They’d rather go hiking, play golf, photograph nature, take a cooking class, ride a bike, head to Las Vegas for a poker tournament or any number of activities that are, they believe, incongruous with taking a cruise.

But there are very few activities or interests that can’t be enjoyed even more on a cruise whether it is part of the modern cruise experience or a theme cruise.  Here are a sampling of the enormous range of activities and special interest program.

Golf

There are few cruise lines that don’t offer golfing ashore at some of the world’s best golf courses.  For example, Norwegian Cruise Lines offers in-depth golf programs in Hawaii and Bermuda that enable golfers to tee off on some of the top courses.  Carnival Cruise Lines’ “Golf Ahoy” program includes on board instruction with the golf simulator and guided golf excursions in almost every port of call.  The luxury cruise lines, including Crystal Cruises and Silversea Cruises, schedule golf cruises on European, Canada/New England and Asian courses.

The facilities on the Grand, Crown, Diamond, Sapphire, Golden and Caribbean Princess are some of the finest afloat. They’re the only line with two virtual golf simulators onboard; plus, these vessels also include an on board pro, outdoor cages, putting courses, private and group lessons, clinics, and new Nike Golf equipment and attire (including the clubs and clothing Tiger Woods is now using).

CULINARY

Those who love to cook will find plenty of opportunities to learn new techniques from some of the world’s top chefs.   Aboard Holland America ships are Culinary Arts Centers plus classes and demonstrations led by roughly 70 visiting guests chefs per year.  In 2010 Crystal Cruises has scheduled numerous theme cruises focusing on food and wine in some of Europe’s most spectacular ports.  Uniworld River Cruises also offers “Epicurean Adventures” that include excursions ashore and cooking demonstrations on many European river sailings.  As part of its ScholarShip@Sea program, Princess features lectures and experts in culinary arts aboard its vessels.  MSC Cruises offers “how to” classes covering table-setting, serving food a drink, making centerpieces and decorating cakes.

FITNESS, BIKING AND HIKING

One of the biggest misconceptions is that cruising is a sedentary experience for the elderly.  In fact the average age of Royal Caribbean’s passengers is 42 and both Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line reports similar demographics.  Modern ships are equipped with fitness centers that rival those found ashore, boasting the latest pushing and pulling machines as well as jogging decks, basketball/volley ball courts and, in some cases, miniature golf.    Royal Caribbean’s Voyager- and Freedom-class ships boast ice-skating, roller blading on deck and rock climbing.

And today, cruise line shore excursions offer even more opportunities ashore for those who prefer an active vacation experience.  Carnival Cruise Lines offers bicycle tours in Skagway, Alaska; Barcelona and Jamaica, among other ports while Princess Cruises’ shore excursions typically include hikes to scenic places.  Cruise West’s photography cruises in Central America feature excursions ashore with experts who will help participants improve their techniques.

MUSIC & THE PERFORMING ARTS

Aspiring actors can study with the pros aboard Cunard Line’s Queen Mary 2 transatlantic crossings between New York and Southampton.  On all QM 2 crossings the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art offers acting workshops that focus on voice training, body movement and performing a Shakespeare monologue.  This enormous ship is one of the few that offers ballroom dancing to a 17-piece orchestra, symphony and top-flight guest performers.

Carnival Cruise Lines also offers an impress roster of music theme cruises for those who love Elvis, the “Fab Four” (Beatles) and Rick Springfield plus soap opera and murder mystery cruises.   On the brand new Norwegian Epic you’ll find the cruise industry’s first designated jazz club, Fatts.

The two best sources for scheduled theme cruises are Cruise Line International (www.cruising.org) and the Theme Cruise Finder (www.themecruisefinder.com) which has lists of special interest cruises as long as your arm.

Bookmark to:

In part the push to add ships to more areas outside the Western Hemisphere is based on the belief that the U.S. economy will recover significantly so that cruisers will be willing to pay higher prices than  are typically found in the Caribbean, Mexico and Hawaii.  It’s also to move ships away from these supersaturated cruising regions where  there are so many ships that cruise fares remain low.

