Saturday, June 13, 2009

Honeymoon on the High Seas - by Recommend



Click title to learn more. Then click first article "Cruises".

Continental Airlines: Guide to Latin America


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Remember, Cruises Inc can book your vacation of choice, through any tour operator.

Continental Airlines - Guide to Mexico



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Remember, Cruises Inc can book your destination of choice, through any tour operator.

Continental Airlines - Guide to the Caribbean, Bahamas, and Bermuda



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Remember, Cruises Inc can book your travel of choice, through any tour operator.

Egypt Travel Guide



Learn more about Egypt, by clicking on title.

I've been to Egypt and love it ! This was one of the most exotic destinations I have been to, even more than Greece & Turkey ! The archaeology is not only unbelievable, it's for real, just like you see in the movies, in books, on the internet, etc ! In select locations you visit, while there, the people do live "way back" in time, again, like you see in the movies, etc. Visiting Egypt allows you to get upclose and personal with all the different sites.

Nile river cruising is different than European river cruising, in that these boats do not have "all" the uupdated and modern amenities. Such as, the aircondition is not as cool as one would wish; To board the boat is actually a board; And the boats line up beside each other, so if yours is the last one, you walk through the atrium of all the boats, till you get to yours. And you never reach out and touch the waters of the Nile, as the waters are not clean as European waterways.

My visit to Egypt was through an "economy" type agency. Though the boats are not personally owned, I would suggest using a name brand tour operator, such as Viking River Cruises, etc.

If you have been to Egypt, please share your experience.

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Windstar Cruises - Sept 13, 2009 - Sail with Award-Winning Travel and Fashion Photographer



Sail with Award-Winning Travel and Fashion Photographer - Stephanie Pfriender Stylander - Wind Surf September 13, 2009

Stephanie's photographs have appeared in leading national and international magazines including Condi Nast Traveler, on album covers for Sheryl Crow and Keith Richards, and in advertising campaigns including Bollinger Champagne. American Photo Magazine recently honored her photographic approach in a special 2008 issue. To view Stephanie's work please visit www.pfrienderstylander.com.

On this one-of-a-kind cruise Stephanie will show her travel photography, share her experiences traveling and photographing amazing places around the world, and answer questions on a variety of photography topics including technical issues and artistic expression.

7-day Venice to Rome - September 13, 2009
Visiting: Rovinj, Split, At Sea, Messina, Amalfi, Ponza
From $2,349 per person

Please share your experiences aboard a Windstar Cruise.

Cruises Inc has a record breaking day in sales on June 9



Cruises Inc. Experience Record-Setting Day Wed Jun 10 2009, by Travel Trade Staff.

Cruises Inc. announced a record-setting day yesterday, June 9. Citing the launch of several exclusive sales and offers as the reason for the day's surging numbers, the companies saw exponential increases in three areas: calls, online leads and bookings.

In terms of calls, a 41% increase in call volume was noted vs. the previous exclusive sale record, while a 39% increase in online leads was recorded vs. the same day last year. A 65% increase in bookings vs. the same day last year was also recorded.

Cruises Inc. are fortunate to be part of World Travel Holdings, because that relationship affords our associates access to cruise line pricing and offers that cannot be found elsewhere," said Dwain Wall, senior vice president and general manager of CruiseOne and Cruises Inc.

Thank you to our custumers for their continue support !

Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) - Summer Long Campaign - Please read



Summer-Long Campaign - Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) and its member cruise lines have announced a summer-long "You Deserve A Cruise" public relations campaign and promotion designed to convince consumers that they have earned the right to take a break from the stresses of today's challenges and that travel is not only beneficial to them but to their country as well. "We're telling consumers that now, more than ever, people need the benefits of relaxed, shared leisure time and that it is not only okay to travel but beneficial. "You Deserve A Cruise" will make the point that cruising, with its outstanding value, is uniquely qualified to serve these needs.

With my prior job at Bank of America, I was fortunate tol have 6 weeks vacation each year. And I can promise you, not only did I take them, had I not, I would have pulled my hair out over work. Taking each week away, made me be able to come back to work with a better attitude for work. I personally believe "vacation is a must" in everyone's lives, and I got into the cruise business to help teach others the value of vacation. Of course, not any vacation ... But a vacation that will actually take you away from it all ... A CRUISE VACATION !

