posted by admin on Jul 8
A Cruise Ship Review Of The New 2006 Cruise Line Offerings For Your Cruise Vacation
If you are a veteran cruiser or just curious about cruising, the year 2006 will be introducing many new cruise ships for you to consider when planning a cruise vacation. Call your travel agent and ask about the cruise lines and their new cruise ships and then book a cruise vacation. Here is a cruise review of the new cruise line additions.
Holland America is introducing the Noordam. This new cruise ship was launched on February 22 and has been getting very good cruise reviews. It will be the last cruise ship of Holland America s Vista-class series.
However, it is the first to be designed for the cruise line s Signature of Excellence program.
The Noordam can accommodate 1,848 passengers. For this new cruise ship, there have been some design changes to enhance the cruise vacation. The new designs were focused mainly on the public areas and staterooms, the meeting point of many cruise travelers.
They have made additions to the very popular Explorations Cafe. As veteran cruise travelers are well aware, it is a coffee bar/Internet cafe, game room, and library.
NCL America s Pride of Hawaii is the newest cruise ship for 2006 by NCL America. It is the sister vessel of the Norwegian Jewel and offers an excellent cruise vacation.
For the cruise line, Pride of Hawaii marks the first new build from the hull up.
It launched was in June. This cruise ship will accommodate 2,224 passengers. It will be another cruise ship in NCL America s Freestyle Cruising concept being offered for your cruise vacation.
The Pride of Hawaii s interior decor will be, of course, Hawaiian.
This cruise ship will be departing weekly on Mondays for your cruise vacation and travel the islands, calling Honolulu home.
In December the Norwegian Pearl is set to sail in the Caribbean in the winter months and Alaska in the summer months for your cruise vacations. One of their innovations is the Bar Central concept. It features a martini bar, a champagne bar, wine bar, and a beer and whiskey pub all connected.
The Royal Caribbean s Freedom of the Seas was launched in May in time for summer cruise vacations. Cruise reviews call it the most innovative cruise ship for RCCL so far.
This 158,000-ton cruise ship has a capacity of 3,600 passengers. It will actually be 10,000 tons larger than Cunard s Queen Mary 2. It will be the largest cruise ship to be built so far.
The Freedom of the Seas has an added feature that other cruise ships do not. It actually has a place to surf on the top cruise deck. This is a new and unique amenity for RCCL s Freedom of the Seas cruise ship. Other cruise lines have virtual golf or movies under the stars but no one has a surf park. The cruise line has built the largest rock climbing wall ever.
Following its launching, the Freedom of the Seas will sail seven-day cruise vacations to the Caribbean from Miami.
The Crown Princess, Princess Cruises christened in June. The Crown Princess is expected to accommodate 3,110 cruise travel passengers with 1200 crew.
Princess Cruises lines redesigned the Skywalker s Disco, which gained popularity from cruise passengers on their cruise vacations. They also have the Lotus Spa which has been expanded on the Crown Princess.
New pastries and snacks will adorn the International Cafe. Crown Princess will have the first ever wine and seafood bar of the entire cruise line.
Expansions were made to other popular features like the Wheelhouse Bar, Sabatini s Trattoria, and the Sterling Steakhouse.
Crown Princess cruise vacations will sail roundtrip from the Red Hook terminal in New York. This cruise vacation will make stops in the Eastern Caribbean, Bermuda and Turks and Caicos.
MSC will launched their new cruise ship MSC Musica on July 01. Musica is an Italian ship that will bring MSC into the ranks of big cruise ships. It is expected to accommodate 2,550 passengers.
One of its outstanding features will be that a full 80% of its 1,275 staterooms will be outside rooms. In addition, 65% of these staterooms will have verandas.
It will also feature a large spa area. The Musica s cruise passengers will also have several dining options. They will enjoy a three deck high waterfall and many different entertainment venues.
Musica will sail the eastern Mediterranean from Venice.
The Costa Cruises new ship the Costa Concordia is owned by Carnival Corporation based in Miami, while Costa cruise lines is based in Italy.
This will be the largest cruise ship to join the Costa Cruises fleet. It will be launched late this year on July 14. It is expected to accommodate 3,000 passengers.
