Norwegian Epic’s maiden cruise is a transatlantic crossing due to depart June 24 from Southampton, England and to arrive for Inaugural activities scheduled to take place in New York from July 2 to 4, 2010.

In another “first” for Norwegian Cruise Line’s Norwegian Epic, the largest LED chandelier at sea is now installed in the ship’s Epic Casino, which is also the largest at sea. The chandelier, which will change colors to all in the spectrum – up to 255 possible variations – has a height of 21 feet, diameter of nearly 11 feet and weighs two metric tons. Built in Vienna, Austria by Kalmar, a leading glass crystal maker who has designed some of the largest chandeliers for hotels and palaces around the world, it is fitted with approximately 40,000 crystal glass pieces of various shapes and sizes – and spans vertically to three decks, with vantage points from the casino, Teppanyanki restaurant, Wasabi Sushi Bar, Malting’s Whiskey Bar, Shaker’s Martini Bar, and the Atrium. The design is of spiraling oval discs, each up to 30 feet in circumference, and 112 suspended crystal encrusted balls of up to one foot in diameter, which orbit the main structure at varying heights.

The chandelier is the most energy efficient at sea. It is completely illuminated by LED technology, using over 10,000 diodes. It is fully dimmable to most effectively enhance the lead crystals and the lighting effects are currently being programmed by UK-based Project International. The impressive structure, which will be the focal point of the ship’s Atrium, took a team of people three weeks to install.
For those that are inspired by the techno music of Blue Man Group and cannot live on a cruise without a guitar solo of their own, Norwegian Cruise Line will offer another first at Sea. A “Check-In-Rock-Out” program on the Norwegian Epic will enable guests to rent a Gibson guitar and play it in their stateroom.
For $10 per day, passengers get the guitar and a private amplifier with headphones.
Guests can rent the equipment at the Fat Cats Jazz and Blues Club. The package includes a Line 6 Pod device, which features controls and special effects so that players can select the type of sound they want to create. Monster Cable supplies the headphones and cables.
For those guests that need a lot of physical challenges other than a fully equipped gym, the Norwegian Epic will feature and extreme rock climbing wall, 33-feet high and 64-feet wide. The wall will be accessible on two levels with varying degrees of difficulty, rated according to official U.S. climbing grades. The extreme rock climbing wall will be part of Norwegian Epic’s 7 decks of Freestyle Family Fun. Other highlights include the first rappelling wall at sea; the most bowling lanes at sea with six in two venues; three separate kids’ and teen activity areas; and a mixed-use sports deck featuring a full-size basketball court, volleyball, soccer, dodge ball, a batting cage, bungee trampoline, rope adventure course and a 24-foot tall enclosed climbing cage called the Spider Web.

On July 10 the Norwegian Epic will then start its 7 day alternate eastern and western Caribbean round trip iitinerary from Miami. For more information on the unique features and accommodation of NCL’s Epic check out our video.

Sea Princess Stars in National Geographic Channel’s Hit Series “World’s Toughest Fixes”
The June 3 Episode Will Take Viewers Behind the Scenes During Princess Cruises Ship’s Drydock

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (June 1, 2010) – The immense job of drydocking Sea Princess will be featured in the June 3 episode of National Geographic Channel’s (NGC) top-rated show, World’s Toughest Fixes.  TV viewers can go behind the scenes as host Sean Riley follows the entire process from the time the Princess Cruises ship enters the drydock to the final sea trials.

Airing on Thursday, June 3 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on NGC, the show was filmed while Sea Princess was in a regularly scheduled drydock at BAE Systems San Francisco Ship Repair last September.  The episode focuses on the enormous task of completing a multitude of drydock projects in just 15 days, with emphasis on several technical “fixes” on the bottom of the ship that could only be accessed when the ship is out of the water.

“This is a unique opportunity for audiences to really appreciate the amazing around-the-clock effort needed to keep our ships in top shape to deliver the experience our passengers expect,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president.  “We’re excited that the National Geographic Channel was interested in featuring this rare behind-the-scenes project.”

One of the network’s most popular shows, World’s Toughest Fixes takes viewers inside some of the most daunting repair jobs with Riley, a professional master rigger, as he works with many of the world’s top mechanics to show how they tackle these challenging fixes. World’s Toughest Fixes airs Thursdays at 9pm ET/PT on NGC.

