Aug 20th, 2010
by Cruise Tweet.
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ALWAYS READ THE CRUISE LINE CONTRACT FIRST
CruiseTweet.com - Planning on taking a cruise this year or next? Make sure to read the fine print first before signing into any cruise travel contracts as it varies from cruise company to cruise company.
In fact, cruise line contracts are stacked against consumers and are among one of the worst, if not the worst in the travel industry today. When reviewing the contracts, keep a close eye on a few important key points that are subject to some cruise line by cruise line basis.
Below are a few typical catches from various cruise lines. If you are not certain about any, please contact your cruise or travel representative before you book.
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Price and Fees.The cruise line can increase base rates without prior notice. If you’ve paid in full, you’re exempt from such increases, but not if you’ve just made a partial deposit. In addition, most cruise lines “reserve the right” to pass along government fees and taxes, however assessed, and impose fuel surcharges, sometimes with a specified maximum. View Source
Cancellation Fees.In general, you lose 100 percent if you cancel less than 15 days in advance, and lower-level penalties start to kick in as early as 90 days in advance. You can avoid such penalties by buying either a cancellation waiver (cheaper, but poor coverage) from the cruise line or third-party trip cancellation insurance (more expensive, but better coverage). View Source
Itinerary Changes.In an itinerary deviation subject to the cruise line’s control, you can get full cash refund or accept alternative vouchers. But if you decide to cancel, some cruise lines assess regular cancellation penalties, others are a bit more generous. Once at sea, the cruise line owes you nothing in a deviation for any reason. And if a ship can’t continue, the cruise line may dump you at an intermediate port, without further compensation. View Source
Baggage and Personal Property. Unless you buy extra insurance, the cruise line imposes a strict limit on liability for damaged, lost, or stolen property. This limit can be as low as $50 per traveler, $50 per bag, or $100 per stateroom regardless of the number of travelers or bags. View Source
Alcoholic Beverages.You may not board with any alcoholic beverages, except for one bottle of wine, and the cruise line can search your baggage. You may buy “duty free” beverages in low-tax ports, but the cruise line keeps any you buy and returns it to you just before debarking. View Source
Liability Limit. If your cruise does not touch any U.S. port, the cruise line’s liability for death or personal injury is limited by an international convention at about $60,000. And the typical cruise contract exempts the cruise line from “pain and suffering” or “emotional” damages. The cruise line denies liability for any accidents of subcontractors. Cruise lines typically impose strict time limits for filing any damage suits. View Source
Smart Travellers Always Read the Fine Print First!
Close to Home Ports Provides Cheaper Cruise Vacations! Written by Jerry at CruiseTweet.com - 10/23/09
It’s a fact!If you choose a cruise that sets sail from a port that you can drive to, you will slash hundreds of dollars off your total cost when booking your cruise holiday. Just think about it, the cost of paying for airfare alone instantly adds an additional few hundred dollars to your total vacation price. If you plan on taking your kids too, the added cost for their air tickets can easily pay for one (sometimes 2) of your cruise boarding passes.
If you drive,gas to get to a port plus cruise port parking for the entire length of your cruise is still less expensive than purchasing flight tickets for the entire family. There are also many hotels that offer cruise travelers discount rates when staying over the night before or after your cruise trip. Many also offer what they call Park + Sleep + Cruise deals.
Let’s face it,we all appreciate the extra savings when it comes to booking a cruise but if we can avoid paying for airline tickets, we also avoid the added stress of potentially missing flights, avoid flight delays, avoid long lineups at security check points, and also avoid the hassles of dealing with lost luggage.
So relax,take a worry free cruise and feel good knowing that you saved hundreds of dollars by choosing to drive to a port rather than flying. The extra savings alone allows for a bigger and more rewarding travel budget. With the extra cash that you will be saving, plan on taking more shore excursions, visit popular port restaurants, and best off all shop until you drop!
CRUISING JUST GOT A WHOLE LOT EASIER! CLICK, SAVE, SAIL!
To many, taking a cruise is the way to go. Where else can you enjoy numerous travel destinations, diversity of activities, various cultures, great foods from around the world, and unique shopping experience all in one vacation?
When you cruise, you are not limited at staying in just one single location. In fact, the majority of cruise lines offer multiple stops at the worlds most popular travel destinations.
