2006 January | The Mail Buoy

After being delayed in Fort Lauderdale, Cunard Cruise Lines has announced that the Queen Mary 2 is once again underway, it is currently enroute to Rio De Janeiro Brazil. The Queen Mary 2 returned to Fort Lauderdale a few hours after it's scheduled departure when a bridge indicator signaled problems with one of the ships four propulsion pods. Based on media reports, it's believed that the ship struck a sea wall while transiting the channel to exit Port Everglades damaging the propulsion unit. As a result of the delay, the QM2 was forced to cancel it's port calls in St Kitts, Barbados, and Salvador and to shorten it's port call in Rio De Janeiro. After departing Rio De Janeiro, Cunard expects that the ship will be able to visit the remaining published ports on QM2's current itinerary, however the visits to Montevideo and Acapulco will also be shortened.

Posted in Cunard Cruise Lines — by Michael on 01/20/06 (0) Comments

Two Great Deals From Radisson Seven Seas Hot off the presses are two great specials from Radisson Seven Seas Cruises (RSSC) The first is to the South Pacific onboard the Paul Gaugin : Feast your eyes on the world's most picturesque islands - and share a smile with members of the friendliest cultures - when you set sail for the best of French Polynesia. Our 7-night cruises call on each of these special islands; Papeete (Tahiti), Raiatea, Taha'a (Motu Mahana), Bora Bora & Moorea. While Tahiti is the most famous of these Polynesian havens, you'll find her sister islands have distinctive charms of their own. Once you witness the Polynesian's lust for life, tempered by their laid-back charm, you will savor the warm smiles and gentle society of this side of paradise. Other ships may ply these turquoise waters. But only the intimate Paul Gauguin offers a pure, authentic South Pacific experience. Space is limited and going fast! "PAUL GAUGUIN: a ship to match your South Pacific dreams" The other special is extremely short fused and is for cruises to Alaska onboard the Seven Seas Mariner: For "One Week Only" Radisson Seven Seas Cruises is offering 2-for-1 savings on two Alaska voyages aboard the Seven Seas Mariner. Choose our 10-night San Francisco to Vancouver voyage departing May 14 or 7-night Vancouver to Whittier voyage departing May 24. Book now through January 22, 2006. You can go rappelling along the Klondike Trail, for example, or bear watching in the heart of a forest. Then return at night to your luxurious ship, where elegance and informality go happily hand in hand, and where every wish is cheerfully indulged thanks to service ratios that are among the highest at sea. The easy elegance of the Seven Seas Mariner provides the perfect setting for inspiration and relaxation. And if what you've always dreamed of is toasting the midnight sun from your own private balcony, welcome to your fantasy aboard this all-suite, all-balcony, 700-guest ship. Come let the Seven Seas Mariner show you Alaska in a far more personal way. With our "One Week Only" 2-for-1 savings and a level of luxury no other ship (outside of Radisson Seven Seas Cruises) can match, it is simply irresistible! Hurry - time is of the essence.. More details on both specials after the jump... Luxury in Paradise - Spring 2006!

SOCIETY ISLANDS IN TAHITI

7-NIGHTS ABOARD THE PAUL GAUGUIN FROM ONLY $1,995

Feast your eyes on the world's most picturesque islands - and share a smile with members of the friendliest cultures - when you set sail for the best of French Polynesia. Our 7-night cruises call on each of these special islands; Papeete (Tahiti), Raiatea, Taha'a (Motu Mahana), Bora Bora & Moorea. While Tahiti is the most famous of these Polynesian havens, you'll find her sister islands have distinctive charms of their own. Once you witness the Polynesian's lust for life, tempered by their laid-back charm, you will savor the warm smiles and gentle society of this side of paradise.

Other ships may ply these turquoise waters. But only the intimate Paul Gauguin offers a pure, authentic South Pacific experience. Space is limited and going fast!

"PAUL GAUGUIN: a ship to match your South Pacific dreams"

SPECIAL OFFER:

PAPEETE, TAHITI to PAPEETE, TAHITI on PAUL GAUGUIN SOCIETY ISLANDS 7 Nights - Departing April 01, 2006 Starting at $1,995 per person



PAPEETE, TAHITI to PAPEETE, TAHITI on PAUL GAUGUIN SOCIETY ISLANDS 7 Nights - Departing April 22, 2006 Starting at $1,995 per person



PAPEETE, TAHITI to PAPEETE, TAHITI on PAUL GAUGUIN SOCIETY ISLANDS 7 Nights - Departing April 29, 2006 Starting at $1,995 per person