Riley joins the Sea Princess drydock crew on a number of tasks, adding his own elbow grease and expertise along the way and tries out several drydock jobs.  He helps strip and power wash the hull, tries his hand at upholstery work and joins the team working high up on the ship to seal the windows.  He even gives viewers an up-close view inside the tail shaft housing as he crawls in to show the audience the work being done.

Throughout the episode viewers will get a glimpse of the buzz of activity on a ship in drydock, including a look at installation of carpet and floors, the stripping of wooden decks, and even a glimpse of the ship’s new adults-only Sanctuary which was constructed during the drydock.

Sea Princess sails the Alaska Itinerary from San Francisco for the summer and then repositions to the Caribbean via a Mexico and Panama Canal Itinerary.

Read the rest of this entry »

Princess cruises announced that contracts to build two 3,600-passenger ships have been finalized with Italy’s Fincantieri shipyard!

The new Princess ships are scheduled to enter service in spring 2013 and spring 2014.  At an estimated 141,000 tons, the as-yet-unnamed ships will be the largest in the Princess Cruises fleet.

The ships’ design will be evolutionary, in keeping with the themes of their newest vessels, but with some exciting new features and innovations.  For example, all outside cabins will feature balconies, bringing the percentage of balconies on the ships to 80 percent of all staterooms.

In addition, the signature Piazza – the popular Italian-inspired atrium featuring complimentary dining, entertainment and retail – will be expanded, as will the popular Sanctuary, spa, and restaurants.

“We’re pleased that in this challenging economic environment, the order for these new ships is a testament to the confidence in the growth potential of the Princess brand,” said Alan Buckelew, president and CEO of Princess Cruises. “These new ships will include the features from our newest ships that have been so well received, and take them to the next level,” he added.

Some amenities and features on the Oasis of the Seas will appear on Royal Caribbean’s Freedom of the Seas and the Liberty of the Seas in early 2011 when both ships are scheduled to go into dry-dock, said Royal Caribbean International.

“We had such an amazing reaction to so many of the features on Oasis, that our intent over time is, to roll them across the fleet,” said Lisa Bauer, Royal Caribbean International’s senior vice president of hotel operations.

Both ships will get 18.5-foot outdoor video screens similar to the ones in the Oasis’ Aqua Theater. The giant screen will overlook the main family pool area where the Freedom and Liberty show movies and programs. For the direction challenged the Wayfinder navigating system will be installed. This touch-screen sign system that give information on activities and provide directions to any room or venue on the ship has been highly acclaimed by passengers. A  nursery for children ages 6 months to 36 months and the Cupcake Cupboard, which Bauer said “can’t bake fast enough” on the Oasis to meet demand for the $2.50 cupcakes, will also be part of the upgrade.

Broadway-style entertainment will also be maintained on both ships.

Independance of the Seas, the newer of the three Freedom class ships, will be upgraded at a later date depending on the popularity of the upgrades on the Freedom and Liberty of the Seas.

On Saturday May 15th 2010, I was priviledged to view the ms Rotterdam, Holland America’s flagship in Vancouver Harbor. The latest Signature of Excellence enhancements at Holland America Line have managed to rejuvenate a vessel which saw its maiden voyage in 1997. I sailed the Mediterranean on her that year and still retain fond memories. The enhancements certainly live up to expectations.  The most dramatic alterations are the 39 new innovative lanai staterooms, all in soothing earth tone decor. These staterooms allow guests direct access to the Lower Promenade Deck outfitted with two reserved deck chairs for each room. Additionally 32 verandah staterooms have been built on the aft portion of the ship.

“By refurbishing and enhancing staterooms, we’re able to meet the latest trends sought by our guests,” said Richard D. Meadows, CTC, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs, Holland America Line. “The latest Signature of Excellence installment enhances our premium product and the stateroom modifications update the layout and décor of the rooms while remaining elegant.”

 Thirty-two new Spa Staterooms were created from existing Verandah deck staterooms. The rooms, so named because of their proximity to the Greenhouse Spa and Salon and special in-room spa amenities, offer their own ambiance, providing unmatched relaxation, privacy and serenity. Décor reflects the natural elements of the earth with soft earth-tone hues and light, fresh accent colors echoing nature’s own. Soothing patterns adorn the bed runner and pillows and graphite-colored carpeting tie together all the elements. A counter-top water feature in each stateroom provides a natural, ambient background sound and artwork reflects serene images in nature. Exclusive spa treatments are offered only in these staterooms.

