Cruises & Parachutes

What do cruises and parachutes have in common?

Probably a lot. Because you don't want to buy a cheap parachute or a "cheap" cruise. When either one doesn't live up to your expectations, you are going to have a big disappointment.

As your "Personal Cruise Specialist" I will work hard to find the cruise that best suits your needs. Things like dining choices - fixed or flexible, on board dress codes - formal or casual, ship size - small to mega, and onboard programs - active or passive.

Once these criteria are reviewed, then your cruise specialist goes to work checking our Best Fare search program in our reservation system to identify the departures and ships that offer the best value. They look for special fares that might be available such as regional rates, past passenger specials, senior discounts and group rates available exclusively to Cruises Inc. Our reservation system connects to the various cruise lines directly so your cruise specialist is viewing the exact same fares and programs that a cruise line reservation agent would see if you called them directly. There is an "urban legend" that you get a lower cruise price by going directly to a cruise line. Our research shows just the opposite. We consistently have prices equal or lower than "cruise line direct" or "Internet agencies". Plus we offer unbiased advice. If you visit a Ford dealer it is unlikely that they will recommend you go across the street to the Chevy dealer. Get the picture?

Probably the most important reason to use a Personal Cruise Specialist is that you will always be dealing with your specialist, the person who knows you, your family and your vacation preferences. When you call into those big Internet sites or even the cruise line, you are going to reach whoever is next up in the call rotation. Now, who do you want to call when you have an important question or issue that needs to be addressed now.

So for valuable advice, personal service and a long term relationship regardless of which cruise line you book, the buck starts and stops at Cruises Inc. After, all it's YOUR vacation and your money so entrust it to a professional.

The Evolution of Cruising

In 1839 Samuel Cunard and his British North American Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, started the first mail service between Liverpool and Boston. About one year later Cunard decided he wanted a share in the transatlantic passenger trade and Cunard Line was born. Cunard Line’s Brittania set sail on its first passenger voyage on July 4th, 1840 from England. There were 63 passengers on the inaugural sailing including Samuel Cunard and his daughter. The ship successfully sailed into Boston Harbor 13 days later and from this humble beginning the cruise business was born. Cunard Line grew throughout the latter part of the 19th century with regularly scheduled service to New York.

Another cruise line that was formed at the end of the 19th century was Holland America. Founded in 1873, under the name Netherlands-America Steamship Company, a shipping and passenger line, Holland America sailed its first ship, the original Rotterdam, on a 15-day maiden voyage from the Netherlands to New York City. The Rotterdam not only carried passengers, she also transported tons of cargo including flower bulbs, herring and gin.

By the early 20th century the concept of the superliner was developed and the Lusitania and the Mauretania took to the sea. These two 30,000 ton liners with propulsion engines were designed to minimize the discomfort of ocean travel through elegant accommodations and planned activities. These two ships started the tradition of dressing for dinner and advertised the romance of the voyage. Traveling across the North Atlantic now took only five or six days instead of 13 or 14 days on the old steam ships. The early 20th century also brought in other European lines, including the German Hamburg American Line and the French Line.

The introduction of these new ships also brought with them a class of service system which was broken down to 1st class, 2nd class and steerage. First class passengers were often the idle rich, wealthy business barons, highly paid entertainers and the like. Second class passengers were mostly white collar workers and steerage was offered to the relatively poor.

The years between 1920 and 1940 were considered the most glamorous years for transatlantic passenger ships. During the 1930’s ship size increased to 70,000 – 80,000 gross tonnage and French Line’s Normandie and Cunard-White Star Line’s Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth came into service. America’s first entry was the S.S. United States in 1952, and was the fastest liner at that time. Ships had now become more like floating hotels and catered to the rich and famous with lavish accommodations, elegant food and on-board activities.

