Royal Caribbean Changes the Last-Minute Discount Landscape

Consumers and agents can no longer expect deep discounts on Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.-affiliated sailings in the last days leading up to departures.  Seatrade Cruise News is reporting that the company’s Chairman and CEO Richard Fain has declared there will be no new discounts within 30 days of sailing with the company on its brands — Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises.
It’s all part of the company’s pricing integrity policy that had been previously inconsistent with some last-minute deals opening up 10 days prior to sail dates or before. Now the only exceptions will be on shorter three- and four-day voyages. Otherwise, the updated policy applies to all itineraries in the hopes that it will make pricing more digestible to consumers. Fain adds, “it's important we have a clear policy everyone could understand and follow.” Previously, it has not been uncommon for cruise lines to offer last-minute discounts to help fill unsold cabins, creating a disparity between a higher price paid by a traveler say a year out versus a lower one several weeks out. Fain admits this might cause some staterooms to remain empty through 2016 but expects it will even out by 2017. Presumably, by then consumers and agents will fully recognize that last-minute discounts are no longer available and will have to book farther out should they wish to sail, at the prevailing rate, filling in those cabins sooner.  As cruising becomes more popular internationally, Royal Caribbean’s pricing integrity policy indicates that cruise lines are becoming more confident in their regular rates than in the past — which will surely boost their bottom line. In fact, Fain thinks it has helped the company’s current reservations to reach a level comparable to its record high in 2015. The policy was first implemented in the U.S. and Canada about a year ago and expanded to the UK and Ireland last October. These four markets account for two-thirds of the company’s overall revenue. Fain concludes, “we now think we've got it right and we do not expect any changes in the near future.” It will be interesting to see if competitors follow suit. Most other lines do offer discounts, but that could very well change across the board, making price points more consistent but higher. Cruising remains an excellent value, but perhaps the days of outstanding low fares are drawing to a close.
For more information and to make reservations on a Royal Caribbean Ship, with  exclusive rates and amenities, contact The Cruise Professionals at  TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com

CDC issues Warning on Zika Virus

On January 15, 2016, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) upgraded their Zika virus travel health notice to "Alert Level 2", (Practice Enhanced Precautions) with specific affected areas of the Caribbean and Central and South America.  You may have received our previous communication providing this information. As of January 26th, the CDC notice now includes the Dominican Republic and the U.S. Virgin Islands in the affected areas.  For the most up-to-date information on the Zika virus and countries affected, please visit the website: http://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/notices.

Zika virus is spread primarily through mosquitoes, which mainly bite during daytime hours. It is not transmitted from person to person. Symptoms of Zika typically develop 3-12 days after being bitten and may include fever, headache, skin rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes). The illness is usually mild with symptoms lasting from 2-7 days and most people who contract Zika experience no symptoms at all. Comprehensive health information can be found at http://www.cdc.gov/zika/index.html.

There has been a recent increase in poor pregnancy outcomes among mothers who contracted Zika during pregnancy. These cases are being reported in areas where Zika virus outbreaks have occurred. Knowledge of the link between Zika and these outcomes is still developing. For this reason, the CDC Advisory particularly impacts women who are pregnant and women who are trying to become pregnant.

The CDC advisory recommends that women who are pregnant in any trimester consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. If pregnant women do opt to travel to Zika affected areas, the CDC recommends talking to their healthcare provider in advance and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during their trip. Specific guidance for women who are trying to become pregnant is also included in the CDC advisory. More information can be found here: http://www.cdc.gov/zika/pregnancy/question-answers.html.

There is no vaccine to prevent Zika Fever however individuals can reduce their risk of contracting Zika and other mosquito-borne illnesses by following these steps prior to going ashore: 
·Apply insect repellent which contains one of the following active ingredients: DEET, picaridin (KBR 3023), Oil of Lemon Eucalyptus/PMD, or IR3535.
·If both sunscreen and insect repellent is used, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent.
·Repellent is available for purchase from the shops on board.
·Wear a loose, long-sleeved shirt and long pants, preferably of a light color to minimize the likelihood of being bitten.
Should a person experience any symptoms of fever, headache, skin rash, joint pain and conjunctivitis (red eyes) while sailing with us, please have them contact their doctor They should tell their healthcare provider about their recent travel.

