Friday 3rd July 2009

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Guide to Cruising 2009

New for 2009

The world’s largest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, 16 decks high, debuts in 2009 as large resort ships continue to dominate the industry. But what most concerns passengers is the effect that harsher economic conditions will have on prices

In 2009 more than 30 ships over 100,000 tons are in service. And the introduction of new ships continues, with more than 40 new ships scheduled for delivery between January 2009 and December 2012, fueled by the continuing increase in demand for high-value cruise vacations, and ever larger ships with more facilities and options. But orders may slow down because most cruise lines earn their money in US dollars, and ships are built in Europe, where the weak dollar buys far fewer euros than it once did.

So, is cruising still good value?

Yes. If you want to cruise in Europe, for example, book early, particularly if the ship operates in US dollars, because the cruise lines have to fix their brochure prices at least a year in advance. Going by cruise ship, therefore, makes economic sense since the price of your vacation is protected by advance pricing. A fuel surcharge is the only additional cost that may change at the last minute.

How do I get the best price?

Read the newspapers and check on the internet. But, to get the best deals, go to an agency that specializes in cruises – they will have access to deals and upgrades not available anywhere else.

The latest trends

More large resort ships, charging for “extras” at every turn.
More multi-generational cruising aboard the large resort ships.
An increase in single-parent cruising.
More child-free ships for those who have matured beyond noise and games.
Small ship cruising (for those seeking to avoid large resort ships and crowds).
More themed dining venues.
More sophisticated spas and well-being treatment options.
More “healthy eating” and “spa” menu choices.
Widest ever variety of adventures ashore.
Greater demand for smoking-free ships.
More demand for longer cruises.
More demand for short “getaway” cruises.
Advertisements will appear on those big movie screens on deck.

Bigger – but better?

The latest “largest ever” cruise ship arrives in 2009. At 220,000 tons, 1,181 ft (360 meters) long and carrying up to 6,400 passengers, Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas is innovative and exciting – as opposed to quiet and relaxing. Being aboard such a floating playground can be like being in a large shopping mall (still, lots of people love shopping malls). But waiting for an elevator can be frustrating. What if 5,000 people all want an omelet or room service at the same time? Or if they all go to the same beach? Disembarkation could also be like getting out of a sports stadium at the end of a big game. And then there’s the matter of locating your luggage. Mid-size ships will benefit from the introduction of so many large resort ships because more and more experienced cruisegoers will choose smaller ships in order to avoid the big ships’ sanitized cruise experience and long lines. Indeed, customization and personalization will grow markedly.

Better air, less smoke

After a fire aboard Star Princess in 2006, much thinking went into dealing with the possibility of serious fires and the mass evacuation and repatriation of passengers. So, expect more cruise lines to ban smoking in all cabins and on balconies.

More exclusivity

Pay more, get more. The large resort ships include more spaces for “privacy” – exclusive areas that cost extra. Now you can book a specially designed spa suite with all its extra perks (Costa Concordia, Costa Luminosa, Costa Pacifica, Costa Serena, Europa); or a villa with private garden (Norwegian Dawn, Norwegian Star); or a cabin in the exclusive “Yacht Club” area aboard MSC Fantasia. Such “one-upmanship” is rife.So two-class cruising (in some cases, three-class cruising) is back. What’s to come: private alcove sunbathing space, tailor-made excursions, and more. But you’ll still have to mingle with the masses when you go through security. While the ships have grown larger, the facilities available to all have shrunk, as has the open deck space that has become a “private” sanctuary area.

Sleep well

Most cruise lines have now upgraded to “premium” or “better sleep” mattresses and finer quality bed linen so you can sleep better after long and tiring days ashore.

The growth of shopping malls

Onboard “enhancement” items – such as luggage and tote bags, bed linen, personal amenities, wooden deck lounge (steamer) chairs, coffee tables and chairs, ship posters, cruise line memorabilia and collectibles, wine glasses, chocolate, flowers, and even mattresses – can now be purchased online from the major cruise lines (examples: www.carnivalcomfortbed.com; www.shop-hollandamerica.com). But such online shopping only works if you have a US address and credit card.

