The Cruise Ship and Cruise Line Discussion Thread!

[netdvn]

Hey,

 

Me and my family are taking a weeklong cruise (Carnival Fantasy) in August and since this is gonna be my first cruise ever, I'm wondering what to expect (as in food, stuff to do, etc... as well as the overall experience).

 

Judging by some of the remarks made toward Carnival here and on other websites and the somewhat negative experience my parents had with one of the reps, I shouldn't be expecting much right?

[SharkTums]

^It's one of the older/smaller Carnival ships. It's been refurbed a bit, but it's nothing compared to what you've seen in this thread with the new Royal Caribbean, NCL, or Disney ships.

 

I'd rather be on pretty much any cruise ship rather than at home/school/work so you'll have fun, but don't go in with the highest expectations!

[disneyfan1313]

Exciting news - Princess Cruise Line announced they are building two new ships set to debut in 2013 and 2014! Very few details so far... but these will be the first new builds for Princess since 2008. The one big announcement was that all outside staterooms will have balconies - no more "Porthole" staterooms!

 

I personally really enjoyed my sailings on Princess and am excited to see what else they have up their sleeves!

 

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC FINALIZES CONTRACTS FOR TWO NEW CRUISE SHIPS FOR ITS PRINCESS CRUISES BRAND

VESSELS TO ENTER SERVICE IN 2013 AND 2014

 

MIAMI (May 4, 2010) -- Princess Cruises, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), today announced that contracts to build two 3,600-passenger ships have been finalized with Italy's Fincantieri shipyard.

The new ships -- which each will have an all-in cost of approximately 155,000 euros per lower berth -- are scheduled to enter service in spring 2013 and spring 2014. At an estimated 141,000 tons, the as-yet-unnamed ships will be the largest in the Princess Cruises fleet.

The ships' design will be evolutionary, in keeping with the themes of the line's newest vessels, but with some new features and innovations. For example, all outside cabins will feature balconies, bringing the percentage of balconies on the ships to 80 percent of all staterooms.

The company's signature Piazza -- the ship's central atrium featuring dining, entertainment and retail -- will be expanded, as will the popular Sanctuary, spa, and restaurants.

"We're pleased that in this challenging economic environment, the order for these new ships is a testament to the confidence in the growth potential of the Princess brand," said Alan Buckelew, president and CEO of Princess Cruises. "These new ships will include the features from our newest ships that have been so well received, and take them to the next level," he added.

[NegativeGLover]

My wife and I were thinking about "cheap" vacations this summer to go along with all the weekend park trips. I've paid somewhat close attention to the prices in the last several months and I was getting to wondering, what is the best way to get "last minute" deals? We don't know exactly when we would like to go, probably July (the most expensive month seemingly). I know if you purchase way in advance you can get some good prices, but what is the best way to go about getting those last cabins they are trying to fill? I've been looking at the cruise line web sites, as well as discount finder sites, and the prices only seem to go up till the last minute. I assume I am either just not looking in the right place, or don't know what a good price is. Any info would rock my socks off...

 

On another note, these new ships look amazing. We'll be first timer so I'm sure I will enjoy it, but I can't imagine how much fun being on a ship like Oasis would be. i'm just waiting till the day they put in a sled based "pipeline" coaster, kinda like the Bailey models. Either that or a star flyer like ride that would swing you over the side of the ship and hang out there for a while. It wouldn't have to turn fast really, I just think swinging over the water like that in open seas would be enough to freak a lot of people out.

[Guest]

Just saw a crazy good deal on RCCL ... $499 for eastern Caribbean on Liberty of the Seas (port: Miami)

 

Too bad I did that last year. I found the cheapest western Caribbean at $609.

[disneyfan1313]

^^ If you are willing to do a bit of legwork you can really get some amazing last minute deals on cruises out of Florida. Are you locked into July? If so - that is really the worst possible month for prices.... August is *much* better - although you have the increased chance of hurricanes. Any preferred lines? My "good deal" level is $249 or less per person for a 3-4 day cruise or $599 per person or less for a 7 day. July will be a bit more pricey - prices will probably not drop any more than they are now.

 

I personally like vacationstogo.com to track price movements (they are good about listing the % drop, etc) but then almost always book directly with the cruise line. Also - get on Norwegians and RCCL's mailing list - they often offer special 24 hour deals or stateroom credits. Probably the best deal now on RCCL for july is $569 on Grandeur of the Seas for a 5 day on 7/26 or 7/31.

 

Let me know if you have any other questions or want suggestions!

[NegativeGLover]

Thanks for the info. We're not locked in to July, it would just be optimal for traveling. August would work up until the 3rd week (wife is a teacher and school starts near then). A 5-7 day is what we would be looking at, and getting it for $500 a person at the last minute is about what I was hoping for. I think we would prefer Western vs. Eastern Carribean, but it honestly doesn't matter since it is our first one. We've also only been to tropical like locations in other areas, so anywhere through the entire Carribean would be new.

