Thursday, December 27, 2012

Wave Season or RUSH SEASON is upon us



A couple weeks ago,  Norwegian Cruise Line mentioned, on their facebook page, that “wave season” was about to begin.  I literally got a chuckle, when I saw a reply to NCL’s posting, that said, “Yeah, I know, but I still cruise during this time anyway”.

Realizing that this person, apparently thought wave season had to do with the ocean waves, I figure, there may be other folks that possibly think the same (?), especially with seeing this response.

 
Wave Season is a word used by folks in the travel industry.  They are words to describe a time of year; a season of the travel industry; when most folks plan their next vacation.  Beginning of “wave season” to the industry is January.

The value or purpose in the industry, reminding consumers, of this upcoming season, is to remind them to get ready !  It’s coming !

 
Why ?

Most folks need, even with making a commitment with deciding vacation, need leeway time, prior to, decision making time !

Such as when bosses remind their employees, that their vacation needs to be in by a certain date; or a group leader, reminds their followers, that the new travel date is coming soon.  It’s to let folks know, here’s your date, so be prepared to get this task done.

 
So “wave season” is upon us ! It’s that RUSH SEASON for folks to get their plans in ! However know, in reality, “wave season” is actually for the folks who are LATE in making plans.  Many season travelers have already made their plans; they know better than wait for the RUSH !

Wave Season to me is RUSH SEASON !  Many many consumers are all calling at the same time !  Agents have less time to spend with these folks that wait for this first of the year season; so everyone is rushed.

My philosophy, is plan when everyone else is not.  However, the season is now upon us; so if you have yet to confirm your 2013 vacation, this season is talking to you !

 

In past years, Wave Season began 1st or 2nd week of January and goes through mid-March.  By then, most folks have planned their yearly vacation.  Folks who book after this time frame, are considered, late-late planners.

So the season is upon us, that the cruise lines, agents, and the entire industry is about to enter that busy season in helping 60% of the traveling consumers !  Consumers need to be prepared in heavy phone lines and limited space to choose from; it can also mean, higher prices.
 


Remember, the  more who book the date you want, it drives rates up.  So if you have also waited till “wave season” to make your plans, waiting closer to March, could mean higher rates, or even space gone.  Many dates in the summer, are already, yes already, SOLD OUT !


 

Wednesday, December 19, 2012


TripAdvisor has released the results of a 2012 poll of over 2,500 respondents on their favorite airport-area hotels. The poll's results show that 67 percent of travelers surveyed have stayed at an airport hotel and ranks favorite top ten hotels within a two-mile radius of a major US airport.


Two cities, near where ships sail from, were listed for one of the "favorite airport area hotel":




Miami Springs, Florida - Comfort Suites Miami Airport North - Average Nightly Rate: $137+






Seattle, Washington - Cedarbrook Lodge - Average Nightly Rate: $175+



 

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Regency Cruises voted best for Luxury

Remember, ABC's smash hit "Dancing with the Stars" sizzles on board Holland America Line





From Holland America:  See video and write up
http://www.hollandamerica.com/pageByName/Simple.action?requestPage=DWTS&stop_mobi=yes


What a great opportunity for loves of this show, to sail right with the dancers !

Will YOU let them sail without You ?
Space going quickly !

Thankful For Travel. Why ?



Here it is, a week before Christmas.  Thinking of things I’m Thankful for.  Being in the travel business, naturally, I would include travel in my thoughts.

Why Thankful for Travel ?


 
I’m thankful …

We live in a country that allows us to buy a passport, so that we may go outside and visit other countries and experience the cultures !

There’s an opportunity to see how other folks live (and survive); helping to appreciate more of what we have.

A chance to see many of God’s Natural Wonders of the World.

I can invite others to join me, for some quality time together, and to share in some of the same joys.

For time away from work, to regenerate one’s mind.

To be an American and for the opportunities it brings me !
 
 
 
To be alive to form a bucket list !
 
 
 
 
 

 

 

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

Carnival's New Cruise Fare Structure: Will You Be Happy With More Choices or Find Yourself More Confused ?



