Cruise Line Loyalty
June 22, 2009 by Cruise Tips
Filed under About Cruises
To keep their customers coming back, the majority of cruise lines now offer some kind of customer loyalty scheme. These vary from each cruise operator and can include future booking discounts, invites to VIP parties, and onboard privileges such as priority embarkation. But is this enough to keep your loyalty? Or are you really looking for cabin upgrades and onboard credit?
Here is a summary of each cruise lines membership club and benefits to tempt you to come back time and time again…
Royal Caribbean International - Crown and Anchor Society
Membership to the Crown and Anchor Society is automatically granted after your first sailing. The club offers discounts and benefits according to the number of “cruise credits” obtained. These are calculated by the number of days at sea and the cabin grade you sail in. As their sister company, you will also receive equivalent recognition in Celebrities membership club. There are 4 tiers within the club escalating from gold to platinum, diamond and diamond plus. As a gold member, you can expect onboard bonuses such as complimentary wine tasting and a small commemorative gift, as well as online booking discounts. As your membership level increases you can look forward to priorities over other customers with check in, and waitlisted services such as spa treatments or shore excursions.
Celebrity Cruises – Captains Club
Celebrity’s 3 tier Captains Club offers a slightly more generous loyalty scheme which involves a one category upgrade at the most basic membership level, which is also applicable when booking your cruise through a travel agent.
The tiers range from Classic, Select and Elite, and loyal customers can expect invitations to onboard parties, behind the scenes tours and at the highest level, guests can take advantage complimentary use of the Thalassotherapy Pool, where available, and also a private departure lounge.
Norwegian Cruise Lines – Latitudes Program
As a past guest, NCL do offer some pretty good reductions when rebooking with them, aside from this, many of the benefits of their club, which ranges from bronze, silver, gold and platinum levels, are nothing to get too excited about! Whilst they offer the standard past guest party, plus priorities over other guests with check in, disembarkation, and reservation only restaurants, having completed 14 cruises, and earned your platinum status, all you really get is complimentary dining inthe “Le Bistro” restaurant, which would usually incur an additional charge. Oh and you get a latitudes ship pin…
Princess Cruises – Captains Circle
The Captains Circle club features gold, platinum and elite levels of membership with all levels receiving preferential pricing offers on selected itineraries throughout the year. Further standard membership benefits include, “exclusive events”, no doubt that will be another captain’s party then, and also a Princess Passport, a scheme whereby guests receive stamps, depicting the cruise destination which are then signed by the captain and displayed in a Princess Passport.
As membership increases to platinum status, guests are entitled to priority boarding, free internet minutes and upgraded travel insurance. (If the basic level is purchased) Guests that reach their 16th cruise, or their 150th cruise day with Princess will be members of the elite club, where extras such as a complimentary mini bar, upgraded bathroom amenities and a 10% discount in certain onboard shops will be applicable.
Costa Cruises – Costa Club
Loyal customers will be pleased to hear that Costa offer one of the most rewarding loyalty schemes at sea. Whether you are a basic aquamarine member, coral member or their highest pearl member, you can receive a 5% discount on any of their cruises. In addition, guests at aquamarine level will receive a generous 20% discount on wine packages, mini bar drinks and laundry service, 10% off Costa merchandise, and a cocktail with the captain complete with a souvenir photo.
Membership to the club is achieved through earning points; these are accumulated through cruise days with Costa as well as onboard spending. At higher levels of membership, guests will qualify for priority boarding and disembarkation, a complimentary meal in the a la carte restaurant, a bottle of wine and welcome gift.
P&O Cruises – Portunus Club
Membership to the Portunus club is automatic after completing your very first sailing with P&O Cruises. Throughout the year, there will be selected Portunus sailings, which give members reductions on standard cruise prices.
At a basic level, ruby members are entitled to a 5% discount on onboard spend, this increases to 7.5% when you reach sapphire level of membership, and gold members can take off an extra 10%. At the highest level, gold members will also get a dedicated check in service and priority disembarkation.
