On Saturday, May 8th, 2010, a Coast Guard rescue helicopter transported a 42 year old man with appendicitis from the Norwegian Jewel to the AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center. The Coast Guard received this call at 22:21EST Saturday evening from the cruise ship medical staff indicating a need for immediate evacuation.

Passengers watches as the helicopter arrived on the scene and hoisted the man in for transport to the closest medical facility.

Cruise ships today do have a medical facility on board and have trained staff/doctors to accommodate minor injures or medical issues. However, in this case, the cruise line had to evacuate the passenger to the nearest medical facility.

You never know when an accident will happen that could cause you or a loved one to end your cruise vacation early. More importantly, who will be paying the evacuation bill? The answer is most likely you if you did not purchase travel insurance prior to your vacation. Unfortunately, the cost of emergency transportation by helicopter and ambulance, once on land, are very costly and may costs tens of thousands of dollars. Having travel insurance gives you the comfort of knowing that in the rare event this occurs to you, it would be covered. Talk to your travel agent about your travel insurance options; it may help!

Yesterday, April 2nd, 2010, Norwegian Cruise Line implemented its largest rate increase in the company history, with prices going up as much as seven percent fleet-wide. This announcement was made soon after Carnival Cruise Lines increased their prices by as much as five percent back in March.

What do these rate hikes mean for you? After completing research, Caribbean cruises with both lines went up by an average of 1-3% on sailings that still have an abundance of availability. It also seems the more supply and demand cruises such as Alaska and Europe have increased even more which was expected during this increase.

The travel agencies knew about these rate increases for several months. What preparations did travel agents do to secure the rates? This really depends on multiple factors. However, some agencies have planned ahead and still have space available on top cruise destinations for the same great values and previous price points. Central Florida Cruises still has great deals on the new Norwegian Epic or Carnival Dream without the rate hike increases implemented by the cruise lines. These are two of the great new ships that everyone is talking about and prices will not last forever.

After speaking with several cruisers over the past several weeks, it was the consensus that clients will continue to cruise as it is a “great value”. Despite the current increase of up to seven percent, it seems the value of cruising is still better than a land vacation!

We want to know what you think…

Royal Caribbean announced it would continue visiting Haiti earlier in the week after discovering Labadee, a private oasis in Haiti was deemed undamaged. This was a very hard decision to make after a massive 7.0 magnitude earthquake hit here earlier in the week.

Royal Caribbean has been visiting Haiti for almost 30 years and has recently spent over $55 million to upgrade its oasis and adding addition attractions such as a zip line and roller coaster. In addition, RCI employs 230 Haitians’ to accommodate normal port operations. This number does not include the employees that come to the straw market to sell tourist items.

Although the Independence of the Seas has already arrived in Labadee yesterday (Friday), plans for Liberty of the Seas, Navigator of the Seas, and the Celebrity Solstice will be scheduled to arrive next week. All four (4) ships will be carrying supplies to be unloaded to the desperately needy of Haiti. Royal Caribbean plans to provide a total of $1 million in aid to Haiti, mostly provided by nonprofit groups.

Local Travel Agent Becomes Cruise Expert by Earning Prestigious Top Rank in
Princess Cruises Academy

WINTER PARK, Florida (December 16th, 2009) – A Central Florida travel agent has achieved prestigious Commodore status in Princess Cruises’ Academy training program, certifying him as an expert cruise professional. As a Commodore, Ryan Gursky of Central Florida Cruises joins an exclusive group of travel agents who are now recognized by Princess at the Academy’s highest level for their unique qualifications and knowledge as a cruise planning professional. Ryan Gursky earned this distinction after completing the minimum 25 courses necessary to graduate from the program.

“We at Princess are very proud of Ryan Gursky’s dedication, as he put in extra effort to offer clients exceptional knowledge regarding our cruise vacation product as well as our worldwide destinations,” said Jan Swartz, Senior Vice President of Customer Service and Sales at Princess. “Travel agents who reach this top level in our Academy program have completed hours of course work to become a cruising expert, which will prove invaluable to providing clients with a great vacation.”

Princess Academy is the cruise industry’s most comprehensive online training program available to travel agents in the U.S. and Canada. Agents who complete the extensive coursework become experts on a wide range of topics, offering travelers full knowledge of important details about a Princess vacation such as the different passenger amenities on the line’s 17 ships, the company’s worldwide destinations and the many special programs available onboard.

“I’m thrilled to be a Princess Commodore and expand my expertise about cruising. The knowledge I’ve gained makes me a more valuable resource for my clients, and enables me to recommend the very best vacation which matches all of their needs,” said Ryan Gursky.

To become a Commodore, travel agents must fulfill 25 required and elective classes, representing approximately 15 hours of total course work covering worldwide destinations, onboard programs, and customer service skills. As they complete courses, agents receive their “stripes” through four levels: First Officer, Staff Captain, Captain and finally Commodore. Agents can continue to take elective courses to expand their knowledge and keep their Commodore status current.
# # #
Central Florida Cruises provides around the clock and personal service to all of their clients

For further information contact:
Ryan Gursky
Central Florida Cruises
407-212-7245
ryan@CentralFloridaCruises.com

The world’s largest cruise ship departed from Turku, Finland, on Oct. 30 en route to Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where it will make its U.S. debut.

