10 December 2009
The regional sales manager for Travel Guard Travel Insurance visited our office yesterday. He reinforced in our minds why the addition of travel insurance should be a “no brainer” when travelling on long trips or in foreign destinations.
Numerous times we’ve seen “unforeseen events” cause a vacation to be cancelled, or curtailed. The peace of mind afforded by an inexpensive travel insurance policy is priceless—when it’s needed! And, if the policy is not used, it at least prevented sleepless night worrying about missing a ship, or getting sick while travelling abroad.
Whether it’s a luxury cruise, a getaway to a wonderful island beach, or any other major travel adventure, we always insist on adding travel insurance. And, now Travel Guard and Access America have amazing concierge services around the world which can be used at no charge to get assistance 24/7 in English. Next time you see a medical emergency in a faraway land, think how you might respond if it happened to you. Good travel insurance is always the best bet.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
Cold Weather Spurs Dreams of Warm Getaways
8 December 2009
Cold Canadian air had everybody bundling up to keep warm. For those of us who sell cruises and vacations in warm and wonderful places, the weather was a positive. People start planning their vacations when it’s coooold outside!
We have a few holiday travelers who soon will be departing for their escapes in the Caribbean, Hawaii and Mexico. They can be certain that the temperature will be in the 1980s, and the beach sand will be white and inviting. In their destinations they will find holiday decorations with a tropical flair suitable for Hawaiian shirts and Bermuda shorts.
Tonight we will hear news about the biggest cruise ship ever built—Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, and get a first-hand account of its debut activities in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We’ll report more on this tomorrow.
Cold Canadian air had everybody bundling up to keep warm. For those of us who sell cruises and vacations in warm and wonderful places, the weather was a positive. People start planning their vacations when it’s coooold outside!
We have a few holiday travelers who soon will be departing for their escapes in the Caribbean, Hawaii and Mexico. They can be certain that the temperature will be in the 1980s, and the beach sand will be white and inviting. In their destinations they will find holiday decorations with a tropical flair suitable for Hawaiian shirts and Bermuda shorts.
Tonight we will hear news about the biggest cruise ship ever built—Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas, and get a first-hand account of its debut activities in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We’ll report more on this tomorrow.
Friday, December 4, 2009
Oasis of the Seas Makes First Caribbean Cruise
4 December 2009
This morning I was looking at the internet story about the first revenue sailing of the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas on Saturday. For some reason they wanted to make comparisons to the Titanic—even though the Oasis if four times larger and packed with 21st century safety equipment.
There’s little doubt the Oasis will have it fans and its detractors. Fans included those who were enamored about the ship’s seven different neighborhoods, it’s full length zip line, its open air aqua theatre and its indoor balconies. The detractors just couldn’t get over its size. They didn’t think it looked attractive, and they were aghast at having to rub shoulders with 6,000 other passengers. However, from the general tone, these were folks who don’t like cruising even if they ever took one!
Remember the introduction of the first 747 when no airport was thought to be able to handle them, nor could they deal with the more than 300 passengers the giant jet could carry. Somehow it all worked out and travel by 747 or its even larger airbus competitor is now routine. The same can be said for the Oasis, because Royal Caribbean has spent more than a billion dollar in building and planning for the ship’s entry into service. Sure they may have a few hiccups, but their plan looks like a good one for handling any potential problem.
Welcome to the Oasis, we’ll be getting a first hand report on introduction activities at the Cruise Holidays of Woodinville store at 6PM on December 8th by the Pacific Northwest Regional Sales director for RCI, Vikki Knudsen. Space is still available for this event.
This morning I was looking at the internet story about the first revenue sailing of the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas on Saturday. For some reason they wanted to make comparisons to the Titanic—even though the Oasis if four times larger and packed with 21st century safety equipment.
There’s little doubt the Oasis will have it fans and its detractors. Fans included those who were enamored about the ship’s seven different neighborhoods, it’s full length zip line, its open air aqua theatre and its indoor balconies. The detractors just couldn’t get over its size. They didn’t think it looked attractive, and they were aghast at having to rub shoulders with 6,000 other passengers. However, from the general tone, these were folks who don’t like cruising even if they ever took one!
