Getting The Truth out of Cruise Line Brochures
Cruise line brochures are intended to seduce potential passengers with wonderful, enticing buzzwords and copy. Sure some of it waxes true. But before you get too excited about finding nirvana, here are 10 of the most popular expressions and what they really mean:
1. Nautical speak: “Many small luxury ships like to boast,”We call at exotic ports where mega-liners fear to tread.” Translation: Okay you may find some big ships where we dock, but hey there are just not enough ports to go around so we sometimes do have to pull into a port along dozens of other ships.
2. Nautical speak: “All our staterooms are suites” Translation: Well it depends on the definition. Sure a suite normally means a bedroom and living room separated by a closing door but hey we have big cabins with a sitting room and even a curtain that divides it from the bedroom.
3. Nautical speak: “Our balcony spans 250 square feet.”
Translation: Boy are you picky. Okay so maybe it’s only 40-50 sq ft, but that makes the entire stateroom 200 square feet.”4. Nautical speak: “Gourmet food.”
Translation: Need we say more? If you’re talking landside gastronomy, forgetaboutit. But some ship’s alternative restaurants do come close, and small luxury liners even closer. However you probably will be disappointed in the regular dining rooms on the bigger guys.5. Nautical speak:
“Fare includes all meals, entertainment and shipboard activities.” Translation: Except when it doesn’t such as eating in alternative restaurants which can cost anywhere up to $40 per person for the privilege. Or certain exercise classes that are no longer free on some ships. Or soft drinks and water, the latter that sometimes costs a king’s ransom (we paid $7 plus tip for a bottle of Evian once). Even ice cream on some ships is extra. Currency exchanging machines have also become a profit center at $1.50 or more per transaction. 6. Nautical speak: “Gratuities are included in fare.”
Translation: If so specified, this is usually true. However some cruise lines speak through both sides of their mouths and add, “Unless you would like to reward a crew member for exceptional service.” Excuse me. Or when certain passengers feel the need to do so anyway and the crew snaps up the offering like a piranha. 7. Nautical speak: “Las Vegas or Broadway-style entertainment.”
Translation: Okay we want to believe this it’s not our fault that the talent often doesn’t have any. {In all fairness, some ships do stage lavish productions but for the most part keep your expectations realistic. Unless a big name entertainer is on the bill shows do not always live up to the brochure hype. But still most are diverting enough to keep the senior citizenry awake (well almost).8. Nautical speak: “Stateroom phones allow you to phone home and stay in touch.”Translation: While this is true, what the brochure doesn’t mention is the $10 a minute and up you’re charged for the privilege.9. Nautical Speak: “All staterooms are equipped with television access to CNN 24-hours a day.
Translation: True, on the rare occasions CNN actually comes in.
10. Nautical speak: “Our full-service spa offers all the latest in salubrious treatments and pampering.
Translation: True, there are shipboard spas and they do offer an extensive menu of therapies. What they don’t tell you is how much it costs (plenty!).
-30-
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Passenger Rates The Ruby Princess
The Savvy Seafarer welcomes letters from passengers about their experiences on various ships. "This is from a man who sailed on the Ruby Princess, which he says, had her ups and downs (like most seagoing vessels)..The opinions are solely the letter writer's and do not reflect theSavvy Seafarer's thoughts on the matter. He writes:
Hi,
I thought that I would send you a quick note as to our impression of the Ruby. As you know, we were going out on her 6th cruise, and were able to go to all of our scheduled stops (we were told that only one other cruise were able to make all their stops). The ship was very nice, I didn't sign up for the internet because I was told it was very slow and not worth the money. That is why I waited until now to reply. I will start with things from the beginning.
The terminal in Fort Lauderdale is terrible. I am very familiar with the port Canaveral cruises and those terminals are like the Tajmahal in comparison. But the boarding process was quick. The rooms were very nice, the refrig. in the room didn't keep things very cold. And in general the staff wasn't very friendly or at least as friendly as the past cruises I have been on. It could be that the ship is new and they are still getting their crew adjustments made. There were never enough towels in the room (they supply 2 of each towel).
The meals were very good but we noticed that they weren't seasoned very much and had a bit of a bland taste. None at our table were familiar with a lot of the items on the menu and the menu didn't describe what they were (we had to ask the waiter to describe them). The only thing to drink on board was coffee (it was the best of all the ships I have been on) hot tea and Ice Tea. There was no lemonade or fruit punch and at the diningroom you have to pay for soda.