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (August 19, 2009) – As Ruby Princess approached Venice this afternoon, passengers aboard the Princess Cruises ship were treated to a special live art event as famed marine life artist Wyland painted an unusual canvas – the bottom of the ship’s Neptune Pool.

Known worldwide for his unique works featuring sea animals, Wyland is aboard the ship for special art events and meet and greets with passengers. However, painting the ship’s pool was not on his original agenda. Ruby Princess Captain Tony Draper suggested the idea to the artist after being inspired by watching ship crew members painting the Princess “seawitch” logo on the bottom of the ship’s other main pool.

A first for the cruise line, Wyland agreed to paint the mother dolphin and her baby as a way to increase awareness of his conservation message. Passengers were invited to follow along with a live top-deck event hosted by the ship’s cruise director, including live video of the painting in progress broadcast on the ship’s Movies Under the Stars screen.

“This is certainly one of the most unusual ways we’ve ever painted a pool,” said Jan Swartz, Princess executive vice president. “But it’s a wonderful way to work with Wyland to address our shared concern with the importance of marine conservation, and to give our passengers a unique experience as they witnessed a one-of-a-kind artwork taking shape.”

Passengers were able to enjoy watching the artist at work just prior to the ship’s arrival into the Venice canal system.

Marine life artist Wyland is an accomplished painter, sculptor, photographer, writer and SCUBA diver. His non-profit Wyland Foundation has supported numerous conservation programs since 1993, including the monumental Whaling Wall mural project – and epic series of more than 100 life-size marine life murals that spans 14 countries on four continents and is viewed by an estimated 1 billion people every year.

Wyland and Princess Cruises have a long-time association. Many Princess ships incorporate his sculptures in the swimming pool areas, and are featured in his latest book “100 Whaling Walls.” Wyland’s artwork is also featured in the ships’ onboard art galleries.

Ruby Princess is currently sailing on 12-day Grand Mediterranean voyages between Barcelona and Venice, with calls at Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa, Rome, Naples/Capri, Mykonos, Istanbul, Kusadasi, and Athens.

Photos of Wyland at work are available at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/princesscruises/sets/72157621962996169/

Today, RCI is running a one day exclusive sale which can send you to the Bahamas for only $149 per person. It is amazing that a cruise line give the consumers such a value for a four day vacation. Today, it may even be impossible to find a hotel at this price for a long weekend. Way to go Royal Caribbean – you are filling your ships and giving great value at the same time.

There are several four (4) day options available. The Monarch of the Seas cruise which sails on 09/07/2009 goes to Nassau and CocoCay Bahamas. This cruise sails out of Port Canaveral and is convenient to Central Florida cruisers!

If that is not a good date, they are also offering a 08/31/2009 sailing on the Monarch of the Seas or Majesty of the Seas starting at $179 per person. These ships sail out of Port Canaveral or Miami and are convenient to most Florida cruisers!

 To book now, visit http://CentralFloridaCruises.com

 

Are you ready for a new dining experience?

From a two-level casual eatery featuring a new Italian pasta station, Indian tandoori and burrito bar, to an elegant steakhouse, and Ocean Plaza — a stunning indoor/outdoor café and live music venue — the new Carnival Dream will offer a tantalizing array of culinary choices.

All of the Carnival Dream’s dining options, except for the reservations-recommended steakhouse, specialty coffees and select patisserie items, are available free of charge.

The 130,000-ton Carnival Dream – the line’s largest ship – is set to debut Sept. 21 and the vessel’s size has provided the line additional opportunities to offer guests a host of palate-pleasing dining choices from around the world.

“‘Fun Ship’ cruising is already the best value at sea and we’ve conducted extensive research that shows that in today’s economy consumers are seeking a vacation that offers a multitude of delicious dining choices without a lot of added costs,” said Roberta Jacoby, Carnival’s senior vice president of hotel operations. “The dining options aboard the Carnival Dream represent the culmination of our wide-ranging consumer research efforts, while showcasing the incredible talents of our master chefs.” 

Expanded Casual Offerings, Including New Italian Pasta Bar

Carnival is known for offering the widest variety of casual dining options at sea, and Carnival Dream continues that tradition with the two-level casual eatery called The Gathering, offering breakfast, lunch and dinner alternatives.  From Italian and Tex-Mex to tandoori and Asian specialties – and just about everything in between – The Gathering offers a diversity of culinary choices to suit any mood or taste.

New on Carnival Dream is a pasta bar where guests have their choice of pasta, sauce and ingredients to create a custom-made dish and enjoy traditional Italian favorites such as Portobello ravioli and pasta carbonara.  The Gathering will also house Carnival’s popular 24-hour pizzeria with seven kinds of pies and calzone, Caesar salad and garlic bread.