The Costa Concordia will have an European theme for its interior decor. All the room s names will be European inspired. They will have the Grand Bar Berlin, Cafeteria Helsinki, and the Milan and Rome dining rooms.
A unique amenity to the Costa Concordia is a Formula 1 driving simulator for cruise passengers to enjoy on their cruise vacation.
This new cruise ship will sail year round in the Western Mediterranean. For those taking their cruise vacation on this ship, they will make ports of call in Spain, France, Italy, Gibraltar, and Malta.
So much to choose from! Check out other cruise reviews of these new cruise ships to find out on which cruise ship you will spend your 2006 cruise vacation.
Happy Cruising!
Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.
This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.
Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com
http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com
and http://www.CruisingTips.com
Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com
Cruise Tips To Maximize Your Cruise Vacation
You are getting ready for your much anticipated cruise vacation. The best way to maximize your cruise travel is to have some of these cruise tips about the little things you should know. Many cruisers have questions about phoning home, seasickness, laundry facilities, and photography while on their cruise vacation. These are not big items that should concern you during your cruise travel but helpful hints nonetheless.
Phoning home always gives one peace of mind when they are on vacation. It is natural to want to check on your children, or check into the office, just remember that ship to shore phone costs can be very hefty. They can cost up to $15 minute, so I if you must, keep it brief. You can use your cell phone but be aware that in some areas roaming charges will apply. Your cell phone will not work in Europe unless you have universal service.
It is very important that you leave the information on how to contact you at home in case of an emergency. When you receive your cruise packet there will be contact information included. Make sure you leave the name of the ship, the cruise line you are traveling with, and the itinerary that you plan to follow. Make it very clear that it is for emergencies only.
There is a way to get around this expense and that is to buy a phone card and call home from your ports of call. The connection will be far greater and your savings too. Be aware that this is where the crew members make their calls home so you may want to venture further from the dock to find a not so busy public phone.
All of the modern ships are wired for the internet so you can stay in touch with email. This is a much easier and cheaper way to but your mind at ease. On some ships if you are a frequent cruiser the internet time is free. If you are not, connections can run from fifty cents to a dollar a minute. Just keep in mind that they are not high speed hook ups so they will be slow. Compose offline and then send your message. Some ships will offer you package deals to save a little money. Here again, if you can wait until you get to port, internet cafes ashore are relatively inexpensive.
Seasickness is almost a moot point on today’s cruise ships. They are so large that you don’t even know you are moving unless you look out the window or you are up on deck. With today’s technology for weather tracking the cruise lines know in advance if any storms are approaching and therefore can avoid the area. Earlier cruise ships had stabilizers but nothing compared fo today’s technology which enables them to counter act any motion the sea has to offer.
If that doesn’t calm your fears about seasickness and cruise travel there are a number of ways to ensure a very comfortable cruise. Take a cruise vacation in an area of the world that has calm waters on a modern ship with the aforementioned stabilizers. It is best to book a cabin in the middle of the ship on one of the lower levels. If just looking at a horizon that is moving sends you into a tizzy, book an inside cabin. A little known cruise tip is to arrange your beds in alignment with the ship, bow to stern. Rocking is always easier to handle than a rolling motion. Once, you’ve got yourself situated on board go up on deck and stare at a fixed position on the horizon to get your body use to the motion.
Your doctor may have some medication you can take, or try the acupuncture bracelets that go around your wrists. If you do feel queasy eat crackers and green apples to settle your stomach. Ginger capsules have been said to work wonders and are available in your health food store. By all means avoid any alcoholic beverages which will only make your symptoms worse.
On board laundry services are very expensive. Book a ship that has an onboard laundry room for passengers so you can do your own. These laundry rooms will be equipped with an iron and an ironing board. An alternative is to pack a small bottle of laundry liquid and a few clothes pins in you luggage, hand wash them in your stateroom and hang them from the shower line provided.
Photography is always a big question. Should you bring a camera or rely on the ships photographer? The answer is to bring your own. If you don’t want to worry about your expensive digital camera, buy a lot of the throw away types. Pick up a few waterproof ones too for when you take you snorkel adventure. Take twice as many as you think you need. If you don’t use them on this cruise vacation you can always use them at the next holiday or birthday celebration.
You could also opt to pick up a cheap digital. You can buy them for about $20.00 and you won’t have to worry about losing it since your expensive one is at home. These are usually smaller than the pricey ones so they are easier to carry around.