Remember the introduction of the first 747 when no airport was thought to be able to handle them, nor could they deal with the more than 300 passengers the giant jet could carry. Somehow it all worked out and travel by 747 or its even larger airbus competitor is now routine. The same can be said for the Oasis, because Royal Caribbean has spent more than a billion dollar in building and planning for the ship’s entry into service. Sure they may have a few hiccups, but their plan looks like a good one for handling any potential problem.
Welcome to the Oasis, we’ll be getting a first hand report on introduction activities at the Cruise Holidays of Woodinville store at 6PM on December 8th by the Pacific Northwest Regional Sales director for RCI, Vikki Knudsen. Space is still available for this event.
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Airfares Bewilder Even Travel Professionals
3 December 2009
We had the opportunity to listen in to a webinar this morning about a new international air service program available through Cruise Holidays. Talk about a confusing maze! The airlines change fares an average of 6,000 times a day, how can anyone stay on top of their pricing structure?
A good example was over the recent Thanksgiving holiday. We looked at round trip air from Seattle to Fort Lauderdale to attend the Oasis of the Seas preview. We found that traveling on late Thursday evening on the redeye flight the cost would be $175, but the return on Sunday would be $400—a total price of about $600 with taxes. Usually we can find roundtrip fares on this route at prices below
$350. So, we chose not to pay the super-premium price for the airfare.
We always tell our cruise vacation customers that their air portion of their trip will be the least satisfactory part of their experience--because it always is. Gone are the days of civilized air travel, now we have transportation more like that of the Greyhound Corporation (no affront meant to the hound) than that of refined air travel. Still, air is a great convenience so we all just have to grin and bear and know that the flight will end soon
We had the opportunity to listen in to a webinar this morning about a new international air service program available through Cruise Holidays. Talk about a confusing maze! The airlines change fares an average of 6,000 times a day, how can anyone stay on top of their pricing structure?
A good example was over the recent Thanksgiving holiday. We looked at round trip air from Seattle to Fort Lauderdale to attend the Oasis of the Seas preview. We found that traveling on late Thursday evening on the redeye flight the cost would be $175, but the return on Sunday would be $400—a total price of about $600 with taxes. Usually we can find roundtrip fares on this route at prices below
$350. So, we chose not to pay the super-premium price for the airfare.
We always tell our cruise vacation customers that their air portion of their trip will be the least satisfactory part of their experience--because it always is. Gone are the days of civilized air travel, now we have transportation more like that of the Greyhound Corporation (no affront meant to the hound) than that of refined air travel. Still, air is a great convenience so we all just have to grin and bear and know that the flight will end soon
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Trains, Boats and Planes 2K10
2 December 2009
Yesterday we learned about the 2010 plans for the Rocky Mountaineer Private Train. From either Vancouver or Calgary, this super-luxury train is a fantastic way to experience Canada’s Rocky Mountains. It’s even possible to make the trip a trans-continental trip connecting with Canada’s VIA Rail all the way to Toronto or Montreal.
The Rocky Mountaineer people have recaptured the “golden age” of rail travel with white glove service, vista-domes and gourmet dining on wheels. While quite expensive, this is a special kind of product for the real rail fan who enjoys the best of rail travel.
Actually, very little is new with air, except that Cruise Holidays of Woodinville now has access to air prices and options on international air that could find that great price for a trip across any big pond.
And as far as boats are concerned, with the debut of the Oasis of the Seas from Royal Caribbean as the world’s largest cruise ship, and the pending arrival of Norwegian’s Epic, there’s lots of new excitement in cruising.
The year 2010 or 2K10 as it’s called on the Golf Channel looks to be a much improved year for vacation travel of any kind.
Yesterday we learned about the 2010 plans for the Rocky Mountaineer Private Train. From either Vancouver or Calgary, this super-luxury train is a fantastic way to experience Canada’s Rocky Mountains. It’s even possible to make the trip a trans-continental trip connecting with Canada’s VIA Rail all the way to Toronto or Montreal.
The Rocky Mountaineer people have recaptured the “golden age” of rail travel with white glove service, vista-domes and gourmet dining on wheels. While quite expensive, this is a special kind of product for the real rail fan who enjoys the best of rail travel.
