February Celebrity Cruise Offer

February Cruise Offer

In past articles, we've talked about the various destinations that Celebrity Cruises sail to. These include Europe (featuring the Mediterranean, Scandinavia, and Russia), Alaska, Canada & New England, Bahamas, Bermuda, and the Caribbean. I think you'll agree that these are among the most sought-after cruise destinations.

You've also heard about the Solstice-class ships as well as the Millennium-class ships that bring innovation and comfort to you from the moment you walk onboard and are greeted by the friendly Celebrity staff. For those that like a little smaller ship, Mercury and Century would be among your choices in the Celebrity fleet.

For this month only, we have arranged additional savings onboard select Celebrity cruises to introduce you to the cruise line that is Designed for You SM.

Receive Up to $100 in Onboard Credit
7-10 Night Itineraries -$50 Onboard Credit
11+ Night Itineraries - $100 Onboard Credit
(Ocean View and higher staterooms/ per cabin)

Click the following link for complete details:
Up to $100 in Onboard Credit

Booking Window: February 1 – February 28, 2010

Best cabin selections are available to those that plan early, so I suggest that you review the itineraries that are featured in this month's sale and place your deposit to lock in this deal.

Weather Advisory Port of Baltimore

Photo Courtesy Carnival Cruise Line

CARNIVAL PRIDE ®

Weather Forecast:

Baltimore - SNOWY
Bahamas - SUNNY

As the Nation's Capital and surrounding areas endures another blast of winter weather, passengers scheduled to leave on Sunday's departure of Carnival Pride's 7-Night Caribbean, Baltimore R/T anxiously watch the weather and wonder if they will be able to get to the Port of Baltimore in time for their cruise. Forecasts show total accumulation of up to 2 feet of snow in some areas. Snow is expected to taper off in the evening which should allow time for snow removal.

SUNDAY CRUISE PASSENGERS REMINDED TO ALLOW EXTRA
TIME FOR REACHING PORT OF BALTIMORE

The Maryland Port Authority reminds passengers to allow extra time for travel from their homes due to the upcoming snow event. This is not the first snow storm MPA has faced, so they have a plan in place. (Press Release)

“We strongly encourage our cruise passengers to exercise good judgment and use common sense when coming to the Cruise Maryland terminal on Sunday,” said Maryland Port Administration (MPA) Executive Director James J. White. “Comparable to our December snowstorm, MPA personnel will work around the clock this weekend to make sure our parking lots, walkways and pier are cleared of snow and are safe for the public.”

The Port Administration successfully combated a similar storm last December. The snow operations plan that worked last time will once again be implemented for this storm. The plan included round-the-clock snow removal by crews working in 12-hour shifts using heavy-duty equipment to move snow.

IMPORTANT WEATHER LINKS

NWS - Local Weather

NWS - Baltimore, MD

Baltimore Sun Weather Page

IMPORTANT TRAVEL LINKS

Airport Delays

Saturday, February 6 at 10:00 AM -- A significant winter weather event is impacting the Baltimore-Washington region on Saturday. Airlines have cancelled all flights, and indicate most Saturday service will be cancelled. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for information regarding flight delays or cancellations.

Sunday, February 7 at 11:30 AM --Snow removal operations continue at BWI Marshall Airport. Airline cancellations continue, and BWI Marshall expects limited, if any, commercial flight activity on Sunday. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines for information on flight delays or cancellations. Passengers are encouraged to rebook travel by telephone or airline website, rather than coming to Airport.

Monday, February 8 at 6:00 PM --Both of BWI Marshall Airport's main runways are now open for flight operations. Airlines are gradually returning to near-normal schedules. Travelers are advised to check with their airlines to confirm flight status BEFORE heading to Airport. Passengers are encouraged to rebook travel by telephone or airline website, rather than coming to the Airport. Those customers travelling from BWI Marshall this week should consider parking under cover in one of the Airport's garages. Light rail information is available here.

Baltimore/Washington International Airport

BWI Ground Transportation

Carnival Cruise Line has not altered the February 7, 2010, itinerary as of this posting. Should it be necessary for Carnival to alter the itinerary, an advisory would be posted to the following link: Carnival Travel Advisory

Winter storms like this are perfect examples of why to take Travel Protection Insurance. For example: Trip Delay / Missed Connection coverage would potentially cover any additional expenses necessary to join your cruise in progress if you aren't able to get to the departure point on time. There are several other unexpected situations that can occur after final payment. Protect your vacation investment and travel without worries.