Royal Caribbean Announces Entertainment Lineup for Harmony of the Seas

By Newswire | January 18, 2016 

The new Oasis-class ship is set to launch in Europe, offering Western Mediterranean itineraries, beginning May 2016. Royal Caribbean International has announced the entertainment lineup for Harmony of the Seas, the line's new Oasis-class ship that is set to offer Western Mediterranean itineraries in Europe starting May 2016. 
The ship will host a new, full-blown Broadway production of the musical "Grease." Additional entertainment options range from ice shows in Studio B and impressive performances at the oceanfront AquaTheater to, for the first time, Puzzle Break, an interactive, problem-solving group activity in a dedicated, fully-produced space. 
The Main Theater having seating 1,380 guests, the ship's main Royal Theater is home to two headline shows presented by Royal Caribbean Productions: Columbus, The Musical!  An original Royal Caribbean production created in the spirit of "Spamalot" and "Something Rotten," the story recounts the imagined history of Marvin Columbus, Christopher's fictional, down on his luck, distant cousin. Banished from his family's kingdom, Marvin sets sail on a madcap voyage of discovery in the hopes of claiming his own place in history. Unforeseen romance and a "happily ever after" story are on the map as Marvin Columbus crashes into his Caribbean destiny. 

Grease – The all-new, never-before-seen stage production, specially adapted by Royal Caribbean Productions, will boast original choreography, costumes and aerial elements. Featuring a soundtrack of crowd favorites such as "Summer Nights," "Greased Lightnin'," "Look at Me, I'm Sandra Dee," "Born to Hand-Jive," "Beauty School Dropout" and more, guests will follow the romantic twists and turns of Sandy and Danny as they navigate the tricky social waters of Rydell High School while keeping their reputations  and relationship – together.
In the ship's AquaTheater, an acrobatic performance space introduced by Royal Caribbean with the Oasis class of ships, will offer new aerial capabilities, including two 10-meter high platforms and the hydraulic-floored pool, the largest and deepest freshwater pool at sea. New AquaTheater shows include the acrobatic The Fine Line and the comedic Hideaway Heist. 

The ice rink in Studio B will offer a backdrop of ultra-high definition video and performances by world-class skaters. New Studio B performances include: 1887 An original Royal Caribbean production about love and adventure that begins in Paris on February 14, 1887, at the height of the career of Jules Verne. Beginning their journey on the frozen River Seine, Juliet and her mysterious time traveling companion, the Tempus, travel in multiple dimensions to discover the wonders of the world, and of the heart. iSkate Showcase  A Studio B ice show where Royal Caribbean's skaters put their best blade forward in a showcase of their very best moves set to their own favorite tunes. 
Returning Shows

Harmony of the Seas will also offer a number of favorite Royal Caribbean performances, including: 
Puzzle Break: Escape the Rubicon A puzzle that transports players to another world and another time where they must escape. Players will collaborate with friends, old and new, as they attempt to find the hidden clues needed to solve a collection of puzzles that will eventually unravel the mystery of the Rubicon. With only 60 minutes of life-support, the suspense builds with every tick of the clock. For the first time, this activity will take place in a dedicated space designed in partnership with ShowFX Inc.
Red Party  A high-energy party at sea with DJs, surprise performances, special effects and technology.

Stowaway Piano The pop-up piano player, which originally debuted on Anthem of the Seas, heads to Harmony. Behind the door. Around the corner. In the elevator. By the pool. Guests never know where the Stowaway Piano will turn up next.

On the Royal Promenade, Harmony of the Seas continues the tradition of Royal Caribbean's theme nights and parades with: Totally Awesome 90s Harmony of the Seas debuts the evolution of Royal Caribbean's Promenade 70s Party as the clock is pushed forward to the 90s. Guests can party it up in a new era when soundtracks are dominated by teen pop, dance-pop and the growing popularity of hip hop. A live DJ spinning favorite 90s hits, live pop-up performances and crazy neon track suits set the stage to transport partygoers back to this totally awesome decade. Let's Celebrate! Halloween, Birthdays, St. Patrick's Day, Valentine's Day, Fourth of July and New Year's Eve will all be celebrated at once, in a wild and crazy parade.
Guests on Harmony of the Seas also can belt out tunes at the On Air Club, revel in a symphony of brass brilliance with the High Cs Horns, Harmony's horn-led, nine piece orchestra, and take in live comedy and music at Harmony's new nighttime hotspot, The Attic.
For more information and to make reservations on the Harmony of the Seas or other Royal Caribbean Ships, with  exclusive rates and amenities, contact The Cruise Professionals at  TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com

Crystal Cruises Replaces Calls in Turkey

Crystal Cruises Replaces Calls in Turkey
By Newswire | January 15, 2016
Crystal responds to the recent attack on Istanbul. It will change the upcoming itineraries of two ships that were originally set to call in Turkey. Because of the ongoing security concerns for travel within Istanbul, Crystal Cruises has announced that it will reroute two of its upcoming cruises that were set to call in Turkey. The itineraries include Crystal Symphony’s April 24 and May 1 trips, previously planned to include visits to Istanbul and Kusadasi. These ports will be replaced with Greek destinations. “The safety and peace of mind of our guests are our primary concerns, and we do not take any risks with either,” says Edie Rodriguez, Crystal’s CEO and president,. “The itinerary changes will allow our guests to continue with their planned vacations in the same standard of excellence and luxury, without the added worry of security in a particular destination.”

