In this modern world, many people love to search the internet for the best price on their cruise. Let's face it. It's a challenge! The problem is how do you really know if you truly found the "best" price? I understand the thrill. I'm the type person who likes that shopping thrill. It's the victory of the hunt when you find the perfect deal. Now, some people don't enjoy the endless hours on the computer searching for the perfect deal. They would rather just pick up the phone and call their travel agent. However, others actually get a kick out of the research and bargain shopping. For them it's the beginning of the cruise experience. I can relate to this. I'm a coupon shopper, a sale shopper, and before I became a travel agent, I was one of those cruise bargain shoppers. However, one of my best deals was through a travel agent when she had an exclusive offer from a cruise line. My point is....if you REALLY want the best possible deal on a cruise - Put together a group, and travel for practically free. This is the ultimate way for you bargain shoppers out there to get a great deal on a cruise!
Free? There must be some kind of catch. Right? Not if your travel agent negotiates the group contract with the cruise line and you're able to obtain the required number of group members. With most lines, a group of 16 full paying adults will earn a tour conductor credit. This is the person who is deemed to be the group leader. If you have 15 friends to travel with, why not let that person be you? If you can organize these people to join in on the fun, then you have just earned yourself a free cruise fare. Of course, if you are married or are taking another traveling companion, you'll have to pay for them, and you do have to pay for taxes and government fees. But it's a steal of a deal! Doubtful that you can beat that deal anywhere else! Usually, you'll also be awarded other amenities for your group that your agent will negotiate for you. All the cruise lines have great deals for groups, but I've grown particularly fond of working with the Princess Groups Department, as they negotiate special rates and amenities for your group.
You might ask why the cruise lines would be so generous? It's a win-win situation for everyone. You have your "berth" paid for, and they have someone out there providing free advertising to help sell those cabins. They're also counting on the fact that you just might spend some of the green stuff onboard their lovely ship. Yes! It's a win-win situation all the way around.
Showing posts with label cruise line. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cruise line. Show all posts
Friday, June 4, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Just Like People - Ships Come In All Shapes, Sizes & Styles
You're in the kitchen and you hear that familiar beat. If you're not a cruiser, you have to admit it, you're tempted to become one. Just the commercials alone of two of the most well known cruise lines will get your feet to tapping. For the vast majority of people, which ships come to mind immediately when they think of cruising? I dare say it would be Carnival and Royal Caribbean based on the marketing campaigns we so often see. Most people are familiar with the Princess line and the whimsical Disney. Beyond that it begins to get a little fuzzier. Your more sophisticated and experienced cruisers are familiar with a variety of other lines. For me, when we began our journey on this now life-long exploration of the world of cruising, we weren't aware of anything above the "contemporary" lines. Contemporary line you ask? Just what does that mean? Well, like so many things in life, even cruising is divided into styles and classes. When you first dip your toes into this fun-filled world of travel, you may not be too concerned with the choices laying before you. However, as the addiction grows, you may find that you want to experience new things. Understanding the different styles and choices in cruising will allow you and your cruise specialist to make the best choice in matching you with the right ship. There IS something out there for everyone! Who knew there were so many choices and styles in cruising? Things have changed. Today's cruise industry is made up of Contemporary, Premium, Deluxe, and Luxury Lines. Let's take a look at what each of these categories are and which lines fit into each one...
So, exactly what is a "Contemporary" Cruise Line?
Contemporary cruises are the most well known or popular in the cruise industry. These are the lines that typically first come to mind when we all think of cruising: Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Costa Cruises. These ships tend to be larger, newer and full of amenities. A multitude of activities are usually found onboard these ships with impressive shows, large spas, casinos, and organized children's programs. These lines are great for families and active types. You'll find itineraries as short as 3 days and as long as 14 days on these lines - sometimes longer, and you'll be able to explore such places as the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Alaska, South America, the Mexican Riviera, and Asia. Fun! That's what I think of when I think of Contemporary lines.
You've probably heard of some of the "Premium" Cruise Lines:
Just the next step up from contemporary is the premium cruise line. Many of us have heard of Celebrity and Holland America but might not have realized that they belong to this slightly more prestigious category. This category still offers many of the activities of the contemporary line but with more of an upscale flair shall we say. You'll find high tea, wine tastings, white glove service and cigar bars on these ships. Many of Celebrity's new ships have the lawn area up top where you can enjoy a spot of golf. While the majority of itineraries will still fall in the 7+ day range with similar destinations as the contemporary lines, it is possible to find vastly more extensive sailings. For the truly dedicated, Holland America offers a World Cruise of over 100 days. That's enough to satisfy the cruise bug in anyone, wouldn't you say?
