CruiseTweet.com - Planning on taking a cruise this year or next? Make sure to read the fine print first before signing into any cruise travel contracts as it varies from cruise company to cruise company.
In fact, cruise line contracts are stacked against consumers and are among one of the worst, if not the worst in the travel industry today. When reviewing the contracts, keep a close eye on a few important key points that are subject to some cruise line by cruise line basis.
Below are a few typical catches from various cruise lines. If you are not certain about any, please contact your cruise or travel representative before you book.
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PRICE AND FEES.The cruise line can increase base rates without prior notice. If you’ve paid in full, you’re exempt from such increases, but not if you’ve just made a partial deposit. In addition, most cruise lines “reserve the right” to pass along government fees and taxes, however assessed, and impose fuel surcharges, sometimes with a specified maximum. View Source
CANCELLATION FEES.In general, you lose 100 percent if you cancel less than 15 days in advance, and lower-level penalties start to kick in as early as 90 days in advance. You can avoid such penalties by buying either a cancellation waiver (cheaper, but poor coverage) from the cruise line or third-party trip cancellation insurance (more expensive, but better coverage). View Source
ITINERARY CHANGES.In an itinerary deviation subject to the cruise line’s control, you can get full cash refund or accept alternative vouchers. But if you decide to cancel, some cruise lines assess regular cancellation penalties, others are a bit more generous. Once at sea, the cruise line owes you nothing in a deviation for any reason. And if a ship can’t continue, the cruise line may dump you at an intermediate port, without further compensation. View Source BAGGAGE AND PERSONAL PROPERTY. Unless you buy extra insurance, the cruise line imposes a strict limit on liability for damaged, lost, or stolen property. This limit can be as low as $50 per traveler, $50 per bag, or $100 per stateroom regardless of the number of travelers or bags. View Source ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES.You may not board with any alcoholic beverages, except for one bottle of wine, and the cruise line can search your baggage. You may buy “duty free” beverages in low-tax ports, but the cruise line keeps any you buy and returns it to you just before debarking. View Source
Liability Limit. If your cruise does not touch any U.S. port, the cruise line’s liability for death or personal injury is limited by an international convention at about $60,000. And the typical cruise contract exempts the cruise line from “pain and suffering” or “emotional” damages. The cruise line denies liability for any accidents of subcontractors. Cruise lines typically impose strict time limits for filing any damage suits. View Source
Smart Travellers Always Read the Fine Print First!
NEW CRUISE SHIPS SCHEDULED FOR 2010
Set Sail for less with Wal-Travel
2010 will be known as the year of the cruise ships as various cruise liners will debut their new cruise ships. The biggest of them all is Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas which is a sister ship to the 16 deck high, Oasis of the Seas.
Wal-Travel.com has broken down the top 5 new cruise ships
(Scheduled for 2010)
MSC Cruises, MSC Magnifica - Maiden voyage: March 7
MSC Magnifica is the fourth spectacular vessel in the MSC Cruise Lines’ “Musica” family of ships. This innovative super-liner will set sail in March 2010. Magnifica will feature a large number of balcony cabins, a 16,000-square-foot spa with a state-of-the-art fitness center, an impressive three-deck theater and an inviting main dining room. Soak in the Italian inspired decor, impeccable service and sumptuous cuisine. Step onboard and discover the warmth of true Italian hospitality.
Celebrity Cruises, the Celebrity Eclipse - Maiden voyage: April 26
The third ship in the Celebrity Cruises innovative Solstice class, the Celebrity Eclipse is scheduled to set sail April 2010. Experience the joys of sinking your toes in real grass at the Lawn Club, watch an artist create a work of art at the glass blowing studio or pamper yourself with a wide array of body treatments at the AquaSpa.
Along with luxurious accommodations, sumptuous cuisine at 10 different restaurants, inviting lounges, exceptional entertainment and attentive service - the Celebrity Eclipse is sure to exceed all your vacation expectations.
Norwegian Cruise Lines Norwegian Epic - Maiden voyage: June 24
Expected for delivery in the Summer of 2010, the Norwegian Epic will feature an awesome Top Deck water park with multiple slides, a 6-lane bowling alley, innovative New Wave cabins with smooth ocean-themed architecture, and even the Blue Man Group for onboard entertainment. Freestyle cruising has taken on a whole new level of excitement and freedom aboard the all new Norwegian Epic.
Guests will be awestruck at the variety of things to do under one roof. Sample chilled vodka served in a glass made of ice at the Ice Bar, race down three different water slides at the Aqua Park or work up a sweat at the state-of-the-art Sports Complex. Choose from 20 different dining options, a plethora of nightly entertainment, from clubs, lounges and a fun-filled casino, as well as numerous kids’ activities - the Norwegian Epic is Freestyle cruising fun perfect for singles, couples and families.
Holland America, the Nieuw Amsterdam - Maiden voyage: July 4
The Nieuw Amsterdam is the second vessel in Holland America’s new Signature-class of ships and will set sail in 2010. This regal ship has many of the loved Holland America Line’s features including the Explorations Cafe - a cyber-coffee house powered by the New York Times, the Pinnacle Grill and Pinnacle Bar as well as the innovative Culinary Arts Center.