Who else feels this way about needing and deserving vacation, and how better it makes you feel upon returning home ?

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

Princess Ships Spotlight Alaska Culture This Summer for State’s 50th Anniversary Year




Passengers Will Experience Local Flavor Right Onboard with Alaska Cuisine, Guest Experts, Cultural Presentations and Special Children’s Programs

When Princess Cruises ships begin their Alaska season, the line will offer passengers more local tastes and culture onboard than ever before, giving them a rich “Great Land” experience not only on land, but also while at sea.

“Alaska’s 50th anniversary year is the perfect time to celebrate the wonders of this magnificent state,” said Jan Swartz, Princess executive vice president. “And this summer, especially, our passengers will enjoy a multi-faceted shipboard program to immerse them in the flavors, culture, history and natural wonders of Alaska throughout their cruise.”

Click on title to review Princess’ extensive onboard Alaska program.

I've been to Alaska 10 times and many of them on a Princess cruise. I plan to sail to Alaska again, August 23, for 14 N's. Call and join me !

If you have been to Alaska, especially on Princess, please share your experiences.

Sunday, June 7, 2009

Marriott in talks with Greenbriar




Travel Weekly reports May 25
Marriott said it's in talks with the justice Family Group, the new owner of the Greenbrier Resort in West Virginia, about a marketing agreement. Marriott had earlier proposed to acquire the bankrupt property but dropped the plan when justice brought it outright from its previous owner, termination the bankruptcy case.

Disney Buys Land at sight near Washington DC



Reports Travel Weekly - May 25
Disney acquired a 15 acres site within the National Harbor project near Washington, a 300-acres comples anchored by the Gaylord National REsort & Convention Center. Disney said it plans a " resort hotel for the site but has not disclosed it's details.

Celebrity's new "Starring You Magazine"



Each month, Celebirty will offer a fresh insight into all things new at Celebrity Cruises.

This month: keys to relaxation. And next month? Our world of fine wines. Read on and enjoy.

Relax - You're in Alaska: Connect with nature. Connect with yourself. The Great White North will take your breath away, from close encounters with humpback whales to broad spans of the Alaskan wilderness. Change your view, no matter where you look.

Unwind in Icy Straight - Alaska: Immerse yourself in the customs of the local
Huna Tlingits in Hoonah, a tiny Alaskan town of just 860 people. Their calm souls will bring you closer to the sea and your own peace of mind. Fifty miles west of Juneau and at the mouth of Glacier Bay, lies historic Icy Strait Point. Travelers have the unique opportunity to experience Tlingit culture, superior wildlife viewing opportunities and years of Alaskan history.

I've been to Alaska 10 times with another cruise in August. I too feel this is one of the best destinations for truly feeling the relaxation affect. Whether it be because of the natives relaxed atmosphere or the select tours which are available, Alaska is definately known for helping you "Escape from reality".

If you have cruise Alaska, share your relaxation experience.

New Ruby Princess Production Shows



Two new production shows have debuted onboard Ruby Princess, enchanting audiences during their Western Caribbean cruises. The first, "Broadway Ballroom," presents the music of the Great White Way, a name for the area near Times Square that houses many of Broadway's famous theatres, with a ballroom flair, pairing the songs of hit musicals with dance numbers ranging from foxtrot to rumba. The show also features the talents of the costume designer along with the choreographer from the popular television show, "Dancing with the Stars", maintaining the integrity of the art of Ballroom Dance.

The second new Princess-produced production show, "Once Upon a Dream," uses unique multidimensional cinematic projection to follow a dreamscape unlike anything seen at sea. The audience will accompany a young woman's journey as she dreams of everything from an Alice in Wonderland inspired tea party to Las Vegas and all points in between. The costume computer-generated scenic graphics make this a very unique experience.

If you have seen one of these productions, please share.

