The Mail Buoy

We have moved!

2006-01-26T22:03:00.000-08:00

In order to bring you more information and present it to you better, we've moved The Mail Buoy off of blogger. On our new site www.mycruiseplanner.info not only will you be able to find the same news that we posted here, but also more specials presented better. Plus there's a photo gallery with shipboard photos and we hope to add reviews to our offerings as well. In addition, the move allowed us to escape from the overwhelming number of spam blogs that seem to be taking over blogger.

So please visit us at www.mycruiseplanner.info!

We haven't forgotten about you!!!

2005-12-24T16:53:00.000-08:00

It's been pretty quiet over here we know. But don't worry we haven't forgotten about The Mail Buoy, actually the opposite is true.

The Mail Buoy is getting ready to start floating on it's own! We're getting ready to cast off from Blogger and embark on some independent steaming with our own site and our own domain!

Some of the features that we'll be including as part of The Mail Buoy V2 is a photo gallery and hopefully some reader submitted shipboard reviews in addition to the news and specials that we've posted here on blogger.

If all goes well, we'll have the details up on the new and improved Mail Buoy before the start of the New Year....

STAY TUNED!!!!!

Weird Cruise Story of the Week

2005-12-19T18:55:00.000-08:00

Carnival Cruise Lines shareholder James Morgan is seeking to get Carnival to end it's relationships with media companies that "seek to undermine the travel industry by disseminating Anti-American propaganda" according to a story in today's Miami Herald. Apparently Mr. Morgan believes that the coverage on several media outlets "diminishes the US in the eyes of the world and enflames terrorists."

Mr. Morgan, who owns 100 shares of Carnival stock, wants the Board of Directors to require Carnival to end the line's contracts with CNN, BBC, The New York Times, and The Washington Post, claiming that their "propoganda" will "lead to future terrorist attacks that will adversely affect the travel market."

Carnival has filed a request with the Securities and Exchange Commission to drop Mr. Morgan's request. The line believes that decisions regarding what media outlets are available onboard it's ships really should be left to it's managers... Something tells me that they're probably right...

The Luxury of a Holland America Cruise in Your Own Home

2005-12-19T17:16:00.000-08:00

Some of the most popular amenities offered onboard the ships of Holland America Cruise Lines are now available for you to purchase for your home.

Following the lead of hotel chains like Starwood which has launched online stores where you can purchase the beds and linens just like those that are used to furnish hotels in the Sheraton, Westin and other chains, Holland America has launched The Holland America Shop at www.shophollandamerica.com

While the website is still under construction, there's still quite a bit to chose from on it already, with more to come. The Holland America Shop features a wide range of products, not just bedding and shower items.

Items available for purchase include reproductions of some of the artwork on display onboard various ships, gift baskets, flowers, drink mixes and maritime collectibles. Holland America's signature Mariner's Dream bed is available for purchase, as well as their bathrobes, bed linens will be available for purchase soon. Did you enjoy the deck furniture onboard your cruise? A selection of it is available for purchase in The Holland America Store. You can even purchase a variety of wines and wine accessories, as well as Riedel crystal used onboard Holland America's fleet.

Coming soon to The Holland America Shop, a wider selection of Mariner's Dream bed items, a selection of spices, coffees, teas, and even Bulgari China just like what's used onboard.

Embattled Reporter to Lecture on Silversea Cruises

2005-12-14T19:06:00.000-08:00

Now that she's been released from jail and her job as a reporter for The New York Times, Judith Miller is now onboard Silversea's Silver Wind on it's voyage from Ushuala , Argentina to Valparaiso, Chile. But this isn't a pleasure cruise for Ms. Miller, she's taking part in the cruise line's Written Word onboard enrichment program according to the journal Editor and Publisher.

During the voyage Ms. Miller is expected to give lectures on a federal shield law to protect journalists and she will also talk about US involvement in the Middle East.

Future sailings where passengers will be able to participate in the Written Word program include the January 5 departure of the Silver Whisper which will feature Ambassador Richard Gardner. In addition the February 28 sailing of the Silver Wind will feature biographer Nicholas Gage.