Members of the Portunus club can also gain points from sailing on Ocean Village, Princess Cruises or Swan Hellenic.
Cunard – World Club
World Club has 4 levels of membership; silver, gold, platinum and diamond. Automatic membership is granted after your first sailing with Cunard. After this, members are entitled to a 5% discount of further sailings.
Further benefits for guests who have completed 20 days onboard include; a souvenir gold membership Cunarder pin, complimentary internet minutes, and cocktail party invitation. As guests reach platinum level, they can expect, in addition to lower level benefits, a 20% discount on dry cleaning and laundry service, 10% off White Star Luggage Delivery service, additional internet minutes and a platinum member Cunarder pin. Diamond members will also receive priority luggage delivery.
MSC Cruises – MSC Club
MSC’s loyalty club consists of 3 tiers; classic, silver and gold. Membership is awarded by a points system which accumulates with the number of cruise days taken with MSC.
At each level, members will receive a welcome cocktail, a 5% discount on excursions and 5% discount in onboard boutiques. As a classic member, you are entitled to a 5% discount on most cruises, silver members will receive 8% and gold can take off an additional 10% off their cruise cost.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines - Oceans
Each night spent onboard a Fred Olsen cruise will earn you 1 point. Once you reach 30 points, you will qualify for their first level of membership. At this “blue” level, guests will receive 5% off both onboard spending and shore excursions booked prior to departure. As you reach 31 points you enter the silver level where members will receive a 2% cruise discount, Oceans cocktail party and usually priority embarkation. Once you have exceeded 100 days onboard a Fred Olsen cruise, you will be rewarded with a 4% cruise cost discount, personalized luggage labels, a welcome aboard gift plus a complimentary shuttle bus pass.
Carnival – Concierge Club
After your 10th cruise with Carnival, you will enter their membership club at the platinum level, then, those members who complete their 25th, 50th and 75th sailings will receive a shipboard credit representing 25, 50 or 75% of their cruise fare. Those who reach an impressive 100th sailing will earn a complimentary cruise of up to 8 days.
In addition, all platinum members are eligible for priority check in, disembarkation and dining waitlists.
So are the cruise lines really doing enough to keep you coming back? Priority check in, early disembarkation and a captain’s party invite is certainly better than nothing, but, as a loyal customer, would this sway you to rebook with them? Or do you feel that the cruise experience they offer is enough to keep you loyal?
If you have any views on customer loyalty schemes or any ideas on how the cruise lines could improve on them, get in touch. I’d be interested to hear your opinions.
Thanks to Genna Roberts for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:
Here is a summary of each cruise lines membership club and benefits to tempt you to come back time and time again…
Royal Caribbean International - Crown and Anchor Society
Membership to the Crown and Anchor Society is automatically granted after your first sailing. The club offers discounts and benefits according to the number of “cruise credits” obtained. These are calculated by the number of days at sea and the cabin grade you sail in. As their sister company, you will also receive equivalent recognition in Celebrities membership club. There are 4 tiers within the club escalating from gold to platinum, diamond and diamond plus. As a gold member, you can expect onboard bonuses such as complimentary wine tasting and a small commemorative gift, as well as online booking discounts. As your membership level increases you can look forward to priorities over other customers with check in, and waitlisted services such as spa treatments or shore excursions.
Celebrity Cruises – Captains Club
Celebrity’s 3 tier Captains Club offers a slightly more generous loyalty scheme which involves a one category upgrade at the most basic membership level, which is also applicable when booking your cruise through a travel agent.
The tiers range from Classic, Select and Elite, and loyal customers can expect invitations to onboard parties, behind the scenes tours and at the highest level, guests can take advantage complimentary use of the Thalassotherapy Pool, where available, and also a private departure lounge.
