Fuel Surcharges - Round 2: Carnival, Costda, Cunard, Holland America, Princes, Seabourn
April 07,2008 - 03:20 PM
Final Passport Rule Issued for Land and Sea Borders 3/31/2008
March 31,2008 - 09:19 AM Filed in: Cruise Line
News
Effective
June 1, 2009 the following rules take effect for cruise
passengers:
Donate $25 to MADD during Dec 2007 to receive a Free Homeport Cruises Co. Tee-Shirt
December 07,2007 - 05:39 PM Filed in: Homeport
Cruises News
Donate
$25 to MADD during Dec 2007 to receive a Free Homeport
Cruises Co. Tee-Shirt.
Just email or mail us a copy of your donation receipt.
While supplies last.
One Tee per family/address.
We reserve the right to limit or change the conditions of this offer at any time.
Please visit the MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) website to donate:
Just email or mail us a copy of your donation receipt.
While supplies last.
One Tee per family/address.
We reserve the right to limit or change the conditions of this offer at any time.
Please visit the MADD (Mothers Against Drunk Drivers) website to donate:
Sales Manager Mike Gresh competes in Naperville Thanksgiving 5K Turkey Trot
November 21,2007 - 10:56 AM Filed in: Homeport
Cruises News
Mike
placed 84th out of 112 in his age group 55-59 year
old.
Sales Manager Mike Gresh earns CLIA Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar 2007
November 15,2007 - 10:44 AM Filed in: Homeport
Cruises News
Homeport Cruises MOBILE INTERLINE OFFICE
November 14,2007 - 04:55 PM Filed in: Homeport
Cruises News
Homeport
Cruises new MOBILE
RESERVATIONS OFFICE makes booking an
interline cruise easier than ever. Our representatives
schedule Chicago/Rockford/Milwauke area presentations
allowing airline employees to ask questions of our
experienced cruise staff and to immediately confirmation
cruise reservations. If you have a large (several
hundred) employee group where this unit could interact
with airline employees just give us a call. Currently
only Saturdays are open on our 2007/2008 schedule.
PS - We also offer this service to NON-INTERLINE groups/organizations (seniors, corporations, churches, clubs, civic groups, etc.)
PS - We also offer this service to NON-INTERLINE groups/organizations (seniors, corporations, churches, clubs, civic groups, etc.)
Cruise Line Fuel Surcharges
November 14,2007 - 04:42 PM Filed in: Cruise Line
News
"Carnival
Corporation, the world's largest cruise operator,
announced a fuel surcharge of $5 per person, per day, for
the following Carnival brands: Carnival Cruise Lines,
Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and
Seabourn Cruise Line." Other lines are expected to follow
Carnival's lead in the coming days/weeks.
2008 Passport Requirements for USA citizens
October 11,2007 - 12:57 PM Filed in: Homeport
Cruises News
LAND AND SEA
TRAVEL
The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.
* JANUARY 31, 2008
U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to present either a WHTI-compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. DHS also proposes to begin alternative procedures for U.S. and Canadian children at that time.
* SUMMER 2008
At a later date, to be determined, the departments will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have either a U.S. passport; a U.S. passport card; a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI; a valid Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or a valid U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders.
The following summarizes information available on the Department of Homeland Security’s website.
* JANUARY 31, 2008
U.S. and Canadian citizens will need to present either a WHTI-compliant document, or a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver’s license, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate. DHS also proposes to begin alternative procedures for U.S. and Canadian children at that time.
* SUMMER 2008
At a later date, to be determined, the departments will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of WHTI. The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have either a U.S. passport; a U.S. passport card; a trusted traveler card such as NEXUS, FAST, or SENTRI; a valid Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) when traveling in conjunction with official maritime business; or a valid U.S. Military identification card when traveling on official orders.
Yes. We do groups.
September 24,2007 - 04:11 PM Filed in: Homeport
Cruises News
Yes.
We do groups. Leave the paperwork to us. Call
today.
