New Orleans - Visitor numbers continue to climb

A study recently released by the Universtiy of New Orleans Hospitality Research Center found that the number of visitors to New Orleans increased to 7.6 million in 2008, up from 7.1 million in 2007, with spending levels rising to $ 5.1 billion from $ 4.8 billion over the same period. The average stay for overnight guests increased to 4.6 nights in 2008, from 3.8 in 2007.

I was just in New Orleans for a cruise in November 2009. I went a day early and stayed 2 extra days. I had time to walk the town, shop, see historical sights and eat at some great locations. Have you been to New Orleans lately ? Please share your experiences.

Alaska loses more cruises in 2010

Norwegian Cruise Line became the 4th major cruise line to decrease its 2010 Alaska sailings. NCL said it planned to remove the 2,002 passenger Norwegian Sun from its Alaska rotation next summer.

This is another reason to choose to cruise in Alaska in 2009 ! There are some great deals still available, to include cruise/tours. I have been to Alaska 10 times and have planned a 2 week back-to-back August 23 on Holland America's Veendam. As you can probably guess, my favorite place to cruise is Alaska. I love the peace and the serenity that it makes me feel when I am there. Have you been to Alaska ? Have you been on Holland America ? Please share your experiences and how it made you feel.

Carnival launches its Baltimore homeport

Reported by Johanna Jainchill of Travel Weekly.
Baltimore may call itself "the city that reads, " but Carnival Cruise Line is trying to make it the city that cruises !

The 2,124 passenger Carnival Pride sailed into the harbor on April 27, launching the city's first year-round cruise program.

The presence of Maryland's political elite at a reception onboard the Pride deomonstrated how much this ship, and the 1,500 jobs and $ 152 million it is expected to contribute to the local economy, means to this town.

Baltimore is only about 4 1/2 - 5 hours from me. To get to the port is easy. If you are coming from south of Washington, you go around Washington on 495, then you get on 95 North for a about 15 minutes, and then you reach the exit to the port. If I can do this, anyone can ! From my own experience, as well as client sharing their experiences, parking and getting on this ship in Baltimore is such a breeze. There are great rates on the Carnival Pride in 2009 & 2010, giving those who live within driving distance a great opportunity to cruise without flyingHave you cruised out of Baltimore ? What was your experience ?

"Travel Matters" is theme of National Tourism Week

The U.S. Travel Association's 26th annual National Tourism Week begins May 9. Organizers around the country will stage gatherings to talk up the industry's importance to local economics.

2009 is definately the year to choose to cruise and save monies ! I've already sailed to the Panama in March, for a great deal ! Our group moved from a balcony cabin to suite, for @ $ 9 pp more ! I also have a back-to-back Alaska cruise on Holland America in August, and felt it was too low to stay home ! And Holland America's cruise tour rates have been the best I've seen in my 18 years in the business. Have you booked your dream cruise vacation for 2009 ? Did you feel you received some of the best rates you've ever received ?

Royal Caribbean offering "My Time Dining"

Royal Caribbean took its flexible dining program fleetwide after testing it on several ships over the past year. In addition to the line's traditional and specialty dining programs, MY TIME DINING will enable passengers to eat in any main restaurant at any time during dining hours. Also going fleetwide is the MY Family Time Dining program for families with kids.

Most of the major cruise lines in the industry are trying to offer more flexible dining options, so it only made sense for Royal Caribbean to follow in the same steps. I usually choose "set" dining for myself, and I prefer late. However, I have experienced "Personal Choice" dining on Princess, and I loved it. What I love most, is the opportunity to call each day, early, and schedule my time upfront and ask for the same waiter/waitress. Have you tried any of the open dining times on your cruises ? What has been your experience ?

Princess - More ships cruising the Caribbean in summer 2010

Two ships in the Caribbean:
* Caribbean Princess from New York
* Emerald Princess will reposition from Europe to Ft Lauderdale.

Out of my 100+ cruises, I've probably been on Princess close to 10 days. I love the Princess experiences ! I feel elite, yet not in a rigid setting. I think their Personal Choice dining is a great option, with an opportunity to schedule a set dining time each morning, and to ask for the same waiter/waitress. And their dinners on the Lido deck offer you many food choices, to include sushi and salad bar. The fact that the Lido deck offers 24 hour meals is a major plus in my eyes, giving me the option to have breakfast @ 11am or lunch @ 4pm, instead of at traditional times ! Besides choosing to cruise on Princess myself, I feel comfortable sending my family and other clients on a Princess cruise. Have you been on a Princess cruise ? What has been your experience ?