Actually, very little is new with air, except that Cruise Holidays of Woodinville now has access to air prices and options on international air that could find that great price for a trip across any big pond.
And as far as boats are concerned, with the debut of the Oasis of the Seas from Royal Caribbean as the world’s largest cruise ship, and the pending arrival of Norwegian’s Epic, there’s lots of new excitement in cruising.
The year 2010 or 2K10 as it’s called on the Golf Channel looks to be a much improved year for vacation travel of any kind.
Holidays Time to Recharge
1 December 2009
At today’s Cruise Holidays of Woodinville sales meeting the discussion of the office Christmas Party came into discussion. Apart from setting a date, this is an event which is eagerly anticipated. It’s an occasion when we can celebrate the hard work of a past year with co-workers.
Many of the customers of our business look at their cruise or land vacation as their own time for celebration. Through the celebratory process, personal energy is often recharged. Rest, fun and a little pampering can work miracles in this era of super fast, high stress life styles. We all need a little time for getting our attitudes adjusted by stepping away from the pressures of our day to day existence.
One of the nice things about the Holidays is that most everybody seems to be in good spirits and their attitude is contagious. Whether on a luxury cruise, on an exotic beach or someplace you’ve always wanted to be, it’s almost a certainty you’ll fill up your personal battery reservoir and be ready to smack down whatever challenges might come your way after the holidays end.
At today’s Cruise Holidays of Woodinville sales meeting the discussion of the office Christmas Party came into discussion. Apart from setting a date, this is an event which is eagerly anticipated. It’s an occasion when we can celebrate the hard work of a past year with co-workers.
Many of the customers of our business look at their cruise or land vacation as their own time for celebration. Through the celebratory process, personal energy is often recharged. Rest, fun and a little pampering can work miracles in this era of super fast, high stress life styles. We all need a little time for getting our attitudes adjusted by stepping away from the pressures of our day to day existence.
One of the nice things about the Holidays is that most everybody seems to be in good spirits and their attitude is contagious. Whether on a luxury cruise, on an exotic beach or someplace you’ve always wanted to be, it’s almost a certainty you’ll fill up your personal battery reservoir and be ready to smack down whatever challenges might come your way after the holidays end.
Post Thanksgiving Day Thoughts
28 November 2009
Yesterday the games store in our shopping complex was open bright and early to take advantage of “Black Friday” They had all of their Christmas decorations up and even had a few door-buster specials to lure in their customers. And, it looked to me like quite a few customers could be seen in the parking lot with new games under their arms.
It’s funny how the concept of pre-dawn sales has become so much of a magnet in our society. I guess the lure of a 50 inch plasma television, or a 2 karat diamond—or the latest computer game release has appeal to a certain group of consumers. In this economy, value shopping has become king.
In the cruise and vacation business we often find kind of the counter-culture consumer who is more interested in getting away from shopping madness and finding the perfect getaway. All of us need a little recharging from time to time and these folks relish the thought of a sanity break on a fabulous cruise ship or a wonderful beach resort. And, some like to combine shopping with their break, and they have lots of choices to accomplish their mission either onboard or in markets in places far from their local mall.
It’s great to have the Christmas season officially underway—everyone seems to have more twinkles in their attitude, and we like that.
Yesterday the games store in our shopping complex was open bright and early to take advantage of “Black Friday” They had all of their Christmas decorations up and even had a few door-buster specials to lure in their customers. And, it looked to me like quite a few customers could be seen in the parking lot with new games under their arms.
It’s funny how the concept of pre-dawn sales has become so much of a magnet in our society. I guess the lure of a 50 inch plasma television, or a 2 karat diamond—or the latest computer game release has appeal to a certain group of consumers. In this economy, value shopping has become king.
In the cruise and vacation business we often find kind of the counter-culture consumer who is more interested in getting away from shopping madness and finding the perfect getaway. All of us need a little recharging from time to time and these folks relish the thought of a sanity break on a fabulous cruise ship or a wonderful beach resort. And, some like to combine shopping with their break, and they have lots of choices to accomplish their mission either onboard or in markets in places far from their local mall.
It’s great to have the Christmas season officially underway—everyone seems to have more twinkles in their attitude, and we like that.
