Cruise Ideas For 2011

Best Cruise Destinations for 2011

Ready to experience the world’s best cruise destinations in 2011? From the tropical island paradises of the Caribbean and Bahamas, mesmerizing wonders of Europe, breathtaking landscapes of Alaska, and beyond, here are our top choices for a completely unforgettable cruise vacation in the new year!

Travel to Top Island Paradises

In the Caribbean and Bahamas, you’ll discover complete relaxation, exhilarating adventures, unbelievable sightseeing, and much more during your island retreat to these best cruise destinations! On 7-night sailings with Royal Caribbean, you can enjoy exciting activities in gorgeous tropical climates – explore lush rainforests, snorkel in clear turquoise waters, visit Royal Caribbean’s private island, Labadee, and much more! Discover even more of the Caribbean on Celebrity Cruises for 7-nights, where you’ll have the chance to sail on the innovative Solstice class and enjoy a picnic or game of bocce ball on the freshly manicured Lawn Club deck. From visiting the Bacardi rum distillery in San Juan, deep-sea fishing, and beyond, you can experience everything the Caribbean has to offer with Celebrity Cruises. During 7-night Norwegian Cruise Line sailings, you can escape to another sunny getaway – the Bahamas – to see the world’s third largest barrier reef and enjoy thrilling island activities such as swimming with stingrays! With ‘Freestyle Cruising’, you can enjoy your sailing to one of these best cruise destinations while having the choice to do what you want, when you want, and wherever you want!

The Caribbean and Bahamas continue to be some of the world’s best cruise destinations, and as an Avoya Travel / America’s Vacation Center guest you can take advantage of these great cruise deals:

• Exclusive pricing and amenities valued at up to $100 with Royal Caribbean
• Free upgrade & coupon book for all guests on Norwegian Cruise Line sailings
• Free coupon book plus exclusive savings up to $100 with Celebrity Cruises

Discover Europe’s Spectacular Art, Culture, and More!

Filled with historic landmarks, distinguished culture, and more, it’s no surprise that travelers return to Europe’s incredible countries year after year. In 2011, immerse yourself in a traditional Italian experience at sea during 7-night MSC Cruises to Europe that visit Rome, Venice, Genoa, and beyond. Offering the perfect blend of European charm and modern Italian elegance, authentic Italian cuisine, and beyond, your vacation with MSC Cruises will truly be one-of-a-kind. Want to discover Europe’s hidden treasures while on an intimate cruise through some of the world’s most breathtaking rivers? During Uniworld River Cruises sailings for 7-nights, you can enjoy complimentary fine European wines, captivating and included shore excursions, and more while sailing through the heart of Europe’s finest cities. From Amsterdam, Paris, and beyond, you can experience Europe up close and personal during a river cruise, and save up to $1,600 on 2011 sailings! To travel Europe in complete luxury, you can enjoy 11-night Crystal Cruises sailings to many popular destinations, including the breathtaking Baltic region. From Copenhagen, Stockholm, Saint Petersburg, and beyond, you’ll see everything Europe has to offer with decadent Crystal Cruises sailings.

Alaska Cruise Wonders

Observe the splendors of Alaska’s breathtaking scenery and wildlife on a cruise vacation to discover why it is one of the year’s top destinations. During 7-night Alaska sailings with Celebrity Cruises, you can visit this region to enjoy incredible excursions at Alaskan ports-of-call – from a glacier helicopter tour, kayaking along coves, and more. Princess Cruises also offers incredible Alaska adventures, and during Princess Cruises Alaska sailings for 7-nights, you’ll have the chance to experience a true signature taste of Alaskan cuisine during an on-deck fish barbecues, a reindeer chili and rockfish chowder cook-off, and beyond while passing by jaw-dropping glaciers and frontiers. Looking to explore even more of this spectacular region? During 10-night Alaska sailings with Oceania Cruises, you can travel on board the popular Oceania Regatta to visit famed areas including Ketchikan, known as the ‘Salmon Capital of the World’ which also features the world’s largest collection of totem poles. Also in this top destination, you’ll have the chance to hike along Mendenhall Glacier on the outskirts of Juneau, the state capital, stroll the sidewalks of the authentic Gold Rush town of Skagway, and much more!

With Alaska cruise vacations only available during the Summer, now is your chance to reserve your space before it’s too late! And, for an added bonus, Avoya Travel / America’s Vacation Center guests can enjoy these amazing offers:

• Alaska Cruise Sale! Up to $1,000 in savings, $1,000 in shipboard credit & 2 for 1 fares with Oceania Cruises
• Exclusive pricing and amenities valued at up to $100 with Celebrity Cruises

Now is your chance to visit the world’s best destinations for 2011. Contact your Avoya Travel / America’s Vacation Center Personal Vacation Planner today!

Travel Smart and Cruises by Capt Bob is An Authorized Independent Affiliate of America’s Vacation Center.

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

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

Oceania To Sail Alaskan Waters In 2011

Oceania Cruises will sail in Alaska for the first time in summer 2011. Ten departures of four itineraries explore Alaska’s Inside Passage and call at Sitka, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, plus less-visited outposts such as Kodiak, Homer and Hoonah.

Depending on the itinerary, travelers will also cruise the Hubbard Glacier, Gulf of Alaska, Tracy Arm and College Fjord. With two-for-one fares and free air, a 10-day Alaska cruise starts at $3,499 per guest based on double occupancy. The Alaska cruises, which go on sale April 28, will be operated by the 684-passenger Regatta.
The 14-day “Majestic Alaska” cruise sails round trip from San Francisco, a maiden port for Oceania, and visits Victoria, Vancouver, Sitka, Hoonah, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan and Astoria, Ore. Departures are May 12 and Aug. 26 The 12-day “Alaskan Grandeur” sails between San Francisco and Vancouver, calling at Astoria, Victoria, Wrangell, Juneau, Hoonah, Sitka and Ketchikan. Departures are May 26 and Aug. 14.

The 10-day “Frontiers and Glaciers” round trip from Vancouver calls at Sitka, Hoonah, Kodiak, Wrangell and Ketchikan. Departures are June 7 and Aug. 4. The 12-day “Glacial Wilderness” sails between Vancouver and Anchorage, with visits to Ketchikan, Wrangell, Juneau, Hoonah, Skagway, Sitka, Seward and Homer. Departure dates are June 17, June 29, July 11 and July 23.

Frank Del Rio, chairman and CEO of Oceania’s parent company Prestige Cruise Holdings, said Alaska’s recent move to reduce the cruise passenger head tax helped cement the decision to sail in the 49th state. “We would like to thank Alaska’s governor, Sean Parnell, and the Alaska Legislature for their efforts to roll back the head tax on cruise passengers, which was an important consideration in evaluating our deployment alternatives,” Del Rio said. For more information, call 360-687-9579 or visit www.TravelSmartbyKandB.com

Capt Bob