At least for now, Carnival leaves Baltimore in November 2014. What does this mean to you ?

 

First we lose our one and only ship in Norfolk, which had been coming through each May and October.  Now we lose a ship sailing out of Baltimore.

What does this mean to you ?  To our economy ?  And why are the ships leaving/moving ?

Many folks, especially first time cruisers, love the idea of sailing from “close to home”.  It’s enticing to be able to jump in your car or onto Amtrak and quickly get to your exotic vacation, without having to begin in Fla. 

My “high” suggestion, is to take advantage in 2014, of Carnival still being in Baltimore !  Hopefully it will entice Carnival to come back in the near future.  #1, because it’s her last year, and #2, all the money in brings to the East Coast.

Like WBALTV said in their news report, “Officials said losing the Pride means losing the 200 jobs and the $45 million economic impact it generates each year”.  So many folks do not actually realize the money and jobs these ships bring to our region !  Once gone, many folks will be impacted with the change.

Many cruisers wondering why they are pulling out ?  The WBALTV news report states, “Carnival said the redeployment is all about more choices for travelers, but the port of Baltimore said it's all about money and saving tens of millions of dollars in fuel costs.  Also in a year-and-a-half, new EPA rules kick in on air pollution limits for cruise ships. When they're within 200 miles of the U.S. coast, they'll be required to burn a much cleaner, but also much more expensive, fuel”.

Higher fuel cost would mean more cost to the cruisers, so I can certainly see Carnival’s reasoning.  Higher cost doesn’t mean more money in Carnival’s pocket, it just means more money out of your pocket.  However, also, since 7 night cruises from the East Coast, can basically only mean ships can get as far as the Bahamas, it can be cold in the winter.  So it’s a great reason for the ship to move for the winter months.  But again, it means further travel for the cruiser !

I’ve selected a couple dates myself for my clients and their referrals (I just returned from the Carnival Pride; she exceeded my expectations). Along with Motorcoach transportation from Lynchburg (16 couples must travel; lower rate if 25 couples travel).  Travel the day prior, so no hotel needed.  If a person prefers to drive or take Amtrak, the cost for the Motorcoach will be removed.  Also includes $50 per cabin onboard credit when you refer a friend to join !  Prices below are inside/oceanview/balcony/suites.  If you see “call” it means it’s either sold out or I can’t reserve that space without the customers deposit.

March 30 to Apr 6  – 7N

Carn Pride, R/T Baltimore to Bahamas/Grand Turks
From $798(4B)/call/$988(8B)/call

May 25 to June 1 – 7N - Memorial Day Cruise

Carn Pride, R/T Baltimore to Port Canaveral/Bahamas
From $771(4B)/call/$911(8B)/call

 

A 3^rd change we will see, is with the supply and demand for cruises in Baltimore.  With Royal Caribbean being the only ship left, cruisers can expect higher cost.  So my next suggestion is, get your November 2014 – April 2015 cruises booked now, while rates are still looking good !  Before the price climb.  And FYI, Royal Caribbean is only booked in Baltimore till April 2015.  Will she leaving too ? 

Again, I’ve currently reserved 3 dates after Nov 2014.  Again, it includes the cost of Motorcoach transportation, traveling up the day of the cruise (no hotel needed).  As we get closer, these rates will climb.  If not, I will be watching them !

Dec 9 to 19 – 10N

RCI Granduer, R/T Baltimore to San Juan, St Thomas, St Martin – “only 4 dates for this itinerary, all year”
From $ 764(N)/$844(H)/$1454(D2)/call
 
Dec 19 to 27 – 8N – Christmas
RCI Grandeur, R/T Baltimore to Port Canaveral/Bahamas/Key West – “only 7 dates for this itinerary, all year”
From $949(N)/$1094(H)/$1634(D2)/call

Dec 27 to Jan 6, 2015 – 10N – New Years – some great rates here for NY’s !

RCI Grandeur, R/T Baltimore to West Caribbean/Labadee - – “only 5 dates  for this itinerary, all year”
From $1009(N)/$1144(H)/$1834/call

 

 

You can now see the reasoning being my madness of holding this space in Baltimore !  YOU DESERVE TO CRUISE FROM CLOSE TO HOME ! 
FYI, I only have 16 cabins on each sail date; with only 4 in each category of pricing above.  It’s first come first serve.  I’m hoping by reserving this space and providing motorcoach, that more folks will choose to take advantage of our Baltimore cruises.

(434/800) 237-3832

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Vivian M Webb, MCC  - Cruises Inc