On the last night of my Seabourn Spirit cruise, after enjoying much interplay with the waitstaff, it was time for dessert. The menus were passed out, the orders taken and then it was my turn. I asked for strawberry shortcake. The waiter was stunned as there was none on the menu. He offered this, he suggested that, asked if I saw it during tea in the Horizon Lounge, etc., but playing with him, I rejected them all. He just looked at me. I then let him off the hook. I said, "You can't say 'No', can you?" He then gave a big smile, knowing I "got him". But then our desserts seemed to be a just a bit delayed and everyone at the table started to blame me, claiming Seabourn must be trying somehow to make strawberry shortcake appear out of thin air. So I let the waiter know not to try such a thing.
On my cruise I never had a meal that disappointed, but more than a couple that amazed. I never had a lapse in service...except one morning a poached egg was briefly forgotten. My room stewardess was sweet and efficient. The word "No" was never heard. And even with my lost luggage I had a tailored suit and a tuxedo almost instantly.
On the Cruise Critic board there is a discussion of a present cruise on the Regent Seven Seas Voyager (which, ironically, arrived in Istanbul the same day I disembarked the Seabourn Spirit). The particular poster - who spent much time attacking me when I posted there - claimed she would call it like it is. To be fair, in part she has. You can find it here: http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?p=16573296 .
She has complained about the lesser food quality in Signatures, that many do not like Latitudes, that various service lapses occurred in the Veranda at lunch, etc. She also commented about how two years ago the ship was in need of a face lift as worn interiors and linens were present, but now things are much better. She also expressed concern about how Regent was changing the itinerary, but did not tell the passengers where they were going; later claiming Regent was extraordinary because the newly chosen ports were wonderful (apparently ignoring the some folks actually choose cruises because of the ports!). She even claimed Regent was wonderful because she was forced to overnight in Athens because Regent couldn't arrange flights so the put her up in a nice hotel. Huh? And she noted that the word "No" was heard more than once.
Then she claims, "The Voyager is just as amazing as it was two years ago. Regent['s]...food (IMO) is wonderful. The suites are incredible... The service is almost always perfect..." Then the finale, from someone who has never been on Seabourn, "If you want a crew member to remember your name, perhaps Seabourn is the right ship for you."
UPDATE: There is another Cruise Critic thread discussing the Regent Voyager cruise the week prior (http://boards.cruisecritic.com/showthread.php?s=626f200d7f9d7be0c83e968631fad7f1&t=855098) and you would think they swapped out ships. Notably inconsistent service in the main dining room, speciality restaurant and causal dining venue; poor tours (with refunds given); dirty carpets, etc...and one poster claiming it was now time to try Seabourn and another declaring a preference for Silversea. It makes me wonder if Regent has improved, but more importantly, if it is so inconsistent that I should be willing to risk my money not knowing what product is going to turn up.
I am a strange sort, I guess. If a waiter forgets my poached egg once, it doesn't bother me. When the waiters are standing around ignoring me, it would most definitely get my attention. If the food, no less in the specialty restaurants, is not good, it is not a wonderful thing. If ports are changed without notice because of poor planning on the line's part (rather than weather, for example), I would tend to be a bit miffed. If the tours have not been thoroughly check out BEFORE they are offered to the guests and are not as advertised (and this has happend to me on Regent), I would be furious. If the interiors and linens on my prior cruise were worn, I would not claim the "improved" version this year is "just as good". If I was forced to overnight from a major city like Athens I would be angry. And if I heard "No" I would know I wasn't on Seabourn.
So when I was roundly criticized on Cruise Critic by some posters that I was too hard on Regent and that I was somehow trying to gain Seabourn business, I was puzzled and frustrated. Now I read that the service on Regent is improved - but still has serious lapses, the interiors are better cared for, the food in is inconsistent and the advertised ports and tour descriptions are not honored. Every person has there own standards as to what makes their cruise great, but a person's ability to have a good time in spite of a cruise line's failures does not warrant rave reviews of the line.
Now more than ever, I am pleased that I can provide my readers with accurate information and not have to deal with that sort of misrepresentative cheerleading.
Regent is now working to correct many of the errors and poor decisions of the past few years. There is a lot of work to be done. This, I am sure, is made harder by the present financial condition of the world and the manner in which Regent was acquired. But to me, it sounds like Regent is better than it was two years ago...but it has a long way to go before it can worry about the little things like remembering a guest's name.
Showing posts with label cruising. Show all posts
Showing posts with label cruising. Show all posts
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Friday, October 3, 2008
Goldring Travel's 2008 Food & Wine Cruise on the Seabourn Spirit: Travelogue Part II
Still being blessed with wonderful weather we arrived in Fethiye, Turkey; a small yachting and tourist town near some very interesting historical and beach sites. Having traveled in the area fairly extensively in the past (including chartering a gulet - a Turkish wooded sailing yacht- for a private Blue Water Cruise a few years ago...but that is another topic) we used the day to relax, stroll around the town, permit my wife to start getting back into speaking Turkish, and later to meet up with my brother-in-law and his family who coincidentally were visiting Fethiye on holidays from Scotland. After picking up some local wines (sort of a challenge in Turkey) we enjoyed a very good typical Turkish lunch of various kebabs and yogurt with some local wines at a local restaurant. This was, of course, followed by a well deserved restful soak in the "secret" forward hot tub.
The captain, Geir-Arne, my good friend, invited my group to the bridge for the sail away from Fethiye and, with my good "supervision" of course, he did a great job missing the dock and setting us out to the open ocean; charming everyone as always "aboard yourrrrrrr Seeeeaboooorrrn Spirit"! It was then off to get ready for a wonderful dinner at the Captain's Table for dinner. With the Captain charming everyone I sat back and enjoyed the always wonderful tasting menu. I must say that the quality and small touches that come out of Chef Jochem's galley are worthy of special note.
It was then on to Kusadasi, Turkey yesterday. It was, without question, one of the nicest days I have have ever spent while on holidays. We awoke to a cool, but very sunny, morning for our tour of Ephesus and our cooking class. We arrived at Ephesus with some crowds, but nothing like those seen in the summer months. More importantly, without the heat you were actually able to stroll in comfort rather than feel sort of stressed by the heat to complete your journey back in time down the Roman streets. Our guide was charming and, having been there twice before, I sort of allowed my mind to wonder; knowing my guests were being well cared for. It was then off to the small village of Sirince (pronounced Sur-in-gee) which was filled with wonderful old streets lined with traditional shops and, fortunate for us, many wine shops as grapes are grown in the village. (I picked up a "local" bottle of wine - no label - and hopefully it will be the same wine I tasted in the shop!). Other than the wine shops it was a wonderful step back in time. (It reminded me a bit of Sintra, Portugal).
The highlight, however, was our next stop: our cooking class. A wonderful older woman, with a bright smile, and most definitely "cooking with love" had us gather in her small restaurant's kitchen (and with Seabourn limiting this tour to 16 people it was perfect) where she prepared six different dishes with remarkable speed and then added them to a fantastic buffet which we all enjoyed in her garden; my lunch accompanied by the traditional raki drink. A treat...hopefully...was my Turkish coffee where my grounds were read and I was told of the riches and joy which are soon to come to me as the fruit of my previous hard labor. With Seabourn providing each of us with a Turkish cookbook, we may not be able to repeat the the atmosphere when we get home, but we can sure give making some of the dishes a try.
After the obligatory carpet shop ending to our tour, we then headed into the bazaar and met up with a jeweler we had purchased some things from in one of our past visits. Having dodged that bullet and being able to leave with no new purchases, it was time for a quick rest and then off to the Exclusively Seabourn Experience in Ephesus. We arrived by bus to a beautifully lit Roman city with candle lit tables with small tastings and local wines being poured. Out of pure luck we sat at the table which was right in front of the Library directly viewing the chamber musicians who played a lovely variety of classical pieces in this truly romantic and inspiring at the same time setting. Then it was back to the ship for a wonderful Seabourn Welcome Home greeting. Then it was a fantastic Seabourn Grill buffet and the Rock the Boat show out on deck.
Tomorrow is our last day...but it is the Galley Market Lunch and then our Food and Wine Tasting!
The captain, Geir-Arne, my good friend, invited my group to the bridge for the sail away from Fethiye and, with my good "supervision" of course, he did a great job missing the dock and setting us out to the open ocean; charming everyone as always "aboard yourrrrrrr Seeeeaboooorrrn Spirit"! It was then off to get ready for a wonderful dinner at the Captain's Table for dinner. With the Captain charming everyone I sat back and enjoyed the always wonderful tasting menu. I must say that the quality and small touches that come out of Chef Jochem's galley are worthy of special note.
It was then on to Kusadasi, Turkey yesterday. It was, without question, one of the nicest days I have have ever spent while on holidays. We awoke to a cool, but very sunny, morning for our tour of Ephesus and our cooking class. We arrived at Ephesus with some crowds, but nothing like those seen in the summer months. More importantly, without the heat you were actually able to stroll in comfort rather than feel sort of stressed by the heat to complete your journey back in time down the Roman streets. Our guide was charming and, having been there twice before, I sort of allowed my mind to wonder; knowing my guests were being well cared for. It was then off to the small village of Sirince (pronounced Sur-in-gee) which was filled with wonderful old streets lined with traditional shops and, fortunate for us, many wine shops as grapes are grown in the village. (I picked up a "local" bottle of wine - no label - and hopefully it will be the same wine I tasted in the shop!). Other than the wine shops it was a wonderful step back in time. (It reminded me a bit of Sintra, Portugal).
The highlight, however, was our next stop: our cooking class. A wonderful older woman, with a bright smile, and most definitely "cooking with love" had us gather in her small restaurant's kitchen (and with Seabourn limiting this tour to 16 people it was perfect) where she prepared six different dishes with remarkable speed and then added them to a fantastic buffet which we all enjoyed in her garden; my lunch accompanied by the traditional raki drink. A treat...hopefully...was my Turkish coffee where my grounds were read and I was told of the riches and joy which are soon to come to me as the fruit of my previous hard labor. With Seabourn providing each of us with a Turkish cookbook, we may not be able to repeat the the atmosphere when we get home, but we can sure give making some of the dishes a try.
After the obligatory carpet shop ending to our tour, we then headed into the bazaar and met up with a jeweler we had purchased some things from in one of our past visits. Having dodged that bullet and being able to leave with no new purchases, it was time for a quick rest and then off to the Exclusively Seabourn Experience in Ephesus. We arrived by bus to a beautifully lit Roman city with candle lit tables with small tastings and local wines being poured. Out of pure luck we sat at the table which was right in front of the Library directly viewing the chamber musicians who played a lovely variety of classical pieces in this truly romantic and inspiring at the same time setting. Then it was back to the ship for a wonderful Seabourn Welcome Home greeting. Then it was a fantastic Seabourn Grill buffet and the Rock the Boat show out on deck.
Tomorrow is our last day...but it is the Galley Market Lunch and then our Food and Wine Tasting!
Monday, September 15, 2008
Regent Seven Seas Announces Major Upgrades to Two Ships
Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced that the refurbishments it has been contemplating will commence in December 2008 with the dry-dock of Seven Seas Voyager, followed by Seven Seas Mariner in January 2009. (The Seven Seas Navigator will not have any of the upgrades until the first half of 2010 and details of those upgrades will be announced later.)
In addition to the scheduled technical work (like fixing the Voyager's bottom damages and vibration issues and the Mariner's pod being replaced), the press release announces that "almost every area of the ships will be refurbished", with public rooms being substantially redesigned with new furniture, using "sumptuous materials" such as leathers, suede, and mahogany, along with warm color schemes and rich fabrics offset by marble and granite accents. In other words, the Voyager and Mariner will be transformed from rather bland and blue spaces to more appropriate upscale and elegant ones. For me this is very good news, indeed!
The highlights of the refurbishment program for Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner include:
1. The creation of a new alternative dining concept and venue - a steakhouse named Prime Seven -that will replace the current "Asian-fusion" Latitudes restaurants.
2. The redesign of lounges and public rooms to create more spacious areas for relaxation
3. The creation of elegant new lounge and dining areas around the Pool Grill
4. New carpeting, wallpaper, upholstery, light fixtures, and drapes in most public areas and guest suite accommodations
5. More casual dining options with the addition of pizza ovens and ice-cream bars
6. The creation of an extended coffee and snack bar area on Seven Seas Voyager, similar to the very popular Coffee Connection on Seven Seas Mariner
I think each and every one of the announced changes are improvements that were necessary and are very positive.