Have you heard about "Deluxe" Cruise Lines?
Elegant ships, smaller ships and fewer guests (approximately 800) with more luxurious amenities. That describes the deluxe category which includes Azamara and Oceania Cruises. You'll enjoy these lines if you're looking for entertainment with more of a cabaret style, staterooms with higher end amenities, such as, higher thread count sheets and high end toiletries. While the casinos are smaller the libraries are actually more extensive for the more sophisticated reader. The traveler will find more exotic destinations and longer itineraries on these lines. They aren't really recommended for families with young children as they don't have staff dedicated to children and teens like the contemporary and premium lines do.
Ah, "Luxury", just how luxurious are these Lines?
When cruise lines went into the luxury business, they far exceeded expectations. These luxury lines deliver more "luxury" than your typical luxury hotel or resort. With a staff to guest ratio of 1:1.5, the staff is always anticipating the needs of their guests. Leading celebrity chefs prepare world-class cuisine which is served in an open seating environment and each meal is prepared to the order of the individual guest. These ships carry fewer passengers and many are "all inclusive" including items like gratuities, wine, and even custom shore excursions in the base price of the cruise. These lines usually draw the sophisticated traveler and are more "experience-oriented" than "entertainment-oriented". This sophisticated group includes: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Cunard Line, The Yachts of Seabourn and SeaDream Yacht Club.
So, that's an overview of the different styles of cruise lines. Just like a hair style, over time, your ship style may change. I think I would like to get around to trying them all....
So, exactly what is a "Contemporary" Cruise Line?
Contemporary cruises are the most well known or popular in the cruise industry. These are the lines that typically first come to mind when we all think of cruising: Royal Caribbean, Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Costa Cruises. These ships tend to be larger, newer and full of amenities. A multitude of activities are usually found onboard these ships with impressive shows, large spas, casinos, and organized children's programs. These lines are great for families and active types. You'll find itineraries as short as 3 days and as long as 14 days on these lines - sometimes longer, and you'll be able to explore such places as the Bahamas, the Caribbean, Mexico, Europe, Alaska, South America, the Mexican Riviera, and Asia. Fun! That's what I think of when I think of Contemporary lines.
You've probably heard of some of the "Premium" Cruise Lines:
Just the next step up from contemporary is the premium cruise line. Many of us have heard of Celebrity and Holland America but might not have realized that they belong to this slightly more prestigious category. This category still offers many of the activities of the contemporary line but with more of an upscale flair shall we say. You'll find high tea, wine tastings, white glove service and cigar bars on these ships. Many of Celebrity's new ships have the lawn area up top where you can enjoy a spot of golf. While the majority of itineraries will still fall in the 7+ day range with similar destinations as the contemporary lines, it is possible to find vastly more extensive sailings. For the truly dedicated, Holland America offers a World Cruise of over 100 days. That's enough to satisfy the cruise bug in anyone, wouldn't you say?
Have you heard about "Deluxe" Cruise Lines?
Elegant ships, smaller ships and fewer guests (approximately 800) with more luxurious amenities. That describes the deluxe category which includes Azamara and Oceania Cruises. You'll enjoy these lines if you're looking for entertainment with more of a cabaret style, staterooms with higher end amenities, such as, higher thread count sheets and high end toiletries. While the casinos are smaller the libraries are actually more extensive for the more sophisticated reader. The traveler will find more exotic destinations and longer itineraries on these lines. They aren't really recommended for families with young children as they don't have staff dedicated to children and teens like the contemporary and premium lines do.
Ah, "Luxury", just how luxurious are these Lines?
When cruise lines went into the luxury business, they far exceeded expectations. These luxury lines deliver more "luxury" than your typical luxury hotel or resort. With a staff to guest ratio of 1:1.5, the staff is always anticipating the needs of their guests. Leading celebrity chefs prepare world-class cuisine which is served in an open seating environment and each meal is prepared to the order of the individual guest. These ships carry fewer passengers and many are "all inclusive" including items like gratuities, wine, and even custom shore excursions in the base price of the cruise. These lines usually draw the sophisticated traveler and are more "experience-oriented" than "entertainment-oriented". This sophisticated group includes: Regent Seven Seas Cruises, Crystal Cruises, Silversea Cruises, Cunard Line, The Yachts of Seabourn and SeaDream Yacht Club.
So, that's an overview of the different styles of cruise lines. Just like a hair style, over time, your ship style may change. I think I would like to get around to trying them all....
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