Princess staying in Australia in 2010




2010 Summer Sun & Dawn Princess Australia Program: Will continue their year round Australia based cruising with an enhanced 2010 Summer Program. The sister ships feature a series of summer voyages ranging from 2 to 30 days offering a collection of cruises to Southeast Asia and the South Pacific sailing from the Australian ports of Sydney, Perth or Brisbane. Sun Princess offers three 17-day cruises roundtrip from Perth (Fremantle) visiting exotic ports in Thailand and the Malaysian Peninsula including Phuket, Penang, and Kuala Lumpur (Port Kelang). For a more in depth exploration of Southeast Asia, two 21-day cruises are available which include Cambodia, Ho Chi Minh and Bali. A new 30-day sailing features an overnight call to the vibrant city of Hong Kong and also calls on the great cities and destinations of Bangkok, Singapore, Halong Bay, Brunei and Kota Kinabalu. Two Northern Explorer cruises visit an array of interesting ports along the Northern Australian coast and have been enhanced to include a call to Bali. Prior to her recently announced 2010 104-day World Cruise, Dawn Princess offers a 13-day voyage sailing roundtrip from Sydney to Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Fiji with calls in Noumea, Suva, Dravuni Island and Lifou.

I've been to Australia and New Zealand, and loved it ! A once in a life time opportunity. I cruised for 2 weeks, and spent 2 nights prior to cruise in Auckland and 2 days after in Sydney. As far as tours, while on the cruise, I chose many of the train trips, which were fantastic ! Had an opportunity to see all the different variety of animals that you will see there, and thankfully only seeing their snakes in a cage.
If you have been to Australia and New Zealand, please share your expriences.

Princess - New Itineraries & Ports for 2010 Europe Season - Book by Sept 30




Most comprehensive Europe program yet, with new and exciting 7-day cruises in both the Mediterranean and Northern Europe. For 2010, we will offer more variety than ever before with 96 spectacular departures including 39 unique itineraries. Princess offers the opportunity to see the many sides of Europe with itineraries that visit the most iconic destinations that are rich in history, architecture, cuisine and majestic beauty. This season, we have returning favorites and have added nine new exceptional itineraries, more 7-day voyages, and 11 new ports! Princess offers an array of distinct itinerary choices with six spectacular and intimate ships sailing the waters of Europe from April through December, covering the destination in its entirety. Ruby Princess continues to sail the signature Grand Mediterranean and Greek Isles program. Star Princess returns to Europe and sails the ever-popular 10-day Scandinavia & Russia itinerary in the summer followed by Greek Isles, Egypt, and a new Mediterranean Odyssey itinerary in the fall. Crown Princess starts the season with several Greek Isles and Mediterranean cruises before sailing to the British Isles as well as Norway & the Fjords. Grand Princess offers convenient 7-day & 14-day Mediterranean cruises from London. Pacific Princess sails the Mediterranean including the extraordinary Holy Land itinerary which offers a 2-day Egypt and 2-day Israel experience on every sailing. Ocean Princess offers seven new itineraries featuring a selection of Mediterranean & Northern Europe voyages ranging from 7 to 25 days. Grand Adventure sailings offer passengers the opportunity to extend their adventure by combining two voyages and receiving a $200 per person savings. Bookings for the season opened April 9th.

Princess Launch Fares are the new name for Princess FIT cruise fares. The Europe Captain’s Circle Launch Savings is $100 per person – a great message for Princess loyalists as it’s applicable in all categories and combinable with Launch Fares, Group Fares, Regional Fares and Past Passenger Promotions. This discount is available through September 30, 2009. Our Group Fares this year offer larger Group discounts and lower Group Fares - up to $500 per person!

Though I have been on several Princess cruises (see my review below), I've yet to sail on her in Europe. If you have sailed on Princess in Europe, please share your experiences

Plan your Crystal All Inclusive cruise today !




Great news for passengers who like "all inclusive."

Crystal has something better: $2000 to spend as they wish. Receive up to $2000 in shipboard credits per couple to spend any way they wish on most 2009 and all 2010 voyages. From relaxing spa treatments to the finest bottles of wine and exciting Crystal Adventures® shore excursions, the choice is truly theirs, as they wish.

Reduced Fares: Up to $3000 per couple savings on most 2009 European and South American voyages and ALL 2010 Mediterranean and Northern Europe cruises.

From the President of Crystal Cruises: At Crystal Cruises, we are motivated by a single goal: to provide you with the finest experience not only in cruising, but in all of luxury travel. It is my personal pleasure to welcome you into the fascinating world of Crystal Cruises. At sea and ashore, we share your passion for discovery and have created itineraries that showcase the world and all its glory, from favorite must-see destinations to undiscovered gems of rare beauty. A careful balance of onboard enrichment and shoreside adventure is combined to create the most magnificent experiences, ones you are sure to treasure for a lifetime.