 
Way over a year ago, Carnival came out with a new rate option, called Early Saver Rates.  Have heard, that many folks, have bought online, later to discover that their deposit is non-refundable, and they can not only make any changes, they can not correct the spelling of their name, if they typed it in incorrectly or used their “nickname” instead.
Personally, I have received a many a call, from folks, who were not my customer, to ask what all this means, “after” they already purchased.  Unfortunately, the time to ask questions is BEFORE not after; and the time to reach to an agent is also BEFORE and not after.

 
So many folks believe, due to TV advertisement, that you can be your “own travel agent” and no answers are needed to just buy online from these “internet companies “.  Though folks need to NOT allow themselves to believe that it’s as simple as that, that is a subject for another day.  Just with Carnival’s past rate options and now these new options, alone, is reason to NOT buy your cruise vacation on your own.  

Sadly, some folks believe they know it all.  And even "if they did", WHY would they put themselves in such a position of possible ERRORS ! 
Cruise Specialist, and even your Travel Agent is here for YOU and the cruise lines for a reason;  and I promise you, as low as cruise prices are today, it’s not about money (commission) … Folks who have opted to be in this business or line of work, truly really want to help and protect  you !

Anyway, back to these new Carnival Farecodes.  Someone asked  me, “What  is farecodes” ?  All these different promotions and rates come under special codes.  Such as, if there’s a senior rate, you have to “buy that code” to have the rate.  That’s why folks, buying on their  own, can often “think they are buying one thing”, where in essence, they flat  end up with something else !

Example, this past week, through TODAY, Carnival has a “Holiday Sale, with up to $200 onboard credit”.  Well, if you, as an individual, do NOT know how to buy this correctly, you will either buy the rate you want and end up with NO onboard credit, or  you will get the onboard credit offer, but at a higher rate.  Long story, but this is why you want to turn to a Cruise Specialist, or your Travel Agent, so that you buy what you  think you are !

As of last week, Carnival Cruise Lines' added NEW FARECODES.  Now, a little more complicated, due to more choices.  Now, if buying on your own, you will have more reading to do; or if buying through a specialist, they will have more explaining to do.  Only two things are certain:

(1)   You may find yourself more confused at some point

(2)   And Carnival’s "Early Saver" fares, may no longer guaranteed to be the cheapest option.

As of December 3, Carnival's fare categories are comprised of seven options (four more than before): Fun Select, Fun Select Plus, Past Guest, Early Saver, Easy Saver, Super Saver and Instant Saver.

 
Here's a quick rundown, made as simple as possible:

Fun Select: Fun Select is Carnival's standard rate with which passengers can select a cabin number. But within the new system, Fun Select fares also come with free cabin upgrades that allow passengers to be upgraded up to two categories within the same cabin type (ie inside, outside, balcony, etc). Upgrades are based on availability.

New Fun Select Plus: Similar to Fun Select fares, the upgrades included in Fun Select Plus rates allow passengers to be upgraded up to seven categories within the same cabin type. As with Fun Select, upgrades are based on availability.   (NOTE from Vivian:  It’s at a “higher cost”, but it gets you to a higher deck (category) at a lower cost than normal).

 
NOTE from Vivian.  Cruise Specialist “nor” agents can talk to a “live person” about any of the BELOW FARECODES, “nor” can we buy these rates from a “live person” at Carnival; we can ONLY buy these rates on Carnival’s Travel Agent website.  Personally, I think this is not only “really bad” FBO our customers, ,but WRONG  !  ALSO NOTE, when doing a group on Carnival, we can also NOT talk to a live person unless that customer is reserving to buy 50 cabins !.

