http://www.nnseek.com/e/rec.travel.cruises/ Posts for rec.travel.cruises Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:24:20 PDT http://www.nnseek.com/ http://www.nnseek.com/img/64.png 64 64 NNSeek http://www.nnseek.com/e/rec.travel.cruises/fll_to_miami_cruiseport_anyone_know_123325364t.html http://www.nnseek.com/e/rec.travel.cruises/fll_to_miami_cruiseport_anyone_know_123325364t.html or any transportation service to the Miami Cruiseport? If so, what was
the company and how much is the transfer per person each way. Thanks

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]]> Tue, 23 Sep 2008 04:24:20 PDT http://www.nnseek.com/e/rec.travel.cruises/cape_cod_canal_123309748t.html http://www.nnseek.com/e/rec.travel.cruises/cape_cod_canal_123309748t.html thanks

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]]> Mon, 22 Sep 2008 22:06:23 PDT http://www.nnseek.com/e/rec.travel.cruises/galveston_verses_flordia_questions_thank_you_123308724t.html http://www.nnseek.com/e/rec.travel.cruises/galveston_verses_flordia_questions_thank_you_123308724t.html "D Ball" < wrote in message
> Good luck in your planning!
>
Diana and many others:
Thank you so much for so much information and opinions. I think I'm
getting turned off from the Texas departure because of the distance between
the airport and the ports for cruise ships. When we have left out of Fort
Lauderdale or Miami, it was just so close and simple. Logistic were easy to
plan for hotels and transportation. So, while I'd love to try something
new,, I don't think the time to do it from Texas is with friends traveling
so far from the UK already.
I'm back to looking for something in April from Florida. :) Again, thank you
everyone for you detailed help. This group still has some of the best people
willing to pitch in when asked.

Cheryl

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]]> Mon, 22 Sep 2008 21:11:58 PDT http://www.nnseek.com/e/rec.travel.cruises/ping_leppers_123307956t.html http://www.nnseek.com/e/rec.travel.cruises/ping_leppers_123307956t.html
The US cruise market (ships originating/returning to US)

With the following assumptions (correct as you will):

- With the state of economy
- A downturn in entertainment spending
- Increasing number of cabins
- Decreased interest to cruise (Hurricane 2008 season)

Could we be entering a price market such as we saw post 9/11?

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]]> Mon, 22 Sep 2008 20:33:25 PDT http://www.nnseek.com/e/rec.travel.cruises/specialty_restaurant_question_123301556t.html http://www.nnseek.com/e/rec.travel.cruises/specialty_restaurant_question_123301556t.html
At a specialty restaurant such as Chops, can you book a table for two ahead
of sail time? I heard that a table for two is very rare.

Thanks in advance,
Dave

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]]> Mon, 22 Sep 2008 18:19:42 PDT http://www.nnseek.com/e/rec.travel.cruises/_1_week_deal_on_princess_cruises_123277748t.html http://www.nnseek.com/e/rec.travel.cruises/_1_week_deal_on_princess_cruises_123277748t.html Hi,

I'm not a big cruiser myself (I'm a landlubber, put my at Sandals Negril
and I'm HAPPY!) but I've got a special 1 week sale on Princess Cruises
this week!

What does this mean for you?

I can offer you a reduced deposit rate of $100 if you book during
September 22-29th!

Keep in mind 2009 sailing require a deposit of 20%% of the cruise fare.

Each cabin also receives up to 2 Coupon Booklets with $120 of onboard
savings.

So if you've been sitting on the edge deciding whether or not to go NOW
may be the time to make the decision.


--

Hackamore
http://www.hackamore.com
http://hackamoretravel.blogspot.com

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]]> Mon, 22 Sep 2008 12:35:10 PDT http://www.nnseek.com/e/rec.travel.cruises/holland_america_line_delivers_entertainment_enhanc_123271092t.html http://www.nnseek.com/e/rec.travel.cruises/holland_america_line_delivers_entertainment_enhanc_123271092t.html
We received this information/press release from the trades/Holland American
Line and thought it may be of interest to this newsgroup as well.

