How to Spend Your Tax Refund

  

Uncle Sam Wants YOU

To Cruise

Sail from one of 23 U.S. Ports

That dreaded day is here - April 15th.  Hopefully, since you are reading this column,  your taxes are already either in the mail or filed electronically.   If not, time is running out (I don't mean to nag)...   The sooner you hit the send button, the sooner you can start doing something fun (like planning a family get-away). 

What better way to help the economy than to reward yourself and your family with a cruise vacation?

Did you know that you can begin a cruise vacation from 23 different U.S. Cities?  If you happen to live in one of those cities, you don't have far to go to get onboard a cruise ship.   For others, a road trip or flight can bring you to the embarkation port of call.  A cruise vacation is an excellent value since your lodging, meals, and onboard entertainment are included in the price.  Did I mention you only unpack your bags once?

Assuming that you are getting a refund, and that you've filed electronically, you could receive your refund before the month is over. Why not put that refund to work for you by putting a deposit on a cruise leaving later this year or even next year.    Schedules through next summer have been posted for most cruise lines.  Booking early is the key to saving money on a cruise vacation.   Due to supply and demand, last minute deals are few and far between.

If you want to leave for your trip in May or June, I'd suggest that you make your reservations before you receive your refund check, as cabins are quickly being sold out.   That might come as a shock to many of you, but people are booking early to take advantage of special pricing, so the odds of even finding a cabin at the last minute are low (especially if you need a cabin with more than double occupancy).  Royal Caribbean announced that their new ship, Oasis of the Seas, exceeded the 6,000 passenger mark on a recent voyage.

What explanation is there for the high booking rates?   I believe there are several factors including pent up demand (previously postponed vacations) and the excellent value that a cruise vacation offers.

If you are ready to start planning, the Cruise Finder tool (left navigation pane) can help.

New Star Princess 2011 Itineraries

Rio de Janeiro - Courtesy Princess Cruises

 Exotics 2010-2011

Princess Cruises announced some additional sailings for Star Princess.   The added sailings are in the Exotics and Caribbean markets.

New exciting itineraries to radiant South America

• 29-day Cape Horn & Brazilian Grand Adventure (February 23) sailing from Santiago, around the southernmost tip of South America to Ft. Lauderdale
• 15-day Brazilian Adventure (March 9) staying overnight in Rio de Janeiro before sailing to Ft. Lauderdale

Closer look at 29-day Brazilian Grand Adventure

Sail onboard Star Princess® for a 29-day adventure around the southernmost tip of stunning South America before traversing the sun-swept Caribbean en route to Ft. Lauderdale. From Buenos Aires, you’ll sail around historic Cape Horn before setting sail for points north, including Salvador and Recife in Brazil and the sunny splendors of Barbados and Antigua.

Time permitting, I'd suggest arriving in Buenos Aires early so you can explore the capital and largest city in Argentina.   We looked at this city in a past post: Where is Chris - Featured Destination Sept 09

Once the cruise adventure begins, you'll have the opportunity to sail where explorers have gone before - around the tip of Cape Horn and the Strait of Magellan.  Your voyage includes an overnight stay in Rio, ideal for experiencing the nightlife of one of the world’s most exciting cities. 

Departing Rio, your voyage begins the journey north towards Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.   This will be a cruise adventure you'll remember for many years to come. 

Additional voyages in the Caribbean

• 10-day Southern Caribbean Medley (March 24, April 13)
• 10-day Eastern Caribbean Voyager (April 3 & 23)

 Learn more about these and other Princess Cruises.

Above Average 2010 Hurricane Forecast

2010 Atlantic Hurricane Forecast

Forecasters at the Colorado State University are predicting an active hurricane season for 2010.   The season begins June 1st and continues through November 30th.  Their current forecast calls for above-average activity and it increases their estimates since the initial assessment done in December, 2009.

It is impossible to precisely predict this season’s hurricane activity in early April. NOAA won't even make their first prediction until sometime in May.  So, why is Colorado State University's team of scientists creating this forecast?   Mainly because the public is curious about predictions based on the current global oceanic and atmospheric conditions.   The forecasting team created their predictions using a statistical model based on 58 years worth of data. 