BUT - and isn't there always - if you look carefully at the announcement, don't expect $20 million dollars to be thrown at the interiors of each ship. There are some VERY expensive technical repairs and upgrades that are going to be eating up a good portion of the improvement funds.
Also, if you look at what is being done in an overall feel of the ship, there is much more in the way of soft goods rather than physical changes in the ships that is going to be happening. That is probably the most efficient use of an improvement budget and I look forward to seeing what will be happening in the next few months as far as the release of any details.
I hope, but have no information that it will be happening, that part of the renovation of the public spaces will create changes in the main dining rooms, the Compass Rose, to improve seating (to eliminate waits for tables), improve service (with better flow and distribution of work) and menu (with higher quality food and menu items.)
With the focus by many on new ships and Regent's plans for a new ship either on hold or delayed, this signals to me an improvement in its offered product that is very welcome.
I will keep you posted.
In addition to the scheduled technical work (like fixing the Voyager's bottom damages and vibration issues and the Mariner's pod being replaced), the press release announces that "almost every area of the ships will be refurbished", with public rooms being substantially redesigned with new furniture, using "sumptuous materials" such as leathers, suede, and mahogany, along with warm color schemes and rich fabrics offset by marble and granite accents. In other words, the Voyager and Mariner will be transformed from rather bland and blue spaces to more appropriate upscale and elegant ones. For me this is very good news, indeed!
The highlights of the refurbishment program for Seven Seas Voyager and Seven Seas Mariner include:
1. The creation of a new alternative dining concept and venue - a steakhouse named Prime Seven -that will replace the current "Asian-fusion" Latitudes restaurants.
2. The redesign of lounges and public rooms to create more spacious areas for relaxation
3. The creation of elegant new lounge and dining areas around the Pool Grill
4. New carpeting, wallpaper, upholstery, light fixtures, and drapes in most public areas and guest suite accommodations
5. More casual dining options with the addition of pizza ovens and ice-cream bars
6. The creation of an extended coffee and snack bar area on Seven Seas Voyager, similar to the very popular Coffee Connection on Seven Seas Mariner
I think each and every one of the announced changes are improvements that were necessary and are very positive.
BUT - and isn't there always - if you look carefully at the announcement, don't expect $20 million dollars to be thrown at the interiors of each ship. There are some VERY expensive technical repairs and upgrades that are going to be eating up a good portion of the improvement funds.
Also, if you look at what is being done in an overall feel of the ship, there is much more in the way of soft goods rather than physical changes in the ships that is going to be happening. That is probably the most efficient use of an improvement budget and I look forward to seeing what will be happening in the next few months as far as the release of any details.
I hope, but have no information that it will be happening, that part of the renovation of the public spaces will create changes in the main dining rooms, the Compass Rose, to improve seating (to eliminate waits for tables), improve service (with better flow and distribution of work) and menu (with higher quality food and menu items.)
With the focus by many on new ships and Regent's plans for a new ship either on hold or delayed, this signals to me an improvement in its offered product that is very welcome.
I will keep you posted.
Friday, September 12, 2008
Travel Consortiums: Ensemble Travel, Virtuoso, etc.
Ensemble Travel Group calls itself, "An International Collection of Expert Travel Agencies with Exclusive Offers That Make Your Travel Dreams Come True". Virtuoso takes that a step further and has established an impressive international network of high end/luxury providers and, admittedly, is the tops when it comes to marketing itself and providing the ultimate in luxury offerings. There are other travel consortiums as well, such as Signature (also focused on the upper end of the market) and Vacations.com (focused more on the mass market).
These travel consortiums of travel agents use their joint marketing and purchasing power to work with travel suppliers around the world in an effort to bring added value, better pricing and more information to their clients. You should also be aware that in order to be a member of one of the upper level consortiums (Ensemble, Virtuoso, Signature), membership requires (aside from the payment of fees) that the agency not only be legitimate, but that it have a history of producing a very significant amount of revenue. That requires, obviously, each travel agency to have established itself for a number of years and that it has a substantial client base.
I digress for a moment to let you know/disclose I am a member of Ensemble. Years ago I was a member of Vacations.com, but as I will explain, it wasn't a good fit for me or my clients.
What do these consortiums do for a travel agent and, ultimately, for you? They provide travel agents with a network of travel providers (whether they be cruise lines, hotels, tour operators, etc.) that cooperatively allow the agent to offer its clients - on occasion - special pricing, or added value (onboard credits, complimentary tours, a room upgrade, included breakfasts or dinner, or similar). They also provide marketing programs, so that the travel agent can cost-effectively send out not only postcards and flyers, but glossy catalogs and magazines to its clients...and those dreaded emails (which I try to avoid sending unless it is something really good!). And they provide the travel agent with information.
One thing that I find interesting is how the cache belonging to a consortium is directly proportional to the cost of the vacation. As a former Vacations.com agency, I do not recall any clients caring (and most not knowing) that I was a member. For my luxury clients there really was little benefit, while those sailing on Carnival or Princess did benefit from some onboard credits (and, to be sure, they do add percentage-wise a much greater value on a lower priced cruise). So it was a really poor fit for me and a very short term relationship.
On the other hand, there are those that believe using a Virtuoso travel agency is akin to wearing a Rolex; it is a status symbol. Virtuoso provides its agents and their clients with some really good stuff, but at least for me as I write this, I do not find the value to be there. That is, in large part, because of my involvement in the superyacht industry. Many of the contacts and access Virtuoso affords its member agencies I already have. Much of the information it provides is already in my knowledge bank because I have actively traveled all over the world for decades. I have never been one to be impressed with hype (heck, being in the superyacht business, if I was swayed by "flash" I would have self-destructed years ago!), so I have looked at what works best and is the best value for me and my clients.
I readily acknowledge that Ensemble Travel does not have the cache of Virtuoso. But there are so many similarities between the two that other than Virtuoso having higher quality marketing materials and the aforementioend access, I find little useful difference. As an Ensemble Travel agency, I am able to provide similar (or even identical) hosted tours and cocktail parties, some great European hotel upgrades and/or benefits (complimentary breakfasts, wine, etc.) and more. One benefit that I believe Ensemble has over Virtuoso is that because its focus is not so much on the luxury end, I can provide some better pricing and amenities on the premium lines (such as Celebrity and Holland America); which is a significant portion of my business.
You may have noticed that I have not really discussed what the information is that the consortiums provide its member agencies. There is a reason: For the client it is many times simply irrelevant. I do not care what information is available if it is not accessed, understood, efficiently utilized and then conveyed properly by the particular travel agent to the client. I have had too many experiences of clients coming to me from another agency (one that is a member of a consortium) and their complaining about the misinformation, the lack of service or serious mistakes that were made...by a specific travel agent.
Alas, it is not about reading something off a computer screen or "hearing" the Great Barrier Reef, Dubai or Amsterdam are wonderful. You want to know that you can have a float plane fly you too the reef for your day of diving rather than enduring a two hour boat ride each way...and explain what it is like. You want to know why Dubai's newest hotel, Raffles Dubai, is incredible and you just might enjoy knowing more about the incredible museums of Amsterdam (and how to miss the lines entirely) rather than the Red Light District.
Also, remember that marketing material (no matter how impressive) is intended to get you to go on vacation; not be your vacation. So when you are looking to book your next cruise you should think about whether the travel agent's membership in a consortium and offering a complimentary tour or onboard credit is really what is important to you...or is it the knowledge that your cruise will be booked at a good price, with you being provided solid information, and receiving exceptional service that really matters.
If you are fortunate, and I try to make all my clients fortunate, you will get it all!
These travel consortiums of travel agents use their joint marketing and purchasing power to work with travel suppliers around the world in an effort to bring added value, better pricing and more information to their clients. You should also be aware that in order to be a member of one of the upper level consortiums (Ensemble, Virtuoso, Signature), membership requires (aside from the payment of fees) that the agency not only be legitimate, but that it have a history of producing a very significant amount of revenue. That requires, obviously, each travel agency to have established itself for a number of years and that it has a substantial client base.
I digress for a moment to let you know/disclose I am a member of Ensemble. Years ago I was a member of Vacations.com, but as I will explain, it wasn't a good fit for me or my clients.
What do these consortiums do for a travel agent and, ultimately, for you? They provide travel agents with a network of travel providers (whether they be cruise lines, hotels, tour operators, etc.) that cooperatively allow the agent to offer its clients - on occasion - special pricing, or added value (onboard credits, complimentary tours, a room upgrade, included breakfasts or dinner, or similar). They also provide marketing programs, so that the travel agent can cost-effectively send out not only postcards and flyers, but glossy catalogs and magazines to its clients...and those dreaded emails (which I try to avoid sending unless it is something really good!). And they provide the travel agent with information.
One thing that I find interesting is how the cache belonging to a consortium is directly proportional to the cost of the vacation. As a former Vacations.com agency, I do not recall any clients caring (and most not knowing) that I was a member. For my luxury clients there really was little benefit, while those sailing on Carnival or Princess did benefit from some onboard credits (and, to be sure, they do add percentage-wise a much greater value on a lower priced cruise). So it was a really poor fit for me and a very short term relationship.
On the other hand, there are those that believe using a Virtuoso travel agency is akin to wearing a Rolex; it is a status symbol. Virtuoso provides its agents and their clients with some really good stuff, but at least for me as I write this, I do not find the value to be there. That is, in large part, because of my involvement in the superyacht industry. Many of the contacts and access Virtuoso affords its member agencies I already have. Much of the information it provides is already in my knowledge bank because I have actively traveled all over the world for decades. I have never been one to be impressed with hype (heck, being in the superyacht business, if I was swayed by "flash" I would have self-destructed years ago!), so I have looked at what works best and is the best value for me and my clients.
I readily acknowledge that Ensemble Travel does not have the cache of Virtuoso. But there are so many similarities between the two that other than Virtuoso having higher quality marketing materials and the aforementioend access, I find little useful difference. As an Ensemble Travel agency, I am able to provide similar (or even identical) hosted tours and cocktail parties, some great European hotel upgrades and/or benefits (complimentary breakfasts, wine, etc.) and more. One benefit that I believe Ensemble has over Virtuoso is that because its focus is not so much on the luxury end, I can provide some better pricing and amenities on the premium lines (such as Celebrity and Holland America); which is a significant portion of my business.
You may have noticed that I have not really discussed what the information is that the consortiums provide its member agencies. There is a reason: For the client it is many times simply irrelevant. I do not care what information is available if it is not accessed, understood, efficiently utilized and then conveyed properly by the particular travel agent to the client. I have had too many experiences of clients coming to me from another agency (one that is a member of a consortium) and their complaining about the misinformation, the lack of service or serious mistakes that were made...by a specific travel agent.
Alas, it is not about reading something off a computer screen or "hearing" the Great Barrier Reef, Dubai or Amsterdam are wonderful. You want to know that you can have a float plane fly you too the reef for your day of diving rather than enduring a two hour boat ride each way...and explain what it is like. You want to know why Dubai's newest hotel, Raffles Dubai, is incredible and you just might enjoy knowing more about the incredible museums of Amsterdam (and how to miss the lines entirely) rather than the Red Light District.
Also, remember that marketing material (no matter how impressive) is intended to get you to go on vacation; not be your vacation. So when you are looking to book your next cruise you should think about whether the travel agent's membership in a consortium and offering a complimentary tour or onboard credit is really what is important to you...or is it the knowledge that your cruise will be booked at a good price, with you being provided solid information, and receiving exceptional service that really matters.
If you are fortunate, and I try to make all my clients fortunate, you will get it all!
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
How Private Is Your Cabin? A New U.S. Court of Appeals Decision
So you board the ship for your cruise, unpack your personal belongings, place your valuable items in the safe and then begin loading up on souvenirs and other purchases as you travel along. You know security screens your bags (presumably for guns, knives and, at least on some cruise lines, liquor) and that your steward(ess) comes into clean. But aside from those accepted intrusions are you entitled to keep your cabin "private".
On September 4, 2008, the United States Court of Appeals (the court immediately below the United States Supreme Court) for the Third Circuit ruled you are entitled to that privacy...sort of. A preface: in U.S. v. Whitted (http://www.ca3.uscourts.gov/opinarch/063271p.pdf ) the Court found that suprisingly there really aren't many cases involving a person's rights to privacy on cruise ships and, more specifically, private cabins. But we now have "The Case".
Now, before you all start shouting, "I have my Fourth Amendment rights to privacy and unlawful searches! You must have a search warrant to enter my cabin!", let me just say: "Wrong!". The laws of the United States are such that a person has far greater rights to privacy "inside" the country than at its borders. [How do I get from you are on a ship and I am at the U.S. border: Say, as here, the ship cruises from St. Maarten to St. Thomas. St. Thomas is a U.S. territory and, as such, the ship is at the U.S. border.]
