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Carnival Cruise Lines renews its 'Great Vacation Guarantee' through 2015

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Latest offers Latest offers; Published: 17 September 2014 17 September 2014

Carnival Cruise Lines is renewing its groundbreaking Great Vacation Guarantee which provides consumers an opportunity to receive a 110 percent refund, complimentary transportation home and a $100 shipboard credit on a future cruise if they are dissatisfied with their vacation for any reason. In the year since Carnival originally introduced the guarantee, the line’s 24 ships have carried 4.5 million guests and the guarantee has been invoked only 47 times.

Both consumers and travel agents have lauded the guarantee -- the only one of its kind in the cruise industry -- with many travel agents citing it as an excellent sales tool to entice first-time cruisers to set sail.

“You are statistically more likely to date a supermodel than you are to invoke the Great Vacation Guarantee,” said Jim Berra, Carnival’s chief marketing officer. “However, we believe it is important to keep the guarantee in place given its effectiveness in communicating to consumers that we stand behind our product and are extremely confident you will have an exceptional vacation experience when you sail with Carnival.”

Berra added that with more than 300 new spaces and experiences added to Carnival’s fleet under the company’s multi-million-dollar Fun Ship 2.0 enhancement program, guest satisfaction has increased considerably since the program was first introduced.

To exercise the Great Vacation Guarantee, guests simply notify the ship’s guest services desk within the first 24 hours of the voyage to receive a full refund of their cruise fare plus an additional 10 percent, along with complimentary return air transportation from the next port of call, and complimentary ground transportation and hotel accommodations (if necessary), along with a $100 shipboard credit to be used on a future Carnival cruise. Carnival will fully handle all travel arrangements to make it a truly hassle-free experience.

The Great Vacation Guarantee is valid on all three- to eight-day voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Bermuda, Canada and New England through December 31, 2015, including holiday sailings. The program applies to U.S. and Canadian residents only and guests must possess a valid passport to return to the U.S. by air.

Costa Cruises to offer free upgrades and reduced deposits on Caribbean cruises from Miami

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Latest offers Latest offers; Published: 16 September 2014 16 September 2014

Summer may have come to an end, but Costa Cruises is just beginning to heat things up with its latest promotion on Caribbean sailings this winter. The Italian-flagged cruise line is offering free upgrades and reduced deposits when Costa Luminosa and Costa Mediterranea reposition to Miami, Fla., in December for a season of unique 10-, 11- and 12-night cruises to the eastern, western and southern Caribbean.

The complimentary upgrade on select dates enables guests to sail in an oceanview cabin for the price of an interior or book a verandah cabin for the price of an oceanview, with rates starting at $799 per person, double occupancy. Reduced deposits make it more affordable for travelers to book a cabin now in anticipation of their winter or spring vacation.

"Our longer Caribbean itineraries are the best options to see the whole region in a relaxed and pampered atmosphere," said Scott Knutson, vice president, sales and marketing for Costa Cruises North America. "By offering extended cruises on two ships, we're giving guests more time to experience the Caribbean the Costa way, which means memorable ports, international shipboard ambiance, excellent service and exceptional amenities."

Guests can enjoy Costa's famous la dolce vita on the beach with calls at some of the most stunning ports in the Caribbean. Costa Luminosa’s 10-night itineraries feature stops at Nassau, Bahamas; Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands; Roatan, Honduras; and Cozumel, Mexico.

Costa Mediterranea's 11-night sailings call at Samana, Dominican Republic; Road Harbour, Tortola; St John’s, Antigua; Point á Pitre, Guadeloupe; and Philipsburg, St. Maarten; and also feature added variations of calls at Nassau or Freeport, Bahamas; Grand Turk; or Key West, Fla. A 12-night cruise also includes a call at St. Kitts.