On formal nights you will want to get your picture taken by the ships photographer. These pictures are wonderful memories of your cruise but they are expensive. The ships photographer will take pictures of you all through the cruise. Getting on and off the ship, on deck, in the dining room at your table and when you enter the dining room on some nights. Although these pictures are fun, you are not obligated to buy them. If you are on a cruise vacation for a special occasion like a honeymoon or an anniversary, splurge and buy them, they will be more than just memories.
These are just a few cruise tips for the little things you should know about cruise travel. Having this knowledge before your cruise vacation will help you on the way to clear sailing.
Happy Cruising!
Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.
This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.
Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com
Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com
A New Queen Rules the Seas - Queen Victoria Sets Sail December 2007
by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved
For the first time in its history, Cunard Cruise Line will have three stately ladies ruling the seas. The trio includes Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth 2 and - as of December 2007 - Queen Victoria. Though many aspects of Queen Victoria will ring true with Cunard cruise enthusiasts, she quickly shows she has her own personality and her own agenda.
What passengers will relish most is Queen Victoria’s dedication to the Cunard standard of luxurious White Star Service at every turn. This dedication by every crewmember ensures each guest is utterly pampered with his/her every request being met.
Grandeur and Elegance Reign Supreme
Following in her sisters’ footsteps, Queen Victoria has been elegantly adorned with an exceptional d cor reminiscent of the most elegant ships ever to sail. A common element found throughout the ship is the use of interesting and sometimes dramatic staircases.
The English Library spans two decks and houses over 6,000 books. The central point is a delightfully wonderful spiral staircase leading from 2 Deck to 3 Deck. Two full-time librarians are available to assist with finding the perfect novel to whisk you away to worlds unknown.
The three-tiered Grand Lobby offers finishes of mahogany and marble along with intricate metalwork and ornamental glass. However, what is truly grand about this lobby is the sweeping staircase laced with wrought iron and a marble stringer. Unmistakably sophisticated, this centerpiece is offset by a chandelier and other details one would expect on a ship of this caliber.
The Britannia Restaurant, the main dining room, set in the stern of the vessel, offers yet another classic architectural highlight with its expansive staircase framed by decorative pillars, archways, and bronze and glasswork accents. Described by Cunard as a “contemporary interpretation of a dramatic and elegant restaurant from the golden age of liners,” Britannia will offer exceptional cuisine intended to impress travelers from all across the globe.
New Innovations Enhance Tradition
Those familiar with Cunard will recognize the comfortably sized interior and ocean view staterooms. Expertly designed to offer the most space, all cabins offer bathrobe and slippers, hairdryer, safe, refrigerator, satellite TV, 24-hour room service and nightly turndown service complete with pillow chocolates.
For those seeking a more elaborate cruise vacation, Queen Victoria will not disappoint. Staterooms are available in Princess Grill and Queen’s Grill suites with up to 2,131 square feet. Amenities include private courtyards, dedicated wait staff, marble bath with whirlpool and impressive ocean views via your private balcony.
Delightful surprises aboard Queen Victoria include al fresco dining in the Courtyard Terrace, private box seats on the upper level of the Royal Court Theater and a grand conservatory complete with retractable glass roof and luxurious rattan furniture.
Queen Victoria also offers the latest technology via an Internet Caf and the ConneXions Conference Center, which will accommodate enrichment programs as well as business events.
Sailing the World
Queen Victoria will enter service December 2007 with two maiden voyages: one 10-day voyage on December 11 to Northern Europe and one 16-day cruise on December 21 to the Canary Islands and Morocco. Unlike her sister ships, Queen Victoria will offer primarily longer itineraries of 21 days or longer.
Sailing the world, Queen Victoria can transport guests to such exotic locales as Singapore, Sydney, the Caribbean and the Mexican Riviera. For those who truly want it all, Queen Victoria offers 106-day world cruises as well.
Steeped in a heritage of classic elegance, Queen Victoria is a legacy offering incomparable service combined with unique onboard experiences and exceptional ports of call. For avid cruisers, she will provide any opportunity for adventure and romance like no other.
