Helping friends & family understand “travel buying myths”. You'll be a winner ! WAVE SEASON is here !

January 2 beings the new Wave Season.

What is Wave Season ?  It’s when folks, folks who have yet to plan their yearly vacation, go into a "rush" to get booked !

Unfortunately, it’s also the season where many consumers try & buy a cruise on their own.  Lead to, but not limited to,  unknown surprises, mis-information, stuck in an unwanted vacation, loss of vacation money and even lack of added value savings.

Many consumers are under the "myth conception", due to mis-guided advertisement, that they must turn to the net or to the cruise line for their best rates ... So they go out on the net or call the cruise lines direct, and “buy on their own”.

To begin with, there are a lot of myths about pricing !

·         Past guest are under the assumption that they can only get their special rates “at” the cruise line !  WRONG !  Every Travel Agent/Cruise Specialist can have these same available rates for all past guest.

·         Some consumers think lower rates can be received at the cruise line.  WRONG.  Cruise Line can not give lower rates to callers that they have not given to the Travel Agent/Cruise Specialist.

·         Some consumer think the Internet companies are the ones holding the lower rates.  WRONG.  Actually the Internet Travel companies (such as Orbitz, Hotwire, Priceline, the Airlines, Cruises.com) are a 3^rd party vendor.  They do not buy the cruises from the cruise lines.  They actually get their rates by purchasing cruises directly from a Cruise Specialist Distribution House. 

·         Many consumers think they can’t buy their cruise directly from a Cruise Sprecialist Distribution House.  WRONG.  If consumer may have a Cruise Specialist Distribution House right in their own city !  Consumers my go directly to the Cruise Specialist Distribution House and get these same lower rates, directly.

 

Next, many consumers think, that the cruise lines want them to come to them direct.  That the Travel Agent/Cruise Specialist are in competition.  WRONG.  The cruise line is not in fear of folks buying from the Travel Agent/Cruise Specialist … What they often fear, is the consumer moving over to a different cruise. 

Ever notice the cruise line ads … Call your Travel Agent ! 

Cruise Lines want consumers to have the best information they can have about an upcoming cruise, so they come onboard, not only educated, but happy !  Cruise Lines spend lots of dollars in education Travel Agents/Cruise Specialists, for the consumers benefit !

Next, many consumers think most most Travel Agents/Cruise Specialist charge a fee to buy your cruise for you ?  WRONG.  Most do not.  When you want other products, outside services from your cruise, or need research outside of your cruise, then sometimes they do.  But not usually if the other products, such as hotel, is purchased through the cruise line.    

KNOW … Buying a cruise is MORE THAN price !  Its about ... Security, safety, correct information, protected vacation dollars, & expertise know-how for the unknown.

Even if consumers don't realize, they truly need the backing and expertise of a Travel Agent/Cruise Specialist … In helping to make this your best vacation ever !

If you … Or a family member/friend has just one question, like … “Which cruise line should I chose” or “when should I go” … Then one question will usually lead to another !

Please call your Travel Agent … Or find a Cruise Specialist Distribution House near YOU !  Plan to make 2015 your best vacation ever !  And share this insight with family/friends/co-workers … They’ll thank you.

 

Land Tours are great with the right Land Tour Operator. Globus on Sale Dec 26 ONLY. It's Family of Brands, Jan 2 ONLY !

Taken a “Land Tour Vacation” before ? 

They’re great aren’t they !
Of course … It benefits “more” when you travel through the right Tour Operator !

What is a Land Tour Operator ?

A tour professional handles all the details, logistics, and scheduling for you !  A tour offers travelers several benefits they wouldn’t get on their own.

Is this the same as a Travel Agent (or Cruise Specialist) ?

Not unless you have an agent who plans “independent” guided packages. 

For the most part, Travel Agents (and Cruise Specialist) buy land packages through Land Tour Operators for their clients.  So their clients will not only have a great experience, but be handled in a care-free-less stressful environment with lasting memories ...  Many are escorted … Others are for the “Independent Traveler”.

Why buy your Land Tour through a Travel Agent (or Cruise Specialist) ?

Like cruises, you want someone, whom you know, to buy your Land Tour Packages.  Someone who has a report with your Land Tour Operator of choice.  Someone who can be there for you and back you, if there are unexpected issue, either with you or the operator; someone who has experience or first-hand connection with your choice Land Tour Operator.

Where do Land Tour Operators travel ?

