Oasis of the Seas - Unlike Any Other Ship

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.

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.

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

Norwegian Epic

Dear Friends, I just returned from Norwegian Epic's incredible Inaugural cruise event in Miami and I couldn't wait to tell you all about it. What an amazing ship. This is Norwegian Cruise Line's newest, largest and most innovative ship and it's a good thing she offers 7-days to take in all of the of non-stop entertainment, incredible dining, activities, the Aqua Park and so much more, because guests are going to need them all. After experiencing Norwegian Epic first-hand, it becomes very clear that this ship really does have something for everyone. For families this ship truly is ideal with the expansive dedicated areas just for kids and teens and the family-friendly accommodations, not to mention Norwegian's exclusive partnership with Nickelodeon and the most expansive waterpark I have seen at sea. Spa lovers are in for a treat with the new Spa Accommodations that offer calming spa décor and entry to the incredible Thermal Suites. Solo travelers finally have the perfect option with the new Studios and the Studio Lounge. These unique staterooms were designed and priced with the solo traveler in mind. All of the reviews in the press would indicate that these staterooms are going to be a huge hit. The entertainment options on Norwegian Epic are ground breaking and are sure to appeal to guests of every taste and age. Blue Man Group, Cirque Dreams and Dinner, Howl at the Moon, The Second City and so much more keep guests entertained while they laugh and sing along. Although in many cases guests will just gaze in awe at some of the unique sensory performances and amazing feats, many of which are being performed for the very first time at sea. The shopping, the huge, beautiful fitness center and spa, the bars, the pools, all the entertainment options - it's just amazing that there can be so much on one ship. And thanks to Freestyle Cruising®, Norwegian offers the freedom to create a completely individual style of vacation. Relaxing or adventurous. All dressed up or resort casual. And never a fixed schedule or restriction to force the pace. It's the perfect vacation. With all the buzz about Norwegian Epic surrounding the Inaugural, now is the perfect time to get the word out. Additionally, right now there are two big promotions going on with Norwegian Epic - an automatic Balcony-to-Deluxe Balcony upgrade with Norwegian's Hello Balcony! sale, plus up to $150 on-board credit and 50% reduced deposit with the new Norwegian Epic Launch Bonus Offer. All in all, now's the perfect time to book the perfect cruise aboard Norwegian Epic. You will not be disappointed To get a quick overview of some of the best of Norwegian Epic highlights take a look at Norwegian's YouTube page:http://www.youtube.com/user/NCLFreestyle#grid/user/3FF28B3247EDA46D For more information on the ship and itineraries , please do not hesitate to contact me. Hope to hear from you soon

Mary Engram, CTA/MCC Travel Consultant
mengram@worldviewtravel.com
(714) 878-7064

NCL's Western Caribbean Video

NCLU Education NCL U Classes Electives NCL's Western Caribbean Consumer Video

2010 Elvis Cruise Schedule

REMEMBER AND RE-LIVE: The Man, the Music, and the Legend

6th Annual Memories of the King 75th Birthday Tribute Cruise
Independence of the Seas®
8-Night Eastern Caribbean†
January 23, 2010
Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
In celebration of the life and legacy of the King

4th Annual Remembering the King Cruise
Rhapsody of the Seas®
7-Night Alaska Sawyer Glacier†
August 6, 2010
Departing from Seattle, Washington
Special shows and events to honor the
33rd anniversary of the King’s passing

Love Songs from the King
Explorer of the Seas®
5-Night Bermuda†
May 22, 2010
Departing from Cape Liberty,
Bayonne, New Jersey
The romantic songs of the King and many nostalgic favorites

7th Annual Memories of the King’s 76th Birthday Tribute Cruise
Allure of the SeasSM
7-Night Western Caribbean†
January 30, 2011
Departing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida
In celebration of the life and
legacy of the King

RCL 2010 Whodunit Mystery Cruise Schedule

Try to solve the spectacular mystery of “whodunit” - before it's too late!
Add the excitement of a Whodunit Mystery to your cruise!
3/4-Night Cruises - $110 per person 5/6-Night Cruises - $115 per person
7+Night Cruises - $129 per person

Mariner of the Seas® - 7-Night Mexican Riviera
April 18; October 31, 2010

Rhapsody of the Seas® - 7-Night Alaska Sawyer Glacier
July 9, 2010

Enchantment of the Seas® - 5-Night Bermuda
September 4, 2010

Monarch of the Seas® - 3-Night Bahamas
October 29, 2010