There are always risks such as creating an over-capacity situation.  For example, in 2005 so many ships were positioned in the Baltic at one time that prices fell dramatically. And, Carnival, Royal Caribbean and NCL are betting that cruisers will select the enormous behemoths carrying up to 4,000 people. While these are popular with Caribbean cruisers it remains to be seen if the same holds true in Europe.

Below is an overview of  cruise lines making the largest increases in 2011.

2011  EUROPE DEPLOYMENT

Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Magic, sister of the 3,690-passenger Carnival Dream, will sail on seven-, nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona (the first time Carnival has home ported in this city).  Add to this, Magic will sail a full May to October season.

Disney Cruises is returning to Europe in 2011 with the Disney Magic which sails from Barcelona on 10- and 11-night cruises.

In 2011 Holland America Line will feature seven ships cruising the Mediterranean, Baltic and Northern Europe.   Both ms Nieuw Amsterdam and ms Noordam will sail the Mediterranean all season. The Nieuw Amsterdam, which debuts on July 4, 2010, will offer 12-day sailings while the Noordam will feature seven- and 10-day cruises.

Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest vessel, the 4200-passenger Norwegian Epic will sail from Barcelona and Norwegian Sun will sail from Copenhagen during a season of Baltic Cruises.   Norwegian Jade — which sails year-round in Europe — will cruise from home port Venice on Greek Island voyages.  

Oceania Cruises‘ newest ship, Marina, will enter service 2011 and join Insignia and Nautica on a summer season in Europe.    Most of Oceania’s itineraries include an overnight stay in port and, because the ships are significantly smaller in size,  stop at more ports off the beaten path.

Princess Cruises has announced its most extensive Europe season ever for 2011 with a total of seven vessels sailing on 42 itineraries and more than 135 port calls.  New itineraries include Emerald Princess’ 11-day expanded Scandinavia & Russia cruise  stopping in Oslo, Berlin, Stockholm and a two night stay in St. Petersburg.  Ocean Princess sails on seven-day Greek Isles and Mediterranean cruises which may be combined into 14-day voyages without repeating a port.  Pacific Princess sails in the Holy Land, Black Sea and Crimean Coast.

Royal Caribbean will increase its Europe fleet from eight to ten vessels.  While the largest ships normally stay put in the Caribbean, the 3,634-passenger Liberty of the Seas will home port in Barcelona.  The 154,407-ton ship is second only to Oasis of the Seas in size.  Additional itineraries will be announced.

What do YOU think?  Any plans to sail in Europe in 2011?

Bookmark to:

1. CRUISERS CONTINUE TO BOOK AT THE LAST MINUTE

According to a November, 2009 American Express survey of 405 member travel agents, 79% of customers are waiting until the last minute to book travel as a way of scoring the best deals. As long as the cruise industry continues to steeply drop cruise fares a month or so before departure the public will be conditioned to wait as long as it takes to score a deal.

AMEX travel agents also say that many travelers are choosing more “all-inclusive” types of vacations such as all-inclusive hotels and resorts (seen by 43% of agents) and cruises (seen by 40% of agents)

*** I personally think it’s better to book a cruise four to six months in advance, especially when your heart is set on a balcony cabin or suite. These staterooms sell out first and those who wait may only find inside and outside accommodations available.

*** Always factor in incentives offered by travel agents such as on-board credit, free gratuities and, in some cases, free airfare and shore excursions. Cruise enticements like these can lower the total cost of your cruise significantly.

2. LOWER CRUISE FARES WILL CONTINUE TO BE THE NORM

In its fourth quarter earnings report, Carnival Corporation forecast 2010 fares to be flat or up a bit.  An executive of the company, which owns Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Princess, Seabourn, Costa and Cunard, said that while bookings are the strongest they’ve ever had, prices haven’t increased. According to Jeffrey Sherota, Sr. Vice President of Cruises Only, “ in 2010 we’ll see a gradual increase but prices won’t rebound to 2007 levels for a while.”