Norwegian Cruise Lines – Latitudes Program
As a past guest, NCL do offer some pretty good reductions when rebooking with them, aside from this, many of the benefits of their club, which ranges from bronze, silver, gold and platinum levels, are nothing to get too excited about! Whilst they offer the standard past guest party, plus priorities over other guests with check in, disembarkation, and reservation only restaurants, having completed 14 cruises, and earned your platinum status, all you really get is complimentary dining inthe “Le Bistro” restaurant, which would usually incur an additional charge. Oh and you get a latitudes ship pin…
Princess Cruises – Captains Circle
The Captains Circle club features gold, platinum and elite levels of membership with all levels receiving preferential pricing offers on selected itineraries throughout the year. Further standard membership benefits include, “exclusive events”, no doubt that will be another captain’s party then, and also a Princess Passport, a scheme whereby guests receive stamps, depicting the cruise destination which are then signed by the captain and displayed in a Princess Passport.
As membership increases to platinum status, guests are entitled to priority boarding, free internet minutes and upgraded travel insurance. (If the basic level is purchased) Guests that reach their 16th cruise, or their 150th cruise day with Princess will be members of the elite club, where extras such as a complimentary mini bar, upgraded bathroom amenities and a 10% discount in certain onboard shops will be applicable.
Costa Cruises – Costa Club
Loyal customers will be pleased to hear that Costa offer one of the most rewarding loyalty schemes at sea. Whether you are a basic aquamarine member, coral member or their highest pearl member, you can receive a 5% discount on any of their cruises. In addition, guests at aquamarine level will receive a generous 20% discount on wine packages, mini bar drinks and laundry service, 10% off Costa merchandise, and a cocktail with the captain complete with a souvenir photo.
Membership to the club is achieved through earning points; these are accumulated through cruise days with Costa as well as onboard spending. At higher levels of membership, guests will qualify for priority boarding and disembarkation, a complimentary meal in the a la carte restaurant, a bottle of wine and welcome gift.
P&O Cruises – Portunus Club
Membership to the Portunus club is automatic after completing your very first sailing with P&O Cruises. Throughout the year, there will be selected Portunus sailings, which give members reductions on standard cruise prices.
At a basic level, ruby members are entitled to a 5% discount on onboard spend, this increases to 7.5% when you reach sapphire level of membership, and gold members can take off an extra 10%. At the highest level, gold members will also get a dedicated check in service and priority disembarkation.
Members of the Portunus club can also gain points from sailing on Ocean Village, Princess Cruises or Swan Hellenic.
Cunard – World Club
World Club has 4 levels of membership; silver, gold, platinum and diamond. Automatic membership is granted after your first sailing with Cunard. After this, members are entitled to a 5% discount of further sailings.
Further benefits for guests who have completed 20 days onboard include; a souvenir gold membership Cunarder pin, complimentary internet minutes, and cocktail party invitation. As guests reach platinum level, they can expect, in addition to lower level benefits, a 20% discount on dry cleaning and laundry service, 10% off White Star Luggage Delivery service, additional internet minutes and a platinum member Cunarder pin. Diamond members will also receive priority luggage delivery.
MSC Cruises – MSC Club
MSC’s loyalty club consists of 3 tiers; classic, silver and gold. Membership is awarded by a points system which accumulates with the number of cruise days taken with MSC.
At each level, members will receive a welcome cocktail, a 5% discount on excursions and 5% discount in onboard boutiques. As a classic member, you are entitled to a 5% discount on most cruises, silver members will receive 8% and gold can take off an additional 10% off their cruise cost.
Fred Olsen Cruise Lines - Oceans
Each night spent onboard a Fred Olsen cruise will earn you 1 point. Once you reach 30 points, you will qualify for their first level of membership. At this “blue” level, guests will receive 5% off both onboard spending and shore excursions booked prior to departure. As you reach 31 points you enter the silver level where members will receive a 2% cruise discount, Oceans cocktail party and usually priority embarkation. Once you have exceeded 100 days onboard a Fred Olsen cruise, you will be rewarded with a 4% cruise cost discount, personalized luggage labels, a welcome aboard gift plus a complimentary shuttle bus pass.
Carnival – Concierge Club
After your 10th cruise with Carnival, you will enter their membership club at the platinum level, then, those members who complete their 25th, 50th and 75th sailings will receive a shipboard credit representing 25, 50 or 75% of their cruise fare. Those who reach an impressive 100th sailing will earn a complimentary cruise of up to 8 days.
