I just came back from our 45th High School Reunion. This time the class wanted a cruise. Last Saturday we had a get together at a hotel in Orlando for those that could not make the cruise. Then Sunday morning we headed to Port Caaveral to board the Carnival Sensation for our 4-Night Bahamas Cruise and Reunion.
This was one of the best reunions we have had. Instead of a Friday and or Saturday night get together and dinner we had 4 nights to visit our old classmates in a relaxed environment. At dinner we had tables close to each other, and some even switched tables each night to visit with others at dinner. Some went to the shows together, went on shore excursions together or whatever they wanted as we all knew we would see each other usually at breakfast, lunch and of course dinner or make arrangements to spend more time with each other as we wished.
A group cruise sure is the way to go today. Once the cruise is paid for the only out of pocket expenses are for gifts, drinks on board, sightseeing, etc. No meals to pay for, no shows to pay for, just a relaxed reunion. Already some have said they want the next one, our big '50th', to be on a cruise, and maybe even a longer cruise. We had some first time cruisers in the group and they are now sold on cruising. They just needed a push to get them on their first cruise and were very glad they did.
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Carnival to Remove Fuel Surcharges (Maybe)
Effective October 31, 2008, the multi-brand Carnival Corp. will be eliminating fuel surcharges on all new bookings for 2010 departures -- but only for the following lines: Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America, Seabourn and Princess Cruises. Surcharges for AIDA, P&O Cruises, P&O Cruises Australia, Ocean Village and Ibero Cruceros remain unchanged.
Additionally, the company has established specific guidelines under which the current fuel supplement could be reimbursed -- in the form of onboard credit -- to passengers sailing on 2008 and 2009 voyages.
This could mean savings for at least those looking to book a cruise in 2010 on or after October 31 -- but "price increase on all 2010 sailings" will go into place on October 31, 2008 ... the same day that surcharges are lifted on new bookings for those 2010 sailings.
Carnival cautioned that surcharges could be reinstated at any time, depending of course on the price of oil. Carnival's official statement reads: "For 2008 and 2009 departures, if the price of light sweet crude oil according to the New York Mercantile Exchange Index (NYMEX) is $70 per barrel or less at the 2:30 p.m. close of business as reported by Reuters on each of the 25
consecutive trading days ending five trading days prior to the guest's cruise departure date, the fuel supplement will be refunded in the form of a shipboard credit."
To clarify, this means that oil must trade below $70 per barrel for 25 straight trading days (every business day is not a trading day) until five trading days before your cruise.: "The process will be automatic and guests do not need to apply [for the credit] or track the price per barrel. The five days is to allow us the necessary time to get the refunds processed and communicate with the relevant vessels.
Still, with oil prices so volatile right now, it's almost impossible to predict whether anyone will actually receive a refund under these guidelines.
Additionally, the company has established specific guidelines under which the current fuel supplement could be reimbursed -- in the form of onboard credit -- to passengers sailing on 2008 and 2009 voyages.
This could mean savings for at least those looking to book a cruise in 2010 on or after October 31 -- but "price increase on all 2010 sailings" will go into place on October 31, 2008 ... the same day that surcharges are lifted on new bookings for those 2010 sailings.
Carnival cautioned that surcharges could be reinstated at any time, depending of course on the price of oil. Carnival's official statement reads: "For 2008 and 2009 departures, if the price of light sweet crude oil according to the New York Mercantile Exchange Index (NYMEX) is $70 per barrel or less at the 2:30 p.m. close of business as reported by Reuters on each of the 25
consecutive trading days ending five trading days prior to the guest's cruise departure date, the fuel supplement will be refunded in the form of a shipboard credit."
To clarify, this means that oil must trade below $70 per barrel for 25 straight trading days (every business day is not a trading day) until five trading days before your cruise.: "The process will be automatic and guests do not need to apply [for the credit] or track the price per barrel. The five days is to allow us the necessary time to get the refunds processed and communicate with the relevant vessels.
Still, with oil prices so volatile right now, it's almost impossible to predict whether anyone will actually receive a refund under these guidelines.
Friday, October 10, 2008
World's Largest Cruise Night
October is National Cruise Vacation Month and there are many specials and promotions coming up shortly in conjunction with CLIA's World's Largest Cruise Night on October 16th. I am featuring 5 different short cruise line video previews at
http://wlcn.cruising.org/mshepp.
A total of 21 cruise lines are taking part of this special. The promotions involve discounts, upgrades, reduced deposit amounts and/or on board credit. The "booking windows" vary but you will get to take advantage of these promotions between Oct 15th and 17th for sure and many will run through October and some even into November. Some of these promos are for select sailings or destinations, but many are simply for any ship in a specified date range well into 2009.
