Blog Page 46

6 Ways Almost Anyone Can Get a Free Cruise

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
6 Ways Almost Anyone Can Get a Free Cruise

Cruise vacations are the ultimate in luxurious, exotic getaways. Each ship is a unique, nearly all-inclusive resort with fine dining, energetic lounges, Vegas-style shows, comedians, pools, whirlpools, spa facilities, and even crazy and unexpected features such as zip lines, surfing simulators, climbing walls, ice bars, escape rooms, bowling alleys, and more. But fares on the newest, biggest, most elaborate ships can stretch any traveler’s budget.

Fortunately, there are many tricks you can use to save money and find cheaper cruise fares. The savviest cruise travelers, however, know there are ways that just about anyone can cruise not for cheap, but for free.

Anyone Means Anyone

There are different ways to get free cruises, and if you know crew members or are a crew member yourself, you can easily cruise for free. You might also finagle free cruises from wealthy relatives or friends, but an absolutely free cruise is one that almost anyone can get, no matter who you know.

Free cruises may not always be available and you will need to be flexible about the cruise line you sail with, sailing dates, itineraries, and stateroom options, but it is possible to cruise without paying for your cruise fare.

How to Get a Free Cruise

The saying “you can’t get something for nothing” is absolutely true, even when talking about free cruises. Each technique to score a free cruise does require some effort and finagling, but each one is a way you could set sail without as much stress on your travel budget.

Timeshare Presentations

Many timeshare presentations offer hefty incentives to attendees. These incentives can range from concert, theme park, movie, or sports tickets to spa packages, local tours, and hotel stays. The more expensive and elite the timeshare property, the more elaborate its presentation incentives may be, and yes, some timeshare properties will give away cruises to entice potential buyers to listen to their sales pitches.

Those sales pitches, however, are extremely high-pressure, and might not end even after you leave the 2-3 hour presentation. As part of the freebie offer, you may be required to provide verified contact information, including addresses, emails, and phone numbers.

You could then be receiving solicitation calls and promotional material from the timeshare company for weeks or months after the presentation, even if you were firm in declining their sale.

Still, attending a timeshare presentation can be a way to get a free cruise, if you are firm enough to withstand the excessive sales pressure and don’t mind potential follow ups long after you’ve returned from your cruise vacation.

Sweepstakes

Cruise lines will occasionally give away free cruises, especially to promote new vessels or embarkation ports, company milestones, and other significant events. Entering such a contest might be as simple as filling out a basic form, or could involve a more elaborate survey, social media connections, or other steps to be eligible to win.

Other companies may also give away cruises as grand prizes, especially when they have partnered with or may be sponsored by a cruise line or travel agency. Radio stations often do vacation contests, or different businesses might run these luxurious giveaways. Your own employer might run a contest offering a free cruise to a top sales agent, head producer, or other outstanding employee – and the winner could be you!

In order to increase your chances of winning a free cruise, take careful note of the entry guidelines and follow them precisely. Enter as many times as you can according to the rules – some giveaways limit entries per person or per household, and violating those restrictions can invalidate all your entries.

Also note that contests with more elaborate entries such as longer surveys or multiple stages during the giveaway will generally have fewer entrants, so your overall chances of winning may be higher than for simpler sweepstakes. Take advantage of every entry opportunity – such as daily or weekly entries, or extra entries for social media shares – and you might find yourself setting sail as the grand prize winner.

Credit Card Points

Different credit card companies allow customers to accumulate points that can be redeemed for incentives, including free travel and cruises. While the number of points necessary for free travel will vary between different cards, it can be worthwhile to save up on a credit card until you can earn a free cruise.

To make the most of earning points, opt for cards with higher earnings rates, or use that specific card to its best advantage. Some cards offer greater rewards for certain types of purchases, for example, which can help you accumulate points toward a free cruise more quickly. You may also be able to get many more points by using the card during certain promotional periods, such as introductory offers or holiday periods.

Worth Reading: Here Is How to Get the Best Deal on a Cruise

When using a credit card in the hopes of earning a free cruise, however, beware of certain pitfalls that could cut into your free budget. Cards with hefty annual fees may not be as worthwhile as they seem if it will take longer for you to earn a free cruise, or points may expire before you accrue enough to redeem them for that coveted vacation. So long as you are aware of these conditions and can work around them, however, you can earn a free cruise through your regular credit card spending.

Group Leaders

If you are willing to coordinate group travel, you can qualify for a free cruise as a group leader. Some cruise lines offer free fares based on a certain number of either overall passengers or cabins sold in a group package, and once you reach that threshold, you can cruise for free.

The number of passengers in the group necessary to qualify for group leader freebies can vary, however, based on the cruise line, the itinerary selected, and the types of cabins included in the booking.

Any type of group can help earn free group leader travel, from family reunion, birthday, or anniversary cruises to spring break getaways, company retreats, crafting clubs, church groups, or even just a group of friendly neighbors cruising together. As the group leader, you may be responsible for coordinating among your group to get paperwork submitted, arrange onboard meetings, or otherwise be the go-to person for the group, but then you’re free to enjoy your free cruise.

Onboard Lecturers

If you have a unique expertise you are passionate about, and you’re willing to share that passion with other passengers, you could become an onboard lecturer and cruise for free. Many cruise lines either host or hire expert lecturers and speakers to add an enriching dimension to their activities, and many passengers are surprised and pleased to find a wide range of experts onboard.