 

And judging from what others (R&E) have said, Royal Carribean might be more up our alley (lates 20's somethings). I've switched from my Bud Light ways to a matured Sam Adams type of guy, so, there you have it. Upscaling from Carnival would be better for our enjoyment. I also expect that on a last minute deal that it would most likely be an older ship, and we also are not locked in to any port to leave from. Baltimore, MD would be awesome so we could drive it. But after that it would be New Orleans, LA, and then Tampa as choice ports. but I also know Miami is what it will most likely be (just hate flying in/out of there - I have stories people.. horrible horrible stories). Done talking, back to looking at ship pictures throughout the thread. Thanks again...

[disneyfan1313]

^ Unfortunately for the summer New Orleans and Baltimore are going to be Carnival only unless you want to do a longer cruise that costs quite a bit more. The ship I mentioned, the Grandeur, really seems to be the best deal for that time frame for a "less than 7 days cruise." It actually sails out of Ft. Lauderdale which has a VERY nice airport that is a 2 minute drive from the port. Even if you decide on a cruise that sails out of Miami, it will generally be cheaper (and a much better experience!) to fly into Ft. Lauderdale and take a shuttle bus to the Port. Let us know what you decide to do - and post lots of photos when you come back!!!

[tntornadox]

Exciting news - Princess Cruise Line announced they are building two new ships set to debut in 2013 and 2014! Very few details so far... but these will be the first new builds for Princess since 2008. The one big announcement was that all outside staterooms will have balconies - no more "Porthole" staterooms!

 

I personally really enjoyed my sailings on Princess and am excited to see what else they have up their sleeves!

 

CARNIVAL CORPORATION & PLC FINALIZES CONTRACTS FOR TWO NEW CRUISE SHIPS FOR ITS PRINCESS CRUISES BRAND

VESSELS TO ENTER SERVICE IN 2013 AND 2014

 

MIAMI (May 4, 2010) -- Princess Cruises, a unit of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK), today announced that contracts to build two 3,600-passenger ships have been finalized with Italy's Fincantieri shipyard.

The new ships -- which each will have an all-in cost of approximately 155,000 euros per lower berth -- are scheduled to enter service in spring 2013 and spring 2014. At an estimated 141,000 tons, the as-yet-unnamed ships will be the largest in the Princess Cruises fleet.

The ships' design will be evolutionary, in keeping with the themes of the line's newest vessels, but with some new features and innovations. For example, all outside cabins will feature balconies, bringing the percentage of balconies on the ships to 80 percent of all staterooms.

The company's signature Piazza -- the ship's central atrium featuring dining, entertainment and retail -- will be expanded, as will the popular Sanctuary, spa, and restaurants.

"We're pleased that in this challenging economic environment, the order for these new ships is a testament to the confidence in the growth potential of the Princess brand," said Alan Buckelew, president and CEO of Princess Cruises. "These new ships will include the features from our newest ships that have been so well received, and take them to the next level," he added.

 

And here is some concept art someone snapped a picture of at Princess HQ in California:

[SharkTums]

^Love it! Much better than all of the weird aft sections they have on most of their current ships!!!

[tntornadox]

It's a very nice design... rounded stern with a ducktail wake similar to that of Celebrity Solstice. The only thing that will bother Princess guests' is the lack of a formal promenade deck due to the lifeboat configuration... which also means these new ships will probably not have the "Duck beak" at the bow like her Grand-class sisters.

[disneyfan1313]

Thanks for the concept art! I'm guessing the portholes at the bottom must be a public area since they said all outside staterooms would have balconies. The "hump" area in the center is interesting also. I wonder if thats going to be like the voyager class RCCL ships?

[tntornadox]

The "hump" area in the center is interesting also. I wonder if thats going to be like the voyager class RCCL ships?

 

I assume so, the consensus amongst most people who have saw the concept art is it is a very 'RCI-centric' ship... not that that's a bad thing, I love how well rounded she is.

[chemical_echo]

Got a deal today from travelzoo for a 10 night Mediterranean cruise on the Disney Magic for $999. I'm tempted if nothing more than because it stops in my home country of Malta.

[disneyfan1313]

^ Thats a good deal! Go for it! I'm assuming its one of the ones pretty soon? What category of cabin is it?

[chemical_echo]

It's for September 8th, not sure what category cabin it's in yet. I didn't want to look too into it and get my hopes up when I realized I wont have enough cash.

[disneyfan1313]

Royal Caribbean announced that there will be some changes from Oasis of the Seas (the worlds largest cruise ship) to her sister ship - the Allure - when she sets sail in December.

