Mini-Alaska

Coral Princess in Alaskan waters.

Photo courtesy of Princess Cruises

While the overall number of Alaska cruises may be on the decline, Princess Cruises has a unique voyage this May that might be of interest to cruisers looking for a quick getaway to the northernmost state.

Departing on Monday, May 10 aboard Coral Princess, this quick, 5-day getaway departs Vancouver's Canada Place and sails north to Juneau, Alaska, where she docks for the better part of the day.  The next day, she sails for beautiful Ketchikan, Alaska, again spending the better part of the day in this quintessential Alaskan town.  A relaxing day at sea greets passengers before arrival back in Vancouver.

The full itinerary is:

May 10 - Depart Vancouver

May 11 - At Sea

May 12 - Juneau, Alaska - 11:00am to 6:00pm

May 13 - Ketchikan, Alaska - 11:00am to 6:00pm

May 14 - At Sea

May 15 - Arrive Vancouver

Pricing for this quick getaway voyage starts at $630.85 CAD for an inside cabin. 

For more information on this itinerary, or to view the entire Alaska cruise and cruisetour lineup, visit the Princess Cruises webpage.

Stay tuned tomorrow for Part II of our series on our favorite cruise ship interior design!

It's Good to be Out East

While the West Coast may be lamenting the reduction in ships heading north to Alaska, the East Coast - specifically the Canadian Maritimes - stands to have one of their best seasons ever.

In Halifax, Silversea's Silver Spirit will kick off the Canada and New England cruise season on April 27th when she calls at historic Pier 22 - the Canadian equivilant of Ellis Island during the heydey of transaltantic immigration over one hundred years ago.  Three days later, Costa Altantica will also call in Halifax as she kicks off a series of early Canada/New England voyages.

Typically, the cruise season in the maritimes begins around June, and picks up dramatically in the fall months of September and October, when fall colors are out in full-force.  This year, the season kicks off in April and continues full-force until the end of October, when Queen Mary 2 wraps things up.

Some of the ships calling this year include Holland America's incredibly-popular Maasdam, which has plied these waters for many years, as well as relative newcomers like Carnival Glory, Enchantment of the Seas, MSC Poesia, and even a visit by the brand-new AIDAluna, flagship of German cruise line AIDA.

For those who have never considered a trip to the Maritimes, there has never been a better time to explore this beautiful and friendly area.

Focus On...Interior Design, Part I

For some travelers, a cruise ship is merely a method of transportation to get to their destination.  Fore, aft, starboard - none of it matters as long as it docks near an island with azure-blue seas, a sandy beach, and a drink with a little umbrella in it.

For others though, the ship is as much of a destination for them as the actual ports of call and in some cases, they'd be happy if the ship just cruised in a circle for seven days.

It is in that spirit that we present the first of a series of articles here on From the Deck Chair.  Today's focus: the public rooms that have most inspired us, awed us with their design, or made us feel completely at home, never wanting to leave the ship.  Each ship contains its own personality, and the interior design elements present on each line reinforce this, and are designed to constantly stimulate the senses. So without further adieu, let's begin.

The Atrium - Oosterdam,  Holland America Line

The stunning atrium onboard Oosterdam.

Photo © Aaron Saunders

In contrast with the sprawling multi-story atria found on other ships, the Holland America design team went in a different direction on their Vista-class ships.  Onboard each ship, including Oosterdam, the three-story atrium is still the heart of the ship, but in the subtle, elegant style Holland America is famous for.  

Led by Frans Dingemans, the design team has managed to evoke a sense of wonder and discovery aboard the Vista-class ships through the clever use of color and texture, literally creating new experiences for passengers both during the day and at night.  Dingemans and his team of talented architects and artists know what they're doing: they've been responsible for the interior design of every Holland America vessel since the Statendam in 1992.  Not only does each ship feature a multi-million dollar art collection, in many cases the interior design can itself be considered a work of art.

 The lower level of the atrium features a martini bar.

Photo © Aaron Saunders

The beautiful atrium on the Oosterdam exemplifies this wonderfully.  Spanning three decks, the atrium plays host to a martini bar; the Purser's Desk and Shore Excursion desk; the Pinnacle Grill, Holland America's premium specialty restaurant; and the line's famous Ocean Bar, which adorns the atrium's highest deck.

Topping off this space is an enormous Waterford-crystal Earth.  This can also be made to rotate slowly, though on two of our three voyages it remained stationary.  Hand-crafted in Waterford, Ireland, the globe is perhaps one of the most striking and understated pieces of art onboard.  

Also equally striking is the choice of colors.  With dark navy carpeting offset by ivory-white tile floor, purple bar stools and ketchup-colored chairs, you'd be forgiven for thinking that someone on the design team suffered from color-blinness.  Once onboard though, the colors work perfectly and create a bright, exuberant feeling during the day, and a classy, intimate atmosphere at night.  

The interiors aboard Holland America line ships play with the senses moreso than other lines and create a constant sense of discovery as passengers journey from room to room.  Rather than being in-your-face about it, like Royal Caribbean's jaw-dropping interior promenades, Dingemans has gone for an understated feeling.  It's only after you've rode the onboard elevators for three days that you realize the cast-aluminum doors are inspired by art deco designs from the Chrysler Building in New York.

Everything - RMS Queen Mary 2 - Cunard Line

One of the four stair towers onboard QM2.

Photo © Aaron Saunders

It took only a few minutes to realize that trying to pick the best public room onboard Cunard's Queen Mary 2 (QM2) was like trying to shovel snow with a toothbrush: impossible.  

Why?  Because the interior spaces on this venerable 1,132-foot long ocean liner are just so well done.  There are so many of them that on a typical six-day transatlantic crossing, chances are you won't be able to see them all.  You will be wowed at every turn: from the impressive Planetarium (the only one at sea) to the largest ballroom at sea (The Queen's Room), to the understated elegance of The Chart Room and the ultimate relaxation of the Canyon Ranch Spa, expect to be both disoriented and overwhelmed - in a good way.

