Raye And Marty Trencher's Cruise Blog - Tried-and-true tips and an insiders guide to have a successful cruise vacation.

Cruise Line Fuel Surcharges Are Gone...Maybe?

Both consumers, and their travel agents were happy when Carnival Corporation ( Princess, Holland America, Carnival, Costa, Cunard and Seabourn ), Royal Caribbean International ( Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Azamara ) and Norwegian Cruise Line ( NCL, NCL America ) announced this week (12/1-12/7) that fuel surcharges will be suspended on all their US brands for all forward sailings.

New bookings made starting Monday, December 8 will not be assessed the
surcharge, and for those already booked for 2009 and 2010, those who have already paid the surcharge will get a refund in the form of onboard credit, and those yet to pay their final payment will have their bookings re-priced without the surcharge.

However, there is a catch:
The cruise lines reserves the right to reinstate fuel surcharges should the price of light sweet crude oil according to the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index) increase above 65-$70 per barrel ( price varies by cruiseline ).

So here today, gone tomorrow, perhaps back again, who knows!

Labels: Cruise Lines, cruise ships, fuel suppliments, fuel surcharges

posted by Cruise Traveler Magazine at 9:36 AM | 0 Comments

Travel Direct Corporation, announced their 5th Annual "Salute To America's Finest" promotion. Military,Teacher,Firefighter,Police, Save on Cruises

Travel Direct Corporation, today announced their 5th Annual "Salute To America's Finest" promotion. Travel Direct's cruise travel consumer web site www.cruisedirectonline.com is offering over 150 special Community Appreciation Fares with cruise vacations priced from as low as $449.00 for Teachers, Firefighters, EMT's, Police Officers and Active Military. (including US Coast Guards, Merchant Marines, National Guard & Reservists).

The promotion is valid for selected cruises booked between December 15, 2008 - May 15, 2009.

These special fares are offered for over 150 select sailings of Holland America Line, Carnival and Royal Caribbean to Alaska, the Caribbean, Canada & New England, South America, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, South America and Antarctica. Cruises vary in length from 7 to 28 days.

"In these most difficult economic times, Cruise Direct Online's 5th Annual "Salute To America's Finest" sale recognizing that those that serve America deserve a great vacation at a great price, now more than ever" noted, Marty Trencher, Managing Director of Travel Direct. "With the economy in recession, there might be no better and cheaper time to cruise, as cruise companies cut rates and lower fees such as eliminating fuel surcharges. Trencher added.

Here is an example of how much Teachers, Firefighters, Police Officers and Active Military personnel can save:

7 Night Alaska Glacier Discovery via Glacier Bay Vancouver to Seward, May 10, 2009 on the Statendam was $649. Community Appreciation Fare: $449 Brochure price $1,544.Regular Savings up to 58%, now up to 69% off brochure price!

Reservations are available by calling the company at 800.365.1445. Additional Information about their Community Appreciation Fares can be found at http://www.cruisedirectonline.com/community_appreciation_cruise_deals.htm

To qualify for the Community Appreciation Fares guests must show proof of employment as a teacher by supplying Teacher's Certification, union card or letter from principal on school letterhead with deposit. Firefighters, Police Officers and all branches of active military (including US Coast Guards, Merchant Marines, National Guard & Reservists) must show proof of eligibility by faxing a copy of official ID. Must be able to show ID at pier upon request.

Labels: Active Military, Firefighters, Police Officers, Teachers

posted by Cruise Traveler Magazine at 9:32 AM | 0 Comments

Thursday, November 27, 2008

Celebrity Solstice Named Best New Cruise Ship for 2008 by Cruise Traveler Magazine

Celebrity Solstice, Celebrity's Cruises new $750 million, 122,000-ton, 15 deck, 1,426 stateroom, 2,850-passenger cruise ship, is a huge success even though it welcomes guests embarking on the ship's maiden voyage just this week.

Celebrity Cruises offers a comfortably sophisticated, upscale cruise experience themed to incorporate the four elements of nature - earth, air, light and water. The ship features highly personalized service, exceptional dining, and extraordinary attention to detail. Celebrity took 8,000 members of the travel agency community, press and other dignitaries on a series of two-night preview cruises last week and just about everyone, including us, came away impressed with Celebrity Solstice extraordinary service, design, dining and entertainment onboard. Thus, meeting all the expectations and goals set for her. This cruise ship is unique and unlike anything we've seen . So, we have named the Celebrity Solstice our Best New Cruise Ship for 2008!

