Monday, November 16, 2009

Don't Forget... Princess 3-Day Sale

Don't forget...

Princess Cruises is having a 3-day sale starting this Wednesday November 18th.

Sale includes select 2010 Alaska, Europe, and summer Caribbean cruises and cruisetours, and the following:
  1. Fare from less than $90 per day
  2. Up to $100 cash back per stateroom
  3. Free upgrades on all sailings
Just a reminder to all those out there that love sailing Princess and love a great deal!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

More Advise Worth Knowing

Question: What is a repositioning cruise?

Answer:
A repositioning cruise is simply that... a chance to reposition a ship from one area of the world to another. Many ships spend their summers in Alaska or Europe with winters in the Caribbean. Shouldn't we all be so lucky!
Repositioning cruises bridge the gap between the seasons and the two different regions of a ship's residence. Personally, I love these long, relaxing itineraries! Typically, a repositioning voyage lasts 8-21 days and only involves one air segment. For example, a client recently sailed from Florida (their hometown) on a Transatlantic voyage to Southampton (England). They enjoyed six straight days at sea where they got to take in every possible aspect of the ship without having to hop on and hop off in various ports of call. Another client also sailed from Vancouver at the end of an Alaskan season on an 18-night voyage all the way back to Florida. Along the way back, they transited the Panama Canal and visited the Mexican Riviera.
Either way you go, it is a great way to experience cruising!

Friday, October 30, 2009

Advice Worth Knowing

Question: Why should I pay extra for an outside stateroom?

Answer:
Before deciding which cabin category works best for you, ask yourself:
Do I like sleeping in a closet without windows?
Does darkness make me happy?
Some inside cabins are similar in size to their ocean view counterparts, so size isn't an issue. The view on the other hand, is. Notice I said "ocean view", because that's what you get with any outside stateroom. My personal favorite is a balcony cabin. There is no experience like a breakfast whale-watch on your own private balcony!

Your vacation is an investment and the nominal charge of an upgrade will vastly improve your experience. In many cases, you can upgrade to an oceanview cabin for a little as $20 per day! So in my opinion, the questions is not "why pay extra for an outside stateroom?" The question is, "why not?"

Thursday, October 22, 2009

How To Pack A Suitcase

Extra luggage weight can cost you. Learn how to pack efficiently with the help of a smart step-by-step video!

Thursday, October 15, 2009

It Pays To Book Early


Did you know that it pays to book your cruise early?

Not only do you get a better choice of cabin selection, but once you have booked and deposited your cruise with us, we will continue to offer you the lowest price available. If the rate for your cruise is reduced by the cruise line before final payment, we pass that price reduction back to you! So there is no need to "wait" for a lower rate before you book!

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Azamara Cruises - 3-Days Only

Make your cruise all the more memorable...
Azamara Cruises is offering a limited time offer of up to $500 onboard credit on select sailings to Europe! If you book and deposit a 2010 European cruise October 14th-16th, Azamara is offering $300 onboard credit for verandah staterooms and $500 onboard credit for suites.
Let's find the itinerary that works best for you and take advantage of this deal!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Disney Cruise Line Sets Sail for Alaska

It's a Disney Cruise Line first!
The Disney Wonder cruise ship is sailing to Alaska for a four-month season of 7-night cruises in 2011. Departing out of Vancouver B.C., the ship will call on popular ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.

The first Alaska cruise sets sail on May 3, 2011, with the last cruise of the season scheduled for August 30, 2011.

Bookings are open starting September 28, 2009!! If you are a Castaway Club member who's completed five or more sailings with Disney Cruise Line, you can book as early as September 11th!

Friday, August 28, 2009

KIDS SAIL FREE ON DISNEY!




GREAT NEWS!!

Kids Sail Free this Winter on Disney Cruise Line!

Starting Monday, August 31st at 8 AM!!!

Kids ages 17 and under can sail free on most 3-night cruises January 7 - April 15, 2010 and most 4-night cruises January 10 - April 11, 2010 with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom. Government Taxes and Fees not included.

Onboard, discover something magical for every member of your crew with separate areas for kids, teens, adults and families. There's even a day at Castaway Cay, Disney's private island paradise.

