20 November 2009
It’s official that the 2009 holiday rush season is now underway. But, for those procrastinators who wait until the last minute there is some good news—it’s not too late to book a Christmas or New Years cruise or land vacation, because space is still available on a limited basis.
Some of Cruise Holidays of Woodinville’s smarter customers take the guesswork out of their gift giving plans by purchasing a gift card with a pre-loaded dollar amount on it which can be redeemed for whatever date or cruise/vacation the recipients might wish. And, what’s nice about the custom gift card is that it never expires and can be used whenever it’s most convenient for the receiver.
The gift of a vacation is a great way to beat the holiday rush.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Thursday, November 19, 2009
Exotic Destinations a Trend
19 November 2009
Yesterday one of our regular customers booked a cruise from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Santiago, Chile—a 12-day voyage around the bottom of South America. He’s going in February which is peak summertime in the destination. Some of his stops include Montevideo, Uruguay, the Falkland Islands and Ushuaia, Argentina (the world’s southernmost city), as well as a passage through the Straits of Magellan, before ending in Santiago, Chile.
While his itinerary is rather routine for a South America cruise, it is symbolic of a larger trend of cruisers who want to visit more unusual places on their cruise vacation. And the cruise lines are adding new destinations at a record pace to satisfy the increased in interest in new ports to visit and experience. New additions might be Longyearben Island in the far north, or a port in Greenland, or Iceland. The options continue to expand for 2010.
Other places seeing significant expansion include cruises to Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Greece and Italy, or to the Black Sea and the Crimea. With the growth in fleet size the cruise lines are scrambling to find places they can send their older ships that will keep them full, and the winner is all of us.
While these more exotic cruises are becoming more prevalent, they do tend to be longer and a little more complex to book and experience. They might require special visas, inoculations, or other details, but, with enough planning time, none of those things is a problem.
Yesterday one of our regular customers booked a cruise from Buenos Aires, Argentina to Santiago, Chile—a 12-day voyage around the bottom of South America. He’s going in February which is peak summertime in the destination. Some of his stops include Montevideo, Uruguay, the Falkland Islands and Ushuaia, Argentina (the world’s southernmost city), as well as a passage through the Straits of Magellan, before ending in Santiago, Chile.
While his itinerary is rather routine for a South America cruise, it is symbolic of a larger trend of cruisers who want to visit more unusual places on their cruise vacation. And the cruise lines are adding new destinations at a record pace to satisfy the increased in interest in new ports to visit and experience. New additions might be Longyearben Island in the far north, or a port in Greenland, or Iceland. The options continue to expand for 2010.
Other places seeing significant expansion include cruises to Egypt, Israel, Turkey, Greece and Italy, or to the Black Sea and the Crimea. With the growth in fleet size the cruise lines are scrambling to find places they can send their older ships that will keep them full, and the winner is all of us.
While these more exotic cruises are becoming more prevalent, they do tend to be longer and a little more complex to book and experience. They might require special visas, inoculations, or other details, but, with enough planning time, none of those things is a problem.
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Water Slides, Zip Lines, Outdoor Aqua Theatres and Rooms for Five
18 November 2009
The new Carnival Dream has a 300 foot long waterslide in its onboard Aqua Park, the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas features both a bow to stern zip line along the top of the ship and the first outdoor performance aqua theatre in cruise history. But, even with these amazing bells and whistles, more mundane improvements such as staterooms holding five people and two bathroom staterooms may have a bigger impact on customer preference for the future.
Ever since Ted Arison, founder of Carnival Cruise Line pioneered the “build it and they will come” theory of cruise line expansion in the 1980s, the industry has invested billions of dollars in new and exciting ships, as well as a slightly lesser amount in the retrofitting of older ships with updates and improvements. And, while the big boys like Carnival and Royal Caribbean are bringing out their latest mega-ships, top-end luxury cruise lines such as Silversea Cruises and Seabourn Cruises have also upped the ante with new and exciting additions to their own fleets.
Bottom line is that the consumer today has more choice and value than ever before and the cruising industry is banking on that strategy for the long-term. What’s next, who can say, but it will probably be pretty exciting if the past is any indication.
Anybody in the Woodinville home area of Cruise Holidays of Woodinville is invited to hear more about Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas debut in a special story event on December 8th from 6-7:30 PM. Vikki Knudsen, regional sales manager for Royal Caribbean will bring her first-hand account of the inaugural activities for the world’s largest cruise ship. Please RSVP if you’d like to attend.
