The two fire boats in Tokyo Harbour greeted our ship with powerful fountains of water shooting high in the air. It was our first stop and an appropriate, symbolic start to a special “Pacific Ring of Fire” cruise.
Each year, the Holland America cruise ship Statendam repositions itself from Osaka, Japan to Vancouver to begin its Alaska service. For those lucky 1,200 trans-Pacific passengers, it was a rare treat to take a northerly route along the Ring of Fire passing more than 60 active volcanoes and hundreds of lofty cone-shaped peaks that were once active but are now considered dormant or extinct. The whole region is along the edge of several continental plates where huge pressure is built up in subduction zones causing regular earthquakes and lava-spewing volcanoes.
Japan, comprised of four large mountainous islands, is particularly vulnerable to earthquakes and is home to about 10 per cent of the world’s active volcanoes. The highest and most spectacular is Mount Fuji (3,776 metres).
This symbol of Japan dominates the skyline near Tokyo and forms a perfect volcanic cone with a crown of white snow that attracts thousands of hikers and millions of photographers each year. Mount Fuji last erupted 300 years ago but geologists think it’s capable of re-erupting at any time. We took a tour halfway up the gentle slope where hotels, gift shops, horse rides and fast-food vendors (fish and meat satay sticks were especially popular) competed for tourist yen while expensively-outfitted climbers trudged through the nearby snow.
Topics: 'Holland'
The Florida Attorney General’s Office, responding to more than 150 consumer complaints, is looking into whether the fuel supplement fees that major cruise lines began charging last fall are appropriate and properly disclosed to passengers.
”Our office has received more than 150 complaints about this issue and we are engaged in ongoing discussions about this with the cruise lines,” said Sandi Copes, press secretary for Attorney General Bill McCollum.
Copes said the Attorney General’s Office “is conducting a preliminary review. We’re looking into whether or not it’s appropriate and whether or not they are accurately disclosed at the point of sale.”
Tim Gallagher, a spokesman for Miami-based Carnival Corp., the world’s largest cruise operator, acknowledged that Carnival and other cruise lines are under review. ”We believe our fuel supplement complies with applicable laws and we are cooperating with the review,” he said.
Last Nov. 7, as fuel prices soared to record highs, Carnival Corp., which operates 11 brands, announced it was tacking on a $5-per-person, per-day ”fuel supplement” at Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Those lines will carry some 8 million passengers this year.
The cruise giant, which capped the charge at $70 per person per voyage, had previously added a fuel charge on European brands.
Other big cruise operators, including Miami-based Royal Caribbean Cruises and Miami-based Norwegian Cruise Line, soon followed suit with their own versions of fuel-supplement fees.
Logo from Carnival.
Holland America Line was awarded Best Overall Cruise Value for the 16th consecutive year at an international industry event in December. The award was presented by the World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society, a 25-year old organisation which represents thousands of experienced cruising enthusiasts, who take an average of two cruises a year.
“I’m delighted and honored to again have Holland America Line recognised by the members of the World Ocean and Cruise Liner Society,” said Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer. “Our investment in Signature of Excellence enhancements has helped keep Holland America Line at the top of the premium cruise market and we will continue to advance or brand in the coming year with the addition of the new ms Eurodam.”
The World Ocean & Cruise Liner Society reviews all cruise lines annually and releases a monthly publication - Ocean and Cruise News. They listed a number of reasons as to why Holland America Line was once again named as the best overall cruise value. The company’s continual effort to improve its fleets, most notably through the Signature of Excellence program; the immaculate presentation of the ships; friendly and well trained staff; and a broad and flexible range of dining options were among some of the grounds for which the award was given.
With thousands of travelers choosing to explore Alaska and the Yukon Territory with Holland America Line each year, the company has added new shore excursions in Alaska to appeal to an increasingly broad range of interests. Food lovers, adventure seekers and art enthusiasts will all find not-to-be-missed experiences among the more than 250 excursions offered in 2008.
