AlaskaCruises Extends their Norwegian Pearl to Alaska with Hotel Offer

AlaskaCruises.com has extended their exclusive offer that includes a 1 Night Free at a Seattle Hotel when you book a 7 Night Alaska Cruise aboard the Norwegian Pearl.

7 Night Alaska & Glacier Bay Cruise with a 1 Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay
Sail out to Alaska and you'll choose from an impressive array of accommodations from the ultra luxurious Garden and Courtyard Villas to family-friendly connecting staterooms and suites. Onboard, you'll find 12 unique places to eat and 11 exciting bars and lounges where you can just hang. There's even a bowling alley (a cruise industry first!) and rock climbing wall onboard. Finally, a vacation where you're free to whatever.

1 Night Pre-Cruise Hotel Stay in Seattle
Available to all customers who book a balcony category or higher on this cruise! A 1 night pre-cruise Seattle hotel stay at either the Doubletree Hotel - Seattle Airport or the Embassy Suites - Seattle Aiport. Hotel accommodations will be assigned, transfers from airport to hotel and hotel to ship are included.

Ports of Call: Seattle, Inside Passage, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Ketchikan, Victoria, Seattle

Take advantage of our EXCLUSIVE 7 Nt Norwegian Pearl Alaska Cruise with FREE 1 Nt Hotel Stay in Seattle!
Book online or call 1-800-201-6937 to speak with an Alaska Cruises Expert.

NCL Pearl Alaska - Recognized By Travel Channel As One Of The Great Cruises

Miami - Dec 17, 2008 ---
Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) sets sail in the Travel Channel's one-hour special entitled Great Cruises: Norwegian Pearl, hosted by Brook Lee, Miss Universe 1998. The show, filmed in high-definition during a seven-day Alaska cruise aboard Norwegian Pearl, will premiere during the network's Alaska-themed night on Sunday, December 21, 2008 at 10 p.m. EST.

"With the first bowling alley at sea, a world-class spa, numerous specialty restaurants and a host of other amenities, Norwegian Pearl has so much to offer cruisers, especially in Alaska where guests can enjoy the glaciers, waterfalls and wildlife all from the comfort and convenience of the ship," said Kevin Sheehan, NCL's president and CEO. "We are pleased that the Travel Channel has recognized Norwegian Pearl as a great cruise ship and has chosen to feature the ship and its awe-inspiring Alaska itinerary in this special."

The show allows viewers to vacation alongside Lee through Alaska's Inside Passage with breathtaking stops in Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay and Ketchikan, Alaska. While on board, she explores the ship's amenities including bowling in Bliss Ultra Lounge; dining in several of the ship's specialty restaurants including dinner at Cagney's Steakhouse and Teppanyaki, a jazz lunch at Le Bistro, and tapas and cocktails at Mambos; dancing the night away in Spinnaker Lounge at NCL's White Hot Party; rock climbing; plunging into one of the steaming whirlpools while sailing through Glacier Bay; taking in a show at the Stardust Theater and relaxing in the spa with a hot stone massage after a day ashore.

While off the ship on NCL's shore excursions, Lee journeys into Juneau to take in the impressive sight of Mendenhall Glacier and sets off on a wildlife quest where she sees orca and humpback whales, seals, salmon and eagles. In Skagway, she indulges in Alaskan king crab at the Skagway Fish Company and sets off shopping in the quaint town. Then, Lee embarks on a Bering Sea crab fishermen's tour in Ketchikan onboard the Aleutian Ballad, one of the fishing boats featured on Discovery Channel's hit show "Deadliest Catch."

Throughout the hour-long show cruise and travel experts provide their expertise including Gene Sloan, USA Today's cruise editor; Philip Levine, cruise industry expert and entrepreneur; Michael Andre Adams, travel writer; Jennifer Doncsecz, president of VIP Vacations, Inc.; and Jon Ashton, celebrity chef, amongst others.

In 2009, Norwegian Pearl sails seven-day Alaska cruises through Glacier Bay round-trip from Seattle; Norwegian Star sails seven-day Alaska cruises through Sawyer Glacier round-trip from Seattle and Norwegian Sun sails seven-day Alaska cruises through Sawyer Glacier round-trip from Vancouver. NCL's seven-day Alaska cruises are priced from $599 per person. Guests can extend their cruise with an unforgettable visit to Alaska's Denali National Park with a pre- or post-cruise land package.

