Thank you for those of you that attended our October 30th coffee break featuring Costa Cruise lines. We received many great questions and have provided the answers below. If you have any additional questions or comments please provide them in the comment section below or e-mail me at smiller@mailpound.com.
Q. What are the additional fees for children when they sail free with the promotion?
A. When the child sails free they will still be charged government fees which is between $57-$63 and a fuel supplement charge of $4/day. So you are looking at about $100.
Q. To go on the FAM to take classes do you need your CLIA # or just the # you book under?
A. You will just need the # you book under.
Q. Do you have ship inspections?
A. Yes we do. When we are in the Caribbean there is an inspection every Sunday the ship is in port. This time we have 10 ship inspections and 6 where you can have lunch on board the ship. Go to www.costalovesgroups.com or contact your business development manager for the dates and times.
Q. Do children under 18 sail free on European and Asian sailings?
A. No but they will sail at a reduced rate.
Q. If children are sailing outside the special rate dates do they still sail at a reduced rate? What is the time period of the children sail free promotion?
A. Children always sail at a reduced rate. The rate ranges from $499-$599 depending on the time of year and sailing. The kids sail free promotion is valid for the 2008/2009 Caribbean season. It starts on December 21 and sail date is March 8th.
Q. Are you still charging for fuel supplement with fuel prices so cheap?
A. At this time yes. However, anything being booked for 2010 we will not be charging a fuel supplement. We are following the same guide lines as the Carnival Corporation and when they sent out the most recent ad it states for 2009 sailings having them be used as an on board credit if the fuel stays below $70 a barrel. So it is still in place but will most likely be sent back to clients as an on board credit.
Q. Do you have FAM rates for Africa?
A. No we do not, but what we have started is if you want to book an itinerary we do not have a FAM for, we will take off 15% of the lowest price. It will automatically confirm this when you book.
Q. Do you offer past guest discounts for Carnival?
A. Yes we do. We have VIP interchange privileges for customers who have sailed on Princess, Holland America, Carnival or Cunard. We just need your past guest #. This does not apply to every sailing. We offer guest discounts for about 65% of our sailings and they will usually receive an additional 5% off.
Q. Do you think you will ever sail from the West Coast?
A. Never say never. We have 5 new ships coming out within the next 5 years. We have 2 coming out in 2009 and 1 each year after that through 2012. That will give us a total of 17 ships. We are definitely in an expansion phase and are always looking for new and exciting destinations to sail in.
Q. Was this webinar recorded?
A. Yes! Click here to watch the seminar.