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Mary DeAngelis, ACC (CLIA)

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Azamara Cruises Becomes "Azamara Club Cruises"

Azamara Cruises - the two-ship brand launched in 2007 with the 694-guest Azamara Journey and sister ship Azamara Quest - today became "Azamara Club Cruises," with a newly refined focus, and a series of new attributes designed for upmarket, experienced travelers."This isn't a strategy of going 'from good to great'," said Azamara Club Cruises President & CEO Larry Pimentel. "This is about taking an already great product and making it exceptional."Tapped to take the helm of Azamara Cruises in July of this year, Pimentel spent several weeks talking with travel agents, past guests and press ...Read More...
Posted on December 11,2009 in

Families Loving the Love Boats in Alaska

For 2010, Princess Cruises has added a 12-night cruise-tour designed for families including features that are not usually part of the package. Participants will have the opportunity to travel on a jetboat, pan for gold, take an interactive tour of Denali National Park and experience what Alaska is like in the winter.The ‘Family Fun’ cruise-tour is offered at a 25% discount for all berths, so all members of the family are included in the special pricing.The program includes a seven-night ‘Voyage of the Glaciers’ sailing plus a five-night land tour featuring one nigh...Read More...
Posted on November 02,2009 in

Royal Protection

Royal Caribbean International is reminding vacationers that they can enjoy the benefits of booking early and the peace of mind of receiving the best advertised prices with the line’s Best Price Guarantee program. By booking early, vacationers have access to a much wider selection of staterooms and availability on their desired departure date. If the guest then finds a lower fare advertised by Royal Caribbean for the same ship, sail-date and stateroom category, they can receive the difference in price as an onboard credit to spend on beverages, cocktails, spa services, specialty dini...Read More...
Posted on October 14,2009 in

World's Largest Cruise Event

CORAL SPRINGS, FL, October 12, 2009/PRWeb – For the month of October 2009, Cruise Planners will join thousands of cruise-selling travel agents in World’s Largest Cruise Event, an exciting event designed to showcase the incredible choice, diversity and value of cruise vacations—an excellent chance to improve anyone’s CruisitudeSM. Travel agencies across North America will team up with 24 member lines of Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) to provide consumers with information on cruise vacations and exceptional offers. If they choose, area residents can fi...Read More...
Posted on October 12,2009 in , , , , , , , ,

Perking Along at Holland America

Holland America Line beefed up its loyalty club with the Mariner Society Rewards Program, providing on-board discounts while sailing, special rates on select cruises and reduced or free third and fourth rates when booking future cruises.Based on past cruises recorded as cruise days, members now get Star levels and automatically collect additional cruise day credits based on their on-board spending or by purchasing one of the line’s suite options.  The Star Mariner level gives a gift, special offers on select sailings, 50% discount for third and fourth passengers on select saili...Read More...
Posted on October 12,2009 in

Ship Shape Shopping

Delivering the very best in overall guest experiences is the central motivator behind the design of Royal Caribbean International’s newest ship, Oasis of the Seas. When she debuts in December 2009, the most cutting-edge amenities and activities ever seen at sea will be complemented with a variety of retail venues – 13 stores, including open-air shopping that cover more than 10,000 square feet. With many products exclusive to Oasis, the shopping experience will be one of a kind in terms of both the items offered and the setting on the largest and most revolutionary cruise ...Read More...
Posted on September 20,2009 in

Waves of Comedy

Cruise ships keep getting bigger and bigger these days and the additional space provides more opportunity to entertain in a variety of ways. Carnival has been famous for large scale comedy and revue shows and is now raising the bar higher on the new Carnival Dream. The ship will debut in September with a comedy club being featured in the new entertainment spot lineup. The 425-seat Burgundy lounge will feature six shows on four different nights per voyage. There will be both family-friendly and adult-only offerings in the club from a variety of comedians. The shows late at night will be l...Read More...
Posted on September 11,2009 in