Great Cruises: Norwegian Pearl is scheduled to air again on Travel Channel Saturday, December 27, 2008 at 10 a.m. EST; Saturday, January 10, 2009 at 2 p.m. EST; Friday, January 16, 2009 at 10 a.m. EST; and Thursday, February 12, 2009 at 10 p.m. EST.

Book your "Great Cruise" aboard the Norwegian Pearl to Alaska today!
Take advantage of our EXCLUSIVE 7 Nt Norwegian Pearl Alaska Cruise with FREE 1 Nt Hotel Stay in Seattle!
Book online or call 1-800-543-1915 to speak with an Alaska Cruises Expert.

Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Announces End To Fuel Supplement

Miami - October 24, 2008 - Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. today announced that the company's fuel supplement will no longer apply to new Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises bookings made on or after November 10, 2008, anywhere in the world, for sailings that depart on or after January 1, 2010.

This decision takes into consideration the recent reductions in global fuel prices. The company has also established specific guidelines that will determine whether fuel supplement refunds will be provided for sailings that begin in 2009 and later, which were booked prior to November 10, 2008, if fuel prices remain below a specific price threshold.

For 2009 sailings and 2010 sailings booked before November 10, 2008, the company will determine on a quarterly basis whether fuel supplements will be refunded. Refunds, in the form of an onboard credit, will be provided if the closing price of West Texas Intermediate fuel is $65 or less, at the closing time of the New York Mercantile Exchange, two weeks prior to the beginning of the upcoming calendar quarter. When those conditions are met, an onboard credit will be provided to all guests on sailings that begin during the upcoming calendar quarter.

The dates on which the price of West Texas Intermediate fuel will be measured, and the quarters during which refunds could apply are:

Fuel Price Determination Dates for Possible Fuel Supplement Refunds

December 18, 2008 .................. First quarter 2009
March 18, 2009 ...................... Second quarter 2009
June 17, 2009 ........................ Third quarter 2009
September 17, 2009 ................. Fourth quarter 2009
December 18, 2009 .................. First quarter 2010
March 18, 2010 ....................... Second quarter 2010
June 17, 2010 ......................... Third quarter 2010
September 17, 2010 ................. Fourth quarter 2010


The company will continue to closely monitor the movement of global fuel prices and recognize that an upturn in those prices could necessitate the reinstatement of a fuel supplement.

Alena Einfeldt of WMPH Vacation & AlaskaCruises.com cruised onboard Cruise West's Spirit of Endeavor. She set sail on August 20th and returned on August 29, 2008. This was her first Small Ship Cruise. Read about her adventure on her blog below:

My Cruise West Alaska experience was nothing like what I had imagined...Honestly I expected a whole bunch of older people and several days at sea? Don't know why, but that's what I thought... Here's what really happened!



Day 1- Flight to Ketchikan, Alaska

The flight was not that bad coming in from Florida-- with the time zone change my body was ahead of the game and I did not feel worn out! You’ll still want to book a pre hotel in case something goes wrong, or you want to see the departure city, or maybe your client will experience jet lag. It's better to be safe than sorry… but the biggest thing is to see the departure city. We started in Ketchikan; actually the city is very cool! There were many activities within walking distance right in the area. The ships dock across the street from down town and we walked everywhere without any problem.

We saw salmon swimming and jumping upstream from a bridge that ran right thru town. The weather was great! Also, if a person has to fly into Ketchikan, the airport is on a little island and you have to take a ferry to the main land-- being that we were with Cruise West they picked us up and drove the shuttle on the boat ferry. Many people walked from the airport to the ferry with their luggage... loved Ketchikan.