At its borders "routine" searches can be done by U.S. government agents without even a suspicion of wrongdoing (ex. Customs...or Department of Homeland Security...inspecting your bags at the cruise terminal or airport) or "non-routine" searches upon "reasonable suspicion". This is a far lower standard than the infamous "probable cause" standards you have heard of that is necessary for a judge to issue a search warrant. I will explain...just follow me.
The courts have, however, found that you are entitled to a significantly higher expectation of privacy in your cabin - where you sleep...akin to your home away from home- than you are in the public areas of the ship or even an automobile, essentially because they are living quarters where you asleep rather than areas primarily for socialization or transportation. Thus, you have a legitimately high expectation of privacy from those other than to whom you give consent to enter (like your stewardess). This makes any search of your cabin by a U.S. government agent "non-routine".
After all of that, what is necessary to reach the "reasonable suspicion" standard? Not much. All that is necessary is there be a "particularized and objective basis" for that suspicion. In Whitted the man was a legitimate cruise passenger and did absolutely nothing wrong while onboard the ship. In fact, when the drug-sniffing dog walked down the ship's hallway he didn't even react when passing Whitted's cabin door! There were not even any reports of him hanging around known drug-dealers (like many of you have seen near the docks in Jamaica).
But he fit a profile of a drug dealer: (1) He purchased a cruise ticket only shortly before the cruise...in cash; (2) He was previously convicted of drug possession on more than one occasion; (3) He was traveling on a ship that cruised to known drug source countries (and for all of you that didn't know it St. Maaten is a hotbed for such things...as any yachtie...so don't think Jamaica is the only place!); and, (4) Agents in San Juan noted Whitted's behavior seemed suspicious and entered the info into the TECS (Treasury Enforcement Communications System), a computer database.
So with this "reasonable suspicion" the agents and ship's security entered Whitted's cabin, took all of his luggage out from under his bed, pressed all the air out of the closed bags...and then let the dog sniff around. That is when the dog reacted...to a fake can of shaving cream. Then the cruise line made it's x-ray machine available and, low and behold, small pebbles were seen inside the shaving cream can. It then was field tested positive for heroin.
So they caught the "bad guy", but it should be fair warning to everyone that just acting a bit strange may just be enough to create "reasonable suspicion" to have the U.S. government search your cabin while on a cruise when entering U.S. waters.
Also, remember this relates to what the U.S. government can do; not what the cruise lines can do. The cruise lines operate under different rules based upon the terms of your cruise contract, the laws of its flag state and The Law of the Seas. In other words, you probably have even less expectations and rights to privacy than those discussed above. (Remember that broken lamp that was miraculously fixed when you were ashore? Who gave permission for the crew to enter your cabin and take down the headliner?)
For most of us, it really will never make a difference and we probably don't really care. But imagine if you come back from your wonderful tour and find all your luggage out and the all the drawers open. You most definitely would feel your privacy was improperly violated...But was it?
On September 4, 2008, the United States Court of Appeals (the court immediately below the United States Supreme Court) for the Third Circuit ruled you are entitled to that privacy...sort of. A preface: in U.S. v. Whitted (http://www.ca3.uscourts.gov/opinarch/063271p.pdf ) the Court found that suprisingly there really aren't many cases involving a person's rights to privacy on cruise ships and, more specifically, private cabins. But we now have "The Case".
Now, before you all start shouting, "I have my Fourth Amendment rights to privacy and unlawful searches! You must have a search warrant to enter my cabin!", let me just say: "Wrong!". The laws of the United States are such that a person has far greater rights to privacy "inside" the country than at its borders. [How do I get from you are on a ship and I am at the U.S. border: Say, as here, the ship cruises from St. Maarten to St. Thomas. St. Thomas is a U.S. territory and, as such, the ship is at the U.S. border.]
At its borders "routine" searches can be done by U.S. government agents without even a suspicion of wrongdoing (ex. Customs...or Department of Homeland Security...inspecting your bags at the cruise terminal or airport) or "non-routine" searches upon "reasonable suspicion". This is a far lower standard than the infamous "probable cause" standards you have heard of that is necessary for a judge to issue a search warrant. I will explain...just follow me.
The courts have, however, found that you are entitled to a significantly higher expectation of privacy in your cabin - where you sleep...akin to your home away from home- than you are in the public areas of the ship or even an automobile, essentially because they are living quarters where you asleep rather than areas primarily for socialization or transportation. Thus, you have a legitimately high expectation of privacy from those other than to whom you give consent to enter (like your stewardess). This makes any search of your cabin by a U.S. government agent "non-routine".
After all of that, what is necessary to reach the "reasonable suspicion" standard? Not much. All that is necessary is there be a "particularized and objective basis" for that suspicion. In Whitted the man was a legitimate cruise passenger and did absolutely nothing wrong while onboard the ship. In fact, when the drug-sniffing dog walked down the ship's hallway he didn't even react when passing Whitted's cabin door! There were not even any reports of him hanging around known drug-dealers (like many of you have seen near the docks in Jamaica).
But he fit a profile of a drug dealer: (1) He purchased a cruise ticket only shortly before the cruise...in cash; (2) He was previously convicted of drug possession on more than one occasion; (3) He was traveling on a ship that cruised to known drug source countries (and for all of you that didn't know it St. Maaten is a hotbed for such things...as any yachtie...so don't think Jamaica is the only place!); and, (4) Agents in San Juan noted Whitted's behavior seemed suspicious and entered the info into the TECS (Treasury Enforcement Communications System), a computer database.
So with this "reasonable suspicion" the agents and ship's security entered Whitted's cabin, took all of his luggage out from under his bed, pressed all the air out of the closed bags...and then let the dog sniff around. That is when the dog reacted...to a fake can of shaving cream. Then the cruise line made it's x-ray machine available and, low and behold, small pebbles were seen inside the shaving cream can. It then was field tested positive for heroin.
So they caught the "bad guy", but it should be fair warning to everyone that just acting a bit strange may just be enough to create "reasonable suspicion" to have the U.S. government search your cabin while on a cruise when entering U.S. waters.
Also, remember this relates to what the U.S. government can do; not what the cruise lines can do. The cruise lines operate under different rules based upon the terms of your cruise contract, the laws of its flag state and The Law of the Seas. In other words, you probably have even less expectations and rights to privacy than those discussed above. (Remember that broken lamp that was miraculously fixed when you were ashore? Who gave permission for the crew to enter your cabin and take down the headliner?)
For most of us, it really will never make a difference and we probably don't really care. But imagine if you come back from your wonderful tour and find all your luggage out and the all the drawers open. You most definitely would feel your privacy was improperly violated...But was it?
Monday, September 8, 2008
2009 Thanksgiving Weekend Caribbean Cruise on Seabourn - Great Pricing!
I know we are all just starting to get out of "summer" mode, but football has started and Thanksgiving will soon be upon us.
As you think about the joys of family...and whether the weekend be filled with rain or snow... consider spending the 2009 weekend on a Seabourn cruise. Enjoy Thanksgiving, hop a a short flight and then be pampered.
I am putting together a group to enjoy a five (5) day cruise on the Seabourn Spirit (fresh out of a two week dry dock - so there will be some brand new improvements and changes to see!) on November 27, 2009 conveniently sailing out of Ft. Lauderdale and ending in St. Thomas, with port calls in Grand Turk and Jost Van Dyke, B.V.I. for a Marina Day and two relaxing days at sea in between.
The best part is that I can offer this to you for under $2,000 per person including all taxes, fees and fuel supplements! (Of course, with it being a Goldring Travel group, you can expect a few little extras as well.)
Some of you may remember the fun we had on the short three night cruises around New York. Those are gone forever, but this is the next best thing...and it will be warm, the views outstanding and a Marina Day in the British Virgin Islands sounds so much better than taking a swim in the Hudson River!
So if you have every thought you could not afford to try Seabourn, or didn't want to make an investment in a Seabourn cruise in Europe or Asia without knowing what Seabourn is all about...or if you just want to spoil yourself for a few days...this is an outstanding opportunity!
And let's not forget it is a wonderful opportunity for the entire family to enjoy the luxury of Seabourn.
As you think about the joys of family...and whether the weekend be filled with rain or snow... consider spending the 2009 weekend on a Seabourn cruise. Enjoy Thanksgiving, hop a a short flight and then be pampered.
I am putting together a group to enjoy a five (5) day cruise on the Seabourn Spirit (fresh out of a two week dry dock - so there will be some brand new improvements and changes to see!) on November 27, 2009 conveniently sailing out of Ft. Lauderdale and ending in St. Thomas, with port calls in Grand Turk and Jost Van Dyke, B.V.I. for a Marina Day and two relaxing days at sea in between.
The best part is that I can offer this to you for under $2,000 per person including all taxes, fees and fuel supplements! (Of course, with it being a Goldring Travel group, you can expect a few little extras as well.)
Some of you may remember the fun we had on the short three night cruises around New York. Those are gone forever, but this is the next best thing...and it will be warm, the views outstanding and a Marina Day in the British Virgin Islands sounds so much better than taking a swim in the Hudson River!
So if you have every thought you could not afford to try Seabourn, or didn't want to make an investment in a Seabourn cruise in Europe or Asia without knowing what Seabourn is all about...or if you just want to spoil yourself for a few days...this is an outstanding opportunity!
And let's not forget it is a wonderful opportunity for the entire family to enjoy the luxury of Seabourn.
Friday, September 5, 2008
Seabourn Odyssey Top Officers and Staff Announced!
Here is another bit of news which you probably cannot find elsewhere...yet. Seabourn has selected its top officers and staff.
All of them have a tremendous amount of experience and will please many of you to see they have been recognized.
Captain - Karl Buer
Hotel Manager - Guenter Steinbrunner
Chief Purser - Andrew Thompson
Restaurant Manager - Karl Eckl
Executive Chef - Graeme Cockburn
Public Room Manager - Oliver Ellinger
Provision Master - Willem Knijn
Executive Housekeeper - Michelle Roberts
Cruise Director - Barry Hopkins
Tour Manager - Carol Frey
Cruise Sales Specialist - Jennifer Kok
Personnel Training Manager - Johan Poelmans
I would like to extend my congratulations to each of them and look forward to greeting them onboard prior to the Maiden Voyage on June 24, 2009.
(Personally I will try to get in good with Graeme Cockburn and Willem Knijn rather than Johan Poelmans! I do have my priorities.)
All of them have a tremendous amount of experience and will please many of you to see they have been recognized.
Captain - Karl Buer
Hotel Manager - Guenter Steinbrunner
Chief Purser - Andrew Thompson
Restaurant Manager - Karl Eckl
Executive Chef - Graeme Cockburn
Public Room Manager - Oliver Ellinger
Provision Master - Willem Knijn
Executive Housekeeper - Michelle Roberts
Cruise Director - Barry Hopkins
Tour Manager - Carol Frey
Cruise Sales Specialist - Jennifer Kok
Personnel Training Manager - Johan Poelmans
I would like to extend my congratulations to each of them and look forward to greeting them onboard prior to the Maiden Voyage on June 24, 2009.
(Personally I will try to get in good with Graeme Cockburn and Willem Knijn rather than Johan Poelmans! I do have my priorities.)
Seabourn Upgrades On The Way
Yesterday was some somewhat disappointing news (at least for some) regarding the discontinuation of most of the complimentary Seabourn Experiences. I told you it was really not a cost-cutting measure, but rather an evolution of Seabourn's upscaling its overall experience for its guests. Sooooooooooo......
I can now let you know of a couple of very nice upgrades across the entire fleet:
Deck Furniture - Yes, its true! Gone shortly will be the plastic lounge chairs. In their place will be extremely nice, comfortable and very upscale lounges...and they will be very cool. I can't disclose more now, but I know it will be hard to find a complaint about them. I, personally, think they will well and truly change the look of the deck on the triplets and richen the experience. Trust me on this: When you see the you will know that there were many less costly options available...and Seabourn went for the best.
Tableware - New tableware is coming and there will be three different styles; one focused for each unique dining venue on the Odyssey. It is amazing how a change in tableware - which is surprisingly expensive - can alter the look of not only the restaurant, but the presentation of the food. In my superyacht business I can tell you that just the size, shape, color, trim (if any), if there is a discernible rim, weight, balance, durability, etc., etc. of each piece takes hours of discussion. Each piece receives different opinions from the chefs (presentation), the servers (workability) and head of the restaurant (overall look). It is not an easy task.
Now, let's compare: How many are happier with the new deck furniture and spiffying up of the tableware vs. how many are disappointed with the elimination of the mostly underutilized Seabourn Experiences? Thought so.
