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Welcome
FRIENDS AND GUESTS OF
This website is designed with you in mind. If this is your first cruise or another to add to a long list of cruises, look here for valuable information.
When you registered for your cruise with Dream Cruise Vacations you received a Welcome Email, an Email Confirmation of your booking and a Welcome Kit via US Priority Mail. That's a lot of information to start with, probably more than you are used to getting from other travel sources. Here, we offer more in-depth information. Every Friday, booked guests get an email newsletter titled "Get Ready For Your Cruise" with all the latest information and feature articles.
It's all designed to make you the most informed and most prepared cruiser possible. We want you to enjoy every minute of your vacation. Taking some time now to get ready, and learn or review what you need to know. Bookmark this site and come back often; it makes for a richer cruise experience.
With all this information, count on having some questions. That's where I come in. Please don't hessitate to send me an email with your questions. I'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Enjoy this website created just for you!
Chris
Chris Owen, MCC
Dream Cruise Vacations
Chris@YourCruiseDream.com
866 604 4658 Toll Free US
407 889 8947 Direct line
CARNIVAL SENSATION TO RECEIVE FULL ‘EVOLUTIONS OF FUN’ UPGRADES
DURING JANUARY 2009 DRY DOCK
New Features Include Expansive Aqua Park, Adults-Only Retreat, Resort-Style Main Pool Area, Nearly 1,000 Refurbished Staterooms
MIAMI (August 6, 2008) – Carnival Sensation will undergo a multi-million-dollar refurbishment that will include the installation of an expansive water park, an exclusive adults-only retreat and tropical-themed mid-ship pool area, as well as renovations to nearly 1,000 staterooms and cosmetic enhancements to a wide range of public rooms and areas.
The “extreme makeover,” which represents the next phase of the line’s “Evolutions of Fun” product enhancement initiative for the line’s eight Fantasy-class vessels, will take place during a scheduled 35-day dry dock in January 2009.
Carnival Sensation – which operates the line’s popular three- and four-day Bahamas cruise program from Port Canaveral, Fla. – will be the fourth Fantasy-class ship to receive the full “Evolutions of Fun” makeovers. Carnival Inspiration and Carnival Imagination were completed late last year and Carnival Fantasy is scheduled to receive the upgrades during a scheduled dry dock this fall.
“With its attractive short cruise program and proximity to Central Florida attractions, the Carnival Sensation is already a popular vacation option and the ‘Evolutions of Fun’ upgrades will offer even more fun and exciting experiences for our guests,” said Ruben Rodriguez, Carnival’s executive vice president of marketing and guest experience.
New Water Park, Adults-Only Area, Tropical-Style Main Pool
Highlighting Carnival Sensation’s new “Evolutions of Fun” upgrades will be an expansive Carnival WaterWorks aqua park that is sure to appeal to guests of all ages. Located on Verandah Deck, the open-air facility includes a 300-foot-long spiral water slide – the longest at sea – along with twin 82-foot-long racing slides and various water spray apparatus.
The dry dock will also include an exclusive new adults-only retreat called “Serenity,” located aft on Promenade Deck. Designed as an oasis for relaxation and comfort, Serenity will offer magnificent ocean views along with plush chaise lounges and chairs with shade provided by colorful oversized umbrellas. Serenity guests can relax in two large whirlpools and enjoy a variety of icy cocktails and frozen drinks.
Another component of the “Evolutions of Fun” upgrades is a new resort-style pool located mid-ship on Lido Deck that will feature a tropical theme with thatched roofing, faux palm trees and striking umbrellas surrounding the facility. Comfortable deck chairs and a colorful tiled “beach” encircling the pool’s edge add to the ambiance.
Extensive Stateroom Upgrades, Other Enhancements
Carnival Sensation’s “Evolutions of Fun” upgrades also include extensive renovations to nearly 1,000 staterooms which will feature flat-screen televisions with an updated décor with new carpeting, wall coverings and light fixtures, as well as renovated bathrooms.
Carnival Sensation’s 35-day dry dock will also include cosmetic enhancements to virtually all public rooms and areas, including the Fantasy and Ecstasy main dining rooms, the poolside Seaview Bar & Grille, Touch of Class piano bar, Oak Room library, and Kaleidoscope dance club. Many of Carnival Sensation’s live music and dancing venues have already received new high-tech sound and lighting systems during a previous dry dock.
Other ‘Evolutions of Fun’ Enhancements
The new upgrades will complement the Carnival Sensation’s wide range of previously introduced enhancements that are part of the “Evolutions of Fun” program, including a nine-hole miniature golf course, renovated 12,000-square-foot Spa Carnival facility, new art and photo galleries, an atrium lobby bar, and a 1,200-square-foot conference center.
