Costa Transatlantic Cruises 15 to 17 nights

* Cruise-only fares do not include (i) a cruise fuel supplement of $9 per Guest per day based on single or double occupancy, up to a maximum of $126 per Guest per cruise, and $4 per day for the third, fourth and fifth guest sharing a cabin, up to a maximum of $56 per Guest per cruise, and (ii) certain government taxes and fees on cruise travel from $6.12 to $214.70.

Fares, charges, taxes, and fees are subject to change before payment in full. Fares are valid for US and Canadian residents only and subject to availability. Fares are in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double cabin occupancy for the lowest cabin category, and may be higher for desired travel dates. Fares are for new bookings only and cannot be combined with other offers. For internet bookings, payment in full is due at time of booking. For non-internet bookings, a $400 deposit per person is due at time of booking. Cancellations may not be refundable and changes are subject to booking class availability. A $50 administrative fee is charged for changes after documents are issued. Additional restrictions apply; consult Terms and Conditions for more information. Ships’ Registry: Italy 6059.02 9/08

45,000 Passengers and Crew Calling at the Port of Boston

WHAT: Today Cruiseport Boston will flex its muscle, as it crunches an October “Six Pack.” Six times this month, the Port will handle three simultaneous ship calls, bringing more than 45,000 tourists to the city to shop, sightsee and dine. This is the first time in the Port’s history that there have been so many workouts in one month, evidence of Boston benefitting from the growth in popularity of Canada/New England cruises.

At the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal today are the Norwegian Spirit, Saga Ruby, and Queen Mary 2. They will present a spectacular “one-behind-the-other” lineup along the dock.

WHERE: Cruiseport Boston Massport’s Black Falcon Cruise Terminal
One Black Falcon Avenue
Boston, Massachusetts

Viewing is prohibited from the Black Falcon Cruise Terminal Pier, therefore the best opportunity to see the ships while docked will be from the Summer Street Bridge over the Reserved Channel in South Boston.

For those who would like to catch a glimpse of the ships coming into or leaving Boston Harbor, best viewing is at DCR’s Castle Island in South Boston 15 minutes before arrival time and 15 minutes after departure time. *

WHEN: Thursday, October 2, 2008
            Norwegian Spirit arrives at 8:00 a.m. and departs at 6:00 p.m.
            Saga Ruby arrives at 8:30 a.m. and departs at 11:00 p.m.
            Queen Mary 2 arrives at 11:15 a.m. and departs at 6:00 p.m.

            *All times are approximate.

On Oct. 5th Crystal Symphony, Norwegian Dream, and Sea Princess will visit; Oct. 9th welcomes Grandeur of the Seas, Norwegian Jewel, and Norwegian Majesty; Oct. 10th Caribbean Princess,   Crystal Symphony, and Eurodam will call; Oct 16th will witness Norwegian Majesty; Norwegian Spirit, and Royal Princess; and finally on Oct. 21st Caribbean Princess, Sea Princess, and AIDA Aura will wrap up a busy season of trifecta ports of call.

Information on the World’s Largest Cruise Night Event

Royal Caribbean WOW Sale • Carnival • Norwegian Cruise Line • Princess Royal Caribbean • Celebrity Cruises • Holland America Line • Oceania Cruises • Regent

Receive up to $200 onboard credit and 50% off your deposit - just by reserving any itinerary. One Day WOW Sale includes Cruisetours. Top Below are some great sailings. Other great dates and sailings available! Book between October 4 & 10 and receive a 2 Category Upgrade!     Fuel supplement additional $9.00 per guest, per day based on double occupancy; additional $4.00 per guest, per day for third, fourth, and fifth guest. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas and Panama. Top Book early to get the best available stateroom at the best price. Now that’s Freestyle at its best! Enjoy up to an 8-category upgrade FREE if you book right now on select 2009 sailings. That’s right, FREE. Sale ends October 12, 2008     IMPORTANT NOTICE: Add $11.00 fuel supplement per person per cruise day for the first two guests per cabin and $5.00 fuel supplement for each additional guest to Cruise Fare Price. Reduced Deposit is 50% off the standard deposit. Reduced Deposit is applicable for Inside, Oceanview, Balcony, Mini-Suite, Penthouse and Romance Suite. It does not apply to Garden Villas, Courtyard Villas and Owner’s Suites. 1- to 2-DAY SAILINGS ARE EXCLUDED. Ships’ Registry: BAHAMAS and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Top Book between October 4 & 10 and receive a Reduced Deposit and Coupon Booklet! ($120 Value) Maximum of 2     Fuel supplement of up to $126 per person, government fees and taxes are additional and subject to change. Ships’ Registry: Bermuda and Gibraltar. Top Book between October 4 & 10 and receive up to $200 off!     A FUEL SUPPLEMENT OF $10.00 PER PERSON, PER DAY FOR THE FIRST TWO OCCUPANTS IN A STATEROOM WILL APPLY. FOR ADDITIONAL OCCUPANTS IN A STATEROOM, A FUEL SUPPLEMENT OF $5.00 PER PERSON, PER DAY WILL APPLY. This offer is valid for NEW individual bookings only. THE OFFER CANNOT BE USED WITH CERTAIN FARES. Offer is applicable to Ocean View staterooms and above, unless otherwise noted. Singles paying 200% are entitled to full face value. Discount applies on a per stateroom basis, double occupancy. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas *Refers to price shown on select date(s). Top Book between October 4 & 10 and save up to $200! (per stateroom) when you book an Ocean View stateroom or higher on select Celebrity departures.     For all North America reservations made, a fuel supplement of $10.00 (USD) per person, per day for the first two occupants in a stateroom (subject to a maximum of $140 USD per person) will apply. For any additional guests in the stateroom, a fuel supplement of $5.00 (USD) per person, per day for each additional occupant (subject to a maximum of $70.00 per person) will apply. This offer is valid for NEW individual Ocean view and higher stateroom bookings, made between October 1 – 31, 2008 on mentioned Celebrity departures. Group bookings are not valid. THE OFFER CANNOT BE USED WITH CERTAIN FARES. Ships’ Registry: Bahamas, Ecuador, Malta. *Refers to price shown on select date(s). Top Book between October 4 & 10 and receive an Onboard Value Booklet ($340 Value) and Reduced Deposit!     A fuel supplement of $9.00 (USD) per passenger per day will apply, not to exceed $126 (USD) per person per voyage for the first and second guests. The fuel supplement on third, fourth and fifth passengers is $4 (USD) per person per day, not to exceed $56 (USD) per person per voyage for the third, fourth and fifth guests in a stateroom. Ships’ Registry: The Netherlands, Norway & The Bahamas. Top Book between October 4 & 10 and receive a $100 Shipboard Credit! (per stateroom)     Shipboard credit per stateroom for any new 2009 bookings. Fuel Surcharge is $15 per guest per day for all new reservations and applies only to the first two guests in the stateroom or suite and does not apply to third or fourth guests. Ships’ Registry: Marshall Islands. Top Book between October 4 & November 16, 2008 and receive $100 Shipboard Credit per person!     Top Check out my website during October 4-10, 2008 for a chance to win a FREE cruise. Terms and Conditions Royal Caribbean: The WOW Sale Onboard Credit and 50% Reduced Deposit offer are applicable to all Royal Caribbean International® cruises that sail from January 1, 2009 through December 25, 2009. Offer applies to new individual bookings with deposit only. All bookings must be made and the required deposit must be paid on October 2, 2008 by 11:59 p.m. Local Time to qualify for the promotion. Bookings made on October 2, 2008 without deposit will not qualify for this offer. Offer is not combinable with any other offer or promotion, including, but not limited to, Crown & Anchor, Shareholder Benefits, Future or NextCruise offers. Offer is valid for Cruisetour packages but not combinable with other Cruisetour Onboard Credits. The Oasis of the SeasSM sail dates do not qualify for this offer. In the event that a guest has more than one applicable offer for the same sailing, guest can choose the offer he or she wishes to apply. Any existing booking that is cancelled between September 27 and October 2, 2008 and is rebooked for the same sailing on October 2, 2008 will not be eligible to receive the offer. Any eligible reservation that is cancelled after October 2, 2008 and is reinstated will not be eligible to receive the offer. Any eligible reservation that is subsequently changed to a different sailing will no longer be eligible for the promotion. Onboard credit is in US dollars and will be applied to qualified booking by Royal Caribbean International® within 3 weeks of the Sale. The 50% reduced deposit and onboard credit offer is applicable to on-line bookings; however, the on-line booking confirmation will not reflect this reduced deposit or onboard credit. The WOW Sale Onboard Credit and 50% Reduced Deposit offer is good until October 2, 2008, 11:59 pm, Local Time, based on availability and is subject to change without notice. Government taxes and fees are additional. Offer may be withdrawn at any time World’s Largest Cruise Event: Prices are in U.S. dollars per person, cruise only, and cruisetours on select itineraries, based on double occupancy and reflect the best available rates at time of printing. Government taxes, fuel surcharges and fees are additional. All prices and offers vary by ship and date, are capacity controlled and subject to availability. All offers are valid on new bookings only, nontransferable, not redeemable for cash, not combinable with any other offers and are subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions and blackout dates apply. Regent: Offer is valid on any new 2008 or 2009 departure of 7 nights or longer. To qualify, booking must be made and confirmed between 10/4/08 and 11/16/08. Single guests will receive a $100 total credit. Guests sailing on two or more consecutive voyages may only take advantage of this offer once. The offer is valid per booking, not per voyage. Only applicable to full fare reservations, valid on 1st and 2nd guests only. This offer is combinable with other offers. The shipboard credit is not redeemable for cash. Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas. Cruise_Planners is merely a selling agent for the cruise lines and makes no warranty express or implied. CST# 2034468-40; FST# ST36334