In addition, all platinum members are eligible for priority check in, disembarkation and dining waitlists.
So are the cruise lines really doing enough to keep you coming back? Priority check in, early disembarkation and a captain’s party invite is certainly better than nothing, but, as a loyal customer, would this sway you to rebook with them? Or do you feel that the cruise experience they offer is enough to keep you loyal?
If you have any views on customer loyalty schemes or any ideas on how the cruise lines could improve on them, get in touch. I’d be interested to hear your opinions.
Thanks to Genna Roberts for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:
Genna Roberts is web editor at Inside Cruise - an online cruise community packed with all the latest cruise news, reviews and features.
Come join us - Inside Cruise Community
Get paid for your cruise reviews here
Cruise Ship Vacations are an Exceptional Approach to Travel
June 22, 2009 by Cruise Tips
Filed under About Cruises
A Cruise Ship is about not anything if it’s not about having choices: sleeping in from a late evening disco get-together or savoring a cup of latte as the sun rises over your balcony; dressing up for a formal evening or lacing up for a race around an inline skating course. And every cruise ship out there is competing for your interest, doing everything they can to lure you onboard.
You can have the sojourn of a lifetime, see the globe, thoroughly unwind, grab a walk on the wild side, cavort the night away, feast on remarkable food, take in something unfamiliar, forge friends, bond with your kinsmen, and steal peaceful moments with your spouse. Whatever your heart desires, is yours, when you choose to take a cruise ship holiday.
A Cruise Ship offers the best travel buy you can obtain for your bucks. It includes your meals, your cabin, you’re onboard activities, evening parties and all sponsored fun. Each cruise ship is a entire resort and destination unto itself.
Cruise ships and holidays are a logical equivalent: Both are in the good - times biz. Besides, when you sail during the holiday season you get the fun of built-in parties and feast on excellent meals plus someone else to cook them, someone else to do the decorating and entertaining, and someone else to spruce up the holy mess afterward. The solo thing they don’t do is knock out out your Christmas cards for you.
A cruise ship holiday removes 90% of the bother of a land - based visit. Your cruise ship is your floating hotel, restaurant, resort, nightclub, sightseeing office, and health club. You spend time enjoying your vacation, not waiting in hotel or rental car check - in lines.
On a typical Vacation, the Family is pretty regularly stuck together, on a Cruise ship vacation they are not. Each individual can follow his or her interests and rejoin the Family at some prearranged hour. A Cruise ship is sensational for Family Reunions because there is something for each generation to delight in.
Expect to be pampered, massaged, and stuffed with culinary delights. Expect your mind to roam, thinking of the cruise ships of old. Expect to feel intensely relaxed, exhilarated, caressed by sun, sand and wind; expect the exceptional. In brief…. RELAX and ENJOY!
Whether it’s a humble family of 10 or a substantial group of 100, a cruise ship may be the best venue for a reunion. Family get-together members search accommodations they can use as a base for dining, touring and socializing together. They want first-rate children’s programs, entertainment and activities. But they also want to make sure everyone in the party has exclusive time to follow their individual interests.
You are usually going to understand what the fee of your cruise ship vacation will be before you go. Your added costs will be shore excursions, cocktails, spa treatments, beauty shop and casino gambling.
You can view it as a prepaid holiday with extras of your picking. Discerning what’s included and what’s not included allows you to control your holiday spending more closely.
The payment of your cruise ship vacation will depend on your preference of accommodations. These accommodations range from an inside Stateroom to a Suite with a Private Balcony overlooking the sea. Each Stateroom includes two twin beds or queen - size bed, bathroom, shower, TV and makeup table / desk.
When comparing the price of a cruise ship vacation versus a land - based holiday, consider that transportation, hotel, meals, entertainment and major activities are included. Even an all-inclusive land resort package can not top that ( it doesn’t go anywhere ).
A Cruise Ship is the super way to experience a number of destinations that you may wish to revisit for a longer interval the next time.