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center. Visit them online today at <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com</a> for the best deals on vacations from including <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/cunard_cruise_lines.htm">Cunard Cruise Lines</a> including the luxurious <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/cunard_cruise_lines.htm">Queen Mary 2</a>.
Cruise vacations from dream to reality
People go cruising for different reasons. One thing is for sure that the experience of a cruise will always keep its unique images alive in your brain. Here are some tips and guidelines you should take into account when you discuss the details of a cruise with your cruise travel agent. They would help you to organize your thoughts and ask direct and targeted questions without unnecessarily wasting your time, for a proper understanding of the situation. - There are different types of packages (family packages or single travellers packages) offered by cruises line; choose the one that fits you best according to your individual requirements; - Who comes with you? (your children, you need a romantic getaway, you are a honeymooner or plan to get married ” some cruise lines offer wedding services, too); - How long do you plan to cruise? (from three to fourteen nights, to world cruises which are the longest, lasting up to three months); - Where and how to search? You have two alternatives: a cruise travel agent or agency or the websites of cruise lines; - Port of departure. You can choose it by the proximity to your home, if you want to save money and avoid expensive airfare; - Facilities offered during the cruise (for instance, if you like to gamble you may want to choose a cruise line that has casinos on board; maybe facilities for your children which are offered by all major cruise lines); - Land and shore excursions (they are offered by all cruise lines, and last from two to three days, before, after or even during the cruise vacation). This kind of excursion gives you the opportunity to explore new cultures, destinations, visit new places, practice water sports, do some shopping etc. - Destinations and suggestions: Europe ” a cruise in Europe is recommended to be taken for at least fourteen days of cruising, because of the long distance between the ports of embarkation; Weekend Cruises ” for at least three days; Alaska ” for summers only; Mid Winter Cruise ” The Caribbean (for a two weeks vacation one should choose a line that alternates between Eastern and Western Caribbean, thus you would have the chance to visit more islands), South America; A Perfect Cruise Experience A perfect cruise experience means no unwanted surprises. This depends on the seriousness and professionalism of the agent or agency you have chosen. Give honesty and require an honest opinion of your cruise travel agent, concerning the cruise you are about to choose. Ask your cruise agent for some tips and thorough details that might help you during the cruise and help you to avoid unexpected or completely new and unknown situations. It s easier to get these pieces of information from relatives, friends, and acquaintances that have been there before you and have already experienced that particular cruise offer or perhaps a related one. Another source of information is made available by cruise reviews which are offered by Internet websites and forums (very subjective, but suggestive), magazines, newspapers etc. Sometimes the decision for a vacation comes unexpectedly, so here are some guidelines that might help you to plan a proper cruise vacation. You might not have in mind all these details when you are about to take the decision so these guidelines are meant to be helpful. This cruise may give you years of pleasant recollections or years of misfortunes to forget.
For more resources on <a href="http://www.cruise-heaven.com/cheap-cruises.php">finding a cheap cruise</a> or getting a deal on a <a href="http://www.cruise-heaven.com/last-minute-cruises.php">last minute cruise</a>, please visit Cruise-heaven.com If you re looking for romance on your vacation, make sure to read the following <a href="http://www.dating-guru.com">dating tips and advice</a>.
5 Tips For The single Gentleman Cruiser
A cruise can be a great “romantic escape” for everyone - the single ladies fantasize about finding the perfect romance in the perfect setting. Just being on a cruise ship with possibly hundreds of single ladies with the same idea in mind boosts your chances of success by 100% -unfortunately your not the only guy on board -So Here are some tips to further your chances with the ladies on your next cruise.
1. Take dance Lessons( preferably before you cruise) - ladies love a man of the arts - and a man who can move can tango into any ladies heart. Why do you think they always make those leading men dance in their movies? -take a page from their book and learn to move those hips!
2. Karaoke - Or sing with the band! You’ve always suspected that you have silky pipes worthy of Sinatra or Johnny Mathis - its time to put your talent in full view. You’ll make fast friends even if you cant sing to save your life - why? people like people who take chances and they’re more likely to approach and congratulate you ( and buy you a drink) regardless of you having murdered their wedding song.