No matter what policy you chose, make sure you understand the limitations and coverages so you are not surprised after the fact. It is for this reason that I advise my customers to utilize the insurance company's help desk to get your detailed questions answered.

Safe Travels to all Departing on Carnival Pride - Enjoy Your Cruise

NCL Freestyle Bonus Europe and Transatlantic

SPECIAL BONUS OFFER - FEBRUARY 1-14 ONLY

Offer Details (Click Here)

ANY SAILING. ANY DESTINATION.
HURRY - OFFER ENDS MARCH 14
(And the best staterooms go first.)

The Year of the Freestyle Vacation

Norwegian Cruise Line continues their Year of the Freestyle Vacation celebration with the next of the Special Bonus offers. Free upgrades available on all Europe and Transatlantic sailings.

PLUS: Free Inside to Oceanview or Oceanview to Balcony upgrades also available on select sailings. AND, 50% reduced deposit.* Sailings starting from $45/Day. Find Your Cruise.

The easiest way to see more of Europe

Since grade school days, when you studied history, you've wondered about the lands that are across the Atlantic Ocean. Perhaps you thought that seeing these lands was outside the realm of reality. The only way you'd "see" Europe would be in books, magazines, and movies or television shows.

What if you could wake up in a historic European city each day during your vacation? You would arrive in your first port of call, unpack your bags in your room and not have to repack until it was time to leave for home. Would this interest you?

A European cruise vacation can turn your dreams into reality. Whether its castles, royal palaces, historic monuments, battlefields from the World Wars, or ships that were used by the Vikings that interest you, there is a cruise itinerary that will satisfy your desires.

Once onboard your Norwegian Cruise Line ship you won't have to worry about transportation to the next city, meals, or evening entertainment. On a Freestyle cruise vacation, you can chose when and where to eat and what you want to do every day. When you arrive in port you can explore on your own or take part in one of the organized shore excursions. Just bring your camera to capture memories because you definitely will want to relive your vacation well after you return home.

So you see, this really is the best way to see Europe. Whether you want 4 days or 21 days in Europe, there is a choice for you in the Mediterranean, Northern Europe or even on a Transatlantic voyage. Click on one of the links above to explore what NCL has to offer you in Europe.

More EPIC Itineraries Unveiled

Norwegian EPIC - Courtesy Norwegian Cruise Line

Introducing the new
Norwegian Epic Itineraries
for 2011-2012

Norwegian Epic to Set Sail in Europe

Imagine sailing aboard the largest, most advanced Freestyle ship ever built to
the Western Mediterranean from Barcelona, Spain. You could be there, aboard Norwegian Epic, taking in her state-of-the-art design, world-class restaurants, new wave accommodations and the most happening and sophisticated nightlife at sea. You could also be there as Norwegian EPIC crosses the Atlantic Ocean on her way to or from Europe.

Norwegian Epic’s European itineraries


• Seven-day Western Mediterranean voyages will sail from Barcelona, Spain

• First sailings will begin May 2011 and continue through October 2011

• Exciting nightlife options, including the first ever ice bar at sea

• 17 dining options, sparkling pools, full-action casino, first-class spa and more

Following her inaugural season, Norwegian Epic will continue sailing her alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami, Florida through April 30, 2011. See previous article for details about Caribbean voyages:

Norwegian EPIC Itineraries Unveiled

Western Mediterranean Map

7-DAY WESTERN MEDITERRANEAN FROM BARCELONA

Ports of call include: Florence/Pisa (Livorno); Rome (Civitavecchia); Naples, Italy; and Palma, Majorca, Spain, along with two full days at sea

On May 7, 2011, the ship will depart Miami on an 11-day transatlantic crossing to Barcelona, Spain with one stop in Ponta Delgada, Azores. Upon her arrival in Barcelona on May 18, 2011, the ship will sail a four-day Western Mediterranean sailing with stops in Marseille, France and Palma, Majorca, Spain before beginning a series of 22 seven-day Western Mediterranean cruises from Barcelona through October 16, 2011.

She will then sail a 13-day transatlantic sailing from Barcelona to Miami, Florida is scheduled for October 23, 2011 with stops in Ponta Delgada, Azores and St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands.

Once back in Miami, Norwegian Epic will sail a series of 23 seven-day Eastern Caribbean cruises from November 5, 2011 through April 7, 2012.

Ports of call on the Eastern Caribbean itinerary include: Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands; and Nassau, Bahamas, along with two full days at sea.