Cunard Line - QM2
September 24,2007 - 04:10 PM Filed in: Cruise Line
News
New
interline inventory on select sailings...mostly inside
cabins. Call us today.
Disney Cruise Line - Interline Inventory
September 24,2007 - 04:07 PM Filed in: Cruise Line
News
It's
been a dry spell for interline (airline) employees, but
we now have inventory on many popular 3, 4 and 7 night
Disney Cruise Line sailings. Call today for immediate
confirmation on select dates.
Passport Update!
March 27,2007 - 11:22 AM Filed in: Government
News
PASSPORTS.
The State department has been inundated with passport
requests and says it
could take 10 weeks instead of the usual six to process routine applications. Expedited
requests, which cost an extra $60 on top of the normal $97 fee, now take about four weeks to
process instead of two.
could take 10 weeks instead of the usual six to process routine applications. Expedited
requests, which cost an extra $60 on top of the normal $97 fee, now take about four weeks to
process instead of two.
Cunard Commodore Status Achieved by Sales Manager Mike Gresh
March 15,2007 - 04:30 PM Filed in: Homeport
Cruises News
Homeport
Cruises Co.'s sales manager, Mike Gresh, completed Cunard
Line's top level of training on 3/15/2007 by achieving
the status of Commodore. If you've ever wanted to sail
aboard one of the world's most magnificant liners you
should be thinking Cunard's QM2.
Research & Book Cruises On-Line
January 12,2007 - 06:20 PM Filed in: Homeport
Cruises News
Homeport
Cruises Co. launched their new cruise research and
on-line booking tool today. Airlines employees and
military personnel can book on-line or call our
reservations office to confirm reservations. Airline/MIL
verification letter/ID must be on file in advance of
on-line booking.
Please use this cruise search tool to plan your next cruise vacation. Then call us to make your booking or book on-line. Make certain you are eligible to use these rates BEFORE booking by calling us at 1-800-473-6170 and/or checking our elgibility summary to avoid cancellation fees and/or having your cruise booking adjusted to a higher rate.
Interline (Airline Employee), Military, Senior, Group, Regional and Promotional cruise rates are now available on-line. Enjoy the lowest cruise rates combined with superior customer service by calling our reservations office 1-800-473-6170 M-F 9A-5P Central Time. Our agents are CLIA ECC and ECCS certified. Since 1992. You must FAX 630-961-7460 or email your Interline (airline employee) letter and ID or Military ID in advance of booking - NO EXCEPTIONS!
Please check Eligibility Requirements before booking!
Please use this cruise search tool to plan your next cruise vacation. Then call us to make your booking or book on-line. Make certain you are eligible to use these rates BEFORE booking by calling us at 1-800-473-6170 and/or checking our elgibility summary to avoid cancellation fees and/or having your cruise booking adjusted to a higher rate.
Interline (Airline Employee), Military, Senior, Group, Regional and Promotional cruise rates are now available on-line. Enjoy the lowest cruise rates combined with superior customer service by calling our reservations office 1-800-473-6170 M-F 9A-5P Central Time. Our agents are CLIA ECC and ECCS certified. Since 1992. You must FAX 630-961-7460 or email your Interline (airline employee) letter and ID or Military ID in advance of booking - NO EXCEPTIONS!
Please check Eligibility Requirements before booking!
QM2 Story (Queen Mary 2 Story)
November 09,2006 - 04:13 PM Filed in: Cruise Line
News
Learn the
history of this beautiful new vessel. Explore the
traditions of the past as they are implemented in the
21st century. If you ever dreamed of sailing aboard one
of the most wonderful cruise liners ever built, this is
your story.
Follow this link. Enjoy the read. Then start planning an adventure like none other. Click here to begin your own odyssey.
Homeport Cruises Co. offers interline and promotional pricing aboard Cunard Line's QM2 (Queen Mary 2).
Follow this link. Enjoy the read. Then start planning an adventure like none other. Click here to begin your own odyssey.
Homeport Cruises Co. offers interline and promotional pricing aboard Cunard Line's QM2 (Queen Mary 2).