Your lecture, talk, or presentation could be focused on either personal or professional expertise. Are you a professional artist? You might teach a class or hold a demonstration onboard. Have you spent years teaching Spanish? You could offer conversational Spanish classes on Mexican cruise itineraries. Are you a marine biologist? A lecture on the fragility of the Great Barrier Reef could be ideal for an Australian cruise. Any type of hobby or career could become a fun new cruise lecture.

There are other options to share your expertise during a cruise that could lead to a free vacation. If you lived in Belize for many years, you might offer a personalized tour of the port for interested passengers. If you’ve always loved card tricks as a hobby, you could roam through the main dining rooms or show lounges during preshow periods to entertain guests with your sleight of hand.

When approaching a cruise line about your services as a guest lecturer, be sure to have firm, reputable documentation of your expertise to show that you’d be a valuable addition to the voyage. If you can tie your presentation to a particular destination, you will make an even stronger case to earn a free cruise.

You must be willing, however, to give up part of your vacation to render the services you’ve promised, such as a lecture or two, guiding a tour, or being available for guest interaction. During the rest of the cruise, you’re free to enjoy your own getaway, but must abide by any restrictions the cruise line requires, such as a standard of dress, wearing a name tag, or avoiding poor behavior.

Luxury Purchases

Some luxury retailers offer incredible incentives for purchases, and those incentives could include a free cruise vacation. Such high-end offers are only paired with extravagant purchases, however, such as buying a new luxury vehicle, a new boat, or even a new house in an elite community. If you are making these purchases you may not be concerned about your vacation budget, but a free cruise can be a great deal if you’re already in the market for such a purchase.

Not every high-end retailer will offer such incredible bonuses, and it is important to understand the limitations of the offers before you assume you will qualify for a free cruise. When buying a luxury vehicle, for example, a free cruise may be available only for new (not pre-owned) vehicle purchases (not leases) of certain makes and models, with certain upgraded packages. Be sure to review all the terms and conditions of these types of offers to ensure they will come with a free cruise.

How Free Is Free?

A free cruise, even under the best of circumstances, isn’t always completely free. Depending on the offer, giveaway, or other conditions, the recipient of a free cruise may still be responsible for paying government taxes, port fees, and fuel surcharges for their cruise, which can add up to several hundred dollars.

Similarly, most free cruises do not include onboard expenses, such as crew gratuities, spa treatments, shore excursions, beverage packages, premium dining, or souvenirs. Some offers may include onboard credit that can be used to help cover those charges, but the onboard credit may be limited or may not be able to be applied to all expenses.

Free cruises don’t always include other necessary travel expenses either. If you live far from the cruise embarkation port, you may still be responsible for your own flights, airport transfers, hotels, or parking charges to arrive at the cruise.

Being aware of these extra charges and how quickly they can add up can help you determine if a free cruise – even if the fare is expensive and would be a great savings – can still be free enough for your vacation budget. The better you understand how free cruise offers work and what they may still cost, the better you will be able to work out a free cruise you can truly enjoy without worrying about the budget.

How to Get From Vancouver Airport to Cruise Port

Gillian Birch
-
0
How to Get From Vancouver Airport to Cruise Port

Most people taking cruises from Vancouver arrive by air at Vancouver International Airport (YVR). There are several ways to get from Vancouver Airport to the cruise port, and we have full details of all the options below. You should allow about 30 minutes for the journey, whether you choose to transfer by road, shuttle, taxi or SkyTrain.

Vancouver Airport is 8 miles (13km) southwest of downtown Vancouver. This award-winning international airport manages at least 22 flights to and from the USA every day, and a further dozen or so from international destinations.

As you would expect of any leading city, the airport is modern and efficient. It has a good choice of transport options for getting to downtown Vancouver and the cruise port.

Taxis

Taxis are always on hand for transfers from Vancouver Airport to the cruise port. On arrival, you will find the taxi stands on Level 2 of the domestic and international Arrivals area.

Fares are calculated by zone on a fixed price basis. The journey takes about 30 minutes, traffic permitting. The standard fare is CAB$35. If you are traveling as a family or group, this is the cheapest and most efficient way to travel to and from the cruise port.

Limousine Meet and Greet

If you want to start your Alaskan cruise in style, you can book a private limousine to sweep you and your luggage in opulent comfort from Vancouver Airport to the cruise port.

Some services include a Meet and Greet service, in which your chauffeur will greet you inside the terminal and assist you and your luggage in getting to the waiting vehicle. For other services, follow signs to the Ground Transportation Area where the limos are waiting just outside the door.

A larger luxury limo vehicle or stretch SUV is a surprisingly cost-effective option for those traveling as a group from Vancouver Airport to the cruise port. Rates with Aerocar are quoted as follows:

  • Limo Sedan CAN$ 64  
  • Luxury SUV (6-seater) CAN$ 77
  • Luxury Van (8-seater) CAN$ 103

Royal Limo and City Limousine also offer an airport service with a gleaming chauffeured limo waiting curbside for you at the airport terminal.

They are customized with all kinds of neat extras, which may include surround sound, Apple TV, a mini-bar with soft drinks (consuming alcohol in a moving vehicle is illegal in BC), leg rests, and heated seats with massage settings.

Your professional driver will provide a discreet and attentive service, making that final leg of your journey particularly comfortable and easy.

All you have to do is sit back, relax and enjoy the VIP service from Vancouver airport to cruise port. Reservations are required and full details are available on the relevant company websites. 