Our first encounter with the Cruise West ship crew- They stand outside and welcome you on the ship... everyone from the cook to the captain. The captain had dinner with us the first night and we had a wonderful time asking him a million questions. He asked us each what we wanted to see. Little did I know, he actually memorized everything we told him and would make sure we saw every one of our requests. (I love Captain Mike!- 2 thumbs up all the way



Day 2 - Misty Fjord

The 2nd day was sailing "Misty Fjord" in the morning. We sailed into a little bay called "God's Pocket" and it was stunning! It was like we were in a magazine page... There were waterfalls, the most amazing of green trees in every variety, and whales!!! Several waterfalls pouring over rocks and cliffs... Did I mention the Whales? I did not want to leave! All I wanted was 1 more minute there... I had "No idea that this was only the beginning!" Every sailing has guides and leaders. They have a mic and tell you where you are and what you are seeing for the ones that want to stay inside or look out the window from the cabin's ocean view window (Yes the view was perfect from our window... we were only 1 deck down from the main deck - the view must have everything to do small ships). In this bay, the guide was telling us about this rare rainforest tree and we sailed up to the tree to touch the soft fern leaves!!! Then we sailed up to the waterfall and anyone that was on the deck got wet!! It was so much fun.

We went to Metlakatla- Steve’s favorite place. We learned about Indians and totem poles which are everywhere in Alaska but they really only mean something to you when you learn what they are all about and how to read the story that the artist is telling. Cruise West made sure we were entertained; if you were interested, it was easy to become involved.

So much going on… I did not get to tell you about the clients on the ship.. All Age Groups! Our youngest was 11yrs old. (I don't think it would be good for younger than that- but it depends on the child). The captain told us that this year has been such a variety of ages. As I mentioned before, we meet Jessica's clients. They were booked in the least expensive cabin, but gladly paid for an upgrade while on the ship!!! In all fairness, the cruise was a gift to them, and the client said she thought that was all her family could probably afford. She said that if the ship was sold out she would of "had" to stay in the little room and if she would of known in advance she would of happily upgraded but it did not cross her mind to check what kind of room her family had put her in... (moral of the story and "Note to self": If I book a gift for a client I will mark my calendar to follow up with the actual client to see if they may want to upgrade in advance.)

The first day, we overheard a passenger that was highly upset that she was on a small ship with "No Spa!" also no shopping, or theater entertainment! She keep saying she could not wait to talk to her travel agent!!! YIKES.... She said she was a Diva and this is not what she wanted. She told her husband she wanted to get off the ship. She pointed out another passenger that had went out and purchased several evening gowns for the dinners… her agent told her that even though it's a small ship, that you still dress up!!! Double Yikes!!! ABSOLUTELY NOT! In fact most people kept the same clothes on all day, including us... Jeans and a shirt or whatever you’re comfortable in.

I asked the hotel director/bartender/continental breakfast server (inside joke - all staff works just about all of the jobs!) if we could see the cabin selection. We were booked in a category AAA, had absolutely zero complaints on the room; actually it was better than some of the larger ships I have sailed on... but I will not mention names. We saw that the lowest category was a lot smaller and you can hear the waves crash on the bow of the ship.

On the second night, the captain did not have dinner with us because he wanted to spread his charm among the other guests on the ship. He later apologized and said he would not cheat on us again… and he didn't. We had dinner every night with Captain Mike not because he had to because he wanted to. Every night we talked about what we did and saw, as well as what we would do the next day. He was great. Every night after dinner the guides and leaders have a little social and tell us what to look for the next day; i.e. animals, plants, birds, glaciers
ect... and then you go to bed! That's it - and that was fine because were worn out every night. I would never in a million years think that nature, culture, and history all day- every day was so exciting.. I think it's because you are a part of everything that’s going on.



Day 3 - Petersburg

We visited Petersburg, which was a little Norwegian/Indian Village, very cool. We walked through town and visited the little shops. By the way, every port has an included shore excursion... most of them are about a hour, but this gives you a chance to get off the ship see the city a little and do something on your own or another shore excursion. A lot of passengers did several excursions at each port if time allowed. We had our first eagle sighting today - that was cool. Again, whales everywhere; for the most part you needed a pair of binoculars to see them
clearly, but many times they swam right past the side of the ship. We also had our first bear sighting too... it was so funny, because Captain Mike made announcements on the speaker if they spot animals so you can come out and see them on the bow of the ship if you’re in your room... Well we hear him say "I need every one to come out on the bow of the ship… right now Candice!" He wanted to make sure Candice saw her bear! They make getting to know each other part of the entertainment.