Did you know ? RCI ship to port year round in UK in 2010

The Independence of the Seas will become the first Royal Caribbean International ship to be based in the U.K. full time, when it home ports year round in Southampton, England, beginning in 2010, after summer deployment.

I've been out of Southampton, England several times. It's an easy port to travel to from Victoria Station. I've only been to Europe or the Mediterranean in March, August, and September. I love March because it's not so hot and I usually find better airfare deals. Have you been in the winter months before ? What has been your personal experience with the weather.

Cunard World Club Member Sale

World Club Members receive these special offers on upcoming voyages:

* Queen Victoria - 2009 EUROPE: Fares from $1,695*; Save up to $600 or more per stateroom (Dec 9 sailing)
* Queen Mary 2 - 2009 CARIBBEAN: Fares from $1,395*; Save up to $300 per stateroom (Dec 10 sailing)
* Queen Mary 2 - 2009 CANADA & NEW ENGLAND: Fares from $1,295*; Complimentary Balcony Upgrades (C4 to B6 - Oct 2 & 29.)

Based on capacity control !

World Club members, this is a great opportunity for savings. One time I took the QE2, on a 6 night transatlantic cruise and then opted to stay in England for another 5 days, to have the needed time to visit all the area castles, etc. If you have been on Cunard Cruises, please share your experiences.

Royal Caribbean - Reminds Cruisers of Vacation Value !

Why NOT vacation more for less ? You don't have to break the bank to take an incredible vacation. Despite the doom and gloom we see on the news about today's economy, people still "want" and "need" a vacation ! The only difference now is that travelers know there's a bargain out their just waiting for them !

2009 definately has the money savings. I personally have 3 cruises booked this year (I had a Holland America cruise to the Panama in March; I have a 2 week back-to-back cruise to Alaska August 23, and Royal Caribbean 50th BD bash cruise to the Southern Caribbean on a 50th BD bash cruise November 29 ! What deal are you cruising on in 2009 ?

PRINCESS CRUISES - 2009 - UP TO 2 FOR 1 - ALASKA, EUROPE & EXOTIC CRUISES !

On select 2009 Alaska,Europe and Exotic
voyages, Princess is offering a 2 for 1 special. Up to 2 for 1 fares are
based on a per person discount off applicable Escape Fares. Based on capacity control, select dates and categories.

These 2 for 1 deals are definately some of the best savings witnessed. Have you planned a 2009 cruise get-away and taken advantage of any deals ?

HOLLAND AMERICA - AMSTERDAM - SNEAK PREVIEW - 14N ALASKA 2010

Itinerary: Seattle --At Sea--Ketchikan--Tracy Arm Glacier--Skagway--Sitka--At Sea--Anchorage--Homer--Kodiak--Hubbard Glacier--Juneau--At Sea--Victoria--Seattle

Please note: The ship will actually port in Anchorage, not Seward. There is a pier below downtown near the rail depot in the ‘Ship Creek’ district.

May 17 & 31, June 14 & 28, July 12 & 26, Aug 9 & 23, Sept 6, 2010.

If you can't sail to Alaska in 2009, there are some great savings currently being offered for 2010 Alaska ! If you're not cruising to Alaska in 2009, have you thought about making yourself a committment to see this beautiful land in 2010 ?

ROYAL CARIBBEAN UPDATE FOR DIAMOND MEMBERS !

* Five ships (our Freedom class and Oasis class) have both Concierge Lounges and Diamond Lounges. We are excited about the Concierge Lounge overlooking the Boardwalk and the Diamond Lounge overlooking the Royal Promenade on our forthcoming Oasis of the SeasSM and Allure of the SeasSM.
* Five ships (Monarch of the Seas®, Majesty of the Seas®, Vision of the Seas®, Grandeur of the Seas® and Rhapsody of the Seas®) have no Concierge Lounges and two ships (Splendour of the Seas® and Legend of the Seas®) have limited Concierge Lounges.
* Ten ships have Concierge Lounges but no Diamond Lounges (Enchantment of the Seas®, as well as the ships in our Voyager class and Radiance class). While we don't currently have plans to add Diamond Lounges to these ships, we will look for opportunities to invest in Diamond Lounges as we go forward.