Early Saver: Early Saver fares are the lowest available rates that come with a cabin assignment and are only available for bookings made more than three (short cruises) to five months (longer cruises) from sailing. (NOTE from Vivian:  These rates are pulled EXACTLY at the 3 and 5 month mark; so if you are not watching the time, they will be here one day and gone the next). They include price protection, meaning that if the going rate of the cabin category you've booked goes down (NOTE from Vivian: Up to 2 days from sailing), you qualify for a refund in the form of onboard credit.  New – passengers can now  make  a “change”, prior to the final payment date, for a $50 per person fee (Per my Carnival DSM, changes include, cancelling with new sail date in mind or opportunity to choose a new date within a year.  Also with fee, now able to upgrade to higher category (can not downgrade).  Note, name changes still not allowed; and if name spelling is wrong or customer gave their wrong name, this is to be determined at time of trying to fix).  This rate option is 100%  non-refundable. (NOTE from Vivian:  No agent, or anyone, can hold this rate at Carnival without a deposit or full payment in hand !)

New Easy Saver: Easy Saver fares are slightly less than standard Fun Select fares and are available for bookings made within three to five months of a sailing; passengers can choose a cabin number and make changes before the final payment date for a $50 per person fee. There is no price protection.  (NOTE from Vivian:  Easy Saver Rates come out after Early Saver Rates have been pulled).  (NOTE from Vivian:  No agent, or anyone, can hold this rate at Carnival without a deposit or full payment in hand !)

Super Saver: New, Super Savers are the lowest fares Carnival now offers. New, they require a non-refundable deposit and are available for bookings made more than three to five months from sailing and you can NOT have a cabin number; it will be TBA – to be announced.. (NOTE   from Vivian:  Folks who want a cabin #, such as midship, or traveling with families who need or want cabins together or need a cabin #, can NOT buy this rate option !  (NOTE from Vivian:  No agent, or anyone, can hold this rate at Carnival without a deposit or full payment in hand !)

Instant Saver: Also "heavily discounted" (according to Carnival), Instant Saver fares are not available until closer to sail date (Per my Carnival DSM, after Super Saver Rates are pulled), require full non-refundable full payment and do not include a cabin assignment. (NOTE from Vivian:  Same holds true as my note for Super Saver Rate; folks who want cabins or families who need cabin #’s or cabins together, can not have this rate. (NOTE from Vivian:  No agent, or anyone, can hold this rate at Carnival without a deposit or full payment in hand !)

Past Guest:Past Guest fares include a free two category upgrade. Passengers must have a past guest # with Carnival to qualify.

 
IN SUMMARY.

(1)    When you look online, you need to realize, you may no longer qualify, nor want the type cabin, or may need a cabin number, therefore, no longer qualifying for their lowest rates available.

(2)   Lowest rates available will now be for NO CABIN NUMBER (assignment) and they too are 100% non-refundable !

(3)   Early Saver Rates are no longer the lowest rates available; Super and Instant Saver are, but you get no cabin number with these 2 type rates.

(4)   Many of the new farecodes require money in hand, for deposit or full payment, to reserve that rate or your space; can no longer hold the cabins at Carnival with a 24 hour option.

 

NOTE from Vivian:

There are at least a couple of reason, that I can  imagine that Carnival has chosen this route with farecodes and options, that I can guess of …

(1)   Carnival has told us, one reason they are doing this, is FBO agents;  By getting folks to make a commitment, rather than simply being able to back out at final payment, by making available, their non-refundable deposit and full payment fare options. 

(2)   And WHY keep giving folks an option to hold cabins for 2 days or a week …  With the “money in hand” aspect, now, you can simply wait and call when you are ready to commit; and move on with your other responsibilities in life !  It’s time consuming and non-profitable to talk and not take action … For Carnival, and even for you !

 
Do us agents like the options ?  Personally, I like the Super Saver & Instant Saver Option.  To me, this is for those folks who are just looking for cheap; they are not really interested in building a relationship with an agent.  Why not give them the lowest rate; they should require less needs.  Cheapest is cheapest, no questions to ask !

Otherwise, do we like the rate structure ?  Not really.  We all appreciate Carnival trying to help the agent community with commitment.  However, it is more time consuming to explain all these new options and rules, cause most of our folks do not want just cheapest; they want value !

More importantly, I believe many consumers are not only going to get more confused, they may opt in not believing the agent, or think they see a lower rate than their agent is giving them; and if they fail in trusting their agent, by explaining what they see, they may end up going elsewhere (but still receive the same rates available to all agents).  Also, the agent community believes, more folks will end up getting hurt, cause they will opt in “playing their own travel agent”, not knowing what kind of fix they have gotten themselves into !
 