SkyTrain connects Vancouver Airport to Cruise Port

The Canada Line Rapid Transit Sky Train is a very convenient way to get from Vancouver Airport to cruise port. It is the oldest and longest driverless rapid transport system in the world. This fully automated transport system has three lines: The Expo Line, the Millennium Line, and the Canada Line, which connects the airport with the cruise terminal in downtown Vancouver.

Canada Line routes

The Rapid Transport Station at Vancouver Airport is located between the international and domestic terminals; just follow the signs for SkyTrain or Rapid Transport System. There is a covered walkway to the station with escalators and elevators to make the short walk very easy, even with baggage. 

To go from Vancouver Airport to the cruise port, you need to take the Canada Line which has two routes. One route runs from Vancouver Airport to the cruise port on the waterfront and the other route serves the City of Richmond, so make sure you get the sky train in the right direction for your cruise port destination! There are 13 stations on this route, starting with YVR airport.

If you are traveling from the airport to the cruise ship, you will be getting off at the final station, “Waterfront.” From the station, it is an easy 4-minute walk along W. Cordova St and Howe St to Canada Place. 

Frequency/times

The Canada Line SkyTrain journey between Vancouver Airport and the cruise port takes 26 minutes. It runs every 6 minutes at peak times. In the early morning and evening, the service is reduced to every 12 minutes. Late at night and at off-peak times such as weekends and holidays it operates a 20-minute service.

The SkyTrain shuttle service begins at around 5 am (4.48 am from the waterfront and 5.07 am from the airport). Last SkyTrains are around 1 am (1.05 am from the waterfront and 12.56 am from the airport). You certainly won’t have to wait long to travel by this efficient mode of transport.

SkyTrain fares

Fares start at CAN$3 for 90 minutes of travel by SkyTrain in Zone 1. The fare from the airport to downtown cover two zones and starts at CAN$4.25. There is an additional surcharge of CAN$5 YVR Addfare for eastbound trips only from the airport.

Therefore, the cost for an adult one-way trip eastbound from Vancouver airport to cruise port is CAN$9.25 (which includes a YVR surcharge of CAN$5).

The return trip is just CAN$4.25 as the surcharge does not apply to westbound trips from the cruise port to the airport.

How to pay for SkyTrain shuttle transport

The easiest pay to pay is by using a contactless credit card or mobile wallet with a tap-to-pay feature. Tap your card on the reader once when you board the SkyTrain and, most importantly, you tap again when you exit. This way your charge card will only be charged for the length of time you traveled (up to 90 minutes per single fare).

You can also purchase a single-use ticket from vending machines at the SkyTrain station in the airport, or you can purchase a day pass if you want to use public transport (such as buses and other SkyTrain routes) around the city for the rest of the day.

You can pay by Compass Card, which is reloadable, but it is only worth getting a Compass account if you plan to stay in the city for a while. It is valid for SkyTrain, SeaBus and West Coat Express as well as some ferries.  

Cruise Line Shuttles

Some cruise lines operate a shuttle service for cruisers to and from the cruise ship. There is a fee and seats must be booked prior to your arrival. Each cruise line has its own schedule and fees so contact them direct once you have booked your cruise and flight.

Ace Charters runs a daily shuttle service from Vancouver Airport hotels to the cruise port. It has a pick-up/drop-off point outside the Pan Pacific Hotel at Canada Place.

There are several stops along the way at various airport hotels, including the Four Points Sheraton, Holiday Inn Vancouver Airport, Executive Inn, and several others.

It is ideal for those planning an overnight stay before heading to the cruise terminal. Check out the shuttle timetable and book your seat online or call 1-844-776-3722. The fixed price is CAN$18 per person.

Car Rentals

If you plan to spend a few days in Vancouver exploring the area before your cruise, you will find car rental desks for most major car rental companies at the airport.

Avis includes a pick-up and drop-off service and one-way rentals. You can pick up your car on arrival at the airport and drive to Vancouver City along the 99 highway. Once you have finished with your car rental, you can arrange to have it picked up from your hotel or from Canada Place cruise terminal.  

Disabled Facilities at Vancouver Airport and Cruise Port

Vancouver prides itself on being one of the top most livable cities in the world. It ensures that visitors with special needs have easy access to public transport and every facility. Travelers with a disability or mobility issues will find helpful accessibility services at both Vancouver Airport and the Cruise Port.

If you want to rent a mobility scooter for the duration of your cruise, you should book one ahead of time from Scootaround. They also offer wheelchair rentals, powerchairs and oxygen concentrator rentals. Call 1-888-441-7575 to book your rentals which will be delivered to Canada Place Cruise terminal ready for your sailing.

Vancouver Airport

You can arrange a wheelchair for use within the public areas of the airport. You should contact your airline representative to arrange this. Service counters are adapted for wheeled mobility users and restaurants have seating with and without arms.

The airport also has a 15-minute curbside parking rule for vehicles with an official disabled badge to allow for passenger and luggage pick-up and drop-off. The airport terminal has low resistance carpeting for easier movement for wheeled mobility devices and those using walking aids. There are also disabled-accessible washrooms and toilets with an emergency call button.

Cruise Port

The award-winning cruise terminal at Canada Place is designed to make it easy for everyone to navigate the terminal, even those with wheeled mobility devices or special needs.

If you have any special requirements or need assistance during embarkation and debarkation you should contact your cruise line ahead of time. On arrival at the Canada Place Cruise Terminal, the Information Desk will be able to assist with any inquiries regarding special passenger needs.

