Assuming all goes well on our maiden cruise this summer I've been thinking I'd love to do the Baltics as a family, and with neither of the two children facing state exams next year, 2009 would be the perfect year.
I assumed it would be too early to search for 2009 cruises, but while browsing Vacations To Go this week (oh HT, see what you've done to me ), I found a cruise on Carnival Liberty in June 2009. 12 nights, with Oceanview for €1,200 / £879 pp.
This seems to my admittedly newbie eye to be a very good deal, particularly as I understnd prices in the Baltic tend not to drop too much, but those who know more than I might like to comment.
I have a few questions though.
1. If a deposit is paid, can the booking be cancelled later without penalty?
2. Is this likely to be a final price, or are there more hidden charges? (Excluding fuel surcharges, which I expect)
Thanks.
Donal
Give them a ring. It's a free phone number.
If you're booking thru a US agency (VTG or other) you can cancel without penalty up to 70 days prior to your cruise for any or no reason. Make sure the agency you choose does not charge a cancellation fee- some have it buried in the small print- I don't think VTG does though. There is a fuel surcharge now, it's average of $5 per day per pax with a max of $70 per voyage. If you monitor prices and your cruise price goes down you can get the difference refunded to you. I have done this many times. They will not bring it to your attention, you can just go to Carnival online and play with making a reservation and see what price comes up,if it's lower, get on the phone. That price actually looks a bit high to me. I am not finding June 2009 prices out yet- where are you seeing that? No US travel agent is allowed to undercut the cruiseline's prices, they can offer 'perks' such as free gratuities, free travel insurance but their prices will be the same as you can purchase direct from the cruiseline. The advantage for you booking via US will be the difference in cancellation policies.
The base V2G prices have taxes on top they are likely to be around $190 for this cruise
If you want to see real discounted prices use a service like http://www.cruisecompete.com or sign up with an on-line agent, I use http://www.bestpricecruises.com which shows discounted prices for some lines
Looking at this trip 4adult sharing the base inside cabin price 14June, fuel suprised me? and the 3/4 adult share price look higher than some other lines.
[code] Fare Taxes/Fees Fuel Total
#1) $1399.00 $190.91 $0.00 $1589.91 USD
#2) $1399.00 $190.91 $0.00 $1589.91 USD
#3) $ 899.00 $130.91 $0.00 $1029.91 USD
#4) $ 899.00 $130.91 $0.00 $1029.91 USD
tot:$4596.00 $643.64 $0.00 $5239.64 USD[/code]
Up to 91 days No charge
46 - 91 days Deposit lost
15 - 46 days 50%
up to 14 days Full cost lost.
I have booked flights with Virgin Atlantic on 25th Feb, we are having time at either side of the cruise to check out Florida. I'm counting the days down now....35 I think now. I am not sure what to expect on a cruise but I'm soooooooo looking forward to it. If anyone has any cruise tips I need to know PLEASE tell me, any advice is greatly appreciated...
Have a read through http://THIS TOPIC which has questions and answers for first time cruisers.
I would be delighted if you would post a review on your return http://HERE
luci
We do a carribean cruise every year and always book through Vacations to Go. Only found their site by accident. Best prices tend to be if you book about 8 weeks before departure. We usually get a suite for the price of a balcony through them. They are excellent on price and service.
You have picked a very nice itinerary, some lovely places to visit. Be sure to be up on deck as you sail into San Juan- it's a lovely sight, like sailing into a set from 'Pirates of the Caribbean' when you first see El Morro the fort at the entrance to San Juan. The old town is quaint, full of cobbled streets, little courtyards and shopping! Take a walking tour of the fort and downtown.
St Thomas- is known for good jewelry shopping, there are dozens of shops downtown, if that's your thing. You could take a ride up to
http://paradisepointtramway.com/ for a look out over the Caribbean. Good photo opportunities!
Or a bus tour, up over Paradise point to Magen's bay- there are so many swim/snorkeling/sailing excursions available- it depends where your interests are.
St Maartens- we usually do some downtown shopping in Philipsburg- you catch a water taxi from the pier over to downtown area for about $4 each and then after shopping we head to Orient Beach- a taxi anywhere on the island is about $6 per person, nothing is very far away. Or you can taxi over to Marigot on the French side for some more upscale shopping.
Again, check out the excursions offered and see what appeals. All your port days are Caribbean islands so beach/watersports/snorkeling,sailing and of course Shop til you drop.
Be sure and read your daily program of events- Carnival Capers is delivered to your cabin each night and it lists all the next day's activities. There are so many things to do onboard that you'll be glad of your days at sea to catch up with what's going on.
There's nothing better than sitting up on deck watching the turquoise Caribbean going by, waiters bring ing you drinks....mmm unless it's sitting up on deck late at night, way out in the ocean, just watching the stars!!
Enjoy.
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