"The "wow" factor: Some have it; others don't. And I'm not talking about fashionable celebrities here. Well, yes I am. Celebrity Cruises, that is. As a veteran of more than 50 cruises, I'm not easily dazzled. But one spin around the decks of the 122,000-ton, 2,850-passenger Celebrity Solstice had me saying 'wow.'" - Harry Shattuck, Houston Chronicle

Celebrity Solstice presents 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale until April 2009, with visits to San Juan, St. Maarten, Tortola, Haiti, and St. Kitts, depending on the itinerary. Celebrity Solstice sets sail on a transatlantic voyage from Fort Lauderdale April 19, 2009, ending in Rome, where the ship will offer a series of roundtrip 10- and 11- night Eastern Mediterranean sailings.

Let's Meet The Ship
As you stroll among the expansive decks, you can't help admiring the rich color palettes illuminated by beautiful natural light, and revel in the extensive amenities - all delivered with the attentive service for which Celebrity Cruises is renowned. Celebrity Solstice offers a refined level of elegance and an experience making a distinctive statement of style and design. Gone are the fussy, gilded details of yore and in its place is a clean, sleek look that features a neutral color palette and plenty of warm natural light.

Want to view an interactive presentation? Visit: http://celebritysolstice.com/

"With its innovative, half-acre Lawn Club with real, growing grass; the Hot Glass Show offered through our alliance with The Corning Museum of Glass; 10 widely varied restaurants, including four in the specialty category; stylish, spacious staterooms whose design was influenced by a panel of five women with unique travel and hospitality insights; and, of course, the intangible attribute found on every Celebrity ship – extraordinary service – Celebrity Solstice is the perfect manifestation of what the Celebrity brand is all about," said Celebrity's President & CEO Dan Hanrahan. "There also is the intangible attribute which is consistent across the Celebrity fleet, and that's the extraordinary, anticipatory service our phenomenal staff offer our guests every day," added Hanrahan.

Among the wealth of attributes guests will find only on Celebrity Solstice are:

•A half-acre Lawn Club, a lush, half-acre recreation area with real, growing grass. features an onboard bocce, picnic and putting area.
•The Hot Glass Show, with live glassblowing demonstrations presented in association with The Corning Museum of Glass.
•Larger staterooms, with design inspirations offered by a panel of five women, hand-picked for their unique travel and hospitality insights. Among the design features: more storage space above and below the bed, double doors that opened up to an adjoining stateroom ( great for families ), and footrests in the showers for shaving legs.
•10 varied restaurants, ranging from the dramatic, two-level “Grand Epernay” main dining room with a sweeping wine tower, to four exquisite specialty restaurants, to several stylish, casual venues.
•An entirely new category of accommodations, “AquaClass,” designed to offer a spa vacation experience at sea rivaling the best of those on land.
•Apple Mac minis with 32-inch flat-panel displays that allows guests to researve shore excursions, watch on-demand movies, purchase photos, and listen to a music library with thousands of songs
•A state-of-the-art theater and stage design, with three new leading-edge shows custom-designed for Celebrity with Poet Theatricals, in their first cruise line partnership.
•Over $6 million of artwork graces the staterooms and halls and even crew quarters•Eight panoramic lifts offer incredible views of the atrium and the live potted tree that is suspended above the Grand Foyer (yes, there is a tree growing under the top-of-ship grass…).
•Get around onboard is easy. Most of the restaurants are located in one area, and most of the nightlife in another. There are enough places to "hide" away, read a book or enjoy a drink. This ship does not feel crowded.Grand Epernay, the magnificent and luxurious main dining room of Celebrity Solstice.

Dining
First, there are more dining options than found on most ships: 10 dining venues onboard Celebrity Solstice, including Grand Epernay, the magnificent and luxurious main dining room of Celebrity Solstice. With a two-story glass wine tower ( waiters climb the tower for select vintages). and dazzling chandeliers, this quintessential dining area has a decidedly Hollywood aura. The Grand Epernay was designed by Adam Tihany the designer of Le Cirque in New York.

