February 2008
Celebrity’s First Solstice Class Ship Due in ’08
Celebrity’s first in a class of four 122,000-ton, 2,850-passenger vessels with an exceptional range of guest-inspired services and amenities. Notable innovations will be: a lawn (yes, real grass) on the top deck, glass-blowing demonstrations, exclusive Spa Suites with their own private dining room, designated space for private tastings, and a real focus on the passenger experience over ship facilities.
Celebrity Solstice sail seven-nights to the Eastern Caribbean roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale, FL, through April 2009.
New Regulations Require Early Cruise Check-In
Due to new government regulations requiring cruise lines to submit final departure manifests at least 60 minutes prior to sailing, guests are requested to complete online check-in (when offered) no later than 3 days prior to their cruise. Passengers who have not completed check-in online, are required to complete this process two hours prior to the published sailing time.
Please note: All guests must be checked-in and onboard the ship no later than 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time or they will not be permitted to sail.
Don’t panic: For groups and charters booked through Landry & Kling, your Program Manager can provide all the information you need in advance to have a smooth and efficient process at check-in. As well as help you plan for any unforseen emergencies.
World’s Largest Cruise Ship to Debut
If you ever thought your group was too large to fit on a cruise ship, your ship has come in. Royal Caribbean is launching the first of the mega-mega cruise ships holding 5,400 passengers.
Okay, so we know the coveted title of “world’s largest cruise ship” doesn’t last too long nowadays, as new ships are launched every couple of months. But this time we mean it (okay at least until 2010.) The new Genesis-class ship is set to launch in 2009, followed by a sister ship in 2010.
Is this ship sailing your way? To get more information on itineraries and pricing click here.
Europe a Great Value for 2008
Increased capacity and high currency value of the Euro makes Europe a particularly good value for planners this year. The best values can be found when comparing a luxury cruise to deluxe hotel properties in Europe’s most popular destinations. All-in costs range 15-20% below comparable land resorts.
While new hotel growth in Europe has slowed down, brand new cruise ships are being launched and deployed to the most popular destinations like Spain, the Mediterranean, British Isles and Scandinavia/Russia. Options for bargains abound – even booked within the same year.
Like to find out what your dollar will buy? Click here for some recent programs, inclusions and price range.
More for Less – “Euro” Programs at Dollar Prices
The increased value of the Euro versus the U.S. dollar has created huge opportunities for meeting and event planners to operate programs within Europe, but pay in U.S. dollars to American-run cruise lines. Even European-run cruise lines offer a great value.
Following are some highlights for recent deluxe cruise programs on 6 of the world’s highest rated ships. All-in costs ranged from $484 per person, per day to $651 per person, per day including fine cuisine, liquor package, coffee breaks, room service, entertainment, activities onboard and ashore, as well as Landry & Kling’s services. (And, you can cruise the Mediterranean/Greek Isles on a contemporary new ship for significantly less than that.)
Compare this with your latest quotes for 5-star European hotels where a single night cost more with no inclusions. Now, imagine a trip like one of these:
Seven Seas Navigator, full ship charter for 496 guests cruised round trip from Monte Carlo to Florence, Rome and Sorrento in just 4-nts.
Crystal Serenity, a group of 462 guests cruised 7-nts between Venice and Athens. Custom port activities in Santorini, Mykonos, Rhodes and Ephesus totaled only US$170 per person – a real value vs. activities priced in Euros.
Seabourn Spirit, exclusive charter for 200 guests cruising 7-nts between Venice and Rome. Featured event was a dinner-dance on deck while anchored off Sorrento.
Wind Spirit’s majestic tall sails and small size appealed to a group of 80 who sailed from Istanbul on an all-Greek- Isles itinerary for 7-nts to Izmir, Patmos, Naxos, Ermoupolis, Navplion, and Athens.
Seven Seas Voyager, 5-nt charter round trip from Rome included a ”Noche Flamenca” themed dinner on deck in Barcelona where guitarists, singers and dancers entertained 560 colorfully attired guests.
Seven Seas Navigator, 7-nt charter for 275 guests between Nice and Venice with an overnight in both those ports plus visits to Livorno (for Florence), Sorrento, and Dubrovnik. Favorite memory of this trip was the special dinner at the fish market in Venice with a surprise performance by romantic tenor, Andrea Bocelli.