Cruises from New York City 2009

Exotic Eastern Caribbean

Carnival Miracle 8-night Bahamas, Grand Turk, and Half Moon Cay

Bermuda

Norwegian Dawn 7-night cruise to Bermuda

Canada and New England

Carnival Triumph 4/5 Canada and 7 Night New England/Canada Cruise

9-night Quebec Cruise

Norwegian Gem 7-night Bahamas and Florida Cruise

Holland America Eurodam 10-night Canada cruise

Norwegian Jewel 10-night Canada cruise

Holland America 15 and 27-nights Northern Europe cruise

All these cruises take place from Manhattan’s West Side at 12th Ave between 48 to 52 streets.

Disney Magic Heading Overseas

Disney Cruise Line announced that its 2,700-passenger Disney Magic will sail a series of itineraries that take it from Russia to Northern Africa for five months in 2010.The series of cruises will last from April through September, and marks the longest stretch that a Disney cruise ship has spent away from its homeport of Port Canaveral.

The Magic’s schedule includes eight 10- and 11-night tours through the Mediterranean — the ship sailed similar voyages there in summer 2007. Ports of call on the Mediterranean cruises include Rome, Florence and Nice, as well as new stops at Malta, Corsica and the Tunisian capital city Tunis.

The schedule also includes the company’s first sailings to Northern Europe, with four 12-night voyages from Dover to St. Petersburg with stops in six other countries. The four sailings will be in June and July, and will also include stops in Oslo, Copenhagen, the gateway port to Berlin and either Helsinki or Tallinn, Estonia.

Disney will also offer a pair of 14-night, one-way repositioning cruises from Port Canaveral to Barcelona and back.

While the Disney Magic is overseas, the Disney Wonder will sail slightly longer voyages out of Port Canaveral. Instead of three- and four-night Caribbean sailings, the Wonder will offer four- and five-night cruises with new stops in Key West, as well as an extra stop in Castaway Cay, Disney’s private island in the Bahamas.

 

Politician says Cruise Ships Polluting Canada

A British Columbia political candidate has reportedly urged for tougher environmental laws, saying cruise ships in Vancouver are spreading pollutants.

The Canadian Press reported Monday that New Democrat Michael Byers has suggested all cruise ships plug into Metro Port Vancouver’s shorside power instead of using diesel engines while in port.

The port plans to have two berths with shoreside power facilities open by 2009.

Byers, from Vancouver, also alleged cruise ships avoid violating U.S. sewage regulations by holding the waste until they can dump it in Canadian waters. He said recently tightened regulations do not go far enough, according to The Canadian Press.

CLIA’s Virtual World’s Largest Cruise Night on October 16, 2008

The World’s Largest Cruise Night (WLCN) is just one of a series of innovative initiatives launched in celebration of October’s National Cruise Vacation Month (NCVM), a North American celebration of the cruise experience. CLIA member Travel agencies across the U.S. and Canada are focusing their promotional efforts to educate travelers on the value and diversity of today’s cruise vacations

CLIA member travel agencies across North America are going high tech to get the cruise vacation message out in October with a “Virtual World’s Largest Cruise Night”. This provides you with an opportunity to view up to 5 brief cruise line videos online, hosted by a CLIA member travel agency.

See what is new in cruising and find a cruise vacation expert CLIA member travel agency for more information and special offers.

This online World’s Largest Cruise Night event will be available for viewing October 16 through – 31, 2008.

Shuttle Service Offered to Cruise Piers in N.Y., N.J.

Published on: October 13, 2008 credited by modernagent.com

Cruise Shuttle Express is a new service offering transportation from Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the cruise terminals in New York and New Jersey. Started in January by Shirley Doud of Jarrettsville, Md., the service has been so well-received by consumers and travel agents that the company is expanding its number of routes. Cruise Shuttle Express picks up in the Baltimore area and then heads north on I-95, making several stops along the way. New service has also just started from Harrisburg and the Route 83 and 78 corridors. It is also now offering door-to-door service to the Baltimore Cruise Terminal.

