posted by admin on Aug 7
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
5 Proven Tips For Deep Discounts on Cruises - Save Money On Your Next Cruise Vacation
Are you wondering if you can save money on your next cruise vacation and still have loads of unadulterated and pure fun ?
If so, the answer is yes !
This article discusses five easy tips for discount cruises - tips that most cruisers may not know …
There are several discounts that cruise lines or cruise travel agencies offer, and being aware of such discounts and offers can help save a lot of money. Apart from repositioning cruises ( which were discussed in part 1 of this article ), traveling in the off peak season and others, here are 5 ways you can save money on your next cruise vacation …
Cruise Travel Agencies May Save You Money ? …
Cruise travel agencies sometimes reduce the cost of your ticket by reducing their commissions … here’s how it works - cruise travel agencies get a commission from the cruise line for every ticket they sell. And some cruise travel agencies pass on a part of their commissions to their customers. But this may not happen always - especially if the cruise lines want to prevent a price war and request the cruise agencies not to do so.
In any case, booking through a cruise travel agency might be a good thing to do because in addition to a possible discount that you may be getting on your cruise ticket, cruise agencies might also be able to help you choose a cruise ship that’s right for you because they know about the amenities aboard the ships and the on board and on shore activities.
And here’s something that seems to fly in the face of “conventional wisdom” …
Booking Your Cruise Tickets Early Can Save You Money …
A few years ago, it used to be that last minute buyers would most possibly end up with the biggest discounts … but this may not be true anymore.
Booking early - about three to four months in advance is generally considered to result in better deals. But even this may not be an iron clad rule as many large cruise ships are being launched. And with increasing capacity, there is a higher possibility of unsold inventory at the last minute on several cruise ships. And these tickets can be discounted tickets.
But even if such last minute unsold inventory exists, not everyone may be able to take time off from work and travel on a very short notice.
And here’s another tip that can save quite a bit of money …
2 For 1 Cruise Deals :
Some cruise lines offer 2 for 1 cruise deals on select cruises. But it is also possible that airfare may not be included in the 2 for 1 deal.
Well, if that sounded great then this one might be even better …
Discounts On Group Cruise Travel :
Booking your cruise tickets as part of a group can be a great thing to do because group cruise tickets are usually discounted … and if you are planning a family reunion, a wedding or more then group cruise travel can be a great option.
To qualify as a group you may need eight double occupancy staterooms, but you might want to check with your cruise travel agency about what constitutes a group.
And here’s yet another tip that may result in lots of savings …
Discounts for Seniors :
Cruisers over fifty five years may be entitled to senior discounts. Here’s what may be the best part - only one passenger in a stateroom is required to be aged fifty five and over, and all the other passengers in the same state room get their tickets at the same discounted price !
Also, seniors may also qualify for a senior discount on the air tickets too.
There are several other tips that will be discussed in part 3 of this series.
To read more about <a href="http://www.blissfulvacation.com">sailing vacations</a> including <a href="http://www.blissfulvacation.com/IslandVacation/islandvacation.htm"> island vacations</a> and ferry trips, you might want to see <a href="http://www.blissfulvacation.com">http://www.blissfulvacation.com</a> .
Why A Cruise Ship Wedding Is Fun For Everyone
A cruise ship wedding is an experience you will hold dear forever. Wedding on a cruise ship is unique and fun. Many cruise ships even have wedding chapels designated for cruise ship weddings or vow renewals.
A cruise ship wedding can be more fun than a traditional wedding. All cruise lines have different packages and rules for receptions and number of guests. The internet and your travel agent should have all the information about a wedding on a cruise ship for any particular cruise line. Not all the captains are licensed to marry you, but many lines will have a priest or rabbi or some other officiate that may provide these ceremonies. If you considering a cruise ship wedding, plan early so you won t be disappointed. Lots of cruise ships limit the number of ceremonies per cruise. Some of the Cruise Lines that offer cruise ship weddings are discussed below.
Princess Cruises has a wedding chapel where they perform the cruise ship weddings. The Grand Princess and her sister ships all have wedding chapels. Here the Captain is able to perform the ceremony. Wedding options start at $1400.00 per couple with receptions around $70-$80.00 per head. There will be hot and cold hors d oeuvres, drinks and an official marriage certificate, a cake and music. The ships photographer is available and the ships florist can design any arrangements that you have in mind. You can check out their packages on line. Click on the On Board link and then the wedding/special occasions link to get information on weddings on a cruise ship. They even supply you with a phone number for a wedding consultant. The Hearts and Minds Chapel is quite quaint and perfect for a wedding on a cruise ship.
A more upscale option is Crystal Cruise who will perform ceremonies for weddings, vow renewals or anniversaries. Your cruise ship wedding will be performed by the captain or a member of the clergy and includes Champagne, a Portrait, and a cake. They also have a Honeymoon Package with a cake, champagne, a picture and a certificate signed by the captain. I would discuss this one with your agent but of course you could check out their website.