The war times were tough on the cruise industry. World War I and II interrupted the building of new cruise ships, and many of the older liners were used as troop transports. Transatlantic sailings were also put on hold until World War II was over. After the war ship building picked up again, but this time in addition to the luxurious amenities, ships were designed according to specifications for possible conversion into troop carriers. 1958 brought on the end of the transatlantic business for many ocean liners with the increase in air travel and the first non-stop flight to Europe. Many passenger ships were sold and a number of lines went bankrupt.

The first modern cruise line was establish in the 1960s by Ted Arison and Knut Kloster who offered fair weather cruising to Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Caribbean under the name of Norwegian Caribbean Line which later evolved to Norwegian Cruise Line. Hence a new cruise line image was born, one that offered fun in the sun for every class of people. Soon to follow were Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line.

Following the modern cruise lines debut in the Caribbean, world cruising opened up to include Alaska, Hawaii, the South Pacific, Orient & Europe. As early as the 1960s Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 and Holland America Line’s Rotterdam V started sailing annual 3 month World Cruises. Starting in the 1970s cruise ships were being designed with modern innovations in mind making them more stable, adding more public rooms and providing more stateroom amenities.

The 21st century cruising experience now includes multiple dining options, state of the art health and fitness venues, Las Vegas and Broadway-style shows, world-wide itineraries, activities for both the young and old, and so much more!

With so many cruise lines and so many beautiful ships currently sailing or coming into service, its time for you to “evolve” into a modern day cruiser. Your Cruise Specialist is ready to bring you to the next level in cruising.

Introducing Celebrity Solstice

The largest ship in the Celebrity Cruises fleet will be setting sail in November with our exclusive 2-night sailing. Join us and be a part of this truly innovative experience.

Only on the brand new Celebrity Solstice will you be able to inhale the fragrance of a beautifully manicured lawn or watch glassblowers create art before your very eyes. You’ll dine in restaurants capturing every mood. You’ll experience the height of thoughtful design in open spaces and small details. And you’ll retreat to accommodations inspired by Celebrity’s Five Leading Ladies, including AquaClass, which centers around your love of the spa. Embark on a journey of imagination onboard Celebrity Solstice, where every moment exemplifies Celebrity’s tradition of impeccable service.

The Lawn Club is just one of the many firsts found on Celebrity Solstice. We invite you to stroll across this expanse of pure innovation. The refined setting is reminiscent of a country club, offering a casually sophisticated environment where you can practice putting, partake in the pleasures of an afternoon bocce tournament or just breathe in the fragrance of a freshly manicured lawn. As evening falls, witness the spectacle of molten glass being transformed into art at the adjacent Hot Glass Show, another ocean-going first fashioned through a unique collaboration with the Corning Museum of Glass.

Embark on a spirited culinary journey with some of the world’s finest chefs. Celebrity Solstice offers a vast assortment of refreshingly innovative dining experiences – complemented by one of the world’s most expansive floating wine cellars – rivaling anything found at sea or on land. Working closely with Elizabeth Blau & Associates, who helped orchestrate the culinary reform of Las Vegas, Celebrity has created a scintillating variety of choices to suit any mood and satisfy any craving.

Relish the dramatic sparkle of the Grand Épernay Main Dining Room, whose extensive champagne menu helps recreate the feel of a Hollywood venue. Treat yourself to one of the exceptional specialty restaurants – like the Italian-inspired Tuscan Grille or Silk Harvest Restaurant, their new Asian fusion creation. Or try something lighter and less formal, like a freshly baked scone in Café al Bacio & Gelateria or a freshly made crepe from Bistro on Five. As with every Celebrity cruise, what distinguishes the dining experience onboard Celebrity Solstice is the attentiveness of the staff, all of whom have been extensively trained in the fine art of presentation and eagerly anticipate guiding you on the culinary journey of a lifetime.