The new Carnival Dream has a 300 foot long waterslide in its onboard Aqua Park, the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas features both a bow to stern zip line along the top of the ship and the first outdoor performance aqua theatre in cruise history. But, even with these amazing bells and whistles, more mundane improvements such as staterooms holding five people and two bathroom staterooms may have a bigger impact on customer preference for the future.
Ever since Ted Arison, founder of Carnival Cruise Line pioneered the “build it and they will come” theory of cruise line expansion in the 1980s, the industry has invested billions of dollars in new and exciting ships, as well as a slightly lesser amount in the retrofitting of older ships with updates and improvements. And, while the big boys like Carnival and Royal Caribbean are bringing out their latest mega-ships, top-end luxury cruise lines such as Silversea Cruises and Seabourn Cruises have also upped the ante with new and exciting additions to their own fleets.
Bottom line is that the consumer today has more choice and value than ever before and the cruising industry is banking on that strategy for the long-term. What’s next, who can say, but it will probably be pretty exciting if the past is any indication.
Anybody in the Woodinville home area of Cruise Holidays of Woodinville is invited to hear more about Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas debut in a special story event on December 8th from 6-7:30 PM. Vikki Knudsen, regional sales manager for Royal Caribbean will bring her first-hand account of the inaugural activities for the world’s largest cruise ship. Please RSVP if you’d like to attend.
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Live Longer, and Better—Cruise More
17 November 2009
This morning one of the internet feature articles was about “things men should do to prevent premature aging.” The story recommended cutting out fat, salt, sugar and alcohol as a strategy to keep aging at bay. It also recommended keeping an even temper and getting enough rest to keep harmful chemicals from entering your bloodstream.
The thought struck me that while a healthy diet and eating might not be a primary reason for taking a cruise, the maintenance of a good and restful attitude certainly is. And, with spa menus, special diets, great workout facilities etc. it certainly is possible to maintain a healthy approach to dining and exercise with only a minimal effort. The total impact of a cruise vacation is mirrored by industry statistic which, for more than 25 years, has shown a better than 90% satisfaction rate with quality of a cruise vacation.
So, not only is a cruise a great value, it’s great therapy as well. Just another reason why cruising is a great choice for a rejuvenating vacation.
This morning one of the internet feature articles was about “things men should do to prevent premature aging.” The story recommended cutting out fat, salt, sugar and alcohol as a strategy to keep aging at bay. It also recommended keeping an even temper and getting enough rest to keep harmful chemicals from entering your bloodstream.
The thought struck me that while a healthy diet and eating might not be a primary reason for taking a cruise, the maintenance of a good and restful attitude certainly is. And, with spa menus, special diets, great workout facilities etc. it certainly is possible to maintain a healthy approach to dining and exercise with only a minimal effort. The total impact of a cruise vacation is mirrored by industry statistic which, for more than 25 years, has shown a better than 90% satisfaction rate with quality of a cruise vacation.
So, not only is a cruise a great value, it’s great therapy as well. Just another reason why cruising is a great choice for a rejuvenating vacation.
Saturday, November 14, 2009
All-Inclusives are Great Vacation Option
14 November 2009
One of the reasons that cruises have grown so much in popularity is partially due to their inclusive nature and the value that represents. Meals, entertainment, and other goodies are often seen as great reasons for taking a cruise vacation—especially in the light of how meal, hotel and theatre prices have escalated over the past decade or so.
But, apart from cruise ships, many land-based resorts are also going the route of the all-inclusive. Many great new resorts in places like Mexico and the Caribbean have captured a lot of vacation business with the emphasis on one price pays for everything. Some places in Mexico even offer free land excursions to local attractions and privileges at sister resorts in the area.
One cruise line that has embraced the all-inclusive proposition is Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Because they operate in the luxury end of the business they have recently added free shore excursions and onboard beverages to their complimentary list. There’s little doubt that the attraction of inclusivity has a strong appeal for many value seeking vacationers, and why not?
One of the reasons that cruises have grown so much in popularity is partially due to their inclusive nature and the value that represents. Meals, entertainment, and other goodies are often seen as great reasons for taking a cruise vacation—especially in the light of how meal, hotel and theatre prices have escalated over the past decade or so.