Royal Caribbean Cruisitude Sale

Royal Caribbean joined the Cruisitude movement. You should too!  We’ve teamed up with Royal Caribbean to deliver you an exclusive offer that is valid through August 15, 2009. This special promotion offers 50% reduced deposits and an onboard coupon booklet valued at up to $425, PLUS there are numerous combinable add-ons to choose from. These choices include free spa treatments, complimentary specialty dining, onboard credit of up to $200, dollars off, priority VIP-check in, Johnny Rockets meal vouchers, kids Soda cards, and more! Why not book now? There are many incredible ships ...Read More...
Posted on August 07,2009 in

Pass the Ketchup

Dining options on Carnival Dream, debuting in September, range from a two-level casual eatery featuring a new Italian pasta station and a burrito bar to Ocean Plaza, an indoor/outdoor café and live music venue. In outlining the ship’s food selection, Carnival Cruise Lines emphasized that most choices are included in the fare. Exceptions are the reservations-recommended steak house and specialty coffees and select patisserie items. The two-level buffet restaurant’s new pasta bar gives a choice of noodles, sauce and ingredients, and the burrito bar will let diners c...Read More...
Posted on July 28,2009 in

Amazing Views of the World’s Largest Cruise Ship

Royal Caribbean’s chairman, Richard Fain, has been a busy bee travelling back and forth from the Miami headquarters to the shipyard in Turku, Finland where the Oasis of the Seas is being fitted out.  And he brought his camera with him on this last trip to share some amazing photos of the ship as it nears completion.  You can see them all at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/royalcaribbeanintl/sets/72157621384522642/show/ Here are some comments on the photos  from the cruise industry trade group Seatrade Insider Newsletter: From bird’s-eye views of Central Park to a...Read More...
Posted on July 21,2009 in

A Good Buy on a Lanai

What is a Lanai, anyway?  You have probably lived in an apartment or house that claimed to have one but never quite figured out the difference between a patio and lanai.  Well it would appear that they are one and the same.   So, why the buzz from Holland America about “lanai staterooms” being introduced on the Veendam?   Well, it’s due to the fact that oceangoing lanais are a rarity and Holland America seems to be cornering the market on them.  These staterooms offer direct access to the open decks.  It is funny how old things becom...Read More...
Posted on July 10,2009 in

Back (up) to the Future

If you stand along the banks of the Ems river in Germany near the Papenburg shipyard you are bound to see an amazing sight.   A giant cruise ship going down the river - backwards!   Is this a prelude to a parallel parking test for the Captain’s driver’s license exam?  No, but it is certainly a huge challenge.  Like cars and trucks, the most efficient direction for a ship to move is forward.  However,  when ships are being built at Meyer Werft yard in Papenburg, the layout of the assembly buildings dictate that they enter the structure head...Read More...
Posted on July 09,2009 in

Royal Caribbean MEGA SALE

UPDATE: OUR MEGA HAS ENDED, BUT THE FALL CARIBBEAN AND FALL EUROPE PROMOTIONS BELOW ARE VALID UNTIL JULY 24TH! Hey Royal Caribbean Fans, listen up!  We just announced an exciting and exclusive MEGA SALE.  To celebrate Cruise Planners 15th anniversary, we are picking up the tab for gratuities on all cruises booked from June 22 through June 29, 2009  July 1, 2009 that sail from July 1 to December 31, 2009.   And if that isn’t impressive enough, we’ve negotiated to have deposits reduced by 50%. FREE GRATUITIES AND REDUCED DEPOSITS!!!!! You can rese...Read More...
Posted on June 20,2009 in

Things go better with . . . Pepsi?

No offense to our friends at Coke headquarters in Atlanta, but Pepsi loyalists have won another round in the battle of the brands.  Norwegian Cruise Lines recently announced that it was changing out its long standing exclusive use of Coca Cola products on its fleet of ships in favor of Pepsi and related brands.  To kick off the switch, NCL and Pepsi are celebrating summer by offering up to two complimentary soda packages per stateroom on any seven-night sailing or longer.  Guests who book a cruise on one of Norwegian Cruise Line’s 11 Freestyle Cruising ships through Oc...Read More...
Posted on June 15,2009 in

A Celebrity Catches some Sun

Celebrity Equinox saw daylight for the first time Saturday, June 6th, during her official "docking out" from Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. The 1,425-guest ship is the second in Celebrity's widely heralded Solstice Class fleet.   Celebrity Equinox will sail from Papenburg down the River Ems June 19th or 20th, depending on the winds and tides, and following various provisioning activities, sea trials and inspections, will host a series of invitation-only special events for press, travel agents and consumers from Southampton, England, from July 23rd until enteri...Read More...
Posted on June 13,2009 in

Location, Location, Location.