Doud, a former travel agent, started Cruise Shuttle Express out of the frustration she and her clients faced when departing from the New Jersey or New York ports. “There just was no easy solution,” said Doud, “so we decided the need was there. Using the service allows passengers to sit back and relax without the stress of fighting traffic or the risk of getting lost. And now, with the ridiculously high price of gas and tolls, taking our shuttle just makes good sense.”

The cost of the shuttle is $105 per person round-trip for the New York and New Jersey terminals. The new Baltimore service picks cruisers up at their door and delivers them to the port. In most cases, the Baltimore service saves the consumer money when compared with driving and paying to park at the Baltimore terminal. One-way and private shuttle pickups are available upon request. For more information, call 877-273-8889 or visit www.cruiseshuttleexpress.com.

Galveston on Schedule to Reopen

Published and credited by www.cruiseindustrynews.com on October 15, 2008

The Port of Galveston is on schedule to resume cruise operations on Oct. 26, port officials said Tuesday.
 
Deputy Port Director Mike Mierzwa said he advised Carnival Cruise Lines that the port will be ready.
 
“The port has made great strides repairing the damage to the two cruise terminals and the rest of the port from the tidal surge and winds from Hurricane Ike,” said Mierzwa.
 
Repairs to Cruise Terminal No. 1, the Carnival terminal, are on schedule to meet the promised ready for operations date of Oct. 26, he said. Additionally, Cruise Terminal No. 2, which is used by Royal Caribbean Cruises, will be ready for operations on Nov. 30 – well in advance of the scheduled return of Voyager of the Seas on Dec. 14. 
 
The more than 600 flood-damaged cars left behind after the storm have been removed, and the parking lots have been cleaned, Mierzwa said.

Carnival will have to inspect the port before scheduling cruises from Galveston, a port spokeswoman said.

Uniworld CLIA’s World’s Largest Cruise Night Offer

Click here for additional information

World’s Largest Cruise Night offers from the major cruise lines

Double upgrades** on virtually all 2009 Cruises. Onboard credit for any Disney Wonder® Sailing. It is not combinable with other offers, and is for new bookings only. The onboard credit is nontransferable and nonrefundable. Receive up to $500 in Onboard Credits plus Reduced Deposits. Receive up to $200 Onboard Credit and 50% Reduced Deposit on cruises sailing between January 1 and September 30, 2009. Receive up to $300 in Reduced Deposits! Receive up to $200 off on select sale dates! Terms and Conditions Carnival: * Minimum purchase category 4A required. Government taxes and fees are additional for all guests. Full deposit required at the time of booking. Up to two category upgrades available in categories 4A – 8I. Category restrictions apply. Offer has no cash value. Offer is capacity controlled and is not combinable with any other discount or promotional offer. Upgrades available within like cabin categories (Interior to Interior, Oceanview to Oceanview, Balcony to Balcony). Upgrades limited to a one category oceanview upgrade on Carnival Triumph, Victory, Conquest, Glory, Valor, Liberty, Freedom or Splendor. Oceanview upgrade NOT available on Carnival Spirit, Pride, Legend or Miracle. Valid on new individual bookings made on Thursday, October 16th, 2008 only. Offer expires at midnight EST on 10/16/08. ** Offer is valid on select sailings thru 12/18/09. Blackout dates apply. Some restrictions (including stateroom/category availability) apply. Credit for previous purchases is not permitted and guests who previously booked, cancelled and then rebooked during this period are not eligible. Ships’ Registry: The Bahamas & Panama. Norwegian Cruise Line: Offer shown in U.S. Dollars. Offer applies to select sailing(s). The booking window is from October 16, 2008 – October 23, 2008. Offer is for NEW bookings only. Qualifying FIT reservations can be included into existing group and count toward Tour Conductor credits. Promotion can not be held as group block. Onboard Credit amount is per stateroom, based on price category booked and will be applied to the 1st and 2nd guest in the stateroom. Onboard Credit has no cash value, non- transferable; may not be used in the Casino or toward Service Charges. Reduced Deposit is 50% off the standard deposit. Reduced Deposit does not apply to Garden Villas, Courtyard Villas and Owner’s Suites. This offer is not combinable with any other offers. Guests, who cancel and rebook, must accept this promotion’s Terms and Conditions. 1- to 4-day sailings are excluded. Government taxes and fees are additional. Cancellation Fees for cruise, air, land, and other charges will follow NCL schedule listed in the brochure and website. Offer is based on availability, capacity controlled, not combinable with other offers, subject to change or cancellation without notice and may be withdrawn at any time. Other restrictions apply. NCL is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions. SHIPS’ REGISTRY: BAHAMAS AND USA. Royal Caribbean: *The Dollars Off Sale Offer (the “Offer”) is applicable per stateroom to Royal Caribbean International® cruises on select ships and sail dates. Offer applies to new individual bookings with deposit only. All bookings must be made and the required deposit must be paid on October 16, 2008 by 11:59 p.m. Local Time to qualify for the offer. Bookings made on October 16, 2008 without deposit will not qualify for this Offer. Offer is not combinable with any other Offer or promotion,including, but not limited to, Crown & Anchor, Shareholder Benefits, Future or NextCruise Offers. Not valid for group bookings. Offer is not combinable with Cruisetour packages. Any existing booking that is cancelled between October 3 – October 16, 2008 and is rebooked for the same sailing on October 16, 2008 will not be eligible to receive the Offer. Any eligible reservation that is cancelled after October 16, 2008 and is reinstated will not be eligible to receive the Offer. Dollars off Sale Offer is applicable to selected ships and sail dates only. Dollars off are in US dollars and will be subsequently applied to qualified bookings by Royal Caribbean International by October 31, 2008. The Dollars Off Sale Offer is valid for bookings made on October 16, 2008 by 11:59 PM, Local Time, based on availability and is subject to change without notice. Ships’ registry: The Bahamas. Cruise Planners is merely a selling agent for the cruise lines and makes no warranty express or implied. CST #2034468-40 and FST #ST36334

Itineraries Change to Avoid Hurricane Omar

Hurricane Omar is predicted to pass over Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands early Thursday, causing several itinerary changes.

The Carnival Triumph, on a seven-day cruise from Miami, will skip St. Thomas, San Juan and Grand Turk Wednesday through Friday and instead call in Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman and Cozumel.

The Carnival Glory, on a seven-day cruise from Port Canaveral, will spend Wednesday at sea instead of visiting St. Maarten and call in Grand Turk on Thursday instead of the scheduled sea day.

The storm has caused Royal Caribbean International to alter the Mariner of the Seas’ itinerary. The ship, which departed Port Canaveral on Sunday, will not sail to St. Thomas on Wednesday and St. Maarten on Thursday as planned. Instead she will spend Wednesday at sea, visit Grand Cayman on Thursday, Cozumel on Friday, and spend Saturday at sea, a Royal Caribbean spokeswoman said.

Disney Cruise Line will send the Disney Magic to the Bahamas to avoid the storm, spending Wednesday at sea rather than calling in St. Thomas. She’ll be in Nassau on Thursday.

