Vacation Stimulus Plan for cruises!

Unprecedented’ low fares, reduced deposits and more are among the initiatives in Holland America Line’s new ‘Vacation Stimulus Plan.’

‘Our message is to buy low and live high,

Under the initiative, deposits are reduced by 50% on cruises and cruise tours for departures from May 1.

Several 2009 sailings offer one FREE CRUISE credit for every 10-12 passengers sailing together.

During the view and verandah promotion, you can upgrade from an inside stateroom to an outside stateroom starting at an additional $50, or from an outside stateroom to verandah accommodations starting at an additional $100.

No Bailout here....

Best News of the day!

Carnival and it's families of cruise lines will suspend fuel supplements for its six North American brands effective for voyages departing on or after Dec. 17.

This applies to Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn.

A refund of the supplement will be made in the form of a shipboard credit for bookings within the final payment period for departures on or after Dec. 17. Bookings outside of the final payment period for departures on or after that date will be adjusted to remove the supplement.

Carnival noted it may re-instate the supplement of up to $9 per person, per day (except for Seabourn, which would be up to $15 per person, per day) should the price of light sweet crude oil according to the New York Mercantile Exchange Index rise above $70 per barrel.

The Retreat

Holland America Line plans to transform the aft Lido Decks into resort-style pool areas called THE RETREAT. Five ships will be fitted with the focus being a shallow pool area with 44 lounge chairs and built-in benches.

The area is slated for Statendam, Maasdam, Ryndam, Veendam and Rotterdam.

The Retreat’s pool will be divided into three main sections separated by low, curving walls. The middle section is 16 inches deep so passengers can sit on benches in the water. The two side sections will place lounge chairs in eight inches of water. Waterfalls and spouts will enhance the décor. At one end of the pool will be a hot tub.

A pizzeria serving whole pies and slices and a stage will be added, along with a LED screen and sound system to be integrated into each ship’s infrastructure.

This continued phase of HAL’s Signature of Excellence upgrades is scheduled to begin with Veendam’s drydock in the spring, with completion on the Maasdam in early 2011.