Even the stair towers are impressive: QM2 boasts four, labeled A to D.  Each is done with a different type of wood paneling, carpeting, and artwork.  Then there's the so-called 'tween-deck' passages.  Extending at the forward end of the ship, and amidships around the dining room, these 'secret' passages are hallways that run in between the Planetarium and main theatre and allow access to the forward spaces of the ship, like Cunard Connexions.  Near the dining room, these hallways include an art gallery and photo gallery, and actually run in between the first and second floors of the dining room in order to access the Queen's Room immediately aft.  This unique solution allowed QM2's interior designers to use the full width of the ship for most public rooms.

Notice the high ceilings and tapered floor of the Queen's Room.

Photo © Aaron Saunders

 Everything here is about scale, and it's clear the designers pulled out all the stops to make QM2's interior spaces as unique and breathtaking as her exterior profile.

Ceilings are far higher than normal for most cruise ships.  This allowed the designers to play with another element of space: height.  Chandeliers and decorative atmosphere lighting adorn the tops of public rooms, giving each room its own distinct feel and mood, particularly at night, when the ship becomes a cozy, clubby modern throwback to the gory days of the transatlantic liners.

The atrium aboard QM2.

Photo © Aaron Saunders

This attention to detail is most evident in the ships sparkling atrium.  Flanked by a grand staircase done in white with black accents and Cunard-red carpeting, the atrium is also host to twelve so-called Atrium Cabins, visible in the photograph above.  These look out onto the atrium itself, as well as the large mural of the QM2 that adorns the adjacent bulkhead.

There's not many places in the world - on land or at sea - where a person can truly feel like a King or Queen as well they can aboard QM2.  In forty years, people will talk about her with the same nostalgic fondness typically reserved for the Normandie or the original Queen Mary.

Bar Central - Norwegian Pearl, Norwegian Cruise Line

Bar Central aboard Norwegian Pearl.

Photo © Aaron Saunders

NCL has always been an innovator in the cruise industry.  Sometimes, this ability to embrace new trends has earned them a degree of criticism that their equally-industrious competitor, Royal Caribbean, has managed to avoid.  Like the true champ they are, NCL always manages to pick themselves up and dust themselves off and create something truly unique in the process.  

Bar Central is a concept that has been part of NCL ships since the Norwegian Star hit the scene in 2001.  The idea was to offer multiple bars in a single area, each with its own unique menu, decor, and dedicated servers.  Rather than have passengers disperse all over the ship to far-flung locations, these would be geared towards the pre-and-post dinner drink crowd.  NCL continually refined this concept with each new ship.

Shaker's Martini Bar onboard the NCL Pearl.

Photo © Aaron Saunders

Aboard Norwegian Pearl, Maltings kicks things off.  Focusing on fine cognacs and whisky, Maltings has a gentleman's club atmosphere with its low black chairs, art deco paintings and dark wood paneled walls.  Moving forward, we come to Shakers Martini Bar.  Changing both style and menu, Shakers serves up a variety of martini delights in a comfortable, trendy setting emphasizing neon lighting and fanciful colors.  Lastly, we come to Magnum's Champagne Bar, featuring a wall of blue bubbly cascading behind the bar.  Serving up a variety of champagne delights, Magnum's changes the tone and pace of Bar Central with its soft lighting and soothing pianist.  Colors change from the powerful blues of Shakers to soft and muted oranges and coppers.  An excellent way to end the evening onboard this beautiful ship.

There's more public rooms to come later this week - stay tuned for Part 2 of our feature on cruise ship interior design, as well as the usual news and more!

Watch What You Say (and Drink)

Reports are coming in from Reuters about an incident that occurred this afternoon aboard the Carnival Sensation - and while it turned out to be a non-event, nobody's laughing.

As the ship was preparing to turn around in Port Canaveral in preparation for another short run to the Bahamas, a passenger on one of the upper decks overheard another passenger state, "We are jihad.  Come to the top deck and watch the bomb.  The bomb is going to blow."

It turns out the statements were made by a highly-intoxicated passenger, a 31-year old American named Ibrahim Khalil Zarou.

The guest who overheard the drunken ramblings of Zarou complicated matters by stating to onboard Carnival security personnel that there was, indeed, a bomb on board.  This caused the line to keep the ship about four miles out from Port Canaveral, delaying its disembarkation by roughly five hours.

CruiseCritic reports that the FBI confirmed there was no bomb on board, and the situation was a hoax.  Zarou was arrested and could face up to 15 years imprisonment for his fake bomb comments. 

The Carnival Sensation was expected to depart on-time this afternoon, though that situation looks highly unlikely.  Many disembarking passengers are sure to have missed flights home - Port Canaveral lies roughly an hour away from the nearest major airport, Orlando International.

What is truly unfortunate about this incident is the number of people it has impacted.  Because of the foolish actions of one individual - who stands to pay dearly for his mistake - over six thousand passengers were affected, including the crew of the Carnival Sensation as well as the people behind the scenes at Carnival, who are no doubt scrambling to keep her on schedule.

Today's lesson: handle your liquor.

Saying Goodbye to Kristina

MS Kristina Regina arrives at Akureyri, Iceland

Photo ©2009 Aaron Saunders

Today, we're talking about the imminent departure of a ship you've probably never heard of: the MS Kristina Regina.

Operated by Finland-based Kristina Cruises, the venerable Kristina Regina was built in 1960 as a car and passenger ferry before being re-fitted as a cruise ship in 1988.  During this time, her steam engines were replaced in favor of diesel ones, thereby guaranteeing many years of happy sailing would lie ahead.

With her graceful, mini-ocean liner lines and spotless white-and-aqua hull, this cozy little ship has garnered a loyal following of passengers and maritime enthusiasts drawn to her simply because she is so different: she represents an age of ocean travel that has long since passed us by.  

But due to Safety Of Life At Sea (SOLAS) 2010 requirements, which impose heavy restrictions on the layout, construction materials, and fire prevention onboard older ships, Kristina Regina will sail her last revenue cruise this August, after which she faces an uncertain future.