Important in business, real estate and even on cruise ships.  How can you make sure that you pick the best location in your chosen stateroom category?  A good answer for this question is to view the ship’s deck plans in the cruise line brochure or on the web.  While the plans are often not exactly to scale and cabin size is not always in proportion to the drawings there are a few things that are very helpful.  First, locate your cabin on the plan and then look up, down, left, right, and forward of your cabin.  What’s there?   And knowing what t...Read More...
Posted on June 10,2009 in

What’s the Big Deal?

Poker seems to be the answer.  More and more cruise lines are adding Texas Hold ‘em poker to their casinos.  Unlike other games on board, poker players compete against each other and the house takes a percentage of the pot also known as the “rake”.  Most of the contemporary cruise ships of moderate size and larger feature at least one live poker table or an automated game that does not require a live dealer.  The tables are generally open in the evening for cash games and often one or more tournaments are offered during a cruise. Carnival Cruise Lines,...Read More...
Posted on June 08,2009 in

Dancing at the Bars?

Royal Caribbean doesn’t want to be left out of the latest reality dance show craze.  First there was “Dancing with the Stars” and then “So You Think You Can Dance?” on TV.  And now,  “Gotta Dance” takes to the high seas aboard Royal Caribbean’s ships.  Based on the documentary film by Dori Bernstein, the program offers passengers of all ages the chance to learn hip hop routines with a shipboard dance team member.  The program is inspired by the film that chronicles the first senior citizen hip hop dance troupe, for the...Read More...
Posted on May 31,2009 in

Blue Man Group To Headlines Norwegian Epic's Entertainment Offerings

  Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced it is changing the face of cruise line entertainment on its next generation of Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic. In another industry first, the company will welcome Blue Man Group, performing in the 685-seat Epic Theater. Blue Man Group is best known for their wildly popular theatrical shows and concerts which combine music, comedy and multimedia theatrics to produce a totally unique form of entertainment. The blissful party atmosphere created at their live events has become the trademark of a Blue Man Group experience and beginning i...Read More...
Posted on May 31,2009 in

Shows Aboard New 130,000-ton Carnival Dream Set New Standard in Shipboard Entertainment

The massive scale of Carnival’s newest and largest “Fun Ship,” the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream, combined with recent technological advancements and the incredible imagination of the line’s entertainment team, have created the most spectacular shows at sea that raise the bar on shipboard entertainment. In addition to three spell-binding production revues that will feature elaborate sets and costumes, state-of-the-art video technology and sophisticated special effects, Carnival Dream will offer a multitude of entertainment choices, everything from solo singers, comedia...Read More...
Posted on May 31,2009 in

Too Many Sites Make Sore Eyes

Another “cutting edge” travel website was just announced.  It leads to the question of “how many websites does a person need to visit to get information about travel offers?”   Since we focus on the cruise business, let’s take a look at this particular segment to see if we can shed some light on the question. The first thing to understand when you let your fingers do the shopping online is that virtually all cruise travel sites develop their prices from the same “feed”.   For the digitally challenged, this just means that t...Read More...
Posted on May 31,2009 in

Lights, Action, Frozen Margarita?