Why not wake up to something new every morning and explore the world in comfort and style. Don’t hesitate, choose one of the top cruise and get ready to set sail!
CruiseTweet.com - Orbitz is currently holding a huge price drop on cruise travel and are offering a sea of valuable bonus offers.
There is no better time than now to book the cruise vacation of your dreams. Stop searching and start saving – Orbitz Cruises has the best prices, 110% guaranteed. All your meals, accommodations, day/night activities, and tons of entertainment onboard are included, so cruises are now an unbeatable value.
NEW CRUISE SHIPS SCHEDULED FOR 2010
Set Sail for less with CruiseTweet!
2010 will be known as the year of the cruise ships as various cruise liners will debut their new cruise ships. The biggest of them all is Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas which is a sister ship to the 16 deck high, Oasis of the Seas.
CruiseTweet has broken down the top 5 new cruise ships
(Scheduled for 2010)
MSC Cruises, MSC Magnifica - Maiden voyage: March 7
MSC Magnifica is the fourth spectacular vessel in the MSC Cruise Lines’ “Musica” family of ships. This innovative super-liner will set sail in March 2010. Magnifica will feature a large number of balcony cabins, a 16,000-square-foot spa with a state-of-the-art fitness center, an impressive three-deck theater and an inviting main dining room. Soak in the Italian inspired decor, impeccable service and sumptuous cuisine. Step onboard and discover the warmth of true Italian hospitality.
Celebrity Cruises, the Celebrity Eclipse - Maiden voyage: April 26
The third ship in the Celebrity Cruises innovative Solstice class, the Celebrity Eclipse is scheduled to set sail April 2010. Experience the joys of sinking your toes in real grass at the Lawn Club, watch an artist create a work of art at the glass blowing studio or pamper yourself with a wide array of body treatments at the AquaSpa.
Along with luxurious accommodations, sumptuous cuisine at 10 different restaurants, inviting lounges, exceptional entertainment and attentive service - the Celebrity Eclipse is sure to exceed all your vacation expectations.
Norwegian Cruise Lines Norwegian Epic - Maiden voyage: June 24
Expected for delivery in the Summer of 2010, the Norwegian Epic will feature an awesome Top Deck water park with multiple slides, a 6-lane bowling alley, innovative New Wave cabins with smooth ocean-themed architecture, and even the Blue Man Group for onboard entertainment. Freestyle cruising has taken on a whole new level of excitement and freedom aboard the all new Norwegian Epic.
Guests will be awestruck at the variety of things to do under one roof. Sample chilled vodka served in a glass made of ice at the Ice Bar, race down three different water slides at the Aqua Park or work up a sweat at the state-of-the-art Sports Complex. Choose from 20 different dining options, a plethora of nightly entertainment, from clubs, lounges and a fun-filled casino, as well as numerous kids’ activities - the Norwegian Epic is Freestyle cruising fun perfect for singles, couples and families.
Holland America, the Nieuw Amsterdam - Maiden voyage: July 4
The Nieuw Amsterdam is the second vessel in Holland America’s new Signature-class of ships and will set sail in 2010. This regal ship has many of the loved Holland America Line’s features including the Explorations Cafe - a cyber-coffee house powered by the New York Times, the Pinnacle Grill and Pinnacle Bar as well as the innovative Culinary Arts Center.
Along with an expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon, two outdoor swimming pools (one with a sliding glass roof), a youth facility including the teens-only Loft, as well as sumptuous cuisine and impeccable service one expects on a Holland America cruise, the Nieuw Amsterdam is sure to meet everyone’s cruising needs from singles to couples and families.
Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas - Maiden voyage: Dec. 12
Discover non-stop fun aboard the newest ship from Royal Caribbean and the second in the Oasis class family - the Allure of the Seas. Ride a wave on the FlowRider, catch water ballet at the Aquatheater, or let the wind race thru your hair while you fly across the open air atrium on a Zip Line. Get lost in seven distinct neighborhoods onboard with numerous places to dine, shop and catch live entertainment.
Families will enjoy the expanded Youth Zone that includes areas for tots, kids and teens. Along with Royal Caribbean favorites such as the Viking Crown Lounge, Royal Promenade, a state-of-the-art gym and spa, the Allure of the Seas will be a destination all on its own.
*Carnival Cruise Lines introduced their newest “Fun Ship”, the Carnival Dream in December 2009 and also has two more ships on order, but they don’t debut until 2011 and 2012, respectively.