It wasn’t immediately clear what Princess Cruises planned to do with the Crown Princess scheduled for St. Thomas on Thursday.

St. Maarten Surives Hurricane Omar with Little to No Damage

The government of St. Maarten reports that Hurricane Omar passed the island early this morning as a Category Three storm and did not cause any deaths or significant damages to its infrastructure or hotel sector. All hotels are fully operational and functioning normally, as are the established tourist sites, attractions and restaurants.

While most of the damage appears to be limited to beach erosion and scattered debris that are associated with a storm of this caliber, it is anticipated that within the next 12 hours all public utilities, including electricity, which experienced scattered outages during the storm, will be fully functional. The Princess Juliana International Airport is expected to open tomorrow morning and will resume operating on a normal schedule, as will banks, financial institutions, supermarkets, hospitals, pharmacies, and other businesses.

“We are very thankful that our beautiful island only sustained minor damages and that our residents and guests weathered the storm safely,” commented Roy Marlin, commissioner of tourism. “Currently, we are working to conduct a thorough inspection of all the resorts, hotels and other infrastructure facilities to ensure public safety. We are confident that following this comprehensive inspection that St. Maarten’s tourism product will sustain its high quality and character into the upcoming high season.”

Hurricane Omar has since been downgraded to a Category One storm and, according to the National Hurricane Center, is expected to veer out to the open Atlantic Ocean instead of the Gulf of Mexico.

Virgin Islands Survive Hurricane Omar with Little to No Damage

St. Maarten, St. Croix, St. Thomas and St. Johns report that Hurricane Omar passed them early this morning as a Category Three storm and did not cause any deaths or significant damages to their infrastructure or hotel sectors. All hotels are fully operational and functioning normally, as are the established tourist sites, attractions and restaurants.

While most of the damage appears to be limited to beach erosion and scattered debris that are associated with a storm of this caliber, it is anticipated that within the next 12 hours all public utilities, including electricity, which experienced scattered outages during the storm, will be fully functional.

On St. Croix, crews are now working to ensure that power is restored to all areas of the island and remove debris from roads.  The island’s two major highways are now open and smaller roadways are being cleared.

No major power outages or damages have been reported on St. John or St. Thomas and minor debris will be cleared from the roads by early afternoon.

The Princess Juliana International Airport on St. Maarten is expected to open tomorrow morning and will resume operating on a normal schedule, as will banks, financial institutions, supermarkets, hospitals, pharmacies, and other businesses.

“We are very thankful that our beautiful island only sustained minor damages and that our residents and guests weathered the storm safely,” commented Roy Marlin, commissioner of tourism for St. Maarten. “Currently, we are working to conduct a thorough inspection of all the resorts, hotels and other infrastructure facilities to ensure public safety. We are confident that following this comprehensive inspection that St. Maarten’s tourism product will sustain its high quality and character into the upcoming high season.”

Hurricane Omar has since been downgraded to a Category One storm and, according to the National Hurricane Center, is expected to veer out to the open Atlantic Ocean instead of the Gulf of Mexico.

Credited and published by:

Oct 16, 2008

By: Travel Agent Central Contributor

TravelAgentCentral

St. Kitts Open For Business After Passage Of Hurricane Omar

The St. Kitts Tourism Authority is pleased to report that St. Kitts is welcoming guests and has sustained only minimal damage following the passage of Hurricane Omar to the Northwest of the island in the pre-dawn hours  on Thursday morning.

No visitors were evacuated from St.Kitts and all are reported to be safe.  Robert L. Bradshaw International Airport has reopened as of 12:00 pm today.  Some standing water remains in low-lying regions of the island and a certain amount of beach erosion has occurred, primarily on the island’s Western side, which experienced the strongest of the storm surge.  There has been no serious damage to hotels, most of which have already been reopened for business.

“We were fortunate that the storm was compact in nature with winds and rain not extending far enough from its center to more significantly impact St. Kitts,” said Senator Ricky Skerritt, Minister of State in the Ministry of Tourism, Sports & Culture.  “We have completed a thorough, island-wide damage assessment and I am pleased to report that all visitors are safe, the island’s tourism product remains intact, and clean-up efforts are already underway in affected areas.”  

Located in the Leeward Islands of the Eastern Caribbean, St. Kitts offers a diverse tourism product developed from the destination’s natural beauty, diverse cultural heritage and rich history.  The island’s stunning variety of tourism attractions include hiking through the tropical rainforest, riding the scenic railway that connects the island’s former sugar plantations, touring Brimstone Hill Fortress, the only man-made UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Eastern Caribbean, and the more traditional vacation pastimes such as water sports, golf, shopping, tennis, gourmet dining, gaming at one of St. Kitts’ two casinos or simply relaxing on one of the island’s sandy beaches.  Guests can select from accommodations ranging from intimate plantation inns to larger hotels or resorts

Royal Caribbean remaining dollars off sailings

Save up to $200 on these great sailings Grandeur of the Seas® 5/2/09, 5/16/09, 9/5/09 & 9/19/09 Jewel of the Seas® 9/14/09   Adventure of the Seas® 1/4/09, 1/25/09 & 5/17/09 Enchantment of the Seas® 4/19/09 Freedom of the Seas® 1/11/09, 2/22/09, 3/8/09, 5/4/09 & 8/30/09 Grandeur of the Seas® 5/7/09 & 6/4/09 Independence of the SeasSM 2/15/09, 3/1/09 & 3/7/09 Jewel of the Seas® 9/19/09 & 9/26/09 Liberty of the Seas® 1/3/09, 2/14/09, 2/28/09, 3/28/09, 5/9/09, 5/16/09, 5/23/09, 5/30/09, 6/6/09 & 9/26/09 Serenade of the Seas® 1/10/09, 1/24/09, 2/14/09, 2/21/09, 3/21/09 & 3/28/09 Voyager of the Seas® 1/11/09, 1/18/09, 1/25/09, 2/1/09 & 3/29/09 Jewel of the Seas® 1/9/09, 2/20/09, 3/2/09, 3/13/09, 4/3/09, 4/24/09 & 5/4/09 Legend of the Seas® 4/24/09 Mariner of the Seas® 1/19/09 Rdiance of the Seas® 1/18/09, 2/1/09, 2/28/09, 3/13/09, 3/29/09, 4/12/09 & 4/26/09 Rhapsody of the Seas® 1/13/09, 1/27/09, 2/10/09, 4/2/09, 4/13/09 & 9/30/09 Vision of the Seas® 4/19/09 Voyager of the Seas® 4/19/09 Terms and Conditions: This offer is not transferable. Savings are in U.S. dollars and are not redeemable for cash. This offer is valid for NEW individual bookings only. THE OFFER CANNOT BE USED WITH CERTAIN FARES. This offer cannot be combined with any coupon on the same sailing. Offer is applicable to Ocean View staterooms and above, unless otherwise noted. Subject to availability. Offer is not combinable with any other promotion or offer unless expressly stated therein. Singles paying 200% are entitled to full face value. Discount applies on a per stateroom basis, double occupancy. Prices vary by ship and sailing date and space is subject to availability at time of booking. Ships registered in the Bahamas. *Brilliance of the Seas®is operated by RCL (UK) Ltd., a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Cruise Planners is merely a selling agent for the cruise lines and makes no warranty express or implied. CST #2034468-40 and FST #ST36334