The cheapest prices continue to be Mexico cruises due to the number of high-capacity ships repositioned to this region and lack of itinerary options. Unless you want to cross the Pacific to Hawaii (five days of sea travel), cruisers must settle on taking 3-, 4- and 7-day voyages along the coast of Mexico. Cheap? We’ve seen a few seven-day Mexico cruises starting at $199 per person, double occupancy.

3. FEWER SHIPS IN ALASKA

Alaska cruising has changed more than any other popular destination.  While for years the average annual increase in passengers was a healthy 12%, the number of cruisers dropped significantly last year. Much of it was price related: not only are airfare and shore excursion very pricey, but the State of Alaska levied a $50 per person tax. Last year, cruise lines began pulling ships from this region or basing them in Seattle for the season because airfare is lower.    With fewer ships you’ll likely find prices a bit higher in 2010, but there will still be lots of bargains.

According to the Anchorage Daily News, “the cruise industry — the biggest player in Alaska tourism — is sending fewer ships to Alaska next year due to the taxes and environmental restrictions approved by voters three years ago. That will mean roughly 140,000 fewer cruise ship passengers for Alaska.”  Last summer you could get a one-week Alaska cruise for fares starting around $350 but rates may be higher in 2010 because of decreased capacity.  Your best option is to pick a ship sailing round-trip from Seattle because flights are more convenient and less expensive.

4. NEW LARGE SHIPS ADD TO CAPACITY

According to Micky Arison who heads Carnival Corp., in 2010 capacity in the Caribbean will increase by double digit numbers due to the influx of new mega liners such as Carnival Dream and RCI’s Oasis of the Seas plus a steady steam of enormous new vessels entering service during the next 12 months.

In 2010 we’ll continue to see brand new mega ships enter service.  Norwegian Cruise Line debuts the 153,000 ton Norwegian Epic, Celebrity Cruises introduces Celebrity Equinox (an identical sister ship of Solstice) and Royal Caribbean continues to trump all its competitors by welcoming Oasis of the Seas‘ sister ship, the 6200 passenger Allure of the Seas.

Other new ships are Holland America’s 86,600 ton Nieuw Amsterdam, sister ship of Eurodam, MSC Cruises’ 93,300 ton MSC Magnifica and Cunard Line’s brand new Queen Mary at 92,000 tons.

Fortunately there are still a few small ships entering service, including the 450-passenger Seabourrn Sojourn, which joins the ultra luxury fleet of the Yachts of Seabourn.  American Cruise Lines, which specializes in small ship cruising off the beaten path welcomes two new vessels,
104-passenger Independence and the 210-passenger Pearl Mist.

*** 5. WILD CARD: AIRLINE FARES AND CAPACITY

When I flew to Fort Lauderdale to board Oasis of the Seas last November the airport was mobbed already thanks to the addition of a 6,200-passenger ship.  Will this airport be able to handle another influx of passengers when sister ship Allure of the Seas starts sailing from the same home port this year? And, will consumers decide they don’t want to fly to take a ship because air travel is too much of a hassle after Christmas Day terrorist incident and subsequent new security measures?

In the end, it’s airfare prices that will determine whether many people can afford a cruise this year. Airlines cut capacity in order to keep fares as high as possible and this can make or break cruises departing from major cruise home ports like Florida.

Bookmark to:

Will the fear of catching swine flu keep you from taking a cruise ship if the virus gains momentum, as it is supposed to, in the fall?

Bookmark to:

Those who have booked cruises aboard one of the six Carnival companies departing post-December 17 will get refunds for the supplement in the form of shipboard credit.  Bookings made outside the final payment period will have be adjusted to remove the supplement. 

Since the price of oil has dropped to $46 per barrel, Carnival Corp. is passing along the savings to passengers.   However, executives say that the surcharge could be re-instated if oil prices increase significantly.