Complying with the new SOLAS 2010 regulations, which come into effect in October of this year, tend to be prohibitively expensive for older vessels.  Their interiors are largely made of highly-polished (and highly combustible) woods, and their interior cabin layouts, particularly on lower decks, can be a veritable maze of blind-corners and dead-end passageways.  Newer cruise ships are designed to have passenger corridors that run mainly straight for the length of the ship, and do not dead-end.  Additionally, they are required to have non-combustible materials in their interior design so as to mitigate the effects of any fire that may break out on board.

The line has already announced a replacement vessel.  Built in 1982, the MS Kristina Katrina  couldn't be more different from her predecessor.  The line has taken extensive steps to ensure Kristina Katrina offers the same, cozy atmosphere and unique destinations that have been the hallmarks of Kristina Cruises for many years. 

Many classic vessels will be forced into retirement this fall.  For some, it will be a welcome change: there are certain ships sailing now that probably should have been retired a decade ago.  For others, including Kristina Regina, it is bittersweet: when we saw the ship docked in Akureyri, Iceland last summer,  her paint was gleaming just as brightly as our ship, the much newer Crown Princess, and her passengers disembarking just as happily as if they were on her maiden voyage.

One got the sense she could have sailed on happily for another fifty years.

To find out more about Kristina Cruises, and the venerable Kristina Regina's last season, visit the Kristina Cruises webpage.

It's Good to Plan Ahead

Today, Princess released its 2011 Europe season for booking.  Tomorrow, Cunard will release its 2011-2012 voyages, including transatlantics, for booking by its World Club members (general booking for those who haven't sailed with the line will come later). 

In fact, in the past two weeks, Royal Caribbean and Norwegian Cruise Line have also released many 2011 itineraries for booking.  Princess takes it one step further, by offering past passengers of the line a reduced 10% deposit for cruises booked before September 30, 2010, as well as up to $200 in onboard credits.

So why book so far ahead?  Isn't it better to book closer to sail date to get those last minute deals? 

In the past, yes.  While last-minute deals can still be found, for hot destinations like Europe they tend to be few and far between, and last-minute air travel can be prohibitively expensive.  Unless you live within driving distance of an embarkation port, last minute cruises are, well, worthless.

Cruise lines understand that.  They also understand that it's advantageous for them to fill their ships as quickly as possible in order to increase cashflow. 

Passengers themselves are also beginning to appreciate the advantages of booking far in advance, sometimes up to one or two years before sailing.  Why would you book a cruise over one year in advance?  There's many good reasons to do so:

- Better Stateroom and Voyage choice.
The most popular itineraries, including world cruise segments or so-called 'one-off' voyages that are unique are always the first to sell out; waiting for the price to drop may see you miss out on the voyage of a lifetime.  Even for basic Caribbean and Alaska voyages, if you have a particular cabin or suite that you absolutely must have, booking early ensures you get maximum cabin choice.  If you like suites, cabins that are directly amidships, or unique staterooms like Holland America's new Lanai staterooms, booking early guarantees you can get in on the newest, latest thing.

-Better Price
In many cases, the first price offered is the best price.  Booking early guarantees that price.  Should the price drop before final payment is due, most lines will credit you the difference, either in the form of a reduction on your final payment, or as a credit on your shipboard account.  As a personal example, we booked a summer cruise to the Med on Celebrity Century about a month ago. In that time, the price of our cabin has increased by almost $400 per person.   Because we booked in advance, we're guaranteed that initial, lower price.

-Discounts and Perks
Many lines will try to woo new cruisers and past passengers alike with incentives to book early.  Some, like Oceania Cruises, offer 2-for-1 fares, free or discounted airfare, included transfers, and more - if you book your voyage before a certain date.  Most ultra-luxury lines, like Crystal, Regent and Silversea offer similar perks, and in many cases, the higher cost of the cruise itself is mitigated by the fact the line is including your airfare - meaning for the same price you might pay on a mainstream line with flights you'd purchase yourself, you could move up to an ultra-luxury line with included airfare.  Not a bad trade-off.

- Newer ships and Maiden Voyages
If you want to secure yourself a place on the maiden voyage of the Queen Elizabeth or Oceania Marina, you're out of luck: both voyages sold out fast, and your only chance to get onboard is a waitlist that runs the length of the ships themselves.  Booking early for maiden voyages, or the first handful of revenue cruises on a brand-new ship, ensures that you'll be onboard and not stuck at the pier, wishing.

What deals are out there right now?  Well, head on over to your favorite cruise line's website and see what they have on offer for next year and beyond.  The results might pleasantly surprise you.

A New Dream for Disney

Captain Mickey greets guests onboard Disney Cruise Line.

Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

When Disney Cruise Line first began operating in 1998, it immediately set itself from the pack.  Building upon the little touches and attention to detail that made their theme parks so successful, Disney managed to combine the glory days of the transatlantic liners with a modern, family-friendly cruise vacation. 

As the lines' first ships, Disney Magic and Disney Wonder set the bar high.  Designed with families in mind, the two vessels boast larger-than-average cabins with separated sitting areas, bathroom dividers, and more storage space than similar offerings on other lines.  Naturally, everything takes on a Disney-esque appearance, right down to the Mickey mouse lampshades.  Perhaps most impressive is that this sort of branding works: the interior design team has been careful to implement these touches in a classy, elegant way - so much so, that adults might not even notice the elevator banks have a white-gloved mouse hand pointing to the current floor a particular elevator is on.

The design of the ships alone would have been enough, but Disney took it one step further.  Realizing that Orlando International Airport, where most passengers would be arriving was a 90-minute drive from the pier in Port Canaveral, Disney bought its own busses - painted to resemble a 1940's motorcoach - to transport guests to the pier.

And what a pier it is.  Based loosely on the former Ocean Terminal in Southampton, England, Disney's exclusive pier ensures guests embarking on week-long Caribbean cruises start their cruise off in the unimitable style Disney is famous for.  Its proximity to nearby Walt Disney World also allows for cruise-and-stay options, where passengers can combine shorter 3-and-4-day cruises to the Bahamas with a land stay at the park.

In recent years, Disney has been testing the waters in other destinations like the Mexican Riviera, the Mediterranean, and Northern Europe.  These voyages have been wildly successful, despite their somewhat premium price point - so much so, that Disney Cruise Line felt the need to expand in order to take its guests, both young and old, to new destinations.