In addition, Turkish ports of call scheduled for April and November aboard Crystal’s new yacht, Crystal Esprit, will also be changed.
The new itineraries for Crystal Symphony include the following:
April 24 (seven days): Athens/Piraeus, Mykonos, Santorini, Rhodes, Souda Bay/Chaina (new destination), Navplion (overnight and new destination), Hydra and Athens/Piraeus (overnight and new destination), Greece.
May 1 (12 days): Athens/Piraeus (overnight and new destination), Patmos (new destination), Rhodes (new destination), Mykonos, Santorini, Navplion and Argostolios, Greece; Crotone, Sorrento and Rome/Civitavecchia, Italy.
The President’s Cruise, on April 24, will be one of Crystal’s few voyages to solely sail in Greece. 

On both dates for Crystal Symphony , the pre-reserved Crystal Adventures will automatically be canceled. Crystal is in the process of developing a host of new excursions ashore.,

For more information and to make reservations on a Crystal Cruise with  exclusive rates and amenities, contact The Cruise Professionals at  TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com

Crystal Serenity to focus on North America in 2017

Crystal Cruises said the Crystal Serenity will sail in North and South America in 2017 after spending most of its time in recent years in the Mediterranean.  Following its world cruise from Miami, the Serenity will embark on a repositioning voyage to Los Angeles via the Panama Canal. Subsequent cruises include seven-day explorations of California’s coastline; a 14-day Mexico itinerary; a 16-day route through the Hawaiian Islands; seven-, nine- and 10-day cruises through the ports and glaciers of Alaska and British Columbia; seven- and 10-day itineraries through the ports of New England and Eastern Canada; and warm-weather fall and winter cruises along the southern East Coast into the Caribbean.  Crystal said that guests seeking a European experience will by 2017 be able to try its Crystal Esprit mega-yacht, which will spend nearly all of its time in the Med, or its new river cruises.

For more information and to make reservations on a Crystal Cruise with  exclusive rates and amenities, contact The Cruise Professionals at  TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com

Norwegian Cruise Line toughens cancellation terms

Norwegian Cruise Line announced new terms for canceling booked cruises that will require earlier decisions about backing out of trips and impose higher penalties on cancellations.  The changes, which take effect on bookings made after Jan. 1, are complex. But on one common product, the cruise or cruise tour of 7 days or longer, the least costly cancellation will require forfeit of 25% of the cruise fare for bookings cancelled 76 to 89 days from sailing. The current policy is loss of deposit for bookings cancelled 56 to 75 days before sailing. Cancellations 60 to 75 days out come with a 50% penalty, those from 31-60 days a 75% penalty and within 30 days, 100% penalty. The current schedule penalizes cancellations from 29 to 55 days out at 50%, and those from 15 to 28 days at 75%.  Currently, when guests cancel within 14 days of sailing, they lose their full fare.  Standard deposits will be $100 per person on cruises of two to six days, $250 on cruises seven to nine days and $400 on voyages 10 days or longer.  Final payment will be due 75 days from sailings of two to six days and 90 days on longer voyages. Holiday sailings will require final payment 120 days from sailing, except for the Norwegian Sky.

For more information and to make reservations on a Norwegian Cruise or Land Combination package with  exclusive rates and amenities, contact The Cruise Professionals at  TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com

Viking Star to sail Caribbean cruises from San Juan

Viking Ocean Cruises said its first sailings in North America and the Caribbean will occur from September 2016 to February 2017, when the Viking Star will sail from San Juan.  The ship will make a series of nine 11-night round trips from San Juan, visiting Tortola, Antigua, St. Lucia, Barbados, St. Kitts, Guadeloupe, St. Maarten and St. Thomas.  Prior to arriving in San Juan, the Viking Star will do several repositioning cruises, starting with a 15-day Bergen to Montreal trip that departs Sept. 18.
From Montreal, the ship will do a 13-day voyage up the St. Lawrence River, through the Canadian Maritimes and New England to New York.  A 15-day Eastern Seaboard itinerary departs New York for San Juan on Oct. 18.
At the end of the season, the Viking Star will offer an 18-day San Juan-to-Barcelona cruise that departs Feb. 25, 2017.  Presently since its debut in April, Viking Star has been sailing in the Mediterranean and elsewhere in Europe.

For more information and to make reservations on Viking Ocean  Cruises  with  exclusive rates and amenities, contact The Cruise Professionals at  TheCruiseOutlet.com at 203-288-1884 or email: info@thecruiseoutlet.com