Royal Caribbean International has released the following press release. Please review the information below to stay up to date with the latest Royal Caribbean news and updates.
Royal Caribbean International® New APIS Regulations Announcement Due to new government regulations requiring cruise lines to submit final departure manifests at least 60 minutes prior to sailing, guests are requested to complete Online Check-in at the appropriate website NO later than 3 days prior to their cruise. Please note: All guests must be checked-in and onboard the ship no later than 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time or they will not be permitted to sail.
Monday, January 14, 2008
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
NCL new check in policy!
This new policy comes as a result of a new rule mandated by the US Customs and Border Protection. Beginning February 19, 2008, they are requiring all cruise lines to send an electronic transmission of their passenger and crew manifests no later than 60 minutes prior to departure. NCL is implementing the policy a little early, but all cruise lines will need to comply by February 19...so I wouldn't be surprised if all of the other cruise lines come out with revised policies shortly.
If we are scheduled to sail at 5:00 pm, then all guests who are sailing need to be checked in by 4:00 pm so we can send the manifest. At that point check-in would close. In order for us to get everyone checked in by the 60-minute mark, we are asking guests to arrive two hours before departure so that they have time to deal with luggage, go through security and check-in. It's like the airlines telling you to arrive two hours before a flight so you have enough time to go through the entire process before boarding the plane. If everyone shows up at an hour and 10 minutes before hand, it will be impossible to get everyone processed in 10 minutes and meet the 60-minute deadline.
If we are scheduled to sail at 5:00 pm, then all guests who are sailing need to be checked in by 4:00 pm so we can send the manifest. At that point check-in would close. In order for us to get everyone checked in by the 60-minute mark, we are asking guests to arrive two hours before departure so that they have time to deal with luggage, go through security and check-in. It's like the airlines telling you to arrive two hours before a flight so you have enough time to go through the entire process before boarding the plane. If everyone shows up at an hour and 10 minutes before hand, it will be impossible to get everyone processed in 10 minutes and meet the 60-minute deadline.
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Last minute deals?
Have you ever heard about someone who booked a last minute cruise deal and saved lots of money? Believe me there are some fantastic last minute deals out there but for those of us who do not live close to a major cruise port there is a disadvantage to the last minute cruise deal. Last minute airfare! Booking airfare on a minutes notice can cost big money and often will quickly make the savings of a last minute cruise deal disappear. So what can those of us do who do not live within driving distance to a major cruise port? Check airfare prices first and do the math. Consider doing a pre and/or post stay that will allow you to fly during a time when airfare may cost less. But if you are like me and don't live anywhere close then book your cruise early. Booking early allows you time to find a good deal on airfare while still getting a fantastic price on your cruise. Often the best prices on airfare are around 6 to 7 months prior to the departure date. Booking early means you get more cabins to choose from, a dinning time that you want and time to pay off your cruise before you go. Nothing like taking a vacation knowing that the only thing you have left to pay for is the fun stuff and even then you can pay much of that upfront if you want to. We get last minute email offers daily so if your looking for a last minute cruise deal and would like us to help please contact one of our cruise specialist and tell them what interest you. Catch The Wave, book a cruise today!
What is onboard credit???
So you are searching through the internet or have contact several agencies for a great cruise deal and you’ve stumbled upon a cruise agency’s making what appears to be an unusual offer. These cruise agencies are offering shipboard or onboard credit for you cruise package. I can’t tell you how many friends, family and clients have asked me what is shipboard or onboard credit. First let me state that there is no difference between these two, they are exactly the same thing. Now that I have cleared that up, for the rest of my article I will be commonly be referring to it as shipboard credit.
So let me start with the check in process to help you understand what shipboard credit can do for you. When you check in for your cruise the cruise line representative will ask you for a major credit card so the cruise line can set up a cabin charge account. Each passenger in your party receives an access key for your cabin during check in and these keys are also to be used to charge items to your cabins charge account and is also your identification during you cruise for debarkation and embarkation during your cruise. Does everyone in your cabin get charging privilege? That’s up to you! During the check in process you will decide who will have charging privileges. Sorry kids, it’s all up to the adults. If you don’t like the idea of using a major credit card with potentially unlimited charging power, don’t worry you can usually set up your account using cash or you may be able to set charging limits. Be sure to ask the cruise line representative to explain all of the options available to you during check in but you can also request changes before and during your cruise at the Pursers Desk. Once your cabin charge account has been set up and you have your cabin key this is, for the most part, the only card you will need while on the ship so I recommend you put all other personal item’s such as credit cards, other personal identification including passport, money and traveler checks in the room safe until a need arises for them, such as excursions or when visiting the casino. I personally use cash or traveler checks for my visits to the casino. It sets a limit to my gambling that I can live with and I avoid any cash advance fees or ATM fees that may be charged by the cruise line and/or my credit card that I used to setup the cabin charge account. When purchasing items on the ship from the gift shops, bar and night lounges, excursion deck and specialty restaurants, as well as anything that may not be covered in the price of your cruise, you will present your cabin key and your cabin charge account will be billed accordingly. At the end of the cruise you can see an itemized list of all your charges. If there is any dispute you must take care of it before you depart the ship at the pursers desk, departing the ship constitutes that you have agreed to the charges as listed by the cruise line and all charges will be charged to your credit card.