(And for those are are still disappointed...and didn't book your cruise with me to ease same...there are are more good things to come!)
How to Handle...And Not Handle...A Hurricane
With hurricane season well and truly upon us (Thanks to Fay, Gustav, Hanna, Ike and...) there are a few things which need to be mentioned; highlighted by the USA Today report about the Mutiny on the Carnival Miracle.
First, any passenger traveling to the Caribbean between August and October must (that is "must") understand that ship happens during hurricane season. If you have saved up for your one and only trip to St. Thomas or you have finally decided to "now or never" swim with the stingrays in Grand Cayman this is not the season to book your cruise to do it. Fly to the destination and do a land-based holiday. You may get wet, but you only have to deal with problems if the hurricane is going to be over the top of you...rather than blocking the ship's path back to port.
Second, be flexible. Even if your itinerary isn't what it was supposed to be remember that First and Foremost, you wanted to be on a cruise. You spent how much time selecting the ship, which cabin, avoiding which airports, etc.? You think (or post) endlessly about your favorite waiters, the "secrets" of enjoying the ship more, how the entertainers are going to be, whether there will be new towel animals and have pre-booked the spas and specialty dining areas. Even if you don't get to go to a port, you have the ship...and that is THE major destination for most Caribbean cruises.
Third, hope and pray the cruise line handles it well. Here I can give you too great recent examples...one Excellent and one, apparently, terrible.
A. Excellent - During my recent cruise on Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas we dodged Fay, but had to deal with Gustav. As a result our 4 port cruise (Labadee, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman and Cozumel) became only 2 ports (St. Thomas and St. Maarten). Captain Johnny gave a very detailed explanation over the ship's PA system (which was great for those that could not understand his very enthusiastic and upbeat Norwegian accent!). BUT RCCL DID MORE: The Cruise Director and Captain broadcast a detailed explanation over the television system using charts, weather tracking information, travel distances, etc. leaving absolutely no question in any reasonable mind that every option was taken into account (even, "Well we could have sneaked into Labadee and then changed course, but you would have been met with a cold, rainy and windy beach along with rough seas, so we opted for a sea day with sunny skies and smooth seas")...and then they explained it again; confirming the difference in port charges would be added to everyone's onboard account. Yes, there was disappointment for many with less ports and more sea days...and being in St. Thomas again (though there were happy shoppers) and being in St. Maarten with 10,000+ cruise passengers, but most everyone understood. (There were a few out of control passengers, but they were far and very few between). All in all it was handled extremely well by the cruise line and the passengers.
B. Terrible - In today's USA Today online there is a blog about there being a virtual Mutiny on the Carnival Miracle not only because of the change in itinerary caused by Hanna (including a non-Caribbean port call in Newport, Rhode Island...which I personally love), but because of the way the captain has purportedly handled it. USA Today reports that one CruiseCritic poster claims "The attitude of the captain has caused passengers to (go) ballistic" and that the passengers are shouting "Refund! Refund!" while threatening to penalize the innocent crew by reducing their gratuities to "zero". Now, I have been around long enough to know that not every CruiseCritic poster portrays things as accurately as they might and that some have agendas which are not totally honorable, but where there is smoke there is a good chance of fire. Quite possibly an understanding and warm explanation that there as no way to cross Hanna's path safely (which should be obvious) either on the way and/or the way back coupled with an explanation that because of the size of the Miracle, Bermuda was not an option (I am assuming here), Carnival might have avoided the Mutiny.
Alas, there is a reason my motto/business plan is very simple: Be Treated By Your Travel Agent As You Will Be Onboard! I expect to be treated exceptionally well. If I do not believe I will be, I will not board the ship and will not suggest such a ship to my clients. (Ironically, I have 8 clients sailing on the Carnival Miracle tomorrow! I will be able to let you know how Carnival response to Ike with more direct info!)
Personally, no matter how arrogant the captain may be, no matter how bad the ports may be, no matter how disappointed you may be, you are still on a cruise...on the ship of your choosing...and the ship has lots of good things to do. Why ruin the entirety of your cruise while you are on it? Make the best of it and, if ultimately appropriate, complain when you return. BUT REMEMBER, you chose to cruise during hurricane season. (Did you like the discounted price offered on your cruise? You could have taken the same cruise Christmas for lots more money. First ask yourself, "Why was the cruise discounted so much?" and then write your letter.)
First, any passenger traveling to the Caribbean between August and October must (that is "must") understand that ship happens during hurricane season. If you have saved up for your one and only trip to St. Thomas or you have finally decided to "now or never" swim with the stingrays in Grand Cayman this is not the season to book your cruise to do it. Fly to the destination and do a land-based holiday. You may get wet, but you only have to deal with problems if the hurricane is going to be over the top of you...rather than blocking the ship's path back to port.
Second, be flexible. Even if your itinerary isn't what it was supposed to be remember that First and Foremost, you wanted to be on a cruise. You spent how much time selecting the ship, which cabin, avoiding which airports, etc.? You think (or post) endlessly about your favorite waiters, the "secrets" of enjoying the ship more, how the entertainers are going to be, whether there will be new towel animals and have pre-booked the spas and specialty dining areas. Even if you don't get to go to a port, you have the ship...and that is THE major destination for most Caribbean cruises.
Third, hope and pray the cruise line handles it well. Here I can give you too great recent examples...one Excellent and one, apparently, terrible.
A. Excellent - During my recent cruise on Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas we dodged Fay, but had to deal with Gustav. As a result our 4 port cruise (Labadee, Ocho Rios, Grand Cayman and Cozumel) became only 2 ports (St. Thomas and St. Maarten). Captain Johnny gave a very detailed explanation over the ship's PA system (which was great for those that could not understand his very enthusiastic and upbeat Norwegian accent!). BUT RCCL DID MORE: The Cruise Director and Captain broadcast a detailed explanation over the television system using charts, weather tracking information, travel distances, etc. leaving absolutely no question in any reasonable mind that every option was taken into account (even, "Well we could have sneaked into Labadee and then changed course, but you would have been met with a cold, rainy and windy beach along with rough seas, so we opted for a sea day with sunny skies and smooth seas")...and then they explained it again; confirming the difference in port charges would be added to everyone's onboard account. Yes, there was disappointment for many with less ports and more sea days...and being in St. Thomas again (though there were happy shoppers) and being in St. Maarten with 10,000+ cruise passengers, but most everyone understood. (There were a few out of control passengers, but they were far and very few between). All in all it was handled extremely well by the cruise line and the passengers.
B. Terrible - In today's USA Today online there is a blog about there being a virtual Mutiny on the Carnival Miracle not only because of the change in itinerary caused by Hanna (including a non-Caribbean port call in Newport, Rhode Island...which I personally love), but because of the way the captain has purportedly handled it. USA Today reports that one CruiseCritic poster claims "The attitude of the captain has caused passengers to (go) ballistic" and that the passengers are shouting "Refund! Refund!" while threatening to penalize the innocent crew by reducing their gratuities to "zero". Now, I have been around long enough to know that not every CruiseCritic poster portrays things as accurately as they might and that some have agendas which are not totally honorable, but where there is smoke there is a good chance of fire. Quite possibly an understanding and warm explanation that there as no way to cross Hanna's path safely (which should be obvious) either on the way and/or the way back coupled with an explanation that because of the size of the Miracle, Bermuda was not an option (I am assuming here), Carnival might have avoided the Mutiny.
Alas, there is a reason my motto/business plan is very simple: Be Treated By Your Travel Agent As You Will Be Onboard! I expect to be treated exceptionally well. If I do not believe I will be, I will not board the ship and will not suggest such a ship to my clients. (Ironically, I have 8 clients sailing on the Carnival Miracle tomorrow! I will be able to let you know how Carnival response to Ike with more direct info!)
Personally, no matter how arrogant the captain may be, no matter how bad the ports may be, no matter how disappointed you may be, you are still on a cruise...on the ship of your choosing...and the ship has lots of good things to do. Why ruin the entirety of your cruise while you are on it? Make the best of it and, if ultimately appropriate, complain when you return. BUT REMEMBER, you chose to cruise during hurricane season. (Did you like the discounted price offered on your cruise? You could have taken the same cruise Christmas for lots more money. First ask yourself, "Why was the cruise discounted so much?" and then write your letter.)
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Seabourn is Discontinuing Complimentary Seabourn Experiences
I have some news from Seabourn that may affect your present bookings with me or your planning of a future booking with Seabourn, so I wanted to get this out to you quickly.
Effective December 2008 Seabourn will no longer offer its exclusive complimentary Seabourn Experiences except for:
- “Caviar in the Surf” beach party events that Seabourn does on warm-water itineraries;
- Brazilian Boi Bumba festival at Parintins;
- Jungle dinner party in the Amazon’s Anavilhanas Archipelago
- Evening in Ephesus at Kusadasi in Turkey.
This does not affect the 2010 World Cruise events.
While this may seem like a reduction in what makes Seabourn…well Seabourn…it is not.
While there will be a cost savings to Seabourn, the actual motivation is the lack of guest attendance at the events. Seabourn regularly would guarantee say 100 people would attend an event, but when it came to the day of the event only 40 would show. That not only caused a huge waste of money…which ultimately is passed on to all of Seabourn’s guests…it got Seabourn thinking about two things: (1) Why?; and, (2) Why increase our costs providing something our guests don’t really want?
As to “Why?”, as Bob Dylan sang, “The times they are a changin’.” The fact is that more and more of Seabourn’s guests are foregoing group tours, or anything seeming like a group tour; preferring instead to use Seabourn’s Signature Desk or to otherwise book private excursions. So what ten years ago was a very fashionable and upscale “experience” is now generally seen as a more run-of-the-mill event. So as Seabourn raises the bar with its new ships, it doesn’t want to provide what are seen by many guests as lower quality offerings.
As to “Why increase Seabourn’s costs for something the guests don’t really want?”, the answer is now obvious. If you are not convinced, think about this, I want to you consider that Seabourn could have eliminated caviar, change the toiletries, etc., but not only would that be honestly perceived as “cost cutting” measures…they would be. (I also bet more than 40 people per cruise would be upset about those items being reduced or eliminated!)
The net result is that Seabourn is not wasting money on underutilized events, is raising the bar in many areas (some I cannot let you in on just yet!), and unlike some other lines, is keeping its cruise fares down. Just compare Seabourn’s fares to some other lines and you will see what I mean!
However, for my clients who have already booked a cruise with Seabourn that has had the complimentary Seabourn Experience eliminated I, personally, am offering you a US$50.00 per person credit for any one shore excursion you take on a Seabourn cruise. (It doesn’t matter if it is a Seabourn excursion or if it is in the same port where the Seabourn Experience was going to be held, either!) All you have to do is send me a copy of your invoice for the replacement tour after your cruise and I will send you a check.
Why am I doing this? Obviously because I want you to be comfortable with the value I have represented you would receive. More importantly, I want you to know that I always work hard for you to make sure you are satisfied with your cruise experience…even if “shamefully” I don’t afford you the opportunity to complaint first!
Please call or email me with any questions or concerns.
Effective December 2008 Seabourn will no longer offer its exclusive complimentary Seabourn Experiences except for:
- “Caviar in the Surf” beach party events that Seabourn does on warm-water itineraries;
- Brazilian Boi Bumba festival at Parintins;
- Jungle dinner party in the Amazon’s Anavilhanas Archipelago
- Evening in Ephesus at Kusadasi in Turkey.
This does not affect the 2010 World Cruise events.
While this may seem like a reduction in what makes Seabourn…well Seabourn…it is not.
While there will be a cost savings to Seabourn, the actual motivation is the lack of guest attendance at the events. Seabourn regularly would guarantee say 100 people would attend an event, but when it came to the day of the event only 40 would show. That not only caused a huge waste of money…which ultimately is passed on to all of Seabourn’s guests…it got Seabourn thinking about two things: (1) Why?; and, (2) Why increase our costs providing something our guests don’t really want?
As to “Why?”, as Bob Dylan sang, “The times they are a changin’.” The fact is that more and more of Seabourn’s guests are foregoing group tours, or anything seeming like a group tour; preferring instead to use Seabourn’s Signature Desk or to otherwise book private excursions. So what ten years ago was a very fashionable and upscale “experience” is now generally seen as a more run-of-the-mill event. So as Seabourn raises the bar with its new ships, it doesn’t want to provide what are seen by many guests as lower quality offerings.
