Set Sail From Homeport!
Cruise Lines
Princess Cruises New Smoking Policy
06/15/11 14:15
| June 15, 2011 |
Carnival's New Smoking Policy
06/15/11 14:14
We know your bags aren't packed yet, but it's not too early to start thinking about your cruise. So, we'd like to take this opportunity to inform you of some important information.
We recently conducted guest surveys covering a wide range of topics. The feedback we received indicated the overwhelming majority of our guests prefer a smoke-free environment. In fact, nearly 90 percent of our guests are non-smokers, with only less than five percent opting to smoke in their staterooms.
Accordingly, as part of our ongoing commitment to keep in line with the personal preferences of our guests, we will be changing the smoking policy across our 23-ship fleet.
The new smoking policy will be rolled out in two stages:
- Effective today, cigarette smoking in public venues will only be permitted in Carnival's dance clubs as well as in designated areas within the casino and casino bar.
Smoking (including cigars) will be permitted in designated exterior open deck areas of all our ships. Additionally, smoking will also be allowed in the jazz clubs of the following ships: Carnival Destiny, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Victory, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride, Carnival Legend, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Freedom, and Carnival Splendor. - Effective December 1, 2011, smoking will be prohibited in all guest staterooms. Guests in balcony staterooms may smoke (including cigars) outside on their balcony. However, Spa suites and staterooms, inclusive of the balconies, will remain an entirely smoke-free environment.
Guests who smoke in their staterooms will be assessed a $250 cleaning and refreshing fee on their Sail & Sign account. Information on this fee is included in Carnival's ticket contract.
We thank you for your understanding and appreciate your cooperation in adhering to our new smoking policy. Most importantly, we look forward to welcoming you aboard!
Sincerely,
Vicky Rey, CTC Vice President - Guest Services
HAL Interline Policy Update
02/09/11 14:01
After extensive prodding (from Mike Gresh @ Homeport Cruises Co.) Holland America has modified their Interline Policy. Although they retain the right to ‘bump’ interline guests (with full refund) they now may also offer partial or full cruise fare refunds or upgrades if the interliner moves to a new sailing date. This has already happened to one of Homeport’s clients – they received a refund of the cruise fare and were moved to a new sailing date. This is a gargantuan improvement to HAL’s interline policy just 10 days ago. A hardy thanks to Mike (former NW/DL employee) who went to bat for ALL interliners, not just his own clients. One more reason to book your next HAL cruise with Homeport Cruises Co.
Carnival Cruise Line "Interline Booking Fee"
02/09/11 11:13
2/9/2011 - New Carnival Cruise Line "Interline" Booking Fee $35/Cabin. We don't believe in charging booking fees, however Carnival has made draconian cuts to commissions paid to their travel agent partners, therefore we have no choice but to charge a booking fee if we are to survive. You will continue to receive the excellent & knowledgeable service you've come to expect from Homeport Cruises Co.
RCCL's Allure of the Seas
11/30/10 21:27
Hello Friends of Homeport Cruises Co.
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. I want to share some of thoughts on Royal Caribbean’s incredible new Allure of the Seas.
“All I can say is that this ship is AMAZING. It truly feels like a resort that happens to float. People have asked me what the differences are between the Allure and the Oasis. The ships themselves are almost identical in most ways with a just a few minor variances”. The differences include:
The Boardwalk Dog House - whereby you can choose one of 8 different varieties of hot dogs and sausages.
Rita's Cantina- this a new restaurant for us located on the boardwalk open for lunch and dinner featuring some incredible Mexican cuisine. This restaurant takes the place of the Seafood Shack on the Oasis.
Samba Grill- this Brazilian Steakhouse is open in the evenings and offers a vast array of all you can eat meats served in the Brazilian fashion with skewers of meat being brought to the table. Don't forget the very extensive salad bar. Overall an incredible dining experience. This takes the place of the Solarium Bistro in the evenings on the Oasis.
Starbuck's- this is the first Starbuck's at sea.
Romero Britto's Art Gallery - located next to the Coach Shop in Central Park offers this iconic pop artist's work for sale.
Guess Retail Shop- located in the Royal Promenade.
“The dress rehearsal of the Allure’s production of Chicago was as good if not better then the production I saw a few years ago in the city of Chicago. You’ll be enthralled with the extensive entertainment options on this ship including the two aqua theater shows and our ice show. RCCL’s partnership with Dreamworks Animation really enhances the entertainment options on the Allure. From the character parades to the 3D movie shown in our main show lounge, there is something that will please all age groups.”
Below is a video slideshow of the Allure of the Seas taken last week. Take a peak. As they say a picture is worth a thousand words. For now, the best deals are on the Oasis of the Seas if you want to experience one of the Super Size Ships!
I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday. I want to share some of thoughts on Royal Caribbean’s incredible new Allure of the Seas.
“All I can say is that this ship is AMAZING. It truly feels like a resort that happens to float. People have asked me what the differences are between the Allure and the Oasis. The ships themselves are almost identical in most ways with a just a few minor variances”. The differences include:
The Boardwalk Dog House - whereby you can choose one of 8 different varieties of hot dogs and sausages.
Rita's Cantina- this a new restaurant for us located on the boardwalk open for lunch and dinner featuring some incredible Mexican cuisine. This restaurant takes the place of the Seafood Shack on the Oasis.
Samba Grill- this Brazilian Steakhouse is open in the evenings and offers a vast array of all you can eat meats served in the Brazilian fashion with skewers of meat being brought to the table. Don't forget the very extensive salad bar. Overall an incredible dining experience. This takes the place of the Solarium Bistro in the evenings on the Oasis.