Disney Dream, due to launch early next year.

Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Enter the brand-new Disney Dream.  When she embarks on her maiden voyage on January 26 of next year, she will be the largest ship ever constructed for the line, dwarfing her predecessors by 45,000 tonnes.  She will be 1,115 feet in length, 125 feet in breadth, and will carry a total of 4,000 passengers and 1,500 crew. 

Sporting an evolution of the classic ocean-liner profile and sleek black hull with gold accents that adorns Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the Disney Dream was once again designed from the ground up with families in mind, and includes many of the kid-only and adult-only public rooms that have been so successful on the first ships.  In fact, the children's programs on Disney are so well done that the line is a no-brainer decision for families looking for a vacation that everyone can enjoy.

Perhaps the most striking feature of the new ship is, like their previous vessels, the jaw-dropping interior design.  Combining that whimsical Disney style with the elegance and grace of the classic ocean liners, the line has once again raised the bar with the interiors for Disney Dream.  Here are a few of our favourite areas:

The Atrium Lobby.

Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

The Atrium Lobby
On the outset, the new Atrium Lobby looks very similar to the already-impressive ones on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder.  Look closer.  The staircase has been re-located, taking on a more sweeping, majestic presence, and a new chandellier adorns the ceiling.  The nautical feeling extends even to the carpeting, done in pleasant sea-tones.  As on the other Disney ship, a bronze statue stands at the foot of the staircase: on this ship, it's a nearly five-foot tall statue of Admiral Donald Duck.  All of this creates an impressive welcome: the atrium is the first public room most passengers see upon embarkation.

Disney's Oceaneer Lab.

Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney's Oceaneer Lab
The one room that makes me wish I was a kid again.  Looking like something out of Peter Pan (if Peter Pan sailed on the Normandie), the Oceaneer Lab is designed to take children on a great adventure on the high seas.  The room is adorned with nautical treasures like maps, maritime instruments, and other artifacts, and functions as a stage where kids can view movies and take part in performances and hear about tales of exploration.  Absolutely stunning.

The Animator's Studio in Disney's Oceaneer Lab.

Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Disney's Oceaneer Lab - Animator's Studio
In the Animator's Studio, children can learn how to draw their favorite Disney characters, or explore their own creativity to imagine new and fantastic characters and places.  With the help of Disney cast members, kids can even create their own animations.  The room is adorned with computers, light tables, and a variety of animation tools.  Design-wise, the room is more functional than pretty, but it makes the list because of the potential it presents to young passengers interested in this art.  It's not a tough stretch to imagine ten or twenty years down the road, a new animator crediting his or her success to this very room.  As someone who has spent over six years in the animation industry, I am impressed.

The Royal Palace Restaurant.

Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Royal Palace Restaurant
One of the onboard dining rooms, the Royal Palace Restaurant once again demonstrates Disney's committment and attention to details.  Complete with a hand-blown glass chandelier made of glass slippers, the room retains the elegance of a bygone era, and contains elements from the films that inspired it: Beauty and the Beast, Cinderella, Sleeping Beauty and Snow White.  Its white walls and dark wood and gold accents remind us of the first-class dining saloon on the RMS Lusitania.

The Enchanted Garden during 'daylight'.

Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

The Enchanted Garden
Reminiscent of the Winter Garden onboard RMS Queen Mary 2, the Enchanted Garden is an alternative causual restaurant that transforms from day to night.  Adorned with glass 'flower' lights and an impressive terrace fountain of Mickey Mouse, this beautifully designed area is sure to delight diners with its relaxing atmostphere and soothing colors.  Expect this to be one of Disney Dream's most sought-after areas.

The champagne-themed Pink.

Photo courtesy of Disney Cruise Line

Pink
An area just for the adults, Pink looks like it would be right at home on the Celebrity Solstice.  Designed as an elegant, upscale cocktail bar, Pink features backlit 'bubbles' which cover the walls to create the look and feel of cascading bubbly.  Serving fine wines, champagne and other assorted liquors, the clever design elements and upscale atmosphere ensure this will be a popular pre-dinner drinks spot with adults.

Those are just a few of our favorite public rooms.  Fact is, there are simply too many public rooms we're enchanted with to list here.  We hope to be able to sail Disney Dream next year to give readers a first-hand report of her features. 

In the meantime, information about Disney Dream, its design and construction, as well as its first sailings can be found at the Disney Cruise Line website.

Busy, Busy

When it rains it pours, as the saying goes.

Here's a quick smattering of what we have in the works for this week on From the Deck Chair:

- A Complete History of Specialty Dining

- When You Wish Upon A Star: Exploring Disney's new Disney Dream

- The Northwest Passage Transit with Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

...plus the usual Unique Itinerary of the Week.  Stay tuned!

Goodbye Ballantyne?

Serenade of the Seas at Ballantyne Pier in Vancouver, BC.

Photo © Aaron Saunders

The steep downturn in the Alaska cruise market this year may have an unintended upside for those passengers embarking in Vancouver, British Columbia: with a few exceptions, Port Metro Vancouver's 2010 Cruise Ship Schedule shows vessels tying up exclusively at Canada Place.

Built in 1923, Ballantyne Pier has been used as Vancouver's secondary cruise ship terminal for many years  Most recently, almost all Celebrity and Royal Caribbean sailings used the pier, usually on busy Saturday's when all of Canada Place's three berths were occupied.

The major drawback of the pier was that, unlike Canada Place which sports an accessible promenade for well-wishers to watch the ships leave for Alaska in addition to a host of hotels in the immediate vicinity, Ballantyne is located in a heavily-secured industrial port area.  Not only is it complicated to access by vehicle, there is absolutely nothing within walking distance anywhere near the port and the area itself suffers from a large homelessness, drug, and prostitution problem.  

This year, that situation appears to have been remedied.  With sailings reduced overall from last year,  there is less pressure on the three Canada Place berths, allowing all cruise ships coming to Vancouver to dock there this year.  In fact, the only ships to use Ballantyne this year were the Statendam and Oosterdam during the 2010 Winter Olympics last month. 

Rhapsody of the Seas at Canada Place.