For more information on Silversea's Writen Word program or any of the available Silversea's itineraries please contact us at www.mycruiseplanner.net

More Cruise Ship's for The Carnival Family

2005-12-14T18:22:00.000-08:00

Both the Miami Herald and Business Week are reporting that Carnival Cruise Lines has signed a $2 billion deal with Italy's Fincantieri for 4 new ships.

These four additional ships bring the total number of new ships that will be entering Carnival's fleet between 2006 and 2010 to 16. By 2010 Carnival will have 95 ships as part of it's fleet which includes the ships of Cunard, Princess, Holland America, and Costa, as well as those of Carnival Cruise Lines.

The ships ordered as part of this deal are:
A $450 million 2,044 passenger ship for Holland America Cruise Lines that is to enter service in the summer of 2008. Expected to weigh in at 86,000 tons, this new ship will be the largest in Holland America's fleet.

Princess Cruises will get a $570 million 3,100 passenger ship also expected to enter service in the fall of 2008.

Carnival Cruise Lines will be taking delivery of a massive 560 million euro ship. This massive 130,000 ton ship will be the largest ship in service for Carnival Cruise Lines. The 3,608 passenger ship is expected to begin sailing in the fall of 2009.

Costa Crociere will be getting a 485 million euro 3,004 passenger ship. Weighing in at 112,000 tons, this shp is expected to enter service in the summer of 2009.

But the deal doesn't end there. Carnival also has the option to purchase two additional ships as well, one would go to Holland America and the other to Carnival Cruise Lines.

More Changes to US Passport Requirements

2005-12-11T13:52:00.000-08:00

The following information comes from the US State Department. The US Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 mandated that by 2008 travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada, Mexico and Central and South America have a passport in order to enter the United States. The requirement applies to all travelers including US citizens. This requirement is to be implemented in stages with the first stage beginning December 31, 2005, however this stage has been pushed back and the first stage will begin on December 31, 2006.

Beginning on December 31, 2006 passengers traveling to the US, or from the US by plane or by sea to the following countries will be required to have a valid passport: Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, and Central and South America. On December 31, 2007 the requirement will also include all land border crossings as well.

US Passports are obtained through the US State Department, for applications and more information visit travel.state.gov

In other passport news, the New Orleans Passport Agency is closed until further notice due to the effects of Hurricane Katrina. If your passport application was affected by the closure
of the New Orleans office, you should have received a letter providing you with further instructions.

If you applied for a passport before August 25 at a Passport Acceptance Facility in the New Orleans, New York or Los Angeles and have not either received your passport or a letter with further instructions, contact the National Passport Information Center at 877-487-2778 to receive information about your application.

The Holidays--- As Only Disney Does Them...

2005-12-09T19:33:00.000-08:00

Disney Cruise Line that is!

If you've been to any of the Disney resorts over the holidays then you know that they are a big deal at the house the mouse built. Well according to magicalmountain.net the holiday magic isn't just at the parks...

As with every Disney Cruise, the experience begins at their Port Canaveral cruise terminal. For many cruise lines, the departure terminal is merely someplace that the line holds you until they're ready for your to board. Often these terminals are really nothing more than (badly) converted dockside warehouses. Disney on the other hand designed and built their own private terminal, it's a building that from the minute you pull up to it is intended to get you excited about your upcoming voyage. On many ships, your experience really doesn't begin until you start up the gangway and board, on Disney the experience begins the moment you step into their terminal. Guest's (on Disney you're never a passenger or a customer, always a guest) will find the Disney terminal decorated for the season as will even be greated by Disney characters dressed up for the holidays.

Once onboard the Disney Magic or the Disney Wonder guests will discover all sorts of holiday surprises. Some of the things planned for holiday voyagers include a tree lighting ceremony in the 3 story atrium complete with falling snow! A Christmas Day visit from Santa Goofy who will have surprises for all of the good little girls and boys, international caroling by crew members from around the world, Mrs Claus reading T'was The Night Before Christmas, traditional feasts in the three dining rooms, and multi-faith and inter-denominational holiday services. Of course there will also be a ship wide party to celebrate the New Year.

Even Disney's private island Castaway Cay in the Bahamas will be a snowy winter wonderland for the holidays. Disney's magic will not only cause it to snow in the atriums of their ships, but also on the sandy beaches of Castaway Cay, which will make it very inviting for Mr and Mrs Snowman (with shell noses and comfy tropical shirts) who will be greeting the guests on the island. Even the tram which transports guests around the island will be sporting a reindeer look right down to a set of antlers and a tail!