Happy Thanksgiving
25 November 2009
There’s little doubt that 2009 has been a really tough year for nearly everybody. We felt helpless to do much to try and change the mindset of our customers who were intimidated by the avalanche of news that painted nothing but doom and gloom.
We noted a turning point last June when low prices and pent-up demand seemed to reach a tipping point. Instead of folks planning a cruise six to nine months in advance, we saw customers buying cruises six to nine weeks in advance and sometimes even closer in! We saw a rush which was heartening to our business survival. And even better news, for us, consumer booking patterns are looking more like the traditional model as cruise lines and land based-resorts are offering early booking deals to capture early commitment from vacation buyers!
This is a time of the year to dwell on giving thanks. Cruise Holidays of Woodinville was thrilled to be selected as part of the President’s Circle for 2009, giving us top 20 store status for the year. Both Steve and I give thanks that the folks who work at Cruise Holidays of Woodinville are dedicated travel professionals who are committed to delivering great customer service.
It’s our hope that our Thanksgiving thanks for 2009 will be dwarfed by the potential we see for a great 2010, and we wish that for everyone who comes in contact with us.
There’s little doubt that 2009 has been a really tough year for nearly everybody. We felt helpless to do much to try and change the mindset of our customers who were intimidated by the avalanche of news that painted nothing but doom and gloom.
We noted a turning point last June when low prices and pent-up demand seemed to reach a tipping point. Instead of folks planning a cruise six to nine months in advance, we saw customers buying cruises six to nine weeks in advance and sometimes even closer in! We saw a rush which was heartening to our business survival. And even better news, for us, consumer booking patterns are looking more like the traditional model as cruise lines and land based-resorts are offering early booking deals to capture early commitment from vacation buyers!
This is a time of the year to dwell on giving thanks. Cruise Holidays of Woodinville was thrilled to be selected as part of the President’s Circle for 2009, giving us top 20 store status for the year. Both Steve and I give thanks that the folks who work at Cruise Holidays of Woodinville are dedicated travel professionals who are committed to delivering great customer service.
It’s our hope that our Thanksgiving thanks for 2009 will be dwarfed by the potential we see for a great 2010, and we wish that for everyone who comes in contact with us.
Optimism Abounds as Cruise Industry Adds Two
24 November 2009
Maybe you caught the hoopla surrounding the arrival of the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. Holding more than 5,000 passengers this 220,000 ton megaship has seven neighborhoods instead of mundane decks. So far the reviews have been over the top in praise for this innovative new ship.
Royal’s biggest competitor, Carnival also brought its newest ship, the Dream into operation with a New York arrival. And, early reports sound very good about what this ship features for cruise vacationers.
Between them, they represent more than 8,000 passengers a week. The two biggest cruise companies are confident they can fill their new additions. That’s good news for consumers because prices should remain at their current value levels for the foreseeable future.
Maybe you caught the hoopla surrounding the arrival of the world’s largest cruise ship, Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. Holding more than 5,000 passengers this 220,000 ton megaship has seven neighborhoods instead of mundane decks. So far the reviews have been over the top in praise for this innovative new ship.
Royal’s biggest competitor, Carnival also brought its newest ship, the Dream into operation with a New York arrival. And, early reports sound very good about what this ship features for cruise vacationers.
Between them, they represent more than 8,000 passengers a week. The two biggest cruise companies are confident they can fill their new additions. That’s good news for consumers because prices should remain at their current value levels for the foreseeable future.
Friday, November 20, 2009
Holiday Travel Rush Underway
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.
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.
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
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Fall is Value Season for Cruises
Last week we booked two ladies on a 7-night Mexico cruise and the price was a little more than $500 each for an ocean view stateroom on Holland America Line. They are going in November and are excited about getting such a great deal.
The Fall is always the most challenging time for the cruise lines to sell their inventory of staterooms. As a result, consumers have the opportunity to buy high quality cruises as bargain basement prices. The problem is that many folks think waiting to the last minute will get them the best deal, but, what is happening is that the cruise lines are selling out at their sales prices and are closed for bookings close-in to sailing.
Mexico from Southern California, and the Caribbean from Florida or other Gulf Coast states, have a wide range of cruises available at super discounts. The key is to snatch them up while the good deals abound.
