Disney 2012 Itineraries

Did you hear the big Disney Cruise Line news?  They announced their itineraries and homeports for 2012, including cruises departing from New York, Seattle and Galveston!  Based on the reaction of Disney friends in the Northeast, Gulf Coast, Texas and the Pacific Northwest it sounds like y’all are pretty excited about sailing on a Disney Cruise from your own backyard.


Here are even more offerings for next year.

Back by popular demand, the Disney Wonder will continue sailing seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles for the majority of 2012 (when she isn’t sailing Alaskan cruises from Seattle during the summer months).

In addition, you can cruise up the Pacific Coast on the Disney Wonder during seven-night voyages from Los Angeles on September 16, September 23, September 30 and October 7.  You’ll sail under the Golden Gate Bridge and into San Francisco, and also call on San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico during these unique itineraries.

Disney is also saying “Aloha” to Hawaii for the first time, as they're sailing a special 15-night voyage departing from Los Angeles on April 29, 2012, and calling on Hilo; Kahului, Maui; Honolulu, Oahu; Nawiliwili, Kauai and Ensenada, Mexico.  Start practicing your hula dancing, and get ready for an amazing glimpse of tropical paradise!

Plus, the Disney Magic will sail out of Port Canaveral, Florida so you can enjoy Caribbean and Bahamian cruises until she is repositioned to the Big Apple in May 2012.


Besides the exciting new itineraries available on the Disney Magic and Disney Wonder in 2012, the Disney Dream will sail three-, four- and five-night cruises from Port Canaveral to the Bahamas and Disney’s private island, Castaway Cay.

Finally, the Disney Fantasy will depart on her maiden voyage March 31, 2012, from Port Canaveral for seven-night Caribbean cruises that’ll alternate between Eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and Western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel) itineraries.  Select Caribbean sailings in November and December 2012 will stop at St. Thomas and San Juan, Puerto Rico so you can experience yet another new port of call. And of course, all Disney Fantasy itineraries include a stop at one of your favorite destinations – Castaway Cay.

Finally, the Disney Fantasy will depart on her maiden voyage March 31, 2012, from Port Canaveral for seven-night Caribbean cruises that’ll alternate between Eastern (St. Maarten and St. Thomas) and Western (Grand Cayman, Costa Maya, Cozumel) itineraries. Select Caribbean sailings in November and December 2012 will stop at St. Thomas and San Juan, Puerto Rico so you can experience yet another new port of call. And of course, all Disney Fantasy itineraries include a stop at one of your favorite destinations – Castaway Cay.

Scandinavia and Russia Cruises

It's truly exhilarating cruising the waters where Viking ships once sailed!  A cruise on the Baltic Sea offers an ocean of adventures.  Whether you are looking for spectacular nature, the contrasts of ancient and modern culture, world-class gastronomy, outdoor activities, or simply want to experience life in another part of the world... you will find it all on a Northern European cruise.

For centuries it was the domain of rugged Vikings and regal Czars.  Today, Scandinavia and Russia have some of the most spectacular sights Europe has to offer.  A visit to this area of the world has certain mystique that you will only understand by experiencing it firsthand.  These unique countries and their cultures have resulted in some of Europe's most captivating palaces, cathedrals and museums.

Explore the modern cities of Stockholm and Helsinki offering the perfect blend of historic sights and modern delights.  Experience long hours of daylight while you discover the "midnight sun" in the land of kings and Czars.  The region's exciting history, rich traditions and spectacular nature invites an extraordinary experience. 

There are many cruise lines that offer itineraries to the Baltic Capitals... Royal Caribbean, Holland America, Celebrity Cruises, Oceania Cruises... just to name a few! 

Crystal Cruises News

Good news for luxury cruisers... Crystal Cruises has made the decision to become all-inclusive! 


Starting with their Spring 2012 transatlantic sailings on their two ships, the Symphony and the Serenity... Crystal will include alcoholic beverages and gratuities into the cruise fares.

Cunard's Fuel Supplement

Hello all you Cunard cruisers out there!

Just a note to advise you about Cunard's new fuel supplement increase... it's not increasing by much but here is the scoop:

Due to the continued escalation of fuel prices, Cunard Line will increase their fuel supplement from $3.85 (USD) to $6.00 (USD) per person per day. This supplement will not exceed $200.00 per person, per voyage. The supplement applies to each paying guest travelling, including 3rd and 4th person fares and paid children's accommodations.