On the outside ”The Retreat” has been added at the stern of the ship on Lido deck. It offers an area of relaxation for sun worshippers in an aquatic evironment with a big screen TV for entertainment. I can imagine this to be an excellent area to relax on a warm tropical evening. The Oasis, also in the stern on Sky deck, is a great addition for the younger set to relax with their own kind.

The Ship capacities at 58,885 tons, has changed somewhat to 1,404 guests in 658 staterooms. The tonnage in today’s cruise environment, tending to ever larger ships of 150,000 tons and more , classifies the ms Rotterdam  as a small luxury vessel in contrast to 1997 where I classified her as a mid sized ship.

For photos of my visit to the ms Rotterdam in Vancouver please follow the link.

In my years of escorting cruises I observed two groups of people. Those that strike out on their own and are quite comfortable doing so and those that, at least initially, require some assistance to feel comfortable. This group generally is new to travelling in foreign countries and coping with different customs or language. Usually this latter group will travel with an escort several times because of the security and camaraderie of the group. But eventually will feel comfortable enough to strike out on their own and become members of the the first group. For those still belonging to the second group Vacation.com, one of the largest North American consortia of independent travel agents has put together a selection of cruises escorted by professional travel agents.

These vacation vignettes, as they are called, are an exclusive cruise vacation created by Vacation.com and sold only through member agencies. You will not find these special packages online or at an agency that is not a member of Vacation.com.

Each Vignette features:

• Services of a Concierge Host
• Bon Voyage Cocktail Reception
• Exclusive Shore Event classified by many as highlights of the cruise

These concierge-hosted sailings deliver something special that anyone who loves to cruise would want — a genuinely unique, creatively packaged cruise vacation experience at an attractive price, escorted by a host with extensive experience hosting luxury travel guests and knowledge of the destinations on the itinerary. The Concierge Host understands how to unobtrusively yet effectively meet and exceed each guest’s expectations.

In an industry where past trends have been to low initial prices, but higher add-ons, Azamara Cruises is bucking the trend by including more in the initial price.

As of April 1/2010 Azamara, which added Club to its name last fall, will include sodas, bottled water, specialty coffees, wine with meals and gratuities in the fare. This is a welcome change for passengers who in the past have complained of being ‘nickeled and dimed’ to death once on board a ship. Azamara is also considering to offer more time in ports with overnight stays. For example  on the 14 night  “Best of Italy” cruise on October 2/2010, there are overnight stays in Sorrento, Florence and Venice. Again this will be welcomed by many guests who would like to explore local activities in the evening when many European towns become alive. From personal experience all three towns are difficult to fully explore on a 9am to 5pm schedule. Where possible port shuttle buses are apparently also being considered which again would be a great plus for passengers who would like to return to the ship more often before continuing their onshore explorations.

Suite guests, in addition to  English butler service, will also receive complimentary dining in the specialty restaurants, Prime C and Aqualina.

With these steps Azamara is positioning itself among the ‘upmarket’ more inclusive cruise lines.

.

When the Norwegian Epic is launched 80 day from today the 153000 ton 4200 guests (dbl occupancy) cruise ship will not only feature some of the most innovative and flexible accommodations ever – from new Studios specifically designed and priced for the solo traveler and exclusive access to The Studio Lounge to private Villas – but also 20 different dining options the most intriguing of which is the Cirque Dreams and Dinner Show. The first dinner show at sea will not only feature a fixed menu for 274 diners but a 2 hour up close and personal acrobatic and comedy show that will see 50 costume changes throughout its duration. As one observer at the land practice session put it “you will probably forget to eat your dinner”. The dinner show will probably be priced at $15-$20.

Further information on Norwegian Cruise Line’s largest ship to date can be found here

Norwegian Cruise Line announced that due to increased year-to-date booking volumes it will raise fares up to 7% fleet-wide as of April 2. The 10-ship line cited strong interest in particular in its new ship, the Norwegian Epic, debuting in June and for the ‘Pride of America’, its Hawaii-based ship.
“Our first quarter Wave season promotion definitely persuaded consumers to book a Norwegian cruise vacation as we saw heavy call volumes translating to exceptional bookings,” Norwegian Cruise Line CEO Kevin Sheehan says in a statement.
Norwegian joins a growing list of cruise companies hiking prices as business rebounds from the downturn of 2009. The announcement comes just weeks after industry giant Carnival announced plans for its own across-the-board price hike of up to 5%, effective March 22. Like Norwegian, Carnival cited soaring bookings.
The announcement of a price increase should motivate the few waiting for last minute specials. They are not going to materialize. Instead prices will be higher later this year because of the lack of supply in cabins.