Serving savory World & Continental cuisine, complete with Celebrity's famed European-style service. Grand Epernay is open daily for breakfast, lunch and dinner; check out the two-story glass wine tower. At the buffet-styled Oceanview Café you no longer queue up in a long line, but roam through circular islands, where there's hardly ever a crowd.

Specialty Restaurants
Murano, offers savory multi-course meals featuring a blend of Classic and Modern continental cuisines. A superb wine list. this alternative restaurant concept has a per-person up-charge is $30. Otherwise, three brand-new alternative venues are clustered in a dining "complex" of sorts at the aft end of the ship on Deck 5. The Tuscan Grille offers a great view overlooking the ship's wake; The ultimate grill experience at sea is what you'll find at Tuscan Grille, our sophisticated steakhouse and specialty restaurant. Savor fine Italian wines and panoramic views along with your Caesar salad, made tableside. Tuscan Grille has an up-charge of $25.

Silk Harvest is an Asian-fusion restaurant. Enjoy the cuisines of Vietnam, Thailand, Japan, China and India, served family-style, with built-in lazy-susans and small plates perfect for sharing. The up-charge cost is $20 per person. Blu, is available at no cost exclusively to AquaClass guests (though suite guests can request reservations based on availability; a $5 gratuity is recommended). This specialty restaurant is the exclusive dining venue for all AquaClassSM guests, serving healthy fare in a sophisticated and soothing atmosphere. Bistro is open for casual dining; breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Cafe al Bacio & Gelateria is Solstice's answer to the upscale coffee bar, serving specialty coffees and teas, pastries, and gelato. Cellarmasters brings to life the experience of a global wine tour while you learn about and taste a large variety of wines from around the world. A welcoming and unique on board environment, you'll discover new wines, receive recommendations and enrich your knowledge of the world of wine. Gelataria scoops up Italy's famous ice cream.

By the pool, The Mast Grill and Bar serves typical outdoor picnic like fare : tacos, nachos, hot dogs, brats, burgers, and french fries. Room service, available 24 hours a day, offers sandwiches, burgers, salads and snacks. The indoor pool makes the perfect place to relax.

Entertainment
The Sky Lounge offers floor-to-ceiling windows and a panoramic view, day or night. Quasar, is equipped with all the state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment. Spread out around the ship, there can be up to a dozen musical groups – everything from big band, jazz ,classical guitar and new age vocals.There are two main theatres: one seating more than 1,000 with three distinct shows – each celebrating the virtues of light – one with circus acrobatics, one with Broadway show tunes and the third called a "vocal and motion spectacular." For a bit more intimate experience, visit the 200-seat Celebrity Central, a cozy place featuring comedians and solo artists. On the maiden voyage, popular comic Kevin Flynn entertained guests.

More.
There are lots of pools, and the hot-tubs with therapeutic massage jets. There's also one outdoor pool for family fun and another indoors for those over 16 only. The Solarium, an indoor pool and main pool feature waterfalls and dancing water fountains. The pools offer creatively decorated privacy areas. Guests can relax in comfort. You will find loungers, plush ottomans, and even a few hammocks.

There's a fully equipped exercise room, a first-rate styling salon and a complete spa facility.You can also explore the dozens of boutiques and stores or win or lose at the casino.

Personal enrichments abound. Wine tastings, dance lessons, computers to go online or connect your laptop via wireless in your suite. Don't forget to view the Hot Glass Show and the Planet Earth environmental exhibit.

Going Green, Sort of...
Solstice uses solar power, in a limited way. There are 216 solar panels and the energy collected is enough to operate 7,000 of the vessel's 25,000 energy efficient LED lights. The ship's hull design and special coating make it more dynamic, which equals less fuel consumption and less carbon emissions.

Accommodations
With Solstice, Celebrity has introduced a whole new category of staterooms: A brand new class of staterooms on Celebrity Solstice, AquaClass brings a tranquil, relaxing atmosphere into your stateroom, while providing unlimited access to many of the AquaSpa® amenities. These deluxe staterooms are 245 square feet with the balcony. AquaClass guests get extra bathroom amenities including a teeth whitening kit, slippers, large bath sheets and Frette robes.
AquaClass Indulgences:
•Welcome champagne
•Daily fruit selection
•Fresh-cut flowers
•Daily hors d'oeuvres
•Unlimited access to the AquaSpa relaxation room and the Persian Garden
•Complimentary daily bottled water and iced tea
and all are ouen disco and juice bar sthe super-high price of true luxury cruising. And it hits the mark." - Jane Wooldridge, Miami Herald