These days’s cruise ships offer rock climbing, basketball, video arcades, swimming pools, spas, vast gyms with yoga and spinning classes, an indoor ice - skating rink and, yes, even mini - golf.
Remember, you only unpack once, no matter how many ports of call you visit. No checking in, or checking out and no running to make plane connections in order to obtain the following port. You’ll be sleeping while the ship takes you to a new destination. Fall asleep in one spot and awake to a fresh one, and you’re already unpacked.
All your movies, shows and lounge entertainment are included.
You already have a place at the best restaurant in town.
You have various choices for shopping, sightseeing, entertainment and sports activities.
Cruise travel is for everyone who wants to have peerless vacation at the best possible cost.
Choose to cruise for CUISINE. Tantalize your taste buds with gourmet cookery that showcases fine ingredients, old standbys like pizza and ice cream or spa cookery for a healthy choice. Depending on your disposition, dine in a usual ballroom setting, a wee bistro or a casual eatery.
Carbohydrate Counter Menus are the latest rage among the Cruise Lines.
Don’t neglect the 24 - hour room service, which is also costless.
Here’s a cruise tip: Choose to cruise for ROMANCE. Secluded beaches, in suite dining on a balcony overlooking the ocean and spa services for two are just some of the loving pursuits available.
In various cruise reviews, cruising routinely earned the highest ratings in customer enjoyment among all vacation categories.
When you try cruising for the first time, you will be fascinated. The one major lament the Cruise lines hear over and over again, is that cruises end far too soon!
What’s not included in your cruise?
Typically those items and services there are of an individual nature are extra. Most alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, the salon services, shore excursions, shipboard gift and sundries purchases, Internet usage, long - distance phone calls, tips, casino gaming and your transportation to and from your cruise, are extended payment.
So what are you waiting for? Set Sail on your cruise ship sojourn!
Happy Cruising!
Copyright © 2007 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.
Thanks to Mary Hanna for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:
You can have the sojourn of a lifetime, see the globe, thoroughly unwind, grab a walk on the wild side, cavort the night away, feast on remarkable food, take in something unfamiliar, forge friends, bond with your kinsmen, and steal peaceful moments with your spouse. Whatever your heart desires, is yours, when you choose to take a cruise ship holiday.
A Cruise Ship offers the best travel buy you can obtain for your bucks. It includes your meals, your cabin, you’re onboard activities, evening parties and all sponsored fun. Each cruise ship is a entire resort and destination unto itself.
Cruise ships and holidays are a logical equivalent: Both are in the good - times biz. Besides, when you sail during the holiday season you get the fun of built-in parties and feast on excellent meals plus someone else to cook them, someone else to do the decorating and entertaining, and someone else to spruce up the holy mess afterward. The solo thing they don’t do is knock out out your Christmas cards for you.
A cruise ship holiday removes 90% of the bother of a land - based visit. Your cruise ship is your floating hotel, restaurant, resort, nightclub, sightseeing office, and health club. You spend time enjoying your vacation, not waiting in hotel or rental car check - in lines.
On a typical Vacation, the Family is pretty regularly stuck together, on a Cruise ship vacation they are not. Each individual can follow his or her interests and rejoin the Family at some prearranged hour. A Cruise ship is sensational for Family Reunions because there is something for each generation to delight in.
Expect to be pampered, massaged, and stuffed with culinary delights. Expect your mind to roam, thinking of the cruise ships of old. Expect to feel intensely relaxed, exhilarated, caressed by sun, sand and wind; expect the exceptional. In brief…. RELAX and ENJOY!
Whether it’s a humble family of 10 or a substantial group of 100, a cruise ship may be the best venue for a reunion. Family get-together members search accommodations they can use as a base for dining, touring and socializing together. They want first-rate children’s programs, entertainment and activities. But they also want to make sure everyone in the party has exclusive time to follow their individual interests.
You are usually going to understand what the fee of your cruise ship vacation will be before you go. Your added costs will be shore excursions, cocktails, spa treatments, beauty shop and casino gambling.