Cruise ship entertainment continues to reach new heights so it is no surprise that when the world’s largest ship, Oasis of the Seas,  enters service this fall, the shows on board will also be “super-sized”.  While the ship will feature multiple entertainment venues, the current buzz is about “Hairspray” and not the kind available in the gift shop.  Royal Caribbean recently announced that it has signed an exclusive 3 year arrangement with the producers of the musical for presentation in the ship’s Grand Opal lounge.  "We are thril...Read More...
Posted on May 14,2009 in

Cruise Chatter

There was recently a rather large dust up when it was disclosed that a major cruise line had given away some free cruises to a core group of its fans who posted regularly on a large cruise community site.  There were many cries of “foul” and “reverse censorship”.  While this may have been blown a bit out of proportion, it does open the door to a question lots of novice cruisers ask.  And the question is “Should I trust the reviews I read on sites like Cruise Critic?”  The answer is Yes and No. Why the ambiguity?  Because the most...Read More...
Posted on April 28,2009 in ,

Gizmos, Gadgets and Cruise Ships

If you don’t know a USB device from a motherboard and are otherwise “electronically challenged”, then this news from Crystal Cruises will be welcomed.   The cruise line has just announced that they are placing on-board technical concierges to assist guests with all types of personal electronics from iPods and iPhones to Blackberrys and plain old laptops.  The concierges will provide consultation at no charge to anyone onboard. They'll be located in the ships' computer centers, where guests can check e-mail and use the Internet, beginning in April aboard Cry...Read More...
Posted on April 18,2009 in

Norwegian Epic Takes a Bow

Norwegian Cruise Line posted some really incredible pictures of the new bow for the Norwegian Epic being lowered and welded into place. The ship is being constructed at the STX Europe shipyard in St. Nazaire, France, It is amazing how much that one section visually transforms the project into a unique ship. Here is a link to the Norwegian Facebook page with the photos. You can also check out our Facebook page while you're there. It is packed with cruise deals, blog updates, a user cruise discussion board, links, and cruise photos and videos. Source: http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/notes....Read More...
Posted on April 13,2009 in

Cruising Alaska in 2009

Cruise pricing in general this year has shown some of the lowest rates in a decade, which is no surprise given the economy. It also has to do with the fact that there are around 30 new ships entering the market in the next couple years and the lines have to fill them. The good news for the cruise lines is that they are still filling their ships to capacity by dropping the rates. They make most of their money in onboard revenue anyway and the most important thing to them is sailing full. They lower the rates when sales are slow and raise the rates when sales are good. Simple supply and deman...Read More...
Posted on April 11,2009 in

Luxury Ships Joining the Growing Trend of Growing Bigger

There’s all sorts of hoopla about the gigantic cruise ships that are being introduced over the next 18 months or so, but what about their smaller cousins in the deluxe and luxury sectors?  It seems that growth spurts are not confined to the mega liners.  Even the luxury ships are getting a little bigger as they strive for economies of scale.  For example, although three times the size of her smaller 10,000-ton sister ships, Seabourn Pride, Spirit and Legend,  the Seabourn Odyssey will carry just over twice as many guests and boast the same ratio of hospitality st...Read More...
Posted on April 08,2009 in

Carnival Cruise Lines Introduces New “Your Choice Dining” Program

Carnival Cruise Lines has launched “Your Choice Dining” which provides a selection of three different dinner seating options for guests aboard the line’s 22-ship fleet. In addition to Early or Late assigned seating, the cruise line is rolling out “Your Time” open seating to accommodate individual guest preferences. Also, under the new Your Choice Dining program, dining assignments will be confirmed at the time of booking Your Time open seating, currently available on five ships, will be implemented one vessel at a time over the next several months as modificat...Read More...
Posted on April 05,2009 in

Norwegian Epic to Debut the Only Tube and Largest Bowl Slide at Sea

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today revealed another industry first to debut on its next generation of Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic, which will include an expansive Aqua Park with the only tube slide and largest bowl slide at sea -- The Epic Plunge. The line also unveiled seven decks of Freestyle Family Fun with highlights including a 33-foot high, 64-foot wide extreme rock climbing wall and the first ever rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; a mixed-use sports deck with the ability for guests to engage in eight different athletic activities...Read More...
Posted on April 03,2009 in

How Low Can They Go?