Where do you want to go?
Celebrity Solstice presents 7-night Eastern Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale until April 2009, with visits to San Juan, St. Maarten, Tortola, Haiti, and St. Kitts, dependines begin at $599 per person. Mediterra

Celis one of five Celbrity ships presenting enchanting Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruise vacations in 2009.Celebrity sails in Alaska, Australia/New Zealand, California, Canada/New England, the Caribbean, Europe, Galapagos Islands, Hawaii, the Pacific Coast, Panama Canal and South America. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Australia, Canada, Europe and South America. Noted for four of the top 10 "Top Cruise Ships in the World" in the large-ship category, as voted by the readers of Conde Nast Traveler (February 2008 readers' poll), Celebrity's fleet - including the new Celebrity Solstice - will be joined by Celebrity Equinox in 2009, Celebrity Eclipse in 2010, a fourth Solstice-class ship in 2011, and a fifth in 2012

For more information about Celebrity Solstice, visit www.cruisereviewsonline.com

Labels: Celebrity Solstice, cruise reviews

posted by Cruise Traveler Magazine at 8:47 AM | 0 Comments

10 Recession Proof Cruise Tips
Surefire strategies to get more cruise for less.

Even in the most difficult economic times, savvy travelers can always find ways to save hundreds of dollars off their cruise vacation. Here are 10 tried-and-true strategies to help you get more bang from your cruise vacation buck:

1. Become a savvy traveler. A bad economy makes for some very good deals: Super cruise deals, lowest prices in years. But don't book them directly with the cruise line. You can get "bonus" savings from many travel agents. Not only a better price, but some agents throw in shipboard credits, pre-paid gratuities and other incentives to get you to book. Shipboard credits, where available from the cruise line, are house credits that are placed on your stateroom's account for you to use during your cruise vacation. You can use the credit towards merchandise, lounges and in some, but not all cases, for Spa Treatments or Shore Excursions.

Contact your credit card company. They may offer additional savings, shipboard credits or frequent flyer miles when you pay for your cruise in full with that credit card.

Sign up for e-mail deal alerts that let you know where the great deals are. Some services will e-mail you when cruise fares drop for the cruise you want.

2. Pick a cruise departure port within driving distance. Save the cost of airfare and drive to where the ship departs. The high cost of air travel is a compelling reason to target cruise ships that sail within a day’s drive or less of your home. Cruising close to home has never been easier. There are over 20 departure ports in the United States that have cruises departing from them. It's one of the best ways to stretch your vacation dollar. Plus, you can choose from hundreds of voyages to destinations like the Caribbean, Hawaii, and Mexico. Departures will vary by cruise line and not all cruise lines sail from your closest city.

Here's our list to check out.
From the East Coast, you can sail from; Baltimore, Boston, Charleston, Ft. Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Miami, New York City, Norfolk, Philadelphia,Port Canaveral, Tampa. From the West Coast; Los Angeles, Long Beach, San Diego, San Francisco, Seattle From the Gulf Coast; Galveston, Houston, Mobile, New Orleans.

3. Haggle for your cabin. Cruise pricing is all about supply and demand. The cruise line Inventory managers get nervous when there aren’t enough "heads in the beds", so take advantage and use your leverage. “Don’t be shy about negotiating with your travel agent,” says Marty Trencher at Cruise Traveler Magazine. “Travel agents are more willing to bargain now that business is soft. Even if the price is the same, we’re seeing travel agents throwing in incentives, such as complimentary ground transfers, free parking at the pier, pre-paid tips or onboard credits that can be used toward dining, spa services, and other amenities. Remember, if you don’t ask, you don’t get.

Seniors are most effected by the economy. Seniors should look to book with the cruise line that offer the best reduced rates for seniors. Senior discounts are offered by Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess, Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line and others. One passenger in the cabin must be at least 55 years old to receive the discounts.

To broaden the geographic make-up of passengers, many cruise lines may offer special reduced prices for residents of your state. Ask about it

Inside or out? Why not save money and book an inside cabin. Inside cabins are windowless, but are priced huundred's of dollars less that outside or balcony cabins. As you only sleep in your cabin, why not?