The Cypriot-owned Louis Majesty (formerly NCL Majesty) sailing between Barcelona and Genoa with approximately 2000 passengers and crew on board was hit by 26 ft high rogue waves off the coast of Marseilles on Wednesday Mar 3/2010. The waves smashed glass windshields killing two male passengers and injuring several people. The ship is now making its way back to Barcelona according to a Louis Cruise Line spokesman.

Effective Feb 26, 2009, guests who purchase NCL’s BookSafe Travel Protection Plan for any NCL cruise departing on or after 1st May, 2009, are eligible for reimbursement of any cancellation fees if an insured guest loses their job as long as the person has been an active employee at the same company for at least one year. “In this challenging economic environment, we are offering a safety net for guests who want to book a cruise, but are uncertain about what the future holds in terms of their employment,” said Andy Stuart, NCL’s executive vice president of global sales and passenger services. “Our BookSafe plan enables guests to book with confidence knowing that they will receive a full refund if they need to cancel their cruise because of job loss.”

AMA Waterways, long associated with luxury European river cruising, in September this year will sail the Mekong River on “La Marguerite”. The seven-night cruises to Vietnam and Cambodia are packaged with pre- and post-cruise land stays for a 15-day package starting at $3,999 per person, including international air from LAX and SFO.
The 92 passenger La Marguerite is presently under construction but will offer luxury accomodation in 46 Staterooms ranging in size from 226SF to 443SF suites with balconies. Amenities will satisfy all the requirements of a fine hotel
The package will include air on Cathay Pacific to Hanoi with a 3 night stay and included sightseeing. From there guest will fly to Siem Reap, Cambodia for a two night hotel stay including tours to Angkor Wat and Angkor Thom. On the seventh day guests will embark La Marguerite on Tanle Sap Lake with numerous excursions planned for the duration of the cruise. On the final night at Ho Chi Minh City (formerly Saigon), there will be a farewell cocktail party and dinner. Guests disembark for a city tour and one night in a hotel.

April 30, 2008 – Royal Caribbean International christened Independence Of The Seas, the third in the famed Freedom Class of Ships, on April 30/08 in Southampton, England. The Independence was christended by Elizabeth Hill, who became the godmother of the ship as result of an open contest. She was chosen because of her contribution to the causes that help youth. Independence of the Seas is the First to Sail in Europe for its inaugural season

MIAMI, April 17, 2008 – Continuing its legacy of creating revolutionary vacation experiences, Royal Caribbean International took delivery of its newest innovative ship – Independence of the Seas – during a ceremony at Aker Yards in Turku, Finland, today. Just days away from her debut in Europe, Independence of the Seas, is the third of the line’s Freedom class of ships and will be the largest cruise ship ever to be home-ported in Europe, when she sails out of Southampton, United Kingdom, for her inaugural season. Independence shares the title of world’s largest and most innovative cruise ship with sister-ships Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas, which launched in the U.S. in May 2006 and 2007 respectively, and which offer Caribbean cruises from Miami, Florida.

In the first nationwide search of its kind in the United Kingdom, Royal Caribbean is bestowing the title of Godmother of Independence of the Seas to an ordinary woman who has done extraordinary things to further the well being of youth in her community. The search was conducted with the cruise line’s charity partner and British five-time Olympic gold medalist, Sir Steve Redgrave. The four Godmother finalists – who were nominated by peers or family members – joined Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. chairman and CEO, Richard Fain at Aker Yards, to welcome Independence into service. The four finalists are Barbara Natasegra, Elizabeth Hill, Madeleine Henry and Sue Stones. The Godmother, who will be announced on April 18, will be selected by a distinguished panel of judges, including Sir Steve Redgrave; Royal Caribbean executives and guest judges. She will have the honor of participating in the inaugural celebrations and official naming ceremony in Southampton on April 30.

“We are delighted to welcome Independence of the Seas to our fleet and to introduce her to vacationers throughout the United Kingdom and Europe,” said Adam Goldstein, president and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “Positioning one of our largest and newest ships in Southampton reaffirms Royal Caribbean’s strong commitment to the region and will provide the opportunity for more European guests to experience the distinctive and award-winning vacation our brand has become recognized for throughout the world.”

