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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.