Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Super Size this McCruise Burger
Royal Caribbean International's newly revitalized Majesty of the Seas now has a Johnny Rockets restaurant onboard. This is the eighth Johnny Rockets to open on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship. The Johnny Rockets menu features hamburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes. Majesty of the Seas recently underwent a 28-day makeover. Majesty of the Seas sails three- and four-night Bahamas itineraries out of Miami. The three-night itinerary visits Nassau in the Bahamas as well as Royal Caribbean's private island, CocoCay, Bahamas. The four-night itinerary will feature an additional stop in Key West, Fla
Friday, February 23, 2007
A Goofy Idea?
You be the judge! No longer content to be known as a Mickey Mouse Cruise Line, The Walt Disney Company announced plans to expand its cruise business by adding two new ships. Scheduled to launch in 2011 and 2012, the ships will more than double the passenger capacity for Disney Cruise Line to meet the demand for Disney's family cruise vacations. The company signed a letter of intent with Meyer Werft shipyard, based in Papenburg, Germany, to negotiate a contract to build the two 122,000-ton ships, which will be two decks taller than the existing 83,000-ton ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder. Each ship will have 1,250 staterooms. Specific design plans and itineraries for the yet-unnamed ships are still in development and will be unveiled at a later date.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
Carnival Corp. Sells Windstar Cruises
Carnival Corporation & plc has signed an agreement to sell its Windstar Cruises brand to Ambassadors International Inc. Under the terms of the agreement, Windstar will be sold for $100m, $40m of which is payable in cash and assumption of liabilities, and Carnival will provide mortgage financing for $60m. The loan will be payable over 10 years at 7% interest, collateralised by the three Windstar ships.
Commenting on the news Carnival chief Micky Arison said: ‘Windstar is an outstanding and unique cruise product and has garnered an extremely loyal following, however, Carnival Corp’s growth strategy is focused on expanding our core growth brands and opening new markets.’
Commenting on the news Carnival chief Micky Arison said: ‘Windstar is an outstanding and unique cruise product and has garnered an extremely loyal following, however, Carnival Corp’s growth strategy is focused on expanding our core growth brands and opening new markets.’
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
QM2 to Host Fund Rasing Event
Cunard Line will welcome guests from the New York City Opera and Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) aboard the Queen Mary 2 on May 24 for The Britannia Ball, a gala evening benefiting both cultural institutions. The ball will include cocktails, dinner, dancing to Peter Duchin and his orchestra, and a special performance by Tony Award-winner Patti LuPone, who will perform "The Lady with The Torch" in the ship's Royal Court Theater. The Britannia Ball will be sponsored by CIT Group Inc., a provider of commercial and consumer finance solutions. Cunard President Carol Marlow will serve as a hostess for the evening. The QM2 will be docked for the night at its New York home, the Brooklyn Cruise Terminal. The Britannia Ball guests will have access to all the public areas of the liner including the Queens Room, the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar, the Royal Court Theater, and Illuminations, the only planetarium at sea. Tickets for The Britannia Ball are $1,000; VIP tickets are $2,500 and include access to an exclusive cocktail reception and preferred seating for the performance and dinner. Approximately 1,000 guests are expected to attend. For tickets, call 718-636-41
Tuesday, February 20, 2007
Texas Hold-em at Sea!
The growing poplularity of Texas Hold-em in casinos and poker rooms around the world has convinced the cruise lines to take a second look at this game. While while not wildly profitable for the house, it is a wildly poplular for the dedicated players always on the look out for a game.
When our main site, www.cruisejungle.com launches in April, it will contain a complete guide to gaming on all cruise ships. Until then, here's some breaking news about the addition of computerized "Poker-Pro" tables to some Princess Cruises ships:
PokerTek completed the trials of its automated PokerPro tables with Princess Cruises and has equipped three Princess ships. Twenty-two tables are scheduled to be installed on the fleet by year’s end.
PokerPro is a 10-seat table that can deal 50% to 60% more hands per hour than a manual table, according to PokerTek, the Charlotte, N.C.-based manufacturer.
‘We continue to be impressed with how quickly the Princess guests learn to play PokerPro and how reliable the product has proven itself,’ said Rodney Dofort, vp casino operations for Carnival Corp.
