No one will be shocked to learn that the economy has been struggling lately, and as a result cruise lines have aggressively priced some cruises when necessary to fill them. I love taking advantage of these deals for my clients and myself.
What may surprise you is that like salmon swimming against the stream, many products have edged upscale and demand premium prices. Royal Caribbean's new titan, Oasis of the Seas, takes the concept of floating city to entirely new levels. As usual with the newest and greatest, this ship earns big demand despite prices about 30% higher than other Royal Caribbean cruises. It's the chance to be among the first to experience this New Wonder of the World. When ship construction completed a few weeks early, Royal Caribbean added a few extra cruises in late 2009, which resulted in a little slack, but overall bookings have been very strong. As even her harshest critics agree, it really is a ship that doesn't even need ports to be a travel adventure. For the environmentally conscious, you will be pleased to know that despite all the amazing features on this gargantuan ship, it is more fuel efficient per passenger than most cruises.
When people think really upscale, however, they think smaller ships and more personal service. To this end, Azamara Cruises announced it will take its 694-passenger ships to higher levels of service. It will be renamed Azamara Club Cruises to differentiate the new incarnation. New Azamara Club Cruises CEO Larry Pimentel intends to give upscale cruisers exactly what they want at prices considerably lower than brands like Silversea and Seabourn. They've listened to agents and customers who say they don't want to be nickel-and-dimed once on board, and so they will now include fine wine with lunch and dinner at no additional charge. Premium coffee, sodas and bottled water will also be included.
Free shuttles into town will become standard in all ports, something sorely missing in most European ports in particular. Their newest optional excursions will generate excitement, including a Ferrari driving tour in Italy and "In the Steps of the Beatles" in Liverpool. It looks like they will be taking a cue from Princess's "Evening at Catherine's Palace" with their "Imperial Evening in St. Petersburg." The shore excursions will still be optional add-ons, but they will be geared upscale and, as you may have noticed, to baby boomers whose desires differ from their parents.
More overnights in more destinations, including places like Sorrento and Dubrovnik that have never been overnight ports before will give Azamara passengers the opportunity for greater immersion in the cultures of countries visited. For example, a Grand Egypt Tour will allow you to visit both Cairo and Luxor, or in Japan, take a bullet train from Hiroshima to Osaka.
Gratuities will also be included in the price for Azamara Club Cruises, making check out less stressful. Of course, all these upgrades won't be free, but the increased prices will be more than justified for most people.
Azamara had already set itself apart with excellent dining and exemplary service, including a butler for each room, but now the butlers will be upgraded too. Full English-style butlers will "offer that fine balance of anticipatory, pampering, yet non-intrusive service to guests."
If you can afford a better vacation experience without clipping coupons the rest of the year, why not splurge a little? "Better service leads to better trips!"