Following a series of preview sailings in Oslo, Norway and Southampton, Independence will embark on her maiden voyage on May 2. Through the summer of 2008, she will sail 14-night ‘Mediterranean Treasures’ and ‘Italian Mediterranean’ itineraries round-trip from Southampton. Ports of call include Gibraltar.; Barcelona, Malaga, Vigo and Seville, Spain; Nice and Cannes/Monte Carlo, France; Florence/Pisa and Sardinia, Italy; and Lisbon, Portugal.

Guests also can enjoy two, four-night getaways from Southampton to Cork, Ireland and St. Peter Port, Channel Islands. Three, 11-night Canary Islands itineraries, also roundtrip from Southampton, will close the fall season, calling on Madeira, Portugal; Tenerife, Las Palmas and Lanzarote, Canary Islands; and Vigo, Spain. Independence then heads to the United States to begin a series of warm weather Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from Fort Lauderdale, Florida starting in November 2008.

At 160,000 GRT and a capacity of 3,634 guests, Independence of the Seas will feature all of the industry-first amenities which are trademarks of the Freedom-class ships: a FlowRider surf simulator; the H20 Zone water park with its interactive sculpture garden for families; cantilevered whirlpools suspended 112 ft. above the ocean in the adults-only Solarium; a full-size boxing ring and a 14-person family suite. Unlike her sister-ships, all pools and the water park on Independence will be heated.

Independence also will feature some of the other distinctive offerings the global cruise line is known for including, an ice-skating rink; a rock-climbing wall; an award-winning children’s program; fine to casual dining venues; Broadway-style entertainment and the Royal Promenade – an entertainment boulevard stretching the length of the ship with its shops, restaurants, bars and lounges, which provides guests with an endless variety of choices and experiences to suit their taste and preference.

Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and two under construction. The line also offers unique cruisetour vacations in Alaska, Asia, Australia, Canada, Europe, South America and New Zealand.
View my photos of the Inaugural in New York of the first of the freedon class ships, The Freedom of the Seas by following this link http://www.chtravel.com/rci/freedom/index.html

Luxury Riverboat Is Tauck’s Second New Ship In Two Years

ANTWERP, BELGIUM (April 3, 2008) Tauck family members, Tauck World Discovery executives, travel agents, local dignitaries, journalists and other special guests gathered at the Antwerp Cruise Terminal in Antwerp, Belgium today for the official christening of Tauck’s new MS Swiss Sapphire luxury riverboat. The launch of the Swiss Sapphire comes just two years after the launch of its sister-ship, Tauck’s MS Swiss Emerald.
The Swiss Sapphire was christened in a dock-side ceremony by Lee Tauck, godmother to the ship and matriarch to the third generation of the Tauck family to lead Tauck World Discovery, an 83-year-old luxury tour, cruise and safari operator. The christening ceremony included speeches by Tauck executives and city officials, performances by a local musical ensemble, and fireboats firing cannons and spraying towering geysers of water skyward in celebration. Following the ceremonies, the Sapphire and its guests set sail on a three-day luxury cruise along the Albert Canal.

The Swiss Sapphire was constructed in Hardinxveld Giessendam in the Netherlands, and it will alternate with the Swiss Emerald on six different itineraries. The launch of the Swiss Sapphire highlights Tauck’s sixth year offering European river cruises, and it marks the company’s continued expansion in the category. Besides the launch of the Sapphire, the company is also adding two new European river cruise itineraries this spring.

Despite the expansion of its fleet and its cruise offerings, Tauck is intentionally managing its growth, says CEO Dan Mahar. “We’re taking a very deliberate and measured approach as we grow our river cruising business, to make sure that the quality of the experience continues to live up to Tauck’s standards, and to exceed the expectations of our guests,” said Mahar. “Our goal is not to be the largest river cruise company in the world, it’s to be the best.”

The 361-foot Swiss Sapphire accommodates a maximum of just 118 guests, compared to 150 or more on other similarly sized vessels. Guests aboard the Sapphire can choose among 59 outside-facing staterooms, including 14 luxury suites. Each suite boasts 300 square-feet of living space highlighted by floor-to-ceiling windows, walk-in closets and marble baths with full size tubs. An additional 45 junior suites and cabins range from 150 to 183 square-feet. All suites and cabins are well appointed with plasma TVs, mini-bars, terry cloth robes, radios, safes, individual air conditioning and L’Occitane toiletries. The ship also features a 24-hour Jacuzzi, Lido bar, lounge, restaurant and wellness center. Along with a ship’s crew of 29, the Sapphire also has an onboard staff of three Tauck Directors and one Tauck Cruise Director to ensure superior service and attention to guests’ needs.

http://www.europe-river-cruise.com/eurivcrssearchresult.htm?Site=NxCamb&dir=offr&OfferId=816092

The Federal Appeals Court of Pasadena, California has ruled that laptops or other electronic media arriving at a US Customs port of entry can be searched by border agents without having to demonstrate “reasonable suspicion”. This may present a problem for business travelers or individuals arriving with sensitive data on electronic medium. Encryption of the data may be a reasonable alternative, however it would seem that the electronic medium can be seized, refused entry or the owner may be asked to un-encrypt.
The Association of Travel Executives (ACTE) noted that government has no guidelines on what may trigger an inspection or seizure of an electronic device.