ADVICE WORTH KNOWING!

Q: How Do I Get The Best Deal on a Cruise??

A:
There are so many options out there for cruisers. The Internet is overrun by companies selling cruises and offering the best deal. The trick is, how do you know what really is the best deal?

Personally, I recommend going with an experienced cruise specialist. It can be a maze out there, with 18 major cruise lines, 150+ ships and a world of destinations. An expert can help guide your style and budget with the right cruise vacation.

Not only will you get a lower price, in most cases, than by calling the cruise line, you'll have an advocate looking out for you throughout your trip.

Bon Voyage!!

Thursday, August 20, 2009

Ruby Princess Swimming Pool Becomes Latest Canvas for Famed Marine Life Artist Wyland




As Ruby Princess approached Venice this afternoon, passengers aboard the ship were treated to a special live art event as famed marine life artist Wyland painted an unusual canvas – the bottom of the ship’s Neptune Pool!

Known worldwide for his unique works featuring sea animals, Wyland is aboard the ship for special art events and meet and greets with passengers. However, painting the ship’s pool was not on his original agenda. Ruby Princess Captain Tony Draper suggested the idea to the artist after being inspired by watching ship crew members painting the Princess “seawitch” logo on the bottom of the ship’s other main pool.

A first for the cruise line, Wyland agreed to paint the mother dolphin and her baby as a way to increase awareness of his conservation message. Passengers were invited to follow along with a live top-deck event hosted by the ship’s cruise director, including live video of the painting in progress broadcast on the ship’s Movies Under the Stars screen.

“This is certainly one of the most unusual ways we’ve ever painted a pool,” said Jan Swartz, Princess executive vice president. “But it’s a wonderful way to work with Wyland to address our shared concern with the importance of marine conservation, and to give our passengers a unique experience as they witnessed a one-of-a-kind artwork taking shape.”
Passengers were able to enjoy watching the artist at work just prior to the ship’s arrival into the Venice canal system.

Marine life artist Wyland is an accomplished painter, sculptor, photographer, writer and SCUBA diver. His non-profit Wyland Foundation has supported numerous conservation programs since 1993, including the monumental Whaling Wall mural project – and epic series of more than 100 life-size marine life murals that spans 14 countries on four continents and is viewed by an estimated 1 billion people every year.

Wyland and Princess Cruises have a long-time association. Many Princess ships incorporate his sculptures in the swimming pool areas, and are featured in his latest book “100 Whaling Walls.” Wyland’s artwork is also featured in the ships’ onboard art galleries.

Ruby Princess is currently sailing on 12-day Grand Mediterranean voyages between Barcelona and Venice, with calls at Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa, Rome, Naples/Capri, Mykonos, Istanbul, Kusadasi, and Athens.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

LOW RATES ON THE "MARINER OF THE SEAS"

We have some GREAT rates on Royal Caribbean's "Mariner of the Seas" on upcoming sailings between now and the end of the year!

Rates start as low as $399 a person!

Some sailing dates have additional discounts as well if you are a senior, in the military or even a resident of some US states!

Call us for the details and cruise the Mexican Riviera in style!

Monday, July 27, 2009

Q&A Session!!

Q: Is cruise ship dining as good as I've been told??

A: Everything you've heard about cruise ship dining is true!! At each meal, you'll find a varied selection of entrees (Appetizers, salads, soups, vegetables, and desserts too), and each day the selection will be different. If you've ever wanted to experiment with a cuisine or try a dish, you can feel free to order more than one entree or appetizer (or dessert!).
But, just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food, doesn't mean you'll come home out of shape. You can choose low-cal, low-carb, spa, vegetarian or health-conscious menu selections that are just as tempting as the regular menu.
Best of all, except for certain specialty restaurants on some ships, the one thing you'll never see on a cruise ship menu is a price because your meals are included!!

Tuesday, July 14, 2009

RCI Unveils Oasis Dining Venues

With production of the Oasis of the Seas 90% complete, Royal Caribbean International has released initial details of the dining venues that will be available onboard.
Among the wide array of choices will be familiar favorites like Chops Grill, Sorrentos, Windjammer Marketplace and Johnny Rockets, as well new concepts including 150 Central Park, Giovanni's Table, Solarium Bistro, Izumi Asian Cuisine and Seafood Shack!