Complimentary upgrades are available on these departures: Costa Luminosa's Jan. 6 and 16, Feb. 25 and March 7 and 17 sailings; and Costa Mediterranea's Dec. 11, Jan. 2, Feb. 26 and March 9 cruises, with rates starting at just $799. Rates start at $849 for Costa Luminosa's Jan. 26 and Feb. 5 departures, which feature a call at Princess Cays instead of Grand Turk, and the Feb. 15 cruise slated to call at Costa Maya, Mexico, and Belize City, Belize, instead of Cozumel and Roatan.

The 92,600-ton, 2,826-passenger Costa Luminosa is the largest Costa ship to sail from Miami. A full 68 percent of its 1,130 cabins have private balconies -- the highest percentage in the Costa fleet. The ship also boasts four restaurants and 11 bars, and offers plenty of exciting amenities including three pools, a multipurpose sports court, 4D cinema, casino dance club and relaxing amenities like the popular Samsara Spa, which features a gym, thalassotherapy pool, sauna and Turkish bath.

Costa Mediterranea's interior design was inspired by 17th-century Italian palaces, and features Murano glass accents and rich inlaid wood. The 86,000-ton, 2,144-passenger ship’s highlights include four restaurants, 12 bars -- including a Cognac and Cigar Bar -- four swimming pools, a solarium, multipurpose sports court and outdoor jogging track. The ship's two-level Ischia spa includes a fitness center, sauna and steam room.

Cruise-only fares do not include airfare or government fees and taxes. Rates are per person, double occupancy.

Norwegian Cruise Line UK in all inclusive package promotion

Details: Written by Kari Reinikainen Kari Reinikainen; Category: Latest offers Latest offers; Published: 10 September 2014 10 September 2014

Norwegian Cruise Line UK is launching a new “Norwegians Get It All and a Whole Lot More” promotion, an All-Inclusive Package for guests sailing in 2015 and booking between 17 September and 30 October 2014. Including speciality drinks, speciality dining, service charges, internet, treats and more, this new package will offer guests an even more enhanced level of Freestyle Cruising® than ever before, adding a value of more than $2000 per stateroom on a 7-night cruise. Additionally, guests booking a cruise in conjunction with the All-Inclusive Package will benefit from 5% saving on their cruise fare^.

Travel agents will also benefit from the offer with the chance to earn extra commission by booking both the cruise and All-Inclusive elements of the package, both of which attract a commission rate of 10%.

The package will be available on cruises of three to 14 nights* taking guests to exciting destinations including the Caribbean, the Bahamas, Bermuda, Alaska, Canada & New England, the Panama Canal and South America between 4 January and 27 December 2015. The package is also bookable with Norwegian’s award-winning European programme which includes Eastern and Western Mediterranean, Baltic and Northern Europe and Canary Island itineraries.

Ranging from £215 per person for a three-night cruise up to £735 per person for a 14-night cruise, Norwegian’s All-Inclusive package takes All-Inclusive cruising to the next level and includes:

5% OFF the cruise fare^
Ultimate Beverage Package – a wide choice of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks at bars and restaurants all over the ship
Ultimate Dining Package – in addition to the great choice of main dining rooms and lavish buffets which come as part of the normal cruise price, guests can experience complimentary authentic global cuisine in Norwegian’s speciality restaurants every night of the cruise
Welcome on board bottle of wine and chocolate-covered strawberries
12 bottles of water for 9- to 14-night cruises and 6 bottles of water for 3- to 8-night cruises
250-minute internet package
- 20 photos of any size taken by Norwegian’s on-board photographers
- Three games of bingo
- Service charges and gratuities associated with the package.

Sailings are available on 13 of Norwegian’s modern fleet including the recently launched Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway, as well as Norwegian Escape which is set to launch in October 2015.

Guests can also cruise on board Norwegian’s popular ship, Norwegian Epic, when she arrives in Europe for her year-round deployment in April 2015. The seven-night Western Mediterranean cruise and All-Inclusive package is priced from just £898 per person and £1248 per person including flights - based on two adults sharing an Inside Stateroom, departing on 22 November 2015 and includes an All-Inclusive add-on package of £420 per person. With 24 dining options and 20 bars and lounges to enjoy, the package will allow guests a taste of the highlights of the Western Mediterranean as Norwegian Epic travels: Fly UK / Barcelona (Spain) – Naples (Pompeii, Italy) – Civitavecchia (Rome, Italy) – Livorno (Florence/Pisa, Italy) – Cannes (France) – Palma (Majorca, Spain) – Barcelona (Spain) / Fly UK.