Ask anyone who has been around the cruise business for several years about the low prices being promoted right now.  They will all probably agree that we are seeing some of the lowest prices ever for some destinations that previously commanded premium pricing.  Take Alaska for example.  This week NCL is offered cruises during a one day sale to Alaska for as low as $379.  And Celebrity followed suit with Alaska voyages starting from $429.  Perhaps the most enticing deal is a Celebrity CruiseTour – cruise plus land at only $989. Europe has also been on &ldqu...Read More...
Posted on April 02,2009 in

Super Size my Port Please

Don’t look now but Fort Lauderdale’s cruise port is more than tripling the size of one of its cruise terminals in time for the arrival of Royal Caribbean International’s 5,400-passenger Oasis-class of ships, the largest cruise ships in the world. When completed, Terminal 18 will become the largest single-ship cruise terminal in the world.   Guests will be treated to the Oasis experience as soon as they enter the terminal according to port officials.   The grand opening is planned to coincide with the arrival of the ship in November 2009.  Oasis of ...Read More...
Posted on March 24,2009 in , ,

Cruising for Cruises on the Web

This week marks the unofficial 20th anniversary of the birth of the World Wide Web.  Wow, 20 years?  It seems like only yesterday that “the web” was this strange and scary place.  Now most of the world lives, works and plays on or near the internet.  Grandma and Grandpa are attaching and sending photos of their grandchildren.  And the grandchildren are sending their own photos out starting as young as age 4. From the cruiser’s perspective the internet has become a great research tool.  You can view cruise schedules, ships, deck plans, and m...Read More...
Posted on March 20,2009 in

Norwegian Epic to Feature Largest Ship-Within-A-Ship Suite Complex at Sea, Innovative New Studios

At the Seatrade Cruise Shipping Miami Convention, Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) revealed the full range of innovative and varied accommodations to be offered on its next generation of Freestyle Cruising ship, Norwegian Epic. In another industry first, Norwegian is also opening group block space reservations on Norwegian Epic today exclusively for its travel partners before the ship goes on sale to the general public later this spring. To see the announcement via webcast, click here www.greatlookingmedia.com/nclwebcast and enter the username of ncl and password of webcast, click to Join then...Read More...
Posted on March 20,2009 in

Radio Waves

If you love cruising and want to stay informed about the latest things happening at sea, then you will love the Cruise Talk Radio Show.  It’s an online show that you can hear on demand by clicking on the link below. The show, well as the web site covers both contemporary cruising as well as discussions and information about classic cruise ships from the past.  This is an industry that is steeped in tradition and history.  While there aren’t many of the old style ocean liners still sailing a small group of supporters keeps the memories of these great ladies al...Read More...
Posted on March 18,2009 in ,

Cunard Line Unveils Queen Elizabeth

Cunard Line revealed itinerary and design plans for its newest ocean liner, Queen Elizabeth, which is scheduled to enter service on 12 October 2010, giving one of the oldest names in shipping the strength of operating the youngest fleet in the industry. Queen Elizabeth will be the third new ocean liner to be introduced by Cunard in six years and the second largest Cunard ship ever built. Queen Elizabeth will feature the uniqueCunard traditions linking her with her sisters Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, and their predecessors. She will also debut some exciting features that will give th...Read More...
Posted on March 18,2009 in

Cruise with the Whole Family and Give Everyone a Great Vacation

If you’ve vacationed with your children you know the look - a couple of bleary-eyed, bedraggled parents returning back to the hotel at 6 p.m..  In tow, are 2 hyper-active offspring wearing mouse hats or whale t-shirts sporting cotton candy hair extensions.  Next it’s the big choice:  wash them up and suffer through another dinner or collapse in the hotel room with another room service or take-out pizza meal.  And today’s receipts for all this fun?  Well,  let’s just say it cost more than your first car did? If this is how you define vac...Read More...
Posted on March 13,2009 in

Cruise Planners-American Express named Royal Caribbean Home-Based Partner of the Year