As to “Why increase Seabourn’s costs for something the guests don’t really want?”, the answer is now obvious. If you are not convinced, think about this, I want to you consider that Seabourn could have eliminated caviar, change the toiletries, etc., but not only would that be honestly perceived as “cost cutting” measures…they would be. (I also bet more than 40 people per cruise would be upset about those items being reduced or eliminated!)
The net result is that Seabourn is not wasting money on underutilized events, is raising the bar in many areas (some I cannot let you in on just yet!), and unlike some other lines, is keeping its cruise fares down. Just compare Seabourn’s fares to some other lines and you will see what I mean!
However, for my clients who have already booked a cruise with Seabourn that has had the complimentary Seabourn Experience eliminated I, personally, am offering you a US$50.00 per person credit for any one shore excursion you take on a Seabourn cruise. (It doesn’t matter if it is a Seabourn excursion or if it is in the same port where the Seabourn Experience was going to be held, either!) All you have to do is send me a copy of your invoice for the replacement tour after your cruise and I will send you a check.
Why am I doing this? Obviously because I want you to be comfortable with the value I have represented you would receive. More importantly, I want you to know that I always work hard for you to make sure you are satisfied with your cruise experience…even if “shamefully” I don’t afford you the opportunity to complaint first!
Please call or email me with any questions or concerns.
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
Mariner of the Seas Travelogue - Prologue
I promise I will not bore you with the minutia of taxi rides and pre-cruise meals in this travelogue, but rather will try to give some perspective from a travel agent's and a parent's points of view as I venture back into the world known as mass market cruising. On Sunday I will be boarding Royal Caribbean's Mariner of the Seas settling in a Grand Suite on a sold out Caribbean cruise as Tropical Storm Fay just departs.
As my family is rather jaded from all of the cruises they have taken - and where they have traveled - it took until last night for them to show any real interest in the cruise. My wife asked about the specialty restaurants, forgetting our discussing same weeks ago when I pre-reserved two nights each in Chops (steaks and fish) and Portofino (Italian). My kids, after first stating they were not that excited because we wouldn't be getting off the ship much (2 sea days and Jamaica), realized that for the first time in a couple of years they would have a "real" kid's club...and now that they are getting older, some real independence.
As for myself, I am trying to look at my cruise on this behemoth much differently from any of my prior cruises...as I remember my ship inspection of the Explorer of the Seas thinking negatively: "Shopping Mall". (My kids, of course, hear my complaint and shout with glee, "Cool!")
My last Royal Caribbean cruise was in 2001 in an owner's suite on the Nordic Empress (then Empress of the Seas and now gone from the fleet as too small and unique). I do admit that once I got over all the blue-green glass and brass I found the crew very enthusiastic and I did have a good time (though the food was marginal). I will not, however, forget my tablemates: a very nice couple albeit he happened to be a cook at a youth jail somewhere in Pennsylvania. Ya' never know!
I will be taking some time on this trip to work on some plans for two of my next ones: The Seabourn Spirit on September 27, 2008 (Athens to Istanbul) and my son's Bar Mitzvah Safari in August 2009. I am sure that somehow some comparisons...and hopefully some good ideas...will be generated while on this cruise.
So after a few days in Florida visiting my mother, and the Kennedy Space Center for lunch with an astronaut...and, of course, rain predicted for every day!...we will board and I will let you know.
As my family is rather jaded from all of the cruises they have taken - and where they have traveled - it took until last night for them to show any real interest in the cruise. My wife asked about the specialty restaurants, forgetting our discussing same weeks ago when I pre-reserved two nights each in Chops (steaks and fish) and Portofino (Italian). My kids, after first stating they were not that excited because we wouldn't be getting off the ship much (2 sea days and Jamaica), realized that for the first time in a couple of years they would have a "real" kid's club...and now that they are getting older, some real independence.
As for myself, I am trying to look at my cruise on this behemoth much differently from any of my prior cruises...as I remember my ship inspection of the Explorer of the Seas thinking negatively: "Shopping Mall". (My kids, of course, hear my complaint and shout with glee, "Cool!")
My last Royal Caribbean cruise was in 2001 in an owner's suite on the Nordic Empress (then Empress of the Seas and now gone from the fleet as too small and unique). I do admit that once I got over all the blue-green glass and brass I found the crew very enthusiastic and I did have a good time (though the food was marginal). I will not, however, forget my tablemates: a very nice couple albeit he happened to be a cook at a youth jail somewhere in Pennsylvania. Ya' never know!
I will be taking some time on this trip to work on some plans for two of my next ones: The Seabourn Spirit on September 27, 2008 (Athens to Istanbul) and my son's Bar Mitzvah Safari in August 2009. I am sure that somehow some comparisons...and hopefully some good ideas...will be generated while on this cruise.
So after a few days in Florida visiting my mother, and the Kennedy Space Center for lunch with an astronaut...and, of course, rain predicted for every day!...we will board and I will let you know.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Exclusive Seabourn Spirit Offer - Istanbul to Alexandria - November 8, 2008
Whether Seabourn just finished reading my blog, I have incredible intuition, or it is happenstance, it really doesn't matter, but I was just contacted by Seabourn with an exclusive offer than fits in perfectly with my last post....and must be acted upon immediately if you are interested:
I am thrilled to offer this truly outstanding cruise to anyone who has not experienced a Seabourn cruise, who is looking for an exotic getaway this Fall, or who just wants an incredible deal on a cruise:
Seabourn Spirit – November 8, 2008
Seabourn Spirit – November 8, 2008
Istanbul, Turkey to Alexandria, Egypt
Only $__(The Price is So Low I Cannot Post It Here) per person*
(*You will be booked as an A Guaranty Suite, but this offer is NOT limited to Category A oceanview suites, so you may be surprised by what suite you ultimately may be assigned by the time of sailing! And you thought all * were signs of bad news!!!)
(*You will be booked as an A Guaranty Suite, but this offer is NOT limited to Category A oceanview suites, so you may be surprised by what suite you ultimately may be assigned by the time of sailing! And you thought all * were signs of bad news!!!)
This price includes port charges/fees, but not taxes or fuel supplement. This fare is capacity controlled, so it may be withdrawn at any time.
Here is the itinerary:
Nov 8 S Istanbul, Turkey
9 SU Cruising The Dardandelles
10 M Piraeus (Athens), Greece
11 T Navplion (Mycenae), Greece
12 W Aghios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece
13 TH Rhodes, Greek Isles
14 F Cruising The Mediterranean Sea
15 S Alexandria (Cairo), Egypt
If you are interested DO NOT DELAY. Please call or email me immediately. (Some of you were disappointed when you delayed in responding to my last exclusive offer. Please don’t let that happen again!)
Here is the itinerary:
Nov 8 S Istanbul, Turkey
9 SU Cruising The Dardandelles
10 M Piraeus (Athens), Greece
11 T Navplion (Mycenae), Greece
12 W Aghios Nikolaos, Crete, Greece
13 TH Rhodes, Greek Isles
14 F Cruising The Mediterranean Sea
15 S Alexandria (Cairo), Egypt
If you are interested DO NOT DELAY. Please call or email me immediately. (Some of you were disappointed when you delayed in responding to my last exclusive offer. Please don’t let that happen again!)
An Interesting Trend - More Last Minute and Higher Quality Cruises. Why?
I have seen over the past couple of weeks - the usual time for the summer doldrums - a very interesting trend: People are tending to book cruises for the latter part of this year and on longer itineraries and in higher categories.
While the trend of cruise lines offering lower fares closer in seems to be reemerging...apparently as a result of the softening economy (possibly both in the U.S. and Europe), I am finding my clients, rather than booking their initially selected category, are using their travel budget to improve their cabins/suites and/or length of their cruise, rather than to pocket the funds for other purposes. This is an interesting trend that would seem, at first, counterintuitive. I think, however, it actually makes a lot of sense and may actually be a sign of something other than doomsday approaching.
Going to basic economics, one must first look at the mortgage meltdown. Most of the mortgages that are being foreclosed upon were for people that could not actually afford their homes or were living off of equity they really didn't have...tapping the last 20% of the home's worth. Those souls may have gone on a cruise or two, but probably were not a major force in the cruise market. But the impact was more than the chilling effect on those who had a responsible adjustable rate mortgage rather than a 1% interest that adjusted. A larger impact was on the top end...the investors...that ran up the value of these mortgages in the financial markets; but those also represent a very small portion of those that cruise.
The real impact for the cruise industry was on those how just had the stuffing scared out of them: The vast majority of the population.
But then there was more scary stuff: When the mortgage securities market began failing, those same investors had to put there money somewhere...and it was oil. Without getting into politics, the same mortgage speculators became oil speculators...and the media ran with various politicians and politically active financial "talking heads" claiming it was all demand.
While we can thank them for the now probably permanent "fuel supplements" on our cruises and the havoc they have caused in the airline industry, their irrational cries that a leaking pipe in Nigeria a legitimate reason for a $5 a barrel rise in oil (when such a thing never had any effect in the past) because demand was so huge was just accepted. How that .001% change in supply was a supposed two-headed monster always baffled me. [Compare: Russia invades Georgia under the cover of the Olympics, three oil supply lines were shutdown as a precaution, there are ominous "Cold War" trends appearing...and oil prices are dropping like a rock. Hummm?????]
But two things have happened: The European economies started to soften - causing the dollar to increase in value - and Congress said, "We want to stop oil speculators"...despite others steadfastly claiming it was merely demand.
Well, those mortgage securities investors...I'm sorry, I meant oil specutors...decided they didn't want the same regulatory prosecutions happening to them as a result of their oil activities and they began dumping their oil futures contracts. (One amazing thing is that I heard today that home heating oil may actually be less expensive this winter than last!)
With oil now at less than $111 a barrel, down from a $150+ high, and it being done in just a few short weeks, I think people are starting to breath.
And with the cruise lines suffering from lower (not "low" by any means) demand both in the U.S. and Europe, there is more inventory to sell closer in. Combine that with the prospects for lower gas and heating oil prices, a bit of stabilization in the stock market in most sectors (if not banking!) coupled with most people having actually cut back spending in anticipation of the worst...but still committed to taking a vacation, and there you have it.
So, if you are one that is now "taking a breath", seeing it isn't going to cost you $100 to fill up your car, and realizing that your mortgage isn't going to automatically explode, take a look at some of the incredible offers being given by the cruise lines. Remember many people have to plan their vacations quite a few months in advance. They are already committed, so the close in inventory is their for you to grab...and enjoy.
But, possibly, say to yourself: That oceanview is $1,000 less than it said in the brochure, why not upgrade to a balcony? Or from a balcony to a suite...though suite sales have remained strong all along, so there are not as many of those opportunities. Or rather than taking a 7 day Caribbean cruise, how about a Panama Canal cruise? Or back-to-back a Mediterranean cruise?
So whether you want to board "My Yacht", "Get Out There", "Be Treated Famously" or whatever, now is a great time to consider an autumn cruise.
While the trend of cruise lines offering lower fares closer in seems to be reemerging...apparently as a result of the softening economy (possibly both in the U.S. and Europe), I am finding my clients, rather than booking their initially selected category, are using their travel budget to improve their cabins/suites and/or length of their cruise, rather than to pocket the funds for other purposes. This is an interesting trend that would seem, at first, counterintuitive. I think, however, it actually makes a lot of sense and may actually be a sign of something other than doomsday approaching.
Going to basic economics, one must first look at the mortgage meltdown. Most of the mortgages that are being foreclosed upon were for people that could not actually afford their homes or were living off of equity they really didn't have...tapping the last 20% of the home's worth. Those souls may have gone on a cruise or two, but probably were not a major force in the cruise market. But the impact was more than the chilling effect on those who had a responsible adjustable rate mortgage rather than a 1% interest that adjusted. A larger impact was on the top end...the investors...that ran up the value of these mortgages in the financial markets; but those also represent a very small portion of those that cruise.
The real impact for the cruise industry was on those how just had the stuffing scared out of them: The vast majority of the population.
But then there was more scary stuff: When the mortgage securities market began failing, those same investors had to put there money somewhere...and it was oil. Without getting into politics, the same mortgage speculators became oil speculators...and the media ran with various politicians and politically active financial "talking heads" claiming it was all demand.
While we can thank them for the now probably permanent "fuel supplements" on our cruises and the havoc they have caused in the airline industry, their irrational cries that a leaking pipe in Nigeria a legitimate reason for a $5 a barrel rise in oil (when such a thing never had any effect in the past) because demand was so huge was just accepted. How that .001% change in supply was a supposed two-headed monster always baffled me. [Compare: Russia invades Georgia under the cover of the Olympics, three oil supply lines were shutdown as a precaution, there are ominous "Cold War" trends appearing...and oil prices are dropping like a rock. Hummm?????]