Day 4 Tracy Arm Fjord and Fredrick Sound

This was once again one of my absolute favorite days. I wake up, decide to open up the window to see what the view would be and a huge ice berg floated past my window! "Candice wake up!!!!!" That’s all I could say. Her reaction, "This is beautiful!" and we gazed out the window for a moment and jumped out of bed because we knew the view from the deck would be awesome!!! We were awake now! This day was a beautiful all day - it was a "sailing day". We saw eagles, bears, harbor seals, orca pods, more whales, waterfalls, and glaciers calving – you’d hear a cannon ball blast and then you would see a chunk of ice fall. As simple as it sounds, you could stand out in the cold and watch all day, waiting for the "Big One". (There were other animal sightings but I didn't know what I was looking at).



Day 5 Sitka

Sitka is a little Russian/Indian Village - we did the included tour and walked through town. Most of the included tours involved a little tour and a performance by the natives or locals. The evening show was a film about Glacier Bay hosted by National Geographic. The funniest thing was after dinner, when they announced the social hour and film presentation we all hurried up there with such enthusiasm, since that too was so much fun.



Day 6 - Glacier Bay

Just imagine the choir in the background singing Ahhhhh!!) This was our defining moment!! It was hard to sleep after the movie, we didn't know what to expect. This trip got better and better every day!!!! (Even the Captain said he prefers the north bound!) I saw Puffins!! There is a whole island Glacier Bay and there must be hundreds of birds - we sailed right up to it! I was now a bird watcher! Here is a list of all the things we saw in Glacier Bay:

1. Sea Otters 2. Marbled Murrelets 3. Steller's Sea Lions 4. Glaucous- Winged Gulls 5. Black-legged Kittiwakes 6. Tugted Puffins 7. Black Oysterchatchers 8. Common Murre 9. Pigeon Guillemots 10. Common Loon's 11. Coastal Brown Bears!! 12. Wight-winged Scoters 13. Peregrine Falcon 14. Oodles of Harbor Seals 15. John Hopkins Glacier 16. Lamplugh Glacier 17. Reid Glacier 18. Belted Kingfishers

Everyday they give you a list of what you saw and did for the day… that was the list for Glacier Bay!



Day 7 - Skagway and Haines

I really liked Skagway. I thought it was very authentic and cute. I went out early and got back on the ship before the other 5 cruise ships that were there disembarked their passengers. I guess just about 1 hour later, there were 10,000 passengers in this lovely city that was only 12 blocks long and 4 blocks wide!!! The last of the passengers that came back to the ship said there were people EVERYWHERE!!! I was so glad I was not on a big ship! In Haines I saw several eagles, swans, a black bear, and a couple of moose!



Day 8 - Juneau

The Last Day!! I hate this day. Day 8 Juneau... We had to leave. The Captain spent the whole morning with us. He took us to the bridge and showed us his job - how to read maps, his degrees and certificates, etc. We spent most of our cruise time hanging with the Captain when on the ship. We would always ask him "If you’re with us? Who's driving?" He was so cool. He even told me if I ever have any problems to call my "Friend Captain Mike!" I didn't realize how much time we spent talking about where and how we grew up, what our goals and dreams were, and how much we LOVED ALASKA… we were all bonding. I felt the bonding with the other guests, because we were making friends with people, and we made friends with the Captain. How do I know? Because I too consider him my FRIEND!

Juneau is the Capitol and has so much to do; your clients really should overnight there even if it is at the end of the trip.




Just a quick note... With Cruise West, we cut the engine every time we saw wildlife because the noise of the engine will make them run and hide. We were also told to whisper. There is no way you can see those animals so up close on a big ship, because those ships can’t cut the engine and stop 2000 people from making noise so you can watch the animals play as if you’re not even there!



Also, by the end of the trip the two clients that were not informed properly about Cruise West by were saying how wonderful it was. No thanks to their travel agents! Cruise West turned them into happy campers with the level of service and personal care they received. They both said they were not booking with their agent again. (two different agencies by the way!)


