Apply Your Tax Refund To a Cruise

Have you had visions of Caribbean beaches and cruise ships in your dreams?  I'm sure that I'm not the only one that does...  

Are you are getting a tax refund?  Help the economy grow - spend some of your tax refund on yourself - on a cruise vacation.  If you've not been on a cruise before, now is the best time.

If you are like most Americans, when the economy took a turn for the worse a couple years ago, your vacation plans went out the window.   Consequently cruise prices have remained at pretty constant low prices, but are about to start increasing.   There are still several cruise line offers available for those that want to take advantage of the lower pricing.

How about Europe Instead?

Of course, you don't need to go to the Caribbean, and in fact, the best deals this summer are actually going to be on European cruise vacations.   Why is that you ask?    The cruise lines have record deployments in Europe this summer but the demand hasn't kept pace with the increased capacity.

That's not to imply that people aren't booking European cruises - they are.  However, there are larger ships and more of them, in Europe this summer than any other time before. Obviously, the cruise ships need to sail full for the companies to make a profit, so the consumer wins.

Comparing Cruise to Land-Based

I just did a quick search on my website for a short European cruise vacation the end of May.  I found a 5-Night Baltic, Copenhagen R/T on Royal Caribbean's Vision of the Seas with prices starting from $340pp for an inside cabin.   For those that aren't quick at math, that's $68pp per day (excluding taxes and fees).  

For comparison purposes, I did a hotel search for Copenhagen during the same 5-Night period and prices ranged from $319 Per Night.   The hotel didn't include meals or entertainment and was rated as a 4 star accommodation.    Contrasting the hotel stay and the cruise...  On the cruise it's like getting 3 nights free, all your meals, and entertainment onboard the ship.

Besides Copenhagen, you'll visit Bergen, Norway and Geiranger, Norway.  I've visited all of those locations and can assure you, you'd have a wonderful trip.  The Batlic was one of our favorite trips.


I've not discussed airfare, which is a large expense for a European vacation, especially in prime season.   Since the cost of air would be the same for the cruise and land-based vacation stay, I've excluded that from the equation.    Many of the current cruise deals for the Europe 2011 Summer Season feature reduced air, making the select cruises even more attractive.


There are many deals to Europe this Summer.   We'll feature some of the sales on our website and Facebook page.   If you are seriously considering a Europe get-away this Summer, my suggestion would be to book now while the supply is larger than the demand so that you can maximize your investment.  

The prices I've seen during my search in preparation for this article are on par with what you'd pay for a Caribbean vacation on the same or similar ships.   For the most part, the ships are the larger, newer vessels in the respective fleets.   Ships like Carnival Magic, Celebrity Equinox and Solstice, Norwegian Epic, and Royal Caribbean Liberty of the Seas are just a few of the choices you'll have.


Put Your Tax Dollars to Work for You on a Cruise Vacation to Remember for Years to Come.   Cruise Europe in 2011 !!

Strong Quakes Continue to Rattle Japan

Click HERE for NOAA Latest Event Map

Strong aftershocks continue to strike in Northeast Japan.  The latest quake measured in at 7.0M originally but was downsized to 6.6M by the USGS.   This quake was only 100 miles from Tokyo, Japan.

Latest Earthquakes in the World - Past 7 days (click link for USGS data)

Magnitude	6.6
Date-Time	Monday, April 11, 2011 at 08:16:13 UTC Monday, April 11, 2011 at 05:16:13 PM at epicenter Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location	37.007°N, 140.477°E
Depth	10 km (6.2 miles)
Region	EASTERN HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances	36 km (22 miles) W of Iwaki, Honshu, Japan 44 km (27 miles) SSE of Koriyama, Honshu, Japan 71 km (44 miles) N of Mito, Honshu, Japan 161 km (100 miles) NNE of TOKYO, Japan Event ID   usc0002n9v  Source      USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)

Cruise lines have already altered itineraries for most of this year due to the previous earthquake, tsunami, and the resulting nuclear crisis.  Consult your cruise line's website for latest updates.
We will provide updates if specific details are released as a result of the ongoing disasters.

General Tsunami Information

• NOAA West Coast & Alaska Tsunami Warning Center
• NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center
• Tsunami Information Links

Additional Information

• GNS Science

Related Blog Posts: 

Cruise Lines Return to Japan  (six months later, some cruise lines have returned)

Strong Quakes Continue to Rattle Japan

Another Strong Quake Hits Japan

After the Tohoku Earthquake

Severe Tsunami Impacting Japan & Hawaii 

Azamara Quest Skips Osaka Call

QM2 Skips Nagasaki Sails to China

 

Asia New 2012 Destination for Celebrity Cruises

Beijing, China   Credit: China National Tourist Office

Celebrity Millennium

From the Great Wall to the river markets of Vietnam, Asian culture has long intrigued vacationers who seek exotic lands and exquisite cultural experiences. Premium cruise brand Celebrity Cruises will give vacationers a way to enjoy Asia in style when it introduces its first-ever season in the region, during the winter of 2012-13, on Celebrity Millennium, which Celebrity plans to "Solsticize" in April 2012. 