But two things have happened: The European economies started to soften - causing the dollar to increase in value - and Congress said, "We want to stop oil speculators"...despite others steadfastly claiming it was merely demand.
Well, those mortgage securities investors...I'm sorry, I meant oil specutors...decided they didn't want the same regulatory prosecutions happening to them as a result of their oil activities and they began dumping their oil futures contracts. (One amazing thing is that I heard today that home heating oil may actually be less expensive this winter than last!)
With oil now at less than $111 a barrel, down from a $150+ high, and it being done in just a few short weeks, I think people are starting to breath.
And with the cruise lines suffering from lower (not "low" by any means) demand both in the U.S. and Europe, there is more inventory to sell closer in. Combine that with the prospects for lower gas and heating oil prices, a bit of stabilization in the stock market in most sectors (if not banking!) coupled with most people having actually cut back spending in anticipation of the worst...but still committed to taking a vacation, and there you have it.
So, if you are one that is now "taking a breath", seeing it isn't going to cost you $100 to fill up your car, and realizing that your mortgage isn't going to automatically explode, take a look at some of the incredible offers being given by the cruise lines. Remember many people have to plan their vacations quite a few months in advance. They are already committed, so the close in inventory is their for you to grab...and enjoy.
But, possibly, say to yourself: That oceanview is $1,000 less than it said in the brochure, why not upgrade to a balcony? Or from a balcony to a suite...though suite sales have remained strong all along, so there are not as many of those opportunities. Or rather than taking a 7 day Caribbean cruise, how about a Panama Canal cruise? Or back-to-back a Mediterranean cruise?
So whether you want to board "My Yacht", "Get Out There", "Be Treated Famously" or whatever, now is a great time to consider an autumn cruise.
Monday, August 11, 2008
Seabourn Staff Receive Unique Training and Compensation
Last week I discussed a bit about Seabourn taking back control of its officers and ship's management by abandoning a short-lived V.Ships relationship. Today I thought I would mention a unique aspect of Seabourn as it relates to its hotel staff; that is stewardesses, waiters, etc.
One thing that is unique about Seabourn is that it has maintained a European/South African staff while virtually (if not literally) most other lines, including other luxury lines, have focused on reducing costs by utilizing less expensive Filipino and other Southeast Asian staff. In an industry where finding and keeping well trained staff is becoming an bigger and bigger problem, the challenges are many.
As a bit of background, most cruise lines hire staff, put them through a short shore-based program and then put them to sea; starting them out as assistant stewards and assistant waiters generally in the lesser cabins and easier areas of the dining rooms/buffets and allowing "on the job" training to run its course. As the demand for crew has increased...as have the number and sheer size of new ships increase...some lines have taken to using private "schools". The problem is, of course, that while it is better than just starting to work without any training at all, there is a big difference between the school room and the ship.
Seabourn is unique in that it does not hire untrained, or merely school trained, staff for its hotel service positions. Generally, Seabourn has the following criteria: 1. The potential staff must be a minimum of 20 years old years (eliminating many "youth issues"); 2. They must have a certificate from a recognized professional training institution; 3. (And I think this is key) they must have at least 2 years of full-time restaurant or hotel service experience in a five star establishment catering to an international clientèle; and, 4. They must have a good written and oral use of English.
(Having suffered through Regent's overnight change from European to Filipino staffing, the frustrations of the lack of training and the lack of a good command of English was, to me shocking. As time goes by this problem has dissipated quite a bit, but it still remains with too many new staff. I have heard of similar problem on Silversea.)
But Seabourn does not end its training there. With the Seabourn Odyssey coming onboard, Seabourn is in need of more staff...and the staff has to be experiences not only in a classroom and a hotel or restaurant. So Seabourn is taking the unusual step of taking a certain number of suites out of service so that the new staff can come onboard and shadow the existing staff. Remember the term is "shadow"; not replace. The full compliment of trained staff will remain on the ship to service the guests. The new staff are in addition to the full compliment. So when some of the more experienced staff migrate over to the Odyssey, trained staff to replace them will already be onboard. (Will this be perfect? Probably not. Will it be significantly better than pilfering the existing crew and leaving new and not so well trained staff on the triplets? Every indication is that it should work quite well.)
[Side Note: When it comes to hiring galley staff, Seabourn actually travels to the schools and puts the applicants for jobs as chefs, bakers, butchers, etc. through tests before they are hired; again taking that extra step which reduces the pitfalls of mere "on the job" training. Many cruise lines take the graduate sight unseen, evaluate them once onboard and then figure out where they might fit.]
The other major issue is compensation. Until last week's 5% drop in the value of the Euro, the U.S. Dollar has been the standard rate of pay for most crew...and one of the biggest bones of contention as crew has seen their net pay in their home countries actually reduce. It is very difficult to maintain staff when compensation reduces. It is, in part, why the concept of automatic gratuities being added to your onboard account started...and then the newest things: mandatory service charges being added; the concept obviously being the higher percentage of passengers that pay the full gratuity (and the fewer that pay none...and those folks do exist), the easier it is for the cruise lines to boost or at least stabilize crew wages...but at the passenger's expense.
Seabourn, once again, takes a unique position in the industry. It pays its staff in the currency of their residence. So a South African has a contract paid in Rand, British in Pounds, Dutch in Euros, etc. This is a huge benefit for the staff because their pay is, regardless of currency international fluctuations, their pay...just like it would be at home. This sort of...consistancy...is a very good tool to obtain and retain high quality staff.
One thing to consider is that while as a guest Seabourn is a fantastic place to be, the employees don't get to have the same experience. They are in charge of assuring you the experience. This, in large part, can affect the international mix of the staff. Some have wondered why there are so few American staff. The reasons range from the rate of pay, to living conditions, to the requirement to work seven days a week at times. With all of the employment opportunities in the U.S., obtaining and retaining U.S. staff can be very difficult. Just ask Norwegian Cruise Lines when they were pulling their hair out in Hawaii.
Also, keep in mind that societal and cultural differences also come into play as to the type of service being provided. While European/South African staff are more outgoing and engaging, Filipino staff can be very charming, but generally take a more distanced or subservient approach. To be sure, each individual is different, but you can most definitely tell the difference when you walk aboard a Holland America ship versus a Seabourn ship. It is, alas, part of what the product is that is being provided to the guests.
Hopefully this has helped answer some of the questions concerning training, pay and interactions with the staff aboard the ships.
One thing that is unique about Seabourn is that it has maintained a European/South African staff while virtually (if not literally) most other lines, including other luxury lines, have focused on reducing costs by utilizing less expensive Filipino and other Southeast Asian staff. In an industry where finding and keeping well trained staff is becoming an bigger and bigger problem, the challenges are many.
As a bit of background, most cruise lines hire staff, put them through a short shore-based program and then put them to sea; starting them out as assistant stewards and assistant waiters generally in the lesser cabins and easier areas of the dining rooms/buffets and allowing "on the job" training to run its course. As the demand for crew has increased...as have the number and sheer size of new ships increase...some lines have taken to using private "schools". The problem is, of course, that while it is better than just starting to work without any training at all, there is a big difference between the school room and the ship.
Seabourn is unique in that it does not hire untrained, or merely school trained, staff for its hotel service positions. Generally, Seabourn has the following criteria: 1. The potential staff must be a minimum of 20 years old years (eliminating many "youth issues"); 2. They must have a certificate from a recognized professional training institution; 3. (And I think this is key) they must have at least 2 years of full-time restaurant or hotel service experience in a five star establishment catering to an international clientèle; and, 4. They must have a good written and oral use of English.
(Having suffered through Regent's overnight change from European to Filipino staffing, the frustrations of the lack of training and the lack of a good command of English was, to me shocking. As time goes by this problem has dissipated quite a bit, but it still remains with too many new staff. I have heard of similar problem on Silversea.)
But Seabourn does not end its training there. With the Seabourn Odyssey coming onboard, Seabourn is in need of more staff...and the staff has to be experiences not only in a classroom and a hotel or restaurant. So Seabourn is taking the unusual step of taking a certain number of suites out of service so that the new staff can come onboard and shadow the existing staff. Remember the term is "shadow"; not replace. The full compliment of trained staff will remain on the ship to service the guests. The new staff are in addition to the full compliment. So when some of the more experienced staff migrate over to the Odyssey, trained staff to replace them will already be onboard. (Will this be perfect? Probably not. Will it be significantly better than pilfering the existing crew and leaving new and not so well trained staff on the triplets? Every indication is that it should work quite well.)
[Side Note: When it comes to hiring galley staff, Seabourn actually travels to the schools and puts the applicants for jobs as chefs, bakers, butchers, etc. through tests before they are hired; again taking that extra step which reduces the pitfalls of mere "on the job" training. Many cruise lines take the graduate sight unseen, evaluate them once onboard and then figure out where they might fit.]
The other major issue is compensation. Until last week's 5% drop in the value of the Euro, the U.S. Dollar has been the standard rate of pay for most crew...and one of the biggest bones of contention as crew has seen their net pay in their home countries actually reduce. It is very difficult to maintain staff when compensation reduces. It is, in part, why the concept of automatic gratuities being added to your onboard account started...and then the newest things: mandatory service charges being added; the concept obviously being the higher percentage of passengers that pay the full gratuity (and the fewer that pay none...and those folks do exist), the easier it is for the cruise lines to boost or at least stabilize crew wages...but at the passenger's expense.
Seabourn, once again, takes a unique position in the industry. It pays its staff in the currency of their residence. So a South African has a contract paid in Rand, British in Pounds, Dutch in Euros, etc. This is a huge benefit for the staff because their pay is, regardless of currency international fluctuations, their pay...just like it would be at home. This sort of...consistancy...is a very good tool to obtain and retain high quality staff.
One thing to consider is that while as a guest Seabourn is a fantastic place to be, the employees don't get to have the same experience. They are in charge of assuring you the experience. This, in large part, can affect the international mix of the staff. Some have wondered why there are so few American staff. The reasons range from the rate of pay, to living conditions, to the requirement to work seven days a week at times. With all of the employment opportunities in the U.S., obtaining and retaining U.S. staff can be very difficult. Just ask Norwegian Cruise Lines when they were pulling their hair out in Hawaii.
Also, keep in mind that societal and cultural differences also come into play as to the type of service being provided. While European/South African staff are more outgoing and engaging, Filipino staff can be very charming, but generally take a more distanced or subservient approach. To be sure, each individual is different, but you can most definitely tell the difference when you walk aboard a Holland America ship versus a Seabourn ship. It is, alas, part of what the product is that is being provided to the guests.
Hopefully this has helped answer some of the questions concerning training, pay and interactions with the staff aboard the ships.
Friday, July 25, 2008
Prinsendam Fans - An Unbelievable Deal - And You Can Only Get It Here!
For those who want to cruise on the former Seabourn Sun, Holland America has made two incredible 2008 European sailings available to me (and to very few travel agents anywhere!) on the Prinsendam which are - ready for this - AIR INCLUSIVE at cruise only rates!
Here are the details:
14 day Black Sea Cruise Rome to Piraeus
September 18, 2008 or
October 16, 2008
Civitavecchia (Rome)
At Sea
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Sarande, Albania
Argostoli, Cephalonia, Greece
At Sea
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Trabzon, Turkey
Sochi, Russia
Sevastopol, Ukraine
Nessebur, Bulgaria
At Sea
Kusadasi (Ephesus) Turkey
Piraeus, Greece
Pricing is as follows:
Inside from: $2,299
Oceanview from: $2,499
Veranda from: $4,999
Veranda Suite from: $6.749
Deluxe Veranda Suite from: $10,499
Prices include the fuel supplement, but do not include taxes of up to $236 per person. Also, there is some limitation as to air gateway cities, with some having a $100 or $200 supplement. Obviously, restrictions apply and the offer is subject to capacity controls and/or prior sale and may be withdrawn at any time. (If you check the posted fares on the Holland America site you will see this is not a "smoke and mirrors" offer, but the real thing. )
If you are thinking about a cruise this fall, a 14 day European cruise air inclusive in an oceanview for $5,000...on the Prinsendam no less...is something you just shouldn't pass up. Call or email me quickly as this is sure not to last.
