Wednesday, March 18, 2015

Cruising to/from Vancouver


Vancouver
You can cruise from many places to Vancouver
creativecommons image viajor on Flickr
Have you ever considered cruising to and/or from Vancouver?

Did you know you can sail from Vancouver to Fort Lauderdale, Honolulu, New York, San Diego, San Francisco, Sydney, Tokyo... just to name a few.


Under the Lions Gate Bridge
The thrill of passing under the Lion's Gate Bridge on the Star Princess
creativecommons image hubertyu on Flickr
How about getting the flying out of the way first, and beginning your journey in Auckland, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, Papeete (Tahiti) or Singapore and disembarking in Vancouver?


'Coral Princess' pulls into Canada Place
The Coral Princess docking in Vancouver
creativecommons image royluck on Flickr
The links above are just a sampling.

For another sampling, I maintain a list of hand-picked favourites, chosen from across the spectrum of cruiselines, from budget to luxury, from short to long, from often-sailed to once-in-a-lifetime itineraries. Please have a look for a taste of what's possible:
Cruises to and/or from Vancouver

Lions Gate Bridge
This could be you! Ask me how...
creativecommons image prayitnophotography on Flickr
Interested? Please contact me to help you find the right cruise to or from Vancouver that fits your interests, budget and travel dreams.

I'm located in Sidney, BC, but I assist many clients remotely. Please invite me to give you a quote!

Tuesday, March 17, 2015

Fresh thinking needed for solo cruisers!

Note: this is an edited version of my original post yesterday

I just had some instantaneous feedback on a tweet I made during #CruiseChat today...
A8. #CruiseChat fresh thinking on single supplements! Cruiselines have NO IDEA how upset travellers are to be told 200%. Innovate people!:)
... and I was inspired to rant a little.

Feet Wings
The kind of cruise selfie most solo cruisers resort to
creativecommons image donnieray on Flickr
It is SO true. I can't think of anything more frustrating that answering a potential cruiser's question about the cruise fare if they sail solo. If they haven't cruised before, they are shocked, say disparaging things about the cruiselines (yes, I hear things these things from even nice little old ladies!!), and - guess what - no matter how hard I work to explain single supplement policies, the cruiseline always comes out losing. We all look bad in the consumer's eyes.

Yes, explaining that "sometimes" there are reductions helps, but I can't tell them how or when those happen. And I add another name to my long list of people who want to be notified when there are waived or reduced offers....

But that doesn't really cut it. Already, the passenger has a bad taste in their mouth, and is disappointed. Hugely disappointed.

Yes, solo cabins make a difference, a BIG difference. In fact, they are one of the two things the cruise industry must do to win the trust of solo travelers.

The other is FRESH THINKING on single supplements.

FRESH THINKING on the value of solo travellers.

The solo cruiser is tired of being an afterthought, accommodated only when sailings are selling slow, or booking at the very last minute on the hope of a dream of a flash sale so low they can book by paying double of a cheap price.

What about the solo cruiser who wants to plan their dream vacation? What about the solo cruiser who isn't comfortable waiting until the last minute on the off-chance that there will be a bargain going to somewhere they want? What about the solo cruiser who knows that those last minute deals aren't really deals if you have to buy last-minute air to get there?

Cruising down the Tracy Arm Fjord
Everyone likes a window at sea
creativecommons image crdunn on Flickr
What about the solo cruiser who wants even a porthole to look out of, but is not able to justify booking more than an inside cabin? What about how doubly important one's stateroom is when one is cruising solo, and that a small windowless room just doesn't cut it? What about the solo cruiser who has cruised before with a friend, family member or spouse with the ease of a balcony, and now wants the same pleasure solo?

Do cruiselines even "get it" that sometimes the solo cruiser is one part of a couple that likes to travel alone on occasion? That the solo cruiser might travel at other times with friends, but also wants to travel alone, versus waiting around for a friend with the same interests and vacation time? That the solo cruiser may also be the one organizing a family reunion and might consider doing it on cruise if they weren't so put off by single-supplements?

I mean it when I say that cruiselines have NO IDEA how offended people are by these policies.

I am personally waiting for one executive at the top of a major cruiseline to have the light bulb go off on their mind, and turn the industry on its head over antiquated, unfriendly and off-putting single supplement policies.

Just in case you need some fresh thinking.....

room with a view
The delight of capturing a balcony selfie
creativecommons image djs1021 on Flickr
What about offering an incentive to solo cruisers to book early? What about waiving single supplements for a promotional period when sailings first come out?

What about reducing the single supplement, say, to 125% if you book year in advance?

What about varying the single supplement on "less-desirable" cabin types? What if there were no single supplements on obstructed view staterooms?

What about waiving the single supplement for 10% of cabins booked in a group?

What about ..... well, you get the idea.

Is anyone listening?

I look forward to the day when I am not embarrassed to explain the dismal reality of cruising to a new solo cruiser sitting across my desk.

I look forward to the day when I can engage with the solo cruiser, share in their excitement of their travel dreams, spend my time asking questions to learn more about their travel style and interests, so I can help them pick the cruiseline that is the best fit for them?

Silver Cloud Elevator and Me
The fun of seizing opportunitues to capture solo selfies at sea
creativecommons image joshfriedmantravel on Flickr
I look forward to the day when I no longer have to present a cruiseline that would otherwise be the wrong fit for a client as the only affordable option. Or presenting an itinerary that doesn't hit the mark, as there are so few that are open to them.

