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| << March03, 2003 - 7 Seas Cruise News |
March17, 2003 - 7 Seas Cruise News >> |
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Hi Cruise Fans, Welcome once again to the 7 Seas Cruise News-a mostly weekly update of everything that's going on in the cruise industry, with some special buys and bargains from your host, Pat Crane, owner and proprietor of 7 Seas Cruises. Pat reminded me to remind you that there is still space available (although no balconies) on the Thanksgiving sailing of the Carnival Jubilee-that amazing one port per day, 7-day adventure in the Southern Caribbean for the delightful price of $520 per person, double occupancy, in an inside cabin, or $615 per person, double occupancy, in an ocean-view cabin. These prices include all taxes and port charges, and because you'll be part of our group, there will be chocolates and a bottle of champagne in your cabin, too. Give Pat a call and he'll give you all the details. 1-866-424- 1090 is his toll-free number, or visit our website at www.7seascruises.com And now, the news??¦ The Seatrade Cruise Shipping Convention was this week in Miami Beach. It's the industry's largest international gathering. The main event, the State of the Industry Debate, gives an inside snapshot of today's cruising by the leading big wigs in the industry. Here are some highlights: Are you putting off your cruise plans? The first quarter of the year, traditionally the super-busy Wave Period when many cruisers book their voyages for the upcoming year, has been slow due to fears about war and terrorism and the sluggish economy in the U.S. What does this mean for you? Cheaper cruises in some destinations, as fares are slashed to fill the ships, especially as big new ships are introduced this year. Although shipbuilding orders for new ships are down this year - due in part to the economic problems and the strength of the euro, which makes it more expensive to spend U.S. dollars at European shipyards - more new ships will be ordered. Fearful of flying to Europe this summer? Some cruise ships based in the Mediterranean Sea are seeing lackluster bookings, but some lines are vowing to keep the ships there rather than move them back to North America, as happened shortly after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Expect some excellent prices in Europe as the summer nears. You'll see more cruise ships based in closer-to- home ports in the U.S. and Canada Even Crystal Cruises, a global line constantly traversing the world on longer itineraries, will visit more U.S. ports in the near future. Excitement is building for the Queen Mary 2, the 150,000-ton, $800 million ocean liner Cunard is building in France. No delay is expected in its delivery date in December, despite some recent problems with the construction of propulsion pods. Royal Caribbean's 3,114-passenger Explorer of the Seas caught fire early Thursday morning. The fire damaged the ship's inline skating and miniature golf areas on one of its top-most decks. The fire broke out around 3 a.m., according to passengers onboard. It was put out by 3:23 a.m. There was no other obvious damage and passengers were not required to muster. The damaged area, which also includes the top portion of the kids' water slide, remains closed to passengers. Crews will board the ship on Saturday to make repairs and a Royal Caribbean spokesman anticipates these areas will be off-limits to passengers on Saturday's voyage for most, if not all, of the weekly cruise. Carnival's ongoing debate over too-low-hanging power lines on the Mississippi River with Louisiana energy company Entergy Corporation took a turn as the cruise line announced it will temporarily shift Conquest to Gulfport. The ship will use Gulfport as its home port beginning with the March 9 cruise. The Conquest, which originally was intended to sail from New Orleans on a year-round basis, has faced safety issues over the power lines down river from New Orleans. So far, the 110,000-ton ship, which is 207 feet tall from the water line to the top of the mast, has been able to navigate the low power lines by hugging the side of the river. But seasonal rising of the river in spring creates a potential safety hazard. Entergy has agreed to bury the power lines -- but that project won't be completed until June 2004. In the meantime, there has been skirmishing between Carnival and Entergy over an interim plan. Carnival Conquest will operate out of Gulfport for six weeks. At that point the Mississippi should have receded enough to return to an operable level. Arriving and departing passengers will still fly into New Orleans but will then be shuttled (complimentary) by Carnival to Gulfport, which is an hour and 15 minute commute. Carnival, which last week said that it would begin prohibiting passengers from bringing non- alcoholic beverages (water, soda and juice) onboard in any quantity, appears to be rethinking the policy. Right now, Carnival is not enforcing any rule restricting passengers from bringing a supply of non-alcoholic beverages onboard (though the regulation prohibiting travelers from carting alcoholic beverages to their cabins is very much in effect). Golfers seeking unique golfing opportunities should look no further than the new 110,000-ton Carnival Glory, whose comprehensive golf program will feature some of the Caribbean's most beautiful and challenging courses, along with professional instruction both aboard ship and during golfing excursions.The value-added program will be among the many on-board amenities aboard the new 2,974-passenger Glory, scheduled to begin year-round seven-day