Here are the details:
14 day Black Sea Cruise Rome to Piraeus
September 18, 2008 or
October 16, 2008
Civitavecchia (Rome)
At Sea
Dubrovnik, Croatia
Sarande, Albania
Argostoli, Cephalonia, Greece
At Sea
Istanbul, Turkey
Istanbul, Turkey
Trabzon, Turkey
Sochi, Russia
Sevastopol, Ukraine
Nessebur, Bulgaria
At Sea
Kusadasi (Ephesus) Turkey
Piraeus, Greece
Pricing is as follows:
Inside from: $2,299
Oceanview from: $2,499
Veranda from: $4,999
Veranda Suite from: $6.749
Deluxe Veranda Suite from: $10,499
Prices include the fuel supplement, but do not include taxes of up to $236 per person. Also, there is some limitation as to air gateway cities, with some having a $100 or $200 supplement. Obviously, restrictions apply and the offer is subject to capacity controls and/or prior sale and may be withdrawn at any time. (If you check the posted fares on the Holland America site you will see this is not a "smoke and mirrors" offer, but the real thing. )
If you are thinking about a cruise this fall, a 14 day European cruise air inclusive in an oceanview for $5,000...on the Prinsendam no less...is something you just shouldn't pass up. Call or email me quickly as this is sure not to last.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
It's Like a Sandwich! Seabourn Spirit - New Ports for 2009
It is not the bread that usually distinguishes or defines a a sandwich. Tuna or cheese, roast beef or chicken salad; you don't usually mention the bread. It is not that the bread is unimportant, but it is just not as important for most. "Tuna on rye" or "Chicken salad on a hard roll"; never the other way around. Without the bread you don't have a sandwich and with the bread (save white bread) you add flavor and texture...but it is not the meat of the meal.
It is not so different for cruise itineraries. Figuring out new ports for a cruise ship is not easy because there are only so many ports that can be used to provision a ship and, at the same time, efficiently and quickly gather passengers from a close by airport (oh, yes, and also fly out "those other people" who have been using "your" ship...disembarking guests.)
So when you see Athens-Istanbul or Venice-Rome or Barcelona-Nice don't assume because you see the "bread" of the itinerary that you know what the "meat" is. You just might be missing a truly outstanding and innovative feast as you declare "Been There. Done That!"
And please do not make the mistake of saying, "I've been to Italy before." I live in Colts Neck, New Jersey. I live in horse country, am 10 minutes from beautiful lakes, 15 minutes from the ocean and 45 minute from New York City. Oh, and a Six Flags is 30 minutes away. I would never think that visiting my home is the same as visiting New York City or would give you the flavor of the Jersey Shore. These are not subtle differences, but rather far more unique than related. Italy, Croatia, Spain, France, etc. are all very similar in that regard. To a true traveler, it is pretty hard to say "Been There. Done That."
Now, let's take a look at the the Seabourn Spirit's 2009 itineraries. Borrowing from a Seabourn release I offer to you the following:
In 2009, the Seabourn Spirit will inaugurate three (3) new week-long itineraries sailing from Civitavecchia and Venice to some of the most unusual and desirable destinations on the Dalmatian and Apulian coasts of the Adriatic. The itineraries may be combined without repeating ports.
The Dalmatian Coast is a veritable filigree of islands large and small, most harboring medieval towns as picturesque as they are friendly. Some, like Rovinj, Croatia, are joined to the mainland by causeways. They share the red-tiled roofs and candy-colored facades that have enchanted visitors to Dubrovnik, but the ones Seabourn Spirit is visiting are less crowded. Most have some claim to fame, such as ornate Austrian villas at Split and a Roman theater at Trieste, but the real attraction is the scenic beauty, the clear waters, forested peaks and the friendly people. Rovinj, Hvar, Kotor and Korcula and Koper all are places you will never forget once you’ve seen them. All offer chances to bike, kayak or explore on foot, and all three itineraries offer a Marina day at Triluke Bay, Croatia or in Italy’s Gulf of Squillace.
Situated on the heel of Italy’s boot, Apulia is “Italy as it used to be.” A latecomer to tourism, Apulia has been happily supplying wine (10 percent of what’s consumed in Europe is grown there), olive oil, almonds and other foodstuffs. Now small luxury inns are springing up among the rustic towns. Apulia’s landscape looks different from the rest of Italy, slightly Oriental with intensely local customs and unique, round stone-roofed houses called trulli.
So, is Seabourn is offering up the same old thing? Rome and Venice is the bread (tasty in their own rights), but the stuff in between seems like a wonderful buffet of new experiences.
It is not so different for cruise itineraries. Figuring out new ports for a cruise ship is not easy because there are only so many ports that can be used to provision a ship and, at the same time, efficiently and quickly gather passengers from a close by airport (oh, yes, and also fly out "those other people" who have been using "your" ship...disembarking guests.)
So when you see Athens-Istanbul or Venice-Rome or Barcelona-Nice don't assume because you see the "bread" of the itinerary that you know what the "meat" is. You just might be missing a truly outstanding and innovative feast as you declare "Been There. Done That!"
And please do not make the mistake of saying, "I've been to Italy before." I live in Colts Neck, New Jersey. I live in horse country, am 10 minutes from beautiful lakes, 15 minutes from the ocean and 45 minute from New York City. Oh, and a Six Flags is 30 minutes away. I would never think that visiting my home is the same as visiting New York City or would give you the flavor of the Jersey Shore. These are not subtle differences, but rather far more unique than related. Italy, Croatia, Spain, France, etc. are all very similar in that regard. To a true traveler, it is pretty hard to say "Been There. Done That."
Now, let's take a look at the the Seabourn Spirit's 2009 itineraries. Borrowing from a Seabourn release I offer to you the following:
In 2009, the Seabourn Spirit will inaugurate three (3) new week-long itineraries sailing from Civitavecchia and Venice to some of the most unusual and desirable destinations on the Dalmatian and Apulian coasts of the Adriatic. The itineraries may be combined without repeating ports.
The Dalmatian Coast is a veritable filigree of islands large and small, most harboring medieval towns as picturesque as they are friendly. Some, like Rovinj, Croatia, are joined to the mainland by causeways. They share the red-tiled roofs and candy-colored facades that have enchanted visitors to Dubrovnik, but the ones Seabourn Spirit is visiting are less crowded. Most have some claim to fame, such as ornate Austrian villas at Split and a Roman theater at Trieste, but the real attraction is the scenic beauty, the clear waters, forested peaks and the friendly people. Rovinj, Hvar, Kotor and Korcula and Koper all are places you will never forget once you’ve seen them. All offer chances to bike, kayak or explore on foot, and all three itineraries offer a Marina day at Triluke Bay, Croatia or in Italy’s Gulf of Squillace.
Situated on the heel of Italy’s boot, Apulia is “Italy as it used to be.” A latecomer to tourism, Apulia has been happily supplying wine (10 percent of what’s consumed in Europe is grown there), olive oil, almonds and other foodstuffs. Now small luxury inns are springing up among the rustic towns. Apulia’s landscape looks different from the rest of Italy, slightly Oriental with intensely local customs and unique, round stone-roofed houses called trulli.
So, is Seabourn is offering up the same old thing? Rome and Venice is the bread (tasty in their own rights), but the stuff in between seems like a wonderful buffet of new experiences.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
The Seabourn Pride, Legend and Spirit - Long Range Plans
There has been in further inquiry about the plans for Seabourn's current fleet of three small yachtlike ships with more than enough false rumors and innuendo that their end is near. The fact is, as I had previously posted, the triplets are part of Seabourn's long range plans.
Here are some truths:
1. The smaller triplets are loved by many passengers and there is a style and comfort level that makes the larger Odyssey just not attractive to them.
2. Many Seabourn passengers (not all by any extent) could care less about the new bells and whistles.
3. There are many unique ports that the Odyssey cannot visit and, therefore, the triplets remain as a real asset for those destinations.
4. There are itineraries that may well support 200 guests, but not 450 guests.
5. The Seabourn Pride will be focusing on Asia with new ports and extended itineraries. Seabourn has not advised what its plans are for the Legend and Spirit, but I would not be surprised if there was a Caribbean/South American presence as well as one in Africa and parts of Australia/New Zealand. I don't know, but I would put my money on the latter!
6. There is a need for capacity, as Seabourn's ships consistently sail at or near capacity. So with one ship in 2009 being delivered, the present demand for capacity might be met to a degree, but assuming any sort of growth, additional capacity will be needed into 2010 and 2011.
7. With the new ships in place, it may well be possible for there to be truly extensive refitting of the older triplets so that its machinery and environmentally related systems can be replaced, and some older design elements changed, at a fraction of the cost of new ships while there is sufficient capacity to meet the demands of Seabourn guests. (BTW, I do not know this to be true, but it is not a large jump for me to get there...in my mind).
One other bit of speculation to be addressed: Pricing. It is something that is based upon demand and costs of operation. If you want exotic ports, it is gonna cost you. No matter how you cut it, the Caribbean will cost less than Africa. Asia will cost you more than France. If you are looking for a deal, I would be looking at low demand seasons for particular locations rather than new versus old ships.
Here are some truths:
1. The smaller triplets are loved by many passengers and there is a style and comfort level that makes the larger Odyssey just not attractive to them.
2. Many Seabourn passengers (not all by any extent) could care less about the new bells and whistles.
3. There are many unique ports that the Odyssey cannot visit and, therefore, the triplets remain as a real asset for those destinations.
4. There are itineraries that may well support 200 guests, but not 450 guests.
5. The Seabourn Pride will be focusing on Asia with new ports and extended itineraries. Seabourn has not advised what its plans are for the Legend and Spirit, but I would not be surprised if there was a Caribbean/South American presence as well as one in Africa and parts of Australia/New Zealand. I don't know, but I would put my money on the latter!
6. There is a need for capacity, as Seabourn's ships consistently sail at or near capacity. So with one ship in 2009 being delivered, the present demand for capacity might be met to a degree, but assuming any sort of growth, additional capacity will be needed into 2010 and 2011.
7. With the new ships in place, it may well be possible for there to be truly extensive refitting of the older triplets so that its machinery and environmentally related systems can be replaced, and some older design elements changed, at a fraction of the cost of new ships while there is sufficient capacity to meet the demands of Seabourn guests. (BTW, I do not know this to be true, but it is not a large jump for me to get there...in my mind).
One other bit of speculation to be addressed: Pricing. It is something that is based upon demand and costs of operation. If you want exotic ports, it is gonna cost you. No matter how you cut it, the Caribbean will cost less than Africa. Asia will cost you more than France. If you are looking for a deal, I would be looking at low demand seasons for particular locations rather than new versus old ships.
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Is Regent Seven Seas Proposed New Ship Dead in the Water?
Today there was an announcement from Regent Seven Seas Cruises about some internal shifting of management, focused on sales and marketing. That is not really news.
However, for some reason I looked at the fine print at the end of the news release. It states, Prestige Cruise Holdings, "the parent corporation of Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises...is the market leader in the Upper Premium and Luxury segments of the cruise industry with more than 4,450 berths between the Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises brands, a number the company expects will grow to more than 6,700 berths by 2011.
I paused and said, at the 2007 Seatrade Cruise Shipping Conference Frank Del Rio announced Oceania was building two new ships, each being 1,260 passengers and are to be delivered in 2010 and 2011. (Cruise Critic confirmed this announcement: http://www.cruisecritic.com/features/articles.cfm?ID=403 for those doubters out there.) Now, if you do the math: 6,700 berths in 2011 - 4,450 present berths = 2,250 new berths divided by 2 new Oceania ships = 1,150 berths per new ship. The announcement notes "more than 6,700 berths"; not more than 7,800 berths (which would be able to include a new Regent ship)...and there you have it.
Where, oh where, did the proposed new Regent ship go????? You may remember it was only a few days ago Mark Conroy, Regent's President, commented that a new Regent ship may be using an Oceania designed hull. (See my Oceania-fication of Regent post.) Doing the math is pretty easy. Soon, but not yet, a decision will have to be made about which line is going to get that 2011 hull...if it has not already been made...if the option to have it built is even exercised.
UPDATE: I received info directly from Prestige Cruise Holdings a few moments ago and wanted to post this immediately, while waiting for more info (if any). PCH advises that the language I referred to is "boiler plate" (form language) that has been used since the beginning of the year. PCH also advises the Regent ship is not accounted for because no firm order has been placed (same for Oceania's option for a third ship) nor have the number of berths been finalized.
RE-doing the math, it seems like good news, if not great. Oceania is still expanding with two new ships (no giving up a hull to Regent) and there has not been a "no" put on a new Regent ship. I infer that design, timing, demand, finances, etc. are all still being weighed.
I will keep you posted! (And it is great that Prestige Cruise Holdings is reading my blog!).
However, for some reason I looked at the fine print at the end of the news release. It states, Prestige Cruise Holdings, "the parent corporation of Regent Seven Seas Cruises and Oceania Cruises...is the market leader in the Upper Premium and Luxury segments of the cruise industry with more than 4,450 berths between the Regent Seven Seas and Oceania Cruises brands, a number the company expects will grow to more than 6,700 berths by 2011.