The new fuel supplement will apply to all new bookings made on or after 31 December 2010 for voyages departing on or after 14 April 2011.

NCL's CEO to be on Undercover Boss

Don't forget to catch Undercover Boss on CBS to see NCL's CEO hard at work.  I don't know when this particular episode will be airing but it is coming up and should be a fun one to watch!  I think we all can appreciate how hard the crews works onboard, it will be great to see the CEO in action along side!

Allure Pictures!

Allure of the Seas - Our Adventure!

Wow, what an unbelievable ship!  Mark and I just returned from a 2-day pre-inaugural sailing on Royal Caribbean's brand new and biggest ship... the Allure of the Seas!  We checked out every area of the ship and really had a wonderful time. 

One of the many neat features on the Allure is the digital signage they have placed around the ship for the passengers use.  You get up-to-the-minute, real-time communication for departure information, restaurant availability, entertainment information and more.  You can also use the interactive screens to map your way to virtually anywhere on the ship!

Their state-of-the-art theater, the Amber Theater, featured some amazing shows!  On the first night we enjoyed "Blue Planet"... with powerful music, soaring vocals, energetic dance and aerial acrobatics it just left us breathless.  Next we saw "Chicago" and it was an incredible musical.  The Allure certainly has an extremely talented cast onboard for sure!

Of course the many restaurants, lounges, bars and dining venues are fun and the food is great!  We enjoyed some fantastic dinners onboard and well as other fun treats.  The Rising Tide bar is definitely one not to miss... it slowly moves up and down between deck 5 and 8, from Central Park above to the Royal Promenade below. 

And of course I can't forget to mention the great activities onboard the Allure as well!  Some of you may have tried a zip line before, perhaps on an excursion in port... but I have to say there is nothing like being suspended nine decks above the Boardwalk to give you a birds-eye view of the action below as you speeeed across the open-air atrium.  We went back and did it a couple times.  And don't forget the FlowRider.  There are two of these surf simulators onboard!  It's a little bit of a challenge to keep your balance if you've never surfed before but once you get the hang of it... it's a blast! 

We certainly did more than I mentioned here but just wanted to give you a taste of the highlights.  :) 
The Allure of the Seas is a must-see for your next cruise!  I'll try to get some pictures posted soon!

Carnival Splendor - Breaking News

At approximately 6 am Monday morning (U.S. Pacific Standard Time), a fire was detected in the aft engine room aboard the cruise ship Carnival Splendor. The fire was extinguished. There were no injuries to guests or crew.
The ship has been operating on auxiliary generators and engineers have been unable to restore additional power to the vessel. As a result, the current voyage is being terminated. Tugboats are currently en route to the ship which is located off the coast of Mexico, approximately 200 miles south of San Diego. The tugs are expected to reach the ship around midday local time today and will tow the vessel to Ensenada, Mexico in an effort to get the guests home as quickly as possible.

Currently several key hotel systems, including air conditioning, hot food service, and telephones are not available. Last night, the ship’s engineers were able to restore toilet service to all cabins and public bathrooms, as well as cold running water. The ship’s crew continues to actively work to restore other services.
Regular announcements apprising guests of the situation began at approximately 6.30 am yesterday. Guests were initially asked to move from their cabins to the ship’s upper open deck areas. At this time, guests have access to their cabins and are able to move about the ship. Bottled water and cold food items are being provided.

The vessel’s command is in contact with the U.S. Coast Guard which has deployed aircraft and cutters to the cruise ship’s location.

Guests on the current voyage will be receiving a full refund along with reimbursement for transportation costs. Additionally, they will receive a complimentary future cruise equal to the amount paid for this voyage.

“We know this has been an extremely trying situation for our guests and we sincerely thank them for their patience. Conditions on board the ship are very challenging and we sincerely apologize for the discomfort and inconvenience our guests are currently enduring. The safety of our passengers and crew is our top priority and we are working to get our guests home as quickly as possible,” said Gerry Cahill, president and CEO of Carnival Cruise Lines.

Carnival Splendor was on the first leg of a seven-day Mexican Riviera cruise that departed Sunday, Nov. 7, from Long Beach, Calif. Monday was a scheduled day at sea. The ship’s normal itinerary includes stops in Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlan and Cabo San Lucas, Mexico. The ship, which measures 113,000 gross registered tons and first entered service in July 2008, is carrying 3,299 guests and 1167 crew.