 

Thanks to Cruise Critic for the details..

 

The Boardwalk on Allure should benefit from the addition of a new "free" dining option. The Boardwalk Dog House will serve up a variety of sausages, wieners and brats with your choice of toppings. "We felt that the free food offering was not substantial enough in the Boardwalk," noted Lisa Bauer, Royal Caribbean's Senior VP of Hotel Operations. "You have the Park Cafe in Central Park, so we wanted to make it more convenient for families to stay in the Boardwalk." The venue will replace what's now the donut shop on Oasis, but fans of Oasis of the Seas' Boardwalk Donut Shop, which serves thousands of donuts per cruise, need not worry. It'll be moved next to ice cream store, replacing some outdoor seating.

 

Allure will also introduce Rita's Cantina, a restaurant being described by the line as a combination So-Cal taqueria and Mexican beach bar. Menus have not been finalized (Bauer noted she was looking forward to approving the chips and salsa choices), but the line said options may include shrimp ceviche tostados, chips and guacamole and a wide selection of margaritas. The fee to eat there will be $4.95. On Allure, Rita's Cantina will replace what's now the Seafood Shack, which levies a loftier $8.95 for adults and $4.95 for kids.

 

The new venue will also take aim at one of the disappointments of Oasis' Boardwalk -- the fact that passengers didn't hang out there much at night. During evening hours, Rita's will feature live guitar music, drinks and dancing.

 

Other Tweaks for Allure of the Seas

 

Guess Store. Following the success of the Coach retail store found on Oasis of the Seas, Allure will introduce the first flagship Guess store at sea, which will sell the company's designer handbags, watches, shoes, jewelry and glasses. The store will be located in the Royal Promenade in place of what's Focus Photo Shop on Oasis (camera-related sales will be moved to the photo gallery on Allure).

 

Guest Kiosks. Borrowing a concept introduced by Costa Cruises ("Totems") and Carnival Cruise Lines ("FunHubs"), Allure of the Seas will debut special guest kiosks in the Royal Promenade. According to the line, at least three kiosks will provide a number of helpful complimentary services to passengers, including the ability to view, print or e-mail guest folios (your bill) and guest calendars, where spa appointments, alternative dining reservations and entertainment schedules are stored. What we think will be the most useful service is an option to look up and print out airline reservations.

 

Oddly, the kiosks won't allows for standard for-fee Web browsing (web access will be limited to airline sites), and so won't provide an alternative option to the ship's Internet cafe, which will be paltry if anything like that of its predecessor. (Cruise Critic Editor in Chief Carolyn Spencer Brown dubbed Oasis' Internet cafe "the most appalling we've seen on a cruise ship since shipboard Internet access was first introduced.") Allure will, however, like Oasis, feature by bow-to-stern Wi-Fi and Internet access in each cabin's interactive TV.

 

3D Movies. The main theater on Allure of the Seas will be equipped to handle 3D movies, which Bauer said would first-run. Oasis of the Seas will be 3D-ready by spring of 2011. Another entertainment change: new productions in the AquaTheater incluiding an acrobatic show called Blue Planet. The water show will be called Ocean Aria.

 

In-Cabin iPod Docks. All cabins on Allure of the Seas will feature iPod docking stations. According to Royal Caribbean spokesman Harrison Liu, the docking stations will only be available on Allure to begin with.

 

Interesting that the Boardwalk is having the most issues. No word yet on the Carousel - I wonder how popular that is? Also interesting that they are doing 3-D movies - Disney Cruise Line has had that for over a year now but no other line has jumped on board the bandwagon before now. Apparently more details will be announced soon of a few other small changes.

 

They also announced some changes on the Freedom and the Liberty of the seas to bring them more up to date with the oasis.. Here are some of the things announced for their 2011 dry dock.

So what Oasis favorites are coming to Freedom and Liberty?

 

Cupcake Cupboard. On Oasis of the Seas, the Cupcake Cupboard, selling icing-topped confections for $2.50 each, has been something of a phenomenon. "We can't seem to keep up with demand," says Lisa Bauer, Royal Caribbean's Senior VP of Hotel Operations. The venue will also host cupcake classes and private parties. On both Freedom and Liberty, the Cupcake Cupboard will replace the Clean Shave barbershop.

 

Outdoor Movies. Despite all of Royal Caribbean's onboard innovations, giant outdoor movie screens -- now a staple on ships from lines like Carnival Cruise Lines, Princess Cruises and MSC Cruises -- were strangely missing until the debut of Oasis of the Seas. The outdoor screens at Oasis of the Seas' AquaTheater have proven popular, so an 18.5-foot display will be installed in the main pool area on both Freedom and Liberty of the Seas.