Steering Clear of a Nightmare: 15 Tips for What Not to Do on a Cruise

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
Steering Clear of a Nightmare: 15 Tips for What Not to Do on a Cruise

A cruise can be a phenomenal vacation filled with excitement, luxury, and adventure, but only if you make the most of your oceangoing getaway without tripping over common pitfalls. Whether this is your first cruise or you are a seasoned cruiser, these 15 mistakes can quickly sink your vacation plans.

1. Skipping Your Pre-Cruise Research

Every cruise line has a different character and offers different experiences to its passengers. If you don’t research cruise lines before you book, you might end up on a party boat when you’d prefer a more sedate vacation, or your could find yourself on a minimalist ship when you wanted to try all the newest innovations at sea.

Investigate each cruise line, individual ships, types of staterooms, onboard options, and ports of call to be sure you’re planning a vacation that meets your needs and preferences.

2. Overpacking

Cruise ship cabins are smaller than typical hotel rooms, and storage space is at a premium. Instead of packing a multitude of options for your casual wear, poolside outfits, formal attire, and all the accessories that go with each ensemble, choose versatile items that won’t take up as much luggage space. Similarly, minimize other gear you pack, and be sure to save room in your luggage for must-have souvenirs.

Also Read: Top 30 Cruise Accessories You’ll Want to Have Packed

3. Missing the Muster Drill

Every cruise ship holds a mandatory safety drill before setting sail. This procedure is required by maritime law and familiarizes passengers with emergency situations such as alarm tones, where to evacuate to a lifeboat, and how to properly wear a life vest.

Lifeboat drill
Lifeboat Drill

Passengers who skip this drill could delay the ship’s departure and may even be put off the ship for noncompliance. The drill only takes a half-hour or so, and is well worth the time to start your vacation safely.

4. Waiting to Book Shore Excursions

Popular tours in ports of call can sell out quickly, and if you wait until just a few hours before arriving at the port to reserve your space on an excursion, you may find yourself left behind while other passengers have a great time.

Shore tours for any port can be booked as soon as you board the ship, and many cruise lines even let you book tours online several days or weeks before embarkation, ensuring your reservation for those can’t-miss experiences.

5. Missing One-Time Opportunities

Just like missing out on shore tours, it is possible to miss out on one-time-only experiences on board the ship. Many popular shows, for example, may have just one or two performances and will not be repeated later in the trip.

Oasis of the Seas Caribbean Pool Deck
Photo: Royal Caribbean

Similarly, themed events such as dance parties, specialized contests, and comedy performances are often offered just once. Check the ship’s daily schedule closely for details on each day’s options and use onboard apps to remind yourself not to miss those experiences.

6. Getting Drunk

It’s perfectly natural to want to imbibe on vacation, whether that means a morning mimosa, lounging by the pool with the drink-of-the-day, enjoying a cocktail before dinner, or tossing back a few beers in the sports bar.

Take care not to get outlandishly drunk, however, which can have dire consequences on a cruise ship. Not only do you risk seasickness, but if you need most of the next day to recover from overindulging, you’ll miss out on everything the ship and ports offer while your hangover is in control.

7. Overeating

With food easily available from buffets, pizzerias, candy shops, ice cream machines, sushi bars, room service, and many other delicious options, you could quickly make yourself sick on too much deliciousness.

Lido Dining Food

Furthermore, you might inadvertently gain a few pounds on your cruise, making that tight dress or snug dress slacks uncomfortable or even impossible to wear on formal night. Do feel free to taste, but know your dining limits just like you know your drinking limits.

8. Littering

Littering is no more acceptable on a cruise ship than it is on land. All trash and waste should be properly disposed of, and no materials should ever be tossed overboard.

In fact, tossing items overboard is illegal and could be cause to be removed from the ship at the closest opportunity, even left in an unfamiliar port of call for violating the ship’s littering laws. Pick up after yourself, and if you aren’t sure where to place trash, ask a nearby crew member and they’ll be happy to help.

9. Rudeness to the Crew

Every member of a cruise ship’s crew, from the officers to the bartenders to the stewards, works hard to offer guests a memorable and enjoyable vacation. There is no excuse for being rude to the crew, even inadvertently.

Take care to make life easier for your cabin steward, and always be polite to all crew members, even if you’re dealing with an unpleasant situation or need to register a complaint. Greet crew with a friendly smile, don’t interrupt their work, and be genuine with your thanks.

10. Letting Children Run Free

Even parents need time off on vacation, but it is never a good idea to let children run free on a cruise ship. There are many places on a ship where unsupervised children could get into trouble or even be in danger, and it’s easy for children to get frightened and lost on the very largest ships.

Quantum of the Seas Theater (Photo: Emrys Thakkar)

Furthermore, it’s rude to other passengers to allow children to take over inappropriate areas, such as designated adults-only areas, elevators, or hot tubs where supervision is required.

11. Overspending

Because most cruise ships operate on a cashless system where your ship ID card is also a charge card for onboard purchases, it can be easy to let your spending get out of control.

Shops Onboard Quantum of the Seas
Shops Onboard Quantum of the Seas (Photo: Emrys Thakkar)

You don’t want that unpleasant surprise at the end of the cruise, however, so be aware of how much you may be spending at the bar, in souvenir shops, on shore tours, at the photo gallery, or on any other extras throughout the cruise. Savvy spending can ensure you enjoy your cruise while you stay on budget.

