Tag Archives: Carnival Cruises

Deal of the day: Carnival Breeze includes upgrades, other perks

Posted on by alanwhitt

Here’s a last minute bargain for someone wanting to sail on the new Carnival Breeze.

This eight-day cruise (Jan. 5-13, 2013) goes for a total of $1,745.98 for two passengers in an interior cabin and includes all taxes and a two-category upgrade.

It also comes with $100 onboard credit, three photo coupons, tote bags and a bottle of wine.

A $300 per person deposit ($600 total) is due immediately, with the balance on October 20.

Call Allure Quest Travel Experience at 615-818-8241 to book.

Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos, the latest travel news and vacations to book.

Carnival set to initiate fee-based early embarkation program

Posted on by alanwhitt

If I’m going to duplicate a business model with the intent of being successful I certainly wouldn’t turn to the airline industry for guidance.

Alan Whitt

I’ve said it for years and I stand by it: The legacy airlines have to be one of the worst business models ever.

So the reasons why the world’s most popular cruise line would follow along that path escapes me.

Although airlines have collected a boatload of revenue from the proliferation of add-on fees they haven’t made many friends in the process.

And now Carnival Cruise Line appears to be pulling up to that same pier.

Beginning with two ships – Carnival Imagination on Aug. 20 and Carnial Liberty on Aug. 25 – the Fun Ship folks are initiating an early embarkation program … for a fee.rough that same canal.

Beginning with two ships – Carnival Imagination on Aug. 20 and Carnial Liberty on Aug. 25 – the Fun Ship folks are initiating an early embarkation program … for a fee.

Called Faster to the Fun, the program includes other benefits such as early access to staterooms, express luggage delivery, disembarkation choices and priority dining seating and tender boarding.

The price will be $49.95 per stateroom. The Faster to Fun program is free for Diamond and platinum members.

Of course, Carnival is spinning this as cruise line always do, saying that this is what passengers want. I don’t personally know anyone asking to shell out more money.

If you’re scheduled for either of these ship you can sign on for the Faster to fun benefits at the Carnival website.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos, the latest travel news and vacations to book.

The new Carnival: Recently debuted Breeze tones down the glitz

Posted on by alanwhitt

Carnival Cruise Line has always been proud of it’s outrageous decor and feel. It usually takes a few days to adapt to the atmosphere and sometimes you never do.

Alan Whitt

A cruise line executive once told me that when passengers board a Carnival ship he wanted them to now they weren’t in their living room.

My description of a Fun Ship has always been “out there.”

Well, things are changing … beginning with the brand new Carnival Breeze. The 130,000-ton, 3,690-passenger ship has a surprising modern decor.

However, don’t expect bland. Carnival fans will be relieved that the color scheme will remain bright, including staterooms with yellow and blue striped cushions an drapes.

“Carnival Breeze has a different look and feel,” says Carnival president and CEO Gerry Cahill.“It’s a little more contemporary, a little more Caribbean.…We are a fun-and-sun brand at our core, and the new design reflects that.”

One of my Carnival pet peeves has always been the dark, closed-in feeling onboard, unlike other modern cruise lines. Carnival Breeze breaks the mold with more indoor-outdoor spaces.- including Ocean Plaza with lanais with hot tubs and indoor eateries and entertainment.

You can expect the enhancements – along with the new branded dining options – to be added to other Carnival ships over the next few years.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos, the latest travel news and vacations to book.

Deal of the day: Get cash back, upgrades on Carnival cruises

Posted on by alanwhitt

Book just about any Carnival cruise sailing through 2012 and get cash back savings of up to $100 pr stateroom and one- or two-category upgrades.

Book any cruise by May 31 during Carnival’s Memorial Day Sale – including Carnival’s newest ship Carnival Breeze – and pack your bags for a wonderful cruise.

Cash back savings come in the form of an onboard credit per stateroom. Book a 3- to 5-day cruise and get $50 per cabin, a $100 onboard credit for sailing of six days or more, and $100 for fall sailings fro September through December.

