Crystal Cruises 2009

Crystal Recently Announced “All Inclusive – As You Wish“  Europe Promotion

In conjunction with its Celebration Fares, Crystal Cruises is announced its most dramatic promotion for Europe 2009: a $2,000 per couple or $1,000 per person – shipboard spending credit for discerning travelers who want to design their own vacation experience.

The generous “All Inclusive – As You Wish” spending credit can be used toward:

* Any Crystal Adventure shore excursion
* Any spa treatment
* Any wine
* Any cocktail
* Any boutique purchase
* Any gratuities
* Any Vintage Room experience
* And anything else on board except Casino gaming.

The $2,000 per couple spending credit is available with:

* Every Mediterranean cruise aboard Crystal Serenity in July through November
* All 11-day Baltic and British Isles cruises aboard Crystal Symphony between June 19 and August 23, and
* Crystal Symphony’s Northern Europe Transatlantic cruise from London to Boston

Guests on Crystal’s seven-day Baltic cruise departing August 5 will enjoy a $1,000 per couple, or $500 per person, spending credit. In all, there are 17 Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruises eligible for the “All Inclusive – As You Wish” promotion.

Europe Celebration Fares

In addition to the custom onboard spending bank, Crystal Cruises is celebrating its 15 years as the highest rated cruise line with European Celebration Fares. The luxury line is offering up to $1,500 per person off most European cruises. Celebrating value, Crystal’s European fares for 2009 are lower than comparable cruises in 2008.

Save Now, Save Later – until March 31, 2009!

Travelers sailing on any 2009 Europe, Transatlantic or Crystal Symphony Asia cruise can enjoy 20 percent savings on almost every cruise in every category in 2010. The 2009 cruise must be booked by March 31, 2009, and the 2010 cruise must be booked by November 30, 2009.  Crystal Assurance Plan features Price Protection.

If someone books a 2009 Crystal cruise and the fare for that stateroom category is later reduced, the guest will be protected at the reduced fare. Additionally, in 2009 Crystal reduced cruise fare deposits – as low as 5% – deadlines and cancellation periods.

The Crystal Difference

Aboard the ultra-luxurious Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, refined elegance meets casual simplicity. With an emphasis on innovative product differentiation, the renowned Crystal experience is distinguished by classic service, abundant space, extensive choices and superior quality, providing worldwide vacations of seven to 100+ days that bridge the best of land and sea. Grounded in more than a decade of accolades, Crystal has been voted “World’s Best” by the readers of Travel & Leisure and Condé Nast Traveler more than any other cruise line, hotel or resort in history.

Celebrity Captain Circle Exclusive for the new Celebrity Eclipse

CALLING CAPTAIN CIRCLE MEMBERS -
BE AMONG THE FIRST…

Introducing Celebrity Eclipse, the newest addition to Celebrity’s stellar fleet, and the third of the Solstice-class ships. Celebrity Eclipse will satisfy your penchant for luxury with spectacular design and exceptional service, while offering the most affordable way to explore Europe and the Caribbean when she sets sail in 2010.

On March 3rd at 7am EST, Celebrity Cruise Line is opening an early booking window for one week to take Celebrity Eclipse reservations, exclusively for Captain’s Club members.

Sailings range from four-night cruises to Cork to 16-night Eastern Mediterranean cruises.  The first season features new ports of call for Celebrity Cruises including Toulon, Malaga, and Cagliari in Sardinia.  In summer 2010 Celebrity Cruises will base all three of its new Solstice-class ships in European. 

During this private event, you’ll have the ability to reserve your stateroom before Celebrity Eclipse bookings open to the public on March 10th. Exclusive one week booking period for members only. March 3rd through March 9th, 2009. To book your cruise, call us at 800-942-3301

We invite you to read through our blog for a review of the Eclipses’ sister ship, the  Celebrity Solstice.  We also have over 100 pictures of the ship.

U.S. State Department Update Travel Warning to Mexico

A string of brutal murders of local police officials earlier this month, along with other ongoing violence in Mexico, has prompted the U.S. Department of State to issue an official travel alert for all Americans planning to travel to Mexico. The main problem area is near the border of the U.S. & Mexico. To read more, visit the State Department web site.

