NCL To Base 5 Ships In The Caribbean In 2012 And 2013

Norwegian Cruise Line announced its Caribbean deployment for the 2012-13 season with itineraries from Miami, Tampa and New Orleans.

These cruises go on sale today to the general public on Jan. 5. To book please call 1-800-308-3077 to speak to an agent.

In Miami, the 4,100-passenger Norwegian Epic

Will continue alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises departing on Saturdays from Nov. 3, 2012, to April 13, 2013. The Eastern Caribbean cruises call on St. Maarten, St. Thomas and Nassau. The Western Caribbean cruises stop in Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico, and Roatán, Bay Islands, Honduras.

Norwegian Jewel

Featuring Nickelodeon at Sea family programming along with Norwegian Epic, will also sail alternating seven-day Eastern and Western Caribbean cruises departing from Miami on Sundays from Oct. 14, 2012, to April 14, 2013. The Eastern Caribbean cruises call on Samaná, Dominican Republic; St. Thomas; Tortola; and Nassau. The Western Caribbean cruises visit Great Stirrup Cay, Norwegian’s private island in the Bahamas; Ocho Rios, Jamaica; Grand Cayman; and Cozumel.

Norwegian Sun

Will sail 10- and 11-day Southern Caribbean cruises from Miami from Oct. 14, 2012, to April 10, 2013.  The 10-day cruise calls on St. Thomas, Dominica, Barbados, St. Lucia and St. Maarten. The 11-day cruise calls on Cartagena, Colombia; Aruba; Curaçao; St. Maarten; and St. Thomas. Norwegian Sun will also sail one seven-day Western Caribbean cruise from Port Canaveral on April 14, 2012, with stops in Cozumel, Grand Cayman, Ocho Rios, and Great Stirrup Cay.

Norwegian Dawn

In Tampa, the 2,224-passenger Norwegian Dawn will replace Norwegian Star sailing 23 seven-day Western Caribbean cruises departing on Sundays from Nov. 11, 2012, to April 14, 2013. The ship will call on Roatán, Belize City, Costa Maya and Cozumel.

Norwegian Star

Will homeport in New Orleans during the winter and spring, offering seven-day Western Caribbean cruises every Sunday with ports of call including Costa Maya, Cozumel, Belize City and Roatán.

NCL will also offer 11 repositioning cruises

Ranging from a four-day Pacific coastal to a 17-day Panama Canal from April 15 to Oct. 26, 2012, departing from Miami, Tampa, New York, Los Angeles, Vancouver and Quebec. For the first time, the cruise line will offer a 16-day “Colonial America” cruise on Norwegian Dawn from Quebec City to Tampa on Oct. 26, 2012, calling on Portland, Maine; Boston; New York; Baltimore, Md.; Norfolk, Va.; Charleston, S.C.; Miami and Key West.

Two Day Cruises

In addition, Norwegian Cruise Lines will be offered from Miami on Norwegian Jewel on Oct. 12, 2012, and from New York on Norwegian Gem on Sept. 28, 2012. For more information, call 1-800-308-3077 or visit www.AvoyaTravel.com.

TravelSmart and Cruises by CaptBob is An Authorized Independent Affiliate of America’s Vacation Center.

Norwegian Cruise Lines Reviews

Dining
The choice is yours. With Freestyle Cruising, you travel a world of dining options all in one week. From elegant French bistros and Italian trattorias to sushi and tapas bars, and more, there’s a different dining option for almost every night of your cruise. With up to 10 different restaurants, each featuring a diverse an ever-changing menu, you’ll always find exactly what you’re in the mood for. And there are no fixed seating’s. Imagine restaurants open from 5:30 pm to midnight so that you can choose from an early dinner before the show or a later romantic dinner for the two of you. And of course there’s always the option of 24-hour room service. You’re free to dine where, when and with whom you choose.

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Attire
Wear what you want. Dress according to your mood. It is your vacation. “Resort casual” attire is as dressy as you’ll ever have to get for dinner. But if it’s elegance you’re dreaming of, we invite you to indulge. Many of our restaurants offer formal options. If you prefer more casual dress, that’s fine, too. How you dress is up to you.

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Service
You’re about to be pampered. By adding additional crew-members to every ship in our fleet we’re able to offer exceptional service. With almost one crew-member per stateroom, you can be assured you’ll be very well taken care of when you cruise with us.

