What Great Rates ?

[pratzert]

I am planning to book a European Cruise on Oceania before Monday when their big sale is over.

 

But I started reading over and over agin, that Azamara has rates that blow "O" out of the water.

 

Where ? Where are those rates ? When I go to the Azamara web site, I see a "few" itineraries that may interest me, but the pricing is not great bargain compared to "O where the airfare is included.

 

Can someone please give me a link to those great Promo rates ?

 

Thanks.....

[suec12]

Well if you can, try comparing without air - I think A and Celebrity do not offer good air packages. Maybe with the current sale O prices are closer to A than they have been at other times. We took a May cruise with O (Athens to Istanbul) but next summer we will try Azamara - I do think they usually run hundreds of $$$$ cheaper but even tho its a bit of a pain, try to get theexact prices on the cruises you want.

[Jade13]

I am planning to book a European Cruise on Oceania before Monday when their big sale is over.

 

But I started reading over and over agin, that Azamara has rates that blow "O" out of the water.

 

Where ? Where are those rates ? When I go to the Azamara web site, I see a "few" itineraries that may interest me, but the pricing is not great bargain compared to "O where the airfare is included.

 

Can someone please give me a link to those great Promo rates ?

 

Thanks.....

 

Which itinerary and date/s?

 

What cabin type? (The promos maybe on certain types such as a Verandah for an OV price etc., but not on a Suite)

[Susan-M]

I too am interested in knowing the specifics of what you are comparing. Please give us the total price for one of the Oceania cruises that you are looking into ... date, ship, cabin type & air fare from which city.

 

Thanks,

[Jancruz]

Its not only the rates its the amenities..sometime their website does not tell the whole story!!

Jancruz1

[Heelan]

Normally I book everything online, but this time I used AAA because when I compared what I could get the cruise for online and what AAA did, it ended up being a few hundred dollars cheaper. My TA had a lot of info that I didn't. Also, Azamara listed Omaha as a gateway city. Usually it costs us a bundle to connect with international flights. We were pretty happy that the airfare was included. But, yeah, I agree price it with and without the airfare.

[suec12]

Sometimes it can be difficult to compare Apples to Oranges - or Azamara to Oceania - but really, it seems the itineraries are not very similar for 2010. Which ones are you looking at?

[JennAngel9]

My understanding is that AZ is trying to avoid heavily discounting their cruises beyond a few months out in hopes people will pay higher fares if the economy improves (is there an emoticon for "keep dreaming"?). When we booked our cruise for next week (in June, I believe), 2 weeks on AZ was something like <2k for a balcony stateroom, with gratuities! Are you seeing anything close to that on Oceania? If so, I think most people around here would advise you to snap it up! On the other hand, there are no guarantees that AZ is going to offer every cruise, or even most cruises, at those rates... especially if you are travelling on very popular itineraries during the peak season.

 

Having not yet sailed either AZ or Oceania, I can't speak with personal knowledge, but a lot of people who have cruised Azamara lately seem to be indicating that is has made a lot of progress in closing the "perceived quality" gap with Oceania, so they might be able to command more similar pricing as they encourage cruiser loyalty.

[maryann ns]

The price dropped considerably for my cruise several times, but it seems to be back up now. Then again, I believe the balcony staterooms are sold out as several of us who had guarantees have had our staterooms assigned.

[Jade13]

When we booked our cruise for next week (in June, I believe), 2 weeks on AZ was something like <2k for a balcony stateroom, with gratuities! Are you seeing anything close to that on Oceania? If so, I think most people around here would advise you to snap it up! On the other hand, there are no guarantees that AZ is going to offer every cruise, or even most cruises, at those rates... especially if you are travelling on very popular itineraries during the peak season.

 

Having not yet sailed either AZ or Oceania, I can't speak with personal knowledge, but a lot of people who have cruised Azamara lately seem to be indicating that is has made a lot of progress in closing the "perceived quality" gap with Oceania, so they might be able to command more similar pricing as they encourage cruiser loyalty.

 

I would also like to know if Oceana has 12-14 night cruises in exotic destinations for 2K pp for a balcony?

[pratzert]

I would also like to know if Oceana has 12-14 night cruises in exotic destinations for 2K pp for a balcony?

 

No... not even close.

 

The best I've really seen on a 14 day is $5200 PP for a Balcony but does include air. They will give a credit of a little over $1000 to back out the airfare leaving the price of a 14 day balcony at $4200. A FAR cry from $2000.

