Conference abbott::cruise_travel

��    Does anyone know of any cruise specials available?
��    I have made a few phone calls - to South Florida Cruises,
��    Cruise Vacations, Filenes Basement... asking for deals
��    on Royal Caribbean, NCL, Celebrity... nothing really great.

    This is why I find travel agents frustrating!!!!   Royal
    Caribbean currently has 'breakthrough' rates on most of their
    boats.  They have a discount price for both an inside and
    outside cabin, and they you can upgrade for $25 per level.

    We just booked a 10 day transcanal cruise for about $800pp
    less than brochure.  And, this is for 2/11, so I think
    they're anxious to deal.

    I didn't use them, but White travel service (mentioned
    elsewhere in this file) has a recording that you can call and
    listen to.  I called earlier this week, and it's 15 minutes
    of just specials.  Many on RCCL.   203 236 6176

    Some that I noted at the time:

    Majesty of the seas $899/$999 best inside/outside cabin plus air
    Soverign o.t.s      $799/$899
    Nordic Prince	$799/$899

    Son of Norway, 12 days in Europe 6/1 or 9/3 Barcelona-Harwich England
    $1099/$1299 plus air.

    Sun Viking 12 nights Italy - UK $1299/$1499

    Holland America Westerday 2/13 7 nights from 
    Ft Lauderdale, $1099 including air.

    Try Colorado Discount Cruises at 800-388-2784.  They usually have great
    deals and are also members of the Better Business Bureau.  I'm going on
    a Costa Classica Cruise on 1/30.  They quoted $650 best available
    inside or $750 best available outside plus air.  I went on the
    Tropicale (Carnival) and Star Princess in the last couple of years and
    got a great deal both times.

    I just used White Travel myself for our 8th cruise right after 
    Thanksgiving on Sovereign of the Seas. We got cheapest OUTSIDE
    cabin. Price including AIR and transfers from Boston was $899
    per person. Total price for two including all port charges,
    air port taxes etc. was $1956. One week cruise.
    
    The recording mentioned in 415.1 is very useful. Just remember
    most things listed in recording are very best case. Something
    say starting at $899 for a ship is probably only available
    on certain dates. Our cruise started on NOv 28, if we went a week
    later the best price was $150 more for two and that was for INSIDE.
    Also, the Majesty and Monarch for same date were $500 to $600 more
    for same room. It is all supply and demand. The best case is
    be flexible if possible on both ship and date.
    
    Regency has many specials, I cruised regency twice before and had
    a good time both times. NOt in same class as RCCL but if the
    price is right it is good. I would only steer away from their
    cruise which originates and ends in Jamaica, awful place to start
    and end cruise, if they still have that one. Ok for visit I guess.
    
    THey have a 7 day cruise of Western Caribbean from Tampa that
    was advertised in globe starting at about $465 per person cruise
    only with air for $250 more. THis comes to $715 each or about
    $800 each when including port charges etc. It is possible
    White travel may have this for less. 
    
    If searching for good deal and know basically what you want then
    try White or any other similar to them.
    
    				Harold C.
    

    HI
    I HAVE SOME INFO ON CRUISE SPECIALS. I AM GOING ON THE COSTA ALLERGO
    ON MARCH 6. IT IS A SOUTHERN CRUISE OUT OF PUERTO RICO. I CHECKED
    EVERY TRAVEL AGENT IN THE AREA. THE BEST DEAL I GOT WAS WITH A 
    AGENT CALLED CRUISEWORLD. THEY ARE OUT OF CONN. THE TOLL FREE
    NUMBER IS 1 800 321-2784. ASK FOR ANGIE. WE SAVED FOUR HUNDRED 
    DOLLARS AND WITH A HIGHER CATEGORY. WHEN WE MADE OUR RESERVATION,
    IT LOCKED US IN AT THAT PRICE. SHE TOLD US TO CHECK WITH HER EVERY
    FEW WEEKS TO SEE IF THE PRICE WENT DOWN AND SHE WOULD GET US THE
    LOWER PRICE IF SO.
    I CALLED HER TODAY TO CHECK ON IT AND TO MY SURPRISE, THEY ARE 
    HAVING A TWO FOR ONE SPECIAL. I HAD THIS PLACE CHECKED OUT AND 
    THEY ARE LIGIT. THET ARE VERY HELPFUL AND ONLY DEAL WITH CRUISES.
    CHECK IT OUT, I DONT THINK YOU WILL FIND ANYTHING BETTER.
    
           G. BROWN
         

    Re: .4
    
    How much did you pay? What category?
    