Cruise Planners/American Express is making room in its crowded trophy case for its second Home-Based Partner of the Year award from Royal Caribbean International. With the win, Cruise Planners/American Express remains the only company to receive the prestigious award. It's a tremendous honor being the sole recipient of this great award, said Michelle Fee, CEO of Cruise Planners/American Express. All the praise goes to our wonderful agents and the strong team we have here at headquarters that provide an unmatched level of training and support to make this kind of victory possible. T...Read More...
Posted on March 09,2009 in ,

Mickey and Minnie to Get New Ship Cousins

While the Disney Cruise Line ships are not known as Mickey and Minnie, we think maybe they should. But in any case the ships (Disney Magic and Disney Wonder) will be joined in 2011 and 2012 by two cousins.  The first steel was cut this week on the two yet-to-be named DCL ships during a ceremony at the Meyer Werft yards in Germany. The first piece of steel cut was part of the Art Deco-inspired scrollwork that will grace the bow of the ships. Similar to the scrollwork on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the pattern is reminiscent of the classic ocean liners of the 1930s but ...Read More...
Posted on March 05,2009 in

Celebrity's Mediterranean Experience with Bon Appetit magazine

What are two of life’s greatest indulgences?  Cruising and Food!  Now combine both with a culinary festival on Celebrity Cruises.  The cruise line known for recognizing, pampering and celebrating its guests is teaming up with the magazine known for celebrating the world of great food and sharing it with others. This year, Celebrity Cruises and Bon Appétit will present “Celebrity’s Mediterranean Experience with Bon Appétit,” an at-sea experience focusing on the joys of cooking and dining. This tantalizing cruise experience will take pla...Read More...
Posted on March 02,2009 in

Princess Cruises Collaborates with Crafts Publisher Klutz to Offer Fun New Arts Program for Kids

 Princess Cruises has teamed with Klutz?, an innovative publisher of award-winning activity books for children, to provide high-quality arts and crafts projects for young passengers and their families while onboard. Klutz and Princess Cruises collaborated to develop custom-built kits designed to engage young cruisers in fun and creative activities. Unique in the cruise industry, the new activities are available fleetwide. Children sailing aboard Princess ships will have the opportunity to participate in up to seven Klutz activities during their cruise. Kids will be able to build the...Read More...
Posted on March 02,2009 in

Norwegian Cruise Line Debuts Customized Guest Cruise Guide

 Norwegian Cruise Line has launched a new, innovative and personalized approach to pre-cruise information with the debut of its "Welcome Aboard" booklet, a customized cruise guide featuring everything a guest needs to know in preparation for cruising with NCL. The 21-page booklet is one of the more than 75 new programs and services launched as part of Partnership 2.0, NCL's company-wide commitment to its travel partners. The personalized "Welcome Aboard" booklet front cover features the guest name, ship and sailing date, stateroom number and the name of the trave...Read More...
Posted on March 02,2009 in

Laser Tag on The Carnival Valor

As a part of a pilot program, a huge new inflatable laser tag arena is being periodically placed on the stage of the Carnival Valor's main lounge. The on-board attraction operates at various times throughout the day (and even a few night sessions) and thus far hundreds of guests have challenged their friends and fellow guests to a thrilling round of laser tag.   Each session allows four players at a time -either individually or in teams of two - to battle it out against each other in a fog-filled dome for an exciting five minute session. The cost is $5 per person. Based on guest fe...Read More...
Posted on March 02,2009 in

Royal Caribbean Announces Enhanced Program For Suite Guests

Royal Caribbean International announced a comprehensive enhancement to the cruise line's program for guests booked in suite category staterooms. The new suite program is designed to focus on distinctive and personalized servicing and touch every aspect of the guests' experience from arrival through departure. Suite guests will enjoy a myriad of special privileges and upgraded amenities for their cruise, along with Royal Caribbean's world-renowned friendly, engaging and attentive Gold Anchor Service from every member of its staff and crew. The new suite program will be implemented fleetwide ...Read More...
Posted on March 02,2009 in

Selecting your cabin

All cabins are created the same, right?  Not so fast, world traveler.  Experienced cruisers have learned a few secrets about determining the best stateroom choices.  It’s true that most  contemporary and premium class ships being built today offer “cookie cutter” cabins that are very similar in dimension and layout.  But even if they all appear to be the same according to the deck plan, there are some things you can do to make sure you get the best bang for your buck.  The prime consideration is location, location, location. Carefully view th...Read More...
Posted on February 24,2009 in