I paused and said, at the 2007 Seatrade Cruise Shipping Conference Frank Del Rio announced Oceania was building two new ships, each being 1,260 passengers and are to be delivered in 2010 and 2011. (Cruise Critic confirmed this announcement: http://www.cruisecritic.com/features/articles.cfm?ID=403 for those doubters out there.) Now, if you do the math: 6,700 berths in 2011 - 4,450 present berths = 2,250 new berths divided by 2 new Oceania ships = 1,150 berths per new ship. The announcement notes "more than 6,700 berths"; not more than 7,800 berths (which would be able to include a new Regent ship)...and there you have it.
Where, oh where, did the proposed new Regent ship go????? You may remember it was only a few days ago Mark Conroy, Regent's President, commented that a new Regent ship may be using an Oceania designed hull. (See my Oceania-fication of Regent post.) Doing the math is pretty easy. Soon, but not yet, a decision will have to be made about which line is going to get that 2011 hull...if it has not already been made...if the option to have it built is even exercised.
UPDATE: I received info directly from Prestige Cruise Holdings a few moments ago and wanted to post this immediately, while waiting for more info (if any). PCH advises that the language I referred to is "boiler plate" (form language) that has been used since the beginning of the year. PCH also advises the Regent ship is not accounted for because no firm order has been placed (same for Oceania's option for a third ship) nor have the number of berths been finalized.
RE-doing the math, it seems like good news, if not great. Oceania is still expanding with two new ships (no giving up a hull to Regent) and there has not been a "no" put on a new Regent ship. I infer that design, timing, demand, finances, etc. are all still being weighed.
I will keep you posted! (And it is great that Prestige Cruise Holdings is reading my blog!).
Thursday, July 10, 2008
It's The Annual Awards Season - Yuk!
Last night I received an email from Crystal trumpeting that it was named the best large ship cruise line for the 13th year by Travel and Leisure Magazine. While I believe Crystal is, in fact, the best large ship cruise line, I take exception to the poll of some "readers" of that publication as being meaningful in any real respect. I say this for two basic reasons:
First, years ago various publications put together "Best of" lists that were based upon a critical analysis of the things which each felt were the critical factors when determining the best of, say, a cruise line: Service, food, cabins, amenities, itineraries, etc. Then someone had the brilliant idea of opening up the Best of lists to the publication's readership...and then some opened things up to, the kiss of death (IMHO): Internet voting. This leaves me wondering what these polls actually mean, if anything.
I have a plaque in my office "2000 Berlitz Guide - The World's Finest Luxury Ships" It names the QE2 Grill Class as No. 1, followed by 5 Seabourn ships (including the former Sea Goddess I and II), Hanseatic and two Silversea ships (Silver Cloud and Whisper). Each entry has a point total, reflective of a quantifiable scoring based upon Douglas Ward's critical analysis of the ships. To this day I utilize the Berlitz guide as a guide...not a bible. The author/analyst has his definite likes and dislikes. (Even though I love cheese, I have never discounted a line because of an inferior cheese assortment.)
The Travel and Leisure, or Porthole Magazine, or Conde Nast, or whomever's polls are not surveys of criteria, but popularity contests of only those that actually vote. First I ask, "Who actually votes?" "Are those that vote actually readers of the magazine?" "Is there a way to improvidently skew the results?" And, the answer invariably is, "There is no way to associate votes with readership of the magazine and, yes, you can - as they say in Chicago - vote early and often." Conde Nast posts right on its website: "Make Your Opinion Count! Sign up to participate in Condé Nast Traveler reader polls, and you may earn a chance to win a free trip in one of our survey sweepstakes."
As readers of this blog, ask yourself, "Did I vote? Would I ever vote? Do I know anyone who does vote?" My guess is that for the vast majority of you the answer to each of the three questions is "No." And if the votes are not by your peers, why would you bother considering or worrying about what others actually think? And, to be sure, you don't even know how many people actually voted...or if they had ever been on the cruise line or at the property they voted for!
This years T&L poll of cruise lines does not provide any shockers as to the top lines, though obviously, who is No. 1 and who is No. 3 should be meaningless...even if you give the poll any credence. But the 2007 Porthole Reader's Choice Awards (BTW, you can sign up online, so you actually don't need to be a "reader" of that magazine either) awards Carnival the best main dining room cuisine and NCL the best alternative dining cuisine. Personally I don't care if your favorite is Seabourn's, SeaDream's, QM2's Grills or Silversea's main restaurant or Regent's alternative Signatures, Celebrity's Olympic Restaurant, QM2's Todd English, etc., there can be no legitimate question that there is no qualitative basis upon which Carnival and NCL can legitimately top the cuisine presenting in those venues.
I also looked at the T&L Top 100 hotels. Five of the top 10 are African safari hotels; one actually being a luxury tented camp. Make no mistake, some of those properties are truly outstanding (and I am truly looking forward to my luxury safari next year), but seriously? What are the standards in making a hotel one of the best. Some might say an absence of insects and really good air conditioning; which are absent/partially absent in some of the those Top 10 choices. (Imagine those missing at the Raffles Dubai - where I have stayed and was blown away by how incredible the hotel is...and it is not on the list at all?) BTW, African safari hotels also took 6 of the top 15 in the Small Hotel category while only 2 from all of Europe made the list.
That brings me to my second reason: What one person finds perfect another finds unacceptable. On CruiseCritic.com, there have been some pretty animated "discussions" about why Regent is supposedly the best cruise line and so far superior to, for example, Crystal. The argument is that Regent has open-seating, is liquor inclusive and has wonderful suites, while Crystal has fixed seating, you pay for most of your alcoholic drinks and it has smaller (though not small) cabins.
Believe it or not, in legitimate surveys people actually prefer fixed times to dine. Even with open seating, you will find that most people schedule the time to arrive...and with whom they will be dining. For some, the concept of meeting new people every night is uncomfortable and they enjoy catching up with their new friends each evening. For some signing for a drink is "so yesterday", while others say, "Why should I prepay at a premium for drinks that I will never consume?" And then while no one would complain about about having a larger cabin/suite, for others big enough is well big enough. (There are so many other factors that should be considered when selecting YOUR cruise, but the point is made.)
So, in the end, in the T&L survey, Crystal was No. 1 in the large ship category and Regent was No. 2. I am very confident that for many Regent loyalists, Crystal is simply not an option at all. For them, Crystal doesn't even belong on the same list as it offers such a different cruise experience.
And that, alas, is my point. These awards lists really have nothing to do what is best for you. They may give you "brand awareness" or a signal that a particular property exists, but use them for nothing more. For me, they just confuse the marketplace and create a false impression.
Now, should I take a Royal Caribbean cruise because they have been voted to have the best Caribbean itineraries (the same major ports every large ship line goes to...at the same time!) or should I consider Seabourn (which cruises from Barbados to Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent, and The Grenadines).
Let's have a vote! Maybe not.
First, years ago various publications put together "Best of" lists that were based upon a critical analysis of the things which each felt were the critical factors when determining the best of, say, a cruise line: Service, food, cabins, amenities, itineraries, etc. Then someone had the brilliant idea of opening up the Best of lists to the publication's readership...and then some opened things up to, the kiss of death (IMHO): Internet voting. This leaves me wondering what these polls actually mean, if anything.
I have a plaque in my office "2000 Berlitz Guide - The World's Finest Luxury Ships" It names the QE2 Grill Class as No. 1, followed by 5 Seabourn ships (including the former Sea Goddess I and II), Hanseatic and two Silversea ships (Silver Cloud and Whisper). Each entry has a point total, reflective of a quantifiable scoring based upon Douglas Ward's critical analysis of the ships. To this day I utilize the Berlitz guide as a guide...not a bible. The author/analyst has his definite likes and dislikes. (Even though I love cheese, I have never discounted a line because of an inferior cheese assortment.)
The Travel and Leisure, or Porthole Magazine, or Conde Nast, or whomever's polls are not surveys of criteria, but popularity contests of only those that actually vote. First I ask, "Who actually votes?" "Are those that vote actually readers of the magazine?" "Is there a way to improvidently skew the results?" And, the answer invariably is, "There is no way to associate votes with readership of the magazine and, yes, you can - as they say in Chicago - vote early and often." Conde Nast posts right on its website: "Make Your Opinion Count! Sign up to participate in Condé Nast Traveler reader polls, and you may earn a chance to win a free trip in one of our survey sweepstakes."
As readers of this blog, ask yourself, "Did I vote? Would I ever vote? Do I know anyone who does vote?" My guess is that for the vast majority of you the answer to each of the three questions is "No." And if the votes are not by your peers, why would you bother considering or worrying about what others actually think? And, to be sure, you don't even know how many people actually voted...or if they had ever been on the cruise line or at the property they voted for!
This years T&L poll of cruise lines does not provide any shockers as to the top lines, though obviously, who is No. 1 and who is No. 3 should be meaningless...even if you give the poll any credence. But the 2007 Porthole Reader's Choice Awards (BTW, you can sign up online, so you actually don't need to be a "reader" of that magazine either) awards Carnival the best main dining room cuisine and NCL the best alternative dining cuisine. Personally I don't care if your favorite is Seabourn's, SeaDream's, QM2's Grills or Silversea's main restaurant or Regent's alternative Signatures, Celebrity's Olympic Restaurant, QM2's Todd English, etc., there can be no legitimate question that there is no qualitative basis upon which Carnival and NCL can legitimately top the cuisine presenting in those venues.
I also looked at the T&L Top 100 hotels. Five of the top 10 are African safari hotels; one actually being a luxury tented camp. Make no mistake, some of those properties are truly outstanding (and I am truly looking forward to my luxury safari next year), but seriously? What are the standards in making a hotel one of the best. Some might say an absence of insects and really good air conditioning; which are absent/partially absent in some of the those Top 10 choices. (Imagine those missing at the Raffles Dubai - where I have stayed and was blown away by how incredible the hotel is...and it is not on the list at all?) BTW, African safari hotels also took 6 of the top 15 in the Small Hotel category while only 2 from all of Europe made the list.
That brings me to my second reason: What one person finds perfect another finds unacceptable. On CruiseCritic.com, there have been some pretty animated "discussions" about why Regent is supposedly the best cruise line and so far superior to, for example, Crystal. The argument is that Regent has open-seating, is liquor inclusive and has wonderful suites, while Crystal has fixed seating, you pay for most of your alcoholic drinks and it has smaller (though not small) cabins.
Believe it or not, in legitimate surveys people actually prefer fixed times to dine. Even with open seating, you will find that most people schedule the time to arrive...and with whom they will be dining. For some, the concept of meeting new people every night is uncomfortable and they enjoy catching up with their new friends each evening. For some signing for a drink is "so yesterday", while others say, "Why should I prepay at a premium for drinks that I will never consume?" And then while no one would complain about about having a larger cabin/suite, for others big enough is well big enough. (There are so many other factors that should be considered when selecting YOUR cruise, but the point is made.)
So, in the end, in the T&L survey, Crystal was No. 1 in the large ship category and Regent was No. 2. I am very confident that for many Regent loyalists, Crystal is simply not an option at all. For them, Crystal doesn't even belong on the same list as it offers such a different cruise experience.
And that, alas, is my point. These awards lists really have nothing to do what is best for you. They may give you "brand awareness" or a signal that a particular property exists, but use them for nothing more. For me, they just confuse the marketplace and create a false impression.
Now, should I take a Royal Caribbean cruise because they have been voted to have the best Caribbean itineraries (the same major ports every large ship line goes to...at the same time!) or should I consider Seabourn (which cruises from Barbados to Martinique, Guadeloupe, St. Lucia, Grenada, St. Vincent, and The Grenadines).
Let's have a vote! Maybe not.
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
Seabourn Complimentary Upgrades - With a Catch!
Seabourn is extending an offer to its most productive travel agent, who are designated Pinnacle Club members, the ability to have clients purchase upper category oceanview suites and be upgraded to balcony suites. If your travel agent is not a Pinnacle Club member, member you cannot take advantage of this promotion.
The two available sailings are November 21, 2008 and December 5, 2008. Both are 14 day Costa Rica/Panama Canal itineraries.
You must book by July 30, 2008 and the upgrades are made on weekly basis based upon availability. If you are interested give me a call sooner than later.
The two available sailings are November 21, 2008 and December 5, 2008. Both are 14 day Costa Rica/Panama Canal itineraries.
You must book by July 30, 2008 and the upgrades are made on weekly basis based upon availability. If you are interested give me a call sooner than later.
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