Oasis of the Seas in St Maartin

Short video ... Oasis of the Seas, new dock in St Maartin.  http://www.royalcaribbean.com/connect/videos/caribbean/?et_cid=em_4073333&et_rid=330739302

 

Carnival Splendor is truly PINK !

Carnival Splendor was designed by Joe Farcus.




I was just on her over Thanksgiving, 2013.  See my review I sent to my customers.
http://vwebb.cruisesinc.com/travel/admin/CMSTemplates/DisplayDraft.html?draft_display=true&edOid=1612452670

And my 190 pictures.  https://cruisevacationpictures.shutterfly.com/pictures/1550

Enjoy ! 

Next Cruise Givaway drawing is December 16, 2013. Are you signed up yet ?

Go here:
http://vwebb.cruisesinc.com/travel/cruises/Contest.html?PG=1&SWEEPSTAKE_NAME=3Q05

What cruises are available out of Baltimore ? Remember, Carnival is leaving after November 2014

Just got back from the Carnival Splendor out of New York.  Have about a week to rest, loose a little weight, and wash up some clothes ... Then I'm off to Baltimore, by way of Amtrak n... For 10 nights on Royal Caribbean's Grandeur.

Lots of changes have been made to the Grandeur, and I'm looking forward to seeing these changes.

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/findacruise/ships/class/ship/home.do?shipClassCode=VI&shipCode=GR&br=R

Here’s a virtual tour of the Vision Class ships.

http://www.royalcaribbean.com/multimedia/virtualTour/ship.do?shipClassCode=VI

 

Reminder, Carnival Pride is leaving out of Baltimore, after November 2014.

Very soon ... Dec 2014 & after will climb in rate because of no competition !

And ... Though the Grandeur is scheduled till March 2015, we won’t know till March 2014, if she might too, leave !  It’s all due to high fuel cost to operate in the Chesapeake.  This is why Norfolk is no longer available.

 

 

 

 

I currently have these Grandeur dates reserved for December 2014.  Prices include r/t bus from LYH, leaving day of cruise.  If you do not need bus, Call for rates without.  This space “only” available when I am in town to provide.

Dec 9 to 19 – 10N – EASTERN CARIBBEAN (San Juan, St Thomas, St Martin) - “only 4 dates for this itinerary, all year”.  Receive EXCLUSIVE $75 per cabin onboard credit.  Inside from $ 764(N)/oceanview from $844(H)/Balcony from $1454(D2).

Dec 19 to 27 – 8N – CHRISTMAS - Port Canaveral/Bahamas/Key West – “only 7 dates for this itinerary, all year”.  Receive EXCLUSIVE $50 per cabin onboard credit.   Inside from $949(N)/Oceanview from $1094(H)/Balcony from $1634(D2).

Dec 27 to Jan 6, 2015 – 10N – NEW YEARS – some great rates here for NY’s !  Cozumel, Grand Caymen’s, Falmouth-Jamaica (I’ve never been), and Labadee (RCI’s private island)  – “only 5 dates  for this itinerary, all year”.   Receive EXCLUSIVE $50 per cabin onboard credit.  Inside from $1009(N)/oceanview from $1144(H)/balcony from $1834.

 

 

Currently out of Baltimore: (www.CruiseClose2Home.com)

Caribbean:  http://vwebb.cruisesinc.com/results.do?places=C&p=BWI

Bahamas:  http://vwebb.cruisesinc.com/results.do?places=BH&p=BWI
Bermuda:  http://vwebb.cruisesinc.com/results.do?places=BM&p=BWI
Canada/New England: http://vwebb.cruisesinc.com/results.do?places=NN&p=BWI

 

 

 

New Royal Caribbean "drink" packages and everyone in the room no longer must buy

Now Royal Caribbean has decided that everyone in the room no longer has to buy the drink package.  And now offering more packages.


My view only.  Many folks take vacation as their opportunity to have some fun and lots of drinking.  It is fun, I totally understand. 

However, I was on a cruise last week, where folks had purchased the drink package.  I notice, these folks did nothing but drink.  No shows.  Often didn't go to dinner.  Maybe it's worth to many, to drink 24/7 and opt to miss all that has already been paid for ? 

