The Sunset of 2009

A year ago we closed our eyes together, remembering our favorite sunset as the year faded away. Together we hoped that there would be brighter tomorrows as we were filled with concerns about the recession.

Close your eyes once again and picture the warm calming glow of the sun as it dips behind the palm trees. The artist completes the final brush strokes on the canvas of 2009 today as this difficult year draws to a close.

The Sun Will Come Out Tomorrow ...

"The sun'll come out Tomorrow Bet your bottom dollar That tomorrow There'll be sun!" Pehaps these words from the popular musical "ANNIE" were the inspiration for the cruise lines to continue with shipbuilding projects despite the down economy.

2009 saw the introduction of several new cruise ships including Aida Cruises AIDALuna, AMAWaterways MS Amalyra and MS Amadolce, Carnival Cruises Carnival Dream, Celebrity Cruises Celebrity Equinox, Costa Cruises Costa Pacifica and Costa Luminosa, MSC Cruises MSC Splendida, Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas, Seabourn Cruises Seabourn Odyssey, Silversea Cruises Silver Spirit, and Viking River Cruises Vilking Legend.

The top attention getter among these ships was Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas (shown here arriving in its home port of Fort Lauderdale). At 220,000 gross tons, it is the largest ship afloat for any cruise line. Many of the other ships introduced were also the largest ship amongst their respective fleets. Silversea Cruises Silver Spirit is the smallest cruise ship introduced this year, weighing in at just 36,000 gross tons, (do the math - that's 1/6th the size of Oasis) but it is still the largest in the fleet. Is bigger better? Time will tell.

For more information about these new ships, see the Ships & Itineraries tab for the respective cruise line on my website.

Passengers are Sailing Again...

It looks like the cruise line's bets have paid off. Passengers are saling once again and 2009 saw a dramatic increase in first-time cruisers. The secret is out - cruising is a good value. As I've mentioned before, you don't want to wait to book your next cruise. Cruise line executives have told me that prices will be rising. When you see a good deal that interests you, lock it in with a deposit - you have until final payment to change your mind.

Making Memories ...

Cruise vacations make memories that will last a lifetime. Once again I was fortunate to create some new memories and share them with you. One of the highlights of this year's cruises was our Tulip Time Cruise on AMA Waterways Amalegro. Colorful tulips danced in the wind like ballet dancers on stage. What could be better than a Belgian Waffle topped with fresh strawberries and Belgian Chocolate? My mouth waters as I think about the good eats from our river cruise.

What Lies Ahead in 2010...

Several more cruise ships will be introduced in 2010 including Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas and Norwegian EPIC which will be the attention getters due to their size and innovations. I will continue to bring you the very latest cruise industry information drawing upon various resources such as seminars at sea, personal cruises, and other conferences with industry leaders. It appears that we may have seen the worst of the economic situation and recovery will begin. That could bring the reintroduction of fuel surcharges as prices increase. The sun will come out tomorrow - so get out in the sun and have some fun on a cruise ship.

Let us close the book on this historic year together. Tomorrow, when you awake, open the book on what I hope will be a brighter tomorrow. Happy, Healthy, Propserous New Year to all!!

The Year of the Freestyle Vacation

ANY SAILING.

ANY DESTINATION.

BUT HURRY.

THIS OFFER ENDS MARCH 14.

(And the best staterooms go first.)

Norwegian Cruise Line proclaims 2010 The Year of the Freestyle Vacation and it’s their biggest, most exciting promotion of the year. Now you can make the most of your vacation with the freedom and flexibility of Freestyle Cruising® and these amazing offers...

GET UP TO A 6 CATEGORY UPGRADE* GET ON-BOARD SAVINGS CERTIFICATES WORTH UP TO $400*

SPECIAL BONUS OFFER EVERY 2 WEEKS

SPECIAL BONUS OFFER - JANUARY 4-17 ONLY

Norwegian Epic: All Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings.Up to a 6-category upgrade PLUS, 50% reduced deposit* Sailings starting from $90/Day. Find Your Cruise.

*Contact me for further information. Offers are based on availability, are capacity controlled, and combinability with other offers is subject to change or cancellation at any time per NCL discretion. Other restrictions may apply. "Promotion valid in U.S. and Canada, South America, Central America, Mexico, Caribbean Islands (including Puerto Rico), Bermuda, Asia/Pacific." NCL is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions. Ships’ registry: BAHAMAS and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. ©2009 NCL Corporation Ltd. Promotion ends March 14, 2010 at 11:59 p.m., Eastern Time

Now is the Time

If you aren't already booked on a cruise for the rest of this year, it's probably too late. There are a few cabins left, but you'd have to be pretty flexible. Does this idea sound really good to you though? Plan early for holiday cruises since they are very popular.