Sailings starting at $56 per day

Click this link to view the offer

Remaining available group space to piggyback the savings and perks

	SHIP	SAILING	AMENITIES	NOTES
CRUISE LINE
CARNIVAL	DREAM	12/3/2009	$100.00 PER CABIN OBC BASED ON 5 CABINS.	MAIDEN VOYAGE MOVED FROM 12/09/09
NORWEGIAN	GEM	12/27/2008	Need 8 cabins to use all available group amenity.	Need 2 more cabins in group to use all available amenities by booking individual reservation and move them to group space.
	STAR	1/10/2009	Need 8 cabins to use all available group amenites.	Need 2 more cabins in group to use all group amenities.
	STAR	2/7/2009		Need 4 more cabin to use all group amenities.
	JEWEL	2/15/2009		NEED 1 MORE CABIN TO USE ALL Group amenities.
	MAJESTY	5/10/2009		Need 1 more cabin to use all group amenities.
RCCL	FREEDOM OF THE SEAS	2/8/2009	$100.00 OBC PER CABIN	Book individual and move IN GROUP FOR AMENITIES.
	NAVIGATOR OF THE SEAS	2/14/2009		PRICES HAVE GONE DOWN DRASTICALLY CATS E2, E2, Q.
PRINCESS	ISLAND PRINCESS	4/13/2009	$25.00 OBC PER PERSON 1 PHOTO VOUCHER	NEW!
				Individual reservation BOOK INTO GROUP TO RECEIVE AMENITIES.
HAL	NOORDAM	4/3/2009	$50.00 OBC PER PERSON SINGLE OR DOUBLE, PINNACLE GRILL	NEW!
				MOVE individual reservation INTO THE GROUP FOR AMENITIES.
CELEBRITY	SOLSTICE	2/29/09	$50.00 OBC PER CABIN	NEW!
				MOVE individual reservation INTO THE GROUP FOR AMENITIES.
	SOLSTICE	3/29/2009	$50.00 OBC PER CABIN	NEW!
				Move invidivual reservation INTO THE GROUP TO RECEIVE AMENITIES.

Type of Groups Cruise Lines have done in the past

A group is 8 double cabins (16 full paying guests) for most cruise lines.

Business

Accountants, Bar Association, Local and National Charities, Credit Unions, Entertainers, Insurance and Manufacturing Companies, Loan institutions, Politicians (local and national), Bank Groups, Chamber of Commerce, Corporate Employees, Professional Medical Offices, Fund Raisers, Lecturers, Newspaper (local and national), Local Radio Stations

Clubs and Social Events

Agricultural Associations, Churches, Condominiums, Dance Studios, Equestrian Clubs, Garden Clubs, Gourmet Clubs, Photo Clubs, Religious Groups, Society Papers, Square Dance Clubs, Weight Control Clubs, Wine Tasting Clubs, Bowling Teams, Bridge Clubs, Local Social Clubs, Country Clubs, Ethnic Clubs, Family Reunions, Golf Clubs, Health and Sports Clubs, Retirement Communities, Senior Clubs, Soccer Clubs, Tennis Clubs, Widow/Widowers Clubs, Photo Clubs.

Educational

Alumni, Schools, Local School Boards, PTA, Colleges and Universities, Libraries, Museums, Teachers

Health

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Uniworld Offers Single Supplement Promotion

 

Single Travelers Savings 

On our 32- day

Paris and Grand Waterways

March 26 and April 21 departures

Singles waive the single supplement

East meets West in one grand odyssey from Paris to Bucharest

Extend our new Paris & the Heart of Europe cruise with Eastern Europe Explorer and see the best of both worlds. Visit nine countries and six capitals, with hundreds of fascinating sights in between.

After two nights in glorious Paris, you’ll set sail along four of Europe’s great rivers: the vineyard-rich Moselle, the romantic Rhine, the peaceful Main, and the enchanting Danube. Celtic fortifications, medieval towns, Roman ruins, and majestic cities are plentiful throughout this grand odyssey. Taste local wines in Bernkastel, Traben-Trarbach, and Krems; hear a magnificent pipe organ recital in Passau; have a home-hosted lunch with a family in Croatia; and then cruise along the Black Sea. For 32 wonderful days, immerse yourself in this all-encompassing adventure.

Who will enjoy this cruise: Those who consider themselves students of the world will find countless experiences to add to their understanding and appreciation of diverse and varied cultures, history, and people of Europe.

Cruise Highlights include:

26-night cruise in a riverview stateroom on the lovely

2 nights at the superior first class JW Marriott Bucharest (or similar) with breakfast

2 nights in Paris at a superior first class Tour Eiffel Suffren Hotel (or similar) with breakfast

All meals onboard

Complimentary fine wine during dinner, bottled water in your stateroom, and 24-hour specialty coffee

24 shore excursions, fully hosted by English-speaking guides

State-of-the-art Quietvox portable audio headset system on all shore excursions

Exciting onboard entertainment

Exclusive Epicurean Adventurer Program

3 Captain’s Welcome & 3 Captain’s Farewell Dinners

An experienced Cruise Manager and attentive, all English-speaking staff

All transfers on arrival and departure days (call for transfer guidelines)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Book now. The best lowest rates for 2008. Do not wait.