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Activities
Do everything, or nothing at all. For those who prefer to be active, our new Life Style Program features adventurous Shore Excursions, art auctions, health and wellness programs, cooking demonstrations – all kinds of activities aimed at challenging your mind as well as your body. Or you can simply relax and enjoy not having a schedule to follow. We pick the ports, but the rest of the day is your call.

Insight: Panama Canal Cruises

Alaska And Cruise Lines Finally See Eye To Eye

Cruise lines head back to Alaska

After sailing a-way from the State of Alaska, which seemed hell-bended to tax cruise ships out of their coastal waters, many cruise lines are now heading back to the ports of the land of the midnight sun with more ships, more sailings and more capacity.

Earlier this year, the Alaska legislature, on the heels of a terrible revenue and low-capacity season, voted to lower the previously raised head tax on cruise passengers. With the news of a new lower head tax , Princess Cruises announced it will be adding a fourth ship to it’s popular Voyage of the Glaciers run after two years of running at reduced capacity.

“We are particularly appreciative of the efforts of Governor Sean Parnell and the Alaska state legislature that have resulted in meaningful progress toward resolving the challenges facing Alaska’s recovery as a cruise destination,” said Princess President and CEO Alan Bucklew.

Today’s announcement by Norwegian Cruise Lines to position it ship, the Norwegian Jewel, on an inside passage itinerary from Seattle is the latest in a string of “Thanks for reducing the head tax” moves by the cruise lines. This year, joining the Norwegian Pearl , the Norwegian Jewel will sail Alaska’s inside passage, sailing to Glacier Bay from Seattle, replacing Norwegian Star that will sail to Bermuda for the first time from her new home in New York City.

As some cruise lines head back to Alaska, first timers are throwing in their lot by adding capacity to Alaska Cruise Market.
Disney Cruise Line is sailing North with Disney Wonder as the line doubles its size by adding Disney Dream debuting in January and Disney Fantasy in 2012. Another first-timer, Oceania Cruises will send their Regatta on a series of departures from San Francisco, Vancouver or Anchorage.  Alaska is second most popular cruise destination in the world

NCL Ten Great Years Of Free Style Cruising

Cruises Starting From $169.00

Ends 10/31/10* A decade of choice, a decade of freedom, a decade of innovation, a decade of Freestyle Cruising® – that’s definitely something worth celebrating. Norwegian Cruise Line is ready to celebrate the next decade of Freestyle innovations with three great offers. Book during the month of October, and You’ll get up to a four-category upgrade, reduced deposits and up to $250 on-board credit. And the timing couldn’t be better because October is NATIONAL CRUISE VACATION MONTH, and October 13 is CLIA’s World’s Largest Cruise Night. All together you’ve got one great month-long celebration. To book call 1.800.308.3077 and ask to speak to an NCL Cruise Specialist. Don’t wait take advantage of NCL’s Ten Great Years of *Restrictions apply. ©2010 Norwegian Cruise Line Corporation LTD. Ships’ Registry: Bahamas and United States of America. restrictions apply.

World’s Largest Cruise Sale!

Huge Savings with the World’s Largest Cruise Sale!

Attention Cruisers: Now is your Chance to Save Big on your Next Cruise!

The World’s Preview Largest Cruise Sale is coming up this week! Looking for some of the best discounts of 2010? As one of our biggest cruise sales of the year, this will be the time to save big on your dream vacation. From hundreds of dollars in shipboard credit, free upgrades, and much more, Avoya Travel / America’s Vacation Center guests will discover a plethora of special offers and savings from an array of top cruise lines during the World’s Largest Cruise Sale!

In celebration of National Cruise Vacation Month, top cruise lines are offering Avoya Travel / America’s Vacation Center travelers amazing specials for a limited time! As one of our biggest blowout sales of the year, you’ll have access to tons of cruise deals beginning this week. Make sure to take advantage of these incredible cruise specials exclusively for you – before it’s too late!

Royal Caribbean’s Incredible Sale

During 7-night cruises with Royal Caribbean from $479, you’ll sail to the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond to discover an incredible fleet filled with some of the most amazing features at sea! From ice-skating rinks to Flow-Rider surf simulators, rock-climbing walls and more, you’ll encounter endless adventures while on your Royal Caribbean cruise. Also, on board the largest ship at sea, the Oasis of the Seas, you can walk through an open-air Central Park neighborhood, zoom across the Boardwalk while on a spine-tingling zip-line, watch a spectacular water show and incredible high-diving aerial acts in the Aqua-Theater, and so much more! And, with the Allure of the Seas making its debut in December 2010, now is the time to take advantage of amazing specials during the World’s Largest Cruise Sale!