“We have a long history of arranging tours in Alaska,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest relations. “Our experienced staff actively searches for unique tours that offer a new adventure or different perspective on a particular location. The variety lets guests personalize their vacation experience each day.”
For a different view of Alaska, snorkeling is offered in Sitka and Ketchikan. Typically a warm-water sport, a wetsuit or dry suit provides protection from the elements while exploring the usually unseen underwater wilderness of Southeast Alaska. A narrated tour in calm, clear waters teeming with marine life lets guests observe and handle a variety of sea life.
Fans of the Discovery Channel’s show Deadliest Catch, highlighting Alaska’s crab fishing industry, won’t want to miss the Bering Sea Crab Fisherman’s Tour in Ketchikan. Guests set out on the f/v Aleutian Ballad-the same vessel as seen on the show but modified for comfort and safety-with real fisherman who will set and pull pots for an inside look into their life and livelihood.
Logo from Holland America Line.
This week, priceline.com is launching its winter Cruise Blowout Sale. For starters, the sale offers savings of up to 75% off select cruises to the world’s most popular destinations. But that’s not all. From now through February 15, customers who call (800-735-8000) and book a four-night or longer getaway in an oceanview or higher category stateroom on certain cruises will receive a special discount coupon that can be used toward a hotel stay.
In addition, for customers who book their cruises by January 31, Priceline Cruises major cruise line partners are offering many other extras, including:
- Carnival Cruise Lines: Free onboard savings booklet. Free upgrade worth up to $120.
- Celebrity Cruises: Up to $200 in free onboard spending.
- Royal Caribbean International: Up to an extra $200 off. Two free onboard savings booklets.
- Norwegian Cruise Line: Free $300 onboard savings booklet. Up to $100 free onboard spending. 10% off suites and villas.
- Azamara Cruises: Up to $800 free onboard spending.
- Holland America Line: Up to $100 free onboard spending. Free dining upgrade. Free champagne and strawberries. Free upgrade to oceanview. Upgrade to balcony from $100.
- Crystal Cruises: $200 in free onboard spending. Pre-paid gratuities.
- Oceania Cruises: Up to $150 in free onboard spending. Ask about free airfare. Ask about 2-for-1 cruise fares. Pre-paid gratuities.
Image from Priceline.com.
ZONARE Medical Systems, a developer of premium ultrasound systems, announced its z.one ultrasound system recently set sail on the U.S.S. Amsterdam, a flag ship of Holland America Line, which left Ft. Lauderdale, FL on January 4, 2008 for its 114-day around the world trip. Under the direction of Carter Hill, MD, medical director of Holland America, the z.one system, based on Zone Sonography technology, will be used in support of diagnosing passengers in need of medical attention during the cruise. The outcome of the four-month study could determine future use of ultrasound imaging on passenger cruises.
“When medical emergencies arise during a cruise of this length, sometimes we must decide if we need to divert from our set itinerary to the closest port offering appropriate medical facilities,” said Hill. “We want to do what is best for the patient. With advanced diagnostic technology available, such as the z.one system and trained providers, we should be able to make more informed decisions of these kinds as to whether we can treat a patient aboard and a diversion is unnecessary.”
Hill specifically wanted to use the z.one system for the study due to the flexible nature provided by its Convertible Ultrasound platform and premium image quality. Zone Sonography technology has enabled ZONARE Medical Systems to bring its unique, patented Convertible Ultrasound platform to the industry providing premium image quality and performance together with greater portability at an attractive price to value ratio compared to conventional ultrasound systems. Clinicians are able to convert the z.one system, at the touch of a button, from a full-featured, cart-based system into a premium compact ultrasound system, optimizing its
versatility in a variety of clinical settings, without sacrificing image quality or performance.“If a patient feels too ill to come to the ship’s infirmary, the z.one system can easily be taken to the state room and the exam conducted there,” said Hill. “As future advances occur, we can also upgrade the system to provide the latest clinical applications and continue to offer state-of-the-art ultrasound imaging for our passengers. This is a tremendous economical and clinical benefit.”
