Dec 9 2011 Issue - Cruise Notes from Mary

Cruise Notes from Mary
Mary Engram, CTA/MCC Travel Consultant
December 9, 2011

Happy Friday Everyone

Royal Caribbean International creates restaurant packages
Royal Caribbean International introduced seven dining packages that will reduce the cost of eating in extra-charge restaurants by at least 25%, according to the cruise line. Packages range from $50 to $120 per guest, depending on the ship.

A sample dining package aboard an Oasis-class ship charges guests $65 for three dinners at Giovanni’s Table, 150 Central Park and Chops Grille. On the Radiance of the Seas, a $70 dining plan entitles the guest to dinners at Chops Grille, Giovanni’s Table and Samba Grill.

Royal Caribbean also established cover charges for themed, reservation-only parties on the Oasis of the Seas and the Allure of the Seas. Cover charges range between $10 and $25, based on the what drinks are included.

On the Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean created a 1920s-themed Prohibition party. Passengers are invited to “don their favorite Jazz Age outfit and step back in time.” The $35 charge includes all alcoholic beverages.

The dining packages and the themed parties can be booked before or after departure.

American Airlines and Openskies Sign New Codeshare Agreement
American Airlines and OpenSkies, a premium subsidiary of British Airways, have signed a new codeshare agreement that gives American's customers more travel options when flying to and from Europe and OpenSkies customers easier access to major business markets in the U.S. Through the joint business, customers benefit from better flight schedules, expanded codesharing, more coordinated services, and greater access to a wider variety of fares

OpenSkies creates a luxurious environment for its customers by offering all premium seating with a choice of large seats that convert to fully flat beds as well as seats that recline to 140 degrees. The airline focuses on quality with a commitment to maintaining a close relationship with its passengers by operating a fleet of four specially designed Boeing 757s.

NCL introduces concierge service for top guests
Norwegian Cruise Line launched a concierge desk exclusively for guests with reservations in the top accommodations, the Haven by Norwegian. The concierge desk enables guests and travel agents to book shore excursions and make reservations for dining, entertainment and the spa.

The Haven is available on the Norwegian Gem, Pearl, Jade, Jewel and Epic. Norwegian’s two ships in development, the Norwegian Breakaway and Getaway, will also feature the Haven when they launch in April 2013 and April 2014

Princess, too, reduces Bermuda calls
Add Princess to the list of cruise lines that have cut back on Bermuda calls. Princess. Only two Princess ships will call in Bermuda next fall: Caribbean Princess on Oct. 29 and Grand Princess on Nov. 14.

Princess is the third Carnival Corp. brand slated to reduce capacity in Bermuda. Holland America Line announced that the Veendam will not return to Bermuda after the 2012 season and Carnival Pride, will call at Bermuda one time, in April.

Norwegian Cruise Line revamps Latitudes loyalty program
Norwegian Cruise Line announced a major overhaul of its 16-year-old loyalty program that will bring more perks to customers who book the line's longer cruises.
The newly named Latitudes Rewards program will reward customers with one point for every night they spend on one of Norwegian's 11 ships. Until now, customers have gotten one point for each cruise taken, no matter its length. The change means customers who sail regularly on seven-night or longer Norwegian sailings will accumulate more points and reach elite status faster than those sailing on shorter three- and four-night sailings.
As part of the change, customers also will earn additional reward points when booking a suite; when booking nine months or more in advance; or when booking one of the line's monthly Latitudes Rewards Insider offers.
Norwegian to sail three ships in Alaska in 2013
Norwegian Sun will join the Jewel and Pearl in Alaska during the summer of 2013. The Norwegian Star will replace the Norwegian Sun in the Baltic in 2013, sailing nine-day cruises from Copenhagen, Denmark.

Disney unveils musical productions for new ship
The Disney Fantasy, due to enter service in April, has scheduled a lineup of musicals to be performed at the ship’s 1,340-seat theater. The Walt Disney Theatre will span three decks, with orchestra and balcony seating.