Photo ©2009 Aaron Saunders

With the decline in ships traversing the Inside Passage to Alaska, does this spell the end for Ballantyne Pier?  Not necessarily.  While passenger traffic has dropped off and is poised to stay that way for the next few years, removing existing infrastructure is not something that any port would consider.  More than likely, Ballantyne will continue its long career of faithfully serving passengers in the shadow of its more famous cousin, Canada Place.

Alaska Reconsiders

 Skagway, Alaska.  
Holland America's Zuiderdam is in the background.

Photo © Aaron Saunders

A few days ago, we wrote extensively about some of the issues facing the future of West Coast cruises, many of which center around the State of Alaska's 2006 decision to impose one of the heftiest passenger taxes on the world upon cruise ship passengers visiting the state.  Since 2008, the number of ships sailing north has dropped off dramatically - so much so that 2011 will see capacity fall to pre-2004 levels. 

Things may be looking up, however.  Alaska State Governor Sean Parnell turned up at this year's annual Seatrade Cruise Shipping Miami conference - and got an earful from many industry execs, including Holland America Line CEO Stein Kruse who stated the line can - and will - move ships to more profitable runs in destinations that actively value its business.

Perhaps fortunately for Alaskans, Parnell seems to be a smart man.  He quickly made efforts to court the cruise lines, offering to reduce the current $46-per-passenger head tax by 25% in exchange for a lawsuit against the state by the lines being revoked.  No word yet on if the deal has been accepted.

However, this last-minute truce may be too little, too late.  Cunard, Royal Caribbean and Princess have all announced their largest-ever European deployments for 2011 in the past week.  Carnival also stands poised to re-enter Europe in 2011 after a three-year hiatus.  Many lines are also finding success in year-round Caribbean cruising, as well as trips to more esoteric destinations like Iceland or the North Cape.  MSC Cruises is also betting heavily on an extended Canada & New England run later this year - the largest in the line's history.

In short - if the Governor's offer is accepted, it may be years before lines return to full capacity in Alaska, if they do at all.  This year will see a 17% reduction in cruise passenger traffic alone, and next year will see even further cutbacks - Disney's move to position Disney Wonder in Alaska next summer is made somewhat redundant with Princess's announcement that it will pull another ship from the state in 2011. 

Wrangell, Alaska's Petroglyph Beach  -

No cruise passengers will come here this year.

Photo © Aaron Saunders

Another factor may be at play here, and that is attitude.  When the head tax passed in 2006, many Alaskans were strongly supportive of it.  Some are even downright resentful of the ships and their passengers.  NCL used to call at Wrangell, Alaska, but dropped the town as a destination in 2006.  Much controversy surrounds this decision, as well as that of other lines to not call here.  Cruise lines say the town was being combative and refusing to put in the necessary infrastructure to cope with 2,000 plus passengers disembarking at once.  Locals say they shouldn't have to change the town to meet the needs of the lines.

Regardless of where the truth lies, in 2009, their cruise ship visitors stood at 4,000.  This year, that number drops to zero.

After Wrangell, Haines and Whittier stand to loose the most this year - the number of cruise passengers scheduled to visit both towns will drop by 67 and 65 percent respectively.  

What is interesting in all of this is that many ports and towns stumble over themselves in an effort to court cruise ship passengers and ensure they have an enjoyable time.  In St. John, New Brunswick,  passengers are greeted to a bagpiper's farewell as their ship leaves the pier.  In Alesund, Norway, a fireboat escort leads passengers out to the North Sea to the tunes of Vera Lynn's We'll Meet Again.

On one particularly memorable Alaska cruise, a group of locals in Juneau gathered at the cruise pier to give us all 'the finger' as our ship backed into the channel.  

That action shouldn't be taken as indicative - the vast majority of the locals were overwhelmingly kind - but it does point to a common complaint: that passengers get off the ship and head straight for Diamonds International, and then to the discount store by the pier to get themselves a plastic moose which can be made to defecate by squeezing his sides.  Neither of these (thankfully!) exist anywhere in Europe, or even on most Eastern seaboard ports.  In the end, what might anger the average Alaskan is that many passengers to the state step off the ship and back on without ever having really seen it.

Overall, it seems the head-tax was the issue that broke the camel's back, but the larger issues have been simmering for years.  Here's to hoping the State - and the cruise industry - can work together to get Alaska back on track.

A Continuing Signature of Excellence

Holland America Line funnels.

Photo © Aaron Saunders 

It's not easy to stay ahead in the cruise industry.  Ships like Oasis of the Seas have new passengers demanding amenities that would have been laughable five years ago.  So how do cruise lines continue to make themselves relevant to their passenger base?  They listen to their customers - and then they make changes.

This is exactly what Holland America Line is doing with its latest round of Signature of Excellence enhancements - a world-class upgrade the line started back in 2004.

The Ryndam has just returned from its latest 17-day Signature of Excellence refurbishment in Freeport, Bahamas and is now continuing with its Western Caribbean cruises departing roundtrip from Tampa.  The ship now boasts the same impressive features as its fleet-mates, including Canaletto, the popular restaurant introduced onboard the Eurodam.  Each evening, a section of the Lido is transformed through the use of glass partitions into a world-class Italian venue.  While this can be thought of as an alternate dining option, Canaletto carries no additional surcharge, though reservations are recommended.

 Refreshing decor in the new Spa Suites.

Photo courtesy of Holland America Line

Staterooms across all categories also received new looks and furnishings, as well as the addition of the extremely popular Lanai staterooms.  Sixteen staterooms near the bow on the Verandah deck were also re-categorized as Spa Staterooms which feature enhanced amenities like special room service menus, spa treatments, slippers, a yoga mat, an organic cotton bathroom, and more.  Their convenient location to the spa allows for preferential access.

The Ryndam did not however receive The Retreat, the line's brand new pool-area concept.  This is planned for the ship, but will be done at a later date.  The area includes a giant LED screen for watching movies during the evening, a new bar, and a pizzeria. 

From the Deck Chair recently had the opportunity to talk with Holland America Line's Executive Vice President of Marketing, Sales and Guest Programs about the recent enhancements to their ships, and to better understand how the line is implementing these changes to ensure guests experience A Signature of Excellence.