But, apart from cruise ships, many land-based resorts are also going the route of the all-inclusive. Many great new resorts in places like Mexico and the Caribbean have captured a lot of vacation business with the emphasis on one price pays for everything. Some places in Mexico even offer free land excursions to local attractions and privileges at sister resorts in the area.
One cruise line that has embraced the all-inclusive proposition is Regent Seven Seas Cruises. Because they operate in the luxury end of the business they have recently added free shore excursions and onboard beverages to their complimentary list. There’s little doubt that the attraction of inclusivity has a strong appeal for many value seeking vacationers, and why not?
Friday, November 13, 2009
Cruise Lines Make Big Europe Push
13 November 2009
This morning I attended the 2010 Europe webinar for Holland America Line. That venerable cruise line is betting heavily that Europe will be a hot destination for next year. In fact, they are dedicating their two newest ships the Eurodam (debuting this year) and the Nieuw Amsterdam (coming in July 2010) to full seasons in Europe.
The Mediterranean seems to be the big winner. The major cruise lines have extended their Med seasons into October of November in some cases (even year-round for a few). The Northern Europe season which usually involves the Baltic is much shorter because by October the weather starts to be chilly and less inviting for cruise guests. St. Petersburg, Russia is a major port with every visiting ship overnighting and some spending two nights in that port. In fact, a major trend is for many ships to overnight in places like Venice, Barcelona, Istanbul and elsewhere.
With the Euro heading higher against the dollar, the value of a European cruise has grown. Equivalent European hotels and resorts are usually far more expensive than most ship costs. Cruise Holidays is looking forward to having a new arsenal of tools for 2010 including better air choices, concierge services and hotel packages to top off a great cruise vacation.
Lots of choices for Europe in 2010, but it looks like the cruise lines are offering their best deals for those who book earlier. It’s a destination which most Americans find to be a magnetic draw. Plus, new river cruise ships and itineraries now add extra pizzazz for those who want to experience Europe.
This morning I attended the 2010 Europe webinar for Holland America Line. That venerable cruise line is betting heavily that Europe will be a hot destination for next year. In fact, they are dedicating their two newest ships the Eurodam (debuting this year) and the Nieuw Amsterdam (coming in July 2010) to full seasons in Europe.
The Mediterranean seems to be the big winner. The major cruise lines have extended their Med seasons into October of November in some cases (even year-round for a few). The Northern Europe season which usually involves the Baltic is much shorter because by October the weather starts to be chilly and less inviting for cruise guests. St. Petersburg, Russia is a major port with every visiting ship overnighting and some spending two nights in that port. In fact, a major trend is for many ships to overnight in places like Venice, Barcelona, Istanbul and elsewhere.
With the Euro heading higher against the dollar, the value of a European cruise has grown. Equivalent European hotels and resorts are usually far more expensive than most ship costs. Cruise Holidays is looking forward to having a new arsenal of tools for 2010 including better air choices, concierge services and hotel packages to top off a great cruise vacation.
Lots of choices for Europe in 2010, but it looks like the cruise lines are offering their best deals for those who book earlier. It’s a destination which most Americans find to be a magnetic draw. Plus, new river cruise ships and itineraries now add extra pizzazz for those who want to experience Europe.
Wine Jail and Other Silliness
12 November 2009
Some cruise lines have adopted “penny wise and pound foolish” policies when it comes to carrying onboard your own personal wine for use in your own stateroom. On a recent Royal Caribbean cruise we were asked to come and pick up one of our suitcases from security because it contained contraband material. As far as I could tell, the only contraband we had was a bottle of alcohol free wine I purchased for my wife to take on our cruise.
After arriving at a lower deck covered with dozens of bags, I was asked by ship security officers to open the bag. They pulled out the bottle and advised me that I would have to pay a charge to bring my wine onboard. It was then the dance began as I advised the security guy that it wasn’t wine, it was grape juice! He had to check with two other officials before they found a bar expert who confirmed it was a bottle of grape juice. With a minimal “sorry,” the security guard allowed both my bag and the grape juice to be claimed by me without any charges.
Enlightened cruise lines like Holland America Line allow passenger to bring a “reasonable” amount of wine onboard for stateroom use. Because the cruise lines are so driven by onboard revenue, the bean counters have taken over parts of customer service. Those travelers who bring a bottle of personal wine onboard are still most likely to buy wine and other drinks from the ship. It’s time for the shortsighted cruise lines to wise up and change their silly policies, or customer will move to more enlightened brands—at least that’s my opinion.