Travel connects us. To our world, our loved ones and ourselves. It bridges differences and cultivates understanding and acceptance. It tantalizes our curiosities and quenches our desire for adventure and discovery. Everything we do at Crystal Cruises is designed to evoke a sense of astonishing wonder, from the surprising thoughtful touches your stewardess attends to in your stateroom to the authentic experiences you enjoy ashore.

Aboard the two highest-rated ships in the world, Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity, you will discover the hallmarks of Crystal... extraordinary service, abundant space, exceptional quality and incredible choices. This is the very essence of our company; this is the Crystal Difference. A steadfast commitment to excellence has earned us unprecedented recognition as the World’s Best for an incredible 15 years – an accomplishment unmatched by any other cruise line, hotel or resort anywhere in the world.

Gregg L. Michel, President, Crystal Cruises


If you have been on a Crystal Cruise, please share your experiences.

January 6, 2010 - Holland America's Amsterdam - Grand World Voyages just reduced !!




19 - 114 day portions can be purchase aboard the World Cruise of the Amsterdam, from $ 3099 pp. New rates - Great savings !

I've been on several Holland America cruises. HA use to be totally "white glove" service, however, now the staff has been allowed to lighten up a little, and talk with you, even at the dining table. I have another HA book for Aug 23, for 14 night in Alaska, r/t Seattle. You should plan to join me !

If you have been on a Holland America cruise, please share your experiences.

Baltimore: The Gateway to Royal Caribbean's Granduer




BALTIMORE: THE GATEWAY TO GRANDEURExperience an unforgettable vacation from Baltimore onboard Grandeur of the Seas®. With multiple itineraries offering diverse destinations – Royal Caribbean certainly puts "more" in Baltimore. On one trip, you can bask in Bermuda, lounge in Labadee® or picture yourself in Puerto Rico. These ports and so many more are just the beginning of your Baltimore cruise, and just think – they're all in your backyard.

Baltimore
With a world-class aquarium, major sporting events and fantastic food, Baltimore is filled with things to do and see. The prime spot for activity is the Inner Harbor, where you'll find the Harborside Shopping Pavilion, Oriole Park at Camden Yards, the National Aquarium, Port Discovery and much, much more. Plus, there are a number of historical sites nearby, including Mount Vernon and Federal Hill.

The One Thing You Don't Want to Miss
For a real family adventure, check out the National Aquarium in the Inner Harbor, with an amazing collection of more than 10,000 specimens and 560 species. You'll encounter everything from the gigantic pacific octopus to a blue poison dart frog, and don't forget humpback whales, monkeys, sharks, puffins and more. There's even a simulated rain forest with piranha and sloths, and a coral reef with vividly colored tropical fish.

Other Fun Things to Do
* Let the kids go wild at Port Discovery, the Kid-Powered Museum. With three floors of interactive exhibits, there's something for everyone.
* Learn the history of baseball and tour Babe Ruth's Birthplace and Museum, listed as a national historic site.
* Enjoy a great Italian meal in Baltimore's own Little Italy and then take a stroll through the quaint streets.
* Catch an IMAX movie or planetarium show at the Maryland Science Center.
* Visit the Baltimore Zoo, home to more than 2,000 exotic animals in a wooded, 180-acre setting.
* Walk through Federal Hill, a neighborhood on the historic register, and the Cross Street Market.
* Our nation's anthem will unfold before you when you visit the star shaped Fort McHenry. Tour the historical site that defended the Baltimore Harbor in the War of 1812 and inspired Francis Scott Key to pen The Star-Spangled Banner.

Sporting Adventures
If there's one thing that the people of Baltimore are crazy about, it's baseball, played right in the Inner Harbor in Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Another exciting sporting event in the area is the Preakness Stakes, part of the prestigious Triple Crown of horse racing. It's held every May at the oldest racetrack in Maryland, the Pimlico Racecourse.