But there's more fun on the beach where familys can learn about sandscuplting and kids can make candy cane reindeer, paper plate angels and snowflake mobiles...

While Disney Cruise Line is one of the most family friendly of any of the major cruise lines, guests young and old will find plenty to do and will be amazed by a classy and enjoyable cruising experience like only Disney can provide.

For more information on Disney's holiday sailings, or any of Disney's wide variety of vacation options please visit us at www.mycruiseplanner.net

Special Limited Time 2 For 1 Offer to the Baltic

2005-12-09T15:31:00.000-08:00

2-FOR-1* Savings!

For "One Week Only" Radisson Seven Seas Cruises is offering 2-for-1 savings on the Seven Seas Navigator July 8, 2006 Copenhagen - Stockholm, seven night Baltic voyage. The offer is valid for bookings made December 7 thru December 16, 2005.

You can browse through the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. You can even fly to Moscow if you wish. And at the end of the day, return to the warm hospitality and supreme luxury that await aboard the six-star Seven Seas Navigator.

With ocean-view suites, 90% with private balconies, the Navigator is uniquely designed to embrace the beauty of the Baltic. You can enjoy breakfast en suite and al fresco as they soak in the splendor of these historic shores. And with our "One Week Only" 2-for-1 savings it is simply hard to resist! So, hurry time is of the essence... Contact Patricia or Michael at 888-286-9827 now to take advantage of this limited time offer.

COPENHAGEN to STOCKHOLM on SEVEN SEAS NAVIGATOR 2-FOR-1 savings 7 Nights - Departing July 08, 2006 Starting at $2,748 per person

2006 Mediterranean Cruises: Outside Stateroom for the price of an Inside!

2005-12-09T15:12:00.000-08:00





Santorini, Greece

You will journey into the past and reveal the riches of the Mediterranean. Scents of lavender and thyme, silvery beaches and a near perfect climate; each day reveals a fresh insight into classical worlds and ancient cultures. Your clients will cruise beyond the ordinary to discover ports and landscapes off the beaten track—golden rivieras await.

Book an Outside Stateroom for the price of an Inside Stateroom!

To book 888-286-9827.
Ask for Promo LV.

All fares are in U.S. dollars.

10-Day Mediterranean Enchantment (W. Med) - Roundtrip Rome Our newest ship ms Noordam explores world-class cities such as Barcelona and Florence and Spanish isles–all roundtrip Rome.
SHIP	DATE	INSIDE FROM	OUTSIDE FROM	VERANDAH FROM	VERANDAH SUITE FROM

Noordam	5/1, 5/21; 6/10, 6/30; 7/20; 8/9, 8/29; 9/18/06	$1,749	$1,749	$2,249	$3,199
Fares based on the 8/9 and 8/29/06 sailings

10-Day Roman Empire (E. Med/Greek Isles) - Roundtrip Rome Enchanting Dubrovnik and the classical worlds of Greece and Turkey are showcased as the ms Noordam debuts in her inaugural season roundtrip Rome.
SHIP	DATE	INSIDE FROM	OUTSIDE FROM	VERANDAH FROM	VERANDAH SUITE FROM

Noordam	5/11, 5/31; 6/20; 7/10, 7/30; 8/19; 9/8/06	$1,799	$1,799	$2,349	$3,199
Fares based on the 5/31; 7/30 and 8/19/06 sailings

10-Day Mediterranean Treasures (W. Med) - Athens to Lisbon Highlights of the whole of the Mediterranean, from classical Greek ruins to Moorish castles in Spain, with must-see cities like Rome, Monte Carlo and Barcelona along the way.
SHIP	DATE	INSIDE FROM	OUTSIDE FROM	VERANDAH FROM	VERANDAH SUITE FROM

Rotterdam	10/22/06	$1,699	$1,699	n/a	$2,799

12-Day Ancient Treasures - Lisbon to Athens Explore the whole of the Mediterranean, from Moorish-influenced ports in Spain to glittering Riviera hotspots to the classical ruins and sun-washed beaches of Greece.
SHIP	DATE	INSIDE FROM	OUTSIDE FROM	VERANDAH FROM	VERANDAH SUITE FROM