3. Dress up for dinner . Think James Bond- suave, smooth, ever stirring and not shaken. Bring a great suit and gel your hair, mind your manners and light her cigarette. ( bring a lighter even if you don’t smoke-its a great Introductory tool-however don’t take this too far -people will mistake you for a waiter if you light up everyone)
4. If you have a DVD player in your room rent some videos of movies where your favorite actors moves are on full display -and practice! (refer to tips 1-3, great moves were invented on celluloid)
5. Get a Tan - it gives you “a -man-of-the -outdoors” look. Vibrant, energetic, full of “joie-de-vivre” . It might surprise you that many guys on a cruise are still pasty after a full week! Women love a tan complexion - it again evokes movie -star associations -and hell! you just look hotter!
The key here is “role-playing’ pattern yourself after your favorite movie- star. Copy their moves and liberally sprinkle in your own style elements - were not asking you to be the perfect mimic
( you wouldn’t want to be either) but it doesn’t hurt to have a great peg in mind. Above all be natural and have fun on the cruise!
For more ” suave and savvy cruise moves” visit http://www.deluxecruisenews.com
cruise with style
Brooklyn, New York Opens Its First Cruise Ship Port
by Roy Witman © 2006, All Rights Reserved
In 2003, New York announced the grand opening of a new alternative port for cruise lines. Because ports in Florida were becoming more and more crowded, additional docking facilities in interesting cities on the Eastern Seaboard were needed to provide cruise lines with a new home port. The port has been wildly popular. So much so that another has been added in nearby Brooklyn.
The Red Hook terminal in a neighborhood in Brooklyn opened in April 2006 and welcomed its first permanent resident, Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 (formerly docked in Manhattan). Located on the Buttermilk Channel, the Brooklyn terminal gave the first increase in New York cruise ship pier capacity in over 30 years. With the likes of Cunard and Princess cruise lines as eager residents, the terminal has already become a success. Most other major cruise lines have also assigned vessels to sail from Brooklyn.
Princess Cruise lines will launch the Crown Princess from the Brooklyn dock in June 2006 for a Caribbean cruise. From June to October, Princess will offer numerous Caribbean tours, including calls on ports in popular destinations such as the Virgin Islands, Grand Turk and Jamaica. Star Princess will begin cruises from Brooklyn in October 2006 visiting ports up and down the New England and Canadian seacoast.
But Brooklyn? It doesn’t seem like the most exciting location for a cruise ship port. On the contrary. While not normally publicized as a vibrant city with plenty to do, Brooklyn offers cruisers an opportunity to spend a few days in New York before or after their tour.
Very similar to Manhattan, Brooklyn offers a trendy nightlife as well as diverse cultures and eclectic cuisine. Bars, clubs and restaurants line the streets, offering a tremendous variety of options for visitors and locals alike.
If culture is your thing, Chinatown is always a wonderful experience. In addition, Flatbush offers the largest Caribbean population in the United States. In either place, you’ll delight in the authentic sights, sounds and tastes on every corner.
With spectacular views of many popular attractions, including the Brooklyn Bridge and the Statue of Liberty, the Red Hook terminal also offers exciting options for sightseers. However, New York City is just a short cab ride away and opens a virtual treasure trove of attractions, shows, museums and affairs.
Overall, Brooklyn offers greater value (with lower rates on hotels) and a central location, making it a wonderful choice for both vacationers and the cruise lines. If New York is closer for you than Florida, or if you’ve been longing to visit the Big Apple, consider booking your next cruise from the Red Hook terminal in Brooklyn. Your travel agent will have a complete listing of which cruise lines sail from Red Hook and the destinations available.
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center based in Yonkers, New York. Visit them online today at <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com</a> for the best deals, including <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/alaska_cruises.htm"> Alaska cruises</a> and <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/hawaii_cruises.htm"> Hawaii cruises</a>. You'll find their service exceptional and their attention to detail second to none.
A Cruise Vacation That Can Include Airline Reservations
An air-sea cruise is when your cruise vacation has been booked with airline reservations to get you to the ship s port and back home again. The cruise line buys its tickets in bulk from the airlines. They find out where you are coming from for your cruise travel and book you passage from a nearby airport to one close to the cruise ship’s home port. Each cruise line has its own policy on how they deal with the sale of airline tickets, so here are some cruise tips in that area.
What is the cost of the tickets if I book them with my cruise?
The amount will be quoted when you book and will be shown on your bill.