Francis Riley, Vice President and General Manager International, Norwegian Cruise Line, said: “We are extremely excited to have launched this incredible All-Inclusive package for our guests sailing with us throughout 2015. Our package really does put the ‘All’ in ‘all-inclusive’, allowing our guests to benefit from the value for money that it provides. With a huge array of sailings and ships available, our guests can leave their wallet at home and take their Freestyle Cruising experience to the maximum.”

“We’re also delighted to be able to offer our loyal travel partners the chance to increase their earnings with the additional commission earning opportunity that comes with the campaign.”

Princess launches 'Endless Summer Sale'

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Latest offers Latest offers; Published: 21 August 2014 21 August 2014

Princess Cruises is keeping summer alive with savings on more than 150 cruise vacations to sunny destinations such as the Caribbean, Tahiti, Hawaii, Panama Canal and Mexico. The “Endless Summer Sale,” which begins today and runs through September 10, offers guests the chance to save up to $1,400 on select cruises departing between November 2014 and February 2015.

In addition to special cruise fares, guests booking balcony staterooms or above will receive an onboard credit of $200 (for cruises 11 days or longer) or $150 (seven- to 10-day cruises); and those booking interior or oceanview staterooms can get credits of $150 (cruises 11 days or longer) or $100 (seven- to 10-day cruises).

More information about the Endless Summer Sale can be found at princess.com/sale. Additional cruise deals can be found at princess.com/topcruisedeals.

Examples of cruise deals include:

– Caribbean cruise vacation – 7 days from $499

– Panama Canal cruise vacation – 11 days from $999

– Tahiti cruise vacation – 10 days from $999

– Hawaii cruise vacation – 15 days from $1,499

– Mexico cruise vacation – 7 days from $499

All cruise prices are per person, based on double occupancy. The Endless Summer Sale begins at 12:01 a.m. PDT on August 21 and runs through 11:59 p.m. PDT on September 10 and is available to residents of the United States, Canada, Puerto Rico and Mexico.

Norwegian offers savings on Alaska cruises

Details: Written by Teijo Niemelä Teijo Niemelä; Category: Latest offers Latest offers; Published: 21 August 2014 21 August 2014

Norwegian Cruise Line is launching its Alaska Bonus Days with two great offers providing exceptional savings on board the youngest fleet sailing to Alaska. From now through Friday, August 22, 2014, guests who book a Norwegian cruise vacation to Alaska can receive up to $200 to spend on board. Guests booking a 2015 cruise now through Friday, August 29, 2014, can also take advantage of Norwegian's seven-day All-Inclusive Package*, valued at more than $2,400, for just $899 per person.

Thrill-seekers can pack up their sense of adventure and explore the captivating coastline; head deep into the frozen wilderness on an Alaska Cruisetour; feel the excitement of a 30-ton whale gliding under their catamaran and so much more while cruising through the majestic state of Alaska on board one of Norwegian's three modern ships: Norwegian Sun, Norwegian Jewel or Norwegian Pearl.

Norwegian Sun offers a series of seven-day cruises from either Vancouver, British Columbia or Whittier, Alaska, and explores breathtaking destinations including the Inside Passage, Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Sawyer Glacier and Hubbard Glacier, now through September 22, 2014. Fares from Vancouver, British Colombia start at $649 and fares from Whittier, Alaska start at $549.

Norwegian Jewel offers seven-day cruises from Seattle every Saturday and visits Alaska favorites including Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan and Victoria, British Columbia, now through September 21, 2014, with fares starting at $579.

Norwegian Pearl also provides guests with an unparalleled Alaska cruise experience, sailing a series of seven-day cruises from Seattle that visit popular ports including Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan and Victoria, British Columbia, every Sunday now through September 21, 2014, with fares starting at $629.