When our main site, www.cruisejungle.com launches in April, it will contain a complete guide to gaming on all cruise ships. Until then, here's some breaking news about the addition of computerized "Poker-Pro" tables to some Princess Cruises ships:
PokerTek completed the trials of its automated PokerPro tables with Princess Cruises and has equipped three Princess ships. Twenty-two tables are scheduled to be installed on the fleet by year’s end.
PokerPro is a 10-seat table that can deal 50% to 60% more hands per hour than a manual table, according to PokerTek, the Charlotte, N.C.-based manufacturer.
‘We continue to be impressed with how quickly the Princess guests learn to play PokerPro and how reliable the product has proven itself,’ said Rodney Dofort, vp casino operations for Carnival Corp.
Monday, February 19, 2007
LUXURY ON THE HIGH SEAS
Luxury accommodations at sea run the gamut from “mini-suites” to “oh my goodness” palaces fit for a king. Suites come in all shapes, sizes and prices. While never considered cheap, suites can represent exceptional value in terms of comparable shore side accommodations.
Most cruise ships offer suites of varying quantity and styles. A fairly recent innovation from luxury cruise operators such as Regent Seven Seas are “All Suite” ships meaning 100% of the staterooms qualify as suites. Many of the contemporary “mass market” cruise lines are incorporating unique suites into their new builds. For example Norwegian Cruise Line created a new class of accommodations called Garden Villa Suites that feature 3 bedrooms and up to 5,000 feet or living space that includes a private garden area. NCL also features its Courtyard Villa suites on their newer ships that include exclusive access private pool and sun deck areas and a suite-guest only concierge lounge. These accommodations are extremely popular with families and multi generational groups.
Just like luxury automobiles can run the gamut from sporty 2 seaters to plush sedans the same is true for suites. On the lower end a mini-suite might offer a separate sitting area that is incorporated into the sleeping area of the stateroom. Virtually all suites have balconies commensurate with their size and price. Full and grand class suites usually have a separate living and dining area and up to 3 bedrooms. Some have guest bathrooms off the living room. All of them come equipped with lots of gadgets ranging from plasma TV’s to a private hot tub on the balcony.
Top of the line luxury suites usually include the crème de la crème of personal attention – butler service. Usually an experience reserved for the rich and famous, now it only takes booking a suite to experience this ultimate indulgence. From having the butler pack and unpack for you to serving dinner en suite course by course there is literally no limit to the services your butler can provide. About the only thing you can’t do is pack him in your suitcase and bring him home – although you may be sorely tempted to do so once you have experienced butler service on a ship!
No butler? Don’t fret, because most cruise ships also offer Concierge service for their deluxe stateroom passengers. While not quite as personal as a butler, your concierge will perform many of the same services for you as part of their duties. If you have access to a concierge make sure you introduce yourself to him or her early in the cruise and find out what services they can provide. Because cruise ship concierges tend to serve more total passengers than butlers, they may be more reactive than proactive to requests and are usually accessible via voice mail or in person during their hours of service.
Even though the very name of the industry – cruise lines - might imply waiting in lines, there is no such thing for suite passengers. From special check in areas on the pier and first choice for alternate dining reservations to priority tender boarding tickets, your special privileges are abundant.
Your cruise specialist can provide you with complete information on touches of luxury on the high seas. And if you don’t deserve it, who does?
Most cruise ships offer suites of varying quantity and styles. A fairly recent innovation from luxury cruise operators such as Regent Seven Seas are “All Suite” ships meaning 100% of the staterooms qualify as suites. Many of the contemporary “mass market” cruise lines are incorporating unique suites into their new builds. For example Norwegian Cruise Line created a new class of accommodations called Garden Villa Suites that feature 3 bedrooms and up to 5,000 feet or living space that includes a private garden area. NCL also features its Courtyard Villa suites on their newer ships that include exclusive access private pool and sun deck areas and a suite-guest only concierge lounge. These accommodations are extremely popular with families and multi generational groups.
Just like luxury automobiles can run the gamut from sporty 2 seaters to plush sedans the same is true for suites. On the lower end a mini-suite might offer a separate sitting area that is incorporated into the sleeping area of the stateroom. Virtually all suites have balconies commensurate with their size and price. Full and grand class suites usually have a separate living and dining area and up to 3 bedrooms. Some have guest bathrooms off the living room. All of them come equipped with lots of gadgets ranging from plasma TV’s to a private hot tub on the balcony.