Rotterdam	4/20/06	$2,149	$2,149	n/a	$3,499

16-Day Path of the Seafarers (W. Med/N. Africa) - Lisbon to Rome Lesser-known ports in Spain give way to the shifting sands of North Africa and ancient sites such as Tunis and Carthage. Enjoy two days in Marseille, your gateway to Paris.
SHIP	DATE	INSIDE FROM	OUTSIDE FROM	VERANDAH FROM	VERANDAH SUITE FROM

Prinsendam	8/14/06	$3,269	$3,269	$4,659	$5,969

20-Day Mediterranean Adventure - Roundtrip Rome Discover the Western Mediterranean and Eastern Mediterranean all in one luxurious voyage.
SHIP	DATE	INSIDE FROM	OUTSIDE FROM	VERANDAH FROM	VERANDAH SUITE FROM

Noordam	8/19/05	$3,199	$3,199	$4,199	$5,899

Bring a 3rd/4th guest in the same stateroom from $899. Ask for Promo YU

Terms & Conditions:
Fares are based on Promo LV. Fares are per person, based on double occupancy, cruise only, in the minimum category. Fares are in U.S. dollars and include non-discountable amounts. Taxes are additional and range from $48.28 to $324.67. Promo YU is applicable to the third and fourth guest in a stateroom. For new bookings only. Subject to availability. Offers are capacity controlled, and may be modified, withdrawn or sailing dates may be substituted without prior notice. Restrictions may apply. Please refer to the appropriate Holland America brochure for full terms and conditions. Ships' Registry: The Netherlands, Bahamas.

Please note that travelers to and from certain destinations in the Western Hemisphere will soon be required to have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. For more information, please visit www.travel.state.gov/passport and follow the links to "New Requirements for Travelers Between the United States and the Western Hemisphere."

New Ships for 2006 Part Two

2005-12-06T20:47:00.000-08:00

Princess Cruise Line will debut the 116,000 ton Crown Princess, and it's 3,080 passengers will get to experience an extremely well rounded dining experience onboard. The dining venues in the atrium will have a sidewalk cafe atmosfere including strolling musicians and a central fountain.

In addition several signature Princess restaurants will also be onboard including a traditional English pub, a 24 hour food court and even a restaurant with a theater style kitchen.

But there will be more to do onboard than just eat including watching movies on the poolside screen and a two story spa and fitness center, you can even get married in the onboard wedding chapel.

Last but certainly not the least is Royal Caribbean International's Freedom of The Seas. This 3,600 passenger 160,000 ton ship has taken the title of Largest Cruise Ship from Cunard's Queen Mary 2. Odds are you've already seen ads featuring Freedom of The Seas' one of a kind onboard surf park. After attending a safety brief, passengers can hang ten on a 32 foot wide by 40 foot long FlowRider that guests can either surf or body board on.

But that's not the only water activity available in it's three large pool areas. Sculptures shoot water through the wading pool in the H2O Pool Zone, and passengers can soak each other with water buckets and cannons or even relax on a river ride. The Solarium has two large hot tubs that are actually cantilevered out 12 feet from the sides of the ship where they are perched 112 feet above the waterline.

But it's not all about the water activities onboard. Freedom of The Seas will also feature Royal Caribbean's signature ice rink, and now the largest rock climbing wall at sea.

Freedom of The Seas will set sail this May. Stay tuned, becuase we hope to be able to bring you a first hand review of the Freedom of The Seas this May.

For more information or to book a cruise on any of the ships mentioned, please visit us at www.mycruiseplanner.net

New Ships for 2006

2005-12-06T18:31:00.000-08:00

Here's a quick rundown of the ships expected to enter service in the upcoming year:
Costa Cruise Lines newest ship the Costa Concordia will weigh 112,000 tons and carry 3,780 passengers in 1,500 cabins. One of it's more unique features will be the 55 staterooms and 12 suites that will have direct access to the ship's two deck spa.

The ship's Samsara spa will be the largest spa afloat measuring 20,500 square feet, inside you'll find a gym, thalassotherapy pool, several treatment rooms, a Turkish bath, and a solarium.

You'll also find a Formula 1 driving simulator, and two swimming pools with retractable roofs. One of the pools will even have a 194 foot video screen over it.