Book any 3-10 Day Caribbean or Hawaii Sailing now through November 16, 2008 – with only a Reduced Deposit required to lock in these GREAT rates (risk-free!) PLUS receive up to $100 Onboard Spending Credit! Book on November 7th or 8th, 2008 and receive a $75 onboard credit per stateroom OR $75 off select staterooms! YOU PICK IT! A FUEL SUPPLEMENT OF $10.00 PER PERSON, PER DAY FOR THE FIRST TWO OCCUPANTS IN A STATEROOM WILL APPLY. FOR ADDITIONAL OCCUPANTS IN A STATEROOM, A FUEL SUPPLEMENT OF $5.00 PER PERSON, PER DAY WILL APPLY. Terms and Conditions NCL: Fares shown in U.S. Dollars. Offers apply to select sailing(s). Fares are cruise only, per person, based on double occupancy. Offers are not combinable with reduced rates, Net rates, and Interline rates. Reduced Deposit is 50% off the standard deposit. Reduced Deposit is applicable for Inside, Oceanview,Balcony, Mini-Suite, Penthouse and Romance Suite. It does not apply to Garden Villas. Onboard Credit amount is per stateroom, based on priced category booked and will be applied to the 1st and 2nd guest in the stateroom. Onboard Credit may not be redeemed for cash and is non- transferable; may not be used in the Casino or toward Service Charges. Single Guests, paying 200% of the Cruise Fare, receive half of the Onboard Credit amount. Government taxes and fees are additional. Offers are based on availability, capacity controlled, not combinable with other offers, subject to change or cancellation without notice, and may be withdrawn at any time. Other restrictions apply. Ships’ Registry: BAHAMAS and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. Royal Caribbean: All bookings must be made and deposited on November 7 and 8, 2008 to receive the offer. Offer is valid for Royal Caribbean International® cruises that sail from December 1, 2008 through December 31, 2009. The Oasis of the Seas sailings are excluded from this offer. Guest can choose ONE of the two offers: $75 Dollars Off or $75 Onboard credit. For 3- and 4-Night Short Caribbean Cruises the $75 Dollars Off & $75 OBC is only valid for Ocean staterooms and above. Dollars off and Onboard credit offer is limited to one per stateroom. Offer is for new individual bookings only, not applicable to groups. All itineraries and prices are current at the time of printing and subject to change without notice. Savings are in U.S dollars and not redeemable for cash. Offer is combinable with Lowest Available Fare and the following restricted rates: Senior, Residents, and Military. Offer is not combinable with any other offer or promotion. Certain restriction may apply. Government departure taxes and fees are additional. Ships registered in the Bahamas. Brilliance of the Seas® is operated by RCL (UK) Ltd., a subsidiary of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Royal Caribbean International® Cruise Planners is merely a selling agent for the cruise lines and makes no warranty express or implied. CST #2034468-40; FST # ST36334

Cruise Value Center Shuts Door

Thu Nov 13 2008, written and credited by Travel Trade Staff

The sign on the front door of Cruise Value Center, in East Brunswick NJ, states the $70-million agency is “temporarily closed” and not accepting bookings. 

The abrupt closure of the agency has left its founder Jeff Kivet sick at heart, he told Travel Trade, adding that he built the business up from $70,000 to $70 million in annual sales with 103 employees, including a network of Home Based affiliates.

 

Kivet sold the business in September to Travel Holding Entity, which also has Cruises of Distinction in Bloomfield Hills, MI. The phones are unanswered at both agencies and attempts to reach the company’s president, Richard Smith, for comment so far have been unsuccessful.

 

Cruise Value Center, a member of Ensemble Travel Group, sold discount cruises and tours online and via tollfree numbers. The agency’s Web site was up on the Internet, yet access to existing booking information was not accessible. Cruise lines had no comment at press time.

 

Kivet said he is “sick about what happened” and noted that he had been a part-time consultant to the new owners since the acquisition.

A Royal Caribbean International spokesperson said that Royal Caribbean is still working on how to best handle the situation with Cruise Value Center because of the large number of bookings. Carnival Cruise Lines had no comment.

St. Thomas Port of Call Updates

Credited and written by cruiseindustrynews.com

St. Thomas will continue to welcome cruise passengers to the most popular port of call in the Virgin Islands in 2009.  Charlotte Amalie, the capital of the Virgin Islands, welcomes visitors to its shores via the West Indian Company Dock in Havensight, in the Charlotte Amalie harbor and at the Crown Bay dock in Subbase. In fact, more cruise ships visit the harbor at Charlotte Amalie, than any other port in the West Indies.

The ships are drawn to the 12-mile long island by the beautiful beaches and lots of opportunities for shopping. Cruise ships scheduled to dock in St. Thomas in 2009 include the Queen Mary 2, Crown Princess, Emerald Princess, Seven Seas

Booking a cruise at average price with an average vacation without looking other factors?

With the recent demise of Cruise Value Center this past November, I want to share with you the important factors when booking a cruise with a certified cruise agency established and well known with the cruise lines.

For anyone blinded by the chepest price with an average vacation they get from the Internet, good luck and read along what I am going to tell you is worth a grain of salt to save your butts and losing your hard-earned cruise vacation investment.

Number one, a cruise vacation is an investment and it is not the type of vacation you would want to gamble your entire savings to get the best cruise experience and the value you are getting.

If you feel a cruise vacation is like booking airfare, please do not call me to seek your help in finding the best cruise experience.

Questions you must ask the cruise agent:

1) Will you provide me the actual cruise confirmation number once the credit card has been processed?

2) Who will be processing the credit card: the cruise line or the agency?

(Remember, you are safe if the cruise line’s name appeared on the credit card statement in case the agency bellied up and the cruise line has the complete reservation)

3) Will you be the same person taking care of the reservation from start to the welcome home?

4) Is the agency licensed and bonded?

Sail out of Vancouver!

When you sail out of Vancouver, you’re sailing from the

best port along the Pacific coast to, or from Alaska. Vancouver is the

only Alaskan Port to offer a range of cruises that will allow

you to choose between round trip and one way cruises. Only

from Vancouver will you be able to cruise to Anchorage and

the ports of Whittier and Seward. The best way to experience Canada’s beautiful

Inside Passage and Alaska’s Prince William Sound offering some of the worlds most

breathe taking scenery is from the Port of Vancouver.

With several departures weekly, May through September, there is sure to be a

Vancouver to Alaska cruise that suits your schedule and style. Vancouver offers

you more

departures dates and ships to choose from than any other port. 

The Cruise Planner Winter/Spring 2009 Announcement Letter

Kick start your cruise vacation plans!

It’s that time of year again. It’s time to place your order for Winter/Spring 2009 issue of The Cruise Planner. Don’t delay—kick start the year with planning the cruise vacation you dreamed of.

Wave season is just around the corner. And this next issue is full of all the great values and exciting new itineraries for 2009. Plus, all we have all the hot trends in travel revealed! You won’t want to miss out, so don’t let this opportunity pass you by.

After all, the magazine is only published twice a year.

A sneak preview of the upcoming The Cruise Planner.

Free cruise give away

Questionnaire included

“Send one to a friend”

Free giveaways coupons to use during the cruise

Hot travel trends and articles—It’s not a throw away piece

It’s a win-win!

The Cruise Planner costs based on the first 200 people who emailed their full mailing address, home phone number, email address, :

$.60 per magazine, minimum quantity of 200

$.50 per magazine to mail to your correct mailing address (compared to $.80 for First-class postage)

A total for the magazine to be send to your home is $1.10 per magazine.

This is a limited time deadline to send the money and December 9, 2008 is the last day to ensure you receive the magazine by the beginning of January 2009.

Everything is made through money order made to Cruise Planners, 3300 University Drive Suite 602, Coral Springs, FL 33065. Attn: Kchow CP Magazine.

 

 

 

 

 

2 day Wow Sale December 3 to 4 2008

Click here to view the 2 day Wow Sale

Carnival Corp. Brands Suspend Fuel Surcharge

Thu Dec 04 2008, written and credited by Travel Trade Staff

As fuel prices continue to decline, Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK) announced that it will suspend fuel supplements for its six North American brands effective for all voyages departing on or after Dec. 17. 

The fuel supplement suspension applies to the following brands: Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn.