And even though the waiter really was working hard he had too many tables to take care of and there for we rarely got out of the dining room in less than two hrs.
The parties on deck had no food or drinks other than the normal waiters. Other cruise lines we have been on, when having a deck party always had food. These parties weren't very much like parties. The theme nights were a disaster, none of the passengers knew when they were and weren't given advance notice so we would know what to bring on the cruise.
The big screen tv was hard to hear unless you were able to get a seat right in front of the screen, but the movies were fairly new and had a good variety.
The pictures that were for sale were very pricey $24.95 each sheet and if you bought 3 sheet you would get a 4th free but you had to buy all 4 at the same time. We all agreed that we would have bought many more photos if they were less expensive. I hate the thoughts of all those pictures being destroyed.
As to the up side. They have the best entertainment of all the cruises I have been on! The singers, the dancers and comedians were fantastic and a lot of shows at different places on the ship. We never had enough time to do everything we wanted to do. I only made it to the gym once the whole cruise (I wanted to go more). I didn't make it to the Golf simulator (I wanted to do that also). The dance lessons were fantastic. But I would suggest that they do a dvd and offer them for sale to those who take the lessons. We forgot most of what we learned and would love to review after we got home. The only thing we remember is the Waltz. I have to give the cruise directors a standing ovation! Starting with James and his entire staff!
If they wanted to sell more off ship excursions, they may want to try sending a dvd to each person who books a cruise with a very brief teaser of each tour or activity. After we got back and hear from other passengers of their outings I wished I would have scheduled more. The zip line through the rain forest sounded great and they loved the ride! I would have also like to have been on the castle tour. I wasn't very impressed with the tour to the rum cake factory. And it is always nice to say you have been to Hell but the reality of the trip didn't impress me. I would have liked to have had a tour of the high end condos and houses for sale at each stop. In fact I believe that it should be integrated with a real estate agent. The agents would sell more and each home owner could get a cut of the action? Estates, Castles, Penthouses, resorts etc. Another tour I would like to see developed is of the historic areas of Jamaica! It seems like the area has really gone down hill since it has been given it's independence. I am sure there are a lot get building to be seen.
One of the things that I didn't like was that we had to be back on board the ship at 3:30 each stop. Other ships we had until late in the evening. On the last few days the sale Items weren't very varied. A lot of ships had hats and a wide variety of things a reduced prices.
My one real concern is the casino! I didn't see anyone really winning there. I heard very few machines paying off and the whole time I was there the blackjack was terrible. I would have loved to have had them open a shuffling machine and examine the cards. I have never seen so many low cards in play in my life. I could even play the back jack machine (quarters) and win constantly but almost always lose at the tables. In fact I played about 1 hr. a day and in the whole time I was there only had one blackjack. That is an almost a statistical impossibility. So my advise to anyone who would sale on the Ruby is the following:
1: read the Patter and carry it everywhere, there are plenty of great things to do on board.
2: carry a camera and have someone take photos of you when their photographer is taking pictures. You won't get quite the same affect but not many of us can afford hundreds of dollars in all the different poses.
3: check the blogs about the tours.
4: Don't gamble! And if you do, expect to lose on the Ruby! A lot your self only gambling money for fun! It still isn't much fun when everyone is losing!
I would like to go back to those locations but there are a lot of other cruise lines that I would like to sail with. But at least I can say I was on a brand new ship!
"finding your Island home" Frank A. HerdmanBroker Associate
The Savvy Seafarer responds: during my cruise the slot machines were also sluggish paying and I didn't see many people collecting coins. However the crew on my cruise was top of the line. Unlike Frank I didn't like the coffee, it was weak and watery and tasted funny. I was only on a two-day press voyage so didn't get to do excursions. The shows on all Princess ships are almost always some of the best at sea. I hate early sailings from ports that leave little time to explore because my husand and I usually go off on our own and take our time. Photos have always been pricey so it's best to bring a digital camera and take your own, there's always an accomodating fellow passenger who is happy to take your picture.
Okay readers, send me more letters.
Savvy
.
Hi,
I thought that I would send you a quick note as to our impression of the Ruby. As you know, we were going out on her 6th cruise, and were able to go to all of our scheduled stops (we were told that only one other cruise were able to make all their stops). The ship was very nice, I didn't sign up for the internet because I was told it was very slow and not worth the money. That is why I waited until now to reply. I will start with things from the beginning.