Some cruise lines have adopted “penny wise and pound foolish” policies when it comes to carrying onboard your own personal wine for use in your own stateroom. On a recent Royal Caribbean cruise we were asked to come and pick up one of our suitcases from security because it contained contraband material. As far as I could tell, the only contraband we had was a bottle of alcohol free wine I purchased for my wife to take on our cruise.
After arriving at a lower deck covered with dozens of bags, I was asked by ship security officers to open the bag. They pulled out the bottle and advised me that I would have to pay a charge to bring my wine onboard. It was then the dance began as I advised the security guy that it wasn’t wine, it was grape juice! He had to check with two other officials before they found a bar expert who confirmed it was a bottle of grape juice. With a minimal “sorry,” the security guard allowed both my bag and the grape juice to be claimed by me without any charges.
Enlightened cruise lines like Holland America Line allow passenger to bring a “reasonable” amount of wine onboard for stateroom use. Because the cruise lines are so driven by onboard revenue, the bean counters have taken over parts of customer service. Those travelers who bring a bottle of personal wine onboard are still most likely to buy wine and other drinks from the ship. It’s time for the shortsighted cruise lines to wise up and change their silly policies, or customer will move to more enlightened brands—at least that’s my opinion.
Out of the Malaise and Into the Sunshine
11 November 2009
We just returned from the 25th national Cruise Holidays Conference onboard Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas (see our story about our President’s Circle Award) in Baja. It was clear that Cruise Holidays stores throughout North America were optimistic about the future of our business in delivering great value vacations like never before. Being part of a wide ranging group of travel companies will arm Cruise Holidays with new tools and products exclusively dedicated to us and our customers. Needless to say, we’ll be announcing new products in short order, and we think our customers will like them a lot.
While certain dates during the winter and early spring months feature some extraordinary prices, even later dates for next summer and fall have enticing incentives. New cruise itineraries, new cruise ships, new land tour options have been added to make 2010 a year of opportunity for both of us..
It’s always fun for us to pass along anecdotal examples of things we’re seeing in our business. A couple of weeks ago we sent two nice ladies on a 7-day Mexico cruise on Holland America Line in an oceanview stateroom for less than $500 each including taxes! This is a price more suited to a road trip using modest hotels and fast food meals--not like a five star resort stay on a luxury cruise ship. The two ladies planned to just stay on the ship and never get off at any of the ports so they could maximize their pampering while onboard. In fact, they saved so much on their cruise, they’re now considering doing Europe next summer on the same cruise line.
Maybe you would like to follow the example of our two lucky cruises, just give us a call or drop an e-mail (rich@luxurient.com). And, if you haven’t visited our new location in downtown Woodinville (just behind the movie theatres) we invite you to stop by any time we’re open Monday-Saturday.
Rich Skinner
Co-Owner
We just returned from the 25th national Cruise Holidays Conference onboard Royal Caribbean’s Radiance of the Seas (see our story about our President’s Circle Award) in Baja. It was clear that Cruise Holidays stores throughout North America were optimistic about the future of our business in delivering great value vacations like never before. Being part of a wide ranging group of travel companies will arm Cruise Holidays with new tools and products exclusively dedicated to us and our customers. Needless to say, we’ll be announcing new products in short order, and we think our customers will like them a lot.
While certain dates during the winter and early spring months feature some extraordinary prices, even later dates for next summer and fall have enticing incentives. New cruise itineraries, new cruise ships, new land tour options have been added to make 2010 a year of opportunity for both of us..
It’s always fun for us to pass along anecdotal examples of things we’re seeing in our business. A couple of weeks ago we sent two nice ladies on a 7-day Mexico cruise on Holland America Line in an oceanview stateroom for less than $500 each including taxes! This is a price more suited to a road trip using modest hotels and fast food meals--not like a five star resort stay on a luxury cruise ship. The two ladies planned to just stay on the ship and never get off at any of the ports so they could maximize their pampering while onboard. In fact, they saved so much on their cruise, they’re now considering doing Europe next summer on the same cruise line.
Maybe you would like to follow the example of our two lucky cruises, just give us a call or drop an e-mail (rich@luxurient.com). And, if you haven’t visited our new location in downtown Woodinville (just behind the movie theatres) we invite you to stop by any time we’re open Monday-Saturday.
Rich Skinner
Co-Owner
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