Cruise News

Well it seems like everyday I have to post on another fuel surcharge by one of the cruise lines.  This time Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Azamara Cruises are upping their fuel surcharges, less than two months after the last increase.  The high cost of oil is affecting everyone and the cruise lines are being hit hard.  While not unexpected, it is certainly not welcome, but given the state of the economy and the oil industry, cruising still gives a great bang for the buck.

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are increasing the surcharge from $8 per person per day to $10.  This will apply to all bookings made on or after June 30, 2008.  The new rate will apply to the first and second passenger in a cabin while the third and fourth passengers in a cabin will pay $5 per person, per day.

Azamara Cruises will be rising even higher.  Their current fuel surcharge of $8 per person per day will increase to $15 and will also apply to all bookings made on or after June 30, 2008.

To view all Royal Caribbean Cruises for sale click here

To view all Celebrity Cruises for sale click here

To view all Azamara Cruises for sale click here

Crystal Cruises has joined a few of the other cruiselines with a double-digit fuel surcharge.  Effective for all bookings made on or after June 23, 2008, passengers will be charged $12 per day, an increase of $5 per day from the $7 fuel surcharge they had been charging.

In a statement, Crystal president Gregg Michel blames soaring oil prices for the change. “We regret any increased charges to our guests, but the fuel costs are escalating far beyond expectations,” he says.  “Unfortunately, even this amount will not fully cover the increased costs we are absorbing.”

Do:  dispute unrecognized charges on your bill.

There are hundreds, possibly thousands, of passengers onboard; incorrect charges may be posted onto the wrong account. If the charge is not yours, question it. 

Hint:  Before questioning a specific charge, check with your entire family to make sure the charge is not one of theirs.  Remember, all room keys can be set to charge to the same account.

Don’t:  be afraid to adjust your gratuities up or down depending on the level of service you receive.

Most cruise lines will give you guidelines for tipping; they are just guidelines, do not be intimidated by them.  Tip what you feel is deserved. 

Hint:  Partially tipping your room steward in advance will generally guarantee great service.

Do:  leave out the items you will need to leave the ship.

On a cruise ship, you must pack up the night before and leave the bags outside of your cabin to be picked up for debarkation.  Make sure you leave out clothes, medicine, money, passports and other documents that you might need to leave the ship. 

Hint:  Start packing up early in the day so that you can still enjoy your last night onboard.

Don’t:  miss out on breakfast.

It’s the most important meal of the day and you paid for it, so don’t miss out on your last breakfast onboard.  Find out the night before when the ship will stop serving breakfast and make sure your family is up and ready to go. 

Hint:  Set up a wake up call because breakfast is served early on debarkation day.
These are just a few do’s and don’ts to consider.  If you have any others that you think you would like to share with your fellow cruisers, send them to me and I will continue to add to this list.

Bon Voyage!!!

In response to the continually escalating price of fuel, Oceania Cruises is increasing its fuel surcharge* to $15 per guest per day for all new reservations effective June 16, 2008. The surcharge will apply to all currently published sailings.  This increase is up $5 from $10 per guest per day which was previously increased on all new reservations as of May 1, 2008.

The fuel surcharge of $15 per guest per day, regardless of voyage length, will be effective for all new reservations as of June 16, 2008. The fuel surcharge applies only to the first two guests in the stateroom or suite and does not apply to third or fourth guests.

*Fuel Surcharges constitute additional revenue for Oceania Cruises.

Do:  book excursions through the cruise line.

Cruise ships offer all kinds of excursions on port days, but book early because they can fill up.  Also, because the cruise lines deal with these businesses during every stop they can normally be found to be reputable. 

Hint:  While booking an excursion yourself might save you a couple of dollars the potential to have problems increases drastically.

Don’t:  miss the ship!

Imagine making it to the dock and seeing your cruise ship out to sea already.  This can happen, as cruise ships will not wait for all passengers to get back on board.  They are under a tight schedule and the time they say they are going to leave is the time they leave. 

Hint: Don’t try to be the last one onboard.  Give yourself plenty of time to get back to the ship.   If you do miss the boat make sure that you have some identification other than just your ship I.D. with you and make sure you take a credit card, in case you need to buy an airline ticket to catch the ship.

