Cruises

Why am I charged for gratuities? (Updated: 1/7/2020) First time cruisers may be surprised when they get their shipboard final statement the last evening of their cruise. Along with charges for specialty restaurants, onboard purchases, and cocktails, they'll discover a few hundred dollar charge for "gratuities" (some cruise lines are now calling it a "service charge" or "hotel service charge"). While gratuity charges are technically optional on most cruise lines, they are automatically added to your bill, and if you want to have them adjusted or removed, that will take some extra effort on your part. Usually the reception ......

Each year January is the start of "Wave Season" in the cruise industry. Why does that matter to you? It is when the cruise lines offer some of their best deals of the year. Typically you'll get the best deals on cruises over a year in advance. Interested in saving? Give us a call and we can give you more information. Our January issue of "Cruise Insights" will have more information. However, some cruise lines have announced and offered "Wave Season" deals in December. Here are some: Azamara - 20 - 40% discount off standard rates on most cruises ......

Most non-luxury cruise lines add a charge to your onboard account for gratuities. Typically the charge is added to your account the night before your cruise ends. This charge can range from $14 - $25 per person per day. The charge is used to compensate crew members for the services they provide during your trip. This includes waiters, bartenders, stateroom attendants, the culinary team and those providing behind the scene services related to your stay.LOW CREW BASE PAYThese crew members' base pay rate is very low, much lower than the U.S. minimum wage laws (which don't apply to the cruise lines). ......

The cruise industry is going through a generational change. These changes will affect your cruise experience and you should consider them before choosing your next cruise. 1) RECORD GROWTH In 2019, the cruise industry will surpass the 30 million passenger per year mark for the first time. The North American cruise passenger market grew by 9% in 2018. This growth will add to calls for responsible tourism as certain ports grapple with overcrowding. More Floating Mega-Resort Ships ​The growth of floating mega-resorts continues with the Mass Market/Contemporary cruise lines (Norwegian, Royal Caribbean, Carnival) as they try to out do ......

 ?I frequently get asked when the best time is to take a cruise to various ports around the world. The answer is not as easy as you might think. There are a lot of factors that influence the right response. Let's examine several of these factors and see how they will affect your ultimate cruise decision. POINTS TO CONSIDERAre you looking for the best weather, wanting to avoid rough seas, trying to avoid the crush of tourist overload at popular ports, looking for cheaper prices during shoulder seasons, or wanting to experience something unique like the salmon running in Alaska? ......