And you can book a European cruise and get up to $400 cash back with upgrades.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos and the latest travel news.

Costa Concordia tragedy impacts Carnival Triumph in Galveston

Posted on by alanwhitt

Huh? I didn’t really read that a Texas judge ordered Carnival Triumph to be detained in Galveston, did I?

Alan Whitt

This ridiculous turn of events has nothing to do with ship safety, a criminal act or non-payment of any debt.

The judge did this in connection with a $10 million lawsuit filed by the family of a German tourist lost in the Costa Concordia tragedy two months ago.

So what does the sinking of Costa Concordia in Italy have to do with a cruise ship in Galveston? Other than the fact that Costa Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line are both owned by Carnival Corp. … absolutely nothing.

The judge’s warrant allowed Carnival Triumph to disembark passengers until a “prompt hearing” could be scheduled. Carnival eventually struck an agreement that allowed the ship to sail as originally scheduled.

I’m not going to share my opinion about the legal profession and some of its slimy members, but this is exactly why people have so little faith in the system. Forget maritime law and all that mumbo jumbo. Whatever happened to common sense?

Does this mean that every ship in the Carnival Corp. fleet can be grounded, including ships with Carnival, Costa, Holland America, Cunard, Princess, etc.? Does it mean that thousands of people could possibly have their cruises ruined around the world even though their only “crime” was booking a vacation?

I’m all for those impacted by the Carnival Concordia getting their pound of flesh and a hefty payday. But I resent anyone else being turned into collateral damage.

Cruise ship bracketology – We’re down to our own Final Four

Posted on by alanwhitt

This time of year there are brackets for just about everything … but none nearly as popular as the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament that will crown a champion next Monday.

Alan Whitt

I’ve got a dog in that hunt as my Buckeyes from THE Ohio State University ready for battle as one of the four best teams in America.

O – H … I – O!

As cruise ships set sail this weekend you can bet your last dollar that you’ll be able to watch the final three games of the season onboard.

If you’re lucky enough to be on one of those ships with the giant outdoor movie screens you will watch it in style as you sail across the Caribbean, relaxing poolside with a drink in one hand and a burger in the other.

Those screens are amazing. I watched the Buckeyes take down Gonzaga in third-round action March 17 as we sailed out of Ft. Lauderdale on Liberty of the Seas.

I imagine that next Monday night will find diminished numbers in the main dining rooms during second seating while the game is underway. Head to the buffet, load up and get ready to cheer on your favorite team. Grab a few slices of pizza at Sorrento’s on Deck 5, or burgers and dogs at Windjammer on Deck 11 and you’re ready to party.

As we prepare for college basketball’s Final Four … I’m down to my personal cruise ship Final Four.

The parameters are ships that I’ve sailed on but itineraries also play a role in advancement.

The cruise on Liberty of the Seas was my 36th sailing with six on two ships. That gets me down to 32 ships. We start with my 16 top cruises – eliminating the likes of Costa Atlantica (Northwestern), Carnival Valor (Texas Tech) and Pride of America (San Jose State).

We immediately pared our Sweet Sixteen to the Elite Eight, and finally to our Final Four.

That eliminates some good cruises: MSC Poasia … the cleanest ship I’ve sailed on and a different experience with it’s genuine Italian flair; Sapphire Princess … an elegant cruise ship and probably the best menu I’ve had on a seven-day cruise – every day; Adventure of the Seas … mostly because of the Southern Caribbean itinerary sailing from one of my favorite ports – San Juan, Puerto Rico; and both Radiance of the Seas and Jewel of the Seas … a class of ship that is basically 50 percent glass with spectacular views from just about anywhere, especially the glass elevators facing the sea.

The Final Four comes down to Oasis of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas, Celebrity Solstice Carnival Destiny. Oasis is the tournament’s No. 1 seed, Destiny the requisite Cinderella of the bunch.