Carnival’s most innovative ship yet, the Carnival Dream. This floating resort includes many amazing features sure to dazzle and delight children young and old from the expanded Camp Carnival to the huge Carnival Waterworks aqua park.
There are scenic whirlpools that extend over the ship’s beam, a 2 level Cloud 9 Spa - the perfect spot to pamper one-self and a variety of new stateroom categories specifically created for families that feature a full bathroom with shower plus a separate washroom with sink and junior tub. Climb aboard and discover the future of cruising aboard the Carnival Dream.
CRUISE BARGAINS: DO YOU BOOK EARLY or BOOK LAST-MINUTE?
ENTER HEREfor the Absolute Best Cruise Travel Deals!
Yes, the difference could be confusing at times but really it’s not! Look at it this way, you may not get the best cruise deals when you book early but you will get other valuable cost saving promotions such as free cabin upgrades, credit vouchers or discount coupons to be used on board as you wish.
Nowif you can swing it and are more flexible with your cruise booking dates and times, you can save even more money on last-minute cruises. But when we say last-minute, we mean the last possible minute! You see, cruise lines do not want to set sail with a partial filled ship. No way!
Ifa cruise ship is not fully booked or far from capacity, cruise travel brokers such as Cruisedirect.com, Travelocity.com, Carnival.com etc. will do anything to fill the cabins. Even if that means taking a loss in doing so as it’s better to get something rather than nothing at all!
Early bookers or last-minute cruise travelers save everytime… It’s a win win!
Imperial Majesty Cruise Line offers last-minute deals to fill empty cabins in the hopes of winning repeat business. Lucky couples can enjoy three-day, two-night cruises gratis. It may be a bit hard to plan a vacation on such short notice, but if you’re the spontaneous sort, this deal is for you. Check out cruises-4-free.com.
WHAT’S BETTER THAN A FREE CRUISE THESE DAYS? Nothing…..
It’s true! Nothing beats a FREE cruise. You can simply enjoy a complimentary 2-night, round-trip cruise aboard the Bahamas Celebration, from Ft. Lauderdale to Nassau, Bahamas absolutely Free. The only thing that you are responsible for is the actual port charges and government taxes of $59 per person at time of booking. Enter Here
“This site has only cruise offers backed by the Cruise Lines. Take a paradise cruise on us, this is a 100% real offer. This complimentary vacation is only 2 clicks away. Please feel free to contact cruises 4 free if you need any additional information.”
Aboard the Bahamas Celebration cruise ship, you will enjoy a comfortable inside stateroom, all meals, live entertainment and shipboard activities.
Please note that the cruise package does not include transportation, port charges and government taxes, service charges, Florida state sales tax, gratuities, or incidentals while on board ship. Upgraded rooms and travel options are available at additional costs.
Source:Wal-Travel.com Thinkingof taking a cruise but you’re still not sure if a cruise vacation is right for you and your family? Well, keep in mind that there are cruises that cater to everyone’s needs including families, couples, honeymooners, singles, single-parents, friends, and even large groups and businesses. So no matter what your preference is, there is a cruise vacationthat’s made especially for you!
In fact,there are thousands of cruise linksout there that advertise various cruise lines, cruise ports, cruise destinations, cruise activities and cruise discounts but not many that tell you where to begin or what to look out for, especially for the first time cruisers. The best way to do this is to visit CruiseTweet’s Twitterpage and review the postings and view the various cruise links that will help answer any cruise questions that you may have.
With that said,we know that booking a cruise vacation could still be very confusing but it really does not have to be. Our friends at Wal-Travel.comhas teamed up with the the webs top cruise sites such as TravelGrove.com to bring you the absolute top cruise specials online PERIOD!No more endless hours searching for the right cruise as Wal-Travel does all searching for you. With Wal-Travel and TravelGrove’s special Cruise Search Wizard, finding the perfect cruise just got a whole lot easier.
In justa few clicks, you can view, compare, and choose a cruise that’s right for you.
Price and Fees. The cruise line can increase base rates without prior notice. If you’ve paid in full, you’re exempt from such increases, but not if you’ve just made a partial deposit. In addition, most cruise lines “reserve the right” to pass along government fees and taxes, however assessed, and impose fuel surcharges, sometimes with a specified maximum. View Source
