Cruise Addicts Read On...

Not sure if most of you would understand this extremely frustrating feeling?

These are my address tags for my suitcases.  It's completely true.  I will do almost anything to cruise. (Hey!  Keep it clean now...)  Sometimes I get this OVERWHELMING desire to cruise.  I can't seem to help it.  After the number of cruises I've been on, (14 with one booked)  you'd think that I would have gotten it out of my system, right?  I'm afraid that's not true.  Today, I've spent the morning trying to price a 5 night cruise for either early December or March of 2015.  Now I know that I can't go...but it's just that I have such a yearning to go.  Like an addict, the need to cruise is so overwhelming that while my brain ticks off the many to-do lists for my home, my heart only sees one thing, a future cruise.  

I'm sure I drive my hubby insane with it.  Patient man, that one!  He loves to cruise but not in the obsessive way that I do.  Here's my office at work for example.

I truly have a sickness...I'm a cruising addict. I have to send myself to cruisers anonymous.  Hi, my name is Mary and I'm an addict!

Happy Cruising!
Mary

Will the Upgrade Fairy hit you on your next cruise? One can only hope!

I've been talking to my friend, Anna, who has a cruise coming up on the Allure of the Seas.  I've also helped a friend book a cruise on the NCL Getaway.  I, myself, have cruised Carnival, Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and AMA Waterways river cruise in Europe.

Pete, the NCL Getaway cruiser, was looking for the best rate he could get for his money.  I had him book an aft (back of ship) mini-suite for a decent price for a 7 day cruise.  It was $300 more than a balcony but I had my reasons.  

Firstly, he is cruising in early February and that is prime time for a chance that the upgrade fairy might hit, or at the least a chance for an upsell. I know what you're thinking...just what is an upsell?  It's the chance to upgrade at a nominal fee.  

When I took my boyfriend-now hubby- on his first cruise on NCL Jewel, I also booked an aft mini.  We cruised the end of January and kept asking if an upsell was possible, please CALL ME!! And she did!  I was able to go from the mini-suite to a forward facing PENTHOUSE!  Yes, I'm yelling this because I was so excited.  What did I pay?  A measly $300 total.   This is what that $300 bought me:

We could have had a party for 35 people and we would have had room to spare.  The suite was #9500 and it came with a butler (Maurice) and a concierge (Alex) and the best room stewards I've ever had.  It spoiled my hubby for life since it was his first cruise.

So new or fellow cruisers, what does this mean to you?  

First, always let your travel agent (TA) know that you would love the chance for an upgrade or upsell.  Some cruise lines are more likely than others o give them out.  My thoughts:

• Choose the time of year wisely.  Oct/Nov, Jan/Feb are the least expensive times to cruise for a reason.  Most ships aren't booked and they are more likely to give you that much coveted upgrade.  
• Cruise lines usually upgrade from inside to outside room, outside to balcony, balcony to mini-suite, and mini-suite to better suite.  By booking either a guaranteed rate (you can't pick the room but you have a much better chance of a better room or suite), or a coveted room like the aft or hump (areas in demand).
• Remember, be happy with whatever you book because the upgrade/upsell fairy is very choosy.
• Most importantly, I always prefer a suite but I am happy cruising in a shoebox if that's all I get.  A cruise is a cruise and that beats ANY DAY working!

IF you have any questions, please let me know.  I'm not a travel agent but a complete cruise addict.

Happy Cruising!
Mary

Choosing the best stateroom for YOU.

Not all cruisers thing alike. (What? Shocker!) Some must have suites, and some prefer to save their money and get a low-budget inside room.  There are middle roads as well, balcony staterooms and outside cabins with a window.

On some ships, mainly Royal Caribbean's Voyager, Freedom and Oasis class ships you can get a Promenade stateroom.  What's that you ask?  You did ask right?? Promenade staterooms are slightly more expensive than an inside room but make a huge difference.  The biggest complaint about an inside room is the lack of light.  Once you turn off the light your room is black as a tomb.   One way to fix that is to turn the tv onto the bridge cam, turn down the sound and as the sun comes up your room will slowly get lighter.  

To me, the best way is to get a Promenade room.  It looks out over the Royal Promenade and it's the best people watching rooms there are.  (Of course, the Oasis class also has two other people watching neighborhoods-Boardwalk and Central Park.)

As you can see, there are promenade staterooms across the promenade so when you want privacy, keep your curtains closed.  I found out the hard way!!!

From the promenade, you will see the rooms here:

 

My hubby and I really like a balcony but the next time I cruise with a friend or family member, I'm booking this room again.  I really loved it.  Hope you will,too.

Happy Cruising, Mary

Have a flexible schedule and SAVE!

Many times I've seen amazing deals on cruises. Usually the cruise is perhaps a month out or even a week away. Do you have the kind of lifestyle that allows you to cruise at a moments/weeks/month notice?

