With the value of the US Dollar expected to be so favorable against the Euro this year, Europe is definitely the place to be, and Celebrity is the top line so far for the Mediterranean. Well, with their “Up to $300 Off” promotion going on right now (through February5), their spectacular new Solstice-Class ships, and their wonderful itineraries — the Celebrity value is pretty hard to top.
If you’ve been a Carnival or Royal Caribbean fan in the past, consider stepping up to Celebrity for a more elegant feel and sophistication in dining venues, wine selection, and specialty restaurants. Princess and Holland America fans will feel right at home, and luxury cruisers looking for price-value will be impressed as well.
That said, folks who simply can’t take time for a longer cruise are opting for the Norwegian Epic and Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas which run 7-night cruises round-trip from Barcelona. Wonderful itineraries that hit all the classic ports of the Western Mediterranean — priced right and popular with families and small groups.There’s an especially terrific value on the July 29 sailing of the Epic — I can get you in a balcony cabin for under $1200 per person including all taxes (exclusive Cruise Planners block-space fare)! Click here for a few more details then give me a call. Right now you can place a deposit for half the usually-required amount, too.
Speaking of values, I’m not sure why the brand-new Carnival Breeze is not getting more attention, but she also has marvelous Mediterranean itineraries and cruise fares. I can tell you, after spending a night aboard her sister the Carnival Magic, that she’s a beautiful choice to consider for Europe (and they don’t call them “Fun Ships” for nothing!). Check out a sample sailing here.
Princess, Holland America, Crystal, and Oceania round out the top picks. Crystal is going all-inclusive this year, so they are getting a lot more interest than usual and are working hard to break their reputation for being “snotty,” and Oceania’s “2-for-1 and Free Air” offer is pretty irresistible for the luxury budget. Don’t have anyone on the new Riviera yet – come on, you can be the first! I’ve got a bottle of wine and an extra gift for you…
Next, summer cruising out of Galveston is strong — Carnival Magic and Carnival Triumph are ever-popular for Texas families who don’t want the extra expense and hassle of flying. Here’s a tip for families with children who don’t have to start school until August 27th: the 5-night Carnival Triumph cruise of August 18 is a super-hot deal at under $1600 total (including taxes) for a family of 4 in an oceanview cabin! Call me right away about this one, because it’s an “Early Saver” fare that won’t be around much longer.
Next: Alaska! Wow — Holland America leads the way with almost-free discounts for kids (passengers 3 and 4 in the same cabin with parents). Book by February 2 and get shipboard credit and an onboard coupon book in addition to the wave season offer. All the top lines are popular — Princess, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity, and Disney — I recommend booking pretty soon, especially if you want a balcony (and who doesn’t?).
And as usual, we have a smattering of exotic cruises — a few Transatlantics, a couple of Panama Canal transits, some Hawaii, an Australia-New Zealand, and a long South America cruise for next January. No one has chosen Asia or a World Cruise segment yet, but cruise lines are sending more ships to exotic ports for the 2012-2013 winter season so there are bound to be some terrific values to explore (let’s talk!).
Fly-and-stay and tour package destinations: Paris, everywhere in Italy, and the United Kingdom remain the top places. There’s a bit of interest in Portugal/Spain, Egypt, and US national parks, too. American Express Vacations, Funjet, and Globus are the top suppliers so far — but we have lots of resources and can get you just about anywhere you want to go.
For more ideas, check out the specials at www.cruiseplanforyou.com and see my lists of “Top Bucket List Cruises of 2012″ and “Top Ten Classic No-Fail Cruises.”
Give me a call or pop me an e-mail! 972-231-0066, 866-592-7351, jmclaren@cruiseplanners.com
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