12. Cramming Too Much In

With so much to see and do on a cruise ship, it can be overwhelming and you may be tempted to try everything at once so you don’t miss out. If you do too much right away, however, you may find yourself too exhausted the next day to join in new activities, or you may be too sore to be part of shore tours, deck games, or dance parties.

Cruise Ship Deck
Cruise Ship Deck

Know your limits each day, and enjoy trying new activities and having fun without pushing yourself to injury, illness, or exhaustion.

13. Breaking Rules or Guidelines

Cruise ships do have rules, and guests need to obey posted guidelines and restrictions as well as any orders from officers and crew members.

Cruise Passenger on Aurora Railings
Photo By: Nick Corben

Stay out of restricted “crew only” areas, pay attention to crew directions, and avoid fights and other poor behavior, or you may find yourself in the ship’s brig, facing fines or other penalties, or even removed from the ship and banned from returning on future cruises.

14. Missing the Ship

You won’t have much fun on your cruise if you literally miss the boat, whether being late for embarkation or misjudging the time in a port of call. Cruise ships operate on precise schedules and will not wait for tardy passengers.

Related: Top 6 Videos Of Cruise Passengers Missing The Ship

Book your travel plans to account for possible delays when you arrive, and when in port, be sure you stay on “ship time” to get back on board before departure.

15. Staying in Your Comfort Zone

One of the biggest mistakes you can make on any cruise vacation is staying completely in your comfort zone. Cruise ships and different ports of call offer a wide array of opportunities to try new foods, enjoy a new drink, take on an unusual adventure, discover a new culture, and more.

Make the most of your cruise vacation by setting sail with confidence and trying something new to make it a truly memorable and amazing getaway!

Here Are Five Carnival Cruise Ships That Might Be Sold Soon

Emrys Thakkar
-
0
Here Are Five Carnival Cruise Ships That Might Be Sold Soon

These are the Carnival cruise ships that might be sold soon due to the impact of the suspension of cruise operations.

Carnival Cruise Ships That Could Be Sold

Cruise Hive recently reported on parent company the Carnival Corporation, which had plans to dispose of cruise ships due to the impact on the business from the suspension of operations around the world. The company mentioned that six cruise ships across its nine cruise brands already have agreements in place to be sold or scrapped before the end of 2020.

The cruise company also hinted that even more cruise ships could go to help cruise brands ride out the suspension of sailings and keep the fleet maintained until cruises do eventually resume. When Carnival Corp revealed this information no specific ships were mentioned but recently a number of vessels have started to pop up on vessel brokerage sites. We also know some of the ships such as the Carnival Fantasy have already been open to purchase for sometime before the health crisis hit.

Before getting into which cruise ships might be sold off it is important to know that nothing has actually been confirmed by the cruise line and even though some ships have recently appeared on brokerage sites nothing is yet set in stone until an official announcement.

Carnival Fantasy

It comes as no surprise the Carnival Fantasy is listed to be sold off. The ship is currently the oldest in the fleet and joined the fleet all the way back in 1990. The vessel is currently listed here for $100 million.

The ship last underwent a refurbishment in 2019 but it wasn’t a major update and mainly just general maintenance and essentials. Carnival Fantasy was built in Finland and is 70,367 gross tons with a passenger capacity of 2,056 at double occupancy.

Before Carnival Cruise Line voluntary suspended cruise operations the vessel was sailing out of the Port of Mobile in Alabama. The vessel is set to stop sailing from the port once Carnival Fascination takes over in 2022. That could allow the ship to be disposed of much earlier if needed.

Carnival Ecstasy

The Carnival cruise ship is the second oldest in the fleet and entered service in 1991. The ship is currently listed for sale on the Ferry & Cruise Shipbrokers web site. Carnival Ecstasy was cruising out Jacksonville, Florida before the pause on cruises.

The ship is 70,367 gross tons and has a guest capacity of 2,056 at double occupancy. Her most recent upgrade was in October 2019 which was mainly general maintenance with the only real highlight of a new Bonsai Sushi Express being added.

Carnival Elation

The cruise ship is up for sale right here at Yacht World and the current price for the ship is $250 million. The vessel joined the Carnival fleet in 1998 and is one of the newest in the Fantasy-class at 71,909 gross tons and a guest capacity of 2,190 at double occupancy. The ship is based out of Port Canaveral, Florida.

Carnival Inspiration

Carnival Inspiration is another of the Fantasy-class vessels but this ship is among the newest in the class and entered service in 1996. Just like her sister ships, she is starting to show her age and fall behind compared to the newer more advanced vessels now entering service.

The vessel is listed on Yacht World and currently for sale for $155 million. The ship is also listed right here on the popular Ferry & Cruise Shipbroker site for a higher $200 Million. Carnival Inspiration is 70,367 gross tons and has a guest capacity of over 2,000 at double occupancy.

Carnival Sunrise

The most surprising Carnival ship now up for sale is the Carnival Sunrise. The ship is part of the Sunshine-class and underwent a huge transformation from the Carnival Triumph in Spring 2019. The ship which originally entered service for the cruise line in 1999 is up for sale at Ferry & Cruise Shipbrokers for $350 million. However, since the listing was first found it has been removed which could mean an agreement has been made or Carnival has decided to remove for another reason.

Carnival Sunrise is based out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida and hopefully, we’ll know soon if the ship will continue to sail from there. The ship which is almost identical to the Carnival Sunshine is 101,509 gross tons and has a passenger capacity of 2,984 at double occupancy.

Final Thoughts

We’ll just have to wait and see which Carnival cruise ships will actually be sold off if any at all! The Carnival Corporation owns nine cruise lines so we could see vessels from other fleets go first.