Logo from ZONARE.
CNN:
1. Where to go: Decide on the destination first, the ship second. Alaskan and Caribbean cruises have long been mainstays, but cruise lines are adding itineraries to unexpected places: Asia, the Indian Ocean, South America.
Next, look at the specifics — with Alaskan cruises, for example, ships tend to follow two routes. Inside Passage itineraries run round-trip from Seattle or Vancouver and call in southern Alaskan ports like Juneau and Skagway; Gulf of Alaska itineraries, which sail farther north, are typically one-way trips from Vancouver to Whittier or Seward, or the reverse.
2. When to go: Shoulder seasons can offer bargains and may be even more appealing than high season: a mild fall day can be more enjoyable than baking under the August sun in the Mediterranean. Alaska’s popularity with families means that going in May and September (when children are in school) often translates into fewer visitors — and better deals.
3. Which line to book: Select the cruise line, and the fellow passengers, that best match your personality. “This is crucial for the first time,” advises Anne Halsey-Smith of Gayle Gillies Travel in Rancho Santa Fe, California. “It will make or break your experience. If you aren’t matched to the line, you probably won’t cruise again.” Some have dress codes and assigned seating times for meals. Some, like Princess Cruises, are more kid-friendly. Norwegian Cruise Line is more casual than other lines and doesn’t have assigned dining times. Holland America’s offerings are more traditionally geared toward baby boomers. Finally, lines like Crystal and Regent are more upscale and, in turn, more expensive.
4. What it costs: Don’t look at the daily rate for a stateroom and then simply multiply by the number of nights you’ll be at sea. Remember to factor in airfare to and from the originating port, the costs of incidentals such as alcohol (unless the ship is all-inclusive) and shore excursions.
5. Beat the rush: Many cruise lines give discounts for booking far in advance. “It’s an issue of supply and demand,” Scully says. “As bookings come in, cruise fares go up in the most popular regions, like Alaska, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean.”
6. Ship tips: Size matters. The size of the ship can dictate the itinerary. Smaller ships, like those operated by Cruise West (the largest of which carries only 138 passengers) and SeaDream Yachts, can dock at smaller ports and offer a more personalized experience.
7. Cabin splurge: Consider your itinerary when deciding whether to reserve a balcony stateroom. For a repositioning cruise across the Atlantic, when there will be nothing to see from your balcony but the open ocean for days, it may not matter. But on Alaskan and Mediterranean cruises, it’s all about the views.
8. Arrive early and stay on after your cruise: First, if you don’t book your flight through the cruise line, your ship won’t wait if it’s delayed. As canceled and delayed flights have become commonplace, it’s wise to arrive at your starting port at least a day before you are scheduled to set sail. Second, cruise extensions are an increasingly popular option. You can cap off a Crystal sailing, for example, with a safari organized by the line — with fewer hassles and less expenses than on a separate tour.
9. Before you board: Don’t waste time waiting in line after you’ve pulled out of port. There are enough activities to make the most adventurous cruiser happy, but popular shore excursions often sell out. Be sure to plan your onboard activities early.
10. Turn to an expert: When it comes to cruises, some professional advice is often indispensable (and it’s the main reason most cruises are still booked through travel agents).
Cruisers who book Holland America Line through the end of February will be rewarded with exceptional savings on select sailings across all Holland America Line cruise destinations. With the View and Verandah promotion, clients can upgrade from an inside stateroom to an outside for as little as $100 depending on the sailing.
“These are great values for cruise travelers,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest relations. “View and Verandah savings apply to most sailings in 2008 and help make this time of year the best time to plan a vacation.”