 
PS.  If you think this is confusing, wait till you want to talk about Carnival Group Rates or Carnival Sales !
 
 

 

 

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Atlantis in Nassau Bahamas can accommodate up to 10 family members in the Harborside condos with no extra per person charge

 
 
Reporting directly from Atlantis ...
 
We all know the difficulty presented by families of five or more.
Like many hotels, Atlantis will only allow five in a standard room if one child is younger than four years of age. So, the default offering is typically two hotel rooms – at rates which are usually enough to blow the typical family's budget.

In addition, Atlantis charges extra per-person charges for each guest over 11 years of age - after the first two adults. These charges are nearly $75 per person per day (see our previous newsletter on Atlantis' surcharges).

The Solution

The Atlantis, Harborside condos will accommodate families of 2-10 – without any extra per-person charges – at deeply discounted rates.

Your clients will have the same unlimited free access to all Atlantis activities, a great on-resort location and all the home-away-from-home comforts of a fully equipped condo.
 
 
Isn't it time to book your Atlantis Harborside condo today !
 
 

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Holland America features ABC's smash hit “Dancing with the Stars” theme cruises


Reported by Holland America …

Dancing with the Stars” is one of the biggest television shows on earth, teaming celebrities and professional dancers to compete for the coveted mirror ball trophy.

Whether you like to Tango, Quickstep, Paso Doble, or sit back and enjoy watching the sizzling performances, the new program offers guests an entirely unique experience on the seas.

Six theme cruises in 2013 and early 2014 will feature “Dancing with the Stars” events including dance lessons; a chance to meet the dancers, ask questions and take photos; and a dazzling production starring celebrities and the famed dance pros, complete with glamorous costumes and routines from the TV show.

Currently scheduled to appear on select sailings are two-time champion pro dancers Mark Ballas and Kym Johnson; pros Tristan MacManus and Lacey Schwimmer; and some of your favorite celebrity competitors.* More dance pros and celebrities to be announced.

In addition to the theme cruises, every sailing on all 15 ships in the Holland America Line fleet will feature an exclusive “Dancing with the Stars”

February 16, 2013, ms Eurodam, 7-Day Eastern Caribbean
Exclusive to Cruises Inc customers, $ 50 OBCC; also, 1st 4 cabins to buy a suite, cabin receives Caribbean Ocean Guide Book.

June 22, 2013, ms Veendam, 7-Day Canada & New England
Exclusive to Cruises Inc customers, call for available amenities.

June 30, 2013, ms Oosterdam, 7-Day Alaska
Exclusive to Cruises Inc customers, $ 25 OBCC and chocolate strawberries; also, spend $5,000 cabin total and receive Alaska Ocean Guide Book.

July 7, 2013, ms Oosterdam, 7-Day Alaska
Exclusive to Cruises Inc customers, call for amenities; also, spend $5,000 cabin total and receive Alaska Ocean Guide Book.

January 5, 2014, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, 7-Day Eastern Caribbean
Exclusive to Cruises Inc customers, call for amenities.

January 12, 2014, ms Nieuw Amsterdam, 7-Day Western Caribbean
Exclusive to Cruises Inc customers, call for amenities.

Read more …http://www.hollandamerica.com/pageByName/Simple.action?requestPage=DWTS



 

A plus for the consumer: Federal Trade Commission warns hotels for not disclosing "resort fee".





This is most certainly FBO the consumer !  The Federal Trade Commission watching our back !
T

TravelMoleUSA writes article:
The Federal Trade Commission has sent a letter to 22 hotels warning them that their listed room rates and taxes don't reveal hidden "resort" and other fees.


The Commission is complaining that some operators either don't list or reveal hidden fees at all, some list them in small print, in vague terms or on miss-able links to other online pages.


"These practices may violate the law by misrepresenting the price consumers can expect to pay for their hotel rooms," the letter said. "We believe that online hotel reservation sites should include in the quoted total price any unavoidable or mandatory fees, such as resort fees, that consumers will be charged to stay at the hotel."