You can view it as a prepaid holiday with extras of your picking. Discerning what’s included and what’s not included allows you to control your holiday spending more closely.
The payment of your cruise ship vacation will depend on your preference of accommodations. These accommodations range from an inside Stateroom to a Suite with a Private Balcony overlooking the sea. Each Stateroom includes two twin beds or queen - size bed, bathroom, shower, TV and makeup table / desk.
When comparing the price of a cruise ship vacation versus a land - based holiday, consider that transportation, hotel, meals, entertainment and major activities are included. Even an all-inclusive land resort package can not top that ( it doesn’t go anywhere ).
A Cruise Ship is the super way to experience a number of destinations that you may wish to revisit for a longer interval the next time.
These days’s cruise ships offer rock climbing, basketball, video arcades, swimming pools, spas, vast gyms with yoga and spinning classes, an indoor ice - skating rink and, yes, even mini - golf.
Remember, you only unpack once, no matter how many ports of call you visit. No checking in, or checking out and no running to make plane connections in order to obtain the following port. You’ll be sleeping while the ship takes you to a new destination. Fall asleep in one spot and awake to a fresh one, and you’re already unpacked.
All your movies, shows and lounge entertainment are included.
You already have a place at the best restaurant in town.
You have various choices for shopping, sightseeing, entertainment and sports activities.
Cruise travel is for everyone who wants to have peerless vacation at the best possible cost.
Choose to cruise for CUISINE. Tantalize your taste buds with gourmet cookery that showcases fine ingredients, old standbys like pizza and ice cream or spa cookery for a healthy choice. Depending on your disposition, dine in a usual ballroom setting, a wee bistro or a casual eatery.
Carbohydrate Counter Menus are the latest rage among the Cruise Lines.
Don’t neglect the 24 - hour room service, which is also costless.
Here’s a cruise tip: Choose to cruise for ROMANCE. Secluded beaches, in suite dining on a balcony overlooking the ocean and spa services for two are just some of the loving pursuits available.
In various cruise reviews, cruising routinely earned the highest ratings in customer enjoyment among all vacation categories.
When you try cruising for the first time, you will be fascinated. The one major lament the Cruise lines hear over and over again, is that cruises end far too soon!
What’s not included in your cruise?
Typically those items and services there are of an individual nature are extra. Most alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, the salon services, shore excursions, shipboard gift and sundries purchases, Internet usage, long - distance phone calls, tips, casino gaming and your transportation to and from your cruise, are extended payment.
So what are you waiting for? Set Sail on your cruise ship sojourn!
Happy Cruising!
Copyright © 2007 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.
Thanks to Mary Hanna for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:
Cheap Vacation Cruises
June 21, 2009 by Cruise Tips
Filed under About Cruises
Cruise vacations presently have become one of the most liked way of spending your vacations because it gives you enormous pleasure and fun during your most awaited period of the year that are your vacations. Either you are single, couple or a family, cruise vacation is an excellent decision to spend your holidays among other methods to spend; it is the most luxurious and lavish way to make the most out of your holidays. You may need to put in huge amount your money while preparing a cruise vacation. To get the maximum out of your well deserved money and to experience enormous excitement and fun from your cruise vacation it is excellent to think about discounted cruise vacations. Well, many people often have a feeling that a cheap cruise vacation will be a reparation for some luxuries and comforts as it is inexpensive, but it is not so, it is only that the fares are lowered for which some other people may have spent lavishly. The lavishness and latest cruises would rather sail a full-fledged ship than sailing it with vacant berths, thus the fantastic choice for these cruise lines is to allow reservations at last minute with discounted fares. To get inexpensive cruises it even depends on how intelligently you do your bookings, like you have to book the cruise vacations during the off-seasons rather than during high seasons when the prices are the highest, you should also see the current demand for the company presenting cheap cruises. There are several reasons that help you to reserve lavish cruises as discounted cruises like: - Firstly you should choose the location where you would prefer to go by cruise, it will be sensible to arrange your cruise vacations during off season when the charges are reduced. - Secondly wait for an inaugural discount offer that comes along with new cruises which aids you fetch cheap cruise with all the comforts. - Thirdly plan a cruise vacation when the demand is