Royal Caribbean s Voyager of the Seas has a wedding chapel and performs cruise ship weddings on the day of embarkation. Their wedding packages start at $800.00. They include flowers for bride and groom, a photo session, champagne and a cake. Go to their website to check out their options.
Carnival Cruises has shore side packages that are all inclusive. There will be a toast with keepsake flutes, a photograph, the wedding cake topper and an engraved announcement. You can also customize any extras for a fee. Talk to your travel agent, or, if you want to do some research on your own, go to the Carnival website.
After your cruise ship wedding take tons of pictures. Especially today with digital cameras, this helps to keep the cost of film and the film development down. Be sure to bring a lot of memory cards. Save stubs from tours you have taken, the invitation to the Captains Table for dinner, any notes you receive from the officers, the brochure that lists the itinerary, the dates of each port of call. You can make many beautiful well documented photo albums that will bring lots of smiles and many fond memories. It is highly recommend building a scrapbook from your trip; you will love it later when you pull it out and relive the experiences. It takes some time but is so worth it to have these pictures after your cruise ship wedding. On our honeymoon aboard the Volendam at the end of the cruise they supplied us with a beautiful menu from each dinner. On one side was the menu and on the other a beautiful scene from Holland.
All ships have a Newlyweds game. Go to it. It s fun and hopefully, you ll only be a newlywed once. Participate in all the activities, they are a little bit corny but they do make you laugh. Let everyone know you ve just been had your cruise ship wedding, people love that. You might even get a few free drinks.
Honeymooning on a ship is a great way to kick back and relax after that year of stressful planning for the cruise ship wedding. It is now time to enjoy you and your spouse and the journey of a lifetime. Take advantage of your time together in a luxurious atmosphere. Have fun, meet new people, make new friends and be yourself, most of these people you will never see again.
Here s to a Bon Voyage, a wonderful cruise ship wedding and great honeymoon.
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
The City of Seven Mountains - Bergen, Norway
Surrounded by seven mountains and bordered by the ocean, Bergen offers gorgeous scenery that spans from the sea to the sky.
Celebrity Cruises To Launch Two Retrofitted Ships In 2007
by Roy Witman © 2007, All Rights Reserved
Celebrity Cruises has recently been bestowed with two established ships as a result of parent-company Royal Caribbean’s acquisition of Spanish Pullmantur. These intimate-size vessels will each undergo retrofitting in dry dock before taking to the seas under the banner of Celebrity Cruises.
The ships will be very similar in size and amenities, but will differ greatly in their itineraries. Outfitted with the standard Celebrity Cruises compliments, each vessel will provide open seating in restaurants, a casually elegant atmosphere, two specialty restaurants plus:
Michael’s Club - A piano bar serving cocktails of all types.
Martini Bar - Offering over 20 types of martinis.
Aquaspa - A unique Celebrity inclusion designed to provide the utmost in pampering including acupuncture at sea.
Sensory Heaven spa treatments by Elemis.
Enrichment Activities - Take a culinary class, speak one to one with prominent authors and more.
Gourmet cuisine provided by world-class chefs.
Celebrity was recently voted “The Best Cruise Ships In the World” for the fifth consecutive year by Conde’ Nast Traveler. Living up to its reputation, Celebrity will spend over $70 million dollars on upgrades, the most impressive of which will include:
15 different classes of cabins.
In-cabin spa treatments.
Butler and concierge service for every cabin onboard (not just suites).
With a capacity of just over 700 passengers and one staff member for every two guests, these two new ships will give visitors plenty of opportunities for exceptional services.
Celebrity “Journey”
Previously deemed “Blue Dream” while flying the Pullmantur flag, Celebrity Cruises has renamed this ship “Journey.” She will set sail in May 2007 with a Bermuda itinerary, which will continue through October. “Journey” will then set course for truly unique destinations including Antarctica, Brazil and Chile.
Celebrity “Quest”
The second of the siblings sailed under the name of “Blue Moon” prior to the acquisition. Named “Quest” by Celebrity, this ship is scheduled to launch in October 2007 with a schedule of Caribbean itineraries. Her destinations will change several months after her maiden voyage to more exclusive ports of call including St. Barts, St. John, Santa Marta, Grand Turk and others.
For those who prefer a cruise experience that is more intimate, but still holds a high level of excitement and intrigue, Celebrity promises “Journey” and “Quest” will deliver.
Roy Witman is Vice-President of Cruise Vacation Center at <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com">http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com</a> offering the best deals including <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/european_cruises.htm"> European cruises</a> and <a href="http://www.cruisevacationcenter.com/mediterranean_cruises.htm">Mediterranean cruises</a>.