Is the balcony really necessary?. If your budget allows, consider upgrading to a balcony also known as a veranda cabin. But first, think about how much time you will spend gazing at the stars or having breakfast in. On a transatlantic voyage, the scenery always the same, but on a coastal voyage around Alaska or the Mediterranean a balcony cabin may be worth it.

4. Book your own shore excursions. When budgeting for a cruise vacation, it’s easy to underestimate how much you’ll cruise will cost. Beyond the cost of the cruise fare and taxes, there's the fuel surcharges and other fees to consider. One area you can really save money is do your own sightseeing or shore excursion planning. Almost all the local vendors that the cruise line uses, can be found on the internet. Visit the port’s official tourism web site for up-to-date information on tour operators and pricing. Their direct to the consumer prices in most cases are cheaper than if you bought the tour from the cruise line. Shore excursion income is an important part of a cruise lines onboard revenue. So, they mark it up to maximize profits. Booking just one shore excursion, such as a helicopter ride to land on glacier, for a family of four in Alaska, can save you hundreds of dollars in your overall cruise vacation costs. And you can put that savings to better use.
Two online firms that specialize in sightseeing tours for cruise passengers include Port Promotions and Shore Trips. You can book online, and pocket the savings.

5. Choose a cruise where kids cruise free. Find cruise line promotions that let Kids 12 and under sail free when they share a cabin with mom and dad. MSC cruises is offering Children 17 and under to sail free in the Caribbean & Mediterranean when traveling as the third or fourth guest in a cabin with two full-fare paying guests. Check with MSC cruises for details. Take advantage of reduced rates for 3rd/4th passengers with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Carnival, Norwegian Cruise Line, and Princess. You can also save money onboard. Purchase an unlimited "coke" card or other budget stretcher offer. A deal that offers unlimited sodas for $20, is a real money saver when you are traveling with kids. Tip: many of these 'budget stretcher" deals are not well publisized. Be sure to check out the cruise lines special offers web page, and ask your travel agent about family deals when you reserve your cruise.

6. Think about the future. Some cruise lines offer discounts on a future sailing if you book it while on a current cruise. Back home, you can work with your travel agent and try to lower the price even further.

7. Keep your onboard spending low. Limit your spending on photos, spa services, art auctions, shore excursions, jewelry, casino and drinks of the day.

Stay away from the Specialty restaurants. Many cruise lines have several alternative dining venues to the usual main dining room. These restaurants, offer special menu items with prices ranging from $10 to $45 per person. Sure, the fare may be better, but is it that much better than what you can savor in the ship’s dining room for free?

Almost every cruise ship offers Internet access, but they often charge a ridiculous per-minute access fee. Some cruise lines even offer package deals for 100- 200 minutes of Internet access. Forget about it! Instead, visit an Internet facility when you are in port. How to find one? Easy, ask a crew member where to find an Internet cafe on shore, or check out the local public library, where you can sometimes check your e-mail for free.

8. Discover free airfare. Air add-on rates are offered by many cruise lines in conjunction with their cruise only rates. Sometimes, special promotions are offered where the air is reduced. For example, a Caribbean cruise sailing out of Miami, may have an air rate of $389 from Chicago. But the cruise line may subsidize the rate and offer the plane ticket for $179 per person. In some cases, economy airfare is offered free from select cities.

Save on Airport transfers. The cost of cruise line provided round-trip airport transfers can run $20 per person or more. A better (and often faster) way to get to and from the ship is by local taxi. The fare can be $20-30, but the taxi can take up to four people.

9. Snag a better cabin at no extra cost. Look for free upgrades: Frequently offered by Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Princess and Norwegian Cruise Lines. Upgrades are usually from an inside to an inside cabin, or an oceanview to an oceanview cabin, excluding suites and sometimes oceanview cabins with balconies. Most of these upgrades are unadvertised and you need to do your homework to find them. For instance, if you head to cruise direct online you’ll find that it’s loaded with money-saving discounts on many cruises plus many bonus features, such as upgrades, shipboard credits and more.

10. Aim for the off season. For cruises that sail year-round to the same destinations, certain sailings sell out more slowly, or don't filll up at all. If you are considering a Caribbean cruise, then consider sailing between the end of August and the sailing before Christmas. Looking to sail to Alaska? may and September offer the best deals. Europe? September and October sailings are the cheapest. During the "off" season, you'll find the best senior citizen rates, regional promotions, past passenger, or last minute deals.