The Costa Concordia is expected to offer Mediterranean sailings in July.

Holland America Cruise Lines will introduce the Noordam this February. The Noordam will feature all of Holland America's new Signature of Excellence improvements which includes things like flat panel TV's, DVD players and complimentary fruit baskets in all 924 staterooms.

The Noordam's Culinary Arts Center is part of a parnership with Food & Wine magazine and will feature cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs and culinary experts in it's state of the art kitchen. Plasma screens will offer passengers an up close view of the cooking area, however passengers can also view the action from their cabin televisions.

The line partnered with The New York Times to create a modern internet cafe with listening stations, an extensive library, and of course New York Times crossword puzzles.

The Noordam will offer New York departures starting in February.
MSC Cruises will introduce the largest member of it's fleet, the 2,550 passenger MSC Musica which will have 1,275 staterooms with 65% of them having private verandahs.

Passengers will find a 13,000 square foot spa and fitness center featuring aerobics, a variety of therapies, and a Turkish bath. In addition there will be a 7,000 square foot casino, three deck theater, and a variety of ondeck activities including a golf simulator, a tennis court, a jogging track and a minature golf course.

While there will only be two main restaurants, the ship will also offer a seperate specialty restaurant, a pizzeria, and even a sushi bar.

The MSC Musica will enter service in Venice this July offering summer and fall cruises to Greece, Turkey, and Croatia. In November the Musica will move to the Caribbean.This summer NCL American will add a third ship to it's fleet, the Pride of Hawaii. Like it's sister ships, Pride of Hawaii will feature NCL's signature Freestyle Dining program which doesn't assign passengers to set seating times for meals, instead passengers can choose when they would like to eat and in which restaurant. Passengers will have a variety of dining options onboard including a sushi bar with teppanyaki area, Tex-Mex, tapas, and an Italian restaurant that will resemble a village trattoria. NCL will even be installing plasma screens where passengers will be able to check the restaurant wait times and make reservations.

At the ship's NCL Golf Hawaii pro shop passengers will even be able to book golf rounds on a variety of golf courses.

Spotlight on NCL's Hawaiian Cruise Experience

2005-12-04T12:20:00.000-08:00

Today's Chicago Sun-Times has an article by Jaymes Song that discusses the success of NCL America's Hawaiian cruises. That seemed to be a good indicator that we should talk to you about the unique cruise experience offered by the NCL America fleet in the Hawaiian Islands.
Before September 11th 2001, the Hawaiian cruise market was dominated by just one line American Classic Voyages, the only line offering inter-island cruises. A few of the other major cruise lines offered seasonal itineraries that visited the islands, but for true inter-island cruising American Classic Voyages was the only option. However in the weeks immediately following the terrorist attacks many of American Classic Voyages passengers cancelled their trips and the line had difficulty getting new bookings. By the beginning of November 2001 the company declared bankruptcy, cancelled it's plans for two new ships, and discontinued operations.

The sudden demise of ACV however didn't deter Norwegan Cruise Lines, nor did the restrictive US maritime rules that have prevented other cruise lines from offering inter-island service in the Hawaiian Islands. US law prohibits foreign built vessels from operating passenger service between US ports, however NCL managed to get a waiver of this requirement for it's US subsidiary NCL America which operates the line's Hawaiian fleet.

NCL America's liners are all US flag vessels, by comparison must cruise liners operate under foreign flags such as Liberia or Panama. In addition NCL America's ships feature 100% American crews, and must abide by US labor laws. According to NCL, this makes their labor costs approximately 3 times higher than foreign flag ships. In the past having an all American crew has caused problems for the line as some crew members weren't prepared for the challenges of working on a cruise ship, however this is something that the line seems to have learned from.

Currently NCL America operates two ships the Pride of Aloha, and the Pride of America. A third ship, the Pride of Hawaii will join the fleet in the summer of 2006.

The Pride of Aloha was originally the Norwegan Sky went through an extensive refit before being renamed and reflagged as an American vessel entered service with NCL America in 2004. Onboard you'll find 6 restaurants, 13 different bars & lounges, 2 swimming pools, 5 hot tubs, a spa and fitness center, jogging/walking track, basketball/volleyball court, 2 golf driving nets and even a golf pro shop.