The terminal in Fort Lauderdale is terrible. I am very familiar with the port Canaveral cruises and those terminals are like the Tajmahal in comparison. But the boarding process was quick. The rooms were very nice, the refrig. in the room didn't keep things very cold. And in general the staff wasn't very friendly or at least as friendly as the past cruises I have been on. It could be that the ship is new and they are still getting their crew adjustments made. There were never enough towels in the room (they supply 2 of each towel).
The meals were very good but we noticed that they weren't seasoned very much and had a bit of a bland taste. None at our table were familiar with a lot of the items on the menu and the menu didn't describe what they were (we had to ask the waiter to describe them). The only thing to drink on board was coffee (it was the best of all the ships I have been on) hot tea and Ice Tea. There was no lemonade or fruit punch and at the diningroom you have to pay for soda.
And even though the waiter really was working hard he had too many tables to take care of and there for we rarely got out of the dining room in less than two hrs.
The parties on deck had no food or drinks other than the normal waiters. Other cruise lines we have been on, when having a deck party always had food. These parties weren't very much like parties. The theme nights were a disaster, none of the passengers knew when they were and weren't given advance notice so we would know what to bring on the cruise.
The big screen tv was hard to hear unless you were able to get a seat right in front of the screen, but the movies were fairly new and had a good variety.
The pictures that were for sale were very pricey $24.95 each sheet and if you bought 3 sheet you would get a 4th free but you had to buy all 4 at the same time. We all agreed that we would have bought many more photos if they were less expensive. I hate the thoughts of all those pictures being destroyed.
As to the up side. They have the best entertainment of all the cruises I have been on! The singers, the dancers and comedians were fantastic and a lot of shows at different places on the ship. We never had enough time to do everything we wanted to do. I only made it to the gym once the whole cruise (I wanted to go more). I didn't make it to the Golf simulator (I wanted to do that also). The dance lessons were fantastic. But I would suggest that they do a dvd and offer them for sale to those who take the lessons. We forgot most of what we learned and would love to review after we got home. The only thing we remember is the Waltz. I have to give the cruise directors a standing ovation! Starting with James and his entire staff!
If they wanted to sell more off ship excursions, they may want to try sending a dvd to each person who books a cruise with a very brief teaser of each tour or activity. After we got back and hear from other passengers of their outings I wished I would have scheduled more. The zip line through the rain forest sounded great and they loved the ride! I would have also like to have been on the castle tour. I wasn't very impressed with the tour to the rum cake factory. And it is always nice to say you have been to Hell but the reality of the trip didn't impress me. I would have liked to have had a tour of the high end condos and houses for sale at each stop. In fact I believe that it should be integrated with a real estate agent. The agents would sell more and each home owner could get a cut of the action? Estates, Castles, Penthouses, resorts etc. Another tour I would like to see developed is of the historic areas of Jamaica! It seems like the area has really gone down hill since it has been given it's independence. I am sure there are a lot get building to be seen.
One of the things that I didn't like was that we had to be back on board the ship at 3:30 each stop. Other ships we had until late in the evening. On the last few days the sale Items weren't very varied. A lot of ships had hats and a wide variety of things a reduced prices.
My one real concern is the casino! I didn't see anyone really winning there. I heard very few machines paying off and the whole time I was there the blackjack was terrible. I would have loved to have had them open a shuffling machine and examine the cards. I have never seen so many low cards in play in my life. I could even play the back jack machine (quarters) and win constantly but almost always lose at the tables. In fact I played about 1 hr. a day and in the whole time I was there only had one blackjack. That is an almost a statistical impossibility. So my advise to anyone who would sale on the Ruby is the following:
1: read the Patter and carry it everywhere, there are plenty of great things to do on board.
2: carry a camera and have someone take photos of you when their photographer is taking pictures. You won't get quite the same affect but not many of us can afford hundreds of dollars in all the different poses.
3: check the blogs about the tours.
4: Don't gamble! And if you do, expect to lose on the Ruby! A lot your self only gambling money for fun! It still isn't much fun when everyone is losing!
I would like to go back to those locations but there are a lot of other cruise lines that I would like to sail with. But at least I can say I was on a brand new ship!