Homeport Cruises Sales Manager Earns Princess Cruises Commodore Rank
November 02,2006 - 04:16 PM Filed in: Homeport
Cruises News
Mike Gresh,
Sales Manager for Homeport Cruises since 1992, has become
one of the the first cruise travel agents in North
America to achieve the rank of Commodore in the Princess
Cruises agent training program. Gresh earned his
distinction by completing over 25 sales training courses,
sailing aboard the new Crown Princess and booking
hundreds of clients on Princess Cruises itineraries
worldwide. Call Mike today to book your next
cruise!
2007 Passport Requirement Update
October 17,2006 - 04:43 PM Filed in: Government
News
On January
8, 2007, U.S. citizens traveling by air between the U.S.
and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the
Caribbean, and Bermuda will be required to present a
valid U.S. passport, Air NEXUS card, or U.S. Coast Guard
Merchant Mariner Document.
It is anticipated that on January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes may permit a later deadline, both the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to put all requirements in place by the original deadline. Advance notice will be provided to enable the public meet the land/sea border requirement.
Some cruise lines may still require a passport for travel beginning Jan 1st, 2007.
It is anticipated that on January 1, 2008, U.S. citizens traveling between the U.S. and Canada, Mexico, Central and South America, the Caribbean, and Bermuda by land or sea (including ferries), may be required to present a valid U.S. passport or other documents as determined by the Department of Homeland Security. While recent legislative changes may permit a later deadline, both the Departments of State and Homeland Security are working to put all requirements in place by the original deadline. Advance notice will be provided to enable the public meet the land/sea border requirement.
Some cruise lines may still require a passport for travel beginning Jan 1st, 2007.
Passport Requirement
October 05,2006 - 02:00 PM Filed in: Homeport
Cruises News
It
appears the new passport requirement will be postponed
until 2009 if President Bush signs legislation passed by
both houses. Just the same, many cruise lines may still
require passports for 2007 travel. It is recommended you
apply now to avoid the surge of applications expected to
hit the US Passport Agency in the coming months.
Apply Now!
Royal Caribbean & Celebrity Change Military Rate Program
September 28,2006 - 03:53 PM Filed in: Cruise Line
News
Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises Military Rates are
no longer at the same price point as interline
rates.
Military personnel must call us directly for specific
sailing price quotes. The new rules are posted elsewhere
on our website under Eligibility.
New Princess Militry Rates (Active & Retired/20 Yrs Svc)
August 30,2006 - 04:43 PM Filed in: Cruise Line
News
On
August 28, 2006 Princess Cruises introduced new Military
cruise rates. Princess is also the only cruise line that
allows 18 year olds to book cruises without an adult 21
or older traveling in the same cabin.
Princess Military Cruise Rates
Princess Military Eligibility
Request Password To View Princess Military Pricing
Princess Military Cruise Rates
Princess Military Eligibility
Request Password To View Princess Military Pricing
The New Carnival - Forget What You've Heard
August 30,2006 - 04:40 PM Filed in: Cruise Line
News
“Carnival, founded in 1972 and headquartered in Miami, is the world's largest cruise line. The line's humble origins pigeonholed it as the cruise industry's version of a floating fraternity party for a long, long time. But that was yesterday, and while Carnival still commands a certain reputation for a flashy, neon-esque atmosphere -- and by no means skimps on elaborate lounges and discos -- its ships continue to evolve.
In particular, Carnival's earned kudos for enhancing cuisine (never a high point in the old days), investing in a top-notch children's program, and expanding its itinerary offerings beyond its traditional Caribbean and Bahamas trips to regions like Alaska and Atlantic Canada. It offered its first European itineraries in 2002 (Carnival Legend sailed a few cruises after its inauguration in Harwich), and in 2005, Carnival Liberty spent a full season in Europe -- a first for the line. The line has also taken advantage of the fastest growing cruise segment in the United States, short vacations of three to five nights, and has deployed most of its Fantasy-class ships to those markets.