Dining options and optional dining

Just returned from a one week Caribbean cruise.  In the elevator during the early part of the trip, I overhead two middle-aged ladies chatting about dining on board.  The gist of the conversation was about the alternative restaurant options on board.  One comment that struck me was “You should not have to pay for your meals on a ship”.   But thinking about this conversation, it became apparent that the comment was not really correct.  You don’t HAVE to pay for dining on any ship as each cruise line offers included dining in the main dining roo...Read More...
Posted on February 22,2009 in

CRUISE PLANNERS ANNOUNCES “CRUISE FOR FREE” PROGRAM

2009 program lets customers pay for cruise vacations with AMEX rewards points.  Coral Springs, FL - (February 20, 200) Cruise Planners/American Express, one of North America’s largest cruise retailers, recently unveiled the “Cruise for Free” program allowing American Express card holders to use their accrued Membership Rewards points as partial or full payment for any cruise vacation departing world wide. Cruise Planners travel professionals provide exceptional personalized service, priceless sailing tips and advice, and complete handling of all aspects of their drea...Read More...
Posted on February 19,2009 in

II for Tea and Tea for 2!

There is only one passenger ship that can rightly claim to be “iconic”.  Named after a reigning monarch, the Queen Elizabeth 2 recently retired after 41 years of service with Cunard to start a new life as a floating hotel and conference center in Dubai.  Since launch, she has traveled over 6 million nautical miles while sailing to fascinating ports around the world and hosting 2.5 million guests on 1,428 voyages. Classic ship historians can spend hours recounting stories about this most famous Cunarder.  One particularly interesting tidbit is how the ship’s...Read More...
Posted on February 16,2009 in

Happy Valentines Day from Cruise Planners!

We thought Carnival Valentines e-Card in the link below was just too funny and wanted to pass it along. Who can resist the charms of "Towel Art Theatre?" http://tinyurl.com/c2we2e Check out our own "sweet deals" for Valentines Day: http://www.cruise-plan.net/postcardRead More...
Posted on February 14,2009 in ,

More Lovin’ from the Love Boats

If you are cruising with Princess Cruises between now and March 15, 2009 (cruise must end before 3/15) you can get double on board credit for booking another Princes cruise while on board your current cruise!. That’s right, you can get up to $600 per cabin in shipboard credits for your next cruise escape with Princess Cruises!    Here is how it works:   Length of Voyage DOUBLE ONBOARD CREDITS (per person excluding 3/4th berths)* ...Read More...
Posted on February 14,2009 in

Hits and Myths

What do the “Abominable Snowman”, the “Loch Ness Monster” and “Booking Cruises Directly with the Cruise Line is Cheaper” all have in common?  Answer: They are all myths!  While we may not be experts on the first two subjects, at Cruise Planners we can certainly shed some light about direct booking myths. First of all, let’s face it, a sales representative at a cruise line gets paid to sell only their company whether it’s the right product for you or not.  They will never recommend the competition.  That should be enough ri...Read More...
Posted on February 13,2009 in

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 fi...Read More...
Posted on February 10,2009 in , , , , , ,

Cruise Planners Earns 7th Straight NCL President's Elite Award

Cruise Planners, the American Express national cruise franchise agency, announced that it has received the President's Elite Award from Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL). This marks the seventh straight year that Cruise Planners has earned NCL's highest production category award. In recognition of the achievement, NCL presented Cruise Planners with a limited edition personalized and framed version of the Versace Plate used in the Le Bistro Restaurants onboard NCL ships. "This award is testimony to the fantastic working relationship NCL enjoys with the entire Cruise Planners team, demonstra...Read More...
Posted on February 08,2009 in ,