View and Verandah promotion fares on Alaska cruises and tours offer a savings up to $450 per person off brochure fares depending on sailing date. With eight ships sailing Alaska itineraries and 29 different cruise tours, Holland America Line offers numerous adventures exploring Alaska’s great frontier, from the Inside Passage to the Arctic Circle, and through the expansive wilderness of the Yukon Territory.
Holland America Line’s fleet of 13 ships offers nearly 500 cruises to 314 ports of call in 97 countries, territories or dependencies. Two- to 108-day itineraries visit all seven continents, including Antarctica, South America, Australia/New Zealand and Asia voyages; a Grand World Voyage; and popular sailings to ports in the Caribbean, Alaska, Mexico, Canada/New England, Europe and Panama Canal.
Via About.com.
Carnival Splendor - Carnival Cruise Lines
The Carnival Splendor is 110,000 tons and will carry 3,000 passengers when it is launched in Europe in July 2008. The ship is too large to go through the Panama Canal and looks somewhat similar to the Carnival Liberty and Carnival Freedom. However, the Carnival Splendor is a new class of ships with the biggest change from these previous ships being the addition of a 21,000 square foot spa and 16 spa suites. This Cloud 9 Spa is Carnival’s largest, and passengers in the spa suites and cabins can go directly to the fitness center or spa without passing through any of the public areas.
Celebrity Solstice - Celebrity Cruises
The Celebrity Solstice is a new class of ship for Celebrity Cruises, the Solstice-class. She will carry 2,850 passengers and is 122,000 tons. At 121 feet wide and over 1000 feet long, the Celebrity Solstice is too big to go through the Panama Canal. The Celebrity Solstice will be launched in December 2008 and will sail the Caribbean from Fort Lauderdale through the spring of 2009.
Eurodam - Holland America Line
The Eurodam will join the Holland America fleet in July 2008, after construction is completed at the Fincantieri Shipyard in Italy. The Eurodam will spend its inaugural season on alternating 10-day Northern Europe itineraries, sailing roundtrip from Copenhagen. The new Eurodam is a new class of ships for Holland America, and the largest ever constructed for the cruise line. With an estimated all-in cost of $450 million, the new 86,000-ton Eurodam will carry 2,014 passengers.
How you get your luggage and when you get your luggage varies according to the cruise ship.
” Norwegian Cruise Lines, known for its “free-style cruising,” has added a free-style disembarkation policy as well. Passengers can use the color tags they are given, leave the ship when an announcement is made, then proceed to the terminal and find their bags in the section by color code. But they also offer a relaxed system that allows passengers to stay in their cabins as long as they wish, or until their tag color is called, instead of waiting in public areas. According to NCL, this procedure is working quite well, despite the recipe for mass exodus and the ensuing problems if everyone decides to go at once.
Among other cruise lines: Holland America merely announces by color code, noting that the smaller size of its ships requires nothing special.Celebrity uses the color codes according to flight departure times, and then the remaining passengers are called, also by color. But those on the priority list are instructed to meet in a special place with coffee and are escorted off the ship before everyone else.
In addition to “first-off-if-you-take-your-own-luggage,” Carnival has implemented a relaxed system that allows passengers to stay in their cabins as long as they wish, or until their tag color is called, instead of vacating the cabins and waiting in public areas.
Crystal Cruises asks passengers to leave their cabins after breakfast (8:30 a.m. at the latest) and gather in a specified theater or club to wait for a crew member to escort them, by color, to the gangway. Early flights and VIPs go first.
Princess Cruise Lines offers special options for passengers in its “Captain’s Circle” loyalty program. Platinum status is obtained after a fifth cruise or 50 cruise days, and members relax in a designated Platinum lounge and enjoy light refreshments while waiting for their group to be called. After a 15th cruise (or 150 cruise days), passengers become Elite members and, in addition to enjoying the special lounge, may contact the onboard “Circle” host to determine the most convenient time for them to be taken off the ship.”
Photo by businessgreetingcards