Happy sailing...
John Sisker - SHIP-TO-SHORE CRUISE AGENCY (sm)
(714) 536-3850 or toll-free at (800) 724-6644 & (Agency ID: 714.536.3850)
www.shiptoshorecruise.com





SEATTLE/PRNewswire/ -- As part of Holland America Line's latest Signature of
Excellence enhancements, entertainment on board five popular ships is
evolving to feature a new music program, the new Showroom at Sea, expanded
entertainment and enrichment activities and a video game room featuring the
latest craze in high-tech entertainment. The enhancements are part of an
extensive $200-million program that will occur during nearly month-long dry
docks on ms Statendam, ms Maasdam, ms Ryndam, ms Veendam and ms Rotterdam
beginning in spring 2009.

"The new musical offerings and entertainment initiatives are designed to be
even more compelling and relevant to today's premium cruiser," said Richard
D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest
programs, Holland America Line. "These enhancements will allow us to offer
more venues and more choices to our guests."


Signature Bands Featured on All Ships

Joining the resident shipboard entertainment staff are three new musical
groups catering to a wide audience: The HALCats, The Neptunes and Adaggio.
Each ship in the fleet will now feature an ensemble of these signature
musical groups.

An eight-piece party band, The HALCats play the music of the '60s, '70s and
'80s throughout the ship. Charged with creating a sophisticated and sultry
mood, The Neptunes, a three-piece combo, feature music from the Great
American Songbook. Adaggio, a string quartet, comprised of a viola, cello
and two violins, perform light classics in the Explorer's Lounge. Guests can
dance to the tunes of Tony Bennett, Frank Sinatra and Harry Connick Jr. in
the newly refurbished Ocean Bar.


Showroom at Sea

Holland America Line has redesigned its main show space to combine modern
stage technology and decor with the ambiance of a glamorous nightclub.
Called Showroom at Sea, this venue will feature new show concepts along with
production-style shows. Remodeled seating and a larger parquet dance floor
will also feature movable tables and chairs complete with white-linen
tablecloths and cafe lamps. The old-Hollywood atmosphere in this intimate
room is just the place to dance the night away.


High-Tech Entertainment

The latest video game craze across the nation is now coming to Holland
America Line ships. Interactive games and other high-tech entertainment,
complete with large flatscreen televisions, are being installed in a new
space called the Sky Room and will test players' game skills. This high-tech
game room features several "rooms within a room" and will include plenty of
lounging chairs and couches for onlookers and participants alike.


Explorations Team Expands Activities

Entertainment and enrichment are taking on a new, contemporary look and feel
across the fleet. A new Explorations Team employs cruise staff, each
specializing in a particular area, to educate and entertain guests with an
expanded menu of activities including flower arranging, hands-on cooking,
dancing and working with digital photos, blogs and movies. Each team
consists of a cruise director, a party planner, a travel guide, dance
directors and a "techspert." On longer cruises, a book club leader joins the
team to lead lively group discussions.

This $200-million phase in the Signature of Excellence commitment brings the
latest innovations at sea to Holland America Line's Statendam, Maasdam,
Ryndam, Veendam and Rotterdam. The first of the extensive dry dock periods
begins with the Veendam in spring 2009 and the last will be completed on the
Maasdam in late 2010. While in dry dock, ships will expand the aft deck to
create a new resort pool concept, The Retreat, and create a new bar concept
called Mix that features separate areas -- Martinis, Champagne and Spirits &
Ales. Enhancements will be made to all existing staterooms and additional
staterooms will be added to the five ships. The ships also will introduce 46
innovative lanai staterooms with direct access to the Lower Promenade Deck.
New spa staterooms near the Greenhouse Spa and Salon will offer special
in-room spa amenities.


For a cruise brochure or for more information, consult a professional travel
agent, 1-877-SAIL-HAL (877-724-5425) or visit http://www.hollandamerica.com.