Do:  check with the local agent if you do miss the ship.

Cruise lines have local agents at all ports to help out with all sorts of details.  If you miss the ship the first thing to do is to check in with one of them. 

Hint:  DON’T MISS THE SHIP!!!

Don’t:  think there won’t be things to do onboard the ship on port days.

Just because most of the passengers are off the ship doesn’t mean the fun onboard stops.  Daily activities are planned for everyday onboard, even port days.  There is always something to do even if it’s just relaxing. 

Hint:  Port days are good days to explore areas of the ship that are normally crowded.

Do:  take advantage of “in port” discounts in the spa.

Most cruise lines will offer a two tier pricing system in their spa.  When in port there will be discounts simply because most people are off the ship. 

Hint:  Book early especially if there is a port day that you will be remaining on the ship.  Often the spa can book up even on these days, especially if the weather is bad.

Don’t:  expect to find the casino open when the ship is in port.

Per local or maritime laws the casinos are not permitted to be open when in port, even the slot machines will be shut down. 

Hint:  While the ATM onboard may charge you various fees, an advance in the casino is normally free of fees and can be taken in cash.

Do:  make reservations in advance for specialty restaurants.

While all meals are included on a cruise, each ship has several specialty restaurants that they offer at a reasonable surcharge in order to cover gratuities.  Prime seating times book up fast so make reservations as soon as your party decides which restaurants they would like to try out. 

Hint:  Most cruise lines allow you to make reservations once your cruise has been fully paid for. If there is a restaurant you are definitely looking to try out, make the reservations prior to arriving on the ship.

Don’t:  be afraid to request specific dining desires and seek out your favorite foods.

Just because it’s not on the menu, doesn’t mean you can’t ask them to prepare something else for you.  It is always an option to ask your server to accommodate a special request.  If it is possible, they will attempt to fulfill your culinary wishes.  Dining is one of the biggest parts of cruising and you should enjoy it as much as you can.

Hint:  Most cruise lines have certain staple items that they will have available at every meal.  Most often they will have a steak, chicken and pasta meal available in addition to the regular menu.  Also, check the kid’s menu, just because you’re an adult doesn’t mean you can’t order off of that menu if the food appeals to you.

Do:  make friends with your server.

Some people say the food makes the cruise, but honestly, the service is just as important.  Having a bad server can make your meals a nightmare.  Take a few minutes to make friends with your server and you may find them to be much more attentive to your table’s needs.

Hint:  Being friendly with your server does have its perks.  Once they know your likes and dislikes you just might find your normal drinks waiting for you and even special desserts available that are not even on the menu. 

Don’t:  forget that room service is usually available 24 hours a day.

One of the big fallacies about traveling is that there is a buffet open at all times.  That is not necessarily the case.  But, there is room service available 24 hours a day, free of charge.  Just remember the menu might be limited and it may take 30 minutes to receive what you order.

Hint:  Some people like to sleep in late on certain vacation days and because of this they might miss breakfast.  On a cruise ship you can usually order breakfast the night before and have it delivered the next morning at a time of your choosing.

Do:  let the ship know 30 days in advance of any special dietary needs.

Cruise lines will do their best to accommodate whatever dietary needs you have.  Whether you need a diet catered for gluten free/wheat free, dairy free/Lactose intolerant, vegetarian/vegan, Kosher, low fat or diabetic, contacting the cruise line early will guarantee they will do their best to take accommodate of your needs.

Hint:  For those of you with very young children, there may be no need to bring jarred baby food with you on your cruise.  Check before hand with the cruise line, as most will have these items available.  Contact them ahead of time to find out what brands they use, and what varieties they carry, as your child’s favorite food may not be something they keep on hand.

Don’t:  GAIN WEIGHT!

Most people expect to gain weight on a cruise.  There is food everywhere, and really, when else are you going to have dessert with every meal?  Where else is a fourth meal considered a midday snack, and a full rib dinner acceptable midnight fare?  Well, enjoy yourself, but in moderation.  Whatever weight you gain is weight you have to lose, and most of us know how hard that can be.

Hint:  Take advantage of the exercise classes available and remember most ships have large state of the art gyms available to help you work off those pounds.  If that isn’t for you, a nice walk around the ship’s deck everyday can also help.

