ships,” said Richard Marnell, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Viking Cruises. “In addition to the obvious connection The Vikings Exhibition shares with our company name, both our guests and Discovery Times Square visitors seek to enrich their lives through history, culture, and exploration, so this partnership is a natural fit.”

With the largest display of Viking artifacts ever to visit North America, The Vikings Exhibition explores the rich Viking culture with more than 500 treasures, some never before seen outside of Scandinavia.

Visitors can marvel at full-scale model Viking ships, experience daily life of the Viking people with hands-on interactive activities, and learn about Norse mythology dating as far back as 750-1100 AD. The exhibition includes displays of exquisite jewelry, metalwork craftsmanship, and religious iconography such as the earliest known Scandinavian crucifix and striking silver pendants representing the pagan gods.

“We are thrilled to partner with Viking Cruises,” said James Sanna, President of Discovery Times Square. “Both The Vikings Exhibition and Viking Cruises present visitors with the rare opportunity to experience the rich history and culture of Scandinavia.”

The exhibition, which is now open, will run through September 2016 and shows visitors why – even 1,000 years later – Viking culture still captivates our imagination. For more information about The Vikings Exhibit or to purchase tickets, visit www.discoverytsx.com/vikings-the-exhibition.

Viking has expanded rapidly in recent years as a result to unprecedented demand for destination-focused cruises. Earlier this month, the company launched seven new river ships for 2016 and will launch its second ocean ship, the 930-guest Viking Sea, in April.

Homages to Viking history and Norse mythology are woven throughout Viking’s fleet of ships. Most of the company’s 59 river ships are named for Norse gods and heroes, such as Odin, Idun, Tor, Baldur and Bragi.

Viking’s ocean ships feature an onboard Viking Heritage Museum that showcases ship models and historic artifacts, and symbols of Norse mythology can be found in artwork throughout the ship’s public spaces. Some of the company’s cruise itineraries are also inspired by original Viking trade routes.

Guests on Viking’s Waterways of the Tsars river cruise learn about the original Viking explorers who plied the Russian waterways, and this September, ocean guests will sail across the North Atlantic from Bergen to Montreal on the In the Wake of the Vikings itinerary – which was developed in part to honor the most famous Viking explorer, Leif Eriksson, who set foot on North American soil 500 years before Columbus.

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