Nightfall is more than a time to go out, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in a myriad of places designed to elevate your evening. And when it comes to the allure of excitement after dark, nothing delivers like Celebrity Solstice. Feel the warmth of Cellar Masters, where you may eagerly anticipate the pouring of an exquisite cabernet while surrounded by inviting colors and enveloped by a soft chair. From there, move on to plan the day to come in the Passport Bar, which takes its cues from the map rooms found in the luxurious ocean-going yachts of old, or the Ensemble Lounge, whose elliptical bar can either bring you together to listen to music or serve as a stepping stone for more exciting events.

Slip into a classic cocktail in the Martini Bar, or move over to the adjacent Crush, where ice-filled tables unite the tastes and textures of vodka and caviar – exotic pairings that excite the palate. Venture further into your enchanted evening to Quasar, their exciting refreshing nightclub where retro styling fuses with contemporary rhythms to create a pulsating energy. Be seduced by the lights and the movement on the spacious dance floor, or take it all in from the VIP section, yours to reserve. Feel free to elevate the moment by ascending to the Sky Observation Lounge, where the canopy of stars appears to lie just within your grasp. Or feel the favor of fortune’s smile in Fortune’s Casino, inspired by Monte Carlo. Onboard Celebrity Solstice you don’t just go out for the evening, you surrender to the possibilities.

When the evening comes to a close, retreat back to your redesigned, more expansive staterooms, created to accommodate all of your desires. Your first step into your personal retreat will evoke a distinctive feeling of “ahhh,” but more importantly a feeling of gratitude for five very special women, their Five Leading Ladies. These five discerning travel connoisseurs – a frequent cruiser, a travel agent, a travel writer, a potential cruiser and a hotelier – contributed intuitive ideas about comfort, as well as their own personal wish lists, to the design of the staterooms and suites.

For a twist on the standard stateroom, you’ll find the new AquaClass, 130 contemporary staterooms dedicated to spa lovers like you. Created just for Solstice Class, these serene double occupancy accommodations allow you to enjoy a Celebrity cruise from an entirely new perspective – connected to it all yet secluded in your own hideaway. Allow a Personal Spa Concierge to arrange treatments for you at the nearby AquaSpa by Elemis. Or relax in the AquaSpa relaxation room and Persian Garden, both yours to enjoy at no charge. You’ll also enjoy complimentary dining in a specialty restaurant, Blu, dedicated to AquaClass guests, serving healthful yet delicious cuisine.

Be the first to discover this unparalleled class of ship on our exclusive 2-night sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on November 21, 2008. This weekend discovery cruise is the perfect way to experience all this new ship has to offer. This is an exclusive charter and only available through us.

Cruises & Parachutes

What do cruises and parachutes have in common? Probably a lot. Because you don't want to buy a cheap parachute or a "cheap" cruise. When either one doesn't live up to your expectations, you are going to have a big disappointment.

Our Personal Cruise Specialists work hard to find the cruise that best suits your needs. Things like dining choices - fixed or flexible, on board dress codes - formal or casual, ship size - small to mega, and onboard programs - active or passive.
Once these criteria are reviewed, then your cruise specialist goes to work checking our Best Fare search program in our reservation system to identify the departures and ships that offer the best value. They look for special fares that might be available such as regional rates, past passenger specials, senior discounts and group rates available exclusively to Cruises Inc. Our reservation system connects to the various cruise lines directly so your cruise specialist is viewing the exact same fares and programs that a cruise line reservation agent would see if you called them directly.

There is an "urban legend" that you get a lower cruise price by going directly to a cruise line. Our research shows just the opposite. We consistently have prices equal or lower than "cruise line direct" or "Internet agencies".

Plus we offer unbiased advice. If you visit a Toyota dealer it is unlikely that they will recommend you go across the street to the Nissan dealer. Get the picture?

So for valuable advice, personal service and a long term relationship regardless of which cruise line you book, the buck starts and stops at Cruises Inc. After, all it's YOUR vacation and your money so entrust it to a professional.

The Evolution of Cruising

And now for a little bit of the history of Cruising.