too less, either during end of your vacation or just beginning of your holidays. - Think about group bookings where you manage to cut down the per head cost reasonably and hence enjoy all the pleasures of a lavish cruise at discpunted fares. - If you are yet puzzled, you can take the assistance of the Internet that provides you all the necessary official information and helps you book a cheap cruise so as to provide you the maximum pleasure and delight expected from your cruise vacation and also the highest worth for your money invested. There are several of cruise lines that provide you a great discount without compromising its luxuries. Cruises like Carnival Cruise Line is the favorite and the most famous cruise line of the world as it offers all the quality luxuries and comforts, at affordable fares and thus fetches a great worth for your money. It provides the amazing services for all age groups and is the top most option to choose as a cruise vacation at Bahamas, Alaska etc… Crystal cruises focuses on giving its customers the best of their services along with luxuries and comforts to provide customer fulfillment. It includes restaurants and cafes where the world’s excellent chef prepares an assortment of delicious cuisines served with a delight. If you want to spend your vacations in Canada, Mexico, Panama etc.. you can choose the Crystal cruise line for maximum contentment. The famous Alaska cruises facilitate you to discover Alaska’s beauty and thus aiding you experience the fantastic cruise vacations. Alaska cruises provide you a lot of services and amenities that you may have experienced in any other cruise line. You can sense its comforts and also experience Alaska’s scenic beauty by observing the big glaciers and its unique wildlife. Alaska cruise line often offers cheap fares and schemes to its customers during off-season or end of the season, its fares are quite competitive and affordable. You can get several cruise lines that offer you cheap prices and the best possible services and comforts, each cruise line has a class of its own. So what are you waiting for, just arrange a location and enjoy your holidays on a cruise.
Thanks to jamiehanson for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:
Thanks to jamiehanson for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:
Vacations are round the corner and if you want the most from it, decide a cruise vacation, for an everlasting experience and for more details look at Cruise Vacation World to learn about the facilities and discounts offered by various cruise lines log on to Cheap Cruises enter into the amazing world of cruises and enjoy your destination trip at cruisevacationworld.com
A Cruise Vacation That Can Include Airline Reservations
June 20, 2009 by Cruise Tips
Filed under About Cruises
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.
Thanks to Mary Hanna for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:
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.
Thanks to Mary Hanna for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:
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
Choosing Cruise Lines - Tips For The Best Choice & Unleash The Fun Within!
June 19, 2009 by Cruise Tips
Filed under About Cruises
Is cruise vacation correct for you?
Where must you go?
Which cruise lines are correct for you?
All people have various questions regarding these cruises. Some people can’t decide if one cruise vacation might be right for all or for the family. Others don’t know what the cruise to take and many can’t decide where it may go.
You should know whether a cruise vacation would right for your family and you. To begin with, anyone might go for some cruise. All that is needed for thinking about is the cruise which is correct for you. Ask this question yourself, about what you are looking for in particular?
Is it that it’s relaxing and romantic, parties, fully of activities, or some of all? Choose which appeal to you very much. Once you decided about what you would want to do during a cruise holiday, it’s easy for finding one which is correct for you all.
Ask some local travel agent which specializes on some cruise vacations which tell the different packages given by cruise lines and ask the friends who went for a cruise vacation previously about this trip.
You may have to learn about the various types of cruises. Many kinds of cruise vacation offer every people’s needs and various interests. There’re luxury cruises in which they give high-class amenities as rival those like five-star hotels on land.
You may also take exploration cruises in which cruise lines give travel for places like the Amazon, Galapagos Islands, also many such unusual destinations. There’re cruises which offer travel for many ports of various countries.
Here, you may explore various cultures of various countries which your cruise is visiting. Family oriented cruise is also available. These types of cruises are recommended for family travellers, especially with kids.
These have various onboard and inland programs which will suit some adults and children too. They give special packages for children, so they would always have things to do for not getting bored or restless even.