A number of family friendly amenities – including expansive new facilities for children, tweens and teens, part of the line’s “Camp Carnival,” “Circle C” and “Club O2” programs, respectively – along with more than 50 interconnecting staterooms -- have been added, as well.
NEW 3,006-PASSENGER CARNIVAL SPLENDOR
SHOWCASED IN ‘ON BOARD WITH CARNIVAL’ WEBISODE
MIAMI (August 6, 2008) – Carnival Cruise Lines’ newest “Fun Ship,” the 113,300-ton Carnival Splendor which debuted in Europe last month, is showcased in a new webisode airing on www.carnival.com/splendor (click on “blog”). The 3,006-passenger SuperLiner – the largest “Fun Ship” ever constructed – debuted July 2 and is currently operating the line’s first-ever Northern Europe cruise program.
Hosted by Carnival’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Guest Services Lynn Torrent, the new webisodes feature entertaining interviews with three longtime Carnival employees: Carnival Splendor Senior Cruise Director John Heald, who highlights the ship’s iconic elements such as the 21,000-square-foot “Cloud 9 Spa” and Seaside Theatre poolside LED screen; Senior Maitre d’ Ken Byrne, who details Carnival Splendor’s wide-ranging formal and casual dining options; and Vice President of Cruise Programming Roger Blum, who, as the producer of the ship’s production shows, offers unique insight into the lavish revues and numerous other entertainment choices.
The interviews, which were taped on board during the Carnival Splendor’s three-day preview cruise from Dover last month, are the newest additions to the “On Board with Carnival” series during which Torrent interviews members of Carnival’s management team in a relaxed talk show-like setting.
Representing a new class of ship for the line, Carnival Splendor offers a wide range of entertainment choices, from three high-energy revues - The Beat,” “Vroom,” and “Fiesta Latina” – presented in the 1,500-seat Spectacular Spectacular show lounge to the line’s legendary “Midnight Special” comedy show. A delicious array of culinary options, including full-service meals in the Gold Pearl and Black Pearl dining rooms, casual choices in The Lido poolside restaurant and gourmet cuisine in The Pinnacle supper club, are offered, as well.
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Discover the ultimate in cruise vacations on a level and
scale the world has yet to see. Take advantage of this
members-only invitation and reserve a suite or stateroom
before the general public on Oasis of the SeasSM our
newest, most innovative ship yet
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Be the one to experience what will be the world's
most revolutionary cruise ship with many "firsts" such as
Loft Suites, BoardwalkSM featuring the AquaTheater and
an expanded Royal Promenade
Top image: AquaTheater. Bottom image: BoardwalkTM
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This incredible ship will begin its inaugural season on December 12, 2009, departing from
Ft. Lauderdale, with seven-night Eastern Caribbean itineraries through April 2010. In May 2010, Oasis of the SeasSM will alternate between seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries.
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If you are having trouble activating your online
membership, please contact the Crown & Anchor® Society at the number below. When you
reserve your cruise vacation, remember to include your Crown & Anchor® Society Membership Number to ensure you receive all the benefits and
recognition you deserve. If you need your Membership Number, or to update
your member information, please e-mail us at crownandanchor@rccl.com,
or call the Crown & Anchor® Society at (800) 526-9723, Monday through
Friday 8 am to 11 pm, Saturday and Sunday 9 am to 8 pm EDT.
*Terms and Conditions for this Special Invitation
- To make a reservation under this offer, email Chris@YourCruiseDream.com or call 407 889 8947. 1-800 numbers for the Special Invitation
offer will be activated beginning at 8:00 am EDT on August 21 for
Diamond and Diamond Plus, and August 28 for all Crown & Anchor® Society members. Offer not available through other reservation numbers.
- Valid Crown & Anchor® membership number required for each reservation. Deposits are required at the time of initial reservation with full name. No name changes will be accepted on reservations.
Royal Caribbean reserves the right to cancel or refuse reservation if membership number is not available or valid at the time of reservation. Offer not transferable.
- Reservations will be open to the general public and groups beginning September 3, 2008 during regular desk hours.
*+Certified Vacation Planners are available during regular desk hours daily, 9:00 am - 11:00 pm EDT. Three days, August 21; August 28; and September 3, Certified Vacation Planners will be available for direct bookings beginning at 8:00 am EDT. Hours in international offices and onboard ships vary, check for listings.