I look forward to the day that I can simply be compassionate when I have a widow or widower telling me about how they loved cruising with their spouse and want to continue that spirit by sailing the cruise itinerary they still had on their bucketlist? I look forward to help that long time loyal cruise customer find a balcony they love, just like the one they enjoyed when they were a couple, and facilitate healing?

I look forward to feeling proud of how the cruise industry takes care of all its guests, treating them all with equal respect, and helping them all take the cruise vacation of their dreams.

I look forward to the day when someone, anyone, with the power to make change in this industry, decides to break the mold.

FRESH THINKING. That's all it is.

~end of rant ~

Thursday, March 12, 2015

Uniworld waived single supplements

Uniworld River Cruises River Beatrice in Passau Germany
Nice view of the lovely top deck of the River Beatrice
image: creativecommons, click for details

Great news for solos!

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises has just announced Solo Traveler Savings on select 2015 sailings.

For an amazing all-inclusive river cruise experience, check out these select sailings:
Uniworld Solo Traveler Savings - waived single supplements

This offer is subject to availability and can be withdrawn at any time.

Please contact me for more information, or if you would like to book one of these fabulous sailings!

Wednesday, March 11, 2015

Avalon Waterways waived single supplements

Avalon Imagery (1)
The Avalon Imagery in Munich
(image creativecommons, click for details)

Avalon Waterways has waived single supplements on select 2015 sailings in Europe.

Here is the list of sailings:
Select 2015 Avalon Waterways Europe - single supplement waived

This offer is subject to availability, and must be booked by March 24, 2015.
Please contact me and I would be happy to check availability and pricing for you!

Interested in sailing solo with Avalon in 2016? Please get in touch with me directly.

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Pacific Rim Transpacific repositioning cruises

大さん橋 : Osanbasi pier
The distinctive Osanbashi Pier
in Yokohama (for Tokyo)
Osanbashi Pier : 横浜港大さん橋 Have you ever considered taking a Pacific Rim Transpacific repositioning cruise? While not as popular or as available as Transatlantic sailings, they do exist.

Traditionally, Pacific Rim crossings offer very good value, as there is less demand. Recently, however, some sailings have been selling out, so it's worth planning ahead.

Please feel free to contact me to help you determine the best approach.

Here is a list of upcoming sailings, some with extensions to World Cruise segments that let you see more of Asia on your trip.

2015

March 30, 2015
44-Night World Cruises Cruise
From Singapore, Singapore to Vancouver, British Columbia
Holland America Line - ms Volendam
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=689706

M/S Crystal Symphony
The lovely Crystal Symphony is sailing
 from Asia to Vancouver this spring
April 11, 2015
30-Night Pacific Rim Cruise
From Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Vancouver, British Columbia
Crystal Cruises - Crystal Symphony
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-US/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=698682

April 13, 2015
30-Night Transpacific Cruise
From Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Vancouver, British Columbia
Holland America Line - ms Volendam
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=689707

April 15, 2015
30-Night Transpacific Cruise
From Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Vancouver, British Columbia
Holland America Line - ms Volendam
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=689707

April 23, 2015
18-Night Pacific Rim Cruise
From Tokyo, Japan to Vancouver, British Columbia
Crystal Cruises - Crystal Symphony
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-US/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=683622

April 26, 2015 - SOLD OUT
16-Night Pacific Rim Cruise
From Shanghai, China to Vancouver, British Columbia
Celebrity Cruises - Celebrity Millennium



End of Welcome Ceremony
Volendam welcoming ceremony in Japan
April 27, 2015
16-Night Transpacific Cruise
From Kobe, Japan to Vancouver, British Columbia
Holland America Line - ms Volendam
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=673007

September 11, 2015 - SOLD OUT
16-Night Pacific Rim Cruise
From Vancouver, British Columbia to Shanghai, China
Celebrity Cruises - Celebrity Millennium

2016

March 17, 2016
48-Night World Cruises Cruise
From Singapore, Singapore to Vancouver, British Columbia
Holland America Line - ms Volendam
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=689711

March 31, 2016
34-Night Transpacific Cruise
From Hong Kong, Hong Kong to Vancouver, British Columbia
Holland America Line - ms Volendam
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=689712

April 16, 2016
18-Night Transpacific Cruise
From Yokohama, Japan to Vancouver, British Columbia
Holland America Line - ms Volendam
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=685984

September 2, 2016
16-Night Pacific Rim Cruise
From Vancouver, British Columbia to Tokyo, Japan
Celebrity Cruises - Celebrity Millennium
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=677495

Silver Shadow | Terrace Suites
Lovely verandas enjoyed by Terrace Suite guests
on the Silverseas Silver Shadow
September 15, 2016
19-Night Pacific Rim Cruise
From Vancouver, British Columbia to Tokyo, Japan
Silversea Cruises - Silver Shadow
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-US/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=667811

2017

The Millenium Cruise Ship Docked At Circular Quay, Sydney
The Celebrity Millennium has been
selling out on this itinerary
May 7, 2017
14-Night Pacific Rim Cruise
From Tokyo, Japan to Vancouver, British Columbia
Celebrity Cruises - Celebrity Millennium
http://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/Cruise/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/Itinerary?item=677914


Interested? Please contact me for availability, details and a quote.


All images are creative commons - click each picture for source information.

Sunday, March 8, 2015

Transatlantic Voyages

Cunard's Queen Mary 2 sails regular transatlantic voyages
image wikicommons
Transatlantics are a unique category of repositioning cruises, and are a popular way or North Americans to travel to or from Europe. 

I have hand-chosen these transatlantic sailings as a sampling of options, across the spectrum, from budget-friendly deals to all-inclusive luxury escapes.

Please contact me if you would like more information on these, or other transatlantic opportunities.