Whats Hot Whats Not Whats New

Welcome to my 4th edition of my  Online Magazine where you the customer are the writers, full of funny stories , interesting articles, serious topics all posted by you with the odd comment thrown in by my good self. So Whats Hot , Whats Not and Whats New in the March issue;- Tax issues, luggage tags frustrations, top tips, Cruise quote of the month and top cruise deal of the month and much more, enjoy and read on.

What’s Hot, Where’s Hot this month

• Portugal 20’c, Thailand 29’c, Dubai 23’c, Canaries 23’c , all popular destinations for many cruise ships at this time of year. enjoy the sunshine if your about to sail away.

Future Cruise Down Payments-

• This is definitely a growing trend and seems very much on the increase and why not , cruise companies are offering you free on board credit as a thank you for showing some loyalty. A customer of mine called me yesterday to say thankyou for a great trip on Celebrity’s Millenium and also to tell me he had booked South America and Panama on the Infinity in 2016 whilst on board. Celebrity gave him not only the classic drinks package but also $350 for the cabin when he sails. He wanted to make sure I was credited with the booking and to look after him again.  Which Celebrity had done automatically for me. Its worth considering.

Cunard’s 175th Anniversary celebrations. –

• Exactly 175 years ago their first ship, Britannia, left British waters bound for America. Cunard has been carrying guests between continents ever since, always with flair and a sense of occasion. So I am sure you’ll agree, this is a moment worth celebrating. The celebrations will stretch across spring and summer 2015, starting the moment all three ships arrive home from their World Cruise at the start of May 2015. There will be firework-filled skies, well-known personalities and incredible crowds in towns and cities on both sides of the Atlantic and after launching their sailings last week . Well you have certainly done Cunard proud,  I have to say the phones were hot,hot,hot!!. There still is availability but I cant imagine will be available for long , so to secure your place in history the time to book is now!!

WHATS NOT:- Luggage Tags

• You print off your luggage tags at home and paper thin wonder what on earth do I do with those . How many of us feel the frustration in thinking our luggage tags will tear off and resulting in our luggage never finding the right cabin. A week doesn’t go by where I receive a call from a customer disgruntled re the Luggage Tag situation, well if you are a Blue Peter expert and have some sticky tape and a stapler at home , sturdy luggage labels are easy to make or there are various websites where you can purchase luggage tag holders where you can buy 8 tags for around £8.

22% tax on P&O Fly Med Sailings –

• Due to European tax regulations , Italian IVA (tax) was increased last year to 22% and because on certain sailings the Ventura does not call at a port outside the EU, 22% tax will be charged on certain products. The good news is it is only applicable to goods purchased in the on board shops, photo gallery and products purchased in the spa, so your Gin&Tonic wont be affected as all drinks purchased in bars and restaurants will remain at 10%. Its a far cry from Spanish tax still at 10%.  Click on the link  for more information.  https://ask.pocruises.com/help/PO/on-shore/iva_tax

P&O Early Saver Fare customers paying for shuttle buses once in port–

• Do you think this is fare as alot of customers who have travelled with P&O for years rely on the FREE transportation, Early Saver Fare customers are all ready compromising on cabin numbers and dining times should they pay for shuttles too? Good news is that Early Saver Fare customers will not be charged at all ports  as it may be compulsory due to health and safety to use a shuttle bus so in this case will be free. On the ports that are chargeable the cost will be between £2.50 and £5.00 per person depending on the port and will be charged to your on board account.

March will see the launch of P&O’s New ship Britannia

• On sale to past passengers on Wednesday the 26th March, this is one of the most sought after Ships in P&O’s history with advance registrations already reaching its peak. Still a week to go to register but you must be in quick. If you register now you will receive 5% discount for past passengers and either on board credit or free coach/car parking. Call me today to register as you only have a few days left.

Adventure of the seas will be rejuvenated, refreshed and enhanced from April 2014

Thanks to an amazing new makeover, you will enjoy even more fantastic features, innovations, entertainment and delectable dining options. The wait is almost over!

1. • Massive outdoor movie screen overlooking the main pool area
2. • Giovanni’s Table dishing up a great choice of hearty Italian fare
3. • Digital signage to keep you updated on what’s on and where
4. • Touchscreen wayfinders to help you find your way around the ship

This is your chance to ‘Cruise like a Norwegian’

• Norwegian Cruise Lines are offering free child places on all ships, all destinations on selected cruises if you book before the 31st March 2014,. The offer is  applicable on new reservations and is combinable with most other offers, including the “Ultimate Freesome” on Norwegian Getaway and Norwegian Breakaway sailings. In addition, families will receive free balcony upgrades, reduced deposits and an e-coupon booklet with over $300 in on board savings. SO why wait call me for details.

I was asked by a customer last week whether the inside cabin he was looking for had a window, yes very true indeed . It did make me smile

Ventura  – 23 Apr 2014 – Mediterranean – 7 nights – Venice, Italy : Kotor : Corfu : Rome: Ajaccio: Genoa  Only £599pp Includes flights and transfers FREE UPGRADE TO BALCONY CABIN 

For a bit of fun here are some images of Cruise Ships Of the Future, I hope not!! Would you sale on any of them.

Visit my cruise face book page with lots of stories , offers and ideas for your next cruise, if you havent liked my page already, why not? Be sure not to miss out! – https://www.facebook.com/holly.crabtree.31

Holly