2009

This year will be exciting with the introduction of 9 new cruise ships. The biggest and most discussed new vessel is Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. Slated for her first voyage this spring, this floating city will rank as the largest cruise ship in history. Weighing in at 220,000-tons, the 5,400-passenger ship has created a buzz ever since Royal Caribbean announced the project. The Oasis will feature neighborhoods that replicate land based sites like Central Park and the Boardwalk.  Other innovations include an onboard “zip-line”, Aqua Theater and a bar that raises five stories like an elevator. These are in addition to the many distinctive features that are already present on Royal’s Freedom class ships.

            While the Oasis may have been making the biggest splash, several other lines are showcasing new ships this year. Carnival will be debuting the Carnival Dream. The Dream is the first brand new design for the company’s Fun Ship line since 2002.  Some of the new features include the indoor-outdoor Ocean Plaza, with coffee shops, bars and ocean views, Cloud 9 Spa (Carnival’s Largest), two twister waterslides, (the longest at sea), and a two-deck mini-golf course. There will also be a new range of cabin types such as "cove balcony" cabins—closer to the water line than any other ship's verandah staterooms and family-friendly accommodations with two bathrooms and sleeping arrangements for up to five people.

Many prefer somewhat smaller ships and the different ambiance they provide.  Costa has taken a different approach by building a ship that can transit the Panama Canal. (many of the new builds can’t). The Costa Luminosa boasts a 3D cinema and a rollerblading track as well as a more extensive choice of itineraries. In a unique dual naming ceremony, Costa will be introducing Costa Pacifica, a sibling to the Costa Serena style of big-ship design, as well as the Luminosa.

            Other new stars on the horizon include the Seabourn Odyssey, Silversea Cruises' Silver Spirit, and Viking Legend that will all lay claim to new designs and be the largest of all their fleet mates. The Odyssey will feature the largest spa on any luxury vessel. The 11,400-square-foot spa will span two decks and include indoor and outdoor treatment rooms, as well as a Kinesis wall in the fitness center and spa villas available for rent.

Many sister ships will also make their debut this year with the introduction of Costa Pacifica, MSC Splendida, Celebrity Equinox, and AIDA Luna. These ladies take their design from their trend-setting older sisters and will share the title of biggest in fleet. The amenities on most of these ships will be fairly similar, with the exception of some changes in specialty restaurants and minor design modifications.

One thing is for certain, no matter your size choice, 2009 will be a great year to take a cruise!

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Direct booking myths

Headline Option:  Hits and Myths

At Cruise Planners we can certainly shed some light about direct booking myths.

First of all, let’s face it, a sales representative at a cruise line gets paid to sell only their company whether it’s the right product for you or not.  They will never recommend the competition.  That should be enough right there to make you stop and think.  But wait, there’s more!  Special prices?  At Cruise Planners we see the same rates on the computer as the cruise line sales representative.  But more importantly, in addition, we have access to unique rates such as exclusive group fares, regional specials, and other special rate programs.

The most important part of planning a cruise is not getting the lowest price.  The real goal should be to get the right cruise for your personal needs at the best price available.   At Cruise Planners there is no charge for our basic services as we are compensated by the cruise lines for providing personal service to you.  It’s the best deal in town. 

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