The Pride of America entered service this past June and is the first new cruise ship to sail under the US flag in almost 50 years. It also holds the honor of being the largest US flag cruise ship in history. The Pride of American features 10 restaurants, 12 different bars & lounges, 3 swimming pools, 7 hot tubs, a health spa beauty salon and fitness center, jogging/walking track, basketball/volleyball/tennis court, golf pro shop, and a card room.

Both ship's offer 7 day sailings departing from either Honolulu on O'ahu or Kahalui on Maui. Pride of America offers Honolulu round trips with port calls in Kahului and Lahaina on Maui, as well as Hilo and Kona on Hawaii. As an alternative, the Pride of America also offers itineraries that substitute a port call at Nawilliwili Kauai for the Lahaina port call.

The Pride of Aloha makes it's rounds between Nawilliwili, Honolulu, Kahului, Kona, and Hilo. Passengers can make the round trip from either Honolulu or Kahului.

Since these are NCL ships they all offer NCL's signature "Freestyle Dining" option. Unlike on most other cruise lines where passengers are assigned a specific dining room and seating time for dinner, onboard NCL's ships you're free to eat at what ever onboard restaurant you want whenever you want. In addition NCL has also introduced a streamlined "Freestyle Disembarkation" process intended to ease the disembarkation process and eliminate the "hurry up and wait" that many travelers experience when going through disembarkation on other lines.

Each ship's Hawaii Ambassador is onboard to introduce passengers to the unique traditions and culture of the Hawaiian Islands. Some of the things you can enjoy are lei making classes, polynesian line dancing, moko tatooing, Hawaiian hula lessons, Tahitian dance lessons, palm frond weaving and more.

The one thing you won't find onboard ships of the NCL America fleet is a casino, making the cruise line the second operating out of a US port to not have a casino onboard. Neither of Disney Cruise Line's two ships have casinos onboard either.

For more information or to book a Hawaiian cruise onboard either of NCL America's ships visit www.mycruiseplanner.net

Popular Princess Cruise Line Book Now Available on Amazon.com

2005-12-02T19:57:00.000-08:00

Princess Cruises has announced that it's popular cookbook Courses, A Culinary Journey; once available only onboard it's ships is now available for purchase on Amazon.com.

The 224 page coffee table cookbook has sold approximately 10,000 copies since first becoming available for purchase in January 2003 in stores onboard the ships of the Princess fleet. The book features recipies from 20 of the line's chefs, showcasing the most requested dishes as well as some the the line's signature meals.

The book is intended to be more than just a cookbook though. Using it's oversized coffee table format the book highlights 86 different recipies inspired by 10 different destinations that Princess Cruises visits around the world.

The book sells for just $49.95.

For more information on any of Princess Cruise Lines ship's or intineraries visit www.mycruiseplanner.net

Community Appreciation Fares on Holland America

2005-12-02T10:59:00.000-08:00

COMMUNITY APPRECIATION FARES

FROM $549

Savings for Teachers, Firefighters, Volunteer Firefighters,Hospital Volunteers, Police Officers, Active Military& US Merchant Marine Veterans of WWII.

Just today, I received word from Holland America that they are honoring those who serve us with great fares. There are deals are select sailings on nearly every itinerary they offer.

For example, one of my favorites is on 4/1 there are Balcony cabins from $999pp for a 7 day cruise to the Mexican Riviera. OR, there's 21 days beginning 4/16, Ft. Lauderdale to Seattle through the Panama Canal for a mere $2,099pp.

Please remember rates are excluding taxes and fees and airfare.

Call me at 888-826-9827 for a detailed quote.

NCL Shifts Second Vessel to New York

2005-11-30T19:59:00.000-08:00

NCL's Norwegan Spirit departed New York today on her first voyage from her new year round departure point. The ship joins the Norwegan Dawn which is already offering year round departures from New York. NCL decided to move the Norwegan Spirit to New York in response to the enormous demand for departures from the city.

Planned itineraries for the Norwegan Spirit will feature stops in St Thomas, Antigua, St Maarten, Barbados, Grenada, Dominica and Tortola. Itineraries for later in the year will include stops in Port Canaveral, Miami, Great Stirrup Cay (NCL's private island), and Nassau, Bahamas.

