Destination News - Cruise

Airguide Online, Feb 18, 2008

Feb 18, 2008

Class Lines Sued Over Fuel Surcharges. A class action suit has been filed against several cruise lines including Carnival Corp., Royal Caribbean Cruise Ltd. and Norwegian Cruise Line claiming the lines acted in cahoots to fix questionable fuel surcharges. The suit comes only a week after the Florida attorney general's office said it was investigating Carnival Corp. and Royal Caribbean over improperly disclosed fuel surcharges. The class action suit was filed last Tuesday on behalf of a New York resident who said hr was negatively affected by the fuel surcharges. The suit seeks action on behalf of anyone who purchased cruise fares after January 1 from one of the cruise companies named in the complaint. Carnival Corp. was the first to announce fuel surcharges of $5 per day per passenger that would go into effect February 1. More

cruise lines soon followed with fuel supplements of their own as high, in some cases, as $8.50 per person per day. The suit claims that the domino effect of nearly identical fuel hikes is proof of collusion and price fixing. Feb 14, 2008

MSC Fantasia Stratifies With Yacht Club. When MSC Fantasia makes its December debut in Italy, it will be the first MSC ship to offer an exclusive block of staterooms called the Yacht Club, specifically designed to create a luxury experience for a limited number of passengers. The area will consist of 99 suites (up to 700 square feet big), a bar, solarium, two Jacuzzis, a pool with sky dome, and concierge and butler service to assist with check-in and oversee transport of luggage and unpacking, among other things. In addition, butlers can pre-book tables at restaurants or arrange for spa treatments. MSC Fantasia will carry 3,959 passengers, and 80 percent of its 1,637 staterooms will have ocean views. Sister ship MSC Splendida will join the fleet in June 2009. Feb 14, 2008

American Safari

American Safari Cruises Launches New Hawaii Inter-Island Itinerary. American Safari Cruises is bucking the current trend to suspend inter-island cruising in Hawaii, and instead bringing its own brand of luxury yacht cruising to the islands beginning December 2008. American Safari made the decision to launch the cruises after extensive research determined that high-end cruise clientele seek what the Hawaiian islands offer in terms of destination, luxury setting and experience. All American Safari vessels are American-flagged and sail with 36 guests. Cruises will focus on traditional Hawaiian culture and offer opportunities for guests to get to know local residents by visiting their land and their homes. The small guest contingent will have little impact on the islands, and the all-American crew will include Hawaii residents, including captains and naturalists who have personal knowledge of the area. Feb 14, 2008

Carnival Cruise Lines

Carnival Unveils New Kids-Focused Program. Now is a good time to be between the ages of 12 and 14, particularly if you are going to be sailing with Carnival Cruise Lines. The cruise line has introduced "Circle C," a new onboard program children's program designed explicitly for the 12- to 14-year-old age group. Circle C is the third such kid-centric program, joining Camp Carnival for younger kids and Club O2, which targets the 15- to 17-year-old age group. Circle C will include dedicated facilities and activities, such as custom clubs with video-gaming pods and sports programs. Its taking on the motto: "cruise.chill.connect." Circle C facilities already exist on Carnival Legend, Carnival Pride, Carnival Victory and Carnival Valor. Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Fantasy, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Glory are scheduled to be retrofitted by the end of this year. The rest of the Carnival fleet will have facilities in place by 2010. Feb 12, 2008

Carnival Cruises

Carnival Cruises Takes Step to Speed Up Embarkation. Carnival cruise passengers can now register their credit cards online, which will save time and expedite the embarkation process. Previously, Carnival customers had to register their credit cards at the port when they embark, so onboard purchases made with their "Sail & Sign" card could be linked to a credit card. But the line has enhanced the "Fun Pass" embarkation portal to allow guests to safely register credit card information online in advance. Feb 14, 2008

Cruise West

Cruise West Discounts Alaska Cruises For Families. Cruise West is taking note of the expansion in family and multi-generational travel and is offering special pricing for passengers under the age of 18 on its Glacier Bay Highlights cruises. Cruise West is reducing prices by up to 75 percent off adult fares in a AAA cabin or half-off the adult fare in category A or AA cabins. Fares for the three- and four-night cruises start at $1,799 per adult and $900 for one child sharing an A cabin. Feb 12, 2008

Holland America

Holland America Goes Down Under in '09. Holland America Line will offer nine select voyages throughout Australia and New Zealand in 2009 aboard the 1,432-passenger ms Volendam. The ship will operate itineraries ranging from 14 to 19 days, departing from Auckland, Sydney or Singapore. Destinations will include the Great Barrier Reef and a variety of port cities between Australia and New Zealand. Starting fares for the 14-day cruises are $1,199 per person; $2,999 for 16-day cruises; $2,249 for the 15-day Great Barrier Reef journey; and $2,599 for the 19-day variety. Feb 14, 2008