Oasis of the Seas – the biggest, most spectacular cruise ship ever – takes on Carnival Destiny in the opener. This is a close call. Why? Destiny was my first cruise and jumpstarted my passion for sailing with John Heald as cruise director. If there was a Cruise Director Hall of Fame, not only would Heald be in it … it would be named for him. I’ve sailed on this ship three times. Alas, Oasis has too much power and innovation to overcome, with so many amenities that it’s nearly impossible to experience all of them on a seven night cruise. Goodbye Destiny … you had a good run.

In the second matchup, Celebrity Solstice wins going away. Liberty of the Seas is fantastic – evidenced by my three sailings on her. But Solstice is hands-down the most gorgeous ship I’ve ever sailed on. Let’s uppercase that EVER. Liberty is beautiful, but its five-night itinerary means you’ll usually want more when you leave this ship.

So we’re down to Oasis of the Seas vs. Celebrity Solstice.

Oasis has tons of weapons and goes on the offensive immediately. Rock climbing walls, ZipLines, floating bars, 32 cabin categories, two-story lofts, an outdoor park and the first carousel at sea are just a few of the amenities.

Solstice is smaller by more than 100,000 tons, but like Oasis it pays tribute to the outdoors with the Lawn Club, a golf-course quality field of green begging one to walk through in your bare feet as well as the only glass blowing exhibition on the seven seas. Add in a culinary expertise that borders on gourmet even at the buffet, and you’re in for a treat.

I get my second sailing on Solstice in 2013 when she sails for the first time to Alaska on round trips from Seattle.

Alas, Oasis going against Solstice is comparable to a John Wooden coached team versus just about anyone.

She’s a worthy champion to be sure.

Old friend Carnival Destiny will get a new life … and a new name

Posted on by alanwhitt

It will be the Ghost of Cruises Past.

When Carnival Destiny becomes Carnival Sunshine next year will my memories of her go away with the name?

Alan Whitt

I don’t think so … but it’s still a little sad to see this ship – the first 100,000-ton cruise ship of the big ship era – disappear from the vacation landscape.

Carnival announced on Tuesday that Carnival Destiny will undergo a $155 million do-over that will make it into a brand new class of Carnival ship.

When the ship comes out of its two-month dry dock that begins February 2013, it will have many new dining, bar and entertainment features, as well as a new layout and 182 more cabins.

More important, she will have a new name. Carnival Sunshine.

I don’t know …. but the new name just doesn’t move me at the moment.

Yes, the essence of Carnival Destiny will never go away, but truth is Carnival Sunshine will be virtually a new ship.

Carnival Destiny has a special place in my heart because my first cruise was on her. That single cruise birthed a passion in me that spans 35 cruises over 16 years. In fact, I’ve sailed on this ship more than any other – three times.

But when I sail on Carnival Sunshine I won’t recognize a thing.

“This is our most ambitious ship conversion project to date and it will radically transform the Carnival Destiny into essentially an entirely new ship offering a variety of exciting dining and beverage choices, spectacular outdoor spaces and entertainment options, and onboard innovations not available anywhere else,” said Garry Cahill, Carnival president and CEO.

At that point, Carnival Destiny will live only in my memory … and photos.

Single-minded travelers don’t have to go it alone

Posted on by alanwhitt

I’m a romantic. And I believe there is someone for everyone … if that’s what you want.

Alan Whitt

However, it disturbs me when women feel they need a man to validate themselves. It bothers me when folks question a man’s sexuality because he doesn’t have a woman.

Cruise lines and tour operators apparently feel the same way. They usually impose a “singles penalty tax” on anyone vacationing alone.

Anytime you see prices based on double occupancy that means you’re paying twice as much if you travel by yourself, other than taxes and fees.

I understand a cruise line’s dilemma: If everyone wanted a single cabin they would go out of business. But singles aren’t getting twice as much for the price they pay so is it fair that they pay double

People who want to be alone aren’t necessarily lonely, and may prefer to get away to reconnect with themselves, meet new people or any number of reasons. Regardless, it’s no one’s business that they travel in solitude.