Carnival is one of the world's most innovative cruise lines. In 1996, Carnival debuted the first passenger vessel to exceed 100,000 tons: Carnival Destiny. It was also the first major cruise line to build and operate a completely smoke-free cruise ship, Paradise. After nearly six years of butt-free sailings, the ship, now deployed in California, has gone to a "limited smoking" policy where guests can light up in the casino and just a couple of bars and lounges, but not in cabins nor most public spaces, even outside -- except for amidships-only on the Lido deck. 2005 saw initiatives to upgrade two additional aspects of the Carnival cruise experience. Standard cabins now include robes, and the "Carnival Comfort Bed" sleep system features deluxe new plush mattresses, soft duvets, high quality linens and upgraded pillows. (Suite passengers have a "suite pillow menu" from which to select a specific pillow of their liking.)
But perhaps the biggest potential improvement is the quantum leap in culinary quality due in part to the new partnership with Michelin three-star chef, Georges Blanc, who is developing new menu entrees fleet wide and instituting training for Carnival chefs both in his Vonnas, France, restaurant and aboard the ships themselves.
Carnival also pioneered the concept of building regional drive-to ports, expanding its embarkation centers beyond Miami to places like New Orleans, Mobile, Jacksonville, Port Canaveral, Galveston, Norfolk, Charleston and New York. It has built a cruise port in Long Beach, California, to take advantage of sailings to the west coast of Mexico.
The company offers a vacation guarantee program that allows passengers unhappy with their cruise the chance to disembark at the first port and get a refund. They also provide senior discounts, as well as very successful weddings at sea and golf offerings.
For nine years, starting in 1990, Carnival designed, produced and launched its immensely successful Fantasy class of ships, 2052-passenger vessels at 70,367 tons; these include Fantasy, Ecstasy, Sensation, Fascination, Imagination, Inspiration, Elation and Paradise. Market changes, however, dictated new designs with more balconies and cushier staterooms. Carnival Destiny, a 101,353-ton ship that carried 2,758 passengers, debuted in 1996; two sister ships followed -- Carnival Triumph in 1999 and Carnival Victory in 2000 -- both of which added another 700 tons and 58 staterooms, bringing their capacity to 2,758 passengers.
Carnival continued to update and upgrade its ships with an aggressive new-build program, with three new additions in 2002: Carnival Pride, Carnival Legend and Carnival Conquest. 2003 marked the debut of Carnival Glory, the second in the Conquest class. 2004 saw two more vessels emerge from Italy's Fincantieri shipyard: Carnival Miracle in March 2004, part of the Spirit class, and Carnival Valor, another Conquest class. A fourth Conquest-class ship, Carnival Liberty, launched in 2005, which brought the fleet total to 21. Carnival Freedom, the fifth and final in the Conquest class is scheduled for a February 2007 launch. Carnival Splendor, slightly larger than Conquest-class vessels, is scheduled for a spring 2008 launch. The fleet's largest vessel, weighing in at 130,000 tons and carrying a double occupancy load of 3,608 passengers, is due during the fall of 2009.
Plus, the line maintains its two remaining "classic" ships, the nearly 20-year-old 46,052-ton Holiday, offering four- and five-night cruises out of Mobile, Alabama, and the 17-year-old 47,262-ton Celebration, departing from Jacksonville, Florida, on four- and five-night itineraries.
Carnival offers an incredibly diverse range of onboard activities, from traditional napkin-folding classes, Vegas-style revues and kitchen tours to funkier fun like belly flop pool contests and water slides. All of its ships offer size-appropriate spa and fitness facilities and have multiple pool areas. On Destiny-class ships and subsequent new-builds, one pool always lies under a retractable roof so it can be used year-round. Casinos on Carnival ships are elaborate, Vegas-style rooms with all the neon and flash one would expect.
Carnival is increasingly experimenting with dining venues on its ships. The revamp, which falls under the umbrella "Total Choice Dining," includes a four-tiered staggered dining time arrangement in select ships' main restaurants -- passengers can choose 5:45 p.m., 6:15 p.m., 8 p.m. or 8:30 p.m.