We could be seeing even more ships disposed of in early 2021 and it also depends on what buyers the cruise company can find. There is no doubt the suspension of cruise operations around the world is also severely impacting the smaller lines which were hoping to grow before the crisis hit.

Carnival Cruise Line has cancelled cruises from the United States through September 30 which follows the announcement by the Cruise Lines International Association late last week that its member lines will suspend cruises from U.S. ports through September 15, 2020.

Carnival’s New Mardi Gras Cruise Ship Delayed Until February 2021

Emrys Thakkar
-
0
Carnival’s New Mardi Gras Cruise Ship Delayed Until February 2021

Carnival Cruise Line has revealed that the new Mardi Gras cruise ship won’t be arriving until February 2021, and all of the ship’s cruises until then are cancelled.

Carnival Mardi Gras Cruises Cancelled

The Miami-based cruise line has revealed and confirmed much speculation that the new Mardi Gras cruise ship has been delayed. The largest-ever cruise ship to be constructed for Carnival now won’t be arriving until February 2021.

The ship, which is the first in the fleet powered by Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG), will debut out of Port Canaveral on February 6, 2021. That means all previously planned cruises from November 14, 2020 to January 30, 2021 are cancelled.

Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line, said:

“While we had hoped to make up construction time on Mardi Gras over the summer, it’s clear we will need extra time to complete this magnificent ship.  We share our guests’ disappointment and appreciate their patience as we work through this unprecedented time in our business and the lives of so many people.  We remain committed to working with government, public health and industry officials to support the response to the pandemic and to return to operations when the time is right.”

The cruise line has already started to send out communications to those guests impacted by the cancelled sailings. Compensation is being offered in the form of a 100% Future Cruise Credit along with $600 of onboard credit per stateroom if a new cruise is booked by May 31, 2021. Cruise Hive readers can read the full communication from Carnival below:

This news comes as no surprise as Carnival has already said in the last few weeks that new cruise ship deliveries will need to be delayed. This also applies to other new ships for sister brands, including the new P&O Iona for P&O Cruises in the UK.

Mardi Gras is currently in the final stages of construction at the Meyer Turku shipyard in Finland. The yard has been hit by the global crisis, which has resulted in work being delayed on the vessel. The suspension of cruise operations has also not helped and cruise lines are struggling to come up with funds to keep the business going.

It’s pretty bad news for those guests who were looking forward to enjoying one of the most advanced and newest ships in the world. Mardi Gras features the world’s first roller coaster at sea, which has been much anticipated along with many new onboard spaces and experiences.

Some guests have been hit even harder after they re-booked the Mardi Gras for a second time before next year. This is because the ship has already been delayed once due to the complex construction of the ship.

She was originally scheduled to debut on August 31, 2020, out of Copenhagen. The date was then pushed back to debut out of Port Canaveral on November 14, 2020. Let’s hope the further delay will be the last and cruisers can enjoy the new mega-ship next year.

Mardi Gras will be 180,800 gross tons and have a guest capacity of 5,282 at double occupancy, along with 1,735 crew members.

Could These Two Carnival Cruise Ships Be Heading to the Scrapyard?

Emrys Thakkar
-
0
Could These Two Carnival Cruise Ships Be Heading to the Scrapyard?

Heavy equipment is being unloaded from two Fantasy class cruise ships operated by Carnival Cruise Line, possibly a hint that they could be about to leave the fleet.

Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Inspiration Leaving?

There have been some rumors over the past few days of two Carnival cruise ships that might become the first to leave the fleet. It seems that the Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Inspiration could be the first to go as work has already started on preparing the ships.

According to the Curacao Ports Authority, both ships are currently docked in Brion Wharf in Willemstad and apparently heavy equipment is being unloaded. This is often a sign that a ship will be scrapped and possibly sold off.

Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Inspiration moored at the container terminal for unloading heavy equipment.

Posted by Curaçao Ports Authority on Saturday, July 11, 2020

For Carnival Fantasy it is looking like she will be scrapped as according to cruise ship trackers, her next destination after Curacao will be Izmir, Turkey. Just north of Izmir is the Aliaga scrapyard which is where many cruise ships sadly go to be scrapped.

It comes as no surprise for the Carnival Fantasy as she is currently the oldest ship in the fleet and parent company Carnival Corp has already announced that a total of 13 cruise ships across its nine brands will be disposed of.

Before Carnival Cruise Line suspended operations in March 2020, the Carnival Fantasy was based out of the Port of Mobile in Alabama. The ship was originally scheduled to continue sailing from there until Carnival Fascination was to take over in 2022 but now it seems the vessel will be disposed of much earlier.

Carnival Inspiration is usually based out of Long Beach sailing short Mexican Riveria cruises. Both vessels have also been featured on ship brokerage sites with Carnival Fantasy already being listed for a while before the health crisis hit.

Related: 11 Ways You Can Enjoy a Carnival Inspiration Cruise

The cruise line has not yet confirmed which ships will be leaving the fleet but hopefully soon an announcement will be made. Some concerned cruisers have already asked Carnival Cruise Line Ambassador John Heald about the two vessels but he does not yet know any details.

Carnival Fantasy was the first in her class and was delivered in 1990 taking the cruise line into a new era of cruise design. The ship’s most recent dry dock took place in January 2019. She’s 70,367 gross tons and has a guest capacity of 2,056 at double occupancy along with 920 crew members.