Holland America Culinary Arts Center

Holland America invites chefs from all around the country making them part of the guest enrichment program. While onboard, guest chefs and experts offer cooking demonstrations, tasting and hands-on cooking classes to guests.  In partnership with Food & Wine Magazine, Holland America schedule over 60 celebrated chefs and wine experts to sail in 2009. On cruises that do not have a guest chef onboard, classes and demonstration in the show kitchen are held by Holland America chefs.

A state-of-the-art “show kitchen at sea,” the Culinary Arts Centers resemble the elaborate show kitchens used by celebrity chefs on television cooking programs. Each facility features a theater-style venue, with two large video screens to display overhead and close-up video views of food preparation, and a large cooking display counter where guests can learn from the masters. Culinary demonstrations also are filmed and aired on in-stateroom televisions. Holland America Line invested more than $13 million to create and install the Culinary Arts Center facilities on each of its ships as part of a $225 million Signature of Excellence initiative.

This season Holland America Line will welcome well-known personalities
such as Captain Keith Colburn from Discovery Channel’s “Deadliest Catch”
sailing on ms Westerdam June 7 – 14 on the Alaskan Explorer; George Duran of “Ham on the Street” on the Food Network sailing aboard ms Amsterdam Aug. 29 – Sept. 5 in Alaska; “Top Chef” contestant Richard Blaise sailing on ms Maasdam Oct. 23  & Nov. 6 in the Caribbean; and Christina Pirello of “Christina Cooks” on PBS sailing aboard ms Zuiderdam Aug. 8 – 15 in Alaska, Glacier Inside Passage cruise.

In addition to world-famous chefs, the Culinary Arts Program includes cookbook authors, as well as chocolatiers and tablescape experts.

A selection of participating chefs and experts in the continuing 2009 season include:

• Oliver Reschreiter, executive chef at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert, Calif., sailing on ms Ryndam June 19 – 26, Alaska.

• Lee Hilson, executive chef at the Royal Palms Resort in Phoenix, Ariz., sailing on ms Oosterdam June 24 – July 6, 12 day Mediterranean Romance.

• Randy Lewis, executive chef of La Provence in Lacombe, LA., sailing on ms Noordam June 28 – July 8, 10 day Mediterranean Enchantment

• Bruce Weinstein and Mark Scarbrough, authors of the “Ultimate” cookbook series sailing on ms Prinsendam July 3 – 17, British Isles.

• Stewart Woodman, executive chef at Heidi’s in Minneapolis, Minn., sailing on ms Maasdam July 18 – 25, Canada & New England Discovery.

• Scott Tycer, executive chef at Gravitas in Houston, Texas, sailing on ms Rotterdam Aug. 11 – 23, Baltic. (12 day Scandinavia & Russia Adventure)

• Olga Krasnoff, Designer/Writer/Lecturer of Tabletop Landscapes, San Diego, sailing on ms Eurodam Aug. 27 -Sept. 6, 10 day Colors of Canada & New England.

• David McMillan, corporate executive chef of Consilient Restaurants, Dallas,  sailing on ms Prinsendam Sept. 6 – 20, Western Europe. (14 day European Tapestry)

• Ryan Hardy, executive chef of Little Nell in Aspen, Colo., sailing on ms Rotterdam Oct. 3 — 17, Mediterranean.

• Jacques Torres, Master Pastry Chef and Chocolatier, Owner of Jacque Torres Hudson Street, sailing on ms Oosterdam Oct. 17 – Nov. 2, Transatlantic. (16 day European Serenade)

• Maria Hines, Executive Chef of Tilth in Seattle, Wash., sailing on ms Zuiderdam Oct. 24 – Nov. 3, Panama Canal Sunfarer

Bruce Weinstein & Mark Scarbrough, Authors of “Ultimate” cookbook series, sailing on ms Veendam – Nov 19, South America Explorer.

Celebrity Equinox

The very essence of luxury, this is Celebrity Equinox. Shimmering in sophistication from bow to stern, she will exceed your expectations as soon as you step aboard. Delight in your choice of ten exceptional dining venues; relax in spacious and well appointed accommodations; or let the grass between your toes take you out to sea at the unprecedented Lawn Club. With every imaginable comfort, along with Celebrity’s unrivaled guest services, you are bound for greatness no matter your destination.

The ship is expected to be ready early, so they have added an additional sailing prior to the maiden voyage from Southampton to Rome on August 8th, 2009.  The ship will sail on July 31, 2009 through the Norwegian Fjords from Southampton. This 8 night cruise will stop in Stavanger, Flam, Geiranger & Oslo, Norway.  Inside & ocean view cabins are already sold out. Balconies begin at $1,799 pp and suites at $3,399 pp, based on double occupancy.