Top of the line luxury suites usually include the crème de la crème of personal attention – butler service. Usually an experience reserved for the rich and famous, now it only takes booking a suite to experience this ultimate indulgence. From having the butler pack and unpack for you to serving dinner en suite course by course there is literally no limit to the services your butler can provide. About the only thing you can’t do is pack him in your suitcase and bring him home – although you may be sorely tempted to do so once you have experienced butler service on a ship!
No butler? Don’t fret, because most cruise ships also offer Concierge service for their deluxe stateroom passengers. While not quite as personal as a butler, your concierge will perform many of the same services for you as part of their duties. If you have access to a concierge make sure you introduce yourself to him or her early in the cruise and find out what services they can provide. Because cruise ship concierges tend to serve more total passengers than butlers, they may be more reactive than proactive to requests and are usually accessible via voice mail or in person during their hours of service.
Even though the very name of the industry – cruise lines - might imply waiting in lines, there is no such thing for suite passengers. From special check in areas on the pier and first choice for alternate dining reservations to priority tender boarding tickets, your special privileges are abundant.
Your cruise specialist can provide you with complete information on touches of luxury on the high seas. And if you don’t deserve it, who does?
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
All in the family
Family Reunions
You’ve just endured another night of Uncle Al’s snoring, finished last night’s pile of dinner dishes and are in the middle of explaining family values to your teens when suddenly it dawns on you – We could have gone on a cruise and had a lot more fun!
Sure family reunions are a wonderful idea but when held ashore at someone’s home (or even a nearby hotel), someone always get stuck doing the lion’s share of work or planning. And if that person is you, then maybe this year you should choose to cruise.
There is no better place on earth for a family reunion than the high seas. On board a cruise ship virtually all the work involved in running a family reunion cruise is done by someone else – the staff. You can select a ship that offers a multitude of accommodations at varying prices so that the “high rollers” can boast about their suites while the newlyweds can stay within their “just starting out” budget.
Sometimes, a little separation during family events is a good thing. You can get together as often or as little as possible. And each member is free to do their own thing – from a little recreational gaming to just sitting by the pool with a good book. One thing that you will soon realize is it’s surprisingly easy to create your own level of family participation on a cruise ship.
And the kids? There are organized children’s programs most cruise lines that encompass a variety of ages from toddler to Teens. So, the smaller set is free to enjoy a range of activities that is designed to prevent the “B” word – boredom. There is much more to do for them on a ship than at home or in a hotel. Tip! Larger mega ships have more in the way of children’s facilities.
Dishes? There are hundreds to be done on this reunion and the good news is that you won’t have to do a single one. In fact, just get up and leave the table after every meal like the guests did at your house last year. Making beds, cleaning the house and laundry? Leave it to your personal staff to attend to.
A great family reunion starts with your knowledgeable cruise specialist. They can help you identify the right itinerary, budget and amenities to insure that your family reunion gets off on the right step. And everything should go swimmingly on board as cruise ships host groups from 10 to 1,000 guests every week.
And Uncle Al? Just don’t get the cabin next to him!
You’ve just endured another night of Uncle Al’s snoring, finished last night’s pile of dinner dishes and are in the middle of explaining family values to your teens when suddenly it dawns on you – We could have gone on a cruise and had a lot more fun!
Sure family reunions are a wonderful idea but when held ashore at someone’s home (or even a nearby hotel), someone always get stuck doing the lion’s share of work or planning. And if that person is you, then maybe this year you should choose to cruise.
There is no better place on earth for a family reunion than the high seas. On board a cruise ship virtually all the work involved in running a family reunion cruise is done by someone else – the staff. You can select a ship that offers a multitude of accommodations at varying prices so that the “high rollers” can boast about their suites while the newlyweds can stay within their “just starting out” budget.
Sometimes, a little separation during family events is a good thing. You can get together as often or as little as possible. And each member is free to do their own thing – from a little recreational gaming to just sitting by the pool with a good book. One thing that you will soon realize is it’s surprisingly easy to create your own level of family participation on a cruise ship.