I have a friend cruising with me in December, who wants to buy the top package.  I told this person, it doesn't interest me, because I personally don't look at cruising as a focus to drink !  I like to have fun and I don't want to feel bad the next day.  I don't want the opportunity to drink all I can, just to try and get my money worth !  I had finally convince this person not to buy the package, but now this change.  This person will learn once we are there, but I do not plan to mention the change.  Of course, I do like the coffee/water package, but I drink very little water, and I don't need more calories than I plan to already take in, with special coffee !

I can see a disadvantage to everyone not having to buy the package ... One staying sober while the other choosing a more drunk state.  I can see this causing relationship problems; not particular fun.  Yet, thank goodness cruising is all about each person's choice ... Even folks who want to drink their vacation away ! 

Of course, drinking can be a plus for the cruise lines ... I've noticed, folks often tend to spend more when under the influence.  Jewelry ... gambling ... pictures ... more shots !  I've always said, let folks drink ... Helps lower the cruise price for us who don't see cruising as a drinking opportunity !

The Royal Replenish Package

$20 per guest each day, includes:

• Premium coffee 
• Premium tea 
• Bottled water 
• Sparkling water (375ml) 
• Still water (500ml) 
• Fresh squeezed orange juice 
• Non-alcoholic cocktails
• Fountain soda with souvenir Coca-Cola cup

The Select Package

$40 per guest each day, includes:

• Beer 
• Wine by the glass (up to $8 value) 
• Non-alcoholic cocktails 
• Fountain soda with souvenir Coca-Cola cup
• 20% discount on purchases of bottles of wine

The Premium Package

$55 per guest each day, includes:

• Call and premium cocktails (up to $10 value) 
• Frozen cocktails 
• Beers 
• Premium wine by the glass (up to $12 value) 
• Non-alcoholic cocktails 
• Still bottled water (500ml) 
• Fountain soda with souvenir Coca-Cola cup 
• 20% discount on purchases of bottles of wine

The Ultimate Package

$65 per guest each day, includes:

• Premium coffee 
• Premium tea 
• Bottled water 
• Sparkling water (375ml) 
• Still water (500ml) 
• Fresh squeezed orange juice 
• Call and premium cocktails (up to $10 value) 
• Frozen cocktails 
• Beers 
• Premium wine by the glass (up to $12 value) 
• Non-alcoholic cocktails 
• Fountain soda with souvenir Coca-Cola cup 
• 20% discount on purchases of bottles of wine

The other major change to the unlimited alcohol packages is now any eligible guest in a stateroom may purchase a package. This is a change from the previous policy where all eligible guests in a stateroom had to purchase a package. 

The new unlimited beverage packages will be available for guests purchase starting today, November 15th on all ships, and pre-purchase online the first week of December at http://www.royalcaribbean.com/beforeyouboard/cruiseEnhancements.do or by calling our pre-cruise planning specialists at 1-800-398-9819. Once available online, you can purchase them approximately 2 months before sail date.

All package prices include the 15% gratuity.  Also the the basic soda package and water package stay intact.

Guests who have already bought a ‘Classic’ package prior to the changes in November/December 2013, will receive the new Select package once on board and a refund to their onboard account for the $5 per day difference in pricing.

Guests who have already bought a ‘Premium’ package prior to the changes in November/December 2013, will receive the new Premium package once on board.  If they wish to upgrade to the new Ultimate package, this can be done at a cost added to their onboard account of the $10 per day difference in pricing. 

 

Why families love spending vacation aboard a “floating resort”. Not just families … All type of groups !

 

First of all, families love cruising in general.  It’s a vacation, where not only is there something for everyone, it’s a vacation, where select activities may be together as a family, and then there are other activities where members can go do the special thing that only they enjoy !

It’s a vacation, where the family can be together or not be together, as much as they choose.  Where they can set up some quality time together and then opt for some personal choice times !

 

It’s a vacation where parents, or the family member who is paying, not only knows the general cost upfront, they can pay for it all before they ever sail !  And then once onboard, the food, activities, and entertainment is included.  And if individuals want added-extra once onboard, this can be place on that person’s sign-n-sail account (parents can add a daily cap for children).

 

And what could be more exciting, then everyone coming together, after a fun-filled day, and dining together.  Then allowing each member to open their menu and order whatever they want till their

hearts content !  It’s a great time to try cuisine you’ve never tried before.   A great time to order 2 entries or 2 desserts !