In 1839 Samuel Cunard and his British North American Royal Mail Steam Packet Company, started the first mail service between Liverpool and Boston. About one year later Cunard decided he wanted a share in the transatlantic passenger trade and Cunard Line was born. Cunard Line’s Brittania set sail on its first passenger voyage on July 4th, 1840 from England. There were 63 passengers on the inaugural sailing including Samuel Cunard and his daughter. The ship successfully sailed into Boston Harbor 13 days later and from this humble beginning the cruise business was born. Cunard Line grew throughout the latter part of the 19th century with regularly scheduled service to New York.

Another cruise line that was formed at the end of the 19th century was Holland America. Founded in 1873, under the name Netherlands-America Steamship Company, a shipping and passenger line, Holland America sailed its first ship, the original Rotterdam, on a 15-day maiden voyage from the Netherlands to New York City. The Rotterdam not only carried passengers, she also transported tons of cargo including flower bulbs, herring and gin.

By the early 20th century the concept of the superliner was developed and the Lusitania and the Mauretania took to the sea. These two 30,000 ton liners with propulsion engines were designed to minimize the discomfort of ocean travel through elegant accommodations and planned activities. These two ships started the tradition of dressing for dinner and advertised the romance of the voyage. Traveling across the North Atlantic now took only five or six days instead of 13 or 14 days on the old steam ships. The early 20th century also brought in other European lines, including the German Hamburg American Line and the French Line.

The introduction of these new ships also brought with them a class of service system which was broken down to 1st class, 2nd class and steerage. First class passengers were often the idle rich, wealthy business barons, highly paid entertainers and the like. Second class passengers were mostly white collar workers and steerage was offered to the relatively poor.

The years between 1920 and 1940 were considered the most glamorous years for transatlantic passenger ships. During the 1930’s ship size increased to 70,000 – 80,000 gross tonnage and French Line’s Normandie and Cunard-White Star Line’s Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth came into service. America’s first entry was the S.S. United States in 1952, and was the fastest liner at that time. Ships had now become more like floating hotels and catered to the rich and famous with lavish accommodations, elegant food and on-board activities.

The war times were tough on the cruise industry. World War I and II interrupted the building of new cruise ships, and many of the older liners were used as troop transports. Transatlantic sailings were also put on hold until World War II was over. After the war ship building picked up again, but this time in addition to the luxurious amenities, ships were designed according to specifications for possible conversion into troop carriers. 1958 brought on the end of the transatlantic business for many ocean liners with the increase in air travel and the first non-stop flight to Europe. Many passenger ships were sold and a number of lines went bankrupt.

The first modern cruise line was establish in the 1960s by Ted Arison and Knut Kloster who offered fair weather cruising to Bermuda, the Bahamas and the Caribbean under the name of Norwegian Caribbean Line which later evolved to Norwegian Cruise Line. Hence a new cruise line image was born, one that offered fun in the sun for every class of people. Soon to follow were Royal Caribbean, Princess Cruises and Carnival Cruise Line.

Following the modern cruise lines debut in the Caribbean, world cruising opened up to include Alaska, Hawaii, the South Pacific, Orient & Europe. As early as the 1960s Cunard’s Queen Elizabeth 2 and Holland America Line’s Rotterdam V started sailing annual 3 month World Cruises. Starting in the 1970s cruise ships were being designed with modern innovations in mind making them more stable, adding more public rooms and providing more stateroom amenities.

The 21st century cruising experience now includes multiple dining options, state of the art health and fitness venues, Las Vegas and Broadway-style shows, world-wide itineraries, activities for both the young and old, and so much more!

With so many cruise lines and so many beautiful ships currently sailing or coming into service, its time for you to “evolve” into a modern day cruiser. Your Cruise Specialist is ready to bring you to the next level in cruising.

What are you Spending Your Stimulus Check on?