Carnival Dream’s burrito bar is also sure to be a popular spot where guests can create an overstuffed wrap featuring their choice of chicken, beef, shrimp, salsa and other accompaniments. 

Also available within The Gathering will be a Mongolian wok offering custom-made stir-fries with guests’ choice of meat and vegetables and finished with one of Carnival’s signature sauces; Taste of the Nations, featuring a different international cuisine each day; a New York–style deli; a tandoori oven offering Indian-style chicken, fish and meatballs, along with traditional bread, chutneys and relishes; and a grille serving hot dogs, hamburgers and grilled chicken sandwiches.

The Gathering will also offer an extensive 35-item salad bar, 24-hour frozen yogurt, low-calorie dressings and sugar-free desserts for guests seeking healthier alternatives.

An expanded 24-hour room service menu that includes new choices such as Medium Rare Roast Beef and Brie on French Baguette and Grilled Fresh Mozzarella and Portobello Mushroom on Focaccia, will also be offered.  Room service orders are delivered to guests’ staterooms any time of the day or night at no charge.

Located along Promenade Deck will be Wasabi, a sushi bar serving complimentary sushi, as well as sake.

Specialty Coffees and Sweets at Ocean Plaza

Exclusive to Carnival Dream is the new Ocean Plaza, a spectacular indoor/outdoor café and entertainment venue designed as the ideal spot for guests to relax and people watch. 

In addition to a dance floor and a stage featuring live entertainment, Ocean Plaza will offer full Wi-Fi access, along with 12 stand-alone kiosks where guests can access an exciting new concept in shipboard technology – the FunHub, Carnival Dream’s comprehensive portal and exclusive on-board social network. 

The centerpiece of Ocean Plaza will be Plaza Café, a patisserie serving lattes, cappuccinos, espresso and other specialty coffees, along with sweets such as baked-on-board cakes, pies, cookies – even freshly made milkshakes.  Full bar service, specializing in martinis, mojitos and other popular cocktails, will be offered, as well.

The Ultimate Dining Experience at The Chef’s Art Steakhouse

For those seeking a more intimate dining experience, The Chef’s Art, Carnival Dream’s steakhouse-style restaurant, will offer delectable cuisine in memorable surroundings. 

Located on Spa Deck 12, this 139-seat venue offers a sumptuous menu of prime dry-aged U.S.D.A. beef – selections include a nine-ounce filet, 14-ounce strip loin, 18-ounce grilled prime rib chop and 24-ounce porterhouse – along with lobster tail, lamb chops, Chilean sea bass, Maine Lobster ravioli and more. Creamed spinach, Wasabi mashed potatoes, sautéed mushrooms and traditional sauces complete the steakhouse experience.

The delicious choices, combined with attentive service and an extensive wine list, make a meal at The Chef’s Art truly unforgettable. Reservations are recommended and there is a charge of $30 per person.

Wide Range of Formal Choices

Guests dining in Carnival Dream’s two-level Scarlet and Crimson main dining rooms will have their choice of six different appetizers and soups, two salads and six entrees each night. 

Also, Carnival Classics selections, including char-broiled steak made with the line’s signature rub, grilled chicken and pasta dishes, along with a decadent dessert menu offering six different selections, including the cruise industry’s most popular dessert — the Warm Chocolate Melting Cake — will be offered nightly.

For those seeking more health-conscious cuisine, dining room menus feature Spa Carnival Fare selections, delicious, guilt-free items that are lower in calories, cholesterol, sodium and fat content.  Vegetarian choices and children’s menus are available, as well. 

Exciting Inaugural Schedule

Carnival Dream is slated to debut Sept. 21, 2009, with the first of three 12-day Grand Mediterranean cruises operating round-trip from Rome, followed by a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Rome (Civitavecchia) to New York Oct. 27 – Nov. 12, 2009. 

From New York, Carnival Dream will operate two eight-day Bahamas/Florida cruises departing Nov. 15 and 23, then reposition to Port Canaveral, Fla., for a special nine-day Caribbean cruise Dec. 3. Carnival Dream will then launch year-round seven-day service from Port Canaveral, Dec. 12, offering weeklong voyages to the eastern and western Caribbean. 

Carnival Dream’s exciting diversity of formal and casual dining choices are showcased in a revamped Web portal at carnival.com/dream which also contains information, videos, blogs, and images highlighting the ship’s many other innovations and features.

Additional information and reservations are available by visiting http://CentralFloridaCruises.com

The value of cruising was featured on the Today Show last week.

As you may already know, the value of a cruise vacation far exceeds what you receive on a traditional land vacation. Lately, we have seen some of the best cruise deals in many years. Critics say that as the economy gets better, the prices of cruising may go back up. To be safe, they are saying to lock in your prices for 2010 today to get the best deal.

When will you book your next cruise?

http://rgursky.cruisesinc.com/travel/editorial_cf.jsp?edType=Custom%20Page&pagename=MS_NBC_CruiseVideo&source_num=100201455