So now that I have covered a little bit about the check in process and what some of the things you will need your cabin key for you are probably still wondering what is shipboard credit? Shipboard credit is like having a gift card on your cruise. The cruise line representative may confirm your shipboard credit during your boarding process or you may receive a card in your cabin stating you have shipboard credit and the amount. The shipboard credit is applied to your cabins charge account as a credit therefore reducing you bill at the end of your cruise by that amount. Shipboard credit is offered for a variety of reasons with your cruise package, often it is being offered as part of a promotion either by the travel agency or the cruise line. Shipboard credit can be used to cover a wide variety of things including paying for you gratuities that if not pre paid will be automatically billed to your cabins charge account, for any excursions booked through the ships excursion desk, your bar tab, pop card for unlimited soft drinks, purchases at the gift shops, and any other purchases made while on the ship. Ask your cruise specialist that you booked your cruise through for other creative ways your shipboard credit will work for you during your cruise experience.
Even if shipboard credit is not being offered with your cruise package you can ask your travel agent to purchase it on your behalf before your cruise sails, that is if pre paying for some of your expected expenses makes your cruise vacation a more enjoyable experience.
Catch the wave and book your next cruise vacation today!
So let me start with the check in process to help you understand what shipboard credit can do for you. When you check in for your cruise the cruise line representative will ask you for a major credit card so the cruise line can set up a cabin charge account. Each passenger in your party receives an access key for your cabin during check in and these keys are also to be used to charge items to your cabins charge account and is also your identification during you cruise for debarkation and embarkation during your cruise. Does everyone in your cabin get charging privilege? That’s up to you! During the check in process you will decide who will have charging privileges. Sorry kids, it’s all up to the adults. If you don’t like the idea of using a major credit card with potentially unlimited charging power, don’t worry you can usually set up your account using cash or you may be able to set charging limits. Be sure to ask the cruise line representative to explain all of the options available to you during check in but you can also request changes before and during your cruise at the Pursers Desk. Once your cabin charge account has been set up and you have your cabin key this is, for the most part, the only card you will need while on the ship so I recommend you put all other personal item’s such as credit cards, other personal identification including passport, money and traveler checks in the room safe until a need arises for them, such as excursions or when visiting the casino. I personally use cash or traveler checks for my visits to the casino. It sets a limit to my gambling that I can live with and I avoid any cash advance fees or ATM fees that may be charged by the cruise line and/or my credit card that I used to setup the cabin charge account. When purchasing items on the ship from the gift shops, bar and night lounges, excursion deck and specialty restaurants, as well as anything that may not be covered in the price of your cruise, you will present your cabin key and your cabin charge account will be billed accordingly. At the end of the cruise you can see an itemized list of all your charges. If there is any dispute you must take care of it before you depart the ship at the pursers desk, departing the ship constitutes that you have agreed to the charges as listed by the cruise line and all charges will be charged to your credit card.
So now that I have covered a little bit about the check in process and what some of the things you will need your cabin key for you are probably still wondering what is shipboard credit? Shipboard credit is like having a gift card on your cruise. The cruise line representative may confirm your shipboard credit during your boarding process or you may receive a card in your cabin stating you have shipboard credit and the amount. The shipboard credit is applied to your cabins charge account as a credit therefore reducing you bill at the end of your cruise by that amount. Shipboard credit is offered for a variety of reasons with your cruise package, often it is being offered as part of a promotion either by the travel agency or the cruise line. Shipboard credit can be used to cover a wide variety of things including paying for you gratuities that if not pre paid will be automatically billed to your cabins charge account, for any excursions booked through the ships excursion desk, your bar tab, pop card for unlimited soft drinks, purchases at the gift shops, and any other purchases made while on the ship. Ask your cruise specialist that you booked your cruise through for other creative ways your shipboard credit will work for you during your cruise experience.