Not the storm you are looking for?  Click Image or Here

The scientists believe that the warming of Atlantic tropical sea surface temperatures and the anticipated weakening of  El Niño results in an above-average probability of United States and Caribbean major hurricane landfall. The forecast does not predict where within the Atlantic basin these storms will strike nor the probability of landfall for any one location.

The April forecast calls for 15 named tropical storms with 8 strengthening to hurricane status.   Of those hurricanes, 4 are predicted to be a major hurricane (Category 3,4, or 5).   The team forecasts a 69% chance of one major hurricane making landfall on the U.S. coastline (compared to 52% for last century) and a 58% chance for the Caribbean (compared to 42% average for last century).  More reading:  Current and Past Forecasts

Another reason why Colorado State University publishes forecasts is for hurricane preparedness.   We too are publishing this information, along with updates throughout hurricane season, to help protect life and property when danger approaches.   Additional information and links can be found on the Weather Tab of this blog.

As I've said many times,  the cruise line industry has safety of passengers, crew, and vessels as their number one priority.   The cruise lines work closely with the NHC and other agencies to monitor all sorts of weather conditions, including tropical storms.   The ships may alter courses and cancel ports of call in order to maintain the level of safety for all onboard.  We will keep you posted about any known itinerary changes during hurricane season.   Should your cruise itinerary change due to a tropical storm, don't be upset, but rather thank the Captain and crew for taking you out of harm's way.

Hurricane Preparedness Week - May 23rd through May 29th, 2010

 

SpongeBob Spotted On Norwegian Jewel

Exclusive Family Entertainment

Norwegian Jewel & Epic

I've just received an inside tip that SpongeBob, of Nickelodeon fame, was spotted this month on Norwegian Jewel.  The photo above, from an insider at Norwegian Cruise Line, confirms this.  SpongeBob is seen relaxing in the sun on Norwegian Jewel.   Doesn't he look nice and relaxed?   

No SpongeBob isn't on Spring Break.   In fact, starting in April on Norwegian Jewel and this Summer on Norwegian Epic, Nickelodeon and Norwegian Cruise Line have teamed up to create one-of-a-kind family cruise vacations... introducing Nickelodeon at Sea, exclusively on Norwegian Cruise line.

This program was announced in January, 2010... Nickelodeon At Sea

Slimmed - Courtesy NCL

Experience a whole new level of imaginative activities and entertainment specifically designed for everyone in the family from kids to teens to adults.

• Catch a show starring everyone's favorite Nickelodeon characters, including SpongeBob SquarePants, Dora the Explorer and more.
• Splash and play with new poolside activities and games.
• Meet your favorite Nickelodeon stars with character breakfasts and other fun meet and greets throughout the ship.
• Enjoy exciting trips ashore designed specifically for families.

Itineraries:   Norwegian Jewel  (New York R/T)    Norwegian Epic  (Miami - East/West Caribbean)

 A cruise vacation is fun for the whole family.   With the addition of Nickelodeon at Sea, NCL adds another dimension to Freestyle Cruising®.  Several cruise lines have added characters on board their ships over the years.   This has always been a hit with the young crowd, so we are certain this will also be a success.

Click on one of the ships above to plan a family vacation on one of these ships, book your vacation, and send me your pictures of SpongeBob with your family.  We'll post your pictures in a future column.

Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B)

If you aren't familiar with NCL's Freestyle Cruising®,  search my blog for other articles.  Hint:  Right now there's a sale in progress:  NCL Spring Sales Event (through April 19th)

Introducing Celebrity iLounge

Celebrity iLounge

Celebrity iLounge is a fresh twist to the online cafe, set in a modern lounge environment where Certified Staff will introduce guests to the latest MacBook Pros®, iPods®, applications and accessories.  With all the hype this week around the iPad®, Celebrity Cruises couldn't have planned a better time to launch this innovative program.  This program has been well received by passengers and the travel community prompting Celebrity Cruises to expand the program from one to three ships just two months after initial launch.

