After sailing on Royal Caribbean International's Oasis of the Seas I can truly say that the ship is unlike anything else at sea. The whole time I was onboard, I never felt crowded, except during the parades, and felt like I was at a luxury resort. The Oasis of the Seas and its sister ship, the Allure of the Seas, are the largest cruise ships at sea. They have 37 cabin categories, which include balcony cabins that don't overlook the sea. They have "neighborhoods" like Central Park and Boardwalk and original amenities like an outdoor Aquatheater with diving shows.
But this is not the only difference. The way the Oasis-class ships sell is also unlike other vessel. Most cruise ships sell from the low and the high to the middle; the highest cabin categories and the lowest cabin categories sell out first, leaving the standard balcony cabins as the last to go. Not so on the Oasis and the Allure. The 150 suites sell out fast, but the inside cabins, which go quickly on the other cruise ships, are a tougher sell on the Oasis as people tend to purchase balconies and suites first. The Oasis-class ships are truly special, unique, and one-of-a-kind.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Holland America Policy Allows Guests to Cancel for Any Reason
Holland America Line guests who purchase the line’s Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP) can cancel their cruise or cruise-tour for any reason and receive a refund of up to 90 percent of the cruise fare paid. Holland America now also permits CPP coverage to be added any time after booking, as long as it is purchased before the date cancellation fees begin -- 75 days prior to the departure date for most sailings.
There are two levels of CPP. CPP Standard reimburses 80 percent of eligible amounts paid for cancellations for any reason up to 24 hours prior to the cruise or cruise-tour departure. Plus, the plan provides an additional $500 (for a total of $600) for lost, damaged or delayed baggage.
CPP Platinum features a 90 percent refund upon cancellation for any reason prior to departure. Other benefits under the expanded plan include increased baggage protection for lost or damaged luggage up to $1,600 total, delayed baggage coverage up to $1,100, trip-interruption protection if a guest must return home unexpectedly, and trip-delay coverage. Medical coverage under the CPP Platinum plan covers emergency medical expenses for illness or injury occurring during the voyage, emergency medical evacuation and 24-hour emergency hotline assistance for legal, passport, cash transfer, medical and documentation assistance.
CPP Standard and CPP Platinum are available to U.S. and Canadian residents and must be purchased prior to the date cancellation fees begin. The cost varies by cruise fare and is nonrefundable.
There are two levels of CPP. CPP Standard reimburses 80 percent of eligible amounts paid for cancellations for any reason up to 24 hours prior to the cruise or cruise-tour departure. Plus, the plan provides an additional $500 (for a total of $600) for lost, damaged or delayed baggage.
CPP Platinum features a 90 percent refund upon cancellation for any reason prior to departure. Other benefits under the expanded plan include increased baggage protection for lost or damaged luggage up to $1,600 total, delayed baggage coverage up to $1,100, trip-interruption protection if a guest must return home unexpectedly, and trip-delay coverage. Medical coverage under the CPP Platinum plan covers emergency medical expenses for illness or injury occurring during the voyage, emergency medical evacuation and 24-hour emergency hotline assistance for legal, passport, cash transfer, medical and documentation assistance.
CPP Standard and CPP Platinum are available to U.S. and Canadian residents and must be purchased prior to the date cancellation fees begin. The cost varies by cruise fare and is nonrefundable.
Crystal Books TV Physical Trainer for Dec. 5 Mexico Cruises
Crystal Cruises has booked Robert Reames, fitness author and head trainer for “Dr. Phil’s Ultimate Weight Loss Challenge,” on Crystal Symphony’s Dec. 5 “Mind, Body & Spirit” voyage. The Experience of Discovery cruise, with comprehensive wellness programming and complimentary instruction throughout, departs round-trip from Los Angeles for Cabo San Lucas, Puerto Vallarta and Mazatlan. Reames, who has also appeared as a guest expert on major television networks, including the CBS Early Show and Fox Morning News, will lead presentations and question-and-answer sessions.
Other experts scheduled to sail are Anita Sanci, a certified Kripalu Yoga teacher and Yoga Teachers’ Alliance facilitator; Tracey Mallett, a renowned Pilates and fitness coach; Dr. Martin Lee, founder of the Tai Chi Cultural Institute; and Anand Amritraj, a semi-finalist in men’s doubles at Wimbledon who will give lessons on Crystal’s paddle tennis courts.
Along with special guests and theme-related programs, Crystal boasts complimentary options for guests seeking health and wellness on vacation, including the line’s Walk on Water program, Kinesis equipment, Tour de Spin indoor cycling classes and acupuncture treatments. The ship also offers low-fat, low-carb and sugar-free options on virtually every menu
Other experts scheduled to sail are Anita Sanci, a certified Kripalu Yoga teacher and Yoga Teachers’ Alliance facilitator; Tracey Mallett, a renowned Pilates and fitness coach; Dr. Martin Lee, founder of the Tai Chi Cultural Institute; and Anand Amritraj, a semi-finalist in men’s doubles at Wimbledon who will give lessons on Crystal’s paddle tennis courts.
Along with special guests and theme-related programs, Crystal boasts complimentary options for guests seeking health and wellness on vacation, including the line’s Walk on Water program, Kinesis equipment, Tour de Spin indoor cycling classes and acupuncture treatments. The ship also offers low-fat, low-carb and sugar-free options on virtually every menu
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