From the Deck Chair: It's been quite a year for you.  Actually, it's been a very busy six years for you - it seems as if Holland America Line hasn't had a moment to rest since the Signature of Excellence enhancements were first introduced in 2004.  Can you take us through the past year?

Holland America Line (HAL): It's been an exciting year for Holland America Line. It began with the Oosterdam. The refurbishments that we had previously done on the Westerdam and Zuiderdam were also made to their sister ship, the Oosterdam. These included the addition of 34 new staterooms, a new Explorations Café, the addition of a screening room, a completely renovated Pinnacle Bar, upgrades to the shops and other improvements.

 ms Oosterdam tied up at Canada Place, Vancouver BC.

Photo © Aaron Saunders

HAL (continued): While the Oosterdam was being refitted in Palermo, the Veendam was in Freeport undergoing an extensive series of Signature of Excellence upgrades including a new Mix lounge area, show lounge, additional staterooms aft, the creation of a new Lanai category stateroom and a new aft pool area called the Retreat. ms Rotterdam completed these same drydock enhancements in December.

In January, ms Prinsendam underwent the addition of 21 new staterooms with an expanded aft pool area and new pool bar. ms Zaandam completed a technical drydock with a refurbishment of some public areas and the addition of Merabella shops. In February, ms Ryndam [underwent] Signature of Excellence enhancements including the Mix lounge, show lounge, and a new Canaletto restaurant. The additional staterooms and Retreat pool will come in a couple years.

The new Martini Bar area in MIX.

Photo courtesy of Holland America Line 

The Holland America Logo adorns classic wooden deckchairs.

Photo © Aaron Saunders 

FTCD: Was this a huge logistical challenge to perform these renovations?

HAL: Really, it is planning when and how you can implement drydocks. But it’s not a huge challenge for us since this is our business and we regularly bring ships into drydock.

FTDC: How difficult was it to complete these drydocks in such a short amount of time?

HAL: It requires focus and dedication. As you can imagine, any wasted time can impact your completion. So, we have a great team of folks to oversee the planning, logistics and progress. And of course, the shipyard has skilled workers and their management team, too. We are heading to our third of the latest Signature of Excellence drydocks but really, we’ve done these drydocks in the past so have a good level of experience to plan, anticipate and manage through to the end result on time.

FTDC: Much has been written about the renovations to the Veendam's aft pool, covering everything from the extension of the deck itself to the re-arrangement of the pool itself.  The biggest complaint, asthetically, from a lot of people has been the odd overhang and 'ducktail' that adorn the stern.

HAL: It is really somewhat logical. We made plans to add additional verandahs so the pool deck would become larger. The thing one must be aware of in this is weight and the ship’s draft. That’s why we go to the table with engineers and the shipyard to be sure that what we would like is feasible. And it was. Technically, it’s fairly easy as shipyards go. You cut the sections apart from hull add the new section and then weld it back together. Well, of course one has to be sure all the wires and connections are taken care of, too. But ship yards know how to address all of this.

 ms Veendam after her refit.

Photo courtesy of Holland America Line.

FTDC: The Veendam is a ship of many firsts for Holland America.  It was the first ship to have a British Captain, as well as the first ship in the history of the line to be registered outside the Netherlands (this was changed in 2006).  Was there any particular reason Veendam was chosen to be first in line to recieve this major refit?

HAL: Just timing of drydocks. It was due up first and we could make the plans.

FTDC: The Amsterdam, Zaandam, and Volendam are noticeably absent from the refurbishment timeline..

HAL: These are more recent ships and currently not in the plans for the current enhancements. But they receive those items and programs that are part of Signature of Excellence in general such as soft goods in staterooms, Explorations Team, new culinary programs, and more.

New Lanai Staterooms feature sliding doors opening onto the promenade deck.

Photo courtesy of Holland America Line 

FTDC: The new Lanai staterooms that open up to the promenade deck are without a doubt one of the most innovative features of these renovations.  Additional balcony staterooms and inside staterooms have also been added in some cases.  Do these refits serve a dual purpose by continuing to improve the passenger experience, while at the same time perhaps improving the economies of scale?

HAL: As with all our Signature of Excellence initiatives, our main objective is to continue to enhance our guest experience by blending innovation and premium touches to deliver a cruise experience that is unparaelled.

In the Rotterdam dry dock, as well as Veendam earlier this year and upcoming dry docks on Ryndam, Statendam and Maasdam, we had the opportunity to not just add more verandah staterooms (which are always popular) but to create new categories with the lanai and spa staterooms. The lanai staterooms have been incredibly popular and offer an experience that isn’t available on other lines with the opportunity to walk directly from your stateroom onto the teak promenade deck.

Of course we ultimately experience some economies of scale but we invested $42 million in improvements to the Rotterdam to add 44 staterooms, create 39 new Lanai cabins, 23 new “spa staterooms” and add The Retreat, Mix, Showroom at Sea, Canaletto and more. Our significant investment in the Signature of Excellence program – over $525 million to date – is all about enhancing the guest experience and delivering the latest innovations and services to our guests.

One other thing to mention is that this on-going investment reinforces our commitment to our mid-size fleet, which we believe is important to the premium cruise experience we deliver.  

FTDC: One thing that most impressed me about these renovations was how dramatically some of the public rooms would be changing - and not in a bad way, either.  It seems to have modernized them in a very classy, elegant way and allowed some of the look and feel of the Vista class ships to creep into the earlier vessels.  How did you determine what areas would change, and what they would develop into?

HAL: It’s really about listening to your guests through surveys, comment cards and focus groups. And then watching the latest trends for the premium traveler.

 The new MIX area onboard the MS Rotterdam.

Photo courtesy of Holland America Line

Mix, for example, really takes advantage of providing a vibrant center with three niche bars to cater to specific interests but allow a very social setting for everyone to enjoy. (Martinis, Champagne and Spirits &Ales)  Our guests are looking for an upscale, trendy spot where they can gather together and be part of this exciting new ambiance.