There is an online travel sight that has a 90 day ticker.  I sometimes go there and dream about where I can cruise in a week or a month.  I have the mindset that can pack and go in two seconds flat.  However, my work, my family may not second my idea.

However, if you live in a home port area, (Florida, Baltimore, New Orleans, Houston, London, etc.) you should consider this as a way to save on your next cruise.  Airfare significantly increases your vacation budget (I know, I live in northern Michigan where the closest major airport is a 5 hour drive...sigh.) so if you can do without that component, you're already ahead of the game.

Check your favorite cruise line and do a dummy booking to see if you'll save on a cruise that is within two months.  I retire in 4 years with plenty of good years ahead of me, God willing, and I plan to move to Florida as soon as I can.  

Happy Cruising!
Mary

Oh the things you can think!

A new ship is always a cause for celebration.  Not for everyone, some feel the ship doesn't compare to  their latest and greatest, or it my too large for their taste.  However, seeing a ship cruise from it's shipyard to it's new home port is a wonderful feeling.  (If you're a cruise addict...ahem....)  There is nothing more romantic that taking an inaugural cruise.  I've done it once but then I had kids to raise.  I love the klingons (kids) but for many years I couldn't afford to cruise what with braces, prom gowns, and then college.

Quantum of the Seas will sail on her inaugural voyage from the UK on November 2. 2014.   I wish I could say I was sailing on Lady Quantum but...alas...I am not.  I could only wish!

She is very different from the Oasis class and is actually smaller.  For a line who always seems to enlarge their ships with each class, this is something new.  Also, this is the first ship since the Voyager class to be missing the Royal Promenade.  What?  What, you say?  No Royal Promenade?  I admit that I love the promenade.  I have a real crush on it.  However, I would live without it and would like to see this new ship.

What's so new you ask?  It's the first ship at sea to have bumper cars, The RipCord, a skydive simulator (oh that's so me!!) and the North Star, a giant arm to bring you up and over the side of the ship. YESSSSS!  I'm not an adrenaline junkie but I'm not afraid of heights, which is why this appeals to me.  

It's not just about the fun new innovations either.  The dining system is completely new on Quantum.  Instead of set dining times, or even My Time Dining, this will feature many restaurants in which to take you pick.

Quantum (and next, Anthem) will peak your interest and feed your inner child at the same time.  I hope to sail on her ...anyone have money to spare?  Send me on the Quantum!!

Cruise Critic complainers running rampant!

I'm completely OCD about cruise planning.  I don't even talk about it with others because they aren't fervent cruise addicts like I am.  However, where I can find other like myself is Cruise Critic.

I love to research, check out reviews, see who has been visited by the Upgrade Fairy, etc.  I really can't get enough of the live cruise reviews, those brave people who count on the good (or bad) wifi on board to post an amazing amount of pictures and their play by play of the cruise.  I, for one, am too busy enjoying a fruity drink and enjoying the sun to post one during the cruise.  I suppose I should try it someday.

One of the recent few threads has been about complaints with the cruise line.  I feel if there is a valid complaint it should be stated and look for a solution.  Some people, however, have the silliest complaints!  To me, a cruise is something close to heaven and therefore there is little I complain about.  Wait a minute, there is NOTHING I complain about.

I think you have to take it for what is is--a amazing vacation on the high seas with plenty of sun, music, food and fun.  Oh and drinks...but mine are mostly the virgin kind.


There have been some really good sales lately.  Some sales aren't really sales...but this one was a great deal.  If you're in the market for a cruise, really do the math, compare apples to apples and get the best discount you can.  That way you have more money to spend onboard or in port.  In my estimation...it's ALL good!

Happy Cruising, Mary

Southern Caribbean

There is fantastic sales going on right now in the cruising world! Royal Caribbean has a bogo sale. ( Buy one get the second person half off!) Norwegian Ceuise Line has a deal if you're interested in cruising around Hawaii-2 nights hotel (Marriott Waikiki which we stayed at last year) and airfare (certain regions) for free with the cruise!

We took advantage of the RCI sale and  booked a cruise with another couple for the southern Caribbean route on Adventure of the Seas. We booked connecting Grand Suites, our first with Royal Caribbean!  Previously we had an upsell from NCL from a mini-suite to a penthouse for $300 totaL. It was amazing!!

Happy Mother's Day and Happy Cruising!  Mary 

Cruising IS a safe and fun mode of travel

With this horrible tragedy going on in Korea, it's understanding why some people would be afraid to get on a cruise ship.

 Let me put your fears to rest. Cruising is one of the safest modes of travel -not to mention the fact that you're going to be fed well, have a great time, see wonderful sites and be pampered better than any other place I know.