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YOU ASKED
Why is my cabin "unassigned"?
This question comes up a lot and there is a very good reason for it.
If you received your confirmation from us and it says "TBA" (To Be Added) where you cabin number should be listed, you have an unassigned cabin. The cruise line will give us that number later, closer to sailing, usually after final payment has been made.
But why?
Many passengers know what cabin they will be in before they board. Others book "guaanteed"cabins with the location to be added (TBA) by the cruise line later.
What this means is that they book a cabin that is in a particular category, (that's the guaranteed part) but it could be anywhere on the ship. The tradeoff for this not knowing where you'll be is that you get a chance to be "upgraded" to a higher (and more expensive) category cabin at no additional charge. You will never be downgraded. Chances are if you book a lower category guaranteed cabin that you will be upgraded.
The most common upgrade is to be upgraded to a "better" cabin within the category you have already paid for. (Like from a Category 4A to a 4D) This commonly means a higher deck, under the belief that higher is better. Technically the "best" part of the ship is the dead center of it in relation of the front to back and side to side. Think of a teeter totter. The people sitting on either end move up and down a lot. The center part moves very little. The same basic theory applied to cruise ships in the olden days when they might be tossed about by rogue waves in uncharted seas.
Today, huge stabilizer bars that extend out the side of the ship under the water line reduce that sort of movement to a minimum. In fact, on most ships you will probably have to look outside and see the ocean rolling by to know you are moving at all.
If you booked a guaranteed cabin prior to 9/11 security measure implementation, you may found out your cabi location as late as when you reach the pier upon embarkation. The porters there would have a manifest of all the cabins and all the lucky winners (or not) and be able to help you re-tag your bags with the appropriate information to insure that yours get to your cabin. But most guests these days find out this information much earlier, usually some time between when final payment is made and 7 days prior to sailing.
But why would the cruise lines let us pay for a less expensive cabin and give us a more expensive cabin anyway?
In the cruise line business, much like the hotel business, the name of the game is occupancy. The cruise lines live and breathe to fill the ships and will do so using a number of strategies. One strategy is to offer bonus amenities on a particular sailing to entice us to book that one. Another is to offer free upgrades. But there is more than the notion of maybe getting somthing more than what we paid for at work here.
The cruise lines want every potential buyer to have a nice selection of cabins to choose from when making their buying decision. One party might want an inside cabin, another a balcony and yet another an Oceanview cabin. When they open a sailing for sale, they have a pretty good idea which cabins will sell first; the most expensive and the least expensive. But much of it depends on us. A given sailing might happen to sell mostly inexpensive inside cabins to begin with, limiting the number available to sell to others while more expensive inside cabin go unsold. In order to have that nice selection of all cabin categoris for someone just entering the buying arena, the cruise lines will move up the guests who booked early and bought those first inexpensive inside cabins to a higher category inside cabin, making more space in the inexpensive category.
Are you with me so far? Basically a complementary upgrade means you get somehting for nothing.
So if you got upgraded or not might depend on just that. But when it comes time to dole out the upgrades there may be a limited number available. That's when they look at other factors to determine who gets the upgrade. Factors like what you paid, how long the booking has been made and/or past guest status are often considered. If your cruise was booked 6 months or more in advance you have time on your side and could stand to gain a substantial upgrade at no additional cost to you.
That is an important part of the whole thing.
If you wanted to be very mid-ship and on a certain deck, you may be better off doing what it takes (usually paying full deposit at the time of booking) to lock in to a specific cabin right up front. The up side of that is that you will know exactly where you are going to be on the ship as far in advance as possible. The down side is that on most lines it greatly reduces if not eliminates the possibility of a complenentary upgrade.
Prime candidates for assigning cabins up front are those who need a specific location, say by an elevator because they don't want to have to stumble too far back to the cabin, handicapped cabins and suites. On some ships, cabins with three or more guests may be required to lock in to a specific cabin just because there are a limited number that will hold that many people.
These days though, most guests benefit from NOT choosing a cabin up front and realize a nice upgrade by the time they sail. Of course, the only thing guaranteed about a complementary upgrade is that there are no guarantees that it will happen.
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SPECIAL GROUP RATES
ON SELECTED SAILINGS
NOW AVAILABLE TO ALL VISITORS
CARNIVAL
ROYAL CARIBBEAN
CELEBRITY
PRINCESS CRUISES
JOIN AN EXISTING GROUP
OR START YOUR OWN
ALREADY HAVE A GROUP?
TRANSFER IT TO US AND SAVE
SEE CHRIS FOR MORE INFO
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