The Equinox is the sister ship to the Solstice & will offer the same great features including the Lawn Club, a dedicated area on the top deck of the ship featuring real grass where guests can play croquet, mini-golf or have a picnic.  Solstice ship review & ship photos available.

NCL Epic

The 4,200 passenger NCL Epic is schedule to sail year round in the Caribbean from Miami, beginning in the summer of 2010. The ship will alternate between Eastern & Western Caribbean sailings through April 2011. NCL will open Norwegian Epic’s sailings for group block bookings exclusively for travel agencies in mid-March 2009, and for individual reservations shortly thereafter.

The ship’s Western Caribbean itinerary includes stops in Costa Maya, Mexico; Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico. Norwegian Epic’s Eastern Caribbean itinerary includes stops in Philipsburg, St. Maarten; St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands and Nassau, Bahamas.

Norwegian Epic represents the next generation of Freestyle Cruising – a ship that incorporates a wide range of new features and amenities, including curved New Wave staterooms and unique nightlife options. To date, the company has revealed five unique nightlife venues that rival the experiences of Las Vegas, Ibiza, the Riviera and South Beach. The five venues include the industry’s first true Ice Bar; POSH Beach Club, a first of its kind beach club at sea that offers an exclusive, adults-only setting at the top of the ship; Halo, the Über Bar, a private bar and lounge in the ship-within-a-ship villa complex; Bliss Ultra Lounge, NCL’s all-day entertainment and nightclub complex with four-lane bowling alley; and Spice H20, an adults-only aft pool deck experience.

In addition, the ship will feature the New Wave standard, New Wave balcony and New Wave deluxe staterooms that represent a giant leap forward in cruise ship accommodations with a completely fresh take on bathroom design, contemporary curved architecture and open living space. The New Wave stateroom’s most distinctive design element is its curved walls and lines creating a modern and chic experience. NCL has maximized the living space with a bathroom that is completely unique with a separate shower stall, separate water closet and a modern vanity top sink. The staterooms feature a sophisticated earth-tone palette accented with a splash of color and rich, dark wood. Concealed contour LED lighting and back-lit domed ceilings set a relaxing vibe.

Royal Caribbean Cruise

Royal Caribbean announced yesterday that it would be enhancing it’s program for guests traveling in suites onboard their ships.

The new suite program is designed to focus on distinctive and personalized service and touch every aspect of the guests’ experience from arrival through departure. Suite guests will enjoy a myriad of special privileges and upgraded amenities for their cruise, along with Royal Caribbeans world-renowned friendly, engaging and attentive Gold Anchor Service from every member of its staff and crew. The new suite program will be implemented fleet-wide in March 2009.

Here are some of the added perks for guests booked in Presidential Suites, Royal Suites, Owner’s Suites and Grand Suites:

Dedicated check-in lines

Royal & Presidential Suite guests are personally welcomed by a senior officer at the terminal and escorted to their suite.

Upon check-in, Grand Suite or higher category receive a Gold SeaPass card

Upon arrival in suite, guests are welcomed with complimentary water & a fruit plate

Complimentary slippers, luxury spa bathrobes & exclusive Vitality bathroom amenities

Ghiradelli chocolates at turn down

Plush duvet & bedding, plus pillow menu

First formal evening pre-dinner cheese presentation

Second formal evening a petits fours plate

Exclusive privilege of ordering from the main dining room full breakfast, lunch and dinner menus.

Dedicated suite attendant will deliver RCCL Gold Anchor Service throughout the cruise & help to fulfill any special requests, such as pressing service, which is complimentary on formal evenings.

Aboard Radiance, Voyager & Freedom class ships, suite guests receive a personal key to the Concierge club

Upgraded furnishings in all suite staterooms

Not to be forgotten, guests occupying Junior Suite category staterooms and distinguished by their silver SeaPass cards enjoy many on board benefits to make their cruise memorable. Junior suites offer complimentary Vitality bathroom amenities, coffee and tea service en suite, terrycloth bathrobes for use onboard, and Royal Caribbean’s plush duvet and bedding. Throughout, a dedicated suite attendant will cater to guests’ special requests and deliver Royal Caribbean’s renowned Gold Anchor Service.

Cruise Groups

Ever wonder what the benefits are of putting together a Cruise Group?