 

Now to that $2000 you will add in about $1000 airfare making it $3000 PP but still quite a bit cheaper than "O".

 

But I dont' see anything at all close to the itineraries on "A" that I have found on "O".

 

Problem is... I don't have a brochure for "A" and I have to search each and every sailing for itineraries and pricing.... it's a big PIA.

 

"O" is also Including soda and bottled water for the Europe 2010 sailings... I know... not a huge thing... but it can add up.

 

We can sail almost anytime with a few exceptions and are looking at an Itinerary on "O" called "Mediterranean Tapestry". 14 Days with 14 Ports.

 

We are really under pressure if we want to get the "O" promotions as they end Aug.31st. Who knows what will come after that date... it may be better or it may be worse with pricing.

[pratzert]

Sometimes it can be difficult to compare Apples to Oranges - or Azamara to Oceania - but really, it seems the itineraries are not very similar for 2010. Which ones are you looking at?

 

Mediterranean Tapestry Sailing April 28th and another on Sept. 17.

 

The Sept. 17th sailing is $500PP MORE for each category.

 

But a wonderful Itinerary. The Promo rates Include airfare but not air taxes which are another $419.

 

Bottom line for Category F is $4418 including the air taxes for the April sailing.

 

Category F is an Inside cabin. The balcony is $1200 MORE than that PP.

[LHT28]

We are really under pressure if we want to get the "O" promotions as they end Aug.31st. Who knows what will come after that date... it may be better or it may be worse with pricing.

It will go up to the 2 for 1 brochure rates;)

 

Both lines have had promotion because of the economy & with Azamara under RCCL umbrella they have deeper pocket so can offer deeper discounts.

Now that Azamara is going it alone time will tell if the deep discounting will still be in effect.

 

When I checked the Norway cruises on both line it comes pretty close in prices.

It is a matter of personal choice on itinerary & perks ;)

Lyn

[dino2067]

It will go up to the 2 for 1 brochure rates;)

 

It is a matter of personal choice on itinerary & perks ;)

 

I agree with Lyn…it is doubtful you will see this particular ‘O’ promotion continued after 8-31. You do, however, receive a $200 certificate for a future sailing once you do sail with ‘O’. Besides that, the only other ‘O’ sponsored promotion involving discounted pricing that I am aware of was only offered and available while sailing onboard ship this year…and there is no guarantee that particular onboard only type of promotion will continue either.

 

If you do decide to go with ‘O’, you can always make the reservation with ‘O’ and then transfer the reservation to a TA at another point in time if you find a TA that may offer additional perks, alternative pricing, etc.

 

Kathleen

[pratzert]

It will go up to the 2 for 1 brochure rates;)

 

Both lines have had promotion because of the economy & with Azamara under RCCL umbrella they have deeper pocket so can offer deeper discounts.

Now that Azamara is going it alone time will tell if the deep discounting will still be in effect.

 

When I checked the Norway cruises on both line it comes pretty close in prices.

It is a matter of personal choice on itinerary & perks ;)

Lyn

 

Lyn,

 

Thanks for the info.

 

I am sure the rates will not be the full brochure rate, but I'm not so sure they will be as deeply discounted. But who know ?

 

My agent was able to get a couple of "perks" for us but I don't really know if the TA gave it to us, or "O". But it was for the original sail date of April 28 which we cannot do now. The TA was going to see if they will give the same perks for the Sept 17th sailing. I sure hope so because the Sept sailing is $500 more than the April sailing and to make it close the perks will have to apply. It still won't be equal, but closer anyway.

 

Tim

[pratzert]

I agree with Lyn…it is doubtful you will see this particular ‘O’ promotion continued after 8-31. You do, however, receive a $200 certificate for a future sailing once you do sail with ‘O’. Besides that, the only other ‘O’ sponsored promotion involving discounted pricing that I am aware of was only offered and available while sailing onboard ship this year…and there is no guarantee that particular onboard only type of promotion will continue either.

 

If you do decide to go with ‘O’, you can always make the reservation with ‘O’ and then transfer the reservation to a TA at another point in time if you find a TA that may offer additional perks, alternative pricing, etc.

 

Kathleen

 

Thanks Kathleen.

 

To tell you the truth, the TA has been really responsive and helpful, so if we book, I will definately do it thru them. I don't want to "Use" or "Abuse" them.

 

I have talked to "O" a couple of times and was going to book thru them directly, but other suggested I use an agent, so I found one. I don't know how it would work if I found another agent who came up with a better deal, especially since the promo is over on Monday.