A refund of the fuel supplement will be made in the form of a shipboard credit for all bookings within the final payment period for departures on or after Dec. 17,. All bookings outside of the final payment period for departures on or after Dec. 17 will be adjusted to remove the fuel supplement and guests will be provided with a revised final payment amount.

 

“As the price of oil has dropped to $46 per barrel, it has now reached a level where we are able to suspend the fuel supplement,” said Bill Harber, director of marketing for Carnival Corporation & plc. Harber cautioned that the fuel supplement could be reinstated if oil prices increase significantly.

 

The company reserves the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for all guests at up to $9 per person per day (except Seabourn, which would be up to $15 per person per day) should the price of light sweet crude oil according to the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index) increase above $70 per barrel.

 

“It is our hope that fuel prices have stabilized and will remain at a more rational level. The complete suspension of the fuel supplement makes the inherent value of a cruise even greater and that is increasingly important in the selection of a vacation in the current economic climate,” Harber added.

 

The fuel supplement for five of the six Carnival Corporation & plc brands is currently $9 per person per day for the first and second guest (not to exceed $126 per person per voyage) and $4 per person per day for third, fourth and fifth guests (not to exceed $56 per person per voyage). Seabourn’s fuel supplement is $15 per person per day for the first and second guest (not to exceed $210 per person per voyage) and $4 per person per day for third and fourth guests (not to exceed $56 per person per voyage).

NCL Terminates Business Relationship with YTB

Published on: January 28, 2009 and credited by Travelpulse.com

Norwegian Cruise Line has ended its business relationship with YTB International, a controversial company that provides Internet-based travel booking services for travel agencies and home-based independent representatives. Many industry observers consider YTB to be a “card mill.” NCL will no longer accept new reservations from YTB or any of its affiliated agents. NCL will continue to service existing YTB reservations booked prior to Jan. 21. NCL on Jan. 5 also stopped accepting reservations from independent agents affiliated with Joystar. Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara ended their relationship with YTB in October 2007.

New Ships for 2009

This year will be exciting with the introduction of 9 new cruise ships. The biggest and most discussed new vessel is Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. Slated for her first voyage this spring, this floating city will rank as the largest cruise ship in history. Weighing in at 220,000-tons, the 5,400-passenger ship has created a buzz ever since Royal Caribbean announced the project. The Oasis will feature neighborhoods that replicate land based sites like Central Park and the Boardwalk. Other innovations include an onboard “zip-line”, Aqua Theater and a bar that raises five stories like an elevator. These are in addition to the many distinctive features that are already present on Royal’s Freedom class ships.

While the Oasis may have been making the biggest splash, several other lines are showcasing new ships this year. Carnival will be debuting the Carnival Dream. The Dream is the first brand new design for the company’s Fun Ship line since 2002. Some of the new features include the indoor-outdoor Ocean Plaza, with coffee shops, bars and ocean views, Cloud 9 Spa (Carnival’s Largest), two twister waterslides, (the longest at sea), and a two-deck mini-golf course. There will also be a new range of cabin types such as “cove balcony” cabins—closer to the water line than any other ship’s verandah staterooms and family-friendly accommodations with two bathrooms and sleeping arrangements for up to five people.

Many prefer somewhat smaller ships and the different ambiance they provide. Costa has taken a different approach by building a ship that can transit the Panama Canal. (many of the new builds can’t). The Costa Luminosa boasts a 3D cinema and a rollerblading track as well as a more extensive choice of itineraries. In a unique dual naming ceremony, Costa will be introducing Costa Pacifica, a sibling to the Costa Serena style of big-ship design, as well as the Luminosa.

Other new stars on the horizon include the Seabourn Odyssey, Silversea Cruises’ Silver Spirit, and Viking Legend that will all lay claim to new designs and be the largest of all their fleet mates. The Odyssey will feature the largest spa on any luxury vessel. The 11,400-square-foot spa will span two decks and include indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, as well as a Kinesis wall in the fitness center and spa villas available for rent.

Many sister ships will also make their debut this year with the introduction of Costa Pacifica, MSC Splendida, Celebrity Equinox, and AIDA Luna. These ladies take their design from their trend-setting older sisters and will share the title of biggest in fleet. The amenities on most of these ships will be fairly similar, with the exception of some changes in specialty restaurants and minor design modifications.

One thing is for certain, no matter your size choice, 2009 will be a great year to take a cruise!

Hits and Myths of booking a cruise directly with the cruise lines?

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 recommend the competition. That should be enough right there to make you stop and think. But wait, there’s more! Special prices? At Cruise Planners we see the same rates on the computer as the cruise line sales representative. But more importantly, in addition, we have access to unique rates such as exclusive group fares, regional specials, and other special rate programs.

The most important part of planning a cruise is not getting the lowest price. The real goal should be to get the right cruise for your personal needs at the best price available. At Cruise Planners there is no charge for our basic services as we are compensated by the cruise lines for providing personal service to you. It’s the best deal in town. While we can’t help with sightings of the Snowman or Lochie we can plan the cruise vacation of lifetime for you.

 

 

The Sneak preview of the Cruise Planner Magazine for Winter/Spring 2009

Click the link below to view the preview:

http://www.cheapcruisesforsale.com/thecruiseplanner?utm_source=Postcard012109&utm_medium=email&utm_content=ViewInBrowser&utm_campaign=TheCruisePlanner

Busy Winter Season for Barcelona

Published and credited by cruiseindustrynews.com on January 16, 2009

The Port of Barcelona expects to have 149 calls and turn-arounds this winter, which represents a 26 percent increase over last year’s 118 calls.

According to a spokesperson for the port, the ships calling are from AIDA Cruises, Costa Crociere, MSC Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Pullmantur Cruises and Royal Caribbean.

The year-round service of the Brilliance of the Seas and the Norwegian Jade are also attracting a large number of Spanish passengers, the spokesperson said.

The year 2008 also brough new record figures at the Port of Barcelona with the arrival of 2.069.651 passengers, of which more than 55 percent began and/or ended their cruise in the city. The two million passengers mark was achieved in November.

The 2008 cruise tourists throughput is a 17.2 percent increase over the previous year, when the Port received 1.765.838 passengers. The number of cruise calls has also grown by 8 percent, with a total of 887 calls in 2008.

The cruise traffic strengthens Barcelona position as one of the the top cruise ports in the world. Part of this success is due to the port’s strategy to break the seasonality of the business. In 2008 several cruise operators have positioned some of their vessels in Barcelona during autumn and winter months, enabling the Port to keep a steady flow of passengers during the low season. This is the case of MSC Cruceros, Costa Cruceros, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line, amongst others, the port said in a prepared statement.

In view of the growing demand for berthing and services by the cruise industry, efforts to enlarge and improve passengers’ facilities have been undertaken during the few last years. Creuers del Port de Barcelona has invested 15 million euros in the brand new Terminal A, which opened last June with a capacity for 4,000 passengers.

In April 2007 Costa Crociere opened its new “Palacruceros” Terminal in Barcelona equipped to accommodate cruise ships of any tonnage, length and capacity. The Italian company invested approximately 12 million euros in the new terminal for preferential use by Costa Crociere and other companies in the Carnival Corporation group.