---

Ship Profile | Itineraries & Pricing | Deck Plans   Dining Menus | Wine Lists | Ship Reviews | 360 Tours | Photos 

---

 Celebrity's inaugural Asia season

•  9 new countries including Vietnam, Thailand and China, among others
• 14-night open-jaw cruises between Singapore and Hong Kong 
• Overnight stays:  Singapore; Bangkok; Ho Chi Minh City; Halong Bay; Hong Kong
• Opportunities for travelers to immerse themselves in Asian culture
• Two 14-night sailings roundtrip from Singapore (overnight Bali, Indonesia) in January 2013

 Trans-Pacific Voyages

• The westbound cruise will coincide with the total solar eclipse in November 2012
• (view the eclipse while at sea, when sailing from Fiji to New Zealand)

• Reposition from Hong Kong to Shanghai in April 2013 on a cruise featuring 
• (overnight calls in Hong Kong and Beijing (Tianjin), China.)
• Continue eastbound across the North Pacific to Alaska  
• (call at various ports in China, Japan, and Russia) 

Guests who wish to deepen their experience in Asia can take advantage of one of Celebrity's cruisetours, which combine a cruise with a five-night pre- or post-cruise escorted land package out of Hong Kong.  The cruisetours will feature trips to Xian and Beijing to view the famed Terra Cotta Warriors and the Great Wall of China.  All of these packages are escorted by a local tour director and include hotel accommodations, transportation, select activities, breakfasts and some additional meals. 

While sailing, a variety of shore excursions are available to travelers who wish to immerse themselves in the region. A number of overnight stays in port during the Asia cruises will offer guests the opportunity to enjoy two- or three-day excursions. 

Examples of these include a two-night/three-day overland experience from Bangkok to Siem Reap to visit Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The tour focuses on the temples of Angkor to see the best examples of stone carvings recovered from temples across Cambodia. During cruises that include an overnight stay in port at Halong Bay (Hanoi), Vietnam, an overnight shore excursion includes a visit to the Old Quarter of Hanoi; an opportunity to witness unique Vietnamese performing arts at the Hanoi Water Puppet Theatre; enjoy dinner at a traditional Vietnamese restaurant; and an overnight stay in a leading hotel in Hanoi. 

Guests also will experience the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, the Ho Chi Minh Quarter, One Pillar Pagoda, the Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Museum, as well as a gentle ride on a traditional street cyclo, and lunch at Vietnamese restaurant. 


Members of Celebrity’s Captain’s Club loyalty program are eligible to receive up to $600 savings per stateroom when booking 2012-13 Asia itineraries before July 29, 2011.

Strong 6.5M Quake Hits Mexico

Map of Mexico  Courtesy: USGS

Magnitude 6.5 - VERACRUZ, MEXICO

2011 April 07 13:11:24 UTC 

Mexico City and nearby towns were shaken today by a magnitude-6.5 earthquake. The epicenter was located near Las Choapas, a town of about 83,000 residents about 370 miles (600 kilometers) southeast of Mexico City. 

According to initial reports, buildings swayed and people ran from their homes, schools, and businesses, but there were no immediate reports of serious injury or major damage.   Since this story is just developing, we expect to have more details later today.

Magnitude	6.5
Date-Time	Thursday, April 07, 2011 at 13:11:24 UTC Thursday, April 07, 2011 at 08:11:24 AM at epicenter Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location	17.431°N, 93.978°W
Depth	167.4 km (104.0 miles)
Region	VERACRUZ, MEXICO
Distances	91 km (56 miles) SSE of Coatzacoalcos, Veracruz, Mexico 118 km (73 miles) NW of Tuxtla Gutierrez, Chiapas, Mexico 127 km (78 miles) WSW of Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico 590 km (366 miles) ESE of MEXICO CITY, D.F., Mexico

Source: USGS NEIC (WDCS-D)   Event ID usc0002kru

Click the event id for additional details.

Another Strong Quake Hits Japan

Click HERE for NOAA Latest Event Map

Magnitude 7.1 - NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN

2011 April 07 14:32:41 UTC

The 7.1 magnitude quake hit about 11:30 p.m. Thursday Japan time.  About a month ago, March 11th, the powerful 9.0 quake hit off the northeastern coast of Japan triggering a tsunami and causing massive loss of life and destruction to property.    Since that time, there have been more than 1,000 aftershocks.   The one on Thursday was the strongest since the 7.9 that occurred the same day as the first earthquake.This quake was first reported as a magnitude 7.4 but later downgraded by the USGS in Colorado.

Buildings shook for about a minute as far away as Tokyo, but there were no immediate reports of injuries.   Workers at the nuclear power plant were evacuated to a safe location within the complex.