PAPEETE, TAHITI to PAPEETE, TAHITI on PAUL GAUGUIN SOCIETY ISLANDS 7 Nights - Departing May 06, 2006 Starting at $1,995 per person



PAPEETE, TAHITI to PAPEETE, TAHITI on PAUL GAUGUIN SOCIETY ISLANDS 7 Nights - Departing May 20, 2006 Starting at $1,995 per person



PAPEETE, TAHITI to PAPEETE, TAHITI on PAUL GAUGUIN SOCIETY ISLANDS 7 Nights - Departing May 27, 2006 Starting at $1,995 per person



PAPEETE, TAHITI to PAPEETE, TAHITI on PAUL GAUGUIN SOCIETY ISLANDS 7 Nights - Departing June 03, 2006 Starting at $1,995 per person



For reservations and information or for a complimentary brochure, call an RSSC expert TOLL-FREE at 888-286-9827.

Fares are per person, based on double occupancy and do not include air add-ons, port, handling and security charges. The above limited time offer must be booked by February 28, 2006. Offer is subject to availability. Fuel surcharges may apply.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- One Week Only - 2 For 1 Offer to Alaska...

Two for one* Savings to alaska!

luxury cruising in the wilderness - redefined

For "One Week Only" Radisson Seven Seas Cruises is offering 2-for-1 savings on two Alaska voyages aboard the Seven Seas Mariner. Choose our 10-night San Francisco to Vancouver voyage departing May 14 or 7-night Vancouver to Whittier voyage departing May 24. Book now through January 22, 2006.

You can go rappelling along the Klondike Trail, for example, or bear watching in the heart of a forest. Then return at night to your luxurious ship, where elegance and informality go happily hand in hand, and where every wish is cheerfully indulged thanks to service ratios that are among the highest at sea.

The easy elegance of the Seven Seas Mariner provides the perfect setting for inspiration and relaxation. And if what you've always dreamed of is toasting the midnight sun from your own private balcony, welcome to your fantasy aboard this all-suite, all-balcony, 700-guest ship. Come let the Seven Seas Mariner show you Alaska in a far more personal way.

With our "One Week Only" 2-for-1 savings and a level of luxury no other ship (outside of Radisson Seven Seas Cruises) can match, it is simply irresistible! Hurry - time is of the essence...

SPECIAL OFFER:

SAN FRANCISCO to VANCOUVER, B.C. on SEVEN SEAS MARINER 2-for-1 savings 10 Nights - Departing May 14, 2006 Starting at $3,498 per person



VANCOUVER, B.C. to WHITTIER on SEVEN SEAS MARINER 2-for-1 savings 7 Nights - Departing May 24, 2006 Starting at $2,498 per person



Call a Radisson Seven Seas Cruises Specialist at 888-286-9827.

*Fares are per person, based on double occupancy. This offer is not combinable with any other discount or promotional program.

Posted in Regent Seven Seas Cruises — by Michael on 01/20/06 (0) Comments

Cruise Planners on TV!! If you're in the San Francisco area, tune in to Bay Area Bargains on KRON-4 at 10:30 on Saturday January 21. Patricia will be making an appearance talking about some of our latest specials. Be sure to check it out!

Posted in General News — by Michael on 01/20/06 (0) Comments

6-Category Upgrade Now Available on Alaska CruiseTours! Holland America's View & Verandah Sale is going on now and for a limited time you can receive up to a 6-Category upgrade on select Glacier Discovery CruiseTours. Call Cruise Planners today for details at 888-286-9827. Holland America Line





Mt. McKinley, Alaska

6-Category Upgrade Now Available on Alaska CruiseTours!
Our View & Verandah Sale is going on now and for a limited time you can receive up to a 6-Category upgrade on select Glacier Discovery CruiseTours.

All Glacier Discovery CruiseTours include a 7-day cruise with the best ports and glaciers

Our spacious midsized ms Ryndam and ms Veendam sail weekly between Vancouver and Seward, Alaska calling on Ketchikan, Juneau, Haines/Skagway and always includes a full day in Glacier Bay National Park plus College Fjord.
The ms Statendam travels a similar route visiting Ketchikan, Juneau, Sitka, Icy Strait Point and Hubbard Glacier, the largest tidewater glacier in all of North America.

CruiseTour 11R:
12 days northbound from $1,499
PLUS a 6-Category Upgrade!

CruiseTour 12R:
12 days southbound from $1,749
PLUS a 6-Category Upgrade!