    THE COST OF THE COSTA ALLERGA FOR MARCH 6 CRUISE IS $1157.00 total
    THIS INC. AIR FROM BOSTON TO SAN JUAN,PORT TAX, AND CRUISE. 
    IT IS FOR CATEGORY # 5  AND IT IS PEAK SEASON.
    THE BOOK LIST IS $1745.00 AND THEN ADD PORT TAX TO THAT COMES TO
    $1830.00. CANT WAIT TO GO.!!!!!!!!!
        
            G. BROWN
    

    
    Thank-you everyone for all of your responses on cruise deals!  I did
    call most of the places you recommended... after we finally figured out
    what cruise to go on (that was one of the hardest decisions!)... I got
    the best rate thru Colorado Discount Cruises... I worked with Joel, 
    who was very helpful with any questions I asked, was very responsive,
    and was a pleasure to deal with...
    
    He also came in about $250 pp lower than any other place I called... 
    for the NCL Starward.
    
    We leave March 7th for a 7-day cruise from San Juan to Aruba, Caracao,
    St. John/St.Thomas, Tortola/Virgin Gorda...  I can't wait!
    
    The rate is $1,000 plus $84 port charges, including air, inside cabins.
    
    Again, thanks so much for all of the information.... 
    
    I'll be sure to log a trip report when I return.
    
    Theresa
    

    The biggest factor that goes into determining the "discount" you can
    get is how fully booked the cruise you want is. Afterall, just like
    the fact that an airline makes no money on an empty seat, a cruise
    line makes no money on an empty stateroom. I've often wondered what
    would happen if you showed up on the pier at departure time... A
    second but smaller consideration is based on the volume of business
    an agent does with a line. That can amount to a small percentage but
    usually shows up in the form of upgrades. Best bargin (usually in the
    eye of the beholder) depends mostly on good luck. Really best buy
    depends on a really helpful agent and lots of flexibility. Best way
    to do things is usually to decide what you really want to do and
    then accept the best you can find. Remember, if you cont your time
    as being worth anything, its probably not worth spending days on
    the phone trying to save $50.

I booked a cruise with Janet Franklin from Cruisedocktors.  Got an 
    excellent price.  We're cruising from New York to Bermuda the 
    first week in August.  Drop her a note or call her.  She is 
    very nice!
    	
    
            <<< KOALA::ARKD$:[NOTES$LIBRARY]CRUISE_TRAVEL.NOTE;2 >>>
                               -< CRUISE TRAVEL >-
================================================================================
Note 388.2                        Travel agents                          2 of 15
SOLVIT::LEONE                                        14 lines  14-AUG-1992 09:29
                          -< Another recommendation >-
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I would like to recommend CruiseDocktors in NH.  We have booked two cruises
with them (we took one to the Caribbean this past June, and we just booked a 
Bermuda cruise for next June) and they have been GREAT!   The person I've
worked with is Janet Franklin - she is SUPER!!

			    CruiseDocktors 
			    1-800-325-2873 (NH)
			    1-800-682-0135 (Out of State)
			    Monday-Friday 9 - 5  
			    Leave a message for Janet Franklin or call Janet
			    evenings after 5pm and anytime on weekends at
			    (603)429-1979 (Merrimack NH)

Patty Leone

    
    
        If your schedule is open and you don't care when you travel then
    call the day before the cruise is about to leave. My parents are
    retired and have gone on several cruises by having his agent call the
    day before. They will typically pay 60-70% off the list prices. for
    example, a cruise listed at $1600, take away $250 for airfare would
    have a list of $1350. $1350 discounted 70% would cost them $405. Find
    your own airfare to Miami for $250-$300. Total cost is around $700. My
    mom and dads agent does all the arraingements for them. It's not always
    easy to find an empty spot but it's possible. There are many
    cruises out of the Black Falcon Pier in Boston that you can show up on
    the day packed and ready to go and save a bundle if there is an
    opening. You cannot call for an opening you need to just show up.     

    Hi,
      I would reccomend giving Cruise Doctors a call.  They are great.  I
    went through Wanda.  She got my fiance and I a cruise for 890 per
    person.  We are going on the Song of America in October.  The ship
    leaves from New York and goes to Bermuda.  I can't wait.  We saved alot
    of money because we are taking a bus to New York wich saves alot of
    money because there is no air fare.  We are going for seven days.  I
    have herd so many good things about the ship Song of America and about
    Bermuda.  It's something to think about.  I'm not sure were you live
    but it is worth it to take a bus to the ship if your not that far.  It
    is going to take about four hours for us to get to New York. With
    saving all that money it is worth it.  The cruise usualy cost roughly
    1200 or more give or take a little.  I here Bermuda is a great place
    for a Honeymoon so I am psyched.
    
                Give it some thought,
               Aimee
    

    I agree with the previous note.  I dealt with Janet Franklin who is a
    Deccie and she has been a wealth of information and has the patience
    of a saint!!!!!!
    
