[Carolc]

For those that don’t know already, I am all about travel deals. I am very uncomfortable paying for something that I know is overpriced. So I really get excited when I see a good deal. Fall seems to be one of the least expensive months to cruise. You can especially make your dollars go far on September cruises. This holds true for Disney too - the cheapest 7 night cruise on the Magic I ever saw was about $500 for a September sailing a few years ago.

I was just told about some phenomenal pricing on some of Celebrity’s nicest ships. For those unfamiliar with Celebrity, they merged with Royal Caribbean back in 1997. They are a little more upscale than Royal with an emphasis on service and cuisine. What I really like about Celebrity is that the service experience was similar to what I experienced on Crystal Cruises, but at a significantly lower cost. When I compare Celebrity with Disney I love both. Here is my personal opinion: courtesy is very similar – both are polite and go out of their way to help you, food quality and attention to service during meals is a bit more superior on Celebrity, entertainment and childrens’ programs is far superior on Disney. My kids love them both, too bad I can’t have them tell you what they like about each.

I’ve been on a few 'preview' cruises for agents only, and I can’t tell you how many agents on these cruises told me that I HAVE to try Celebrity Solstice. It was expensive when it first came out, but since Celebrity released the sister ship Equinox, the prices have dropped a little. I am just amazed to see such low prices on this ship. The Millennium was the first in their Millennium Class (the nicest class of ships prior to Solstice class) and Infinity was the last of the Millennium class... I’ve heard it’s very pretty.. I have been on Century and Mercury, two of the oldest ships in their fleet. If their older ships ‘wowed’ me, imagine what the other classes are like! Too bad I can’t leave the kids with my mom and fly off for a week of relaxation with my husband!


Here are several cruises that our Celebrity District Sales Manager brought to our attention – these cruises include $75 on board credit (per cabin).
(prices are per person based on double occupancy)


1. Solstice – 09/05/10 – 7N Eastern Caribbean FLL – Oceanview senior - $559
2. Solstice – 09/12/10 – 7N Western Caribbean FLL – Balcony Gty - $649
3. Solstice – 09/19/10 – 7N Eastern Caribbean FLL – Oceanview $649
4. Solstice – 09/26/10 – 7N Western Caribbean FLL – Oceanview $649
5. Infinity - 09/24/10 – 16N Seattle – FLL Inside $999 – Balcony $1499 and several states have senior and residents specials AZ, CA, CO, OR, WA
6. Millennium - 09/27/10 – 14N SAN – SJU – inside Gty $799 also with residents specials in AZ, CA, CO, OR, WA

If you are interested in any of these cruises (or any other cruise for that matter – there are reasonable prices on the Wonder this fall), please let me know!


On a side note, two ships that I do not like: NCL Sky (older, poor service, stinky); Carnival Splendor (newer, gaudy decorations, food is ‘eh’) – note that I only toured the ship with other agents, but the experience made me want to steer people away from it. I like Mariner of the Seas much better.

Another side note: though Great Stirrup Cay (NCL’s private island in the Bahamas) had a weak shore experience (Castaway Cay is waaaaay nicer!), the snorkeling at Great Stirrup Cay was awesome! They’ve submerged some metal structures which are becoming artificial reefs, so lots of fish. Not a lot of seaweed, either. But I didn’t like that you had to pay for a vest (which they make you wear).