Beyond traditional dining, Carnival is gradually introducing specialty eateries, such as an Asian-themed restaurant, a New York-style deli and a pre-dinner sushi bar. Spirit and Conquest-class ships have an upscale "supper club" alternative restaurant (cover charge applies). Other new concepts include a patisserie.
In the spa arena, Carnival has renamed its Nautica Spa. The new moniker, adopted fleet wide, is SpaCarnival. Other highlights include Internet cafes and the recent introduction of in-cabin amenity baskets.
The additions vary wildly between vessels with the newer, bigger liners having the more sophisticated accouterments for the most part. Despite much uniformity, this is definitely one cruise line where ship-by-ship research is a good idea if there are particular features that interest you.
Carnival's "bread and butter" remains the Caribbean, but the line has ventured into fairly new territory of late, with Carnival Freedom visiting Greece and Turkey in 2007, and Carnival Spirit offering cruises to Hawaii and Alaska. This year, Carnival Destiny sails out of Aruba, Barbados and San Juan, offering exotic Southern Caribbean sailings, while almost all of the Fantasy-class ships will be deployed on short cruises ranging from three to five nights, visiting ports in the Bahamas, Mexico and the Caribbean.
Top
Passengers are a broad crisscross of (mostly) middle America; according to Carnival, 30 percent of its passengers are under 35, 40 percent are between 35 and 55, and 30 percent are over 55.”
Carnival Fall Interline & Military Rates Are The Lowest In Years!
August 19,2006 - 12:41 PM Filed in: Cruise Line
News
Carnival Cruise Line has aggressively priced their fall Interline and Military rates to attract first time or repeat cruisers. It's simply less expensive to take a Carnival Cruise this fall than to take any other kind of vacation, period.
Royal Caribbean to Revitalize Product, Itineraries for 2007
July 07,2006 - 06:05 PM Filed in: Cruise Line
News
Royal Caribbean to Revitalize Product, Itineraries for 2007 - as reported in Travel Trade Magazine
Royal Caribbean International plans to revitalize its product and itineraries for 2007, including an extensive refurbishment of Miami-based Majesty of the Seas and a new Mediterranean itinerary for Legend of the Seas.
“Royal Caribbean is committed to providing a quality experience for our guests both on and off our ships,” said Adam Goldstein, Royal Caribbean president. “Legend of the Seas’ two 12- and 13-night European itineraries, and Majesty of the Seas’ extreme makeover, are the latest examples of our continued dedication to providing guests with a wealth of itinerary choices and an enhanced onboard experience.”
Majesty of the Seas will undergo an extensive refurbishment beginning Jan. 12.
Beginning Jan. 12, 2007, the 2,356-passenger Majesty of the Seas will undergo extensive renovations extending to every area of the ship, including expanded spa and fitness facilities, additional dining options and refurbished guest staterooms, bathrooms, public areas and lounges.
New beds will be placed in cabins, including nine-inch-thick spring mattresses with separate two-inch-thick micro-fiber pillow tops, 220-thread-count, long-staple cotton-blend sheets, micro-fiber pillows, duvets with cotton-blend covers and bed skirts.
The ShipShape Fitness Center and Spa will be relocated to Deck 9. Casino Royale will receive new carpets, window coverings and upholstery as well as a completely refurbished bar.
New restaurants Johnny Rockets and Sorrento’s Italian pizzeria will be added and the Windjammer Café, the Mikado and Maytime dining rooms and the Schooner Bar will be redecorated.
Majesty of the Seas will resume 3- and 4-night sailings from Miami to CocoCay and Nassau, Bahamas on Feb. 9, 2007.
Royal Caribbean is also adding two European itineraries for Legend of the Seas, beginning May 6, 2007. A 12-night Italy and Croatia cruise with calls at the new destinations of Portofino and Split will alternate with a 12-night Eastern Mediterranean sailing roundtrip from Civitavecchia with calls in Mykonos, Ephesus, Rhodes, Athens, Naples/Capri and two new ports, Limassol, Cyprus and Alexandria, Egypt.