In today’s travel world there are options for the single traveler.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ship – Norwegian Epic – has cabins specifically designed for the single traveler – complete with a private lounge for those folks.

Luxury line Regent Seven Seas has 16 select sailings where lone travelers pay 50 percent more than the per-person rate.

But a better alternative might be voyage with the largest singles cruise operator in the world, and booked through Allure Quest Travel Experience. These cruises are for folks over 21, with some voyages being age specific. You can travel alone or request a roommate.

There are scheduled cruises on Carnival, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean cruise lines, ranging anywhere from four to eight days, to a variety of destinations with anywhere from 100 to 400 singles in the group.

Cruise passenger’s death a sorrowful reminder of life’s fragility

Posted on by alanwhitt

There has been plenty said lately about safety on vacations, most of it focused on cruise lines and resorts and how they keep us safe.

Alan Whitt

But there is no safety net for someone who puts his own life in jeopardy.

Over the weekend a South Carolina man died onboard Carnival Fantasy when he fell several floors to the lobby level while the ship was in Nassau in the Bahamas.

Nassau police said the man tried to jump from one floor to another, resulting in his demise. Anyone who has been on that ship knows how dangerous that maneuver would be. You may as well try to scale an office building.

Unfortunately, too many people leave common sense at home when on vacation. They drink, carouse … doing things they never would at home. They think: “Heck, I’ll never see these people again.”

What happens in (you pick the place) stays in …

No vacation should end with you returning home in a body bag. There are other daring but safe ways to thrill yourself while on a cruise. Scaling an atrium definitely isn’t one of them.

People please, enjoy yourself … but be safe while doing it. One slip is all it takes.

Allure of the Seas leads way as 2011′s most popular cruise ship

Posted on by alanwhitt

It’s no coincidence that of the Top 10 Most Popular Ships in 2011 half were built in the last two years – with the top three debuting in the last year.

Alan Whitt

People love shiny new things, and these ships are the latest in a line of mine-is-bigger-and-better-than-yours seafaring playgrounds.

Leading the way is Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas – or is it King of the Seas? Right behind are Norwegian Epic and Carnival Magic, the biggest and newest ships for Norwegian and Carnival cruise lines.

The downside to the popularity of these ships is that the cruise lines can command top dollar for them – no matter what time of the year you sail.

But Allure Quest Travel Experience has a way for you to sail on the most popular cruise ship in the world at a bargain price. Keep reading, and we’ll get to that later.

Each of these ships include amenities that are new to their respective cruise line, and in some cases to the industry.

Gargantuan Allure of the Seas (225,000 tons!) boasts the first 3D theater at sea; Norwegian Epic has the first cruise ship ice bar and cabins built for single passengers; and Carnival Magic offers dual water slides at it’s water park as well as family cabins with two bathrooms that accommodate five passengers.

Here’s the complete list of the Top 10 Most Popular Cruise Ships of 2011, as determined by the Internet cruise authority Cruise Critic:

  1. Allure of the Seas; 2. Norwegian Epic; 3. Carnival Magic; 4. Oasis of the Seas; 5. Celebrity Solstice; 6. Disney Dream; 7. Ruby Princess; 8. Liberty of the Seas; 9. Carnival Dream; 10. Norwegian Gem.

The oldest ships on the list are Liberty of the Seas and Norwegian Gem – both debuting in 2007.

OK, you’re probably wondering about that bargain mentioned earlier.

Well, Allure Quest Travel Experience has a limited number of balcony cabins on Allure of the Seas for a May 27 sailing available for $1,259 per person. That same cabin anywhere else goes for more than $1,800.

Just think, if you react right away, you could find yourself sunning and sailing onboard the biggest – and now the most popular – cruise ship on the planet, and at a price the guy in the cabin next to yours is likely going to be envious of.

Allure Quest Travel Experience – P.O. Box 150862, Nashville, TN, 37215 – 615-818-8241 – alan@allurequest.com.