The agency would not reveal which hotels received the warning letter.



 

Wednesday, November 28, 2012

Wonder what Buy Now, Pay Later AND Spending Reimbursement means ?



Wonder what Buy Now, Pay Later AND Spending Reimbursement means ?

See details.


No Deposit Required (Book Now and Pay Later) Terms & Conditions: Eligible for cruise bookings on any cruise line that are booked between 11/20/12 and 12/18/12. Good for cruises sailing between 4/1/13 and 12/28/13. Offer valid for new individual bookings only. Deposit amount is up to $500 per booking. If the deposit exceeds $500, the guest(s) must pay the difference. Offer only applies to bookings made at least 110 days prior to departure; maximum $500 value and not valid on select bookings requiring non-refundable deposits and / or final payment 110 days or more before departure. The amount of your initial/deferred deposit must be paid 10 days prior to the date on which your final payment is due. A $24.99 processing fee will be applied to all eligible bookings. Cruise Lines which require final payment at the time of booking do not qualify. Land reservations and River Cruise Line bookings are not eligible for this promotion. Offer is subject to availability, and may be changed or withdrawn at any time without notice. Rates are subject to availability. Cruise rates are in U.S. dollars, per person and based on double occupancy. Additional restrictions apply.



Spending Reimbursement (Get Back up to $200 Onboard Spending) Terms & Conditions: New bookings only. Cancel/Rebooks do not qualify. Singles Qualify. Spending Reimbursement is valid for new individual cruise line bookings or land bookings made between 11/20/12 and 12/18/12. Offer is not valid for Carnival Cruise Line bookings. Spending offer is valid on sailings / vacations departing between 1/18/13 and 12/28/13. Only bookings with a total paid amount of $1000 or greater are eligible for the Spending Reimbursement offer. Offer is per stateroom / land package and varies based on total booking amount. Spending offer is not reflected in advertised prices. Spending Reimbursement redemption email will be sent 3 days after booking. Spending Reimbursement amount will be issued approximately 4 - 6 weeks after customer sends email with required information. Reimbursement offer is subject to change/availability, and may be withdrawn from select sailings at any time without prior notice. International bookings are not eligible. Email with required information must be received no later than 60 days from the date on which you return from your cruise/vacation. Offer not valid for air only bookings or car rentals.




For more answers to your questions, call (434/800) 237-3832, press 6, then choose 62 to leave a message for a return call.


My Royal Caribbean Experience aboard the Explorer of the Seas during Hurricane Sandy

Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Getting Ready to Ride the Hurricane Waves of Sandy on the Explorer of the Seas





In case you may not know, or do not receive my montly newsletter (www.SignUp4Deals.com), I was on the Explorer of the Seas, out of Bayonne, NJ, during Hurrican Sandy.



Thoughy I would share (and pictures and videos).
http://vwebb.cruisesinc.com/travel/admin/CMSTemplates/DisplayDraft.html?draft_display=true&edOid=1612311614

Great promo idea would have been to have T-shirts to purchase that said, "I rode the waves of Sandy).





FYI, I will be in Florida, beginning, tomorrow, Wed, for two weeks, with my folks, for the holidays.  I am hoping to have internet, and will post next week, my RCI experience or my article on my time in Connecticut and Bermuda, while away on vacation.





Wednesday, November 7, 2012

Adding to your packing list can most certainly make your vacation (cruise)



We all have list of regular items we often choose to take with us, when we’re bound for our upcoming cruise ! However, due to “weight restrictions”, often we begin to eliminate items we take, which we wish we had.


My case is the same; I now leave more home than I ever did before. Many would say that it looked like I took “all but the kitchen sink”; but not any more, with weight restrictions !


Couple weeks ago, before leaving, I did STOP, at the last minute, and recalled a few things, I best put in that suitcase; which did come in handy:

1) Allergy Meds.
Sure enough, I broke out with a stress cold, just before we boarded. With Sandy about to approach and us in Connecticut, but needing to re-board Amtrak, day of sailing, for NJ, I guess, as usual, stress got the best of me.

2) Cough Drops.
Yes, these came in handy with the stress cold.

