Carnival Cruise Line Tests All Inclusive Drinks Package

Carnival Cruise Line Tests All Inclusive Drinks Package

Carnival Cruise Lies is testing the "All Inclusive" drinks package on FOUR of their ships. Calling it "My Awesome Bar Program" it gets passengers unlimited beverages for about $50 per person, per day. 

Phil: "I think that Carnival has pitched this price correctly at $50 per guest (ave $100 per stateroom) because we had a discussion in Cruise Village HQ and the opinion of who would take this because of the perceived value - was split. Some said yes - it is great value for me, but others simply said that they don't drink that much  and are quite happy to pay as they go."

Azamara Club Cruises to go All Inclusive for 2013

Azamara Club Cruises to go All Inclusive for 2013

"At last I hear some of you say! Well the great news is that from Spring 2013, Azamara Cruises will change their fare policy to a much more all inclusive experience."

Azamara Club Cruises amazing packed fare policy will be getting even better, just in time for Azamara Quest and Azamara Journey’s next European season (starting 27 March and 15 May 2013, respectively). Here’s a small taste of what’s new. 

Favourite Cruise Ports

Favourite Cruise Ports

Phil: I picked this article up from the PSA Passenger SHipping Association and it makes interesting reading. Especially as I was asked recently by Princess Cruises Dean Brown, what my favourite cruise destination was. I replied New York...here's the article. 

Viking River Cruises wins prestigious award

Viking River Cruises wins prestigious award

Well done to Viking River Cruises from everyone at The Cruise Village.

Viking River Cruises has just announced that it has won not one but two prestigious awards from Food and Travel Magazine - ‘Best River Cruise Line of the Year’ and the coveted title of ‘Best Cruise Line of the Year’. Fighting off strong competition from some of the biggest cruise lines, Viking were voted as the readers’ favourite.  

Norwegian Breakaway's Hull Artwork Unveiled

Norwegian Breakaway's Hull Artwork Unveiled

Never ones to shy away from publicity and today our friends at Norwegian Cruise Line have unveiled the artwork for their new ship Norwegian Breakaway. Designed by Peter Max – it is sure to prompt debates across the cruising world.

Phil's comment: Personally  - I like it..!! It’s big and covers 40,000 sq ft….wow!

P&O Cruises Arcadia 2013/14 Refit

P&O Cruises Arcadia due in for refit in December 2013.

In December 2013, just in time for her 2014 world cruise, Arcadia is due to spend around 20 nights in dry dock - but they changes are sure to be worth the wait. She will come out of refit with 10 new single cabins, to be added to deck 2, replacing some of the area currently taken up with part of her Monte Carlo Casino and her Electra nightclub.

Oceania Cruises Reduces Deposits

Oceania Cruises Reduces Deposits

Great news for our clients looking to confirm their next Oceania cruise holiday.

Oceania Cruises announces the launch of their “2 for 1 Deposit” promotion that will cover all new bookings made from 12th August through 31st December, meaning deposits will now be £250 (G-PH) or 10% (Oceania Suite and above).

This, combined with Oceania Cruises fully refundable deposits, “Explore Your World” pricing, award winning itineraries and onboard experience re-enforces Oceania Cruises position as

Carnival Trials New System On Deck Chair Hoggers

Carnival Trials New System On Deck Chair Hoggers

I picked up this news flash from Carnival Cruise Lines - and after my two holidays on board the Carnival Magic in 2011 and more recently the Carnival Breeze 2012 - I am very pleased to read that something is being done about the deck chair situation.

If you ever had any doubts, you just needed to log on to our cruise ship webcams page (click here) and view the pool area onboard Carnival Breeze at approximately 6am in the morning - towels on sunbeds and by 8am you would not get a deck chair.

Carnival Breeze Cruise Review June 2012

Carnival Breeze Cruise Review

Carnival Breeze 22 - 27 June 12 Venice to Barcelona

Fun, Fun, Fun

Having already cruise on Carnival Breeze's younger sister, the Carnival Magic also in the Mediterranean in 2011, I was intrigued to see how they had improved what to me was already a very good and well thought out ship.

