Cruise Lines and Swine Flu and You
Is the Man Upstairs Mad? You might think that perhaps, a “higher power”, is mad at the travel industry. First it was pirates and now Swine Flu. From a cruiser’s standpoint the one advantage a ship has over other destinations is “portability”. Ships can be moved but hotels, can’t. For example, only a small handful of passenger vessels – generally the smaller upscale ones – ever come within 1000 miles of that paradise known as Somalia. And the few that included this area on their itineraries have quickly modified ports and routes to avoid the a...
Posted on 24/10/09Read More...
Celebrity offers prepaid gratuities and onboard credits
Celebrity and its sister company, Azamara Cruises continue to provide exceptional cruise experiences at great prices. Celebrity treats you famously with its signature white glove service and premium cruise experience. Azamara’s more intimate ships, Journey and Quest offer a deluxe ambiance in a “country club casual” setting. If you still are planning to travel between now and the end of the year, then our Super Sale is right up your alley. Cruise Planners is offering free, pre-paid gratuities and an onboard coupon book . But you must book by A...
Posted on 20/8/09Read More...
First actual tour of Oasis of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's executive team just returned from the shipyard in Turku, Finland, where Oasis of the Seas, the world's largest cruise ship, is under construction. And spokeswoman Tracy Quan said the feature that had everyone most amazed during the "total immersion" tour was the Royal Promenade. "It was the first time with the scaffolding down and it's double in width (from the other Royal Caribbean ships) and has views of the Central Park above and the sky coming through the skylights. And when we saw it everyone was amazed," Quan enthused, "even Richard (Royal C...
Posted on 16/8/09Read More...
Freestyle seating vs reserved seating
I have done both. The advantage of freerstyle is that you go when and where you want. Beware though of long waits and crowds. I like the old method of going to the dining room at the same time, same place and same waiter each night. Why? My waiter knows his service will be rewarded at the end of the week and he strives to take extra special care of us. He or she makes you feel like you are the most important guest on the ship. The waiter learns your likes and dislikes. Your waiter can become your tipster on whats good or not at the next port.&...
Posted on 16/8/09Read More...
A tip for new cruisers
I have heard time and again from passengers who have traveled on all of the lines including Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess, and Norwegian that they were not able to get their seaqting at dinner or get that day at the spa on the day at sea. Tip....the very minute you set down your suitcase on the ship, immediately go to the spa and book that massage for the day at sea so you will not be disappointed. Also, make your second stop at the restaurant to visit with the maitre'd to confirm or change your seating. Even if you think you have a particular reservation, it may not...
Posted on 16/8/09Read More...
Funny Questions from our passengers
Here are a few humorous questions from passenger to onboard staff collected by Cruise Directors over the years (the answers are probably the ones in their heads and not on their lips). But the questions are real: Q. Does the crew sleep on board? A. Of course not, late at night a water taxi picks them up and takes them home! Q. Do these stairs go up OR down? A. Yes! Q. Does the ship make it’s own electricity? A. No, don’t you see the long extension cord trailing behind the ship? Q. Which is the sunny side of the ship? A. The captain spins the ship around daily so ev...
Posted on 14/8/09Read More...
Premium Restaurant Thoughts
Just returned from a one week Caribbean cruise. In the elevator during the early part of the trip, I overhead two middle-aged ladies chatting about dining on board. The gist of the conversation was about the alternative restaurant options on board. One comment that struck me was “You should not have to pay for your meals on a ship”. But thinking about this conversation, it became apparent that the comment was not really correct. You don’t HAVE to pay for dining on any ship as each cruise line offers included dining in the main di...
Posted on 14/8/09Read More...
First Time Cruisers Tips for a great first cruise
First Time Cruisers Things to know Before you go! Most "first-timers" have a lot of questions - so here's a list of questions most commonly asked to help you get ready and ensure "smooth sailing" both before and during your cruise. If your question isn't here, please do not hesitate to call me. WHAT DOCUMENTS DO I NEED TO TAKE? For the most current government requirements, please go to: http://travel.state.gov/ HOW DO I PAY FOR ITEMS ONBOARD AND IN PORT? The Cruise Lines will open an onboard account for bar purchases, soft drinks, souvenirs, to pay for shore excursions, etc, whi...
Posted on 10/8/09Read More...
Here are the new ships and release dates!
Guide to New Ships Carnival Cruise Lines Carnival Dream - September, 2009 Carnival Magic - June, 2011 Celebrity Celebrity Equinox - July, 2009 Celebrity Eclipse - April, 2010 unnamed - fall, 2011 unnamed - fall, 2012 Costa Cruise Line Costa Luminosa - May, 2009 Costa Pacifica - June, 2009 Costa Deliziosa - January, 2010 unnamed - spring 2011 unnamed - spring 2012 Cunard Queen Elizabeth - October, 2010 Disney Disney Dream - 2011 Disney Fantasy - 2012 Holland America Line Nieuw Amsterdam - July, 2010 MSC MSC Splendida - July, 2009 MSC Magnifica - March,...
Posted on 10/8/09Read More...
Hits and Myths
Headline Option: Hits and Myths What do the “Abominable Snowman”, the “Loch Ness Monster” and “Booking Cruises Directly with the Cruise Line is Cheaper” all have in common? Answer: They are all myths. While we may not be experts on the first two subjects, at Cruise Planners we can certainly shed some light about direct booking myths. First of all, let’s face it, a sales representative at a cruise line gets paid to sell only their company whether it’s the right product for you or not. They will never re...
Posted on 5/8/09Read More...