Starbuck's- this is the first Starbuck's at sea.
Romero Britto's Art Gallery - located next to the Coach Shop in Central Park offers this iconic pop artist's work for sale.
Guess Retail Shop- located in the Royal Promenade.
“The dress rehearsal of the Allure’s production of Chicago was as good if not better then the production I saw a few years ago in the city of Chicago. You’ll be enthralled with the extensive entertainment options on this ship including the two aqua theater shows and our ice show. RCCL’s partnership with Dreamworks Animation really enhances the entertainment options on the Allure. From the character parades to the 3D movie shown in our main show lounge, there is something that will please all age groups.”
Below is a video slideshow of the Allure of the Seas taken last week. Take a peak. As they say a picture is worth a thousand words. For now, the best deals are on the Oasis of the Seas if you want to experience one of the Super Size Ships!
Princess Military On-Board Credit Program
11/19/10 07:19
Last Updated 11/21/10 - "... this offer excludes Travel Agent, Interline, Employee Space Available and Friend and Family fares."
Princess is pleased to offer a special Military Personnel onboard credit program. This program is available to active military, retired military and disabled military veterans with proper identification as outlined below. Please ensure that documentation provided has any Social Security Number crossed out.
Restrictions
This offer is non-transferable.
Procedures
Please provide your name, reservation number, ship and sailing date with proof of eligibility as outlined @ time of booking to Homeport Cruises Co. representative.
Princess is pleased to offer a special Military Personnel onboard credit program. This program is available to active military, retired military and disabled military veterans with proper identification as outlined below. Please ensure that documentation provided has any Social Security Number crossed out.
- Active personnel currently serving in the following service divisions:
- United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard or Reserves
- Canadian National Defense
- Retired Personnel defined as A) enlisted personnel or officers with a minimum of 20 years of service, B) medically retired, or C) 100% disabled.
- Veterans with an Honorable Discharge serving a minimum of 2 years or 6 months in an active war zone in any of the United States service divisions listed above or Canadian National Defense.
- Active Personnel
- U.S.- A copy of a military verification certificate confirming active duty status and a valid driver's license or passport. The military verification certificate is available for free online at http://www.defense.gov/faq
- Canada - WHITE N.D. 21 Identification Card
- Retired Personnel
- U.S. - BLUE or TAN Uniformed Identification Card
- Canada - WHITE N.D.21 Identification Card
- Veterans with an Honorable Discharge serving a minimum of 2 years or 6 months in an active war zone
- U.S. - DD 214 with current photo identification
- Canada - WHITE N.D. 21 Identification Card
| Cruise Length | Amount |
| 6 Days or Less | $50 per cabin |
| 7 - 13 Days | $100 per cabin |
| 14 Days or Longer | $250 per cabin |
- Offer is only valid for eligible military personnel in the U.S. and Canada only.
- This offer cannot be used for casino credits/charges and Hotel and Dining Charges.
- Offer is combinable with most Onboard Credit Offers.
This offer is non-transferable.
Procedures
Please provide your name, reservation number, ship and sailing date with proof of eligibility as outlined @ time of booking to Homeport Cruises Co. representative.
Cunard Military On-Board Credit Program
11/19/10 07:11
Last Updated 11/21/10 - "... this offer excludes Travel Agent, Interline, Employee Space Available and Friend and Family fares."
Cunard is pleased to offer a special Military Personnel onboard credit program. This program is available to active military, retired military and disabled military veterans with proper identification as outlined below. Please ensure that documentation provided has any Social Security Number crossed out.
Restrictions
Procedures
Please provide your name, reservation number, ship and sailing date with proof of eligibility as outlined above @ time of booking to Homeport Cruises Co. representative.
Cunard is pleased to offer a special Military Personnel onboard credit program. This program is available to active military, retired military and disabled military veterans with proper identification as outlined below. Please ensure that documentation provided has any Social Security Number crossed out.
- Active personnel currently serving in the following service divisions:
- United States Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, National Guard or Reserves
- Canadian National Defense
- Retired Personnel defined as A) enlisted personnel or officers with a minimum of 20 years of service, B) medically retired, or C) 100% disabled.
- Veterans with an Honorable Discharge serving a minimum of 2 years or 6 months in an active war zone in any of the United States service divisions listed above or Canadian National Defense.
- Active Personnel
- U.S.- A copy of a military verification certificate confirming active duty status and a driver's license or passport or a Uniformed ID card. The military verification certificate is available for free online at http://www.defense.gov/faq
- Canada - WHITE N.D. 21 Identification Card
- Retired Personnel
- U.S. - BLUE or TAN Uniformed Identification Card
- Canada - WHITE N.D.21 Identification Card
- Veterans with an Honorable Discharge serving a minimum of 2 years or 6 months in an active war zone
- U.S. - DD 214 with current photo identification
- Canada - WHITE N.D. 21 Identification Card
| Cruise Length | Amount |
| 6 Days or Less | $50 per cabin |
| 7 - 13 Days | $100 per cabin |
| 14 Days or Longer | $250 per cabin |
- This offer is only good for one cabin occupied by the military person.
- Offer is only valid for eligible military personnel in the U.S. and Canada only.
- This offer cannot be used for casino credits/charges and Hotel and Dining Charges.
- Offer is combinable with most Onboard Credit Offers. Transferability
Procedures
Please provide your name, reservation number, ship and sailing date with proof of eligibility as outlined above @ time of booking to Homeport Cruises Co. representative.