 

Everyone you know is part of a group. Friends, family reunions, school reunions, religious organizations, as well as meeting and incentive groups.

Cruising has always been an excellent value, but in 2009 we have seen cruise rates drop to 2001 prices. Combine these great rates with special group amenities & your savings is even greater. And, as Group Leader, you may be able to cruise for free.

A cruise is perfect choice for a group, as there are plenty of activities for all ages. Children’s programs, shows, casino, pools, dancing, spas and more. Combined with excellent dining, a cruise is a wonderful vacation value.

The benefits of booking a group cruise are unmistakable. Not only does your group receive special pricing, your group could also receive added benefits such as shipboard credits, a cocktail party, group photo, wine or chocolates. You can also arrange private meetings, shore excursions, bridge tournaments or even dance lessons for your group.

Our group department can provide you with brochures, flyers and even power point presentations to help you promote the group, at no cost to you.

Want to learn more? Call our group department manager, John Unger, at 866-475-7023

Free Admission to a Disney Park on your Birthday!

Choose your birthday destination – Walt Disney World® Resort in Florida, or Disneyland® Resort in California-and register for free admission on your birthday during 2009 to one of the Theme Parks at either Resort as Disney’s way of saying “Happy Birthday”! Go to this website to register your birth date and choice of Park

Start your birthday off right with the most magical birthday present of all: free admission on your birthday during 2009 to one of the Theme Parks of Walt Disney World® or Disneyland® Resort*! It’s Disney’s gift to you and it all begins right here.

To get this wonderful birthday gift for yourself, your children or others in your household, follow these simple steps:

* Register your birthday—and other household members’ birthdays too, if you want.
* Print the confirmation message you receive after registering your birthday.
* You will also receive an email reminder two weeks prior to your birthday, which you can also use to redeem your free admission on your birthday.
* Bring proper ID and your confirmation message to the gate at one of the Theme Parks at the Walt Disney World® Resort or Disneyland® Resort on your birthday in 2009.
* If you are a Passholder or already have a Multi-Day ticket you will use on your birthday, go ahead and register and bring the free admission on Your Birthday confirmation and proper ID to the designated Will Call windows so you can choose from one of our other exciting birthday gifts instead.
* Go to this website to register your birth date and choice of Park

*Admission to one theme park of the Walt Disney World® Resort or Disneyland® Resort.
Offer does not entitle Passholders or multi-day ticket holders to cash refund or credit. Proof of birth date required upon admission.

NCL Cruise Deals

There’s still time to take advantage of the best NCL Cruise deals for 2009!

Free On-board Credit

Plus Great Rates on 3rd – 8th Guests

Get ready to save with NCL’s Freestyle Resolution Sales Event. NCL is giving up to a $250 on-board credit per stateroom and it’s good for almost all of NCL’s great activities and amenities. So, whether you want to use your credit to get a relaxing spa treatment, hit the casino, or just enjoy a delicious meal in one of our specialty restaurants, the choice is yours.

But you have to hurry, this offer is for a limited time. So, book now and get ready to do…whatever, with up to $500 in on-board credit and our exclusive Freestyle Cruising®.  Here are just a few of the greatl deals.  Search for all sales online, or call 800-942-3301 to speak to a cruise specialist.

Here are just a few of the great deals:

Catch Alaska’s free spirit and explore, your way.
Alaska’s snooze-cruise days are over. Take a 7-day sabbatical on our modern ships and enjoy this beautiful, wild state from your own private balcony. You can hike up Sawtooth Mountain or see the glaciers close-up, by kayak. Or, stroll through Ketchikan and take in some small-town friendliness. When the wild calls, we’ll help you answer.

7 Day Sawyer Glacier : Round Trip Vancouver Norwegian Sun

Balconies From $999 Fares From: $499   Promo Code: PGHOT

7 Day Sawyer Glacier : Round Trip Seattle Norwegian Star

Balconies From $999 Fares From: $499   Promo Code: PGHOT

If the kids ask, “Are we there yet?” say “Yes.”
Finally, the perfect vacation for kids and adults. Cruise about our modern ships where you’re free to whatever, and warm up on the clean, white beaches of the Bahamas. Discover tropical rain forests and lively coral reefs. Your family can do it all in every port, or just take it easy.

4-day Bahamas & Florida: Round Trip Miami Norwegian Sky

Balconies From $429 Fares From: $299   Promo Code: PGHOT