These types of cruises are got in the market presently. You must choose one from where all may relax and rejoice. Choosing a cruise line where you might want to spend the vacation is also very important. There are some factors which you must keep in mind while choosing some cruise. Here are some:
• Price - You must know the amount you can afford over a cruise. Prices on cruises vary. If you want one first class cruising experience, you must prepare for spending a lot of cash. There are many cruises which offer economy class which might enable you for saving money while going in some cruise.
• Itineraries - You must also know where a cruise may take you. Going destinations you like may maximize the relaxation and enjoyment during one cruise vacation. They offer various destinations; you may choose for which destination appeals as the best.
• Passengers - Cruise lines which attract various kinds of passengers. Selecting the type of people whom you want to mix with is very important for enabling you to be better and have fun.
All these information are readily available in one travel agency. However, it may also available on the internet. Using the net for obtaining information about some particular cruise is very much convenient and you may compare almost every type of cruises quite easily.
The net also gives articles which are written by various people about the opinion about a cruise vacation. You may base the decision on some articles and sites alone, but it’s still your decision about your place of visit.
Thanks to Abhishek Agarwal for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:
Where must you go?
Which cruise lines are correct for you?
All people have various questions regarding these cruises. Some people can’t decide if one cruise vacation might be right for all or for the family. Others don’t know what the cruise to take and many can’t decide where it may go.
You should know whether a cruise vacation would right for your family and you. To begin with, anyone might go for some cruise. All that is needed for thinking about is the cruise which is correct for you. Ask this question yourself, about what you are looking for in particular?
Is it that it’s relaxing and romantic, parties, fully of activities, or some of all? Choose which appeal to you very much. Once you decided about what you would want to do during a cruise holiday, it’s easy for finding one which is correct for you all.
Ask some local travel agent which specializes on some cruise vacations which tell the different packages given by cruise lines and ask the friends who went for a cruise vacation previously about this trip.
You may have to learn about the various types of cruises. Many kinds of cruise vacation offer every people’s needs and various interests. There’re luxury cruises in which they give high-class amenities as rival those like five-star hotels on land.
You may also take exploration cruises in which cruise lines give travel for places like the Amazon, Galapagos Islands, also many such unusual destinations. There’re cruises which offer travel for many ports of various countries.
Here, you may explore various cultures of various countries which your cruise is visiting. Family oriented cruise is also available. These types of cruises are recommended for family travellers, especially with kids.
These have various onboard and inland programs which will suit some adults and children too. They give special packages for children, so they would always have things to do for not getting bored or restless even.
These types of cruises are got in the market presently. You must choose one from where all may relax and rejoice. Choosing a cruise line where you might want to spend the vacation is also very important. There are some factors which you must keep in mind while choosing some cruise. Here are some:
• Price - You must know the amount you can afford over a cruise. Prices on cruises vary. If you want one first class cruising experience, you must prepare for spending a lot of cash. There are many cruises which offer economy class which might enable you for saving money while going in some cruise.
• Itineraries - You must also know where a cruise may take you. Going destinations you like may maximize the relaxation and enjoyment during one cruise vacation. They offer various destinations; you may choose for which destination appeals as the best.
• Passengers - Cruise lines which attract various kinds of passengers. Selecting the type of people whom you want to mix with is very important for enabling you to be better and have fun.
All these information are readily available in one travel agency. However, it may also available on the internet. Using the net for obtaining information about some particular cruise is very much convenient and you may compare almost every type of cruises quite easily.
The net also gives articles which are written by various people about the opinion about a cruise vacation. You may base the decision on some articles and sites alone, but it’s still your decision about your place of visit.
Thanks to Abhishek Agarwal for contributing this article to our Cruises blog:
Abhishek is an avid Globetrotter and he has got some great Budget Cruising Secrets up his sleeves! Download his FREE 80 Pages Ebook, “How To Have An Unforgettable Cruise Vacation!” from his website http://www.Boating-Guru.com/153/index.htm . Only limited Free Copies available.