If I need to cancel, are the refund policies different for the plane tickets than for the cruise?
No, as long as you cancel before the penalty phase begins.
Is there a service fee charged to have the Cruise Line issue my Airline reservations?
Only if you use their air deviations plan. The fee is around $50.00 each.
Do I have any choice in which Airline is used?
Yes, if you use there air deviation plan.
Can I get credit for my frequent flyer mileage if the cruise lines books my airline reservations?
No. You can use your frequent flyers if you book on your own.
Can I fly nonstop or have any control over the route that is taken, or do I just get what ever they find?
Here again, use the air deviation plan.
How do I get from the Airport to the ship s pier?
If you have booked an air/sea cruise vacation the cruise lines will supply you with a voucher for a shuttle bus. If you booked your own airline reservations it will be up to you to get to the port.
Is there a shuttle service available from the airport where you ll be arriving? Is there a charge for this service or is it included? Is the service included if you don t book your flight through the Cruise Line?
If you book your flights through the cruise lines, there will be a shuttle and you
use your transfer.
How and when do I meet up with Cruise Line personnel?
They will be standing in the baggage claim area and will hold a sign with the name of the ship. They will direct you to the shuttle.
How is my luggage handled, do I have to pick it up at the airport or is it automatically sent to the ship?
You will have to pick it up at the airport and then the shuttle will take it to the ship with you.
What accommodations, if any, are made if the Airline they use causes me to miss the ship?
If you have booked with the cruise lines they will accommodate you by getting a hotel room for the night and a flight to the next port.
There are many advantages to booking an air-sea package for your cruise travel. The cruise line takes care of the airline reservation. Since cruise lines buy in bulk and usually provide a discount package rate, the ticket price is generally lower than what can be found in the general market. The transfer of luggage is easier, and a free shuttle will take you from the airport to the docks for your cruise vacation.
The cruise line will have your flight information and will be able to track your flight in case of a delay. Others on the cruise might be on the same flight and they might just hold the ship waiting for you to board. The biggest advantage is that if anything goes wrong to delay you, the cruise line will generally become more involved in getting you to the ship.
There, of course, are disadvantages as well to booking an air-sea package. You might be able to find a better deal on your own, or you may have to fly an airline you don t like. You will not get credit for frequent flyer miles by going through the cruise line, and you might not be able to fly non-stop. Finally, you might end up flying a longer route than you d pick for yourself.
You could book your own airline tickets, but only do so if you can get a better deal. The strongest consideration should be how confident you are in being able to make it to the ship for your cruise vacation on your own. If you are already flying in a few days early, know you ll be there on time and you can save over the air-sea on plane tickets and shuttle costs, then you might just consider going it alone. But, remember you are going it alone. In many cruise reviews it is recommended that you book your airline reservation with the cruise line.
The cruise lines will be more likely to make accommodations and work with the airline if their booking didn t get you to the ship on time. They will be better able to track your late flight and might even delay the ship if they know you ll only be slightly late. There have been many cruise vacations that have delayed the departure from port especially if there is a large group of cruise travelers on a late plane.
Depending on the circumstances, they might even rebate some of your cruise or give you a discount toward your next cruise vacation with them. However, the airlines are independent contractors. Most cruise conditions of carriage state that since the airlines are independent contractors the cruise line makes no warranty and assumes no responsibility for any failure or delay in their contractor s services. This is another reason to purchase a strong trip insurance package.
When you book your own airline tickets for your cruise vacation, if the route you picked to make it to the ship fails, you are on your own. Don t risk missing your cruise travel over a few frequent flyer miles. No matter how you get to your cruise vacation, try to avoid this situation by booking a flight that leaves you plenty of time to get you to and from the pier to the airport. It is recommended that your go on the internet and read the many cruise reviews on this subject.
Happy Cruising!
Copyright © Mary Hanna, All Rights Reserved.
This article may be distributed freely on your website and in your ezines, as long as this entire article, copyright notice, links and the resource box are unchanged.
Mary Hanna has traveled the world by Air and Ship while writing eBooks, Software Reviews and Practical Articles on Internet Marketing, Cruising, Gardening and Cooking. Visit her websites at: http://www.CruiseGold.com http://www.CruiseTravelDirectory.com and http://www.CruisingTips.com
