OT Questions for Canadian Cruisers?

[shaycamp21]

For those of you seasoned cruisers who do you book your cruises with (non DCL)? We've done two Disney cruises (booked through DU) and though we absolutely loved them we'd like to cruise other parts of the world--specifically Hawaii. I got some great quotes from Vacations to Go and Cruise Compete on NCL's Pride of Aloha for a sailing next August? Has anyone booked through either of these companies? Any input would be greatly appreciated!

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

It doesn't really matter who you book through because the product you're getting is the cruise itself along with the airline tickets if you're buying those too. (And NCL offers some great air/cruise package rates to Hawaii, at least from U.S. cities.) We've been on two NCL cruises (not Hawaii though and I like them.

Also visit http://boards.cruisecritic.com which looks just like Disboards and has a wealth of cruise information.

BobK/Orlando

 

[shaycamp21]

Thanks for the info. I've been on cruisecritic and although there is lots of great forums about cruising you are not permitted to discuss any agencies (pros or cons).

 

[Cruisin]

I usually just book mine thru the cruiseline website myself.

I also book my own airline, separate from cruise.

I prefer to have control over my travel times and not leave that up to the cruiseline.

 

[tmli]

You may want to check with local TA's as well. Sometimes companies like CAA (don't have to be a member) or Cruise center have exclusive discounts. Sometimes better than through the cruiseline itself.

 

[ronandannette]

I usually just book mine thru the cruiseline website myself.

I also book my own airline, separate from cruise.

I prefer to have control over my travel times and not leave that up to the cruiseline.

CAUTION: If you're thinking of cruising NCL I would really recommend you use some sort of agency; their own customer service department has left me tearing out my hair (even over minor, minor issues) both times I booked direct. Let somebody else go bald!

BTW, the Pride of Aloha (which does offer a great itinerary and good air inclusive prices as someone else mentioned) is (or was) the sister ship to the Norwegian Sun, which we sailed in '05. Many, many good things to say about it (ask if you're interested). The MAJOR downside is the ships have very little in the way of on-board active recreation (maybe a basketball hoop and ping-pong table). No big deal if you don't do that sort of thing anyway and in Hawaii you're in port everyday. However, if you pay a little more the Pride of America seems to have a few more opportunities for sports and such.

If you decide to sail from the East coast I totally recommend RCCL. Their ships simply can't be beat for what they offer for recreation and activities, especially the Voyager class: ice skating rink and evening ice-capade type show, rock climbing wall, mini-golf and golf simulators, full size sports courts with organized team play, roller-blade track, several pools and hot tubs. Freedom class has all these plus wave rider (think surf boarding), water park for kids and a boxing ring.

We LOVE cruising and over the years I've researched my head off; if you have any specific questions I'd be glad to chime in...

Annette

P.S. For pricing, try comparing what you've found to Travelocity.ca - I've never been able to find anybody that beats them.

 

[twinz]

I use to sell cruises and NCL was the first cruise line I learned to sell (I worked for a whole saler) and trust me I even HATED calling NCL. They are pretty rough to deal with. I was lucky enough to get to go on the Pride of hawaii (I think she is no longer though) and know that The Aloha is a older ship. Keep in mind there are no casinos on board as the Pride ships are US ships...therefor no casinos and plus they do not cruise international waters. Also if I recall there is an evening sail by some volcano...keep in mind this is weather permitting and depending on the side of the ship you are on you may not see anything. I loved NCLs freestyle dining...the food was ok (although I did LOVE the mini apple pie from the steak restaurant). Hopefully you book a balcony as well...it will be well worth it. Also if you are going to book your own air keep in mind that all cruselines have air paramenters that they have to follow. For instance you can not have a flight arriving later then 11am if your cruise is to leave at 3 (I am making these times up so do not quote me on that). I would try and arrive the day before your cruise that way if you get delayed you have a longer time to arrive. Also you will have to find your own way from the airport to the port (I think it's only a 10 minute drive), if you book CL air they will cover the transfers for you, but you will probably get a really bad flight. Good luck and have fun.

