Cruisers in the western half of North America can now be assured there will always be a Royal Caribbean ship in Galveston — at least for the next five years.
The two have signed a five-year agreement. The deal requires Galveston to spend some $10 million on the expansion of Terminal 2 to accommodate larger vessels. The expansion will ensure that Voyager Class ships (and larger) will be able to cruise out of the Texas port.
The work is expected to be done by 2015 with the promise from Royal Caribbean that a bigger ship will be there by the time the expansion is finished.
Meanwhile, Norwegian and Disney have signed a deal with the British Virgin Islands that they would have exclusive first rights on that port.
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At Crystal Cruises, business is so good the luxury line is upping its prices on March 1.
Crystal said fares would increase on more than 120 cruises commencing April 30. According to the line, the ships are already 78 per cent booked for this year and ahead of the curve for next year.
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It appears Royal Caribbean is taking care of the passengers that were on the norovirus-stricken Explorer of the Seas.
The ship cut the cruise by two days to get home to Cape Liberty to complete extensive cleaning.
All passenger will receive a 50 per cent refund plus a 50 per cent credit on another cruise. The cruise line will also reimburse passengers for any change fees and other costs for travelling home early.
As you know, if you’re hit by norovirus you are confined to your cabin — no fun, especially if you’re in an interior or oceanview. And as Ben Souza at Cruise Fever noted, it’s better to book a balcony and at least get a bit of fresh air while you’re suffering.
All for now.
Today at cruisingdoneright.com: New flag for Holland America!
