Cruise Bargain Bonanza!

Sat, 10 Jan 2009 16:44:53 GMT

With the cruise lines struggling to fill their ships for the first half of 2009, there are many incentives to be had on nearly every major cruise line. Many are offering free ShipBoard credits (Norwegian Cruise Line up to $500 per cabin!) and perks such as bottles of wine if you book by February 2, 2009. Some are offering Reduced Deposits, usually of 50%, meaning you can lock in a 7 day cruise at rock-bottom pricing for Summer or Fall 2009, while only having to put down a $125 deposit. Usually the remaining balance is not due until 75 days prior to sailing. Furthermore, the deposit is refundable should you find as time gets closer to the balance due date that you cannot travel.

If you've been holding off on booking a cruise for your family, now may be the time to consider taking the plunge. Cruise prices won't remain this low for long!

New Cruise Ships even Bigger, and so are the Bargains!

Mon, 5 Jan 2009 19:50:27 GMT

The economy may be sailing slowly these days, but that hasn't stopped cruise lines, which are introducing a half-dozen new ships.

Do these new superliners really offer anything "new"?

They all have the amenities that have become cruise basics: multiple pools, children's area, spa, gym, luxury beds.

But the newest ships go a step beyond, both in physical amenities and onboard programs.

"The new ships have their own feel. They're more defined, finding their niches," says Mike Driscoll, editor of Cruise Week newsletter.

One significant change: prices. Cruises have long offered a strong value when compared with similar resorts on land, especially in high-priced destinations like the Caribbean and Europe.

But since the economy soured, cruise prices have plummeted, and now they're a downright bargain.

Even on many new ships, you can find fares for less than $100 per person per day for cabin, meals in the main dining room and most activities, although you will pay extra for specialty restaurants, bar drinks, spa treatments and shore excursions.

Among the trends:

Bigger than ever: The new ships are getting even bigger than the behemoths already sailing. Carnival Cruise Line's newest, the 3,006-passenger Carnival Splendor, is the line's biggest.

Royal Caribbean's new 3,634-passenger Independence of the Seas is tied with two Royal Caribbean predecessors as the biggest cruise ships in the world.

That is, until Royal Caribbean's 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas comes along next year.

Food everywhere: For several years, cruise lines have been adding onboard coffee shops, pizzerias and upscale specialty restaurants — often at an additional fee (the main dining rooms are included in the basic cruise fare).

Now there are even more eating options.

Holland America's new Eurodam offers three new dining venues: a pan-Asian restaurant, an Italian eatery and an all-day pizzeria. Celebrity Solstice has added four extra-fee gourmet restaurants, stylish spaces dedicated to steaks and chops, Asian cuisine, French/Mediterranean dishes and health-conscious menus.

Smokeless: Smokers are finding their habit more restricted. Although none of the new ships completely outlaws smoking (as Carnival's Paradise did years ago, a policy since abandoned) many limit smoking to one side of the ship's decks, the casino and some bars or lounges.

New features: Ships keep coming up with imaginative new features. Celebrity Solstice has a half-acre with real grass for guests who want to play croquet and bocce, as well as the first glassblowing show at sea.

Off the ship: When your cruise is over, you may find it easier to disembark.

Royal Caribbean and Princess have new disembarkation procedures that let passengers stay in their cabin until their deck is called to meet at a designated place and time.

Carnival and NCL have similar procedures.

Family Cruises Blog

Cruise Bargain Bonanza!

New Cruise Ships even Bigger, and so are the Bargains!