The five productions are “Wishes,” “Disney’s Aladdin — A Musical Spectacular,” “Disney’s Believe,” “A Fantasy Come True” and “An Unforgettable Journey.”

Disney describes “Wishes” as a “musical journey about three best friends who discover the secret to being a grown-up is staying connected to their inner child.” Disney characters in the show include Rapunzel and Flynn Rider from “Tangled,” Lilo and Stitch, Mulan, Hercules, Pinocchio and “The Lion King’s” Timon and Pumbaa.

The Aladdin production will feature classic scenes and songs from the movie re-created on stage.

“Disney’s Believe” tells the story of a workaholic father who reconnects with his daughter. Disney characters in the show include Cinderella, Peter Pan, Mary Poppins, Belle from “Beauty and the Beast,” Rafiki from “The Lion King” and Princess Tiana from “The Princess and the Frog.”

“A Fantasy Come True” is the ship’s welcome show described as “a high-energy, multimedia musical production that follows one family’s journey as they discover the amazing experiences and enchanting surprises that await them aboard the Disney Fantasy.”

“An Unforgettable Journey” is a farewell production that “allows guests to reflect and savor the experience they have had onboard the Disney Fantasy,” Disney said.

In addition to stage productions, the Fantasy will host deck parties with live entertainment. On one night of the cruise, the ship “transforms into a pirate ship with a night of events brimming with buccaneer fun and a fireworks spectacular,” Disney said.

Don’t Forget Carnival Ships will Still Be In San Diego From January – April 2012
Carnival Spirit Cruise will be back in San Diego doing 5 and 9 day Mexican Riviera voyages beginning January 2012. The 5-day cruises will visit Cabo San Lucas for 2 full days and the 9-day cruises will also feature a 2-day call in Cabo San Lucas in addition to visits to Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo and Ensenada.

The 9 day cruises depart Friday and return Sunday and the 5 day cruises depart Sunday and return Friday.

And don’t forget the two 15-day Hawaii cruises from San Diego on January 20, 2012 and April 13, 2012. Space is flying off the shelves and these 2 cruises.

Carnival Inspiration will arrive on December 17, 2011 replacing the Carnival Paradise in the 3 and 4 day cruises sailing out of Long Beach. And don’t forget the Carnival Splendor remains the only ship sailing year round out of the West Coast/

Celebrity Reflection to have mega-suite
Celebrity Cruises revealed details about suites on the Celebrity Reflection, which is due to enter service in the fall of 2012. The 1,636-square-foot Reflection Suite, accommodating up to six passengers, will have two bedrooms extending out over the edge of the ship, a wraparound verandah and 24/7 butler service.

The ship will also debut five Signature Suites, each with a 441-square-foot stateroom, a verandah and floor-to-ceiling windows. Butler service also is provided in these suites. The Reflection and Signature suites all will be located in a private area of the ship’s 14th deck, with key-card access. Additionally, 34 AquaClass suites will provide 300 square feet of interior space plus verandahs.

Oceania introduces alcohol packages
Oceania Cruises introduced alcoholic-beverage packages that will be available starting in 2012.

A wine-and-beer plan costs each passenger $29.95 per day and includes house wine by the glass and beer with lunch and dinner in any dining venue or via room service. House wine options are from a selection of red and white wines that change daily.

An open-bar package is $49.95 per day. It covers beer and premium house wine by the glass and most beverages on the bar menu. Guests can also order spirits and beer through room service. Wines selections change daily.

Package prices include gratuities. The packages can be purchased online before the cruise or through the reservations center. They can also be purchased onboard at any time during the cruise, with prices prorated for the days remaining. Guests will continue to receive complimentary soft drinks, bottled water, specialty coffees and teas on every sailing

Thought for the Month
Wishing you all a happy and blessed holiday season. I will be out of the office and unavailable by phone from December 10-19, 2011. Although I will have my laptop with me and will be checking emails periodically, I will not be able to respond as quickly as you are used to. Your business is very important to me and I will respond as soon as possible.

Wishing you a great weekend
Mary Engram, Your Personal Travel Consultant