service weekly to the eastern and western Caribbean from Port Canaveral in July. Featured golf courses on the Carnival Glory include: Mahogany Run (St. Thomas - Eastern Caribbean Itinerary) - Located along the island' s scenic coastline, this newly renovated course was designed by George and Tom Fazio and meanders through dense, lush rainforest before reaching the aptly named "Devil's Triangle," considered three of the most challenging holes in the Caribbean. Key West Country Club (Western Caribbean Itinerary) - The southernmost golf course in the continental U.S. is built upon more than 200 acres of native foliage with stately palms, dense mangroves, and rolling hills, which, combined with its challenging layout, adds up to an unforgettable golf outing. Caye Chapel Golf Resort (Belize, Western Caribbean Itinerary) - This spectacular course offers ocean views at virtually every turn and has earned worldwide acclaim for its creative layout and beautifully manicured greens and fairways vistas. Adding to the day's fun is an exhilarating seaplane transfer, which is included in the price. Cozumel Country Club ( Western Caribbean Itinerary) - Created by the renowned Nicklaus design team, this is the island's first and only world championship- caliber course. Incorporating the natural habitat of the island, the 6,700-yard course was built around native trees, mangroves and wetlands, creating a truly spectacular golf venue. In addition to unforgettable golfing opportunities, guests sailing aboard Carnival Glory can take advantage of professional instruction provided by a certified golf professional, who also conducts shipboard lessons, golf clinics, and putting contests and accompanies golfers on shoreside excursions.A take-home video recap is available with the 30- and 60-minute lessons, allowing guests to continue their instruction when they return back home. All-inclusive golf excursions include golf pro escort, priority tee times, round-trip transportation between ship and course, and cart and green fees. Equipment rental, including top-of-the-line golf clubs and shoes, along with a variety of golf apparel and accessories, are also available. Carnival Spirit is rolling out some fascinating new shore excursions in conjunction with its debut season in Alaska. Check out these options??¦Helicopter Adventure Hike & Whitepass Railway (Skagway) - Only for the most physically fit, this "extreme" excursion combines a scenic helicopter flight and train ride with a breathtaking four-mile wilderness hike in the Tongass National Forest, including the Skagway River and magnificent Laughton Glacier. Trekking gear, snacks and rain gear are provided. Snowshoe Trek & White Pass Railway Adventure ( Skagway) - On this "extreme" tour, guests enjoy a majestic ride through the Alaskan wilderness aboard the historic White Pass & Yukon Railway followed by a five-mile snowshoe trek up the frozen Skagway River to Laughton Glacier, viewing native flora and fauna. Snowshoes? That' s hard work! Helicopter Flightseeing & Glacier Walkabout (Juneau) - Guests discover the unique beauty of the southeast Alaska landscape as they soar via helicopter over rainforests and granite peaks that surround the 1,500-square-mile Juneau Ice Field. From there, guests will explore the majestic landscape for an hour before their return helicopter flight back. Rain gear, boots, gloves and trekking poles are provided. Whale Quest & Salmon Bake Combo (Juneau) - Following a motorcoach ride to spectacular Auke Bay, guests board water jet-powered catamarans for a relaxing ride through the island-studded waters of Stephen's passage, home to humpback and killer whales, sea lions, porpoises, bald eagles and other species. Back ashore, guests enjoy a meal at renowned Gold Creek Salmon Bake amidst a beautiful mountain setting. Now, that one is my speed! Ketchikan Explorer by Land & Sea (Ketchikan) - This three-and-a-half-hour excursion includes a motorcoach tour through quaint Saxman Village, home to one of the world's largest collection of totem poles and the historic Libby Cannery. Also included is a boat tour through George Inlet, where an on-board naturalist will explain the history of the region and point out native foliage, wildlife and glaciers. Wilderness Adventure & Crab Boil (Ketchikan) - After a 30-minute motorcoach tour through the Alaskan countryside, guests board a 25-person inflatable skiff to Ketchikan's famed crab harvesting grounds. During the seven-mile ride to Coon's Cove, guests can view the Tongass Rainforest and all its beauty. The cove is also the location of the Dungeness Crab Fishery, where guests assist in pulling up the crab pots before enjoying a delicious Dungeness crab dinner. Scenic Grouse Mountain and Airport Transfer ( Vancouver) - This five-hour excursion begins with a motorcoach tour through Stanley Park followed by a ride on the "Super Skyride" to the top of 4,100-foot-high Grouse Mountain, where guests can explore nature trails or enjoy a meal in one of the mountain-top restaurants featuring breathtaking vistas. The return ride includes a stop at Prospect Point en route to Vancouver International Airport. Well, put me down for one of those leisurely trips! Snowshoeing? I think not! Hold some happy thoughts, please, for Dan M. of California who smashed his knee on Wednesday and has some surgery in store tomorrow. Get well soon so you can get back to cruisin'. And until next week, smooth seas and gentle breezes! Teri |
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| << March03, 2003 - 7 Seas Cruise News |
March17, 2003 - 7 Seas Cruise News >> |
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