"finding your Island home" Frank A. HerdmanBroker Associate
The Savvy Seafarer responds: during my cruise the slot machines were also sluggish paying and I didn't see many people collecting coins. However the crew on my cruise was top of the line. Unlike Frank I didn't like the coffee, it was weak and watery and tasted funny. I was only on a two-day press voyage so didn't get to do excursions. The shows on all Princess ships are almost always some of the best at sea. I hate early sailings from ports that leave little time to explore because my husand and I usually go off on our own and take our time. Photos have always been pricey so it's best to bring a digital camera and take your own, there's always an accomodating fellow passenger who is happy to take your picture.
Okay readers, send me more letters.
Savvy
.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
Sneak Peek at Silversea Cruises' New Spirit
Silver Spirit photos compliments of Silversea Cruises
Here's your Savvy Seafarer on a Silversea Cruise from Los Angeles to Auckland a couple of years ago. What a voyage that was.
The Silver Spirit, is set to debut in lavish style with a Grand Inaugural Voyage on January 21, 2010. On this extraordinary 91-day journey, dubbed "The Spirit of South America," Silver Spirit will sail from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles and twist back to New York on a fascinating itinerary highlighted by a visit to Rio de Janeiro in time for Carnaval, a journey around the end of the earth at Cape Horn, an in-depth exploration of the Mexican Riviera, a crossing of the Panama Canal and an unforgettable Statue of Liberty event in New York Harbor.
Here's your Savvy Seafarer on a Silversea Cruise from Los Angeles to Auckland a couple of years ago. What a voyage that was.
The Savvy Seafarer is a big fan of Silversea Cruises so pardon the gushing, but I love this casual chic cruise line with its gourmet cuisine, spacious stateroom suites, super crew and all-inclusive fare. I'm talking everything from soft drinks and spirits to tips and some shore excursions. I love The Bar where everyone meets before dinner, the dine when and where you want attitude, the large pool, great fitness classes, low key entertainment and general ambiance. So I'm delighted the company's adding a new, bigger and, if possible, better ship to its tiny fleet in January in January 20010. The Spirit will make her bow in Fort Lauderdale, Florida and then embark on a 90 day voyage. The company's offering inaugural fares so check it out at http://www.silversea.com/.
Straight From the Corporate Mouth:
Here's the company's release on the Inaugural Season:
The Silver Spirit, is set to debut in lavish style with a Grand Inaugural Voyage on January 21, 2010. On this extraordinary 91-day journey, dubbed "The Spirit of South America," Silver Spirit will sail from Fort Lauderdale to Los Angeles and twist back to New York on a fascinating itinerary highlighted by a visit to Rio de Janeiro in time for Carnaval, a journey around the end of the earth at Cape Horn, an in-depth exploration of the Mexican Riviera, a crossing of the Panama Canal and an unforgettable Statue of Liberty event in New York Harbor.
Having Reservations
Silversea will begin accepting reservations on January 12. An area of the company's website (http://www.silversea.com/) is now dedicated to Silver Spirit. "As the new year begins and the construction of our new ship moves forward steadily, I am delighted we're able to reveal some of the highlights of her much anticipated inaugural season," said Amerigo Perasso, Silversea's president and CEO. "When Silver Spirit sets sail, she will embody the hallmarks of Silversea's understated elegance and distinct luxury with even more spacious suites, expansive spa facilities and enticing epicurean venues."
GRAND INAUGURAL VOYAGE
The "Spirit of South America" odyssey, stops at more than 45 ports in over 20 different countries and island destinations across two continents, enjoying overnight stays in Fort Lauderdale, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, Punta Arenas, Lima, Acapulco and Los Angeles. In addition, guests on the full voyage will be invited to attend the naming ceremony, a gala dinner event on the eve of departure with accommodations aboard ship, exclusive shoreside events in select ports of call, and a VIP evening at the Rio Carnival, not to mention special commemorative gifts and a $2,000 per suite onboard spending credit. A complimentary Business Class air upgrade is also available for guests who purchase Silversea's optional air program. Fares for the full Grand Inaugural Voyage start at $39,187 per person, based on double occupancy, and include "Extended Voyage Savings" of 5% -- plus enhanced "Early Booking Incentive" and new "Extended Advance Payment Bonus" discounts applicable to voyages in 2010. (The company plans to announce more details about these generous new savings options shortly.) Other highlights of the inaugural itineraries include an 11-day "Holiday Spirit" maiden voyage (#5901) on December 23, 2009, sailing from Barcelona to Lisbon; a "Maiden Crossing" (#5001), departing January 3 from Lisbon for 16 fascinating days exploring the Atlantic and Caribbean islands before arriving in Fort Lauderdale; and a two-week grand "Atlantic Crossing (#5011) to Southampton from New York on April 23. After completing her inaugural season, Silver Spirit will spend the summer in the Mediterranean and then reposition to the Caribbean for fall and winter cruises.