A total of 21 cruise lines are taking part of this special. The promotions involve discounts, upgrades, reduced deposit amounts and/or on board credit. The "booking windows" vary but you will get to take advantage of these promotions between Oct 15th and 17th for sure and many will run through October and some even into November. Some of these promos are for select sailings or destinations, but many are simply for any ship in a specified date range well into 2009.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Waitlist for the new Oasis of the Seas
Be the First to Sail the New Royal Caribbean Lines Oasis of the Seas.Thursday, August 7, 2008
Celebrity Solstice Exclusive Cruise
Be the First to Sail on the Brand New Celebrity Solstice!Cruises Inc. has chartered the first exclusive 2-Night sailing abord the brand new Celebrity Colstice. This extraordinary experience is only available through Cruises Inc. Be the first to discover an unparalleled class of ship with features you’ve only dreamed of. This weekend discovery cruise is the perfect way to experience all this new ship has to offer at an amazing
price.
This exclusive 2-night sailing will depart Fort Lauderdale on Friday, November 21st and return on Sunday, November 23rd. Prices start at $329 per person. Book by August 31, 2008 and receive an instant upgrade from an Inside stateroom to a Deluxe Veranda. You’ll also receive a free future cruise credit worth up to $300. Groups are welcome and will receive a special offer for ten or more staterooms.
To book this exclusive 2-night sailing on the brand new Celebrity Solstice please call Michael Shepp, your personal cruise specialist, at (813) 972-0121 or toll free 800-379-0370, or visit my website http://www.cruisesinc.com/mshepp.
Prices per person, double occupancy; Fuel surcharge, gov’t fees, taxes and gratuities are not included. Availability is limited. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this ad. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply. Ships Registry: Bahamas. 2008 © Cruises Inc. Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Cruise Line Fuel Supplement - Round 3
June 4, 2008
Because of the continued rapid escalation of fuel prices, six of Carnival orporation & plc’s brands - Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Lines, Princess Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn - will increase their current fuel supplement from $7 to $9 (USD) per person per day. The fuel supplement on third, fourth and fifth passengers will increase from $2 to $4 (USD) per person per day.
The new fuel supplements will apply to all new bookings effective June 12, 2008. The fuel supplements will not exceed $126 (USD) per person per voyage for the first and second guests and $56 (USD) per person per voyage for the third, fourth and fifth guests in a stateroom.
For bookings made from April 21, 2008 to June, 11, 2008, the fuel supplement of $7 (USD) per person per day for the first and second guests; and $2 (USD) per person per day for the third, fourth, and fifth guests will apply.
We regret having to take this action, but fuel price increases have continued, and we now find it necessary to implement a modest increase in the supplement.
Please remember that all of your bookings made on or before June 11, 2008 will not be subject to the supplement increase. Most importantly, we want to thank you for your business and continuing support for all our brands.
Because of the continued rapid escalation of fuel prices, six of Carnival orporation & plc’s brands - Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Lines, Princess Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn - will increase their current fuel supplement from $7 to $9 (USD) per person per day. The fuel supplement on third, fourth and fifth passengers will increase from $2 to $4 (USD) per person per day.
The new fuel supplements will apply to all new bookings effective June 12, 2008. The fuel supplements will not exceed $126 (USD) per person per voyage for the first and second guests and $56 (USD) per person per voyage for the third, fourth and fifth guests in a stateroom.
For bookings made from April 21, 2008 to June, 11, 2008, the fuel supplement of $7 (USD) per person per day for the first and second guests; and $2 (USD) per person per day for the third, fourth, and fifth guests will apply.
We regret having to take this action, but fuel price increases have continued, and we now find it necessary to implement a modest increase in the supplement.
Please remember that all of your bookings made on or before June 11, 2008 will not be subject to the supplement increase. Most importantly, we want to thank you for your business and continuing support for all our brands.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
What are you Spending Your Stimulus Check on?
It's May 2008 and you know what that means, it's tax stimulus time. This gift from the government is being provided to get consumers spending. There are a lot of places to spend the stimulus monies like on a new sofa, paying down some credit card bills, doing some home repairs or getting away on an exciting cruise vacation. But how about spending it on all or at least some of those things? We have some amazing getaways that won't deplete your whole stimulus check.
There are a ton of deals out there and as your Cruise Specialist I am just the person to find them for you. So when your stimulus check arrives, go ahead and use some of it to pay down your mortgage, or make a car payment, but be sure to keep just a little to spend on a holiday for yourself and your family. This might be the only time the government pays for your vacation.
There are a ton of deals out there and as your Cruise Specialist I am just the person to find them for you. So when your stimulus check arrives, go ahead and use some of it to pay down your mortgage, or make a car payment, but be sure to keep just a little to spend on a holiday for yourself and your family. This might be the only time the government pays for your vacation.
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