3) Plastic baggies.
The Explorer of the Seas had a 24 hour café down on Promenade deck. I kept these plastic baggies on me, and used for cookies, etc, to take up to the room for later eating.

4) Sea Sick pills (I use meclazine)
With going down the East Coast and experiencing Sandy first hand, I know I was glad I had not forgotten these.  NOTE:  I don't actually get sea sick physically; mine is mentally; all one has to do is talk about it, and I know I would be affected; Once I take the pill, folks can talk about it all day long and I am not lucky NOT affected.  MY SUGGESTION: Often I hear folks say such meds cause them to get sleepy; I take them when I’m ready for bed !

5) Sweat shirt.
It was cold when leaving NJ due to the storm of Sandy; and even after leaving Bermuda; I was so glad to have these !

6) Cell phone charger.
Oh yes, I had mine ! Being in roaming area, your charge goes down much more quickly.

7) Multi-electric plug.
Remember, there’s usually only one electrical outlet in the room; on the desk area.

8)  Pen and note paper
I always seem to be needing this !

9)  Laudry bag.
I love our Cruises Inc laundry bags.  So nice to put all the clothes that need washing into one area, for putting back into your suite case.

10) Snacks.
These came in handy on the train.  And seriously, it is a good idea to take with you when you are on the land, while on your cruise; you may not get back to ship right at lunch time, etc.

11) Business cards.
You meet so many new folks that you want to keep in contact with, once the cruise is over !




12)  Flat and comfortable shoes (and socks).
These came in handy with Sandy !  I left the higher shoes parked right in the closet mostly the whole time !  Some folks may think it is crazy, but if it is cold, and all you have is sandals, PUT THOSE SOCKS RIGHT ON !


13) POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Nothing is life is 100% perfect.  And with this cruise involving Sandy, anyone could have chosen to let themselves get worked up over a cruise which may bring a little swaying.  Choosing to focus on the positive is always the most certain way to take your mind.  Our Captain, the Cruise Director, and the shows, and the ship itself, MADE OUR CRUISE.  It's all in your choice of attitude !






What I wish I had included:

1) Insulated coffee mug.
As mentioned, the Explorer of the Seas had a 24 hour café with coffee available. The coffee cups are now very small. Had I had the coffee mug, I could have made less trips to the café and kept the coffee hotter longer while up on deck or through the ship.

2) Nose drops !

3) Camera.
It had been suggested to me, why take a camera when you have your cell phone camera. NOTE: Not all cell phone cameras are treated equal. Mine was not that great !
SUGGTESTION: Use your own instinct with such things and DON’T listen to other folks !

4) Bottle opener.
Who ever things you need one of these anymore ? Believe it or not, we had bought, at the store, drinks that needed a bottle opener to open (when we were at the hotel). I had a thin one from Alaska, but left it home.

5)  Hair Brush
I usually only use a pick; but with all the wind from Sandy, I could have used that brush !



Hey, there's that next cruise, in remembering to keep this valuable list !




If you have items that have come in handy for you, or you too, forgot to take, please share.








Wednesday, October 24, 2012

I'm on a cruise vacation - No blog post next week



Next time I post will be Tuesday, November 6.





You should be going with me !
I'm on RCI's big boat, Explorer, out of NJ, headed to Bermuda !

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

How can Past Cruise Passengers can get their best rates ? Where to AVOID buying directly !



This weekend, I met a very nice lady and her boyfriend at my “Open House Collectibles must move out, Tag Sale”. Of course, she had seen my name and our logo on my truck. We naturally talked about cruises.


When I meet folks, and we get on the cruising topic, I automatically ask, “Do you buy your cruises online (I don’t ask if they buy locally; cause I hope they do) ?”. Naturally I ask this, since our company is the cruise distribution house for Orbitz, Hotwire, Priceline, the Airlines, and more; and there are still so many folks in Lynchburg, VA, who have yet to hear from my existing customers, that we are here locally, for them (and their out-of-state referrals) to buy directly with us for the Best Prices Guarantee; avoiding the “net“ and keeping their MONEY IN LYNCHBURG.