The first thing that I noted on embarkation was the calmer more subtle tones in the central atrium, not that the Magic was all glitzy glamour, no it was just a very calming atmosphere and I liked it, I liked it a lot.

Silversea New Expedition Ship Galapagos Explorer II

Silversea New Expedition Ship Galapagos Explorer II

Phil - "This is great news for all the explorers out there who like a little pampering as well as getting down to some real exploring during the day."

"Silversea Group has purchased Canodros S.S. and its expedition ship, Galapagos Explorer II and this coincides with The Cruise Village about to release a website that purely focuses on the latest information for "Expedition Cruises. More information will be revealed soon."

Silversea will be adding Galapagos Explorer II to their ultra-luxury fleet of six ships next year, after the all-suite, 100-guest vessel undergoes a major refurbishment in September 2013 and is given a new name. 

Carnival VIFP Club - Carnival's New Loyalty Club

Carnival VIFP Club - Carnival's New Loyalty Club

The Cruise Village is one of the UK's premier Carnival Cruise Lines booking agents and I am breaking the news to you first - again!

I want you to be among the FIRST to know about an exciting new Loyalty Programme Carnival is rolling out for you its guests – the VIFP (Very Important Fun Person) Club.

Here’s how it works: the more days that you, a member of the VIFP Club sail, the more points you will earn. Members will then make it to various levels of the VIFP Club based on the number of points they have. The higher the level that you reach, the more perks you’ll receive – including everything from special onboard parties and complimentary gifts to priority reservations and much more!

New Terracotta Warriors Site Unveiled

New Terracotta Warriors Site Unveiled

After 2000 years, more images are coming from China of the latest uncovering of Terracotta Warriors.

The reason I post this on my blog, is simple. The Cruise Village is one of the UK's premier China booking agents through Wendy Wu Tours.

Wendy Wu China Tours are experts on Inclusive China Tours and more recently Indo China, Vietnam & Cambodia.

Several members of our team have visited China, Cambodia & Vietnam and you will have expert advice at your finger tips from a family business (albeit a large family business) with over 50 years of trading.

P&O Cruises Black Tie Tuxedo Hire

P&O Cruises Black Tie Tuxedo Hire

P&O Cruises are launching a new men’s Black Tie Hire Service.

Phil's comment: "About time I hear you say. Well probably it is, but to be honest when you look at retail outlets such as Next and Marks & Spencer advertising dress suits for around the £100 mark, it begs the question why not buy and then use the suit for your next five cruises. Plus it has the added incentive of making you keep your weight down..!!!"

"But - if you have a deal with Free onboard credit - you can use this to cover the cost of the hire..!! So, you do have a choice - the long or short term option."

Cunard Cruise Offers

Cunard Cruise Offers

Cunard Line is the best known cruise brand in the UK and probably worldwide.

It is little surprise then in the current climate of a recession, that Cunard's latest deals are proving to be extremely popular.

Why would you not book a Cunard late deal over another cruise line when the prices (unbelievably) are very similar. Cunard's white star service is award winning and world renowned and it is hard to imagine a better time to book on of our  Cunard cruise offers.

Royal Caribbean Deals The Ultimate Cruise Offers

Royal Caribbean Deals The Ultimate Cruise Offers

Royal Caribbean Deals is still one of the leading sites from The Cruise Village to find an amazing cruise experience on-board one of Royal Caribbean's amazing ships.

The very latest Royal Caribbean cruise offers are update daily and the best thing about our Royal Caribbean website is.....when you call us you may find that we can offer you additional benefits that will enhance you Royal Caribbean cruise holiday.

There are so many things that are important when considering taking a Royal Caribbean cruise besides the price.

Latest Cruise Deals May Update

Latest Cruise Deals May Update

I don't think I have seen so many cheap cruises in all my years in the cruise industry and the value of taking a cruise - beggars belief.

Will it last? No of course it won't but that is not to say there will still be some ridiculously good cruise deals around for the next few months and I advise anyone who reads my blog to register with The Cruise Village™ online. If you need the link - click here. Our email form will pop up and all you need to do it pop your email address in and wait....for a great cruise deal.

