Renee Ruggero's Blog
Posted by Renee Ruggero
More than 1.6 million kids under the age of 18 cruised in 2008, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. And, as a parent of twin five year olds, I can understand why this statistic has increased over the recent years.
A cruise is a perfect vacation for a family, and cruise lines are really catering to this large market segment. Here are a few articles to get acquainted with what is available in the cruise industry today.
Best Cruise Ships for Families with Children
Best Cruise Lines for Babies and Toddlers
Best Cruise Lines for Teenagers
Best Family Accommodations on Cruise Ships
Posted by Renee Ruggero
This year Alaska is celebrating its 50th anniversary of statehood. Just what should we expect for the next 50 years? What effect will government policy have on cruise lines and their ships on Alaska itineraries in the future?
In 2006, a $50 per passenger head tax was imposed on ships sailing on an Alaska Cruise. This, of course is still being passed directly onto the passenger. Then there’s the waste-water dumping regulations. Strict regulations limit the amount of dissolved metals in the cruise ships’ discharged treated gray water. But strangely enough, independent studies reveal that the Alaskan ports’ potable water (drinking water) contain higher levels of the same dissolved metals. If these stringent restrictions force cruise ships to go 12 miles offshore to dump their grey water this would equate to an increase in fuel costs. (More costs to be passed onto the passenger?)
Earlier this year, Royal Caribbean Cruises confirmed that one of their ships originally scheduled for Alaska would be heading to another market instead. And, Princess Cruises and Holland America Line also plan to reduce their Alaska sailings in 2010 by 10%.
For further resources on Alaska Cruises:
Posted by Renee Ruggero
Earlier this week, the Adventure of the Seas was denied entry to both the ports of St. Lucia and Antigua because three people onboard exhibited flu-like symptoms. Last month, the Pacific Dawn (P&O Cruises) was denied entry to all of its Australian ports, for similar reasons. Although port authorities were worried that those ships were carrying the H1N1 virus, the facts stand that neither of those ships ended up testing positive for the Swine Flu.
Today the World Health Organization (WHO) announced that it had raised the level of influenza pandemic alert. The WHO reported that 74 countries had reported nearly 28,000 cases of swine flu, including 141 deaths. But it is interesting to note that the ordinary flu kills about 250,000 to 500,000 people each year.
The WHO has stressed that most H1N1 flu cases are mild and require no treatment, and they also continue to recommend no restrictions on travel and no border closures. So why, is there so much media hype around it? Will this new upgraded alert cause more ports to turn away cruise ships? Will cruise ships become a scapegoat for spreading the H1N1 virus? How will cruising be affected by this new flu pandemic alert?
Other Resources:
Posted by Renee Ruggero
On June 1, 2009, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative was fully implemented, requiring all travelers to and from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda to present a valid passport or other approved document to enter the United States. (Other approved documents include an enhanced driver’s license, a passport card (U.S.), and a few other government IDs).
But, according to many news sources, including CNN, 30% of Americans already have approved travel documents.
Although that may seem like a low percentage, the number of North Americans actually cruising is far lower. In fact, only 12 million North Americans cruise annually, according to Cruise Lines International Association. From these statistics one could assume that the population that intends to take a cruise may already have the approved travel documents.
Additional news for cruise passengers is that some cruises do not even require a passport due to a loophole known as closed loop cruises.But for those that just found out they will need a passport to cruise, there is an express passport service for both Canadians and Americans.
Resources:
Cruises That Do Not Require a Passport
Passport Requirements for Cruises
Posted by Renee Ruggero
The Alaska cruise season started last month, and 2009 is set to be another busy year. Both Vancouver and Seattle are the main gateways for Alaska cruises, and this year those two ports will see 464 cruise ships between them, with Vancouver leading the way with 42 more ships than the Port of Seattle.
This year also marks the introduction of shore power at Canada Place terminal in Vancouver, a first for Canada as well. Ships can completely shut down their engines and connect to shore-based electrical power while docked. Environmentally, this saves tonnes of fuel and reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
For those cruising out of the Port of Vancouver, here is a number of articles:
Alaska Cruise Port Info for Vancouver
Vancouver Attractions for Families
Vancouver Shore Excursions on Alaska Cruises
Inexpensive Transportation in Vancouver
Pre and Post Alaska Cruise Hotels in Vancouver
Best Family Friendly Hotels in Vancouver
Posted by Renee Ruggero
As of May 15, 2009, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have downgraded their Travel Health Warning to a Travel Health Precaution for Mexico.The CDC has been monitoring the ongoing outbreak of the H1N1 flu (Swine Flu) in Mexico and has determined the risk of severe disease from the H1N1 virus appears to be less than originally thought.
Although the CDC continues to recommend that travelers visiting Mexico take steps to protect themselves against all strains of the flu, the CDC does not warn against traveling to Mexico anymore. It is important to note that the concentration of the H1N1 flu cases in Mexico were inland rather than in the coastal areas where the cruise ships visit.
Anyways, this is good news for the cruise lines.For example, cruise lines such as Carnival now report that they will resume visits to Mexican ports of call based on the CDC’s latest guidance on May 15th. The cruise lines will continue to require pre-boarding health questionnaires for all guests and crew, along with secondary screening by shipboard medical professionals as necessary. Additionally, most cruise ships stock influenza test kits and anti-viral medications.
Posted by Renee Ruggero
Despite a looming recession, vacationers continue to book cruises and cruise lines continue to build new ships. According to Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the world’s largest cruising association, 13.5 million people will cruise in 2009 (an increase of 2.3 percent over last year). Also in 2009, more than 14 new cruise ships will be launched with innovative facilities such as full-scale water parks, supersized luxurious spas, and spacious children’s facilities.
In addition, a market study conducted by CLIA in 2008, indicated that the industry is positioned well for continued growth. The study discussed that only 20% of Americans have ever cruised. That means a whopping 80% of the American population has never cruised before!
Check out our articles on trends in the cruising industry:
Best New Cruise Ship Launches For 2009
Newest Trends in Cruise Ship Suites and Cabins
Best Cruise Ships for Families with Children