The long and short of it

There’s growth at both ends. More cruise lines offer short “getaway” cruises for those with little time – good for those who want just a “taste” of cruising. And more cruise lines are offering around-the-world cruises and other grand voyages for those with time; around 20 ships offer complete world cruises in 2009, and more ships offer long voyages – a convenient way to escape those winter blues. More people are choosing to live permanently aboard ship after retirement – it saves having to deal with all those troublesome family members, while being looked after in style by people who understand hospitality.

Active shore adventures

Can-do, must-do adventurous excursions ashore are hot, as more “active” types and thrill seekers want to vacation on the edge. Depending on ship, region, and itinerary, you can go crocodile hunting by Zodiac (Amazon, Australia’s Kimberley Region); go diving in the best places (Maldives, Sharm-el-Sheik); go dog sledding on a glacier (Alaska, Greenland); go horseback riding (Jamaica); mountain biking (Alaska, Caribbean, Europe); go drive a race-car (Monaco); go floatplane riding (Alaska, Australia); go heli-hiking (Maui); go jungle canopy “ziplining” (Belize, Costa Rica, Hawaii); go cave tubing and jungle hiking (Belize); go hiking (Juneau icefield, Alaska, or the prehistoric Larsbreen Glacier (Norway); go canoeing amid the icebergs (Alaska), or kayaking (Alaska, Hamburg, Vietnam); go swimming with sharks (Melbourne, Australia); go white-water rafting (Kota Kinabalu); go elephant riding (Phuket, Thailand); go on a MIG jet flight over Moscow (a mere $28,000 for a long day out – but great if you like flying fast); go on an off-road 4x4 adventure (Antigua, Provence); go bicycling (British/ European itineraries), or go for a dip in the Lake of the Pregnant Maidens (Langkawi).In addition, cruise lines are beginning to offer other shore excursions for small groups, as well as the traditional “big bus-sightsee-look at churches and museums” city tours.

The sporting life

Cruise lines are creatively sporting. Cunard Line’s Queen Victoria offers fencing lessons; Norwegian Cruise Line has bowling alleys (Norwegian Gem, Norwegian Pearl); Royal Caribbean International has boxing, ice-skating and surfing on a “flowrider” pool (Freedom- and Oasis-class ships). Costa Cruises has a Formula 1 simulator (Costa Concordia, Costa Luminosa, Costa Pacifica, Costa Serena). Expect Carnival Cruise Lines to get Daytona simulators. What’s next? Probably a go-kart track.

Propulsion powers ahead

While the cruise industry has recently flirted with environmentally-friendly gas turbines, the fuel is far too expensive. The favored drivers are now eco-friendly diesel-electric or diesel-mechanical propulsion systems that propel ships at speeds of up to 28 knots (32mph) Only Cunard Line’s QM2, with a top speed of more than 30 knots, is faster.

Dining and service

“Alternative” restaurants are fashionable, particularly aboard the large resort ships, and are ideal for escaping from huge dining halls full of noise and singing, table-dancing waiters. These are typically à la carte restaurants where you must make a reservation, and pay to dine in small, intimate places with superior food cooked à la minute, good wines and service, and a less frenetic ambiance.

Cruise lines stuck with traditional two-seating dining are looking for ways to be more flexible (without placing an extra burden on the staff). More ships offer flexible dining and 24-hour casual (get-your-own food) eateries, so you can eat or snack when you want. Although the concept is good, the delivery often is not; it is typically self-service eating, and not the dining and service experience most passengers envisage.

COMMENT ON THIS PAGE

Comment by Smith, Hertfordshire (23 Feb 09 13:05) about this PAGE.

I agree with all the above but I find the bigger the ships the less deck space and buffet dining spaces are available, not to mention the elevators which never seem to be enough for the passengers. The cruise lines ar more interested in putting more cabins than deck spaces and additional spaces at the buffet. And unlike yester years, today every thing is charged for on the ships, including saunas / steam rooms/ private corners to relax / etc etc. There also seems to be a growing trend towards specialised dining and small bistros, ice cream bars, coffee shops, etc etc. Passangers pay for an all inclusive holiday, and I believe this is what they should get.