Along with an expanded Greenhouse Spa and Salon, two outdoor swimming pools (one with a sliding glass roof), a youth facility including the teens-only Loft, as well as sumptuous cuisine and impeccable service one expects on a Holland America cruise, the Nieuw Amsterdam is sure to meet everyone’s cruising needs from singles to couples and families.
Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas - Maiden voyage: Dec. 12
Discover non-stop fun aboard the newest ship from Royal Caribbean and the second in the Oasis class family - the Allure of the Seas. Ride a wave on the FlowRider, catch water ballet at the Aquatheater, or let the wind race thru your hair while you fly across the open air atrium on a Zip Line. Get lost in seven distinct neighborhoods onboard with numerous places to dine, shop and catch live entertainment.
Families will enjoy the expanded Youth Zone that includes areas for tots, kids and teens. Along with Royal Caribbean favorites such as the Viking Crown Lounge, Royal Promenade, a state-of-the-art gym and spa, the Allure of the Seas will be a destination all on its own.
*Carnival Cruise Lines introduced their newest “Fun Ship”, the Carnival Dream in December 2009 and also has two more ships on order, but they don’t debut until 2011 and 2012, respectively.
Carnival’s most innovative ship yet, the Carnival Dream. This floating resort includes many amazing features sure to dazzle and delight children young and old from the expanded Camp Carnival to the huge Carnival Waterworks aqua park.
There are scenic whirlpools that extend over the ship’s beam, a 2 level Cloud 9 Spa - the perfect spot to pamper one-self and a variety of new stateroom categories specifically created for families that feature a full bathroom with shower plus a separate washroom with sink and junior tub. Climb aboard and discover the future of cruising aboard the Carnival Dream.
With all of these brand-new ships on their way, now is the time to begin planning your 2010 cruise vacation. View the below cruise specials and set sail in 2010 for less!
Taking a vacation these days is not going to be cheap! In fact prices on fuel, lodging and air tickets are continuously going upwards and there is no end in sight. But don’t let this put a damper on your next family vacation as there are various ways on how to save money on travel and SAVE BIG!
Look for alternatives when booking a vacation and do a little comparison shopping (Compare Here) as prices for the same trip can fluctuate up to 50% depending on what travel source you decide to use. Smart consumers always read the fine print so be sure to do your homework and research the sites carefully before booking your travel.
Wal-Travel also recommends using TripAdvisor.com where you can read all reviews from real travellers like yourself before commiting to a deal of a lifetime. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true… it just might be! Make sure you read all the details and find out if the costs advertised includes all the taxes and service charges.
You can save a good deal by staying just a few blocks away from the beachfront or main attractions. During leisure destinations, try to book for midweek stays as rates are usually higher on weekends. However, at urban business hotels, rates can also drop on weekends as their bread and butter comes from the business travellers during the regular work week. If you can, book no earlier than a week in advance, unless it’s a holiday or high-demand period.
Also consider using online reservation wizards like Hotwire.com where you aren’t told exactly what hotel you’ve booked with until you’ve paid. This protects the higher end hotels from advertising the lower rates than what their own corporate sites advertise. Once you book and pay, all the required information will be forwarded to you and everything is guaranteed. This can save you quite a bit of money because now you aren’t paying the big brand prices.
TIP: If you’re not sure what hotel you are about to book when booking with Hotwire.com and you want to get a better idea of which one it is, simply read the hotel amenities and description and you can usually pin point what hotel it is when you do a google search of hotels in the area.
Airfare Booking - Advance booking & flyer rewards are keys
Booking early is more important than ever. Why? You’re going to get the best ticket rates with advance purchases and you will also be able to lock in those prices no matter how high the airline fuel surcharges go up and we all know that it will!
If a little bit of extra time is on your side, you can also save money on connecting flights as they could be a lot cheaper than flying to your desired destination directly without any stops. But keep in mind that you also run a greater risk of flight delays.
Also check out meta-search engines like TravelGrove, Kayak.com as they search and compare all the online rates for you. There are also other individual travel sites (Orbitz.com, Travelocity.com, Cheaptickets.com etc.) that offer their own deals of the week as they negotiate these specials fares with flight providers. Don’t forget to use your frequent travelers points (if you have one) as if you don’t use it, you run the risk of losing it.
Car Rentals - Shop around for the best deals:
Shop around and comapre prices. There are many car rental agencies out there (Budget.com, Enterprise.com, Thrifty.com etc.) so do your research and compare prices as you will be surprised as to how much cheaper the same car can be at a different location. Sites like Wal-Travel Car Search will search and compare all the car rental rates for you with just one click. Take advantage of their FREE SERVICE!
TIP:Make sure that you also check the allowable milage and see what’s included with the final price!
Remember, a little research can go a long way in saving you money during your next planned vacation!
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PRICE AND FEES. The cruise line can increase base rates without prior notice. If you’ve paid in full, you’re exempt from such increases, but not if you’ve just made a partial deposit. In addition, most cruise lines “reserve the right” to pass along government fees and taxes, however assessed, and impose fuel surcharges, sometimes with a specified maximum. View Source
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