Lines find clever way to sell unique voyages
Twice a year cruise lines reposition their ships across the Atlantic, either to Europe in spring, or North America in fall. In many cases, the voyage is unique — either because of the itinerary, or because it’s a combo cruise in which the crossing is combined with a cruise for a week or more before or after the Transatlantic crossing.
Selling these migrations can sometimes be difficult unless they’re bargains. To help fill four of its ships, Royal Caribbean has a plan I haven’t seen before. Until Feb. 15, Royal Caribbean is offering a free Premium Beverage Package for two when passengers book a balcony (or higher) category stateroom on any of four Transatlantic cruises in April. Note: These are for new bookings made from Jan. 24 through to Feb. 15.
The cruises are:
• Navigator of the Seas’ 15-night sailing from New Orleans to Rome (Civitavecchia) on April 6.
• Independence of the Seas’ 13-night sailing from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale to Southampton, U.K. on April 7.
• Brilliance of the Seas’ 11-night sailing from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Lisbon on April 13.
• Adventure of the Seas’ 14-night sailing from San Juan to Southampton on April 21.
Passengers in the inside cabins are not eligible for the beverage package, and it’s also available to only the first two guests in a booking.
Visit www.royalcaribbean.com for more details.
If you’re travelling on Princess, Celebrity or Norwegian ships, try the fitness craze Zumba, for free.
On cruise ships, Princess started offering Zumba first, Celebrity followed and now Norwegian is getting into the rhythm.
Like to stand up, stomp your feet and yell “yahoo!” partner? Well, I have just the cruise for you.
Following the success of Blake Shelton’s country cruise last October, there’s another one coming with a new cast — on sale now.
This trip is being offered on the Norwegian Pearl — a seven-day Caribbean cruise that sets sail on Jan. 12, 2014. So far, here are the country stars booked to perform: Trace Adkins, Montgomery Gentry, Wynonna, Neal McCoy, Love and Theft, Craig Morgan and Lonestar. Visit www.countrycruising.com for more details.