    We are also going to Bermuda in October for $695/pp for a week!  A
    price and a destination on a GREAT ship that can't be beat and I CAN'T
    WAIT!!!!!!  We are on a waiting list to be upgraded to an outside cabin
    for only another $100/pp.  

    I agree with the other notes about CruiseDoctors.  I am working
    with Wanda, and she beat everyone elses rates.  Don't go on a 
    cruise without checking with them !!!!

    
    
    I have just booked a cruise on the SOS (second time on this ship, my
    husband and I like the itinerary, we favor more days at sea.) We got 
    a great price, ( I believe) for prime time, departing Feb. 25,1995, 
    from boston Air & Sea package. Brochure reads for cateogory F, outside, 
    $2,249.00, and we are paying $1,305.50 a 41% savings. 
    
    

    Please, post details!!!
    
    I went on SOS this past December, and 2/95 sounds just about right for
    an encore.  Could you post the itinerary? 
    
    Thx-
    
    Steve

    
    
    Steve,
    
    What I do when I am ready to take a cruise is to select the ship, the
    date, and the category. I then call several the discount houses and 
    get the best price (dialing for $$). "Cruises Inc." out of New York 
    #1-800-854-0500, was by far the best deal, Debbie is the name of the
    agent I worked with.  I have used Cruises Inc; twice before,using the 
    same process. The 41% discount during "High Season" I believe is a
    great deal. Booking early I am sure helped. My theory is, I only put 
    down the required deposit, balance is not due until 60 days prior to
    sailing, during that time if I should find a better deal or my
    circumstances change I can cancell without any penalty. 
       
    The first time I did this, I had concerns about not using my local 
    travel agent, but the price differences have been substantial.  My 
    tickets have alwalys arrived on time and any concern or question have 
    been answered immediately.  
    
    Good Luck 
    
    Ellen

    Ellen-
    
    Yeah, my last (5th) was booked thru Cruises of Distinction (IMHO, I don't 
    think ANY agency does the volume, hence gets the prices they do and pass 
    along to their clients). Got similar pricing for the 10-day cruise
    (catalog price of ~2600, paid ~1350, memory fails me over 3-day
    weekends :-).
    
    What I was hoping was you'd post the itinerary...I'd be looking for a
    8 - 11 day, at LEAST 2 days at sea.  On thinking about it, tho, while I
    really liked SOS( ceptin, o'course missing luggage for the first 1/2 of
    the cruise), cabins are probably a little small for 2 adults/2 kids.
    
    Might look at revisiting the Sky Princess or Horizon depending on
    itineraries in Jan/Feb.
    
    Steve
    
    

    I agree, 4 people in a Sovereign cable would be a real crowded
    situation. Big problem can be storage and the bath. But this would
    still be true of lines with larger rooms unless you get a suite or
    something.
    
    Some of the deals for a couple are so low in price, around $1000
    per person for 2, you might want to consider two cabins. The add
    on price per person for RCCL is about $700 each I believe. 
    With 2 connecting cabins (assumming small kids), the cost difference
    may not be much more than $500. Considering you got double the space,
    2 baths, and a door to shut for privacy that is not bad.
    
    Another thing when shopping for 3/4 in a room make sure you check
    total price. Some lines have a higher price for add ons in rooms
    than others.
    
    If you did have to go with 4 in a standard room then I would
    try a line with larger rooms like you suggested, but it will still
    be crowded. NOt my idea of a vacation. We did it once with my
    3 year old daughter at time in a larger stateroom and it still was
    busy plus no privacy at all.
    
    PS I used cruises of Distinction also, got a good deal. They handle
    things well. My experiences with cruises threw out of state discount
    brokers, 3 total, have all been good. Service was excellent. I used
    Cruises of Distinction (NJ) and White Travel (Conn).
    
    				Harold
    

    Harold,
    
    I agree, I'll have to look into what the incremental costs would be IF
    I can get adjoing rooms...just not sure how it would work if they were
    just next to each other.
    
    We took our kids (then 11 & 7) on the Horizon (7 day, NY - Bermuda) 2
    years ago, and it really wasn't bad.  Sure, the extra bath and privacy
    would be better, but I was truly surprised at how well 4-in-a-cabin
    worked.
    
    Wen we went on the Sky Princess (it was actually the Sitmar Fairsky
    back then) we felt the cabins were sufficiently large to accomodate 4
    of us, tho it was only two of us on that trip.
    
    One curious item...I've noticed that on MOST of the ships (brochures)
    that the cabins that CAN accomodate 3 or 4 (with 1 or 2 uppers) have
    NOT been the better cabins, i.e. they are USUALLY one the lower levels.
    
    Anybody know why this is? Anybody know of a line/ship in the Carib this
    winter you'd recommend that has a cabin for 4 "up top"/outside (but I'm
    NOT willing to spring for the "Owners Suite"!!!)
    