 

Broadway Shows. Oasis has "Hairspray," which according to Bauer has been getting standing ovations every night. Sister ship Allure of the Seas will feature "Chicago" when it debuts this December. So happy with the success of its Broadway shows, Royal Caribbean will be installing another big-name production on Liberty of the Seas. The show will debut on in spring 2011. According to Bauer, Freedom of the Seas' current show, "Once Upon a Time" has been such as big hit that it will remain in place for at least the next year or so.

 

ImaginOcean Puppet Show. Oasis of the Seas' ImaginOcean family theater show, a combination puppet show-musical created by Tony Award-nominated actor John Tartaglia, has proven successful, and the line will be introducing the show to Liberty and Freedom.

 

Royal Tots and Royal Babies. The popular nursery that's part of Oasis of the Seas' Royal Babies and Tots program, which provides childcare to kids ages 6 to 36 months, will be added to Freedom and Liberty. There will be space for 12 kids. All parents have an opportunity to reserve spots for their kids at the beginning of each cruise at a cost of $8 per hour, per child. Remaining hours are then opened up on a first-come, first-served basis.

 

Interactive Touch-Screen Displays. On Oasis, passengers responded positively to the digital signage found primarily in the elevator lobbies, so the signs, which feature deck plans, restaurant info and a digital version of Royal Caribbean's daily "Cruise Compass" activity guide, will be added to Freedom and Liberty.

 

Nothing mind blowing here although good to see RCCL jumping on the "Movies under the stars" bandwagon.

 

Thoughts?

[SharkTums]

I saw some of this last night and love it!

 

Although KT is now too old to take advantage of the nursery, that would have been an AMAZING option when we were previously on those ships when she was under 3 and from what I've heard of the Oasis facility should be great!

 

Also, bring the cupcake place to Freedom and Liberty in place of the men's haircut place is also great! I love designer cupcakes and would love to go to a class and buy some.

 

The Mexican food place on Allure sounds better than seafood to me for sure so another win there!

 

This is why we waited and didn't go on Oasis right away, I always like to give the lines time to work stuff out, see what works and what doesn't...we'll be on the Allure before 2012 for sure!

[nursemelis374]

These ships get better and better! I had seen pictures of the cupcake place on another site and couldn't believe how awesome that was! I had wondered about the price but $2.50 sounds very reasonable. Classes, decorating parties, etc. all sound like something fun they could do.

 

I am also excited about both the hot dog and Mexican food places. Sometimes when cruising I almost get sick of the fine dining. I know that sounds crazy but on my last cruise I enjoyed breaking some of the fancy meals up with Johnny Rockets and port dining. It is almost like you can appreciate the really good food more if you do that.

 

They have the touch screen displays in a lot of the casinos now and I feel they are pretty helpful and are a smart addition to the ships.

 

On a random note, at work yesterday we were talking about how expensive it is to put people in nursing home and commenting that it would be cheaper to live on a cruise ship than be in a nursing home or assisted living!

[jamjar]

Seeing these changes to the other two Freedom class ships makes me wonder what RCCL are going to do to Independence. Its a large part of the UK cruise market and the only RCCL ship that sails from Southampton year-round. Will they draft in Freedom or Liberty? Or simply not make the changes to Independence?

[disneyfan1313]

^ There was another part of the article that discussed Independence. For now they are going to take a "wait and see" approach - I think they know the changes would be popular on the other two ships since the market it is sailing to/from is the same. They probably aren't quite as sure if the cost to do them would show an ROI in the UK.

[disneyfan1313]

Not sure how I missed this - but Carnival was doing a test on 4 ships this last year with Laser Tag on board! Apparently this was so popular they are now expanding it to all ships except the Sprit. Kind of random - but cool! It is an inflatable arena so not too huge, but I think I would drop $5 to play. I'm kinda surprised laser tag is still around - it screams "Mid 90's" to me. Would you try it?

 

Following the tremendous success of a laser tag pilot program on four ships in 2009, laser tag has now been rolled out to 21 Carnival ships.

 

The inflatable laser tag arena, which operates at various times throughout the day and evening in the ship’s main show lounge, has been met with outstanding response from guests and has attracted players of all ages.

 

Each session allows four players at time – either individually or in teams of two — to battle it out against each other in a fog-filled dome for an exciting five-minute session. The cost is $5 per person. All Carnival ships other than the Carnival Spirit now offer laser tag.

[Josh Linn]

That's freaking awesome...I'd pay $20 for that.

[esvadj]

I'll be on the Carnival Destiny next month with a bunch of friends, we will check this out for sure. Five dollars is cheap entertainment while on a cruise.

[BeemerBoy]

I realize they don't have a lot of room to begin with, but that looks rather pointless....like playing paintball in a closet.