 

[KINGBOBOFTHENORTH]

Royal Caribbean and Carnival have uniform pricing meaning the price you are quoted from the travel websites, local travel agents and even the cruise line itself is exactly the same. That is not the case with NCL and it does pay to shop around. My experience is that the NCL website has higher prices than going to travel agents so you should never book direct with them.

If you are going to book a cabin with a window or balcony you should get one on the starboard (right) side of the ship. Based on the scheduled itinerary, MOST of the time (but not always) the islands are off the starboard side and the active volcano (Kilauea) on the island of Hawaii is as well. Can't promise that though since they can change their planned routes as they deem appropriate.

The Pride of Aloha is an older ship but not that old. She was built in 2002 as the Norwegian Sky and was completely refurbished in 2004 when she was renamed the Pride of Aloha. But the Pride of America was newly built in 2005 and is larger. The third ship in Hawaii, Pride of Hawaii, was newly built last year but is switching over to the NCL brand in February and is being renamed Norwegian Jade.

Don't forget to check U.S. websites too because with your favorable conversion rates the U.S. prices might be a little cheaper.

BobK/Orlando

 

[Buzz & Woody]

we always book thought our TA (who happens to be my MIL). She works for Sears Travel...and thankfully we have never had a problem.... She has booked out HAL cruises (which we love!) It has a rep of being an old-fogey cruise line, but the kids (5 & 7) loved it. They loved that they got great almost one-on-one attention in the kids club and the HAL line has great itinerarie and great prices too
We book our flights though the airline directly usually. We booked airtran flights and westjet through the website.
Holly

 

[minnie56]

Me too..I sell Cruises.

If you are looking at NCL for Hawaii book through a TA! They are a nightmare to deal with, the left hand doesn't have a clue what the right hand is doing! WHen I can, I book through a Supplier to soften the anguish

That being said..NCL-America is a whole different kettle of fish than Norwegian as far as service etc...I have Clients fresh off of the Pride of ALoha. They said the Service, very mediocre, Food-same, Crews attitude left much to be desired. Entertainment was sub-standard. Ship and Stateroom were nice, not very large (stateroom), but nice...but they knew this going in for the most part and booked NCL because they liked the itinerary which did not disappoint. They enjoyed their 11 day sailing and saw many beautiful islands. As long as you are aware up front...you should get the most out of your Cruise. They just 'march to the beat of a different drummer' as far as how they fare against the other Cruiselines!

Smooth sailing wherever your travels take you~~~~~~~

 

[nosnobunny2006]

We've cruised a fair bit over the years. The first one was booked through a TA at home and while it was a great cruise, it was also the most expensive one we've done. Now I do a variety of using recommended on-line TAs or a great Canadian TA located in Vancouver - Cruise Connections. A word of warning, especially when using an on-line agency. Some of the best prices we've found were with Best Price Cruises. It's a reputable company but you need to know that once you've booked with them, you are locked in. No cancellations. As long as you know this and are prepared for it, you'll be fine. One of the biggest benefits I've found with an American based TA is the difference in taxes. It can make for a substantial saving.

As someone said previously, check out cruise critic as a research tool. I highly recommend it.

Beth

 

[minnie56]

You don't have to use a U.S based TA anymore..we can book in USD as well. Just booked the Grand Princess New Years sailing this a.m for a Client and saved her almost $800 by doing the Bkg in USD! Right now, until the Cruiselines get it together a bit on the exchange, it IS the only way to go!

 

[nosnobunny2006]

You don't have to use a U.S based TA anymore..we can book in USD as well. Just booked the Grand Princess New Years sailing this a.m for a Client and saved her almost $800 by doing the Bkg in USD! Right now, until the Cruiselines get it together a bit on the exchange, it IS the only way to go!

How do you get around the Cdn taxes? Do you simply transfer the booking to a US TA or directly to the cruiseline?

Beth

 

[minnie56]

CDN taxes don't enter into it..we book using a 'dummy' US gateway with some Cruiselines. The Cruiselines know we do. Some are turning a blind eye, while others don't even bat an eyelash. They offer the cruise pricing in either USD or CAD these days..and pretty much, with a few exceptions, ie: a grp booking taken out in CAD dollars which would fare better anyways, it is the better buy!

 

[nosnobunny2006]

Interesting. You learn something new every day.

Beth