Going by neighborhood, dining venues aboard Oasis of the Seas will include:

The Boardwalk will offer family favorite Johnny Rockets, as well as a new alternative the 50s style diner, the surf-themed Seafood Shack. Also, on the Boardwalk will be the Donut Shop, which will offer a rotating selection of 10 to 15 varieties of free donuts every day, as well as complimentary coffee. Also in the Boardwalk will be the Boardwalk Bar, a full-scale bar that will also offer salads and sandwiches, and the 50s-styled Ice-Cream Parlour, which will offer up to 15 different flavors.

Five dining options will be offered in Central Park, including the semi-formal 150 Central Park, the Oasis of the Seas' most exclusive dining venue. Also in Central Park will be the line's signature steakhouse Chops Grill and a new Tuscan eatery, Giovanni's Table, which will offer family style Italian dining. Park Café will be a quick service concept offering sandwiches, made to order salads, soups, full meals and crepes on certain days. Central Park also will feature the familiar Vintages wine bar, but new to the Oasis, Vintages will offer a tapas menu, perfect for wine pairings.

On the Royal Promenade, guests will find Café Promenade, which offers coffees, pastries and sandwiches, as well as Sorrento's, which offers pizza on most Royal Caribbean ships. However, on Oasis, Sorrentos will offer made to order pizzas so cruisers can choose from a selection of toppings and watch as a chef makes the pizza on the spot.

For those seeking healthy dining options, the Solarium Bistro will be offered in the Pool & Sports Zone. Here, guests will find healthy buffet selections for breakfast and lunch, and health food menu for dinner. All items served in the Solarium Bistro will be 500 calories or less. Also in the Pool & Sports Zone, will be Wipeout Café, which will offer all-day soft serve ice-cream, as well as hamburgers, hot dogs and other quick service sandwiches.

Vitality Café will be found in the Vitality Zone and will offer healthy snack items such as wraps, fruits, juices, smoothies, energy drinks and more.

Other dining venues found onboard, which will not be linked to a specific neighborhood, will be Windjammer Marketplace and Izumi Asian Cuisine. While Windjammer is an old favorite for RCI guests, Izumi is a new concept that will offer Japanese cuisine, as well as a sushi bar.

While reservations are not required for any of the specialty restaurants, they are recommended. Guests will be able to go online before their cruise and make reservations for any of the specialty dining venues available on the Oasis.

My Time Dining
With all the attention put on the specialty restaurants, "we have not forgotten about the Main Dining Room," said Kenneth Taylor, director of fleet restaurant operations. Taylor added that RCI expects the Main Dining Room to continue to be very popular, especially with the cruise line's new My Time Dining option in place.
With My Time Dining, "we've designed entertainment and dining to be on your schedule, which is why we think My Time Dining will be successful," Taylor added.

As part of My Time Dining guests can choose when they want to dine, as well as request a specific waiter or table. One entire deck of the Main Dining Room will be dedicated to guests who choose My Time Dining. As of May 1, guests can choose My Time Dining at the time of booking.

Get onboard this beautiful ship and check all this excitement out for yourself!

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Cruise on the Mariner of the Seas

Well, they're back! Linda and Dorsey spent a week onboard the Mariner of the Seas and cruised up the Pacific coast.

Stay tuned for details on their great cruise!!

Tuesday, June 9, 2009

Celebrity's Galapagos!



Celebrity Cruise Lines offers a seamless, ALL-INCLUSIVE, environmentally friendly cruise vacation!




What is included:
  • VIP Personalized check-in service onboard Celebrity Xpedition
    All meals including bottled water, wine, beer and spirits, coffee, tea, espresso, cappuccino
  • All Gratuities
  • Cooking demonstrations including tastings
  • All snorkeling equipment... masks, snorkels, fins, wet-suits and floatation devices
  • All shore excursions... daily excursions led by our Naturalists with choices of activity levels and intensities
  • All onboard briefings and lectures led by our expert Naturalists
  • Binoculars and bathrobes
  • Pre-post Quito experience
Quite an amazing way to experience the Galapagos Islands!