Let's Cruise!

How is the Recession Affecting Cruise Lines

Government officials have officially said there is a recession.  There is no doubt that 2009 represents an uncertain environment for all industries and consumers.  Parent companies of Cruise Lines have all stated that although bookings are down, they are still filling their cabins.  According to the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) they predict almost 34 million Americans intend to take a cruise in the next three years.

Many CLIA member lines are offering hard to resist offers and special promotions in response to the economic crisis.  Some of these include:  kids sail free plans, enhanced shipboard credit offers, free air fare and/or shore excursions and new offers are appearing daily.  Also, most cruise lines have decided to drop the fuel supplement charges that was in place recently.  I personally expect cruise prices to slowly come down, but not drastically.  A cruise is still one of the best vacations you can take for your money.

How To Save Money On Your Next Cruise

 
1.  Take your cruise during non-peak periods.  Peak time is usually spring and summer.
2.  Book your cruise with a reputable cruise broker.  Always ask if there are any discounts for inter-liners, union members, senior citizens, children, military, etc.
3.  Cruise with your kids!  On many cruise lines, kids sail free or at a discounted rate if traveling in the same stateroom with 2 full-fare adults.
4.  Check for in-port deals.  Some ships offer great deals in their spa's while everyone else in on shore.
5.  Make sure you join the Cruise Line Club.  With every cruise you take with them your amenities grow.
6.  Consider taking an inside cabin.  Ocean-views and balconies are nice, but also costly.  After all, how much time do you really spend in your stateroom?  The answer to this is....NOT MUCH!
7.  Don't buy a glass of wine at your dining room table each night.  Instead, purchase a bottle the first night and your waiter will bring it to your table each night until it's gone.
8.  Photo-ops.....the ship's photographers are everywhere!  It's almost like being stalked by the paparazzi!  My advice.....bring a camera and take your own.  Ask a fellow passenger to click a couple of pictures of you and your party and you will save tons of money!
9.  Soft drinks, bottled water and alcoholic drinks add up.  Ask your ship if they offer a soda or drink package.  This will save you quite a bit of money, especially if your traveling with children.
10. See if your ship has a self-service laundry area.  I have found that some do and some don't.
11. Don't use the ship to shore phones to keep in touch with your families or friends at home.  Send an email instead.
12. Eat on board, it's included in your package.  Don't waste your money paying for meals while your on shore, when you could go back and eat on the ship.
13. If your planning on driving to your departure port, check and see if there is a cheaper parking garage off the port premises to leave your car.  Miami now charges $20. a day at their port and I'm sure you could find one for 1/2 the price a few miles away, with shuttle service to the ship!

Gratuities On Cruise Ships

  If you've ever gone on a cruise, then I'm sure you will agree with me when I say, "the crews on these ships work extremely hard and also work very, very long hours."  They literally come from all over the world and most of them work on ships so they can send their pay home to their families.  For the most part, they receive very little pay and depend solely on their tip money.  I have compiled a little chart on what is "suggested" by the cruise lines on WHO and WHAT to tip.  This is based on per person - per day.

Waiter                         $3.50
Waiter Assistant          $2.00
Restaurant Manager         .75
Stateroom Attendant     $3.50
Chief Housekeeper            .50

Of course you can always consider tipping other people for their service to you that you think deserves it.  The porters at the pier are not included on my chart, however it is customary to tip them $1.00 per bag.  When my husband and I take a 7-day cruise, we generally set aside $200. to cover all gratuities.

How to Create More Income and Cruise More! by Stefanos Loisou

Nine additional cruise ships are coming on line in 2009....you choose one or more and enjoy!  We'll create the income for you.  Let us assume that Mary "Saver" is 65 years old ( age really doesn't matter) and she has comfortable social security and pension income.  She also has a $100,000. CD at 5% that was giving her $450/month in interest....until now!  The CD is due for renewal at 3% and will now give her $250/month....not enough for the extras for her grandchildren and her occasional cruise which she enjoyed.  What to do?  After speaking with me, Mary Saver, purchased a guaranteed fixed annuity vehicle which guarantees her principle, provides liquidity in the event of need and (more importantly) now gives Mary $550/month income (and possibly more) for the rest of her life, WITHOUT annuitization.  Mary can now enjoy her cruises and her grandchildren knowing that she will always have the income she needs.  Imagine if you have additional assets and the extra income YOU could create to do as you wish and CRUISE MORE!

If interested to discuss further, as well as other very unique guaranteed strategies, call Stef, toll free at 1-877-720-9500.  Stef has over 36 years of financial service experience and is heard on the radio each week on national syndication.  There is no obligation and he does not charge fees for his services.  (references upon request) and member of National Ethics Bureau.  Based in Boston, Stef has clients all over the country.