Hi Everyone!  I just wanted to pass this information along for those of you planning a cruise on one of Carnival Corporation Brands or on Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Carnival Corporation Brands

Because of the continued rapid escalation of fuel prices, six of Carnival Corporation & plc’s brands, including Carnival Cruises, Princess Cruises, Holland America, Costa, Seabourn and Cunard Line, will increase their current fuel supplement from $7 to $9 (USD) per person per day. The fuel supplement for third and fourth passengers will increase from $2 to $4 (USD) per person per day.

The new fuel supplement will apply to all new bookings effective June 12, 2008. The fuel supplement will not exceed $126 per person per voyage for the first and second passengers, and $56 per person per voyage for the third and fourth passengers in a stateroom.

For bookings made from April 21, 2008 to June 11, 2008, the current fuel supplement of $7 (USD) per person for the first two passengers, and $2 (USD) per person per day for the third and fourth passengers will apply.

Please remember that all of your bookings made on or before June 11, 2008 will not be subject to the supplement increase.

Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is raising its fuel surcharge, effective for all new reservations booked on or after June 20, 2008. The new charge adds an additional $2 per person, per day, to bring its fuel surcharge to $11 (up from $9) per person, per day, for the first two passengers in a stateroom and $5 (up from $4) per person, per day, for any additional passengers sharing the cabin.

Do:  get out early if you want lounge chairs near the main pool.

Prime spots by the main pool disappear early; so if that is where you plan on spending the day, get up, get out and grab yourself a chair. 

Hint:  If one of your traveling companions is an early riser or is trying to catch an early morning aerobics class, have them leave a book or a towel on a lounge chair for you. 

Don’t:  expect to use cash onboard most ships.

Leave your cash in the room safe; everything you would want to pay for onboard can be done using your room key. 

Hint:  When you check in on embarkation day, you have the ability to allow all room keys to charge to the room account.  Room keys for younger children can be set as only room keys and not charge cards.

Do:  bring two-way radios to stay in touch.

Cell phones usually do not work when out to sea, and even if they do, the roaming charges would be extremely high.  An easy solution is a good old walkie-talkie or two-way radio. This will let you keep in touch with your family, no matter where they are on the ship. 

Hint:  You can link an unlimited number of two-way radios as long as they are on the same frequency.  Also, bring extra batteries.

Don’t:  worry about leaving your children in the kids club.

You are about to leave your most prized possessions, your kids, with the staff members at the kids club. Don’t worry about it!  These crewmembers have been thoroughly screened and are constantly reviewed. 

Hint:  Most cruise lines allow older children to sign themselves in and out of the kids club. Allowing your child to utilize this feature gives them a sense of responsibility and provides both parent and child the freedom to enjoy their vacation.

Do:  read your cruise documents thoroughly.

The cruise line you cruise on will send you quite a bit of information to go through.  Look through all of it and make sure your documentation is in order.

Hint:  The earlier you look through your documents the earlier you can correct any problems you may have.  Make sure the names on your cruise documents exactly match the names on the passports of all individuals traveling.

Don’t:  try to be the first one onboard the ship.

Getting to the cruise terminal too early doesn’t necessarily mean you will be allowed to board.  The ship has to unload all of the passengers, go through customs and the crew needs to begin cleaning the ship including the cabins before allowing embarking passengers on the ship. 

Hint:  Even if you are the very first person on board, your cabin will probably not be ready for you to occupy it so use this time to explore the ship.

Do:  be sure to bring your boarding documents to the cruise terminal.

Make sure you pack your boarding documents and your identification in something that you plan on carrying directly on board.  If you do not have these documents available when checking in you will not be allowed to board the ship.

Hint:  Before you leave on your vacation make sure everything you will need to board is in a safe and accessible location.  Do not pack them into luggage that you plan on having the cruise line handle for you.

Don’t:  over pack.

Cruise line cabins are generally much smaller then the hotel rooms most people are accustomed to.  Because of this limited space there may not be much room for you to unpack everything you brought with you.  Try to limit yourself to only packing what is essential.

Hint:  Room stewards will generally ask you to place your luggage under the bed.  If your suitcases are too large for that, they will stow them for you, but only if you ask.  One more thing, you do not need to pack towels from home, they will be provided to you on a daily basis at the pool.

