Thursday, March 31, 2016
Gratuity rates from Cruise Hive
Cruise Hive put together an updated list of gratuity rates and policies on the major cruise lines. They also remind you that you should not use tips as a penalty or to show your frustration. The cruise staff depends on those tips and are often not in control of the major issues and problems on board.
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
Viking River suffers bad PR after charging dead woman rebooking fee
Rules are rules, but sometimes cruise lines need to think about common sense. When they don't, it makes them look cold and uncaring. Take this Colorado man's situation. His wife died before their planned European cruise. Respecting her wishes, he decided to continue on the trip. He let Viking River know that he would still be going but his deceased wife would not. Of course the cruise company charged him a change fee of $850.
Aside from being uncaring, this rule makes no sense to me. The cruise takes on no extra cost by her not being there. He has the cabin, so they can't resell the room.
The media got a hold of the story and Viking dropped the fee. A relatively happy ending. Let's hope Viking learned their lesson.
Aside from being uncaring, this rule makes no sense to me. The cruise takes on no extra cost by her not being there. He has the cabin, so they can't resell the room.
The media got a hold of the story and Viking dropped the fee. A relatively happy ending. Let's hope Viking learned their lesson.
Monday, March 28, 2016
Video Review: Viking Hlin
With so many questions about river cruising, every video is helpful. This one from Sixty and Me is very casual but also very personal and provides a good sense of the space and intimacy on board.
Sunday, March 27, 2016
Cruise Needs' Tweets of the Week
They say you can't always get what you want. You can. What they don't tell you is that you have to book a cruise first. #details
— Carnival Cruise Line (@CarnivalCruise) March 21, 2016
plus 5 pounds in a little over a week. unli buffet all day, eveeeeryday. #cruiselife #vacay
— Camille (@mommycamsie) March 27, 2016
@JoCoCruise Unpack once. Explore a new city most every day. Pack once. #CruiseLife
— Brick (@caramida) March 27, 2016
What a view! #CrusieNorwegian #CruiseLife @devrockne pic.twitter.com/6mjxz0O3f9
— Cruise Nation (@Cruisenation) March 22, 2016
My Viking Journey: New Fish In The Water https://t.co/HyB00aSl4D #cruise pic.twitter.com/YUUyLUkwgt
— Chris Owen (@ChrisCruises) March 27, 2016
Thursday, March 24, 2016
More details on Carnival's Cuba plans
President Obama's trip to Cuban provided the perfect backdrop for Carnival's latest announcement. The company's Fathom brand received permission from the Cuban government to stop at the island. The new Cuban-bound itineraries will start in May.
Look for other cruise companies to announce their Cuban plans soon.
Look for other cruise companies to announce their Cuban plans soon.
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
Wednesday, March 16, 2016
Wednesday, March 9, 2016
Tuesday, March 8, 2016
Video Review: Disney Dream from CruisesIt.com
This video pushes Cruisesit.com's sales services a bit much, but it is super thorough and takes you on a tour of the ship form top to bottom. Definitely worth the watch.
Monday, March 7, 2016
Celebrity makes change due to terrorism concerns
Terrorism still looms over certain cruise ports. On Monday Celebrity Solstice passed Bali based on threats of terrorism in Indonesia. Because of the change, the ship arrived early in Darwin, Australia.
While some passengers were likely disappointed, the move makes sense. It is better to be safe and keep all the passengers and crew out of harms way.
While some passengers were likely disappointed, the move makes sense. It is better to be safe and keep all the passengers and crew out of harms way.
Friday, March 4, 2016
Cruise Needs' Tweets of the Week
JUST ANNOUNCED: The #DisneyCruise fleet will be expanding with the addition of 2 new ships! https://t.co/kaBXj4qQcb pic.twitter.com/ROzKsQVUGo
— Disney Cruise Line (@DisneyCruise) March 3, 2016
Asked: "How long before new guests." Enough time to drink a coffee. 105 min, then 4000 new friends! #CruiseLife pic.twitter.com/cJdAeWLy2U
— Jeremy Lang (@jeremyslang) February 26, 2016
Countdown To Koningsdam Continues With Video Series https://t.co/ixz7X25uWF #cruise pic.twitter.com/uTgRIm5vYF
— Chris Owen (@OrlandoChris) March 4, 2016
A7) sometimes, getting up close and personal with the locals can be scary #cruisechat pic.twitter.com/ojM2jW1Y0Q
— Ship Mate Cruise App (@ShipMateApp) March 1, 2016
Thursday, March 3, 2016
Video Review: Travel Weekly's Flora Ioannou on the Disney Dream
We've seen plenty of Disney Cruise reviews and even ones with any adult only focus. Yet this one from Travel Weeklys Flora Ioannou is well-produced, concise and showcases the ship well. Through the above video you can see that the Disney Dream is for more than just kids.
Wednesday, March 2, 2016
Tuesday, March 1, 2016
More Anthem of the Seas problems
The Anthem of the Seas is having a rough go of it lately. The ship had to alter its most recent itinerary and return to New Jersey two days early in order to avoid another storm. The good news is that Royal Caribbean learned their lesson and erred on the side of caution this time. A shortened cruise is a better experience (and better PR) than another trip that puts passengers and crew in danger.
The decision was based on the new weather policy. Passengers will get a partial refund for the inconvenience.
Weather wasn't the only issue. There was a small norovirus outbreak too.
The new ship remains popular so this should not hurt future cruises or sales. Just hope that those future passengers don't run into the same bad luck on their trips.
The decision was based on the new weather policy. Passengers will get a partial refund for the inconvenience.
Weather wasn't the only issue. There was a small norovirus outbreak too.
The new ship remains popular so this should not hurt future cruises or sales. Just hope that those future passengers don't run into the same bad luck on their trips.
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