Yes this cruise was up close and personal!!!


Alena

Alena Einfeldt Your Personal Cruise Vacation Specialist 1-800-439-1909, ext 7863 1-561-243-2100, ext 7863 (if calling outside the USA) Email: alena@wmph.com

Alena has 19 years of travel experience and education! She is a Commodore with both Princess and Cunard and has received her specialist certifications and diplomas from all of the major cruise lines including Cruise West. She is currently working on her CLIA certification. Alena has sailed on 10 different cruise lines repeatedly. Her favorite cruise lines are Disney, Cunard, the Freedom Class ships of Royal Caribbean and the NCL Pearl. She loves to travel and her life motto is "Seize the moment".

!IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! - Costa Cruise : Fuel Supplement Increase Effective June 12, 2008

Because of the continued rapid escalation of fuel prices, six of Carnival Corporation & plc’s brands, including Costa Cruises, will increase their current fuel supplement from $7 to $9 (USD) per person per day. The fuel supplement on third, fourth and fifth passengers will increase from $2 to $4 (USD) per person per day.

The new fuel supplements will apply to all new bookings effective June 12, 2008.

The fuel supplements will not exceed $126 per person, per voyage for the first and second guests and $56 per person, per voyage for the third, fourth and fifth guests in a stateroom.

For bookings made from April, 21, 2008 to June 11, 2008, the fuel supplement of $7 (USD) per person, per day for the first and second guests and $2 (USD) per person per day for third, fourth, and fifth guests will apply.

We regret having to take this action, but fuel price increases have continued and we now find it necessary to implement a modest increase in the supplement.

Please remember that all of your bookings made on or before June 11, 2008 will not be subject to this supplement increase.

!IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! - Oceania Cruises Announces Fuel Surcharge Update

Miami, FL, June 6, 2008 — In response to the continually escalating price of fuel, Oceania Cruises is increasing its fuel surcharge* to $15 per guest per day for all new reservations effective June 16, 2008. The surcharge will apply to all currently published sailings.

The fuel surcharge of $15 per guest per day, regardless of voyage length, will be effective for all new reservations as of June 16, 2008. The fuel surcharge applies only to the first two guests in the stateroom or suite and does not apply to third or fourth guests.

!IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! - NCL Makes Adjustment to Fuel Supplement

Miami - Jun 5, 2008 --- As oil prices have continued to rise since NCL's earlier announcement of a fuel supplement, the company announced today an increase to its current fuel supplement. The new fuel supplement will be $11 per person per day for the first and second guests in a stateroom and $5 per person per day for any additional guests in the same stateroom, based on the guidelines below.

Individual reservations
The increased fuel supplement applies only to new individual reservations made on or after June 20, 2008.

Group reservations
The increased fuel supplement applies to any group reservation booked on or after June 20, 2008. The increased fuel supplement will also apply to group space held prior to June 20, 2008 without specific names and full confirming deposit by June 19, 2008.

!IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT! - Princess and Cunard : Fuel Supplement Increase

Because of the continued rapid escalation of fuel prices, six of Carnival Corporation & plc’s brands, including Princess Cruises and Cunard Line, will increase their current fuel supplement from $7 to $9 (USD) per person per day. The fuel supplement for third and fourth passengers will increase from $2 to $4 (USD) per person per day.

The new fuel supplement will apply to all new bookings effective June 12, 2008. The fuel supplement will not exceed $126 per person per voyage for the first and second passengers, and $56 per person per voyage for the third and fourth passengers in a stateroom.

For bookings made from April 21, 2008 to June 11, 2008, the current fuel supplement of $7 (USD) per person for the first two passengers, and $2 (USD) per person per day for the third and fourth passengers will apply.

We regret having to take this action, but fuel price increases have continued, and we now find it necessary to implement a modest increase in the supplement.

Please remember that all of your bookings made on or before June 11, 2008 will not be subject to the supplement increase. Most importantly, we want to thank you for your business and continuing support.


