Nearly Ten Years Later: My First Cruise

As I’m planning on taking my boyfriend on his first cruise in just over two months, and because we are also seriously considering a cruise in Europe for next year, I thought it would be a good idea to remember the first cruise I ever took. Mind you, I sailed on this cruise nearly ten years ago–August 13, 2000, to be exact–so my memories are a bit clouded with the passage of time. I was 17 years old the first time I cruised, and of course it was my parents who planned the trip

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Nearly Ten Years Later: My First Cruise

A contagious virus? Marketing campaign sinks Cruise Critic

A contagious virus? Marketing campaign sinks Cruise Critic Corinthian II on Cruise Critic Forums. June 30, 2009 by daschneider.

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A contagious virus? Marketing campaign sinks Cruise Critic

Corinthian II on Cruise Critic Forums « Around the World with …

Corinthian II on Cruise Critic Forums « Around the World with … To celebrate &National Romance Week,& which begins today, Princess Cruises has joined with Cruise Critic to conduct a search for &real-life love stories& – tales of romance from the decks of Princess ships. To celebrate &National Romance Week,& which begins today, Princess Cruises has joined with Cruise Critic to conduct a search for &real-life love stories& – tales of romance from the decks of Princess ships. To celebrate &National Romance Week,& which begins today, Princess Cruises has joined with Cruise Critic to conduct a search for &real-life love stories& – tales of romance from the decks of Princess ships

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Corinthian II on Cruise Critic Forums « Around the World with …

Princess Cruises and Cruise Critic Celebrate National Romance Week …

Princess Cruises and Cruise Critic Celebrate National Romance Week … Corinthian II on Cruise Critic Forums. June 30, 2009 by daschneider

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Princess Cruises and Cruise Critic Celebrate National Romance Week …

Late Bookings! Is It Worth Hanging On For A Deal?

I’m wondering if the mixed messages coming from the cruise industry at the moment are there to create a ‘smoke and mirrors’ effect?  Cruise lines are reporting bumper bookings for 2010, generated, no doubt from the early booking incentives and low deposits being offered.  It’s just as well given that they are having to provide value-added incentives, like onboard credits, in addition to reduced prices to generate bookings for this summer. The way that the cruise industry markets itself will need to change.  The Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) reported this week that more and more cruisers are booking late, within three months of departure.  That’s obviously a recession-driven pattern – people hold back from spending until the last minute, hoping they will get a bargain, and hoping they will be in a position to take a holiday.   The thing about trends like that is that they tend not to revert back once the economic situation changes.  So, the cruise lines could find themselves having to re-evaluate their pricing and discounting strategies to address the downward spiral.  Hopefully they will realise what the public has been reliant on … cruise holidays , just like food, have a sell-by date.  And the closer you get to that sell-by date, the lower the price goes

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Late Bookings! Is It Worth Hanging On For A Deal?

Late Bookings! Is It Worth Hanging On For A Deal?

I’m wondering if the mixed messages coming from the cruise industry at the moment are there to create a ‘smoke and mirrors’ effect?  Cruise lines are reporting bumper bookings for 2010, generated, no doubt from the early booking incentives and low deposits being offered.  It’s just as well given that they are having to provide value-added incentives, like onboard credits, in addition to reduced prices to generate bookings for this summer. The way that the cruise industry markets itself will need to change.  The Passenger Shipping Association (PSA) reported this week that more and more cruisers are booking late, within three months of departure.  That’s obviously a recession-driven pattern – people hold back from spending until the last minute, hoping they will get a bargain, and hoping they will be in a position to take a holiday

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Late Bookings! Is It Worth Hanging On For A Deal?

Are some cruise reviews and comments really unbiased commentary?

We came across a story at msnbc.com that we think is worth a discussion. Here are some excerpts and a link to read the entire article where you will find links related to the discussion.

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Are some cruise reviews and comments really unbiased commentary?

Oasis of the Seas News - Royal Caribbean Floats Out Oasis of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Newset Ship Oasis of the Seas UPDATE - See all four of the virtual VIDEO/PODCASTS of the Oasis of the Seas which features the ships interior and exterior.

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Oasis of the Seas News - Royal Caribbean Floats Out Oasis of the Seas

Royal Caribbean Sets 2009-2010 Caribbean Cruise Season

  Royal Caribbean Night Life   Royal Caribbean International will offer 264 Caribbean sailings on 31 itinerries of six to 14 nights for the 2009-10 cruise season.

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Royal Caribbean Sets 2009-2010 Caribbean Cruise Season