Interline Pricing for RCCL Freedom 8/6/2006
June 21,2006 - 01:49 PM Filed in: Cruise Line
News
RCCL opend
8/6/2006 as the first sailing for interline rates aboard
the new Freedom of the Seas. Now's your chance to cruise,
surf, climb the rock wall, in-line skate, ice skate and
enjoy a burger and shake at Johnny Rockets before school
starts!
Celebrity's "Century" Sails Following $55 Million, 5 Week Rehab
June 14,2006 - 08:24 AM Filed in: Cruise Line
News
The retro
work is the most ambitious refurbishment and the largest
cruise ship modification completed by Fincantieri's
shipyard. A total of 314 new verandas were added to the
ship along with 14 new suites and 10 new staterooms, a
new speciality restaurant, an expanded AquSpa and other
amenities that reflect the line's Millennium-class ships.
It is the first ship in the Celebrity fleet to sport a
new bedding program which will be introduced on the
Galaxy and Millennium later in 2006, and fleet-wide by
2007 (new mattresses, Egyptian cotton linens, duvets,
Euro pillows, bed throws and pillow shams). Every Inside
and Outside cabin is now equipped with flat-screen TV's,
wireless Internet, new carpet, textiles, windows,
lighting fixtures and art. New vanities and enhanced
lighting in the bathrooms, surface-mounted sink basins
and fixtures and curved-rod show curtains. Suites have
new carpeting, wall coverings, windows and textiles, new
bedding and light fixtures. Book the Century. It's like a
new ship!
'Crown Princess' sails from Brooklyn, New York...
June 13,2006 - 10:01 PM Filed in: Cruise Line
News
New Terminal
enhances cruise experience from Brooklyn Cruise
Terminal....Plan to arrive a day or two early to enjoy
the sights of New York before your
cruise.
RCCL Freedom of the Seas is a Home Run!
June 02,2006 - 02:56 PM Filed in: Cruise Line
News
RCCL just
keeps adding more fun to their mega ships with the
addition of a surf attraction to the Freedom of the Seas.
See our ship review for all the details. No interline
rates yet...but keep your fingers crossed for the
Fall.
Write A Testimonial - Receive A Free Tee-Shirt If We Post It On Our Web Site!
May 24,2006 - 06:20 PM Filed in: Homeport
Cruises News
Testimonials
help others 'get a feel' for the travel agency 'through
your eyes'. And although everyone experiences life
differently, your observations and insights can be
beneficial to others - and yourself (keep reading). So,
start typing! We would love to send you one of our sought
after tee-shirts if we publish your Testimonial.
Click here to begin the
process.
Write A Ship Review - Receive A Free Tee-Shirt If We Post It On Our Web Site!
May 24,2006 - 04:44 PM Filed in: Homeport
Cruises News
Ship Reviews
help others 'get a feel' for the cruise experience
'through your eyes'. And although everyone experiences
life differently, your observations and insights can be
beneficial to others - and yourself (keep reading). So,
start typing! We would love to send you one of our sought
after tee-shirts if we publish your Ship Review.
Click here to begin the process.
New Web Site Launched
May 20,2006 - 03:00 PM Filed in: Homeport
Cruises News
After months
(some would say years!) of input from clients and intense
planning....we've just launched our new web site today.
Now you can get current news from our Journal page
(you're reading it now); read or submit a Testimonial;
participate in our new Blog; read or post Ship Reviews;
read our FAQ's section, check out passport requirements;
get one-click links to port maps; check health
information at the CDC; view interline & military
cruise pricing on our partner cruise lines; book
interline or military rates on-line with Royal Caribbean
or Celebrity Cruises (make sure you're eligible!) - all
this (and as they say, more) with the click of a mouse -
and all without leaving our web site.
We've made these improvements just for you. Enjoy.
Now, tell your friends - It's time to "set sail from homeport".
We've made these improvements just for you. Enjoy.
Now, tell your friends - It's time to "set sail from homeport".