The Suite Life
The Suite Life
The 36,000-ton, 540-passenger luxurfy liner features the largest suites in the fleet -- 95% feature a private veranda -- and with one of the highest space-to-guest ratios at sea today, 67, providing 6,700 cubic feet of space per guest. The onboard décor will lend a sophisticated 1930s Art Deco ambience to the public spaces, highlights of which include an indoor/outdoor spa measuring no less than 8,300 square feet (770 square meters), three whirlpools (two adjacent to outdoor pool, one in spa area), enriching performances in The Show Lounge and a choice of six dining venues including Seishin, a Japanese restaurant, and the innovative Stars Supper Club, featuring live music, dancing and nightclub-style entertainment. A new full-color, 36-page brochure showcasing Silver Spirit's Inaugural Season will be available in the coming weeks. To order a complimentary copy, visit http://www.silversea.com/ or call toll-free (877) 215-9986. Silversea Cruises is recognized as an innovator in the luxury segment, offering guests large-ship amenities aboard four intimate vessels, Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, and Silver Whisper, all designed to offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance. With the addition of the regal expedition ship Prince Albert II, the company's itineraries encompass all seven continents. In the U.S., Silversea has been voted "World's Best" by the readers of Condé Nast Traveler (nine times) and Travel + Leisure (seven times), and rated Number-One luxury cruise line by high-net-worth consumers in the 2008 Luxury Brand Status Index (LBSI). International awards include "World's Leading Luxury Cruise Line" from World Travel Awards (2007); "Five Star Diamond Award" from the American Academy of Hospitality Sciences (2007); "Number One" small-ship line in the Readers' Choice" survey conducted by Britain's Condé Nast Traveller magazine (2007); "Best Luxury Cruise Line" by Spain's Cruceros & Destinos magazine (2008); "Best Luxury Cruise Line" by Australia's Luxury Travel & Style Magazine (2009); and "Best Luxury Cruise Operator" according to Asia's Travel Weekly (2008). (877) 215-9986 or visit http://www.silversea.com_/
Early Booking Discounts
Early Booking Discounts
Silversea is offering "Early Booking Incentive" and "Advance Payment Bonus" programs for 2010. Designed to reward plan ahead travelers, the Early Booking Incentive (EBI) discount ranges from 10% to 30% off the published cruise fare, while the Advance Payment Bonus (APB) option provides an additional 5% savings for guests who make full payment six months prior to sailing. Starting with voyages in 2010, the Early Booking Incentives will range from 15% to 35% and a new Extended Advance Payment Bonus (XAPB) will offer a second, more generous savings level of 15% for payments made in full one year prior to sailing. "We recognize that given the current economic environment, travelers may be tempted to postpone their purchase decisions, including vacations," said David Morris, Silversea's executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing. "Yet it is times like these when people are most in need of an uplifting diversion, so we want to encourage travelers by offering our best deals early." Added Morris, "Our enhanced 'Advance Payment' and 'Early Booking' programs are designed to help consumers firm up their travel plans as early as possible in order to take advantage of very generous fare discounts. When guests book and pay in full a year before sailing, they can enjoy savings of up to 50% and better appreciate the tremendous value of an all-inclusive, ultra-luxury cruise experience. Ultimately, our goal is to reduce or eliminate the need for additional tactical promotions like our 'Silver Sailings' discount program." Silversea will announce its 2010 schedule shortly and start accepting reservations on January 12, following a private presale this week to members of the company's Venetian Society past-guest loyalty club. For guests wishing to benefit from the new Extended Advance Payment Bonus on voyages departing during the first quarter of 2010, an introductory grace period will allow them to receive the 15% XAPB savings on top of the applicable EBI discount provided they make their full payment by March 31, 2009.
The Jaunty Fleet
Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper, and Silver Spirit offer an atmosphere of conviviality and casual elegance, while the Prince Albert II provides special educational voyages to seven continents.
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