She immediately responded with, “ I book directly at the cruise line because they specifically give me a special offer”.

Surely, I seemed a little shocked when I responded with, “Are you under the impressions that this is an Exclusive offer, where you must book directly through the cruise line ?”.

She said yes.






Weeeeeeeeeeee.

Oh, you poor lady ! WRONG.







Her booking directly at the cruise line actually means she has …

* Not only taken her money away from Lynchburg (it can not in turn, come back around to her)

* She has taken away that security of buying local, or if not local, from someone she could get to know personally.

* Sadly true, she is missing out on working with the expertise of agents in the cruising field AND someone who has probably been around for years (unlike at the cruise line, who has 24/7 turn around) !

* AND, she no longer has that middle man, that Famous Travel Writers suggest you need, when buying a cruise, to “FIGHT YOUR BATTLES” when the UNEXPECTED HAPPENS !

*  And, she may not have the best available rate or amenities.




PLEASE KNOW. Past Passenger Rates, offered by the cruise lines for “loyalty” are NOT EXCLUSIVE ! Every travel agent and cruise specialist in the World, has access to these Past Passenger Rates to give all their customers (new callers) !




AND Do yourself a favor, DON'T book direct at the cruise line; DON'T play your own travel agent. I don’t know which is worse: Booking direct or booking on the net, in reference to YOUR SECURITY (your back) !


Truly, I feel sorry for any cruiser or vacationer who does not have their own agent, local or not, that they can entrust with any and all information that may be needed !


ALSO KNOW: Past Passenger rates are NOT ALWAYS the best prices. So be aware ! AND know, even with Past Passenger rates, if you are working with a distribution house, there may be more amenities you can have, than just the rate !


REMEMBER MEANINGS:

ADVERTISED CRUISE LINE SALE. This is NOT EXCLUSIVE.

BEST PRICE GUARANTEE or LOWEST PRICE GUARANTEE only means, you won’t see a lower rate elsewhere (it does NOT MEAN EXCLUSIVE). We advertise this, because it is true. Carnival now advertises this, cause it is true; they have Best Price Guarantee, but it is NOT EXCLUSIVE !

EXCLUSIVE. Now, this means Exclusive. This means you can only receive buy buying at that location.



Find yourself an agent you can trust … Whether it be local or not local !


Being able to entrust is important, but also know their …

* Level of expertise !

* Direct connection and level of connectivity to the cruise line !

* AND, how they process payment (and always use your credit card for payments); beware of agencies that will accept cash, even if you use credit card; be sure to ask !





Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Carnival Cruises Line claims "Best Price Guarantee". What does this actually mean ? Be aware of words; It's NOT Exclusivity !




“Best Price Guarantee”


Due to advertising strategies, most folks believe these words mean MORE than what it actually means.

It sounds like, it means, “You can NOT get better rates anywhere else, except for here“. That is most certainly NOT what it means.

It ONLY means, “You will NOT receive a lower rate elsewhere“.  Hey, WE too use this slogan (matter of fact, this logo to the left is what we use).



You say, isn’t that the same thing ? NO.

Do NOT opt to read more into it. It is NOT saying that you can NOT find this same rate elsewhere ! It does NOT say, it’s EXCLUSIVE.


Carnival rates are NOT EXCLUSIVE to guest who buy directly at Carnival.

So what does this mean ?

It only means, that what Carnival has to offer, is the same rates elsewhere !

Like where ? Actually EVERYWHERE !



KNOW, due to “Travel Industry Law”, the cruise lines CAN NOT offer you, the consumer, a lower rate directly, than what you can receive at EVERY TRAVEL AGENT !  So if there's a Military Rate, Senior, Past Guest, ect, your agent can get this for you too !

AND ... As of August 1, 2012, no agency can give a lower rate to cruisers, that what is being offered by Carnival themselves. This includes gifts (agents can not give gifts, other than basically, something like a tote bag).




  So why does Carnival advertise this way, in leading folks to think they can only get the lowest rates by buying directly through them ?
For 1 … It sounds good doesn’t it !