Frontier Airlines filed today for bankruptcy protection. The Airline maintains that all financial obligations will be met and flights will operate as scheduled. According to Frontier the move was brought about because the principal credit card processor is going to withhold larger amounts of the proceeds from ticket sales as of April 11.
“This change in established practices would have represented a material change to our cash forecasts and business plan. Unchecked, it would have put severe restraints on Frontier’s liquidity and would have made it impossible for us to continue normal operations.” Frontier CEO Sean Menke said.
As all US Airlines, Frontier has struggled amid rising fuel prices and aggressive competition at Denver International Airport. It blamed a 16.3 per cent jump in fuel costs for a third-quarter loss that more than doubled from the previous year.

Carnival Corporation has just announced an increase in the fuel supplement charge from $5 to $7 per person per day for double occupancy and a charge of $2 per day for 3rd/4th/5th passenger in a cabin. The increase will be in effect for all new bookings as of April 21/08.
Carnival also announced a voluntary refund of the company’s fuel supplement on March 31, 2008 for applicable U.S. bookings that were made prior to November 7, 2007 under an agreement with the Florida Attorney General’s Office. The fuel supplement, announced November 7, 2007, was applied to all U.S. bookings for voyages departing on or after February 1, 2008.

The company will now refund the fuel supplement for those guests who were already booked at the time the supplement was announced. Refunds for affected guests will be implemented based on cruise departure date according to the following schedule:

- For cruises departing on or prior to April 4, 2008, guests will receive a refund in the same form they used to purchase their cruise;
- For cruises departing from April 5, 2008 through June 23, 2008, guests will receive an on-board credit;
- For cruises departing on or after June 24, 2008, guests’ bookings will be adjusted to eliminate the fuel supplement
This ruling applies to all Carnival Brands including: Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Seabourne Cruises, Costa Cruises and Cunard

Another carrier has been hit by the high cost of fuel and stiff competition. Asian low cost carrier, Oasis Airlines, flying the Vancouver Hong Kong and London Hong Kong routes has halted operations after just 17 months in operation. The Hong Kong Economic Times suggested that Oasis had been loosing money on virtually every flight it flew.

Many passengers are holding tickets for future flights since they were being sold until the end of March. Executives for the Oasis said they were looking for a way to help customers affected by the shutdown. A government official on Wednesday told reporters it is negotiating with other airlines that fly Oasis’ routes to get them to provide low-cost tickets to its customers.

“We sympathize with the many passengers…who have been stranded by the Oasis’ decision, and we will do our very best to help them through this difficult and stressful period,” Cathay Chief Executive Tony Tyler said in a statement. Cathay has established a help site for ticket holders offering a special one way fare of $320 on the Vancouver HongKong route.  More information can be found at  http://www.cathaypacific.com/cpa/en_CA/offerspromotions/offerdetails?refID=277c9cdd60d29110VgnVCM10000010d21c39____
The Oasis website http://www.oasishongkong.com

 

 

As of May 5, 2008 Continental airlines will fall in line with other US Carriers and restrict baggage allowance for coach passengers to one bag with a charge of $25  applying to a second bag. Presidential class card holders and non elite customers purchasing full-fare and premium class tickets are also exempt.

Air Canada Passengers affected by flight delays or cancellations can now contact a specially trained Air Canada representative to arrange for alternate travel or accomodation if required. The service is called “On My Way” and will cost $25 for short haul flights and $35 for long haul flights each way. The service is available for Air Canada and Jazz flights within Canada and to the USA including Hawaii and Alaska.

ATA airlines filed for Chapter 11 on April 2, 2008. Passengers holding unused tickets on ATA are advised to contact their travel agent or credit card company on how to obtain a refund. ATA states that they are in no position to refund a ticket from available cash. Southwest Airlines which was a codeshare partner with ATA is rebooking travelers to the closest departure available.