Magnitude	7.1
Date-Time	Thursday, April 07, 2011 at 14:32:41 UTC Thursday, April 07, 2011 at 11:32:41 PM at epicenter Time of Earthquake in other Time Zones
Location	38.253°N, 141.640°E
Depth	49 km (30.4 miles)
Region	NEAR THE EAST COAST OF HONSHU, JAPAN
Distances	66 km (41 miles) E of Sendai, Honshu, Japan 114 km (70 miles) E of Yamagata, Honshu, Japan 116 km (72 miles) ENE of Fukushima, Honshu, Japan 330 km (205 miles) NNE of TOKYO, Japan Source:  USGS NEIC (WDCS-D) Event ID  usc0002ksa       (click event id  for more details)

The resulting tsunami warning was canceled 90 minutes after the earthquake, however the danger isn't necessarily over as there still could be destructive waves in the immediate vicinity.

Cruise lines have already altered itineraries for most of this year due to the previous earthquake, tsunami, and the resulting nuclear crisis.  Consult your cruise line's website for latest updates.
We will provide updates if specific details are released as a result of the ongoing disasters.

General Tsunami Information

• NOAA West Coast & Alaska Tsunami Warning Center
• NOAA Pacific Tsunami Warning Center
• Tsunami Information Links

Additional Information

• GNS Science

Related Blog Posts: 

Cruise Lines Return to Japan  (six months later, some cruise lines have returned)

Strong Quakes Continue to Rattle Japan

Another Strong Quake Hits Japan

After the Tohoku Earthquake

Severe Tsunami Impacting Japan & Hawaii 

Azamara Quest Skips Osaka Call

QM2 Skips Nagasaki Sails to China

 

Disney Cruise 2012 Deployment Includes NYC

Captain Mickey Meets the Statue of Liberty                                                           Credit: ©Disney Cruise Line

Disney Cruise Line

Sails Into Big Apple

& Other Destinations for 2012

New Itineraries and Ports for 2012

Great things are happening from coast to coast in 2012! Disney Cruise Line now offers cruises departing from exciting ports like New York, Seattle, Galveston and Los Angeles to a variety of fantastic new destinations. Disney is cruising to more of your favorite vacation destinations than ever before.

Sailing from New York City, Galveston, Seattle, Los Angeles

Fleet expansion is enabling Disney to sail out of ports other than Port Canaveral, Florida.  The Disney Dream entered service in January, and a fourth ship, the Disney Fantasy, is scheduled to launch next April.

Beginning May 25, 2012, the Disney Magic will sail a total of 20 cruises from New York, including eight-night cruises to the Bahamas and five-night cruises up the New England coast to Canada.  The Magic will sail 12 seven-night cruises from Galveston to the Western Caribbean, starting Sept. 22, 2012.

Disney is operating Alaska cruises for the first time starting next month. The Wonder will sail out of Vancouver this year and in 2012, it will sail 7-Night Alaska Cruises from Seattle, Washington.

Disney Wonder will sail 7-Night Mexican Riviera cruises from Los Angeles for the majority of 2012 and four 7-Night Pacific Coast cruises from Los Angeles.  For the first time, the Wonder will operate one 15-night voyage to Hawaii from Los Angeles, visiting the Big Island, Oahu, Maui and Kauai.

READ MORE: Disney Cruise Line Unveils New Itineraries and Ports for 2012 – Disney Ships Bound for New York, Galveston and Seattle (April 6, 2011)

Disney Magic	8-Night Bahamian Cruises  from New York City Port Canaveral, FL (the gateway to Walt Disney World Resort) Nassau Disney's own Castaway Cay And 4 fun-filled days at sea
Disney Magic	5-Night Canada/New England Coast Cruises from New York City Halifax, Nova Scotia Saint John, New Brunswick And 2 glorious days at sea
Disney Magic or Fantasy	7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from Galveston Grand Cayman Costa Maya, Mexico Cozumel, Mexico 3 relaxing days at sea
Disney Wonder	7-Night Alaska Cruise from Seattle Tracy Arm Skagway Juneau Ketchikan Victoria, British Columbia Relaxing day at sea
Disney Wonder	15-night Hawaii Cruise from Los Angeles Hilo, Hawai`i Kahului, Maui Honolulu, O`ahu Nawiliwili, Kauai Ensenada, Mexico 9 luxurious days at sea

Photos are courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Seek Help From Travel Professional For Cruise

One of the most frequently asked questions that I get is  

Why should I book my cruise vacation with you?   

Also, along the same lines, there is a belief that 

it will cost more to book your cruise through a travel professional, like myself.

I could address the question and correct the myth about costing more to use a travel professional  myself, but I came across this video in one of my travel industry emails, and thought I'd share it with you so that you can hear the answer from someone other than myself.

In this video ....

Mark Murphy speaks with WGN Chicago’s Steve Sanders about the benefits of using a travel agent

Mark Murphy talks to Steve Sanders of WGN Chicago about using a travel professional versus online booking. Mark discusses how in most circumstances using a travel agent costs no money and some of the benefits of seeking help from a travel professional.

I've also posted another video from the same email about River Cruising on my Facebook Fan Page.  Become a fan to stay updated about industry news and special offers.

Hopefully this video has helped to clear up some of the myths about using a travel professional to plan your cruise vacation.    As they say in the video, a cruise vacation, like any other major purchase, should involve seeking the help from a professional so that you can make an informed decision about your purchase.  You can Meet your Cruise Specialist on my website and Facebook page.   Click the contact tab.