About Holland America Line [a division of Carnival Corporation and plc ]

Holland America Line's fleet of 14 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 314
ports in more than 100 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to
108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, and highlights include
Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand
World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska,
Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal. A 15th ship, ms Nieuw
Amsterdam, is scheduled to join the fleet in 2010.

Fleetwide, the company features Signature of Excellence enhancements, a
commitment totaling more than $525 million, that showcase the Culinary Arts
Center presented by Food & Wine magazine -- a state-of-the-art onboard show
kitchen where more than 60 celebrated guest chefs and culinary experts
provide cooking demonstrations and classes - Explorations Cafe powered by
The New York Times, teens-only activity areas and all new stateroom
amenities highlighted by flat-panel TVs and plush Euro-top Mariner's Dream
Beds.


World's Leading Cruise Lines

The highest-rated premium cruise line in the world, Holland America Line is
a member of the exclusive World's Leading Cruise Lines alliance, which also
includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises, Cunard Line, Seabourn
Cruise Line and Costa Cruises. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a
commitment to quality and value, these lines appeal to a wide range of
lifestyles and budgets. The World's Leading Cruise Lines offer exciting and
enriching cruise vacations to the world's most desirable destinations.

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]]> Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:20:20 PDT http://www.nnseek.com/e/rec.travel.cruises/travelocity_powers_booking_engine_123268532t.html http://www.nnseek.com/e/rec.travel.cruises/travelocity_powers_booking_engine_123268532t.html
We received this information/press release from the trades and thought it
may be of interest to this newsgroup as well.

Happy sailing...
John Sisker - SHIP-TO-SHORE CRUISE AGENCY (sm)
(714) 536-3850 or toll-free at (800) 724-6644 & (Agency ID: 714.536.3850)
www.shiptoshorecruise.com




Travelocity Powers Booking Engine for the Jamaica Tourist Board's Revamped
Website www.VisitJamaica.com

Sep 22, 2008


SOUTHLAKE, Texas & KINGSTON, Jamaica-- (BUSINESS WIRE) -- Travelocity® today
announced that it is providing the shopping and booking engine for the
Jamaica Tourist Board's new www.VisitJamaica.com.

Under the terms of the agreement, the Travelocity Partner Network®, which
currently powers the shopping engines for more than 100 destination
marketing organizations around the world, will provide a variety of travel
products ranging from flights, hotels, car rentals, vacation packages and
activities for visitors around the world planning a dream vacation to
Jamaica.

Visitors will be able to explore what Jamaica offers through an engaging and
immersive experience featuring the country's people, culture, art, music,
cuisine, history, attractions and diverse range of accommodations. The new
www.VisitJamaica.com offers lodging options ranging from properties
traditional to the Jamaican culture to a number of the island's world class
resorts, featuring spa and golf experiences. Activities like rafting down
the Martha Brae River, canopy tours through the mountains, horseback riding
and cultural tours featuring the rum industry and the island's musical
heritage are also part of the package.

"At Travelocity we're all about 'One Love,'" said Patricia Larocca, regional
director partner marketing Travelocity. "Our relationship with Jamaica and
the Jamaica Tourist Board is one that we highly value as the island was one
of the first destinations to be featured in our award-winning
ExperienceFinderSM platform of dreaming and planning tools and the Roaming
Gnome himself recently visited the island for his latest shoot."

Greeted with an upbeat tempo version of One Love, visitors to the site will
be invited to use the "slider" function which will guide them through
Jamaica's "Ritzy" to "Roadside" offerings through a flash experience, moving
images and videos. Visitors will be invited to "flip" each image over to
learn more and to save their favorites in a personalized trip planning page
called "My Jamaica." A feature will also allow them to email and share with
friends and family.

"The new www.VisitJamaica.com is an improved means to communicate with and
educate travelers about the diversity and culture of Jamaica," said Basil
Smith, director of tourism for Jamaica. "Travelocity will play a key role in
its success and we are thrilled to have them play such an integral role in
the relaunch."