• To save big on the largest cruise ships in the world and other incredible Royal Caribbean ships, take advantage of great savings with exclusive reduced pricing!

Norwegian Cruise Line’s ‘Epic’ Specials!

On 7-night Norwegian Cruise Line sailings from just $329, you’ll discover great values during your cruise vacation with your choice in dining, activities, and entertainment! With ‘Freestyle Cruising’, you can experience an array of cuisine ranging from decadent buffets to specialty Teppanyaki, one-of-a-kind activities such as a two-story screen for playing Nintendo Wii, and much more. Also, on-board NCL’s newest cruise ship, the Norwegian Epic, you’ll discover some of the most groundbreaking at-sea firsts! From the 17-degree Svedka Ice Bar, exclusive Blue Man Group entertainment, New Wave staterooms with modern curved walls, and beyond, you’ll have an unforgettable cruise vacation onboard this amazing ship.

• With up to $250 shipboard credit, reduced deposit, & free upgrades available, you can enjoy the brand new Norwegian Epic and other exciting NCL ships with some of the best savings this year!

Celebrity Cruises’ Mind-Blowing Offers

With 7-night Celebrity Cruises sailings from $399, you’ll experience an innovative fleet including the one-of-a-kind Solstice Class ships. During ‘Celebrity Life’ programming, you can learn one of 13 languages during Rosetta Stone courses, taste specialty wines from Celebrity Cruises’ sommeliers, and watch unique pieces of art being created during the Hot Glass Show on Solstice Class ships. Also, with the first-ever Lawn Club at sea, you can enjoy a relaxing picnic or fun round of bocce ball all on a half-acre grass lawn – while sailing to the Caribbean, Europe, and beyond!

• For a mind-blowing experience with Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice Class and other incredible ships, you can get fantastic savings!

Regent Cruises’ Savings on Luxury Sailings

Discover an unforgettable cruise experience on 7-night luxury sailings with Regent Cruises. With almost everything included in your cruise vacation, you’ll travel to the Caribbean, Europe, South America, and beyond in complete comfort and extravagance. Boasting up to four gourmet restaurants including the new steakhouse Prime 7 and Signatures, featuring Le Cordon Bleu-inspired cuisine, every meal is sure to delight during your sailings with Regent Cruises. From unlimited shore excursions, complimentary beverages including wine, 24-hour room service, and many more all-inclusive offerings, you’ll receive exclusive values from Regent Cruises during the the World’s Largest Cruise Sale!

• Avoya Travel / America’s Vacation Center guests can take advantage of up to $200 off Regent Cruises’ lavish sailings!

The World’s Largest Cruise Sale only comes once a year, and now is the time for you to contact your Avoya Travel / America’s Vacation Center Personal Vacation Planner to get some of the best cruise deals of the year!

For more information, call 800-308-3077 and mention Discount Code 9094# to speak with an AVC Personal Vacation Planner today!

Travel Smart/Cruises By Capt Bob is An Authorized Independent Affiliate of America’s Vacation Center

Norwegian Epic $99 Air Offer Extended October 31st

This Summer’s Hottest Vacation

Looking for the best deals on the next level of Freestyle Cruising® aboard Norwegian Epic? Well, look no further – because we’ve got a deal that’s as amazing as our newest ship. Just book a 7-day Caribbean cruise aboard Norwegian Epic in a Balcony or Deluxe Balcony and we will sweeten the deal with airfare starting at only $99* roundtrip.  Call 1-800-308-3077  and speak to Cruise Specialist.

Available Gateways for $99 Round trip

Atlanta, Cincinnati, New York – John F. Kennedy, New York – La Guardia, Newark, Washington DC – Dulles Int’l.

Available Gateways for $149 Round trip

Baltimore Washington Int’l Airport; MD, Boston – Logan, Charlotte, Chicago O’Hare Int’l Airport, Houston, Jacksonville, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh Int’l Airport, Washington DC – Ronald Reagan National.

Available Gateways for $199 Round trip

Albany, Austin, Birmingham, Cleveland, Denver International Airport, Greenville/Spartanburg, Kansas City, Lehigh Valley, Louisville, Memphis, Mobile, Nashville, New Orleans, Norfolk/Virginia Beach, Phoenix, Providence, Raleigh – Durham, Rochester, San Francisco, Savannah, St. Louis – Lambert, Vancouver.