Sincerely,


Jan Swartz
Senior Vice President, Customer Services and Sales

Norwegian Pearl Earns Environmental Award from Port of San Francisco

Green award recognizes NCL's environmental standards and practices

Miami - Jun 3, 2008 --- Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced that Norwegian Pearl recently received the Port of San Francisco's Cruise Ship Environmental Award. In 2007, Norwegian Sun was honored with the same award. The Port's program recognizes annually those cruise ships whose on-board environmental systems help decrease air and water pollution. The three categories evaluated are air emission reduction, wastewater treatment and recycling and disposal programs for solid waste.

"It's an honor for Norwegian Pearl to be recognized by the Port of San Francisco for the environmental standards and practices we have in place to protect the waters on which we sail and earn our livelihood," said Colin Veitch, NCL's president and CEO. "We have shown our commitment to maintaining the highest level of environmental protection standards by using low-sulfur fuels, reducing air emissions, efficiently and effectively treating our wastewater and recycling and disposing properly of solid waste while in port." The Cruise Ship Environmental Award was created by the Port of San Francisco's Cruise Terminal Environmental Advisory Committee (CTEAC).
Established in 2003, CTEAC advises the Port Commission on cruise ship-related water and air quality issues. Committee members include regulatory agencies, environmental organizations, organized labor, community groups and maritime industry representatives.

"The Port of San Francisco is pleased to acknowledge the officers and crew members of Norwegian Pearl for going above and beyond the existing regulations to preserve and protect the air and water quality of San Francisco Bay and beyond," said Peter Dailey, maritime director for the Port of San Francisco. "We sincerely appreciate Norwegian Cruise Line's commitment to safeguarding the environment."

Norwegian Pearl accommodates more than 2,400 guests and includes a world of innovative features and amenities, including 10 restaurants, 13 bars and lounges, two swimming pools and a casino. The ship also features an industry first - a four-lane, ten-pin bowling alley at sea and an impressive 30 foot rock climbing wall. Norwegian Pearl offers five- and nine-day sailings to the Western and Southern Caribbean, seven-day Alaska and nineteen-day Panama Canal itineraries.

Begin planning your NCL Cruise by calling 1-800-439-1909 to speak with one of our NCL Certified Cruise Vacation Specialists, or book online at www.cruisecheap.com.

See Alaska Through the Eyes of a Native: Holland America Line Ships Feature Travel Guides

Alaska Native Travel Guides sail on Glacier Bay-bound ships

Seattle, WA, May 28, 2008 - Cruisers on all Holland America Line ships bound for Alaska in 2008 will see and hear about their surroundings from an expert - an Alaskan Travel Guide. New this year are Alaska Native Travel Guides on Glacier Bay-bound ships.

Through a partnership with Alaska Native Heritage Center, Alaska Native guides will be on board the majority of Alaska cruises on ships cruising in Glacier Bay-114 sailings in 2008.

"We are very pleased at how this program has evolved," said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest relations. "Our guests visiting Glacier Bay will enjoy having an Alaska Native guide on board the full cruise to provide another perspective on the land they're visiting."

Alaska Native Travel Guides will bring their knowledge and personal experience of local culture, history, art and flora and fauna to guests on Alaskan cruises. They will give six to seven presentations over the course of the weeklong cruise. Topics include wildlife, gold rush dreams, volcanoes and glaciers, Alaska's early explorers and native people. They will provide narration throughout the trip, sell artwork by Alaska Natives, be on hand to answer questions and interact with guests one-on-one.

In addition to the Alaska Travel Guides, a Tlingit cultural interpreter from Hoonah will board ships at Glacier Bay and Hubbard Glacier and explain the origins of the Huna people. They will give presentations on native life and culture in the region and be available for discussions with guests.

National Park Rangers are also an important part of the Alaska interpretive program and will continue to board all ships in Glacier Bay National Park and Hubbard Glacier for narration and presentations.

The leader in Alaska tourism for 60 years, Holland America Line has eight premium cruise ships and twenty-nine cruise tours offering an incredible variety of vacation options in Alaska in 2008.

To begin planning your Holland Alaska Cruise or Cruise-tour, please visit us online at www.cruisecheap.com or www.alaskacruises.com; or call 1-800-201-6937 to speak with one of our Alaska Cruise VacationSpecialists.