And the kids? There are organized children’s programs most cruise lines that encompass a variety of ages from toddler to Teens. So, the smaller set is free to enjoy a range of activities that is designed to prevent the “B” word – boredom. There is much more to do for them on a ship than at home or in a hotel. Tip! Larger mega ships have more in the way of children’s facilities.
Dishes? There are hundreds to be done on this reunion and the good news is that you won’t have to do a single one. In fact, just get up and leave the table after every meal like the guests did at your house last year. Making beds, cleaning the house and laundry? Leave it to your personal staff to attend to.
A great family reunion starts with your knowledgeable cruise specialist. They can help you identify the right itinerary, budget and amenities to insure that your family reunion gets off on the right step. And everything should go swimmingly on board as cruise ships host groups from 10 to 1,000 guests every week.
And Uncle Al? Just don’t get the cabin next to him!
Monday, February 12, 2007
Why use a Cruise Specialist?
There are many ways to reserve a cruise but really only one good way to plan one. Seasoned cruisers have learned along the way that having someone who “knows the ropes” is very helpful in creating a good cruise travel experience.
Many first time cruisers mistakenly believe that using a cruise agent will cost them more due to fees being charged above and beyond the cost of the cruise. But savvy cruisers know that cruise and travel agents receive their compensation from the carrier and do not “mark up” the cost of the cruise.
In the current market environment, pricing is virtually standardized in terms of rates that a cruise agent, online seller or cruise line direct planner will see. That’s because the cabin rates they see all come from the cruise line themselves on a common computer “feed”. Cruise lines generally discourage rebating and discounting and for all practical purposes rate quotes are consistent.
One thing that a knowledgeable cruise agent does bring to the party is that they don’t have a built in bias to one line over another. Sure they may have their personal favorite, but they also know that to get you as a repeat customer the important thing is that they get the cruise that is right for YOU and not for THEM. They can view multiple cruise lines, departure dates and promotions to develop the best offer available.
Cruise agents also deliver an important intangible ingredient – insider tips, knowledge about pre and post cruise logistics, and personal experience. It is a good idea when selecting a cruise agent, first “interview” them for the job. Gauge their cruise experience, how long have they been in their business, and the reputation of their company. Remember anyone with a few dollars can have a slick web site. Don’t be shy to ask for credentials and references.
Ask your cruise specialist to look for “specials” once you have narrowed down the choices. There’s a myriad of offers available at any given time such as Senior, Military, Regional, and Past Passenger rates as well as cruise line on board credits, upgrade programs and transportation credits. A good cruise agent will research all these programs to check if you are eligible to take advantage of any or all of them.
Next time you are going on a cruise take a friend along – a good, knowledgeable cruise agent. You’ll be glad you did.
Many first time cruisers mistakenly believe that using a cruise agent will cost them more due to fees being charged above and beyond the cost of the cruise. But savvy cruisers know that cruise and travel agents receive their compensation from the carrier and do not “mark up” the cost of the cruise.
In the current market environment, pricing is virtually standardized in terms of rates that a cruise agent, online seller or cruise line direct planner will see. That’s because the cabin rates they see all come from the cruise line themselves on a common computer “feed”. Cruise lines generally discourage rebating and discounting and for all practical purposes rate quotes are consistent.
One thing that a knowledgeable cruise agent does bring to the party is that they don’t have a built in bias to one line over another. Sure they may have their personal favorite, but they also know that to get you as a repeat customer the important thing is that they get the cruise that is right for YOU and not for THEM. They can view multiple cruise lines, departure dates and promotions to develop the best offer available.
Cruise agents also deliver an important intangible ingredient – insider tips, knowledge about pre and post cruise logistics, and personal experience. It is a good idea when selecting a cruise agent, first “interview” them for the job. Gauge their cruise experience, how long have they been in their business, and the reputation of their company. Remember anyone with a few dollars can have a slick web site. Don’t be shy to ask for credentials and references.
Ask your cruise specialist to look for “specials” once you have narrowed down the choices. There’s a myriad of offers available at any given time such as Senior, Military, Regional, and Past Passenger rates as well as cruise line on board credits, upgrade programs and transportation credits. A good cruise agent will research all these programs to check if you are eligible to take advantage of any or all of them.
Next time you are going on a cruise take a friend along – a good, knowledgeable cruise agent. You’ll be glad you did.
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