THE UNFRIENDLY SKIES OF UNITED AIRLINES
United Airlines has decided to start charging $25 for a second checked bag per passenger. If they get away with it, others will follow. If possible AVOID UNITED!
FUEL SURCHARGE FRAUD
Florida’s Attorney General is investigating the fuel surcharges that Royal Caribbean International (RCL, Celebrity and Azamara) and Carnival Corporation (Carnival, Princess, Cunard, and Holland America) have retroactively placed on buyers who have already paid their deposits.
If you have been charged the fuel surcharge and wish to file a complaint, you can fill out the complaint form online at http://www.myfloridalegal.com/ConsumerComplaint.pdf or call the Florida Fraud hotline at 850-414-3990 for information.
More on the Surcharge
There is a class action suit being filed that is charging the major cruise lines with price fixing as it relates to the fuel surcharges.
DINING OPTIONS ANNOUNCED ON THE SOLSTICE
When Celebrity Solstice debuts in December, cruisers will be treated to a total of 10 restaurants, all with different themes and cuisine. Solstice’s dining venues will include the two-level Grand Epernay, open for breakfast, lunch and dinner; Tuscan Grille, bringing the Old World charm of Italy onboard; Silk Harvest, for Asian cuisine; and the Oceanview Cafe and Grill, a casually chic European environment with a rotating menu based on the destination the ship is visiting. There will also be a bistro specializing in crepes, and a cafe and gelateria.
In keeping with our Exotic Destinations information, Holland America Line will offer nine select voyages throughout Australia and New Zealand in 2009 aboard the 1,432-passenger ms Volendam.
Fidel Castro’s resignation Tuesday is expected to have no immediate effect on laws preventing U.S. travelers from visiting the country. Cruise lines are positioned to offer Cuba as an itinerary as soon as it becomes possible.
Walt Disney World is adding an American Idol addition to the Hollywood Studio.
Guests can experience what its really like to audition on a duplicate of the Idol set!
ROYAL CARIBBEAN: A contest has started — pick the names for the two 220,000-ton Genesis Class mega liners that are being built in Finland for delivery next year and in 2010. These 6,400-berth ships, the largest passenger vessels, are destined for weekly 7-night cruises from Fort Lauderdale to Caribbean ports. They measure some 1,200 feet in length, exceeding the record of the 1,132 feet of the Queen Mary 2. RCI suggests that names of the ships, in the “—of the Seas” nomenclature, should reflect the onboard pleasure, the broadscope of amenities and the onboard innovations. Contest ends on Feb 29th and grand prize winners will be announced May 31st.
Go to namethatship.usatoday.com.
SS UNITED STATES: The legendary SS United States awaits an uncertain fate as she sits at a South Phaladelphia pier. In the meantime, her brilliant career and iconic place in overall ocean liner history will be revived in a new documentary entitled SS United States: Lady in Waiting. Plans are to have a gala premier onboard another maritime legend, the Queen Mary in Long Beach, on Sat evening May 3rd. Details and updates to follow. But the production has been sold to PBS and will be seen in major cities throughout the country.
Hertz has become the exclusive car rental partner of our consortium. What does that mean for you?
New promotions and premium offers for 2008
Preferred pricing
Discounts up to 20% on Hertz Leisure Rates
Carnival Cruise Lines is hosting the 2008 Carnival PokerPro Challenge, a series of No Limit Texas Hold’em poker tournaments to take place on its ships, and a tell-tale sign that the fervor for poker has spread to the sea.