 Showroom at Sea onboard the MS Rotterdam

Photo courtesy of Holland America Line

The new show lounge concept – Showroom at Sea - expands upon the latest entertainment trends to create more than a glitzy show. It’s a modern-day take on the classic nightclub, featuring state of the art technology and a different show and themed environment nightly.

Comprised of cast members with credits such as Les Miserables and Rent on Broadway, National Tours of Mamma Mia and performances with the Tokyo Philharmonic, the shows include “Street Singin’,” “Encore,” “Live from the Stardust Lounge,” and “Bob Mackie’s Broadway.” Our guests will be wowed by this fresh approach to entertainment and the complete transformation of the showroom.

The inviting new pool area called The Retreat.

Photo courtesy of Holland America Line

One of the key highlights...is The Retreat, a new resort-style pool area on the aft of the Lido deck. The main focus of the new pool experience is a shallow area with forty-four lounge chairs where guests can relax and dip their fingers and toes in the water. Built-in benches create another place for guests to relax and dangle their legs in the refreshing water. The Retreat is a totally new approach for us to this area of the ship. We’re creating an area where guests can relax outside in a sophisticated environment, and we’re adding other fun and convenient features such as a whirlpool, a band and DJ stand and even a pizzeria.

FTDC: That's a very unique idea.  Thank you for taking the time to chat with us about these new enhancements.

While some lines focus seemingly on building bigger ships than the next guy, it is nice to see Holland America's commitment to their smaller vessels continue in the form of extensive enhancements meant to bring these ships into the 21st century.  This is one of the greatest advantages of the line, in that passengers who prefer their ships smaller can sail these ships without sacrificing any of the amenities of the larger Vista class ships.  Other unique features, such as the Lanai staterooms, may be enough to encourage passengers who have traditionally preferred larger ships to try a voyage on a ship like the Veendam.

With the Statendam's drydock in April, the last remaining S-Class vessel to receive these refurbishments will be the ms Maasdam.  A firm favorite among the Holland America fleet, Maasdam will enter drydock in April 2011 where she will emerge with the same features and fresh appearance as her fleetmates.

Among the most impressive enhancements are things not even directly related to the ships themselves.  The line has introduced a new Ship Flicks program, featuring over 1,000 DVD titles.  Guests' picks are sent to their staterooms upon request, and can be re-ordered as they wish.

Club HAL has also seen expansion to provide kids of all ages with even more choices than ever before, and significant improvements have been made to the line's enrichment programs.  Guests can learn to blog, take cooking lessons from culinary experts around the world, hear lecturer's speak on the many ports of call, or simply take part in enhancing their own well-being with the line's Explore Well-being Program.

We look forward to seeing what unique and interesting improvements Holland America Line will think of next.  For more information on Holland America, their ships and destinations, as well as their Signature of Excellence program, pay a visit to the Holland America Line website.

Aaron Saunders would like to personally thank Erik Elvejord, Director of Public Relations at Holland America Line for his time, assistance and patience in acquiring photographs for this article and answering his many questions, as well as Richard D. Meadows and the entire Holland America team for their time and thoughtful responses.  The assistance of both of these fantastic gentlemen is greatly appreciated.

Hapag-Lloyd Cruises: The Tradition Continues

The birth of the modern cruise owes a great debt to Hapag-Lloyd's Albert Ballin, the line's pioneering General Director.  It was he who decided, in 1891, to offer the world's first week-long cruise to the Mediterranean.  Up to this point, ocean travel was viewed with the same disdain that accompanies modern-day air travel: it was an experience to be endured, not enjoyed.

Ballin realized it didn't have to be that way.  Noticing that transatlantic passenger traffic dropped off steeply during the wet, cold, and entirely unpleasant winter months, he decided to relocate one of the line's under-utilized ships to the Mediterranean, where the destination, as well as the ship, would be the key advertising features.

On a cold winter day in January 1891, the Augusta Victoria sailed into history as the first cruise ship.  The idea was such a huge - and unexpected -  success that in 1899 the line contracted Blohm & Voss to construct the first purpose-built cruise ship, to be called Prinzessin Victoria Luise.  Ballin oversaw the project personally, and was continually tweaking and refining it to ensure his passengers were always satisfied.

In 2010, that tradition of exceeding passengers expectations continues at Hapag-Lloyd Cruises.  Thier flagship, MS Europa, is the only cruise ship in the world to have been awarded five stars from the Berlitz Cruise Guide - a distinction it has proudly held for the past ten years.  Together with fleetmates MS Hanseatic, MS Bremen and MS Columbus, the Europa offers some of the most unique and innovative itineraries of any ultra-luxury line at sea today.

 The inviting pool deck onboard MS Europa.

Photo courtesy of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

German in heart and heritage, Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers many bilingual voyages designed to appeal and cater to English-speaking travelers, while at the same time preserving the line's unique European heritage.  Everything from the initial brochure to onboard documents, announcements, lifeboat drills and shore excursions will be conducted in English.  This commitment to detail is just the first of many features that should make anyone looking for an ultra-luxury experience put Hapag-Lloyd Cruises at the top of their list.

Here's what we find particularly special about the line:

Outstanding Included Amenities
An impressive list of amenities are included with every Hapag-Lloyd Cruise.  Beer and non-alcoholic beverages in the suite minibars are included in the cruise fare.  Text email messages under 10kb can also be sent free of charge - an absolute rarity for those wishing to communicate with home.  Gratuities are included, as are weather-dependent items like waterproof parkas and umbrellas.  Depending on the destination, snorkeling equipment and bicycles are also available to guests.

Bicycles are available for loan on most voyages.

Photo courtesy of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises 

Amazing Ultra-Luxury Ships and Expedition Ships
MS Europa is, without a doubt, one of the classiest ships afloat.  The line even refers to her as The World's Most Beautiful Yacht - and it's easy to see why.  With a passenger compliment of just 408, the 652-foot long Europa boasts an all-suite cabin arrangement, with choices ranging from a 291-sq. ft. Oceanview suite, to the SPA Suites featuring whirlpool tub, atmospheric indirect lighting, and free drinks and snacks from the special SPA menu.    The Penthouse Grand Suite comes in at 915 sq. ft, and boasts all the comforts of home - and then some.