Carnival Inspiration entered service in 1996 and continues the Fantasy-class design. The ship last underwent a dry dock in November 2018 and that could have been the final one. The ship is 70,367 gross tons with a passenger capacity of 2,054 at double occupancy. The vessel also has a capacity of 920 crew members.

Also Read: Here Are Five Carnival Cruise Ships That Might Be Sold Soon

Carnival Cruise Line has currently suspended cruises from the United States through September 2020. The first sailings are set to commence in October and will be phased in. Carnival is also working with the relevant authorities to introduce new health measures for when cruises resume.

Seems the Carnival Inspiration is Heading to Be Scrapped

Emrys Thakkar
-
0
Seems the Carnival Inspiration is Heading to Be Scrapped

Carnival Inspiration is currently heading towards the scrapyard in Turkey after already being stripped of important items and equipment.

Is Carnival Inspiration Being Scrapped?

Even though Carnival Cruise Line has not yet announced anything, it’s pretty much confirmed that Carnival Inspiration will become the second ship in the fleet to be scrapped.

Related: Could These Two Carnival Cruise Ships Be Heading to the Scrapyard?

After spending several days docked at the Brion Wharf in Willemstad, Curacao the ship has now departed the southern Caribbean island and her heading is Izmir, Turkey. Just north is the large ship breaking facility at Aliaga, a place which is often the final destination for cruise ships.

According to the Cruise Ship Tracker, her destination is showing Izmir, Turkey, which is following in the footsteps of other recent cruise ships that are being scrapped. She’s already been stripped of all the important things at the cargo dock in Curacao which the port recently confirmed.

Carnival Inspiration is following sister ship Carnival Fantasy which has also been sold and scrapped. Carnival Fantasy already departed the Caribbean island and currently heading across the Atlantic to Turkey.

It’s a sad ending for Carnival Inspiration as one of the oldest in the fleet but due to the suspension of cruise operations, it was to be expected. Parent company Carnival Corp already announced that a total of 13 vessels across its cruise brands would be disposed of and nine of them in 90 days.

The ship follows other vessels that have been confirmed to leave Carnival Corporation, including MS Maasdam, MS Veendam, MS Amsterdam, MS Rotterdam, Oceana, Costa Victoria, and Costa neoRomantica. Carnival Fantasy is also leaving but the cruise line has not yet announced it.

Also Read: Here Are Five Carnival Cruise Ships That Might Be Sold Soon

Carnival Inspiration was delivered to Carnival Cruise Line in 1996 is part of the popular Fantasy-class. She has a gross tonnage of 70,367 and has a guest capacity of 2,697 at double occupancy, along with 920 crew members. The ship’s last refurbishment was in 2018 and another dry dock was scheduled for 2021.

Photo Credit: Stories In Light / Shutterstock.com

How to Speed Up Your Cruise Refund

Melissa Mayntz
-
0
How to Speed Up Your Cruise Refund

Is it possible to speed up your refund from a cancelled cruise vacation? Yes, if you are prepared for the refund process and use easy tricks to make the refund more efficient.

Why Refunds Take So Long

With the global COVID-19 pandemic continuing and more cruises being cancelled as case numbers grow, ports of call implement travel restrictions, and new cruise ships get delayed, you may be wondering where your cruise refund is and how you can speed up the refund process.

It can take several weeks or months to fully process a cruise travel refund, particularly if the refund involves multiple passengers, several cabins, or complicated booking with add-on drink packages, pre-booked tours, spa appointments, airfare, and airport transfers.

This is an unprecedented time for the cruise industry as sailings are cancelled around the world, and cruise lines are working diligently to refund fares as efficiently as possible. When a refund may involve multiple time zones, different currencies, different banking regulations, and other complications, however, it can be a tricky and time-consuming process. Fortunately, you can speed up your refund.

Do You Need Your Refund?

Many cruise lines are offering passengers incentives to pass up a refund. Special deals like future cruise credits with bonus amounts, often up to 125% of the initial fare, can be a great bargain for cruise travelers in lieu of straight refunds.

While the exact offers vary for different cruise lines and impacted sailings, other deals may include onboard credit based on the cabin type, cabin upgrades, or other incentives for rebooking or postponing a cruise instead of requesting a refund.

These incentive offers are typically the default choice when a cruise is cancelled at this time, so passengers who want to take advantage of the special bonuses do not need to take any extra steps to receive them. These offers will process automatically and be available for passengers to use on future sailings.

It is important to note that these bonus offers only apply to the cruise fare itself. Extra charges, including taxes and port fees, will still be refunded to all passengers.

Many passengers, however, may prefer to request a refund instead of using these incentive offers. This may be true for guests who simply prefer not to sail because of the uncertainty in the industry, or whose cruise plans may have been dramatically altered because of ship repositionings, altered itineraries, or personal economics that mean a cruise vacation is no longer possible.

No matter what the reason, every passenger is entitled to request a full refund of their cruise fare.

Speeding Up Your Cruise Refund

The first step to speeding up your cruise refund is to request a full refund immediately, as soon as your cruise is cancelled. This will start the process right away so you can get your money back more quickly.

There are several ways you can request a refund, depending on the cruise line. Some cruise lines have set up dedicated online forms for refund requests, or you can call customer service hotlines to submit your request to a representative. If you booked your cruise through a travel agent, you should check with your agent for the best procedure for requesting a full refund.

If you call to speak with a representative, try calling outside peak hours to shorten wait times. Calling earlier in the day or later in the evening will generally mean less time spent on hold, so you can speak with a representative more quickly.