Available Gateways for $249 Round trip

Akron, Allentown, Asheville, Burlington, Charleston, Chattanooga, Columbia, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport,Fort Wayne, Greensboro/Winston Salem, Harrisburg, Bradley – Hartford, Indianapolis, Knoxville, Las Vegas, Lexington, Los Angeles,Minneapolis – St. Paul Int’l Airport, Montgomery, Myrtle Beach, New York – Newark, Reno, Richmond, Syracuse, Tucson.

Available Gateways for $299 Round trip

Albuquerque, Colorado Springs, Columbus, Huntsville, Little Rock, Milwaukee, Omaha, Ontario, Portland, Roanoke, Toledo.

Available Gateways for $349 Round trip

Buffalo/Niagara Falls, Green Bay, Madison, Oklahoma City, Portland Int’l, Sacramento, Salt Lake City, Seattle/Tacoma.

Terms and Conditions

This is air only offer, air only offer doesn’t include air tax. Offer available for Balcony categories BK through BA and Deluxe Balcony categories D5 through D2.

Offer based on availability, capacity controlled, subject to change or cancellation without notice, and may be withdrawn at any time.

“Offer applies to new FIT reservations only. Qualifying FIT reservations can be included into existing Group and count towards Tour Conductor Credits.

Tour conductors are not entitled to the special Air fare: MUST pay Early Booking Fare (EBF) Air Add-on rate.

Air rates are per person based on double occupancy, in US Dollars and include airport/pier transfers.

Third through eight berth guests pay prevailing cruise fare and Early Booking Fare (EBF) Air Add-on rate.

Air routing, scheduling and carrier are at the discretion of Norwegian Cruise Line.

Guests may request to deviate flight schedule through Premium Air and may request Hotel Package and additional Hotel nights.

Singles paying 200% of the rate are eligible. Available on GDS booking source. Travel Partners using Sabre’s booking engine must book Air offers by selecting Best Fare.

Offer combinable with PG6, TIOBCM, and UPGRADE program codes only. Onboard service charges are additional and will be automatically added to your onboard account.

All cancellation fees will follow Norwegian schedule listed in the brochure and www.ncl.com

Cancellation fees are applicable based on the booking/sailing date and accommodations; Norwegian strongly recommends the purchase of Travel Protection on all bookings.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Effective immediately, Norwegian is suspending the company’s fuel supplement for all voyages at this time.

The Company reserves the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for all guests should the price of light sweet crude oil according to the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index) increase above $65 per barrel.

Norwegian may collect any fuel supplement charge in effect at the time of sailing, even if the cruise fare has been paid in full.

Norwegian is not responsible for typographical errors or omissions. Ships’ registry: BAHAMAS and UNITED STATES OF AMERICA. ©2010 NCL Corporation Ltd.

Capt Bob

Travel Smart and Cruise By Capt Bob is an Independent Affiliate of Avoya Travel-American Express. An Authorized Independent Affiliate of America’s Vacation Center.

NCL To Launch Freestyle Dash Promotion

Norwegian Cruise Line will launch its three-day “Freestyle Dash” offer on Sept. 15 with a preview day for past guests on Sept. 14. The promotion offers savings on 11 Freestyle Cruising ships to Alaska, Bahamas/Florida, Bermuda, the Caribbean, Hawaii and Europe when booked by Sept. 17.

The three-day promotion provides half-off standard cruise deposits on select sailings and up to $250 onboard credit per stateroom, based on cruise length and category. Guests who book sailings of up to six days and longer will receive $250 in onboard credit when sailing in a Garden Villa, $150 for suites, $100 for mini-suites and deluxe balcony staterooms, $75 for balcony staterooms, $50 for ocean-view rooms, $25 for inside and $12.50 for Norwegian Epic’s studios.

For sailings of up to five days, guests will receive $100 per stateroom in a Garden Villa, $75 for suites, $50 for mini-suites, $40 for balcony staterooms, $20 for ocean-view cabins, $15 for insides and $7.50 for studios. The on board credit can be used toward amenities such as spa treatments, shore excursions, gifts in the duty-free shop, and dinners in specialty restaurants. For more information, please call your travel professional at 1-800-308-3077 for more details.

Capt Bob

Top Rated Cruise Survey