This summer will see the launch of a Bermuda and Eastern Caribbean itinerary that includes a full day port call at Kings Wharf Bemuda as well as port calls in St Thomas and Tortola.

In addition in May Norwegan Dawn will also introduce new iteneraries including ones to Bermuda and the Bahamas as well.

For more information on any of NCL's New York departures please visit www.mycruiseplanner.net

Category Upgrades Available on Cunard

2005-11-30T08:46:00.000-08:00

Cunard has just announced free upgrades for the following sailing:

QM2: Jan 15 to South America -- Upgrade from an inside cabin to a balcony!!

On this 12 day sailing, you can enjoy the ocean breezes and be able to sit outside on deck chairs, for the same price as an interior cabin.

Last year, my husband and I sailed on the QM2 and it is a wonderful ship. She is a luxury liner in all respects. The service was fabulous and the food devine. I can highly recommend dinning at Todd English, as it was a delightful meal and the atmosphere was outstanding. I can not speak highly enough of my spa experience.

Please call or visit us at www.mycruiseplanner.net to discover the Cunard vacation that awaits you.

MSC to Offer Year Round Departures from New York.

2005-11-29T21:24:00.000-08:00

According to the Miami Herald, MSC Cruises intends to offer year round departures from New York starting in 2007.

Rick Sasso President of MSC Cruises USA says that the line chose New York due to its high population and heavy concentration of Italian Americans.

The move is MSC's first outside of South Florida. Since entering the North American cruise market in th 1990s MSC has offered depatures on two ships from Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale Florida during the winter months, however the line has historically focused on the European market.

Beginning in April 2007 the MSC Lirica will shift to New York and offer year round itineraries to Bermuda, the Caribbean and Canada. Meanwhile the MSC Opera will continue to sail from Port Everglades, it will be joined by the MSC Musica.

The MSC Lirica will join ships from Norwegan Cruise Line and Carnival Cruise Line that are also offering year round sailings. In addition the City of New York will be spending $150 million to improve the passenger terminals in both Manhattan and Brooklyn.

For more information about any of MSC's itineraries or those of other lines offering departures from either New York or Port Everglades/Fort Lauderdale please visit www.mycruiseplanner.net or call My Cruise Planner at 1-866-286-9827

Celebrity's ZENITH Rescue's 10

2005-11-29T20:40:00.000-08:00

Celebrity Cruise Line's ZENITH made a slight detour this past weekend when the passengers and crew discovered a 15 foot boat foundering in the Florida Straights this past weekend according to the Miami Herald. The ship was sailing off the western coast of Cuba when it discovered the boat loaded with 10 Cuban migrants onboard including a seven year old girl.

The crew of the ZENITH took the Cubans onboard until they could be transferred to a US Coast Guard cutter. According to the US Coast Guard in Miami the group is being questioned by immigration officials who will determine if they will be repatriated to Cuba or allowed to resettle in a third country.

The ZENITH arrived at the Port of Miami on Monday as scheduled.

Glacier Bay Cruiseline Cancels 2006 Sailing Season

2005-11-28T18:37:00.000-08:00

It seems Hurricane Katrina has claimed another victim, this time from as far away as Seattle and Alaska.

Glacier Bay Cruiseline has been contracted by both the government and also by private agencies invovled with the cleanup and recovery efforts along the Gulf Coast. In order for the line to focus it's energy on assisting in the Gulf Coast they've cancelled their entire 2006 cruise schedule.

Glacier Bay plans launch an improved schedule for the 2007 cruising season. For more information about Glacier Bay's 2007 season once it is annouced be sure to visit www.mycruiseplanner.net and sign up for the mailing list.

Crystal Cruises Offering Reduced Rate Business Class Airfare

2005-11-28T18:16:00.000-08:00

Crystal Cruises is offering reduced rate business class airfare on all 2006 European cruises booked by March 31 2006. The reduced rate fares are approximately 50% cheaper than normal unrestricted business class fares.

This promotion is available as a $1,099 upgrade to Crystal's currently available coach fares from their Northeast gateways of New York, Boston, Philadelphia and Washingtion DC (IAD). For departures from Crystal's Central and Southeast gateways of Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas/Ft Worth, Houston, Detroit, and Miami the discounted upgrades are available for $1,199. Add $1,299 for departures from the Western gateways of Los Angeles, Denver, San Francisco, San Diego, Portland, Pheonix and Seattle.