It's May 2008 and you know what that means, it's tax stimulus time. This gift from the government is being provided to get consumers spending. A recent Goldman Sacks report showed that stocks like Royal Caribbean are sure to benefit from these dollars as consumers seek out their next vacation or upgrade from an ocean view stateroom to a private balcony with their new found monies.

There are a lot of places to spend the stimulus monies like on a new sofa, paying down some credit card bills, doing some home repairs or getting away on an exciting cruise vacation. But how about spending it on all or at least some of those things? We have some amazing getaways that won't deplete your whole stimulus check.

Getaway with the whole family this summer for as little as $32 a person, a day (for a family of four). Norwegian Cruise Line just announced they are moving a ship to the Caribbean this summer that will sail 3- and 4-night cruises from Miami and for a limited time, Kids Sail Free. There are a number of other ships and itineraries to choose from for under $50 per person, per day. Sail a 4-night Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Imagination from Miami or sail a 5-night Bahamas cruise on the Carnival Fascination from Jacksonville. For under $60 per day you can sail a 4-night Baja Mexico cruise on the Carnival Paradise from Los Angeles, a 4-night Bahamas cruise on the Carnival Sensation from Port Canaveral, a 4- or 5-night Western Caribbean on the Carnival Holiday from Mobile, a 5-night Baja Mexico cruise on the Carnival Elation from San Diego, a 5-night Western Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Fantasy from New Orleans, or a 7-night Florida & Bahamas cruise on the Norwegian Majesty from Charleston. How about sailing in a Balcony stateroom for under $100 per person, per day? You can on a number of 7-night Caribbean cruises on the Carnival Triumph, Liberty or Valor, on Carnival Spirit's 8-night Mexican Riviera cruises or on Royal Caribbean's Navigator of the Seas 12-night transatlantic cruise.

There are a ton of deals out there and your Cruise Specialist is just the person to find them for you. So when your stimulus check arrives, go ahead and use some of it to pay down your mortgage, or make a car payment, but be sure to keep just a little to spend on a holiday for yourself and your family. This might be the only time the government pays for your vacation.

Fantastic Opportunity from NCL!!

NCL Corp. will reflag and rename the Pride of Aloha and launch it as Norwegian Sky, offering three-day and four-day Bahamas cruises from Miami starting this summer. The 2,002-passenger ship, built in 1999, will be outfitted with Freestyle 2.0 enhancements. The vessel will be the youngest sailing short cruises to the Bahamas from Miami.

To welcome the ship to Miami, NCL is offering a "Kids Sail Free Summer Vacation" promotion for reservations on Norwegian Sky made from May 6 to May 31 for sailings taking place July 14 to September 26, 2008. Children ages six months to 17 years are eligible to sail free, although government taxes and fees and fuel supplement charges apply. Norwegian Sky four-day cruises will depart Miami on Mondays and make full-day stops at Grand Bahama Island, Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island. On Fridays, the ship will sail a three-day itinerary, departing Miami at 5 p.m. with all-day stops in Nassau and Great Stirrup Cay, returning to Miami at 7 a.m. Monday. These sailings are scheduled through April 17, 2009.

Norwegian Sky will enter a wet dock in Miami during which a casino will be added. In addition, the ship will receive the significant product and hardware upgrades that are part of the company's major fleetwide initiative, Freestyle 2.0. These enhancements include a major investment in the total dining experience such as all new menus and Lobster Galore, upgrading the stateroom experience, new onboard activities, and additional recognition, service and amenities for balcony and suite guests.

This is a fantastic opportunity for any of you families out there with young children to experience a shorter cruise vacation at an incredible price. The four-day sailings in particular have a great itinerary with stops in the Bahamas and a fabulous stop at Great Stirrup Cay, NCL's private island.

Please remember there are only limited quad and triple cabins available on any ship, so you will need to make your reservations as soon as possible to ensure the availability. And, the program ends for good on May 31 so you will need to make reservations by then to qualify for this tremendous discount.