 

As posted above, they did come up with a couple of perks which save us a little. I don't know "where" the perks came from... but so far, no one else I spoke to came up with any offers. But I did ask about getting shipboard credits or other things...... never hurts to ask.

 

Tim

[Paulchili]

"O" is also Including soda and bottled water for the Europe 2010 sailings... I know... not a huge thing... but it can add up.

 

 

In your quote above the difference is $ 2,200 pp (with or without air, as you are adding about $ 1,000 for air on each cruise).

Now, $ 2,200 is a whole lot of sodas and bottled waters - probably several years' worth for most people.

[pratzert]

In your quote above the difference is $ 2,200 pp (with or without air, as you are adding about $ 1,000 for air on each cruise).

Now, $ 2,200 is a whole lot of sodas and bottled waters - probably several years' worth for most people.

 

Paulchili,

 

I absolutely agree !

 

And my mission this weekend is to do some intensive research into the Itineraries and prices on Azamara.

 

Hey... for that much money... I can eat a few more hot dogs and skip the steak a few nights.:)

 

My TA just sent me a brochure whic i got today for Azamara... but unfortunately, she said the 2010 Europe brochure is not out yet.

 

Man... they better get hustling on that brochure !

[LHT28]

Lyn,

 

Thanks for the info.

 

I am sure the rates will not be the full brochure rate, but I'm not so sure they will be as deeply discounted. But who know ?

 

Tim

They will not be FULL brochure rate but they will probably go to the usually 2 for 1 rates.

 

If you have an agent that is in the top 50 sellers (CCC) they get perks to offer their clients on certain cruises.

 

Azamara have the 2010 Europe cruises out online

[pratzert]

They will not be FULL brochure rate but they will probably go to the usually 2 for 1 rates.

 

If you have an agent that is in the top 50 sellers (CCC) they get perks to offer their clients on certain cruises.

 

Azamara have the 2010 Europe cruises out online

 

Lyn,

 

Thanks... I have been looking at the 2010 Azamara Cruises online, but find it difficult to traverse their site for some reason. But I'll keep hacking away at it.

 

How do I know if the Agent I have is in the top 50 sellers (CCC) ?

 

The agent I have I found thru the "O" web site and was supposedly one of their "Specialists" whatever that means ?

 

Tim

[LHT28]

Lyn,

How do I know if the Agent I have is in the top 50 sellers (CCC) ?

 

The agent I have I found thru the "O" web site and was supposedly one of their "Specialists" whatever that means ?

 

Tim

That maybe how they clarify it

I am not sure

On the old site they did say they were in the top but if they are offering perks it is a good chance they are up there;)

 

The bottom line is what is important

Enjoy what ever cruise you choose

 

Lyn

[pratzert]

That maybe how they clarify it

I am not sure

On the old site they did say they were in the top but if they are offering perks it is a good chance they are up there;)

 

The bottom line is what is important

Enjoy what ever cruise you choose

 

Lyn

 

I am very curious now to learn how they came up with the perks.... granted... they are not huge... but better than nothing fro sure.

 

In fact, if they will give us the same for the other sailing we want, it may very well "seal the deal" for the booking.

 

There has been a very interesting and informative show on the "Travel Channel" on cable called "Money on the High Seas" and it features one of the newer NCL ships and they explain, in depth, the strategies or how the cruise lines make money. They didn't give away any huge secrest, but one of the most enlightening comments made by a VP of the line was that they would do almost ANYTHING to get a passenger on board knowing that in most cases the PAX will spend enough on board and on "in-house" tours, in the Spa and drinks and in the Casino, etc... that they will make money.

When they showed the ship on a port while it was raining he had a long face and complained about how they didn't hit their "Target" for shore tours due to the rain. Then the reporter asked how the ship did overall while in that port and the VP smiled and said they made every penny lost on the Tours up on money spent in the Spa that day and even surpassed what the total revenue target was for the ship that sailing.

 

He said they don't get rich on every sailing, but as long as they made "something" they were happy in today's economy.

 

So handing out a "few" perks may be a wise thing to push a person over the edge to make the booking.

 

But I appreciate anything they throw at me.... it adds up, and in this case it may work as intended to get me to book the cruise.

[LHT28]

I am very curious now to learn how they came up with the perks.... granted... they are not huge... but better than nothing fro sure.

 

In fact, if they will give us the same for the other sailing we want, it may very well "seal the deal" for the booking.

 

Ask your TA......I am sure it is not a secret.

 

Hope you can strike a deal.

 

Lyn