Add time to your cruise vacation for adventures in Denali An extra day in Fairbanks, McKinley Explorer^® luxury rail sightseeing and one night in Denali National park — the perfect complement to your 7-Day Glacier Discovery cruise. Highlights while on land include:

2 days for travel aboard our private McKinley Explorer railcars—the largest in the world!

A 3-4 hour Natural History Tour of Denali National Park and overnight at the park entrance

Tour Gold Dredge No. 8 in Fairbanks with a hearty miner's lunch included

Day cruise aboard the riverboat Discovery III on the Tanana River near Fairbanks

CruiseTour 15:
13 days northbound from $1,799
PLUS a 6-Category Upgrade!

CruiseTour 16:
13 days southbound from $2,149
PLUS a 3-Category Upgrade!

CruiseTour 16R:
13 days southbound from $2,199
PLUS a 6-Category Upgrade!

An Extra Day in Denali allows for the best national park experience Everything included in CruiseTours 11R and 12R above PLUS:

A second night at Denali National Park allowing for optional adventures such as hiking, flightseeing, river rafting or golfing.

The more comprehensive 6-8 hour Tundra Wilderness Tour of Denali National Park, taking you deeper into the best wildlife viewing areas with closer vistas of Mt. McKinley.

The services of a friendly and helpful Tour Director while on land

CruiseTour 19:
14 days northbound from $1,999
PLUS a 6-Category Upgrade!

CruiseTour 20:
14 days southbound from $2,149
PLUS a 3-Category Upgrade!

Luxury and Adventure Meet:
Holland America Line and Alyeska Resort No place in Alaska compliments your Holland America cruise like Alyeska Resort and the Alyeska Prince Hotel. These CruiseTours have it all including:

2-nights at the award-winning Alyeska Resort. Hike in Chugach National Forest. Dine at the Seven Glaciers Restaurant after being delivered 2,200 ft up Mt. Alyeska by tram. The views are unsurpassed.

2 days for travel aboard our private McKinley Explorer railcars—the largest in the world!

2 nights at Denali National Park with the comprehensive Tundra Wilderness Tour included

A professional Tour Director to help customize your adventure while on land

To book, call 1-888-286-9827.
Ask for Promo LT.

Terms & Conditions:
Terms and Conditions: Upgrade is reflected in category pricing. Fares are based on Promo LT. Fares are per person, based on double occupancy, in the minimum category. Fares are in U.S. dollars and include non-discountable amounts. Taxes are additional and vary according to itinerary and range from $62.39 to $147.73. For new bookings only. Upgrade level may vary based on tour, date and category purchased. Subject to availability. Offers are capacity controlled, and may be modified, withdrawn or sailing dates may be substituted without prior notice. Restrictions may apply. Please refer to the Holland America 2006 Alaska & the Yukon Cruises and CruiseTours brochure for full terms and conditions. Ships' Registry: The Netherlands.

Please note that travelers to and from certain destinations in the Western Hemisphere will soon be required to have a passport or other secure, accepted document to enter or re-enter the United States. For more information, please visit www.travel.state.gov

Posted in Holland America Line — by Patricia on 01/20/06 (0) Comments

Trouble Onboard Queen Mary 2 Prompts Return to Port Tuesday's scheduled departure of Cunard's Queen Mary 2 met a snag while leaving Port Everglades FL. According to the Miami Herald, shortly after departing Port Everglades at 1:50 PM for South America, a bridge indicator signaled a problem with one of the ship's engines. According to Cunard the crew remained off Fort Lauderdale and conducted tests, and finally decided to return to Fort Lauderdale. According to th US Coast Guard, the Captain of The Port issued an order requiring that the ship use tug boats to assist it's return to port. In addition the QM2 is required to remain in port until the Coast Guard confirms that the ship and its passengers are safe. Cunard believes that the ship stuck a sea wall during it's departure on Tuesday. According to the line divers inspected the ship this morning and confirmed that there was damage to one of the ship's four propulsion units. The ship can operate on the remaining three engines, however it won't be able to sail at full speed. Cunard's current plans are for the ship to resume it's voyage once it receives clearance from the Coast Guard. Repairs to the damaged propulsion unit will be made during the ship's upcoming port calls. The passengers spent Monday night onboard and were provided buses to tour the area today. Cunard instructed passengers to be prepared to return to the ship by late afternoon in anticipation that the ship would be allowed to sail later today. There is currently no update on when the ship will receive clearance to sail.

Posted in Cunard Cruise Lines — by Michael on 01/18/06 (0) Comments

« Newer Articles — Older Articles »

Terminal Locator

Search for a Cruise

Subscribe