Do:  have clothes pulled out for your first day onboard and pack your medication in your carry-on bag.

While you might be let on the ship on the earlier side, there is no guarantee that your bags will be at your cabin until much later.  If you want to make the most of your first day on board, pack a bathing suit and a change of clothes in a carry on bag.  Don’t forget to take any medications you might need with you.

Hint:  If you are traveling as a family, using a small piece of luggage with wheels is a good way to bring your first day’s necessities on board.  You might need to bring the piece with you during the day until your cabin becomes available and wheeling it around sure beats carrying it.

Don’t:  try to avoid the safety drill, it’s mandatory.

Ah, the dreaded safety drill. For those of you who haven’t cruised yet you are in for a treat.  Every ship must perform a safety drill within the first 24 hours out to sea.
While it may be uncomfortable to wear your life jacket and line up during this mandatory exercise it is an important exercise to take part in.

Hint:  Don’t try to avoid this!  Uncomfortably loud beeps and noises ring throughout the ship during this drill.  It doesn’t take too long and if you are caught trying to evade this drill you can be fined.

Do:  explore which cruise line best suits your entire family.

Each cruise line offers a little something different for your vacation.  Some are family oriented, while others cater to honeymooners or a more seasoned traveler.  Choose carefully so that you get the most out of your trip.

Hint:  A cruise is a great vacation to take with an extended family, but make sure the cruise line you select will entertain every generation.  And remember that fun has no age limit.

Don’t:  forget to check the type of local weather you should expect.

While Bermuda and the Bahamas both sound like hot weather destinations, there are times during the year when the weather there may not be what you would expect.  While the cost may be right, the weather might not be. 

Hint:  Before you book, check the average temperature and rainfall for the time you are planning to travel.

Do:  study the ship’s layout before you book your cabin and understand how the cabins are categorized.

Not all cabins are alike, even within the same category.  Before booking a cabin make sure you know its proximity to the areas of the ship that are important to you.  Reserving a cabin close to the kid’s club, the dining area or even the elevators might make your vacation go even smoother.

Hint:  When studying the ship’s layout, locate the nightlife areas and make sure your cabin is not located underneath it.  You do not want your vacation interrupted by loud music at 2:00 am.

Don’t:  book the cabins closet to the bow or nearest to the stern of the ship.

The bow of the ship contains the anchors and when coming into port early in the morning you will hear them being lowered.  The stern of the ship is where the thrusters are located and the vibrations can be felt when steering the ship and pulling into port. 

Hint:  Many people like to book a cabin in the middle of the ship. While this is good for some passengers, you just might find a bargain on a cabin forward or aft.

Do:  book early/book late/buy insurance.

Cruise lines love having half their available cabins booked a year in advance and because of this they usually offer discounts to encourage passengers to make reservations that far out.  On the other hand, cruise lines also love having all their cabins filled at the time of departure and as such they will also offer discounts on upcoming sailings in which they need help filling.  Another thing to keep in mind is the importance of buying travel insurance. Travel insurance plans offer coverage for vacation and trip cancellation, travel interruptions and delays, emergency medical and health expenses, lost baggage and more.

Hint:  When traveling in foreign countries or while out to sea, your regular health insurance might not cover all emergency costs.  Purchasing travel insurance that will cover health related matters, including emergency medical evacuation will give you some peace of mind and will hopefully never have to be used.

Don’t:  travel alone if you are looking for the cheapest fare.

Unfortunately for those of you traveling alone, cruise lines base the cost of each cabin on double occupancy.  Unlike most hotel rooms, if you are traveling as a single in a cabin you will probably have to pay almost the same amount as 2 passengers traveling together minus the extra port charges, fuel surcharges and government taxes. 

Hint:  Ask your friends or family members if they are interested in sharing a cabin.  Also, you might try a few websites that offer posts to help find a cruise companion.

Do:  choose a repositioning cruise.

A repositioning cruise is when a ship departs from one port and ends its trip in another one.  These cruises are normally a good value, but be aware that there are usually a few more days at sea on a repositioning cruise. 

Hint:  Check airfare first.  Since these cruises begin and end in different cities, the airfare to and from your home city may not make this a good deal for everyone.