The Fall is always the most challenging time for the cruise lines to sell their inventory of staterooms. As a result, consumers have the opportunity to buy high quality cruises as bargain basement prices. The problem is that many folks think waiting to the last minute will get them the best deal, but, what is happening is that the cruise lines are selling out at their sales prices and are closed for bookings close-in to sailing.
Mexico from Southern California, and the Caribbean from Florida or other Gulf Coast states, have a wide range of cruises available at super discounts. The key is to snatch them up while the good deals abound.
Tuesday, August 25, 2009
Where Do Dream of Going?
One of our cruise counselors just returned from a 14-night cruise around Italy on Azamara Cruise Line. She was treated to a mini-eruption of Mt Stromboli, a trip back in time in Venice, Rome, Taormina and Florence, and to the beauty and flavor that typifies why Italians and many other cherish the country. Our well-traveled vacation expert returned with a renewed energy and a renewed appreciation of both cruising and Italy.
Where might you like to go? Maybe it’s a getaway to turquoise waters, satin sand and warm tropic breezes, or a visit to the Land Down Under or the exotic Far East. Whatever your choice might be, the challenging economy is providing the best prices and values of the 21st century. And, Fall is a time where both cruise lines and land vacation destinations are offering specials to renew your outlook on life.
If you have questions call any of the travel professionals at Cruise Holidays of Woodinville and let them craft the perfect escape just for you (866 487 4001).
Where might you like to go? Maybe it’s a getaway to turquoise waters, satin sand and warm tropic breezes, or a visit to the Land Down Under or the exotic Far East. Whatever your choice might be, the challenging economy is providing the best prices and values of the 21st century. And, Fall is a time where both cruise lines and land vacation destinations are offering specials to renew your outlook on life.
If you have questions call any of the travel professionals at Cruise Holidays of Woodinville and let them craft the perfect escape just for you (866 487 4001).
Saturday, August 22, 2009
Cruise Lines Continue Major Discounting with a Few Unique Twists
All cruise lines are attempting to find ways to sell staterooms in light of a tough economic environment. Early booking discounts, guaranteed lowest rates, extra premiums, onboard credits and other inducements are being added to help cope with last-minute buying which has become the norm over the past six months of so.
Still, prices are at all-time lows and bargains can be found everywhere on every major cruise line. Smart cruisers are using this environment to upgrade their usual stateroom option. Suites and mini-suites have become much more affordable, not to mention staterooms on many of the ultra-luxury cruise lines. For example, we heard that Seabourn (a leading ultra-luxury cruise line) had to offer discounts of more than 50 % off list prices to fill its brand new Seabourn Odyssey which just entered service.
The seemingly only exception to the rule is Royal Caribbean’s new super mega-ship Oasis of the Seas which had raised its rates several times due to wide-spread consumer interest in cruising on a 5,000 passenger ship, larger than any cruise ship in the world. Costing well over a billion dollars to build, the Oasis is Royal Caribbean’s best bet to increase sales.
So, for anyone looking for a winter cruise vacation this could be the opportunity to sample luxury at bargain basement rates. One thing is certain, these kinds of deals won’t last forever.
Still, prices are at all-time lows and bargains can be found everywhere on every major cruise line. Smart cruisers are using this environment to upgrade their usual stateroom option. Suites and mini-suites have become much more affordable, not to mention staterooms on many of the ultra-luxury cruise lines. For example, we heard that Seabourn (a leading ultra-luxury cruise line) had to offer discounts of more than 50 % off list prices to fill its brand new Seabourn Odyssey which just entered service.
The seemingly only exception to the rule is Royal Caribbean’s new super mega-ship Oasis of the Seas which had raised its rates several times due to wide-spread consumer interest in cruising on a 5,000 passenger ship, larger than any cruise ship in the world. Costing well over a billion dollars to build, the Oasis is Royal Caribbean’s best bet to increase sales.
So, for anyone looking for a winter cruise vacation this could be the opportunity to sample luxury at bargain basement rates. One thing is certain, these kinds of deals won’t last forever.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Optimism Compared to Last Year
This time last year Cruise Holidays of Woodinville was in the middle of a full-fledged melt-down of consumer optimism relating to the national economy. Banks were looking shaky, gas prices were sky high, real estate prices were tanking and the news media was beating the “worst economic downturn since the depression,” drum. Folks were just plain scared!