The strong response from our Diamond members regarding our recent changes demonstrates how much the Concierge Lounges are valued and we clearly should honor that response. The feedback we have received from Diamond members falls primarily into one of the three following categories:

In order to address the first two interests for Diamond members, outside the Concierge Lounge, effective September 1 we will offer them a dedicated VIP private party in one of our bars or lounges. This may be held in the Viking Crown Lounge, or any other bar or lounge designated by the ship. In this dedicated area, from approximately 5 to 8 p.m., we will offer complimentary wine and champagne and a happy hour discount of 25 percent off all other beverages. This will be offered every day of each sailing and will replace our recently announced one-time per-cruise special Diamond party.

Additionally, we will offer a new continental breakfast from approximately 8 to 10 a.m. in one of the rooms adjacent to the main dining room onboard. During these morning hours, a crew member will be present and will provide services such as obtaining ice show tickets, and other assistance. We believe these changes will address the primary desires our Diamond members have expressed. These enhancements will be instituted on all our ships that don't have a Diamond Lounge today.

I've been on 20 cruises with Royal Caribbean, so I have been a Diamond Member for years. My favorite RCI ships are the newest ones: The 140 - 160,000 ton ships. I have my 50th BD bash cruise on the Adventure Nov 29, 2009. The amenities on Royal Caribbean for past guest, are worth conintuing to choose to cruise on a Royal Caribbean cruise. If you have been on a Royal Caribbean, please share your expierence, how many times, and why you choose Royal Caribbean ?

CUNARD - BOOK YOUR 2010 GROUP & SAVE !

* 5% off Early Booking Fares (EBF) in group categories.
* All group lead-in fares offer a higher category at a lower fare than public EBF for the same category type.
* Double Amenity value for Balcony and Grill reservations.
* TC Ratios as low as 1 for 8.
* Extra amenity points for all Eastbound Transatlantics in the same season.
* All QUEEN VICTORIA sailings have 10 amenity points and 1 for 10 TCs.
* Groups available on all QUEEN MARY 2 and QUEEN VICTORIA sailings, including holidays and all getaway voyages.

There are 2 great reasons to choose to invite others to cruise with you: # 1, Being a winner in the eyes of others. Family, friends, and co-workers are just waiting for you to introduce them to a great opportunity that you have chosen. # 2, And opportunity for you to cruise FREE (taxes never free in free). Have you considered inviting others to cruise with you next time ? If not, why ?

QUEEN MARY & VOYAGER DESTINATIONS IN 2010

QUEEN MARY • 25 Transatlantic Crossings and opportunities to extend select voyages between Hamburg and Cherbourg.
• Five Fall Caribbean sailings roundtrip from New York.
• Fourth of July Getaway voyage to Canada & New England and two longer sailings in the Fall.
• Five voyages to Northern Europe from Southampton and Hamburg, including maiden calls to the North Cape and Tromso in Norway.


QUEEN VICTORIA
• 11 Mediterranean voyages, including open jaw sailings from Venice, Rome or Barcelona, popular itineraries with North American guests. Plus overnights in Venice, Istanbul and Barcelona.
• New Americas season in Winter 2011, including more U.S. departures sailing to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera and Hawaii.
• Northern Europe from Southampton including overnights in Copenhagen, Amsterdam and St. Petersburg.

The only places I've not been too, named above, is Istanbul, Hamburg, and Tromso-Norway. Out of the ones I have been to, my favorites, name above would be those mentioned in Europe and the Mediterranean (FYI - Russia is one of my favorite places, along with cruising in and out of Venices, and to Turkey). There is so many places to visit in Europe, that you would have many opportunites to go there, to see them all. And don't forget River Cruises, which I love even more, because most of the sights to see, are right in the port ! If you have cruised to any of the above destinations, which were your favorites ? Please share your experiences.

CELEBRITY CRUISES - BOOK By June 17 - UP TO $ 100 OBC - 2010 EUROPE & ALASKA

Take advantage of this limited time offer and receive up to $100 onboard credit* per stateroom when you book now.