And if someone doesn’t like the item they ordered, they can return the dish to the kitchen and then order another.  Or if you get full or decide not to eat what you’ve ordered, that’s not a problem !  No where else, other than an All-Inclusive, can you have such freedom of choice at dinner !  Just imagine how much money families with 4 teenage boys can save on a cruise vacation !

 

And once in port, family can plan shore excursions together, or again, make personal choices and feel safe to go off on their own (age 21 & above).  They can even meet up later for shopping or beach time together.

 

You can see why cruising continues to be voted as the #1 vacation for families !  Matter of fact, all type groups:  Classmates, College groups, Vet groups, church groups, social groups, and more !

 

Have you reserved your 2014 vacation yet ?  Hurry, it's just around the corner !

 

And remember to invite ...

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cruises rates for 2014 “are” climbing. Each new offer is proving it !

So many folks have taken advantage of the many sales, for 2014 sailing, offered by the cruise lines, even before August 2013.  They seem to be truly getting the lowest rates with the change of each sale.

In just looking at Carnival, I can see the price increase.

I bought a cruise for myself, for the Splendor, December 19, 2014, for an 8N out of NY.  With their Guest Appreciation Sale, I could purchase an inside for $ 529 and upgrade to the Lido (pool deck).  Today, they have a Guest Appreciation Sale and a Guest Appreciation Sale with up to $160 per cabin Shore Excursion credit.  The price now for the GAS is $20 pp more than I paid.  And the GAS with Shore Excursion credit is $60 pp more and I would only receive $ 80 Shore Excursion cabin credit.  Either way, that’s a $20 pp increase.  

May seem low now, but in 8 months, I expect this cruise to increase $300 pp at least !  Just like I bought a 10N Royal Caribbean for December 14.  Before the inside cabin sold out, it had increased over $300 pp, and I only bought this 6 months prior to sailing.  Sure, probably when the pricing first came out, it was $499 like mine, and then when they offered a sale, 6 months prior, it may have been the same !  Either way, its "timing" and will you be there "if" you will be watching when that price takes a dip !

Another sail date, Halloween 2014,I have a group on the Carnival Sunshine.  The pricing today, from

2 months ago, is $50-100 pp more, depending on “which” current Carnival promotion you compare it to.

Don’t be fooled into thinking, “there will be another sale.” You’re right, another sale is usually offered right after the last one.  And yes, maybe it’s only $20 pp higher.  But if you let 5 of these sales pass, that could mean $100 pp higher, like in some of these Carnival sailings !

Or maybe the price will come back down, further down the road.  As mentioned, will you be watching at the right time ?  It's better to buy low rates up front !  Then watch the sailing !  And you have the better cabin for doing so !

Is Tahiti on your bucket list ? It is for most beach lovers ! For limited space & dates, here’s an exciting VALUE package !

Wikipedia …  “Tahiti is the largest island in the Windward group of French Polynesia (southern Pacific Ocean). It is the cultural centre of French Polynesia. The island was formed from volcanic activity and is high and mountainous with surrounding coral reefs.   The capital, Papeete, is located on the northwest coast with the only international airport in the region.   November to April is the wet season, the wettest month of which is January with 13.2 in of rain in Papeetē.  August is the driest with 1.9 in.  The average temperature ranges between 70 °F and 88 °F with little seasonal variation.”

What is so great about Tahiti and its islands?
TravelTahiti expresses: for starters, these are truly THE most beautiful tropical islands in the world, thanks to their dramatic geography, the lush tropical vegetation and their unique multicolored crystal lagoons. Then there are the flowers, lots of them, and all the lovely people and their culture.

As for many beach lovers, Tahiti often ranks close to the top of many bucket list !  Along with cultural enthusiast !  If folks hurry, they can now take advantage of an exciting package, with limited dates & space !  Including r/t airfare from Los Angeles, 2N pre-hotel and 7 night cruise.  Call today (434/800) 237-3832 and provide your “code” Paul Gauguin TBL & the date.

Travel Pulse reminds its readers that this package is perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy a longer stay in Tahiti at a tremendous value. It is available at these select departure dates only—and only while space lasts ! 

You’ll fly overnight to Papeete and check into your deluxe room immediately, with no waiting. Then, enjoy two additional nights in a lagoon-view room at the resort with daily breakfast. Or, for the ultimate Tahiti experience, upgrade to an overwater lagoon bungalow, available for an additional $480 per person. (Your hotel:  http://www.pgcruises.com/extend/tahiti).