Now we’ve seen trillion dollar bailouts; we’ve seen the stock market crater and begin a major climb out of the depths. While the economy in many parts of the country is still weak and floundering, in the Pacific Northwest things are rebounding at a better rate than most places in the nation.
In the cruise and land vacation business we’re now seeing a strong recovery. Consumers have decided to go ahead and take a vacation and take advantage of the low prices of the decade. Our store had a record sales month for July and continues to see strong momentum in August. Our customers have decided the world isn’t ending, and life’s too short not to enjoy the recharging break a good vacation provides.
But, this recovery is still a little tentative, because many folks are booking close-in dates for their cruises and land vacations. Cruise lines are working on offering their best prices for cruises in 2010 for those who might book early. Some are even guaranteeing that if a lower price comes along they will give it to passengers who have already booked (something Cruise Holidays of Woodinville has been doing for the past six years).
It’s hard to forecast the future, but we’re definitely seeing green shoots of optimism on the part of our customers. It’s like the pumpkin plants I have growing at home, the vines have several potential pumpkins developing, but there’s no way to know how big they might become—in the meantime we’ll continue to water, fertilize and nuture them the best we can.
Now we’ve seen trillion dollar bailouts; we’ve seen the stock market crater and begin a major climb out of the depths. While the economy in many parts of the country is still weak and floundering, in the Pacific Northwest things are rebounding at a better rate than most places in the nation.
In the cruise and land vacation business we’re now seeing a strong recovery. Consumers have decided to go ahead and take a vacation and take advantage of the low prices of the decade. Our store had a record sales month for July and continues to see strong momentum in August. Our customers have decided the world isn’t ending, and life’s too short not to enjoy the recharging break a good vacation provides.
But, this recovery is still a little tentative, because many folks are booking close-in dates for their cruises and land vacations. Cruise lines are working on offering their best prices for cruises in 2010 for those who might book early. Some are even guaranteeing that if a lower price comes along they will give it to passengers who have already booked (something Cruise Holidays of Woodinville has been doing for the past six years).
It’s hard to forecast the future, but we’re definitely seeing green shoots of optimism on the part of our customers. It’s like the pumpkin plants I have growing at home, the vines have several potential pumpkins developing, but there’s no way to know how big they might become—in the meantime we’ll continue to water, fertilize and nuture them the best we can.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Summer Heat Wave in January!
While Woodinville/Redmond is sweltering under more than 100 degrees of summertime heat, some folk are already looking to finding warm weather in the middle of next winter.
Places like Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii are mainstays for those great winter vacations, but new candidates are putting in an appearance for those with a little more of an adventurous spirit.
Cruises around South America have become very popular with several cruise lines offering a range of options from week-long to month long itineraries. Some South America trips offer forays into the chilly waters of Antarctica, or outward to the mysterious Easter Island and its monolithic stone statue heads, or to the Galapagos Islands with its amazing array of wildlife.
Cities like Rio, or Buenos Aires, Santiago have become magnets for visitors with their multi-cultural populations and attractions. Whether it’s a visit to the Recoleta cemetery and the grave of Eva Peron, or a vineyard featuring fine Chilean wines of world-class standards, or an adventure of capturing the majesty of Iguassu Falls, South America has something for nearly everybody who enjoys great travel experiences.
And, if Australia and New Zealand sound intriguing, it’s high season for cruising in that part of the world as well. At least four different cruise lines including Holland America Line, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean will feature Australia/new Zealand in the winter of 2009/10. Some cruises can include places like Tahiti, Fiji and other South Pacific islands while making their way to the land down under.
With new air choices available from the U.S., Australia has become more affordable than ever.
The good news is that cruise lines, airline and tour companies have lowered prices to cope with the worldwide recession. This makes the consumer the winner—just give us a call, or e-mail, or tweet or whatever.
Places like Mexico, the Caribbean, Hawaii are mainstays for those great winter vacations, but new candidates are putting in an appearance for those with a little more of an adventurous spirit.