Learn More about Norwegian EPIC
(click here)

Princess Cruises Balcony Bonanza

Now Balcony Bonanza includes
Summer and Fall options!
Savings on 2010 Summer Caribbean, Europe and Alaska —
plus Fall Canada & New England cruises and cruisetours*

Whether you’re seeking the warm, tropical breezes of the Caribbean, Alaska’s natural beauty, the rich history of Canada & New England or the unforgettable scenery of Europe, you’ll enjoy the signature cuisine, welcoming service and exclusive amenities for which Princess is renowned.

7-day Balconies starting as low as $849*

Reserve your own balcony view
on a spectacular Princess Cruises®
vacation in 2010!

Canada & New England cruises and cruisetours have been added to Princess Cruises Balcony Bonanza promotion, giving you more chances to book that vacation you've always dreamed of. You can select between 2010 Europe, Canada & New England, Summer Caribbean and Alaska cruises and cruisetours.

Current Offers:

Princess Cruises Balcony Bonanza
Princess Alaska Cruisetour Savings

*click one of the links above for complete details
including terms & conditions

Hurry! Offers end Feb. 28th

There are several different categories of balcony staterooms on Princess cruise ships. The Oceanview Double With Balcony has Twin beds that make up into a queen-size bed. Sitting area with desk. Balcony. Refrigerator and TV. Spacious closet. Bathroom with shower. Approximately 217-248 square feet including balcony (cabin size may vary based on ship).

As the ship pulls into port, step onto your private balcony and get a first glimpse of your surroundings. Enjoy a cup of coffee or breakfast on your balcony as you wait for the ship to be cleared. Return from a day in port and relax on your balcony before dinner, or even have a romantic dinner on the balcony as you sail to the next port of call.

What's Your Balcony View ?

Related blog post:

Denali on Sale - Princess Cruisetours

Vote on my Current Poll

Denali on Sale - Princess Cruisetours

Now up to 50% off Alaska vacations!

Savings on select 2010 Alaska cruisetours

If you could only go on one cruise in your lifetime, where would you go?

For many people, the answer to that question would be Alaska. They would also want to spend as much time there as possible, so they'd tell you they actually wanted to do a cruisetour so that they could explore the interior of Alaska.

Why Alaska?

The Last Frontier: Alaska, admitted as the 49th state to the union is thought of as "America's Last Frontier" because of its distance from the lower 48 states and because of its rugged landscape and climate. Only 33% of the state has been organized into political units called boroughs.

Land of the Midnight Sun: During the summer, the sun never completely dips below the horizon in Alaska's northern locations. The sun is visible at midnight. Parts of Alaska are bathed in 24 hours of daylight.

Wild and Free: Have you ever seen a bald eagle in flight or perched high above in a tree watching for its next meal to swim by? Have you seen a whale wave its tail fin as it dives deep into the sea? What about a mama bear and her new born cub coming down the mountain side?

Alaska has five Regions: An Alaskan cruisetour will typically take you to at least two of these regions, the Inside Passage and the Interior. During your visit to the Inside Passage you'll see cities like Juneau, Ketchikan and Sitka and you'll most likely visit one of the popular glacier attractions such as Glacier Bay or Hubbard Bay. In the Interior you'll see North America's largest peak, 20,320-foot Denali (Mount McKinley) during your stay within Denali National Park. Read more about Alaska Regions.

Princess Cruises Announced Cruisetour Savings

For a limited time, select cruisetours during the months of May and June, 2010, are on sale at up to 50% savings. Princess cruisetours range from 10- to 15-nights, including roundtrip options from Vancouver, B.C. and Seattle. You’ll spend four to eight days exploring the Alaskan wilderness, seven days sailing its pristine waterways, and every itinerary includes Alaska’s top two attractions – Denali and Glacier Bay National Parks. So you get to see the best of Alaska in one vacation! Fares start as low as $999 for a 10-night vacation!

Princess Alaska Cruisetour Savings

Hurry - Offer Ends February 28th - Contact Me for Complete Details

Princess Cruises Information & Itineraries

Viewing Galapagos Penguins by Zodiac

During our Celebrity Xpedition cruise to Galapagos, we boarded the zodiacs and headed for Bartolome Island. Here we observed Galapagos Penguins on the shore. I was in heaven since I'd never seen penguins in the wild before.

I hope you enjoy this video. Be sure to check out my other videos on YouTube as well as my Blog posts on our trip.

There are also some pictures posted on Our Cruise Vacations as well as on my Facebook Fan Page.