Note, however, that different cruise lines have different hours of operation for service calls, and you will need to call during those available hours.

If you’ve booked your cruise travel through a travel agent, your agent may have access to different customer service phone numbers or representative extensions. Using those numbers can make your call a higher priority and you may be able to speak to someone sooner than by calling a general number.

Likewise, if you are a priority past passenger with the cruise line, calling a number dedicated to your passenger status can be helpful to get in touch with a representative more quickly.

When you call to speed up your refund, it is helpful if you have all the numbers associated with your cruise immediately available. This includes:

  • Reservation or confirmation number of the booking
  • The date you booked or paid for the cruise
  • Sailing date for the cancelled cruise
  • Past passenger program numbers, if applicable
  • Credit card or banking numbers for how you paid for the cruise
  • Identification numbers for all passengers, such as birthdates

Additionally, you should know the cruise fare breakdown for each passenger’s fare. For example, some cruise lines offer deals where the second, third, or fourth passengers in the same cabin receive dramatically reduced fares, so the amount of refund in each passenger’s name may be different.

Also knowing the amount of the total cost that is attributed to taxes and port fees can help you be certain that your refund is processed completely, as different parts of the refund may be processed at different times.

Once you are on the phone waiting to speak with a representative, be patient. Hold times can be extensive when hundreds or thousands of cruise passengers are calling for refund assistance, booking questions, and other concerns.

If you have a speakerphone option, you can use that to avoid holding your phone to your ear for long periods as you wait to connect with a representative.

When you connect with a customer service representative, remain calm and polite with them at all times. Many representatives are working remotely rather than in their offices, and their connections may not be as clear or their computers could lag more than if all office operations were fully open. Make sure you speak clearly and stay patient with further holds as they look up your information and investigate the status of your refund.

As you speak with a cruise line representative, take notes about their progress. Be sure to get their name and employee number if possible, as well as a direct phone extension, so you can reconnect with them immediately if the call is accidentally disconnected.

This can also help if you need to make multiple calls regarding the same refund, as you’ll have notes on what progress has already been made and what the result was of each call. Note the dates and times you’ve called, how long each call lasted, and any reference numbers regarding the call so your records can be accessed quickly in future calls.

It will take time to get a cruise refund fully processed, and you may need to call again in a few days or weeks if your refund does not seem to be moving forward. Be in touch with your credit card company or bank to check on any in-progress refunds or charge reversals, and be prepared to call the cruise line again for an update on the refund’s progress. After your first call, note when they recommend you call again, and respect that timeline for further contact.

Be Patient

It can be difficult to wait on a cruise vacation refund when economic times have shifted and it can be difficult to meet other bills or you may have lost a job or significant income due to the coronavirus pandemic.

It can take 90 days or more to process a cruise refund, but if you call customer service and work with them politely, it is possible to resolve your refund more quickly. Remaining patient is essential, and eventually, all the parts of your refund will be successfully accounted for.

Photo Credit: StudioPortoSabbia / Shutterstock.com

Two Former Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships Beached Ready for Scrapping

Emrys Thakkar
-
0
Two Former Royal Caribbean Cruise Ships Beached Ready for Scrapping

Two former Royal Caribbean cruise ships have been beached in Turkey ready to be scrapped, new video footage shows the moment.

Sovereign and Monarch Reach End of the Line

As seen in the above photo by Nautica Goods, two cruise ships that have been covered a lot recently since operator Pullmantur Cruises went out of business have now reached the end of the line at the Aliaga ship breaking facility in Turkey.

Monarch, which is formerly known as Monarch of the Seas, was beached yesterday at Aliaga, which is just north of Izmir in Turkey. The last remaining crew members, apart from the essentials, were already transferred to Celerity Infinity. The crew will be taken on by Royal Caribbean, which is some good news. Valuable items and equipment were already removed when the ship was docked in Naples recently.

Worth Reading: Former Royal Caribbean Ship Beached for Scrapping in India

Video footage has been captured of the moment the Monarch was beached and the final time the engine will be used as she’ll be taken apart bit by bit. A sad ending for a vessel that has such a long history, which those who love cruise ships will appreciate.

This morning sister ship Sovereign which is also formally known as Sovereign of the Seas was beached too. The ship will now await scrapping after already being stripped of important items in Naples, Italy recently. The crew were already transferred to the Celebrity Constellation cruise ship on July 20.

Another vessel which was part of the Pullmantur fleet named Horizon is just one step behind and also set to be scrapped. The ship is current off the Greek coast after being stripped of all important items. The ship will soon join Monarch and Sovereign on the beach at Aliaga.

Also Read: Which Cruise Ships are Being Scrapped or Sold Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic?

Pullmantur was forced to close its business due to the impact of the suspension of operations. The Spanish cruise line was no longer able to continue and Royal Caribbean partly owned the operator and took back control of the fleet before selling the ships for scrap.

A lot of memories for many cruisers on these ships. Sovereign of the Seas was first in her class and at the time she entered service in 1987 was the new mega-ship of the industry. The vessel was constructed at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique in France and is over 73,500 gross tons with a passenger capacity of over over 2,800 at double occupancy

More From Cruise Hive

Monarch of the Seas was the second in the Sovereign-class for Royal Caribbean and was also built at the Chantiers de l’Atlantique shipyard. The ship debuted in 1991 and is over 73,900 gross tons with a guest capacity of over 2,700.

Main Photo Credit: Nautica Goods

1...454647...611Page 46 of 611