Onboard credit offer applies to European and Transatlantic sailings on Celebrity Constellation, Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Solstice departing May 1, 2010 - November 6, 2010, subject to availability, and is valid only for new individual and group bookings named and deposited March 10, 2009 - June 10, 2009; and Alaska sailings on Celebrity Infinity, Celebrity Mercury and Celebrity Millennium departing April 30, 2010 - September 19, 2010, subject to availability, and is valid only for new individual and group bookings named and deposited March 17, 2009 - June 17, 2009.

Based on availability. Call today ! (434/800) 237 3832

CELEBRITY CRUISES - up to 2 for 1

Enjoy up to 2 for 1 savings with our Starring You Promise on select sailings in Europe and Alaska: if our price lowers after you book, we'll honor the lower fare.

Now is the time to book a breathtaking cruise to Alaska, Europe and the Panama Canal. Because with our Starring You Promise, if the price of your selected cruise lowers, we'll honor the lower fare. Capacity controlled - can be sold out on select sailings at any time ! CALL TODAY ! (434/800) 237 3832

AZAMARA CRUISES - WITH SAVINGS, RECEIVE PREPAID GRATUITIES - BOOK BY MAY 31

Select Europe, Asia & Caribbean on sale ... Plus, if you book before May 31st, we're giving you prepaid gratuities on select cruises as a bonus for planning ahead.

DID YOU KNOW ? Port of Los Angeles wins Princess Passengers Vote for "2008 Port of the Year”

Princess Cruises passengers have voted, and the winner is the World Cruise Center at the Port of Los Angeles as the line’s highest rated turnaround port in 2008.

The annual distinction is awarded to one of Princess’ 33 worldwide turnaround ports that receives the highest passenger satisfaction scores for an entire year, as indicated by passengers on each cruise. A turnaround port is where a cruise ends and the next one begins.

The honor recognizes that a port has provided the service, facilities and personnel that have enhanced the passenger experience boarding or disembarking the ship. In total, the voting measured passenger satisfaction scores from 61 calls in Los Angeles from December 2007 to December 2008.

This is the fourth year for the award, and previous port of the year designations have gone to Whittier, Vancouver and Brooklyn.

Currently Los Angeles serves as home port to two Princess ships, Sapphire Princess sailing the Mexican Riviera, and Golden Princess, offering Hawaiian Islands sailings. Coral Princess also turns in Los Angeles for Panama Canal cruises.

AVALON WATERWAYS - Wine Cruise

The July 9 river cruise on the Avalon Poetry is offered as an exclusive Wine Cruise, including special lectures and tastings, available at no additional cost.

The Blue Danube Discovery - 14 days incl. air, or 13 days from Budapest to Prague.
The delightful Danube sets the stage for an incredible cruise through the Main-Danube Canal between Budapest and Nuremberg. Enjoy guided sightseeing in Budapest, Regensburg, Passau, and in magical Vienna. Also take a guided city walk past the baroque Stiftskirche in Dürnstein; participate in a wine tasting and guided visit of the Benedictine Abbey in Melk; and a beer tasting and guided tour of charming Nuremberg. Your journey concludes with three nights and plenty of free time in the “Golden City” of Prague.

CALL FOR YOUR JULY 9 ABOARD AVALON WATERWAYS TODAY ! (434/800) 237 3832

RHINE RIVER - DID YOU KNOW ?

The “romantic Rhine” finds its start as crystal clear streams in the Swiss Alps. It then creates the border of France and Germany before crossing into the Netherlands and eventually pouring out into the North Sea. The ancient Romans viewed the Rhine as the outermost border of civilization and reason, beyond which were mythical creatures and the “wild Germans.” This air of mysticism remains to this day, as the rolling waters weave through castle-dotted hills and serve as a witness to some of nature’s most incredible feats.

From Roman times through WWII, the Rhine had been the center of ancient empires. The river formed most of the northern frontier of the Roman Empire, and since those days the Rhine has been a crucial navigable waterway, carrying trade and goods inland. Serving as a defensive feature, the Rhine has been the basis for regional and international borders.