This offer is capacity controlled and subject to availability.

For more information contact Cruise Planners at www.mycruiseplanner.net

Free Cruising on MSC

2005-11-28T14:27:00.000-08:00

This just in:
MSC has extended their offer for 3/4th passengers free on the December 17th Christmas Cruise. This is 10 days leaving from Ft. Lauderdale and cruising the Caribbean.
Also, MSC is offering Children Cruise Free on the Decemeber 27th 11 night voyage from Ft. Lauderdale.
Both of these deals are available by booking prior to December 15th. There are cabins available

For more information on these and other awesome offers, please call us at 888-758-6983.

MSC Cruises Orders Two New Ships

2005-11-26T21:17:00.000-08:00

On November 22 Italian cruise line MSC Cruises announced in Paris that it's adding two 133,500 ton ship's to the fleet accoring to the line's website. MSC signed a nearly $1.2 billion contract for the two ships which will be delivered in 2008 and 2009.

The MSC Fantasia is scheduled to join the MSC fleet in June 2008 and the MSC Serenata is expected to join the fleet in March 2009. With the addition of the MSC Fantasia and MSC Serenata the MSC fleet will grow to 11 ships making MSC the largest European cruise line.

According to MSC CEO Pierfrancesco Vago, once the MSC Fantasia and MSC Serenata are delivered MSC expects to carry more than 900,000 passengers worldwide by 2010.

The two new ships will be 1,092 feet long, and 124 feet wide. They will accomodate 3,300 passengers in 1,650 staterooms of which 1,260 will have private balconies. With their crew of 1,313 MSC will have a higher crew to passenger ratio than competing European lines.

In addition the ships will feature a 23 knot cruising speed, over 21,000 square feet of spa facilites and a special two-deck section of VIP suites with butler service an exclusive restaurant, pool and sun deck, as well as other amenities.

For more information or to book an MSC cruise please visit www.mycruiseplanner.net

Problems on NCL's Norwegan Star

2005-11-26T20:44:00.000-08:00

Norwegan Cruise Lines on November 22 announced on their website that due to damage to the thrust bearings on the propulsion system onboard the Norwegan Star that they are revising the ship's Mexican Riviera itinerary until repairs can be completed in March 2006.

The original itinerary featured a Wednesday arrival in Acapulco with a 12:30AM Thursday departure followed by a 9:00AM arrival in Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa, then a Friday port call in Puerto Vallarta. The revised itnerary features a Wednesday arrival in Manzanillo, Thursday in Puerto Vallarta, and Friday in Mazatlan, the remainder of the itinerary is unchanged.

The change is due to a reduction in the Norwegan Star's normal cruising speed in order to prevent further damage to the ship's azipod propulsion system. NCL is offering a $50 per person onboard credit with a maximum of $100 per stateroom to compensate passengers for the inconvience.

You Have Friends in the Business

2005-11-26T19:40:00.000-08:00

Hello from California Wine Country!
As many of you know we love to travel, and because of that we’ve decided to start our own cruise travel business. We’re pleased to announce the launch of MyCruisePlanner.net a proud member of the Cruise Planners network. As a member of the Cruise Planners network we’re able to offer you vacations on all of the major cruise lines you’re familiar with including Carnival, Cunard, Princess, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Disney Cruise Lines and Norwegian Cruise Lines. Plus we would like to introduce you to some cruise lines that you might not be familiar with like Costa, MSC Italian, Orient Lines, Delta Queen Steamboat, Glacier Bay Cruises and more!
In addition we can offer you exclusive deals on non-cruise travel packages from Apple Vacations, American Express Vacations and Globus Travel.
We are committed to offering the best personalized service to you. Whether you are a first time cruiser or a seasoned veteran of the seas, we are here to help, search out great values, and offer new and exciting ideas for vacation experiences.
So please pay us a visit at www.mycruiseplanner.net or give us a call at 888-286-9827 or (707)780-1939, we would love the chance to work with you to create your perfect vacation. Also, we would greatly appreciate if you would share our name with anyone who might be in need of a vacation of a lifetime.