#2, Carnival wants to make it VERY CLEAR to everyone, that a cruiser can NO LONGER receive lower rates off the “net”, like in year past.

Therefore, what you receive from them, you will receive EQUALLY from anywhere else !




In some ways this is GREAT. Those folks who love to check every internet site out there (Oh, and I love all those folks, who do not know how this industry works & will CALL EVERY AGENCY IN TOWN ....hehehe.  I shouldn't laugh, they WASTE MY TIME TOO), will NO LONGER have to do this. What you see on Carnival site or your Travel Agents site or on the “net” will all be the same rates.



REMEMBER, the value of a Travel Agent was NEVER ABOUT RATE ! And those who opted in making this #1, have probably missed the boat on many a thing (I would ultimately love to LOL here, but surfing & buying from the net have most definately hurt all of us; while folks opted to take money out of our pockets, they also took money from their own hand; not to mention, mistakenly thinking they got a better deal ) !  But here again, due to “hep” advertising, too many folks were led to believe it was all about rate !



The value of your Travel Agent (or cruise specialist) is for …

1) Fight your unpredictable/unforseen battles - be the go-between person (cruise line and personal). If you could see into your future, you could avoid or waiver from the unexpected, but YOU CAN’T ! That’s why you have the agent … For what MIGHT happen ! Being prepared is key in where you buy your cruise !

Just like those folks say to me, if I knew I was going to be sick, I would have bought the Trip Cancellation Insurance !  daaah !  But don't you buy insurance for your car & house in advance !  Jeees, Louise; same concept !

2) Insight and expertise advice. Hopefully you choose an agent, that has either cruised a lot or has specifically cruised your destination. If not, then you’re not looking wholly out for yourself. Your agent should have tips, guidance, and ward you from that which can bite you !


When I say bite you, I’m talking about …

1) All that stuff you’ve learned from friends who cruised or the media, that may have told you wrongly !

2) Your lack in “travel sense”, no matter how much you think you’ve traveled !



I'm not meaning to hurt your feelings or knock you down, but it was NEVER YOUR JOB to buy your own travel !  That's why the experts are here.  That's why the travel industry PAYS agents to be here !  To take care of you !  To look after you !  In many cases, you NEVER PAY A DIME to have this complimentary service.  So, it's actually in YOUR HANDS to choose to protect yourself with the value of a Travel Agent (cruise specialist).


Travel agents (cruise specialist) should be considered one of your best friends, like your banker, if your banker tends to look out for you ! Cause the longer they are in this business, the MORE PROBLEMS that they have not only encountered, but had to find a resolution for (that is, if problem solving is one of their forte’s).





And PLEASE STOP worrying yourself over trying to find that “deal on the net“.

#1, How could the consumer know, what a deal is anyway ? Don't play advocate here !

#2, As mentioned above, trust your travel agent (cruise specialist); call them as soon as you see a deal and buy from them (85% of the time, local regular agents have access to any rate you see) !



Why do I say estimate 85% ?

#1, I mentioned above, the cruise line, by law, can not give you a lower rate than you can get with your agent

#2, as the Nations Largest Cruise-Only distribution house for the cruise lines, we only have EXCLUSIVE, 1500+ dates and promotions, to save you money ! And none on Carnival (due to August 1, 2012 new Carnival ruling).  So there are another 85% dates, plus all Carnival date, that our rate too, is equal to the cruise line. In some ways, 15% is like a needle in a hay stack with as many sailings out there.




I’m not suggesting we can’t save you money … Cause we can.  Instead, I am only suggesting, “rate” should not be your #1 concern (safety of your vacation & money, #1) … AND I am preaching here >>> DO NOT TURN TO THE NET ! Just like in our situation, if you buy from Orbitz, Hotwire, Priceline, the Airlines & others, KNOW, that they are buying their cruises from US; which means, you are putting a middle man between US and YOU.



In closing, remember the philosophy, “If it looks to good to be true, you’re probably right” … and … “You can’t get something for nothing” ! Don’t get wrapped up in industry jargin or hoopla advertising. Always trust your agent (or a distribution house that the industry gives awards to) to tell you what you need to know, even if the truth is not what you want to hear !