Caribbean Princess Emerges From Drydock with Line’s Signature Features

Caribbean Princess has just emerged from an extensive three-week drydock to add many of Princess Cruises' signature features that have proven so popular on its newest ships.  The vessel now offers passengers the engaging street-café atmosphere of the piazza-style atrium with its International Café and Vines, the wine, seafood and cheese bar; the adults-only Sanctuary, seven new suites, and a more centrally located casino.  Work is also nearly complete on a new Crown Grill steak and seafood restaurant.   These amenities became passenger favorites when they ...Read More...
Posted on February 02,2009 in

NCL Names F3 Norwegian Epic; Announces Inaugural Season Itineraries

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) today announced that it has selected the name for its new F3 ship: Norwegian Epic. Just as the name implies, the ship will be the largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date. The 4,200-passenger Norwegian Epic is scheduled to sail year-round to the Caribbean from Miami, beginning in summer 2010. Following a series of inaugural events in Europe and the U.S., the ship will homeport in Miami and will sail year-round to the Caribbean offering alternating seven-day Western and Eastern Caribbean voyages through April 2011. These cruises are scheduled...Read More...
Posted on January 31,2009 in

Royal Caribbean Expands Oasis Of The Seas Inaugural Season

Vacationers will now be able to experience the world's most highlyanticipated cruise ship even sooner. Royal Caribbean International today announced two additional sailings for Oasis of the Seas' inaugural season: a seven-night inaugural Eastern Caribbean itinerary, sailing on December 5, 2009; and a special four-night voyage - departing December 1, 2009 - to celebrate the launch of an all-new Labadee, Royal Caribbean's private beach paradise in Haiti. On the December 5, 2009 inaugural voyage, guests will be among the first to enjoy Oasis of the Seas, with all of her venues and amenities...Read More...
Posted on January 31,2009 in ,

Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises Celebrate Stellar Series of Awards

This holiday season, Celebrity Cruises and sister brand Azamara Cruises believe the gift that keeps on giving is the host of awards and honors the brands have received this year from travel partners, press, cruise guests and noted authorities in some of the industry's most prestigious surveys and readers' polls around the world. Last night, Celebrity took top honors as "Best Premium Cruise Line," further confirming the brand's longtime lock on that position, while sister brand Azamara Cruises' Azamara Journey earned "Best Premium Ship" honors at the annual Travel Week...Read More...
Posted on January 31,2009 in ,

Cunard's Storied Transatlantic Crossings to Feature Literary Luminaries

Guests aboard select 2009 Queen Mary 2 voyages will get up-close-and-personal with award-winning authors, playwrights and poets   In 2009, guests sailing a Transatlantic Crossing aboard Cunard's flagship ocean liner Queen Mary 2 will have an opportunity to meet and mingle with some of the literary world's most fascinating personalities. Among the best-selling authors and playwrights scheduled to sail are E.L. Doctorow, Erica Jong, Amy Bloom, John Guare and Susan Cheever. They are among several celebrated, award-winning authors who are set to infuse Cunard Insights, the line's top-r...Read More...
Posted on January 31,2009 in

What's New for Princess Cruises in 2009

More Ships to Receive Innovative Features; New Itinerary Options Debut The Sanctuary Added to Princess Fleet -- Prompted by enthusiastic response from its passengers, Princess Cruises' ground-breaking "pocket of tranquility" -- The Sanctuary -- has become such a popular haven for passengers looking to escape to a serene hideaway, that it will be added to the entire fleet of Princess ships. The Sanctuary debuted in 2006 aboard Crown Princess and was an instant success as it gave passengers the perfect place to take a break and indulge in a private getaway in a plush, outdoor ...Read More...
Posted on January 31,2009 in

Norwegian Cruise Line Introduces Online Check-In

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has launched online check-in via its new "My NCL" portal. This online gateway enables both travel partners and guests to update and track pre-cruise activity through a quick three step process. "By checking in online with My NCL,'" guests will speed up the boarding process allowing them to start enjoying their Freestyle Cruising vacation sooner," said Vivian Ewart, vice president of passenger services. "Travel partners will find My NCL' especially helpful in ensuring a seamless process from the moment a guest books to the minute...Read More...
Posted on January 31,2009 in
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