    Steve
    
    

��                     <<< Note 415.18 by MAY30::CULLISON >>>
��                         -< 4 in any room is a crowd >-

��    I agree, 4 people in a Sovereign cable would be a real crowded
��    situation. Big problem can be storage and the bath. But this would
��    still be true of lines with larger rooms unless you get a suite or
��    something.

    I thought the Sovereign had both small rooms and poor
    storage.  I wouldn't want to be in those rooms with any more
    than two people.

    We went on the Crown Oddessy, and were in a standard outside
    room, but with two folding bunks.  The nice thing was that
    there was much more storage than their standard room.  There
    were six 2-foot wide wardrobe closets (with doors and shoe
    drawers).  So, if you did have four in the room, at least
    each would have their own storage space.  With just two of us
    in the room, it was great -- play clothes here, dress clothes
    there, dirties in another.   As someone mentioned, this room
    although outside, was not quite as good as most of the
    outside rooms.  It was far forward in the ship, so the outer
    bulkhead tapered from the ships shear, and it had portholes
    rather than a window.  Since we were paying for inside
    basement, it was more than adaquate.

    We have a Berlitz book that rates cruise ships.  It lists the
    square footage of cabins by ship.  From that listing, it's
    pretty easy to see where Royal Carribean fits (near the
    bottom for 'new' ships).  It also lists a passenger space
    ratio, which is gross register tons divided by number of
    passengers. It's pretty easy to predict which ships will feel
    crowded.

    RCCL has always had small cabins. The 3 new mega ships they are
    building will have larger cabins, but my understanding is they
    would be used more for Europe and world cruises etc. where they
    need that. 
    
    I agree that most of the rooms for 4 are basic rooms, RCCL and others
    that I've seen. There are cabins with adjoining rooms on RCCL and
    some others. 
    
    NOte, you have to look real careful, maybe not in brochure but if
    my memory serves me correctly, both the RCCL Monarch and Majesty of
    Seas, but not Sovereign, have a special high end cabin which
    specifically has a separate sleeping area for kids. It is not the
    most expensive but is excellent location. Trouble is I believe there
    is only one of each ship. That might mean that it is never discounted 
    and probably hard to get unless you book way ahead. I think the rooms
    are in Category C, which are the small suites. On Soverign and most
    other RCCL all are same size until you get to D, it is a larger but
    otherwise standard outside cabin. B & C are both small suites. A
    is largest I believe except for Owners suite.
    
    My last cruise was on the Nordham (Holland AMerica), we had the next
    to largest cabin, very nice, large two small couches etc. I would 
    still not want 4 people in it, even though it had plenty of storage. 
    Still one bath, and no privacy.
    
    A lot really depends on what you want to do, ages of kids sharing 
    room etc.  
    
    				Harold
    
    

    I wouldn't necessarily want to share a cabin with my kids, but I have 
    a friend who only sails RCCL and has taken her two boys several times,
    even as teenagers.  Now these folks are tall; my friend is 5'11" and
    her husband is 6'2". The boys?  6'5" and 6'7".  Believe it or don't,
    she says they had plenty of room!
    
    Personally, the rooms on the SOS were okay sized.  Sometimes older ships
    will have a few irregularly sized, larger cabins left over from their
    conversion from trans-oceanic days. A sharp agent can help ferret those
    out for you.
    
    -jer

    Here is some information on cabin sizes from
    	'Berlitz Complete Guide to Cruising and Cruise Ships'
    	
    Line	Ship			Cabin Size (ft�)

    Costa	CostaRomantica		180-540
    NCL      	Dreamward		140-350
    Celebrity	Horizon			185-334
    RCCL	Soveriegn of the Seas	120-446
    Princess	Crown Princess		190-575
    Carnivale	Fascination		185-421

    I tried to pick comparable, relatively new ships.  Some of
    the older ships have really frightening room sizes!

    I've been on both the Sov, and the Crown Princess, in the
    lowest category, and there is a huge difference between
    120 and 190 square feet.  

    	- Lee

    We were on the Costa Romantica in March and thought our cabin was a
    very good size.  We had an upper deck, outside stateroom with a king
    sized bed, more than ample storage and a bathroom large enough for 2
    people at the same time.  We had plenty of room.
    
    We went through Cruises, Inc and got an excellent deal, cat 12 room,
    airfare and port charges for $2350, if you looked at what Costa wanted to 
    get it would have been over $5500.  
    
    I wasn't that impressed with the Costa line, although the ship is
    beautiful and we did have a good time (they just messed up on too many
    things and weren't too concernced about making it up to us.)  However,
    our agent, Linda DuPont, was great, she tried to get us to go on the
    Celebrity line but we couldn't afford the difference at the time.
    
    Susan