In addition to your luxury hotel stay at Papeete, Tahiti, you’ll sail roundtrip, visiting such scenic islands as Bora Bora—where you’ll enjoy access to our private white-sand beach—and Moorea. You’ll also spend a day on Paul Gauguin Cruises’ private islet off the coast of Taha’a.

February 19, 2014 with rates from $5,095

March 26; April 23, 2014 with rates from $5,195

October 1;  November 12, 2014 from only $5,295

December 10, 2014, with rates from $4,295

Rates are per person double occupancy and include roundtrip airfare between Los Angeles and Papeete; 2 nights’ accommodations, a day room, and daily breakfast at InterContinental Tahiti Resort & Spa; transfers; and a 7-night cruise aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin. Port, security, and handling fees are additional. Single rates are available upon request.

Do the cruise lines need to start having folks tip the staff daily ? Or maybe include tips in the price ? All "servicie providing" folks need our support. They work without a promised dime !

This article is not just about "service providing folks" on ships, but all folks in the "service industry".  

Though gratuities are optional whether you dine on a cruise ship or dine in a restaurant, most folks choose to leave tips (unless they’ve had truly bad service).  What about the folks who don't, even after receiving good service ?

Besides the pocketbook, what about these "service providing" folks feelings ?  A person not receiving a tip can only think they did a bad job, right ?  Though folks need and want money (tips) to survive like the rest of us, just them thinking that maybe they didn't provide good service, has to leave them feeling devastating !

Maybe the “lump sum” of the tips onboard a cruise ship is too much for folks to fathom !  Then I suggest to these folks, tip as you go.  This also means your cabin steward and the folks that wait on you up at the Lido (café).

I’ve heard folks express, "Well no one waiting on me in the Lido (café)".  Oh yes they did ! Whether it’s the person who served your plate, the person who cut you a piece of desert, or the person keeping the drink station or a table for you clean.  So please don’t say that !

Did you know the cruise lines only pay these folks $75 A MONTH (heard this long ago).  The rest is up to what the cruisers give !  I’m not suggesting you have to tip over the suggest amount !  But if folks don’t opt to pay the suggested amount, the cruise lines may have to choose to increase the cost of cruising.   Don't these folks too, deserve to feed their family back home ?  

It’s been expressed to me, that often, folks who have never worked for tips or who don’t work on commission only basis, do not realize what it’s like for folks who do.  If 10 folks sit at your table to eat/drink and do not tip or call you, how will you fee your family tonight ?  Or you work on commission only, and folks call you for your expertise, only to buy from someone they don't know !  

Stop and think about it.  These service industry people, whether on a cruise ship, or right here at home, wait on you without every knowing if you are going to leave that tip or buy that product !  These folks are GIVING TO YOU unconditionally !  But unconditionally shouldn't mean to anyone, the act of taking advantage of someone !

You've heard, "time is money" ?  Then using someone's time is worth a little monetary value.  Whether it's a tipping for them waiting on you or reaching to someone who survives on commission, for their expertise advice !  Call it what you may, but not showing gratitude is a form o stealing !  I say, if you don't want to tip, turn to a "Fast Food" joint, where they at least make minimum wage.  And if you're not going to buy your product from an expert, then buy online (and I'm anti online because that takes money from your city/your own pocket) !
 

I have been in restaurants or in stores and watched consumer/customers treat service folks awful !  Acting like it’s the service persons job to bend over backwards !  Well, guess what … You’ve not given them a dime, so how can any of us “expect so much” ?  I know I’ve personally chosen to take a better look at how I think about this.

Only once, I had a customer tell me, “I’m paying you…”.  Whoah ... I guess this person forgot my services are complimentary.  My customers do not pay anything to me, for servicing and managing their cruise.  Unlike most waiter or waitress positions, I’m actually fortunate, if I run across an un-greatful client/caller, I can say “Bye” !

Some folks must truly forget that many services out there are provided for folks services without a cost !  Look at banking and our tellers.  Yes, the teller is paid, but not the bank for providing the service.  Most all "Customer Service" is provided complimentary.  And like in our business, we don't charge an extra dime for access to our Customer Service, over the cost of the product !

The thought for the day is, remember our "service industry folks" !  Put on that happy smile and be overly appreciative … Upfront … FIRST … Even before them !  Continue to think of it as, "they are doing YOU a favor", whether it's providing a service or expertise ! Remember, you may need them again one day in the future and  why not have them remember the "good in you" !