Even if shipboard credit is not being offered with your cruise package you can ask your travel agent to purchase it on your behalf before your cruise sails, that is if pre paying for some of your expected expenses makes your cruise vacation a more enjoyable experience.
Catch the wave and book your next cruise vacation today!
Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Please submit your reviews!
Reviews Wanted Cruise recently? We would like a written review of your shipboard experience for our ship reviews section. Everyone benefits by hearing other first person accounts of their cruise experience. Tell us about your cruise!
NEW INVOICING DETAILS
e-InvoicingComing to an Inbox Near You
In order to better serve our cruise clients, Cruises Inc. has converted to e-mail based invoicing. In addition to being more timely and responsive to our client's needs, we are pleased to be helping the environment by eliminating tens of thousands of pieces of paper and envelopes.We look forward to communicating more effectively with our clients and being more environmentally responsible.
In order to better serve our cruise clients, Cruises Inc. has converted to e-mail based invoicing. In addition to being more timely and responsive to our client's needs, we are pleased to be helping the environment by eliminating tens of thousands of pieces of paper and envelopes.We look forward to communicating more effectively with our clients and being more environmentally responsible.
Royal Caribbean to Base Genesis Ships at Port Everglades
Royal Caribbean International said it would homeport two new 220,000-ton "Project Genesis" ships in Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. Broward County said the port is poised to become the world's top cruise port within five years. The agreement between Royal Caribbean and Broward County is expected to be finalized by the cruise line company's board of directors and the Broward County Commission on or before Dec. 19.
The 5,400-passenger Genesis ships will be the largest cruise ships ever constructed. The first of the ships is scheduled to begin sailing year-round from Port Everglades in fall 2009, with the second sister ship to begin sailing one year later. Each Genesis ship, being constructed at Aker Yards in Turku, Finland, is projected to generate approximately 584,000 in passenger traffic annually at Port Everglades. "We look forward to growing our outstanding relationship with Port Everglades," said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
As part of the agreement, Royal Caribbean will reimburse up to $37.4 million for the expansion and related infrastructure needs of Terminal 18, which is already one of the largest cruise passenger terminals worldwide. Along with sister brands Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises, Royal Caribbean will generate approximately 17 million in passenger volume (embarking and disembarking) at Port Everglades during the first 10-year term of the contract.
"Now we can expect an average of 3.6 times more Royal Caribbean passengers, which is phenomenal," said Port Everglades Director Phillip Allen. An economic impact study conducted by Martin and Associates as part of the Port Everglades Master/Vision Plan, projects that homeporting the Genesis ships at Port Everglades will create more than 3,844 jobs, generate $172 million in personal income and $15.9 million state and local taxes. In addition, the analysis anticipates that more than 858 new construction jobs will be created during the Terminal 18 expansion.
The 5,400-passenger Genesis ships will be the largest cruise ships ever constructed. The first of the ships is scheduled to begin sailing year-round from Port Everglades in fall 2009, with the second sister ship to begin sailing one year later. Each Genesis ship, being constructed at Aker Yards in Turku, Finland, is projected to generate approximately 584,000 in passenger traffic annually at Port Everglades. "We look forward to growing our outstanding relationship with Port Everglades," said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO of Royal Caribbean International.
As part of the agreement, Royal Caribbean will reimburse up to $37.4 million for the expansion and related infrastructure needs of Terminal 18, which is already one of the largest cruise passenger terminals worldwide. Along with sister brands Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises, Royal Caribbean will generate approximately 17 million in passenger volume (embarking and disembarking) at Port Everglades during the first 10-year term of the contract.
"Now we can expect an average of 3.6 times more Royal Caribbean passengers, which is phenomenal," said Port Everglades Director Phillip Allen. An economic impact study conducted by Martin and Associates as part of the Port Everglades Master/Vision Plan, projects that homeporting the Genesis ships at Port Everglades will create more than 3,844 jobs, generate $172 million in personal income and $15.9 million state and local taxes. In addition, the analysis anticipates that more than 858 new construction jobs will be created during the Terminal 18 expansion.
NCL GEM!
NCL Christens New Norwegian Gem in New York (12/19/07)
Norwegian Cruise Line christened its new Norwegian Gem in a ceremony in New York yesterday. The 93,530-ton, 2,394-passenger Freestyle Cruising ship entered service on Oct. 1 in Europe and made its U.S. debut in Boston on Dec. 13. NCL is celebrating the arrival of Norwegian Gem with inaugural events in Europe, Boston and New York. The ship was christened yesterday by 31-year-old Cindy Cardella, who has taken 31 NCL cruises. Cardella was selected as the Norwegian Gem's "It" girl from a group of five finalists all of whom had submitted videos stating why they should be chosen to christen the ship.