Magnificent Panama Canal

Come rock the boat!

We are extending an invitation to our special clients, friends and loyal blog readers... a 17-night cruise through the Panama Canal on the Celebrity Infinity!  We will be sailing eastbound from Seattle to Ft. Lauderdale on September 26, 2011.  That gives you plenty of time to plan and save for this amazing opportunity.

We look forward to an incredible experience with you and hope you can join us.  Exceptional rates and amenities included... call or email me for details!

10 Reasons to Cruise Through the Holidays

As amazing as it is to say... the holidays are only a few months away!!  I wanted to share these "10 Reasons" as they are great ones for sure.  This came from NCL:

1. Holiday shopping, without the holiday parking.
2. There's no way you can ruin the turkey.
3. Santa loves to cruise!
4. There's no assembly or batteries required.
5. It's hard to wreck the house when you're partying on a ship.
6. It's a world away from your kitchen.
7. Swimsuits are more fun than reindeer sweaters.
8. Snow angels or sand angels - it's a no brainer.
9. Your neighbors can't hear you caroling out here.
10. Why hang lights when you can hang under stars?

I think that 7 and 8 are my favorites.  :)

Kid's SAIL FREE on Disney Cruise Line

Kid's SAIL FREE on Disney Cruise Line

Click on the link above for more information!!

Harry Potter Inspired Cruise

Are your kids, or YOU, into the Harry Potter stories? 

European Waterways will bring the "Harry Potter" world to life on their six-night Scottish Highlander luxury-barge cruises, which sails from Banavie to Dochgarroch and will take you to European landmarks featured in the popular film series.

Activities include a ride onboard the Hogwart's Express steam train and a visit to the Eilean Doonan castle, which was the setting for the film, "Highlander."

This family-themed cruise will be an unforgettable experience that brings you and your family together in ways that no amusement park ever could!  It allows your children the unique opportunity to enter the 'real world' of the famous Boy Wizard!

Cunard's NEW Queen Elizabeth

The new Queen Elizabeth, sister ship to the 2-year-old Queen Victoria, is taking shape at the shipyard in Italy!  It has been under construction since 2009 and is just a couple months shy of it's naming ceremony in Southampton, England.

The QE will have some twists that will make it a little more unique that the QV.  What gives it it's own personality is mostly in dining and entertainment, and also a couple of structural differences.  The QE will have a sports deck on Deck 10 that will offer croquet and lawn bowling.  It will also have 38 more cabins than the QV, giving the ship capacity for about 100 more passengers.  More room for us Cunard lovers!

There is an art deco theme throughout the QE, in tribute to its namesake predecessor (the previous QE was built in 1938).

The QE will sport a new specialty restaurant, the Verandah, with a French menu created by Jean-Marie Zimmermann, a longtime Cunard chef.  Another dining difference will be the return of the Britannia Club, the restaurant for passengers staying in the highest category of the ship's standard cabins.

Also new is that the QE's lido deck restaurant by night will transform into one of three restaurants with table service: Asado, modeled after an Argentinian steakhouse; Aztec, offering Mexican cuisine; and Jasmine, a pan-Asian eatery.  There will be a $10 surcharge for those themes.

Other small changes include the addition of a central staircase in the Britannia dining room which really re-creates the ocean liner experience!

PASSPORT FEES INCREASE

An FYI for all you cruisers out there who haven't gotten your passports yet!

Charges for U.S. passports increased on July 13th.  The fee for a new passport jumps from $100 to $135 for adults and from $85 to $105 for those under age 16.  The fee for renewals goes from $75 to $110.  These rates include a $25 execution fee.  Details are online at www.travel.state.gov

What's Your Travel Personality?

More than 500 travelers weighed in...

When you get back from a cruise vacation you are...
89% - More relaxed
11% - More stressed

When it comes to stateroom robes, you're most likely to...
88% - Not be caught dead in it outside the spa!
12% - Stroll through the ship wearing it

On group cruises or family reunion cruises, you...
51% - Sneak in some room service
49% - Always eat with the group

When it comes to working out while cruising, you...
67% - Think, "nah, I'm on vacation"
33% - Hit the onboard gym