The Port of Barcelona currently has seven terminals exclusively dedicated to cruise passengers, although it is planned to build a new passenger terminal at the Moll Adossat quay in the near future.

Hyatt Place Hotel Fort Lauderdale updated rates for 2009

Hyatt Place Hotel Fort Lauderdale:  new updated rates for 2009

special rates those who are cruising from Fort Lauderdale.

This hotel is located at 1851 SE 10^th Ave, behind the Embassy Suites. It was formerly the AmeriSuites.

Shuttle available to airport and cruise port in Fort Lauderdale

 

RATES FOR 2009:

Jan 1 – May 4, 2009   $169.00,     May 5 – Oct 31, 2009  $109.00 ,       Nov 1 – Dec 31, 2009  $149.00

The following blackout dates apply: Jan 12-18, Feb 17- Mar2,  Apr 29 – May 15 and Oct 27 – Nov 2

Remember, taxes and fees are not included in this base fare and per night basis.

Call your Cruise Planners agent to book.

New group space for the week of January 9, 2009

	SHIP	SAILING	AMENITIES	NOTES
CRUISE LINE
CARNIVAL	CONQUEST	7/19/2009	$75.00 OBC PER CABIN WITH 5 CABINS	Transfer your Individual reservation to available group space.
NCL	PEARL	5/10/2009	TBA	Transfer into groups to get the amenities.
	PEARL	5/24/2009	TBA	Transfer IN THE GROUP TO RECEIVE AMENITIES.
	STAR	6/13/2009	TBA	MOVE YOUR CABINS IN GROUP FOR AMENITIES.
	DAWN	6/14/2009	TBA	BOOK CABINS INTO GROUP FOR AMENITIES.
RCCL	ADVENTURE OF THE SEAS	6/7/2009	$50.00 PER CABIN SBC	MOVE INTO GROUP FOR AMENITIES.
	LIBERTY OF THE SEAS	6/13/2009	$25.00 PER CABIN SBC	MOVE INTO GROUP FOR AMENITIES.
PRINCESS	RUBY PRINCESS	3/14/2009	$25.00 PER PERSON SBC	NEW!
	RUBY PRINCESS	3/28/2009	$25.00 PER PERSON SBC	BOOK INTO GROUP FOR AMENITIES.
	EMERALD PRINCESS	3/20/2009	$25.00 PER CABIN SBC, 1 BOTTLE OF WINE PER CABIN, PHOTO VOUCHER	NEW!
				BOOK INTO THE GROUP FOR AMENITIES.
	CROWN PRINCESS	3/15/2009	$25.00 OBC PER PERSON	NEW!
				BOOK INTO THE GROUP FOR AMENITIES.
	CARIBBEAN PRINCESS	3/29/2009	$25.00 PER PERSON SBC	NEW!
				BOOK INTO GROUP FOR AMENITIES.
	GOLDEN PRINCESS	5/9/2009	$37.00 PER PERSON SBC	BOOK IN GROUP FOR AMENITIES.
	CORAL PRINCESS	6/15/2009	$75.00 OBC PER CABIN	BOOK IN THE GROUP FOR AMENITIES.
	CARIBBEAN PRINCESS	6/29/2009	$25.00 OBC PER PERSON 1 PHOTO VOUCHER	BOOK IN THE GROUP FOR AMENITIES.
	RUBY PRINCESS	7/3/2009	$75.00 OBC PER CABIN	MOVE YOUR CABINS INTO THE GROUP FOR AMENITIES.
	CARIBBEAN PRINCESS	7/8/2009	$25.00 PER PERSON SBC, 1 PHOTO VOUCHER	BOOK YOUR CABINS IN THE GROUP FOR AMENITIES.
	SAPPHIRE PRINCESS	7/11/2009	$50.00 SBC PER CABIN	BOOK INTO THE GROUP FOR AMENITIES
	RUBY PRINCESS	7/27/2009	$75.00 SBC PER CABIN	BOOK INTO THE GROUP FOR AMENITIES.
HAL	ROTTERDAM	5/16/2009	$50.00 PER PERSON SBC	MOVE YOUR CABINS INTO THE GROUP FOR AMENITIES.
	AMSTERDAM	5/23/2009	PINNACLE GRILL DINNER, CHAMPAGNE AND CHOCOLATES	MOVE YOUR CABINS INTO THE GROUP FOR AMENITIES.

 

Remember, if you booked an individual reservation and would like to get the value added group amenities to enhance the cruise experience, you must call the cruise lines or the travel agency you are working with to transfer the booking to the above Cruise Planners held group space to receive these amenities to enhance the cruise experience.

Blog me or comment on what sailing you are looking for and I am happy to find the sailing with the available amenities.

There are a few agencies in the United States/Canada have effectively managed these kind of group space offerings.

Another reminder, these group space you do not have to join any groups to get the amenities, sit together during dinner time, hang out together. This is your cruise vacation and maximize your full use of the hard-earned money you put to enjoy the best of the vacation.

Cruise Sales Weeks to take advantage of the savings and reduced deposit offers

HOME OFFICE CRUISE SALE WEEKS!

Princess Cruises Feb 25, Mar 11, Apr 8, May 27, Jul 8, Sept 2, Oct 14, Nov 11

Offer: Reduced Deposit and coupon booklet

Cunard Feb 2, Mar 4, Apr, 15, May 13, June 10, Jul 1, Jul 27 Sept 16, Oct 14, Nov 11

Offer: onboard credit and reduced deposit

Holland America Jan 30, Mar 25, Apr 22, Jul 8, July 27, Oct 7

Offer: Reduced deposit and onboard credit

These dates are set by Home Office and are subject to change.

Cruise Value Center, Joystar, and other agencies requiring assistance on their cruise bookings

2008 was the year where many changes being made, like Barack Obama’s historic election victory. I’m sorry let’s focus on travel.

Cruise Value Center folded without client’s knowledge and left a huge mess on the confirmation for client’s cruise reservation. Money that was not fowarded to the supplier have kept the client’s vacation in doubt.

Most of the cruise lines ceased doing business with Joystar because of unpaid agent’s commission.

Blog a comment on what vacation problems you are having with Cruise Value Center and Joystar.

Remember, do not fall for the brochure rates because no one pays for!

The cruise lines think with their slick advertising of publishing brochure rates similar to the hotels will get people to book the cruise.

My advice is never fall what the brochure rates offers because saving 50 to 75 percent is a snow job and any agencies can offer you lower what the published list price.

Cruises have the best value in any vacation because there are 5 basic things that are included in one price:

1) Accomodation;

2) Meals;

3) Onboard entertainment;

4) Ship transportation to a number of port of calls;

5) Onboard activites

Cruises have the highest guest satisifacation rate at 95 percent. This means the crew on the ships out there providing their best service in serving the great vacation. You are a captive audience in your vacation and it begins with your mind.