My heart goes out to the families in Korea for their senseless loss. Don't let the act of a few people who mishandled this ferry to keep you from a cruise. 

Happy Cruising, Mary

I want to cruise...but how?

Do you ever look at various cruise lines or cruise ships and are confused on what to book?  Each cruise line has their own benefits and quirks.  Some are always more expensive BUT you won't get nickle and dimed to death.  Some have a better itinerary BUT you may pay more for that vs. other itineraries.
Do I choose the 7 night cruise or pay a little more for an 8 night? (I would choose the 100 night cruise if I could afford it!)  

Regarding a Caribbean cruise, you can choose from Southern Caribbean, Western Caribbean or Eastern Caribbean.  Southern Caribbean is affordable but most cruise out of the San Juan port which means airfare could cost more.  The western Caribbean cruise will usually be less expensive than an eastern Caribbean cruise.  I prefer eastern to western but have done both.  The most beautiful port on an eastern Caribbean cruise is St. Thomas.  It is breathtaking to wake up in the morning, stroll out onto the deck and see that landscape.  

Western Caribbean itinerary best port (to me) is Ocho Rios, Jamaica.  Beautiful!! 

You see, it all depends on speaks to you.  If you're not sure - please speak to a cruise/travel professional and your friends who have cruised before.  Keep in mind that they may love a specific cruise line and will be biased against others.  This is normal with cruise addicts.  I know-- I am one!!  Best of luck in your search.

Happy Cruising,
Mary

Catching up!

I am a really horrid Blogger. I bought a new phone and I didn't download the app on this phone so I've been missing in action for months and months and months!!

So what's new you ask?  Oh you didn't ask? I'm going to tell you anyway! 

In the cruising world there's always something new. New ships, new Innovations, new ways to find bliss all over the globe!

Right now I'm starting to research a cruise for either next year or 2016. I have the most days at sea with Royal Caribbean/Celebrity. I've cruised once with Carnival  (my first cruise)  and once  with  Norwegian Cruise line. Our NCL cruise was amazing as we were blessed to get an upswell from a mini-suite to a penthouse suite for $300 total. It was totally worth it!

I was really looking at the Allure of the Seas, Royal Caribbean's newest ship, (That is until Quantum of the Seas comes out this year) nut I'm also looking at going a little old-school with Freedom of the Seas, and being able to get a nicer room with a lot less money. It's a tough choice because I've never been on Allure and I do enjoy all the amenities that we would receive sailing on her but on the other hand, the suite life is a very sweet life indeed!!

For now, Happy Cruising!

Costa Concordia...such a shame!

I'm such a bad blogger. Life gets in the way and then another few months go by.

I was so stricken by the sinking of the Concordia. I hadn't heard good things about Costa to begin with, but the actions of the Captain...yes the CAPTAIN who should know better...is absolutely outrageous!

I see many mistakes here:

1. No muster drill. Whoever came up with the idea that international cruises can wait up to 24 hours to hold is insane. While no one particularly likes this part of the cruise, it is one of the most essentials learning lessons! I love that they scan cards to know who is there. The fact that most people didn't know where to go is unforgivable.

2. "Go back to your staterooms". What? Go back to your staterooms? The ship is sinking and you want me to go down to deck 3 or 4...etc. Unbelievable. It seems to me they were more concerned with the perception that nothing was wrong, than the people who probably lost their lives going back to their staterooms.

3. The Obvious. What in the heck was the Captain doing so close to shore? I mean really? Was he drinking? Did he have a woman on the bridge? Was there no one looking at all their high tech gadgets to show a giant rock formation/reef in the water? A Bridge Officer is required to be a navigation and ship operations expert who has to make decisions which affect the safety of the ship, its passengers and crew. How about the Captain? Oh and he's under house arrest? Why is he not in jail???? Why was he off the boat while others never made it off.

4. One of the reasons I've heard negative complaints with Costa is the fact that many of their crew do not speak multiple languages. (Especially English) A huge hindrance in an emergency.

5. My prayers and thoughts go out to those who survived this horrible (and AVOIDABLE!!!) cruise and for those who lost loved ones; my heart breaks for you. No one should have to go through this, especially due to negligence.

Not a happy cruiser today...
Mary

Things to do when you can't cruise.........

It's so hard right now without a trip in sight. I'm having real honest to goodness cruise withdrawals. So I tried to figure out what I could do instead of daydreaming of a cruise.
Hmmmm.....I could,

update my facebook
paint my nails
take a nap
floss
unload the dishwasher...

Well this isn't working. I want a cruise!!!! There are such amazing deals on transatlantic cruises (as low as $499!! 12 nights!) and last minute cruises that it's making me crazy. Why couldn't I have been in Oprah's audience when she passed out a week-long cruise on Allure of the Seas.

Double darn. Well that's enough rambling for now. (rambling= whining)

Happy cruising! Mary