Norwegian Gem will be homeported in New York during the winter, offering cruises to the Caribbean. In summer, it will offer cruises of the Mediterranean out of Barcelona. The ship is the final vessel in NCL's Jewel-class of ships. It features a four-lane bowling alley in the Bliss Ultra Lounge and Night Club, a rock climbing wall and a variety of high-end accommodations, including Garden Villas, Courtyard Villas and two top-of-the-ship Deluxe Owner's Suites. The ship also will feature Wii by Nintendo tournaments on a two-story LED screen.
Norwegian Gem features 10 restaurants, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Blue Lagoon, Le Bistro, Orchid Garden, Tequila, La Cucina, the Garden Café, and the Great Outdoors, plus two main dining rooms, Grand Pacific and Magenta. Guests can enjoy cocktails at Bar Central, which features a martini bar, champagne and wine bar, beer and whiskey bar, and cigar bar. The Yin & Yang Spa and Beauty Salon features 18 treatment rooms, three of which are designed for couples. It also includes a thalassotherapy pool. Body Waves Fitness Center features state-of-the-art cardio workout equipment, plus an aerobics and yoga area, steam and sauna rooms.
Norwegian Cruise Line christened its new Norwegian Gem in a ceremony in New York yesterday. The 93,530-ton, 2,394-passenger Freestyle Cruising ship entered service on Oct. 1 in Europe and made its U.S. debut in Boston on Dec. 13. NCL is celebrating the arrival of Norwegian Gem with inaugural events in Europe, Boston and New York. The ship was christened yesterday by 31-year-old Cindy Cardella, who has taken 31 NCL cruises. Cardella was selected as the Norwegian Gem's "It" girl from a group of five finalists all of whom had submitted videos stating why they should be chosen to christen the ship.
Norwegian Gem will be homeported in New York during the winter, offering cruises to the Caribbean. In summer, it will offer cruises of the Mediterranean out of Barcelona. The ship is the final vessel in NCL's Jewel-class of ships. It features a four-lane bowling alley in the Bliss Ultra Lounge and Night Club, a rock climbing wall and a variety of high-end accommodations, including Garden Villas, Courtyard Villas and two top-of-the-ship Deluxe Owner's Suites. The ship also will feature Wii by Nintendo tournaments on a two-story LED screen.
Norwegian Gem features 10 restaurants, including Cagney's Steakhouse, Blue Lagoon, Le Bistro, Orchid Garden, Tequila, La Cucina, the Garden Café, and the Great Outdoors, plus two main dining rooms, Grand Pacific and Magenta. Guests can enjoy cocktails at Bar Central, which features a martini bar, champagne and wine bar, beer and whiskey bar, and cigar bar. The Yin & Yang Spa and Beauty Salon features 18 treatment rooms, three of which are designed for couples. It also includes a thalassotherapy pool. Body Waves Fitness Center features state-of-the-art cardio workout equipment, plus an aerobics and yoga area, steam and sauna rooms.
Happy New Year!
New Year's Resolutions
Now that 2008 is here, your renewed quest for the perfectly toned body with fitness resolutions and diets can still be continued while cruising. You can effortlessly maintain your fitness routine at sea. When it comes to a work-out, the cruise ships of today offer beautiful state-of-the-art fitness facilities with everything from cardio equipment, weight machines, boxing rings and exercise balls to top aerobics classes. After your workout, soothe your aching muscles and revitalize your mind, body and well being in the world-class spa. So, indulge yourself on a cruise vacation without one bit of guilt. Take advantage of the exclusive offers in our January Super Sale and plan your "guiltless" cruise experience today.
Now that 2008 is here, your renewed quest for the perfectly toned body with fitness resolutions and diets can still be continued while cruising. You can effortlessly maintain your fitness routine at sea. When it comes to a work-out, the cruise ships of today offer beautiful state-of-the-art fitness facilities with everything from cardio equipment, weight machines, boxing rings and exercise balls to top aerobics classes. After your workout, soothe your aching muscles and revitalize your mind, body and well being in the world-class spa. So, indulge yourself on a cruise vacation without one bit of guilt. Take advantage of the exclusive offers in our January Super Sale and plan your "guiltless" cruise experience today.
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