Cruises around South America have become very popular with several cruise lines offering a range of options from week-long to month long itineraries. Some South America trips offer forays into the chilly waters of Antarctica, or outward to the mysterious Easter Island and its monolithic stone statue heads, or to the Galapagos Islands with its amazing array of wildlife.
Cities like Rio, or Buenos Aires, Santiago have become magnets for visitors with their multi-cultural populations and attractions. Whether it’s a visit to the Recoleta cemetery and the grave of Eva Peron, or a vineyard featuring fine Chilean wines of world-class standards, or an adventure of capturing the majesty of Iguassu Falls, South America has something for nearly everybody who enjoys great travel experiences.
And, if Australia and New Zealand sound intriguing, it’s high season for cruising in that part of the world as well. At least four different cruise lines including Holland America Line, Celebrity and Royal Caribbean will feature Australia/new Zealand in the winter of 2009/10. Some cruises can include places like Tahiti, Fiji and other South Pacific islands while making their way to the land down under.
With new air choices available from the U.S., Australia has become more affordable than ever.
The good news is that cruise lines, airline and tour companies have lowered prices to cope with the worldwide recession. This makes the consumer the winner—just give us a call, or e-mail, or tweet or whatever.
Thursday, July 23, 2009
Recession - Good Time to Vacation
Recessions Come and Go, But Life Still Goes On
Recently the MSNBC website had a feature on “10 Reasons Why People should Travel Now.” They included all the traditional reasons such as celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, milestone life events, family reunions and the like.
The bottom line is that they were encouraging travel as a demonstration that life shouldn’t be postponed because statistically, nine out of ten of us has a job and most of us are doing quite well.
We observed that in the middle of last year many of our customers were putting travel and vacation plans on hold because they were being bombarded with news media reports that the sky was falling and the coming recession/depression might be cataclysmic. But, many of our savvy customers watched the cruise lines, airlines and land destinations lower prices to re-energize their marketplace. They saw that prices were falling to levels unseen for more than a decade, and they jumped on cruise and travel deals like never before.
This summer Alaska was slower booking than any time in the past 25 years. So great prices were available right up to the start of the season. Now, because of many sales and promotions by the cruise lines, the inventory of staterooms is dwindling and prices are starting to rise slightly. In fact, triples and quad staterooms are hard to find at whatever price! The same can be said for Europe, with the exception of Fall dates in the Mediterranean where great rates and availability still exists.
The cruise lines and land vacation destinations are now shifting to Fall and Winter promotions. Holiday specials can still be found, but are showing signs of starting to go away as more folks book these deals. Big new ship capacity in Southern California will keep prices low for the rest of 2009 and 2010 winter season.
No one can guarantee what the future might bring, but this is a great time to take advantage of lifetime travel and vacation opportunities.
Rich Skinner
Recently the MSNBC website had a feature on “10 Reasons Why People should Travel Now.” They included all the traditional reasons such as celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, milestone life events, family reunions and the like.
The bottom line is that they were encouraging travel as a demonstration that life shouldn’t be postponed because statistically, nine out of ten of us has a job and most of us are doing quite well.
We observed that in the middle of last year many of our customers were putting travel and vacation plans on hold because they were being bombarded with news media reports that the sky was falling and the coming recession/depression might be cataclysmic. But, many of our savvy customers watched the cruise lines, airlines and land destinations lower prices to re-energize their marketplace. They saw that prices were falling to levels unseen for more than a decade, and they jumped on cruise and travel deals like never before.
This summer Alaska was slower booking than any time in the past 25 years. So great prices were available right up to the start of the season. Now, because of many sales and promotions by the cruise lines, the inventory of staterooms is dwindling and prices are starting to rise slightly. In fact, triples and quad staterooms are hard to find at whatever price! The same can be said for Europe, with the exception of Fall dates in the Mediterranean where great rates and availability still exists.
The cruise lines and land vacation destinations are now shifting to Fall and Winter promotions. Holiday specials can still be found, but are showing signs of starting to go away as more folks book these deals. Big new ship capacity in Southern California will keep prices low for the rest of 2009 and 2010 winter season.
No one can guarantee what the future might bring, but this is a great time to take advantage of lifetime travel and vacation opportunities.
Rich Skinner
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