A Rhine cruise is wonderful for romantics, history enthusiasts, epicures, nature lovers,and wine lovers. You can look forward to little medieval towns, quaint half-timbered buildings, enchanted castles, majestic cathedrals, historic cities, and, of course, the romantic Rhine’s scenic natural beauty, just to name a few. The river also nurtures countless vineyards and small farms, making it a wine-lover’s dream. A trip on the Rhine is a trip back through history.

CALL FOR YOUR RHINE RIVER CRUISE TODAY (434/800) 237 3832

RIVER CRUISING - DID YOU KNOW ?

Here are some interesting, quick and fun tidbits on European rivers ...

* The Danube is famously mentioned in the Strauss waltz Blue Danube, but it was Romanian composer Ion Ivanovici who took the world by storm when his waltz titled
* The Waves of the Danube was performed at the 1889 World Exposition in Paris.
* The name “Rhine” comes from the Celtic Renos, literally “that which flows,” from the Proto-Indo-European root rei- (“to flow, run”), which also gave birth to the verb “to run” in English.
* The German tradition of landscape painting, the Danube school, was developed in the Danube valley in the sixteenth century.
* The winding course of the Main River is the reason for its considerable length— 239 miles. If it were straight, it would be probably be less than half its current length.
* At the end of WWI, the Rhineland was subject to the Treaty of Versailles, which created quite a bit of bitterness in Germany and was one of the many reasons for WWII. The reoccupation of the Rhineland by Nazi Germany increased Hitler’s popularity in Germany.

The legends of the water will lured you. The fascinating sites that dot the banks are calling your name. You’re ready to set sail. And there’s never been a better time than now to board one of our lovely and gracious ships for Europe, China, Egypt or the Galapagos Islands. CHOOSE YOUR RIVER CRUISE TODAY ! (434/800) 237 3832

ITALY - DID YOU KNOW ?

Here are some interesting, quick and fun tidbits about the fascinating destination of your dreams. Provided by COSMOS.

* Italy means grazing or where there were oxen.
* The colors of the Italian flag represent three virtues: Hope (green), Faith (white), and Charity (red).
* The official language is Italian, but German and French are also spoken in some regions.
* Italy is slightly larger than Arizona and over 75% of it is mountainous or hilly.
Rome was founded in 753 BC.
* "Pizza Margherita" is named after a queen of Italy who was vacationing in Naples and the pizza chef made her a pizza with mozzarella (white), basil (green), and tomato (red) representing the Italian flag.
* The Italian peninsula is surrounded by five seas (the Adriatic, Ionian, Tyrrhenean, Ligurian, and Mediterranean).

CALL TO BOOK YOUR CRUISE TO ITALY TODAY ! (434/800) 237 3832

COSMOS - Save $100 per person on select 2009 North America vacations - BOOK BY JUNE 2

From the turquoise waters of Alberta’s Lake Louise to Utah’s colorful canyon country, your dreams become a reality on a Cosmos North America vacation. With Cosmos, you get the freedom of independent travel with the benefits and practicality of a group—all at an unmatched value. And when you book a select 2009 Cosmos North America vacation before June 2, 2009, you will save $100 per person.* So start packing your bags, North America’s greatest destinations are waiting your arrival.

Below is a list of eligible vacations:

The Canadian Rockies , 13 days
Vancouver, Kelowna, Banff, Jasper, Sun Peaks, Whistler, Victoria

Colorado’s National Parks & Trains , 9 days
Denver, Colorado Springs, Alamosa, Durango, Moab, Vail

Elvis & the Southern Sounds , 7 days
Memphis, Nashville

Route 66 Revisited , 15 days
Chicago, Springfield, St. Louis, Branson, Oklahoma City, Amarillo, Albuquerque, Flagstaff, Grand Canyon National Park, Las Vegas, Los Angeles

Ontario & French Canada , 8 days
Toronto, Ottawa, Québec City, Montréal, Via Rail Ocean Train, Halifax

REMINDER, CRUISES INC can purchase your COSMOS VACATION for you ! We'll make sure the package is what you think it is, and service the package, as if it were a cruise. You will also have the opportunity to puchase our Travel Guard Insurance package, which now also includes, LOSS OF JOB (Through May 29)! CALL TODAY FOR YOUR COSMOST VACATION ! (434/800) 237 3832