The busy wave season is almost here. Cruise lines will have specials and everyone in the midst of winter storms will be thinking about getting away to somewhere warm. My advice to you is not to wait too long to start planning your winter cruise for several reasons.

Now is the time ...

While driving the other day I saw a billboard that caught my attention... Recession 101 ... they come to an end. The economy has been front and center all year long and the cruise lines have weathered the storm by slashing prices. During a recent meeting with cruise line executives, I was told that prices will soon be on the rise. (That's reason #1 )

I can't even begin to count the number of disappointed people I've spoken to recently who were searching for a cabin at a particular time and found out that there weren't any cabins to be had. This was especially true for callers looking for more than double occupancy. There are limited number of triples and quads on a ship - when they are gone, they are gone. (Reason #2)

Several people settled for their second or third choices when they found out that their first choice wasn't available. The choices varied from cabin type or location, ship, destination, and date. My advice is to book early for best prices and selection. Don't believe the myth that if you wait to the last minute you'll get a great deal. In most cases, I'm able to adjust the prices for clients that booked early should the price be lower at a later point in time. (Reason #3)

These are three very good reasons to plan now for next year's cruise vacation. You have nothing to lose by booking early and everything to gain. Keep in mind that you have up until final payment to change your plans without penatly. If something unforseen were to occur that prevents you from taking your vacation as you planned, you can change your plans or cancel your trip. For those unforseen issues after final payment, be sure to take cruise insurance.

Merry Christmas - Cruise Ship Style

MERRY CHRISTMAS

Holiday greetings to all on this Christmas Day. I hope this day finds you surrounded by family and friends.

For the men and women serving our country, a special holiday greeting - may the peace of Christmas stay with you now and until you are safely home again. Thank you for your service. May you be home with family and friends very soon.

If you happen to be reading this while on a cruise ship, wish the crew members you see a happy holiday. You might not even consider this while having a great time, but today might be very difficult for them since they are away from their famiiles and friends. Some of them may have been away from home for months.

The holiday season is one of my favorite times to cruise. I live in the midwest, so getting away from cold and snow is a big benefit, but also, the ships and ports are very festive. The picture above was taken during the Holiday Show earlier this month while onboard Carnival Elation. The children participating in Camp Carnival had a special treat - they were part of the cast for the show. Imagine being on stage in front of hundreds of people at that young age.

Another reason that I like to sail during this time of year is the ability to purchase unique Christmas presents in the various ports of call. I love shopping while on a cruise ... no long lines or angry shoppers to contend with. Plus the joy on the recipient's face when they open the gift and realize that it was purchased while I was on a cruise. Of course, gifts could be purchased for Christmas anytime during the year - just don't forget where you hide them.

Whether you sailed away to a warm destination on a ship or traveled to be with family and friends, I hope that you had a wonderful Christmas Day.

And finally, my gift to you ...

Mention this blog post offer when contacting me for:

$50 onboard ship credit - limit 1 per cabin*

Book any 2010 cruise (7 nights or longer)

New Bookings Only

Book between December 30, 2009 and January 31, 2010

*Restrictions apply - cannot be combined with certain other offers (such as group bookings) - contact me for details.

Double the Magic in the Mediterranean

Introducing The Adventure Disney Cruise Collection: Mediterranean Magic

Disney Cruise Line® is teaming up with Adventures by Disney, to offer a new way to experience the Mediterranean. Beginning May, 2010, enhance your 10- or 11-night Mediterranean Disney Cruise vacation with the extra magic of Adventures by Disney. Include
this add-on package with your cruise vacation and benefit from special onboard activities and privately guided port experiences that will immerse you in the cultures and sights of the Mediterranean region.

Pack your bags and set sail on a Disney adventure packed with double the magic. Onboard you'll find something special for every member of your crew – like uniquely themed restaurants, worldclass entertainment and unsurpassed service. In the ports, two Disney trained Adventure Guides give VIP treatment and authentic experiences you might miss on your own.  You won’t have to worry about planning your excursions, or missing the best your destination has to offer. Adventures by Disney will take care of the details for you!