The beautiful SPA Suite bathroom onboard MS Europa.

Photo courtesy of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises 

But the luxury doesn't stop there: MS Bremen and MS Hanseatic sail the line's Expedition Voyages. Carrying just 164 and 184 passengers respectively, the MS Hanseatic is the world's only five-star expedition ship, and MS Bremen is not far behind with four stars.  Both ships have been awarded the highest ice class for passenger ships (E4), allowing both to cruise regions like the Arctic and Antarctica with the utmost safety.

Destinations
Hapag-Lloyd Cruises offers some of the most unique and diverse itineraries out there - so many, in fact, it boggles the mind.  One of the most unique, the MS Hanseatic spends 26 days this summer transiting the fabled Northwest Passage from Greenland to Alaska - making Hapag-Lloyd the only luxury line to be able to do so.  The line also offers a wide variety of Antarctica and Artic Expedition cruises, as well as a unique 16-day Circumnavigation of Newfoundland voyage departing May 29, 2010.

 MS Bremen on an expedition cruise to Antarctica.

Photo courtesy of Hapag-Lloyd Cruises

MS Europa offers cruises to the Black Sea, Mediterranean, Persian Gulf, Great Britain, and the Far East - and while these are not expedition voyages as such, expect them to call at a number of ports not commonly visited by most cruise ships.

One unique itinerary in which the ship and its entertainment are the destination is the line's Ocean Sun Festival.  Departing Kiel, Germany on August 24, 2010 and cruising around Great Britain, the Ocean Sun Festival is the only classical music festival on the high seas.  Featuring performances both onboard and ashore at historic locations,  the voyage will also offer commentary by noted music critics and guest lecturers along the way, and has been compared to the prestigious Festival del Sole in Napa Valley, California and the Tuscan Sun Festival in Italy.

Prices for the line are very much in-step with other ultra-luxury lines, but it is Hapag-Lloyd Cruises attention to detail and commitment to its English and German-speaking guests that has earned the line such high praise from a wide variety of sources.

Here at From the Deck Chair, we plan to do an in-depth article on the Ocean Sun Festival, as well as a detailed overview of the Northwest Passage Transit in the coming weeks.  In the meantime, passengers wanting more information on Hapag-Lloyd Cruises should visit their website, or order a printed brochure here. 

A New Alaska for Carnival

Carnival Spirit departs Vancouver, bound for Alaska

Photo ©2009 Aaron Saunders

If Carnival excels in one area, it's fleet deployment.  The line is careful to never over-saturate one area, and even plays its cards close to its heart in the already over-saturated Caribbean, choosing to offer cruises of varying lengths operating on a series of different ships from multiple homeports.

Another more cautious destination for Carnival is Alaska.  Ever mindful of customer comments, the line announced last year it would be moving the 85,920-ton Carnival Spirit from its usual alternating Northbound and Southbound Alaska runs - moving instead to more generic seven-day roundtrips from Seattle.

Passengers traveling from the United States cited high airfare costs into Vancouver and Anchorage as the main reason for hesitating to book an Alaskan cruise, and Carnival listened.  

While this is not new news - the original press release came through last year, after all - it is worth noting since the 2010 Alaska season is about to kick off at the end of next month, and will prove to be a defining year for Alaska as a destination.  Prices are still relatively high as of this writing, but if the same sort of discounting that went on last year happens again this year, the fleet heading north will continue to shrink from both Vancouver and Seattle.

Carnival withdrew - temporarily - from Europe a few years ago after it was revealed that a majority of their passengers either couldn't or had no interest in flying to Europe.  This was juxtaposed with the news that Europe was exploding as a major destination of interest for many North Americans, and reveals the extent to which fleet deployment at the major cruise lines is largely dependent on their passenger base.

So why the change in Alaska for Carnival?  For the cruise line, the decision was a no-brainer: not only is it less expensive for their passenger base to fly to Seattle, but Seattle-Tacoma Airport is only roughly 20 minutes from the port.  It allows Carnival to continue to have an edge over the competition even in this tight economic market.  

Just how low were prices to Alaska last year?  Shoulder-season sailings on Holland America's Statendam were going for $299 - in an oceanview.  A great deal for passengers, but hardly a sustainable fare, and certainly one that no cruise line wants to see this year.

We will have extended coverage of the Alaska season here in Vancouver once it kicks off at the end of April.  In the meantime, to check out Carnival's new Tracy Arm and Glacier Bay sailings roundtrip from Seattle, head on over to Carnival's website.

Princess Debuts Largest Ever Europe Season in 2011

Crown Princess docked in Akureyri, Iceland

Photo ©2009 Aaron Saunders

This past week, Princess announced the first details of what is to be their largest-ever European season in 2011.

Offering 42 unique itineraries visiting over 135 ports of call, a total of seven itineraries are brand-new for the line.  Also included are enhanced overnight stays in ports like Venice, St. Petersburg, Alexandria, Dublin and Edinburgh.

While full itineraries and bookings won't open until March 25th, here's a quick peek at what to expect.  Prices are slated to start at $1,199 US Per Person, making booking early for the 2011 Season an attractive offer indeed.

Ruby Princess returns to the Med to operate a series of 12-day Mediterranean and Greek Isles cruises.

Emerald Princess will sail a new 11-day Scandinavia and Russia itinerary, offering a two-day stay in St. Petersburg.  Most competing lines only sail a 10-day itinerary on this run.

Star Princess will offer a series of 12-day Egypt, Greek Isles, and Mediterranean voyages.

Crown Princess returns for a fourth season to the British Isles, as well as offering voyages to Norway and Iceland that range in length from seven to 12-days, out of Southampton.

Grand Princess also returns out of Southampton, where she will sail a new selection of Mediterranean and Northern Europe voyages, ranging in length from seven to 17 days.

Ocean Princess, one of the line's smaller ships, will offer a series of alternating seven-day Greek Isle and Mediterranean Interlude voyages that can be combined to create a longer 14-day voyage.

Pacific Princess, sister ship to the aforementioned Ocean Princess, will offer Holy Land and Black Sea cruises.

For more information, visit the Princess Cruises website.

Itineraries go on sale March 25, 2010.