According to Bill Harber, director of marketing for Carnival Corp., “The company reserves the right to re-instate the fuel supplement for all guests at up to $9 per person per day (except Seabourn, which would be up to $15 per person per day) should the price of light sweet crude oil according to the NYMEX (New York Mercantile Exchange Index) increase above $70 per barrel.” 

While Royal Caribbean (which owns Celebrity Cruises & Azamara Cruises), Norwegian Cruise Line and luxury cruise lines still have fuel supplements, look for them to follow suit within a few days. 

Bookmark to:

On October 10, Carnival Corp. made a similar announcement that Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America, Princess and Seabourn will also eliminate fuel surcharges on 2010 sailings effective Oct. 31, 2008. 

Regarding 2009 departures, Royal Caribbean says it ”will determine on a quarterly basis whether fuel supplements will be refunded.  Refunds, in the form of an on-board credit, will be provided if the closing price of West Texas Intermediate fuel is $65 or less at the closing time of the New York Mercantile Exchange, two weeks prior to the beginning of the upcoming calendar quarter.”  (PHEW!) 

Bookmark to:

According to The Cruise Log, Bermuda’s legislature has approved a plan to let ships operate shops, bars, casinos and other entertainment venus during the evening while ships sit in port. 

One reason for the decline in cruise ship visitors is that ships are too big to dock in Hamilton and must now anchor in the less-desirable King’s Wharf, accessible to the capital city by ferry or bus.   Local tourism officials are attempting to attract smaller, more premium ships to return to the island.

Does gambling aboard the ship while it is in port attract you to a Bermuda cruise?

Bookmark to:

Caribbean 

In the Caribbean, Princess will sail six ships on 13 itineraries including Ruby Princess, which takes over the line’s 10-day Eastern and Southern Caribbean itineraries.  Emerald Princess sails the Eastern Caribbean and Crown Princess cruises the Western Caribbean on a new itinerary which features Roatan, Honduras.  Caribbean Princess resumes alternating seven-day Southern Caribbean voyages from San Juan.  Grand Princess returns with a 14-day Caribbean Collection route and Sea Princess will again sail on 14-day voyages from Barbados.

Mexico

On the Pacific side, two Princess ships will visit Mexico: Sapphire Princess sailing on seven-day Mexican Riviera voyages from Los Angles and Star Princess cruising on 10-day itineraries round-trip from San Francisco.

Panama Canal

In 2009/10, Princess will add a new Panama Canal experience: two-day stops in a canal port with time for local sightseeing.  On select full transits, the ship will anchor at Fuente Amador, on the Canal’s Pacific site.  Shore excursions include the Panama Canal Railway, Panama City, Soberania National Park Rainforest or a visit to a local Indian village.

Coral and Island Princess will feature the two-day Panama experience on 15-day Los Angeles/Fort Lauderdale itineraries.  In addition, Island and Sea Princess sailings between Ft. Lauderdale and San Francisco plus Royal Princess 20-day voyage from Ft. Lauderdale to Seattle will include an extra night in the Canal. 

Additional full Canal transits include the Island Princess’ ten-day cruises between Ft. Lauderdale and Acapulco with stops in Costa Rica, Nicaragua and Guatemala.

Popular round-trip transits from Ft. Lauderdale are scheduled on Island Princess on 13 departures between Oct. 1, 1009 and April 19, 2010.

Bookmark to:

The company suffered another mishap yesterday when its ship, the MV Aquamarine, hit the dock in Crete resulting in a 1.5 meter gash in the hull.  Carrying 872 passengers and 407 crew, the ship is sailing at reduced speed to the island of Milos.

According to a company spokesman, “The gash is above the water line and there is no danger to passengers.”

Built in 1971 by Royal Caribbean, the ship sailed as the Nordic Princess until 1995, when she was sold to another cruise line.  The ship carries a full passenger compliment of 1268 passengers.

Bookmark to:

Built in 1966 as the Kungsholm for Swedish America Line and has previously sailed as P&O Cruises’ Sea Princess and later renamed Victoria.

Bookmark to: