| Join our Newsletter List |
 |
| Forward this newsletter to a friend! |
 | |
|
| Vol 3 , Issue 10 |
October 2009 |
|
Greetings!
The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) has deemed October to be National Cruise Vacation Month.
In honour of that, and the World's Largest Cruise Night promotion, this edition of my Travelonly Times is dedicated to cruising.
Enjoy... |
| World's Largest Cruise Night is Here! |
|
It's back!
Cruise Lines International Association presents the World's Largest Cruise Night promotion. World's Largest Cruise Night (WLCN) is the highlight of October's National Cruise Vacation month.
 I am one of over 16,000 North American travel agent members of CLIA, whose 24 member cruise lines represent 97% of the cruise berths marketed in North America, participating in WLCN 2009.
All CLIA member cruise lines are offering special incentives for booking your cruise during the promotional period. Things like reduced deposits, onboard credits, and amenity discounts make now the best time to book your cruise.
Most cruise lines are available for booking into 2011 now. Be confident in booking your cruise with the knowledge that all cruise deposits are fully refundable prior to your final payment date. Cruise bookings are one of the only "no risk" opportunities. If you choose to cancel prior to your final payment date, your deposit is refunded in full.
Why wait? Take advantage of the current incentives!
|
| Choosing a cabin |
|
 Choosing a stateroom can be fun and challenging at the same time, and not just a little bit frustrating on occasion. Before booking your stateroom, ask yourself these questions: Do you tend to get seasick? Do you prefer to nest peaceably on your balcony rather than hangin' with the crowd around the pool area? Conversely, is your idea of a stateroom simply a place to flop into bed at 1 a.m. -- no fancy notions necessary? And do you tend to go just a little bit crazy if all of your cabin furnishings face aft when you know you're moving forward? Despite the fact that some cruise lines present as many as 20 or more "categories" per ship, it's helpful to remember that there are essentially only four types of cabin on any cruise vessel: Inside: no window, in an inside corridor Outside: window or porthole with a view to outside Balcony: a verandah allows you to step outside without going up to a public deck Suite: mini, junior, superior, deluxe, grand, owner's, penthouse, garden or villa It's the permutations (size, location, amenities and price, for example) of the four basic cabin types that can make choosing difficult, so we are providing a guide to help you make the selection that is best for you. Note: Staterooms designed for physically challenged guests can fall into any of the above categories and will not be separated out. Read More on choosing a cabin |
| The newest BIG ships! |
|
|
Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas
 When she sails from her home port of Fort Lauderdale, Florida, in December 2009, The Oasis of the Seas will be the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world. An architectural marvel at sea, she will span 16 decks, encompass 220,000 tons, carry 5,400 guests, and feature 2,700 staterooms.
 With 'neighbourhoods' such as Central Park, Royal Promenade, Boardwalk, Entertainment Place and Youth Zone, and some of the most innovative amenities, the Oasis promises something for everyone! How about the Rising Tide Bar which slowly moves up and down three decks while you enjoy your cocktails; or a Zip Line that carries you across the boardwalk suspended 9 decks up; Water shows in the Aquatheater; Ice shows in Studio B; a full size, hand carved Carousel on the Boardwalk; and youth programs from 6 months to 17 years! Click here to learn more about the Oasis of the Seas
Carnival Cruise's Carnival Dream
 The new 130,000-ton Carnival Dream, the largest Carnival ship ever constructed, debuted September 21, 2009, carrying 3,646 passengers and operating a diverse inaugural schedule that features visits to European and Caribbean destinations.
A new feature of the Carnival Dream is The Piazza, which is designed to be a comfortable oasis during the day and a bustling entertainment complex at night. This indoor/outdoor café and live music venue will feature a bandstand where a variety of musical genres will be showcased, along with a large circular dance floor. A floor-to-ceiling curved glass wall will separate the room, creating indoor and outdoor seating areas offering stunning ocean views.
Higher up, Lido Deck 10 will offer the most elaborate and expansive open-deck area of any Carnival ship with a tropical, resort-style main pool complete with a Seaside Theatre LED screen, a Serenity adults-only retreat, and numerous other features.
Norwegian Cruise's Norwegian Epic
When you're Freestyle Cruising® aboard the 153,000 ton Norwegian Epic, your schedule is the only schedule.
 For starters, there's the amazing new Ice Bar, literally one of the coolest places in the world. There are chic private clubs, as well as a traditional supper club, NCL's famous White Hot Party and so much more. During the day, there's the huge Aqua Park, Sports Complex, squash court, rock-climbing wall, fitness center, world-class spa, two 3-lane bowling alleys and the two-story Wii™. In between, there are 14 on-board restaurants to enjoy. Launching in summer 2010, Norwegian Epic makes her maiden Transatlantic sailing connecting London and New York before heading south to start her year round itineraries out of Miami with 4,200 passengers.
All these ships are open for booking. If you'd like more information, please do not hesitate to contact me. |
| North American Homeports |
|
|
What's Hot and What's Not!
As cruisers look for convenient and affordable alternatives to flying to their cruise vacations, homeports have become an important piece of the pie.
 Some homeports across North America are doing a great job of attracting new ships, a boon for the drive-to market, and improving their terminals... no more deserted cargo ports in the middle of nowhere!
On the flip side, other ports are stagnating as ships flee to potentially more profitable homeports or as cruise lines choose to alter itineraries. Click here for the scoop on which departure cities are hot -- and which are not -- in 2010. |
| Specialty Cruise Lines |
|
|
While still much smaller than ocean cruising in terms of passengers carried, river cruising and other specialty cruise options are among the travel industry's fastest-growing and highest-profile sectors.
There are river cruises offered all over the world, on a diverse array of vessels including steamboats, barges and Chinese junks. Mainstream river cruise ships are long, lean wonders, carrying far fewer passengers than ocean-going cruise ships. The newest models floating down the rivers of Europe, China and Egypt offer spacious staterooms, expanded facilities and often balconies offering ever-changing views as the banks slide by.
 River cruise ships can often dock downtown in riverside cities, so guests can easily explore on foot or ship-supplied bicycle. River cruising is generally sold on a more inclusive basis than mainstream ocean cruising, with most shore excursions included in the fare, and often wine with meals.
Specialty cruising covers a broad range of smaller-ship cruise choices from casual Caribbean sailing to adventures from the Arctic to the Antarctic, the Galapagos islands to the Great Lakes. The ships you'll sail on are almost as interesting as the destinations, from tall sailing ships to converted icebreakers.
Click here for a few examples to give you an idea of the wonderful experiences available |
| Special Cruise Departures |
|
7 Day Exotic Western Caribbean Cruise
20 March 2010
There is still some room on this great itinerary aboard the Carnival Dream with ports of call at Cozumel, Mexico; Isla Roatan, Honduras; Belize; and Costa Maya, Mexico.
 If you enjoy snorkeling or diving, this is a great cruise for you! Both Roatan and Belize are renowned for their underwater life!
Non-divers can soak up the sun on one of the beautiful beaches or shop in the local markets.
7 Day Southern Caribbean Cruise
21 February 2010
A few cabins are left on this fabulous cruise aboard the Carnival Victory departing round-trip from San Juan, Puerto Rico.
 There is a new island everyday on this cruise!
St. Thomas, USVI; Dominica; Barbados; St. Lucia, WI; Antigua;
and St. Kitts, WI
Each island has its own special charm. Whatever you choose to do, you'll appreciate the individuality of these islands!
Time is running out... book now to avoid disappointment! |
| Questions & Answers |
|
Q - "Won't I/we be bored on a cruise ship?"
A - My answer to this question is pretty simple... If you are bored on a cruise ship, it's because you want to be!
Today's cruise ships offer much more than a bed to sleep in, a dining room to eat in and stunning ocean vistas.
During the day, cruise ship entertainment staff offer a wealth of activities that can include rock climbing, basketball, pool side games, trivia, and learning experiences that can include cooking, scrapbooking or wine tasting.
In the evenings, choose from a variety of entertainment venues that can offer 'Vegas-style' shows, ice shows, dancing to various music genres, pool deck parties and casinos.
If you'd like something less energetic during the day, find a quiet corner to read, soak up the sun on the pool deck, or chat with new friends (how many times have you told someone that you love to read but don't have the time?) In the evening, take a moonlit stroll around the upper decks or relax in a Piano Bar.
And the kids? The childrens programs can offer age appropriate activities including crafts, scavenger hunts, video games and teen discos.
Cruise ships can be as much the destination as the ports of call they visit.
Come on... don't be afraid... Get onboard! | |
|
|
|