Each evening, and during days at sea between destinations, you will enjoy exclusive special activities and the dedicated VIP service of two Adventure Guides traveling with the group onboard the ship. You will explore the ports of call with the same two Adventure Guides. Destinations will come to life in the most imaginative and personal way possible through the storytelling of renowned local experts, special access and VIP entrances to major sites, unique story-based meals, and special surprises that only Disney would think of.

Package Features

• Two (2) Adventure Guides – experts in the history and culture of the locations Clients visit who serve as concierge, guide and storyteller, providing personal attention and historical insight throughout the trip
• Welcome reception in Barcelona
• Private reception with historian
• Private animation drawing lesson and Disney Character meet-and-greet
• Palo dinner and wine tasting for adults
• Unique tour experiences in each port of call created especially for Adventures by Disney Guests
• Bypassing lines at popular museums and attractions such as the Accademia di Belle Arti Museum in Florence, Italy to see Michelangelo’s “David”
• Privately guided tours such as the Water Temple of Zaghouan in Tunisia, the Vatican City Museum and Sistine Chapel, historic Rome and the palace apartments in Monte Carlo
• Fun thrills for Junior Adventurers such as their own tour of the Coliseum in Rome
• Costumed historical characters bringing stories to life, such as Napoleon Bonaparte in Corsica, and a private entertainment experience at the medieval village of Eze (at the Villefranche port of call)
• Farewell reception
• Fun surprises and gifts
• Gratuities for shipboard staff (stateroom host, server, assistant server and head server)

Available on the following Disney Cruise Line Departure Dates

(where available)
10-Night sailings: May 5, May 26, August 18 and September 8, 2010
11-Night sailings: May 15, August 7 and August 28, 2010

Royal Caribbean ChoiceAir

ChoiceAir Promotion
Starting December 14, 2009

Alaska, Caribbean, Bahamas Offer (click) Cruisetour Offer

Dubai, Europe, Mexico, Hawaii Offer (click)

Royal Caribbean International introduced a new air/sea program called ChoiceAir this year. It is a new way for guests to buy their air transportation to and from their cruise vacation. Guests are able to purchase their airline tickets at the best available prices, when they are booking their cruise.

The program is different than traditional air/sea programs in that customers select their own flights from all published airline schedules and fare types. Guests may book directly on the website, over the phone with Royal Caribbean, or through their travel partner. No matter who makes the ChoiceAir reservation, the guest is assured the best value for their cruise by tying their airline reservations to their cruise.

When guests use ChoiceAir, Royal Caribbean can monitor travel to the ship, and step in to help should they run into trouble in transit. They will ensure the Guest makes it to the ship or if necessary work with the airline partners to get them to the next port-of-call, whenever possible.

The ChoiceAir website filters air displays to fit the cruise time parameters, allows a guest to use different credit cards to pay for each guest in a reservation, links the air reservation with their cruise reservation, and provides optional airport to seaport transfers.

ChoiceAir is offered for Domestic flights and also in many International Markets. There is a $15.00 per person non-refundable service fee for domestic North American destinations and $25.00 per person non-refundable for International destinations.

Purchasing your flights through ChoiceAir is similar to doing so directly with the airline. All tickets are subject to the airline's rules. Generally on a nonrefundable ticket, the guest may re-use the ticket, subject to any fees imposed by the airline. You will be subject to any penalties or restrictions imposed by the airline. Guests may call the ChoiceAir Support desk and change or cancel the reservation.

For more information about ChoiceAir consult the website or call your travel consultant.

Flights can be added to a cruise reservation via ChoiceAir up to 7 days before your cruise. From time to time, Royal Caribbean will have ChoiceAir promotions, such as the one which is currently in progress.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Itineraries

Norwegian EPIC Itineraries Unveiled

Imagine sailing aboard the largest, most advanced Freestyle ship ever built to the tropical islands of the Caribbean from the hip beaches of Miami. 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.

Norwegian Epic’s Caribbean itineraries:


• Seven-day Western and Eastern Caribbean voyages will sail alternate weeks year-round from Miami


• First sailings will begin summer 2010

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

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

Be among the first to experience the next generation of Freestyle Cruising® aboard this impressive ship. It is, quite simply, the most exciting experience available at sea.

Eastern Caribbean Map

7-DAY EASTERN CARIBBEAN FROM MIAMI

Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes stops in
Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin
Islands and Nassau, Bahamas.

Western Caribbean Map

7-DAY WESTERN CARIBBEAN FROM MIAMI

Western Caribbean itinerary includes stops
in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands,
Honduras and Cozumel, Mexico.

Learn More about Norwegian EPIC
(click here)