Taste of Local Flavor
Given its seaside location, it's not surprising that Baltimore has its fair share of great seafood restaurants. But for a true culinary experience, you'll want to stop by one of the many crabhouses you'll come across to try the popular local dish, the Crab Cake. What's so special about it? It's made with Maryland Blue Crabs, which are found predominantly in the brackish waters of the Chesapeake Bay.

I've been to Baltimore several times and love it ! It's quaint and it clearly gives you the atmospher of being close to the sea !
Have you been ? Please share your experiences.

Bridge cruise aboard Carnival Miracle, November 12 - From $ 635 pp



A Cruises Inc associate has put together a Bridge Cruise on the Carival Miracle for November 12. 2009. It's 8 days, and visits Colon, Panama and Limon, Costa Rica and Belize.

You can take advantage of this special rate and not join the Bridge group. And if want to join in on Bridge, cost for lessons and to play, on Sea days, on $ 50 pp.

Space is limited. Call me today, so I get you get you included on this cruise.

Do you play bridge ? Take your own friends and plan to cruise free !

Carnival Early Saver Rates for close to home ports - Book by June 30



Just booked myself another great deal on Carnival, out of Baltimore. They have sales running till end of June, on close to home ports for 7 night cruises ('09 & '10), from $ 449 pp (in January). Holidays on sale too, like Valentines, Easter, Christmas, etc. If I can help anyone with this, give me a call (434/800) 237 3832.

Hurry ! Deadline June 30

Click title for sample dates. Rates subject to change or sell out

Did you know ? It's decieving to believe the best price on a cruise is found directly through the cruise line or with any internet companies




That's right, it is deceiving to believe !

The cruise lines offer many deals to the general public, such as Past Passenger, senior, military, resident rates, and more, in which anyone can buy these rates, to include the cruise specialist or travel agency. However, the cruise line offers "additional" special rates, from time to time, to "select larger agencies", to be exclusive by buying through this agency only. Also many of these larger agencies, buy space, so that when rates go up, their clients recieve the lower rates and/or amenities on these special dates. So though an agent can give you ever rate you find at the cruise line, the cruise line can "not" offer you any special rates found at these larger agencies ! Travel writers suggest to the consumer: To find your best rates and to receive the servicing you deserve, call a cruise specialist or travel agency ... And the biggest reason ? The cruise line won't pay you commission for servicing your own cruise, they will only pay the agent. So your #1 priority needs to be ... Find the best agency who can service your cruise ... One who is known by travel writers, such as Frommer's, for their attention to details, their high technology connection with the cruise lines, and their top relationships with all the major cruise lines, such as the cruise specialist of Cruises Inc. Let them do all the work for you, when you don't have to ... To help make this your best vacation ever !

As far as internet companies, beware ! Not all internet companies are equal. Being on the internet does "not" automatically qualify an agency for the best rates or best recongnition by travel writers. Matter of fact, to compete, some internet agenies will offer you c.l. specials that the consumer does not qualify for, such as senior rate. And then when the consumer gets to the pier, they will have to pay the higher rate. Surprise, surprise ! Other internet companies, lower their commission to be competitive with the larger companies. All this does is "raise the odds" that this agency might not be in business when it comes times for your cruise. And did you also know, select internet agencies, such as Hotwire, Priceline, American Airlines, Continental, and others, are not travel agents ? Currently these interent companies are buying the cruises for thier clients through Cruises Inc's holding company (WTH). However, it's not to your advantage to have these internet companies, such as Hotwire, in between you and working directly with the cruise agency yourself. Reason(s) ? You're still not guaranteed the cruise you think you're buying, nor will you receive the needed first hand experience to make this your best vacation ever, when you don't buy directly through the cruise agency ! Again, travel writers suggest, if you can't find a cruise - only specialist, such as Cruises Inc, turn to a local agency. Trust travel writers: Your vacation is not worth a $ 25+ savings, when you could be buying into a possible scam or you're not working directly with the agency who has bought this cruise for you or your rate could be raised when you get to the pier or all you have is a computer to talk to ! Do your homework, and find an agency with experience to your destination, who has won awards, by travel writers, for their attention to detail, and who actually qualify for the special rates they may have for you.

FYI - Cruises Inc is the Nations largest online (internet agency) and offline (Personable service by phone) agency !

Did you know the best rates are not necessarily through the cruise line or through any internet company ?