About Travelocity Global

Travelocity® is committed to being the traveler's champion - before, during
and after the trip - and provides the most comprehensive and proactive
guarantee in the industry (www.travelocity.com/guarantee). This
customer-driven focus, backed by 24/7 live phone support, competitive prices
and powerful shopping technology has made Travelocity one of the largest
travel companies in the world with gross bookings of more than U.S. $10
billion in 2007. Travelocity also owns and operates: Travelocity Business®
for corporate travel; www.igougo.com, a leading online travel community;
www.lastminute.com, a leader in European online travel; and ZUJI, a leader
in Asia-Pacific online travel. Travelocity is owned by Sabre Holdings
Corporation, a world leader in travel marketing and distribution.


About the Jamaica Tourist Board

The Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), founded in 1955, is Jamaica's national
tourism agency based in the capital city of Kingston. The JTB was declared
the Caribbean's Leading Tourist and Convention Bureau by the World Travel
Awards (WTA) for 2006 and 2007, while Jamaica earned the WTA's vote as the
World's Leading Cruise Destination, the Caribbean's Leading Destination and
the Caribbean's Leading Cruise Destination.

JTB offices are located in Kingston, Montego Bay, Miami, Toronto and London.
Representative offices are located in Düsseldorf, Barcelona, Rome, Amsterdam
and Tokyo.

For details on upcoming special events, attractions and accommodations in
Jamaica go to the Jamaica Tourist Board's Website at www.visitjamaica.com,
or call the Jamaica Tourist Board at 1-800-JAMAICA (1-800-526-2422).

Posted In: rec.travel.cruises

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]]> Mon, 22 Sep 2008 11:01:29 PDT http://www.nnseek.com/e/rec.travel.cruises/galveston_verses_flordia_questions_123261108t.html http://www.nnseek.com/e/rec.travel.cruises/galveston_verses_flordia_questions_123261108t.html "D Ball" gmail.com> wrote in message
news:d81483ee-b82b-4a66-90e6-601823c49d09@x41g2000hsb.googlegroups.com...
>
> Regarding itinerary, I like the Texas itineraries because I prefer
> Western Caribbean to Eastern. The Western Caribbean tends to feature
> smoother, warmer waters and the best snorkeling opportunities in the
> entire Caribbean. The ports are heavy on Latin American culture, which
> I love, with Grand Cayman and/or Jamaica often thrown in the mix.
> Folks who prefer shopping and the remainders of British and European
> influence would generally do better in the Eastern Caribbean. As for
> distance to ports, Tom, my engineering Yankee friend, isn't totally
> right. Yes, unlike some Florida cruises where you depart one evening
> and hit the Bahamas the next day, Day 2 is always a sea day on a Texas
> cruise. And Day 7 is always a sea day. But you always make at least 3
> ports during Days 3,4,5 and 6, and Les!is right, sometimes, you get a
> 4th port.

Actually....

If you look on a map, Houston is more than twice as far from Cozumel as
Miami is.

Per this webpage, it's 367 miles from Cozumel to Miami.
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/distanceresult.html%%3Fp1=156&p2=1235
And 1104 miles from Cozumel to Houston.
http://www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/distanceresult.html?p1=1235&p2=104

In fact, Miami is closer to the Western Caribbean islands than to the Easter
Caribbean islands. Grand Cayman is due south of Key West. And Jamaica is
actually east of Miami.

--Tom

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]]> Mon, 22 Sep 2008 10:03:43 PDT http://www.nnseek.com/e/rec.travel.cruises/ncl_cancels_f3_ship_123254708t.html http://www.nnseek.com/e/rec.travel.cruises/ncl_cancels_f3_ship_123254708t.html and aren't sure if/when the second will be built.

This is a company with problems.


--
George Leppla http://www.CruiseMaster.com

October 26, 2008 Sleazy 5 http://www.cruisemaster.com/sleazy5.htm
Feb. 8, 2009 Solstice Valentine http://www.cruisemaster.com/solstice.htm
May 10, 2009 ALASKA http://www.cruisemaster.com/moagc4.htm

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]]> Mon, 22 Sep 2008 09:12:44 PDT