Oceania Cruises Offers with Free Onboard Credit

Oceania Cruises Offers with Free Onboard Credit

What is it that I love about Oceania cruises..? Why am I passionate about these stunning mid-sized cruise ships which deliver such high standards of service and food. Yes FOOD....Oceania cruises is renowned for it's culinary delights, so I guess this is why I am really saying - TRY a cruise with Oceania..!!

I have added an example of some exclusive offers that we have, but we will find you a great deal on ALL 2012 Oceania cruises and of course the new 2013 Oceania Cruises.

Just take a minute to read these three short paragraphs.

Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian EPIC Review

Norwegian Cruise Line Norwegian EPIC Review

One of the reasons for choosing a short cruise onboard the Norwegian EPIC has got to be the fact you cruise in and out of Barcelona. Only a 2 hour flight from the UK, from most UK airports and if you manage to secure an early flight out - you can be onboard by 11.30am.....and an early flight home allows you to disembark around 7am -7.30am and easily grab a taxi for the short drive to the airport.

Royal Caribbean in Australia 2013-2014

Cruise News: Royal Caribbean Cruises Down Under 2013-2014

This is exciting news from Royal Caribbean - 3 ships down under with plenty of opportunity to explore Australia, New Zealand and the Far East & Pacific.

The Cruise Village™ team will have some fantastic cruise holidays with varied options for our customers.

For winter 2013/2014 you can choose from over 50 sailings that call at 56 South Pacific ports on 53 itineraries aboard the popular Voyager of the Seas and the recently revitalized Radiance of the Seas and Rhapsody of the Seas. These sailing start from Sept. 2013 through April 2014. 

Norwegian Getaway to Home Port Miami 2014

Cruise News Norwegian Getaway to Home Port in Miami

Norwegian Cruise Line’s new 4,000-passenger ship Norwegian Getaway is to be based in Miami. She will then be the largest cruise ship to home port year-round in Miami when she embarks on weekly cruises in 2014.

The dates & itineraries are expected to be released to The Cruise Village™ later this year, but she is going to be very popular.

Cruise ships showing Euro 2012 finals

 

Which cruise lines are showing the Euro 2012 finals

Footy fans can take in the sun on deck and watch the European Championship Finals this summer.

Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises have secured rights to screen the European Football Championships on board their ships this summer. Here's the info...

Cruises from South Africa with a Safari

Cruises from South Africa

Looking for something different this winter - then how about a holiday in South Africa combined with a luxury cruise.

With so many options open to you - The Cruise Village team can design you the holiday of a lifetime or an exciting cruise & stay holiday with a Safari maybe?

A South Africa cruise with MSC is the perfect way to discover the ‘Rainbow Nation’ in style. 

MSC Cruises pulls out of Abu Dhabi

Gulf Cruise Ports Appear To Be Losing Appeal

As a big supporter of cruising round the gulf as opposed to taking a weeks winter break in a hotel in Tenerife - I feel there is a good argument to be made here.

Yes you have almost guaranteed weather, the food on-board the ships is amazing, service is great, there is a full entertainment programme and you do get to visit several ports of call.

Silversea Announce New Silver Cloud Cruise 5 Oct

Silver Cloud 5th October 2012 New Cruise Added

Silversea cruises has released a new cruise holiday (not in the brochure) for the Silver Cloud sailing from Barcelona to Rome's port of Civitvecchia.

The Cruise Village has an exclusive pre cruise stay offer at a Barcelona hotel including flights from local UK airports.

Themed Cruises - Do They Really Work?

It always makes me smile when I see cruise lines advertise themed cruises. I often wonder how customers perceive such sailings. Has there ever been any market research to suggest that regular cruisers are put off cruises because of a specific theme?

Voyages of Discovery River Cruises New for 2012

Voyages of Discovery is launching its first-ever river cruising programme.

Called European River Cruises, it features popular rivers such as the Rhine, Danube and the Russian Waterways of the River Volga.

Carnival Breeze 2012 Mediterranean Cruise Offers EXTENDED!

Carnival has announced it is extending the $200 per stateroom free on board credit & half price deposits deal on selected Carnival Breeze Mediterranean cruises in 2012.