 What is Celebrity iLounge?
• Celebrity iLounge is a modern lounge where Apple® Certified Staff introduce guests to the latest in audio, video and web design applications using Apple® products such as MacBook Pro and iPod
• A retail space to offer guests product solutions with the latest MacBook Pro’s, iPods and accessories
• Modern internet workstations where guests can check their e-mail, print a boarding pass, or other online activities

Who will enjoy Celebrity iLounge?

• A Mac or iPod expert or simply an enthusiast hoping to learn more about Apple products and applications

What can Celebrity guests learn or do there?
• Ultimate upgrade from PC to Mac
• Intro to iPhoto, iMovie, iWeb, iDVD
• Learn about your iPhone
• iPod Tips & Tricks
• iPhoto I, II and III* – organizing, retouching and sharing your photos and keepsakes
• iWeb design*
• iTunes*
• iMovie*

As do-it-yourself photo books, movie editing, and web design, become ever more popular, Celebrity made the enrichment experience its main focus which is a valuable addition to the Celebrity Life ”Discover” series.

Replaces Online@Celebrity on Celebrity Eclipse®, Celebrity Solstice®, and Celebrity Summit®

* Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, MacBook, MacBook Pro, iPhoto, iWeb, iDVD, iPad, and iPod, are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners. These Celebrity iLearn courses incur a nominal fee.  Celebrity Cruises is the Only authorized Apple reseller at sea

Oceania Sails to Europe

Oceania Insignia - Monte Carlo

Oceania Cruises

2011 European Program

2011 marks Oceania Marina's inaugural European season during which time she joins Insignia and Nautica sailing to every corner of the continent.  The 2011 European Collection contains 32 wonderfully imaginative itineraries of which 21 are new.   Oceania has also added eight new ports within Europe, further expanding their already impressive reach. The new focus for 2011 is a region Oceania calls Continental Europe along the Western European coast. 

Enjoy 2 for 1 Cruise Fares with Free Airfare.* 

Reflections in Rome

Your 10 - 18 day European cruise adventure starts and ends in ports of call including Barcelona, Rome, Venice, Athens, Istanbul, Copenhagen, Stockholm, London, Miami, and Rio de Janeiro.   When traveling from the United States to Europe, I recommend spending one or more days before your cruise exploring the departure port  while getting adjusted to the time difference.   This also removes the stress of arriving on the cruise departure day.  Some of the itineraries allow you to extend your stay in a different port of call at the conclusion of your cruise.

*Free Airfare promotion applies to economy, round-trip flights only from select Oceania Cruises U.S. & Canadian gateways and does not include ground transfers.  2 for 1 cruise fares are based on full brochure prices, based on double occupancy, and subject to additional terms and conditions.  This Oceania offer expires August 31, 2010.   Booking early gives you best choice of cabins and itineraries.    More information about Oceania Cruises

Happy Easter 2010

Happy Easter

Today marks the most solemn day in the Christian calendar.  Unlike Christmas, Easter is a movable feast occurring the first Sunday after the full moon following the vernal equinox.   It can therefore occur between March 22 and April 25.  Christians gathered in churches today, across the world, and rejoiced because He is Risen from the Dead.  This Good News has been handed down from generation to generation and is based on the scriptures recorded more than 2000 years ago.

We have had the good fortune of traveling to many parts of Europe.   While on these cruise vacations, we often visit the magnificent cathedrals and churches built hundreds of years ago.   The stained glass window above can be seen in the Cathedral in Antwerp, Belgium.

The sculptures, wood carvings, and stained glass windows bring the scriptures to life.  What is most amazing is the level of detail exhibited in these works of art which can be found not only in the cathedrals, but often on other buildings such as the one pictured here.

During our travels, we have learned about how the cathedrals and their contents have withstood the test of time.  In some cases, bombs fell all around, but left only minor damage to the cathedral.   In other cases, damage was more extensive but the communities rose from the ashes and restored them to their previous condition.  Visiting these churches has enhanced our cruising experiences and we hope that you'll also have the opportunity to visit some historic churches on one of your future cruise vacations.

The top photo was taken onboard AMA Waterways Amalegro last Easter Sunday.  Modern age has added the Easter Bunny and Easter Eggs to this holiday celebration.  Whether you celebrated this as a religious holiday or secular one, we hope that this Easter Sunday was a joyous day for you.