From Baltimore to paradise

by b | April 27, 2009 at 9:02 pm
Posted in Baltimore

If Fort McHenry and Domino Sugar are all that come to mind when you think of Locust Point, that might soon change. The Port of Baltimore will be demanding your attention more than ever this year — for good reason. Cruise ships (nearly triple the number in 2008) will be setting sail with passengers trading in expensive airfares and baggage fees for a drive to the port.

Cruise ships have been sailing intermittently from the Port of Baltimore for 40 years, but hadn’t really started taking off in Baltimore until this year with 79 ships and four cruise lines sailing from the port, compared with 27 trips and two cruise lines last year.

Richard Scher, director of communications for the Maryland Port Administration, said cruisers aren’t just locals, but they come from all over the mid-Atlantic — “They’ll drive to Baltimore instead of getting on a plane and flying to Florida,” to save money.

As of Monday, Carnival Pride sails year-round from Baltimore, and Celebrity Cruise Lines will start its winter cruises in November. Royal Caribbean will replace its 1,950-guest Grandeur of the Seas with the 2,252-guest Enchantment of the Seas in 2010 and will also begin sailing year-round.

In 2010, 92 ships — mainly heading to the Caribbean, but some cruising to New England, Canada and Florida — are expected to sail from the port. Prices for a week vacation to the Caribbean start at about $650 a person, but if you’re looking to spoil yourself, splurge on a trip to one of Celebrity Mercury’s exotic Caribbean vacations, which start at $899 per person.

Paul Belletiere, an associate accredited cruise counselor for Cruise Planners in Glen Burnie, said Carnival, Norwegian and Royal Caribbean lines attract the youngest crowds, whereas Celebrity tends to attract an older crowd.

Christine Briggs, 28, of Pasadena took a nine-day cruise last November to Bermuda on Royal Caribbean’s Grandeur of the Seas with her boyfriend and friends. “It was a bonus because we didn’t have to fly anywhere,” Briggs said. The group opted to take a taxi to the Cruise Maryland terminal although parking is convenient.

As a first-time cruiser, Briggs loved her cruising experience — sleeping in, eating and lounging by the pool.

Even though Briggs spent time kayaking the Bermuda Triangle and on the beach, the November voyage wasn’t as warm as she expected. “It was cold most of the time,” she said. “I was hoping for warmer weather.” And although Briggs and her friends would prefer to cruise in the spring or summer next time, she said, “we would definitely leave from Baltimore again.” KRISTY MACKABEN, SPECIAL TO B

Cruises you can catch leaving Baltimore

Celebrity
Ship: Mercury, 1,898 passengers.
Amenities: Restaurants, champagne and martini bars, cinema, library, fitness center, spa, outdoor and indoor pools, track, shuffleboard, trapshooting and basketball.
Trips: From November 2009 to February 2010, there will be 12-night cruises to St. Thomas, St. Kitts, Antigua, St. Maarten and Tortola. There will also be nine-night cruises to Charleston, Key West, Cococay and Bahamas.
Price: from $899 for nine-night cruise, from $919 for 12-night cruise.

Norwegian
Ship: Majesty, 1,462 passengers.
Amenities: Restaurants, nine bars and lounges, swimming pools, casino, spa and fitness center.
Trips: Seven-day cruises to Bermuda between May and August.
Price: from $679 per person

Royal Caribbean
Ship: Grandeur of the Seas, 1,949 passengers.
Amenities: Restaurants, clubs, rock climbing wall, pool, table tennis, mini golf, indoor and outdoor pools.
Trips: To Bermuda, Canada/New England and the Caribbean.
Price: from $649

Carnival
Ship: Pride, 2,667 passengers.
Amenities: Casual and fine dining restaurants, themed bars and lounges, four swimming pools, fitness center, jogging track and spa.
Trips: Seven-day cruises to the Bahamas and Turks & Caicos Islands.
Price: $649 per person

Getting there

Until 2006, cruise ships set sail from the Dundalk Marine terminal, which is the city’s cargo terminal. Moving to South Locust Point has made cruising and parking more convenient, Richard Scher, director of communications for the Maryland Port Administration, said. “It’s ideally located. We’re right off 95. You can’t miss it,” Scher said.

From points south
Follow I-95 North to exit 55, Key Highway. From the ramp, stay straight on East McComas Street. The terminal entrance is on the right.

From points north
Follow I-95 south through the Fort McHenry Tunnel. Stay in the right lane when going through the tunnel. Take exit 55, Key Highway. Turn left at the traffic light onto East McComas Street. Follow signs to the terminal, which will be on the right.

Parking is $15 a day.

Tips for cruisin’

•••• Ted Landau of Inner Harbor Travel suggests booking a cruise early. “Many times the price is better. Don’t assume the ships are full. Many times travel agents can open doors even if the ship appears to be full,” he said.
•••• Purchase the trip cancellation and travel insurance.
•••• Alcohol is not free! Don’t forget to take into account the price of all those frozen drinks and beer you’ll be buying when budgeting for a cruise.
•••• Never pack anything in your luggage you couldn’t stand losing forever.
•••• Paul Belletiere, cruise specialist for Cruise Planners in Glen Burnie, said “Don’t over pack.” Most ships provide laundry facilities, so don’t be afraid to pack light.
•••• Tape your name, address, phone and cell numbers inside your luggage. Outside labels are abused and might not survive the journey. Inside, they will.
•••• Take seasickness remedies before the ship sails.
•••• Before heading out on an excursion, order room service and pack it for lunch. Not only will this save you money and time in scouting for a place to eat, but, in a foreign country, also the hassle of currency exchanges.
•••• Wash your hands! Norwalk virus has ruined many a passenger’s cruise, and the best way to avoid a few days confined to your cabin is to soap your hands meticulously.
KRISTY MACKABEN, SPECIAL TO B, AND CHICAGO TRIBUNE

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