 
You can travel from Africa … To Cuba … To destinations in the US.  There’s River Cruising !  Travel for the “Independent” type traveler.  And did you know there were … Religious travel !

There are so many Land Tour Operators, which one do choose (see many options at www.HelpFindLandTour.com )?

Like cruises, it’s to your advantage to stay with “name brand” Land Tour Operators.  Such as the ones who have won awards in the Travel Industry.  Example, World Travel Awards:  http://www.worldtravelawards.com/nominees/2014

Globus is a key player in the travel tour industry … Every journey tells a story … Creating memories galore !  Globus has a “Family of Brands … To Include Monograms (for the Independent Traveler), Cosmos (for the more economical traveler) and Avalon Waterways (River Cruising).

Globus reminds us … There are 8 benefits to taking a “Touring Vacation” …

* More experiences … More sightseeing … All in the price of your vacation

* Hotels in the heart of your destination
* Free time for personal exploration … Maybe a latte at a nearby quaint sidewalk café.
* Local culture … Firsthand, in-depth knowledge of cities, towns, and neighborhoods.  The guide speaks the language, knows the history … And where to find the local hidden secrets.
* Avoiding lines and wait times … And being front and center at the greatest sights.
* Making it personal … Maybe a night at the theater in London, a canal cruise in Venice … Planned before you ever arrive.  Tailoring memories to your specific desires.
* Get involved or just observe.  Whether it’s a fishing lesson in Vietnam or a cooking class in Cape Town.  A true local perspective.
* Disconnect from the stresses of life, yet, stay connected to home or weather, maps & more.  Complimentary Wi-fi on the coach and in most hotels.  Share your stories and photos with family/friends on facebook, while you’re away !

 

Land Tours are a fun-filled exciting and organized World of Memories !

 

Globus has a one day sale December 26 ONLY … Their Family of Brands, January 2 ONLY !  See below.

 

Customer wishing Cruises Lines stop charging “extras”. Maybe it's not the right cruise line for you.

Now that I’m on Cruises Inc Advisory Council, I asked some of my Top Cruisers (been on 7-30 vacations with me)… Is there anything, that you would like to see us make available or change, to help you here at Cruises Inc ?”

Though my question was in reference to Cruises Inc … Here’s is a response I received from one of my Top Cruisers:  “Only thing bothering us about the cruise industry at this point is that they sound more like airlines.  Every little thing is beginning to be "extra" and the costs mount up.  The one extraordinary thing about cruising was it touted itself as a one price vacation.  You knew when you left home what it would cost you the entire time.  Now it is a matter of deciding if you can afford to eat, be entertained, and everything else you would want.  Heck, I even remember when ice cream was free!!!”

I wrote back:

I do understand the “one price vacation” and now they keep adding cost for extras.    Crazy as it sounds … Way back, cost was about $1500 pp for a balcony (just giving example) … Today, I’ve seen as low as $499 (higher or lower). 

Folks seem to want to see this “low cost” … And of course, some folks can only afford to go, if at these lower cost.   So to make up the money, these cruise lines are going after the extras …
“Those things that folks don’t need, but want” …And the cruise lines do a “good job” at turning folks into wanting them !  And Yes, these extras are getting truly pricey.  Whether it’s, drinks, cokes, pictures, extra dining, spa, and more ! 

It becomes a matter of … Can you do without these items and keep your cruise price down.  Or … Choose lines that allow for more free or complimentary items.

·         Many cruise lines today, allow you to bring on a bottle of wine.  As long as you consumer in your room, there is no corkage fee

      ·         Cruise Lines are turning to the opportunity for pre-buying a bottle of liquor onboard (at a high cost) to be consumed in your room.
      ·         Usually you can also bring on a minimum of bottled water and/or soft drinks.
      ·         There are now drink packages.  You pay per day, but for the entire time.  This is purchased onboard.  Some cruise lines like Princess, the drinks are endless … Others, like Carnival have a maximum of 15 per day.
      ·         Royal Caribbean gives, to folks who have sailed a minimum of 10 cruises (it’s now a point system), and guest are given complimentary wine, from 4:30 to 9pm (times vary; select areas).  After 25 cruises (again, a point system), this time includes liquor.  On select ships, like my experience on the Grandeur of the Seas, you were not differentiated between Diamond and Diamond Plus cruisers.
      ·         Carnival still gives complimentary soft-serve ice cream, 24 hours a day.  Holland America has dipped ice cream available in the café, usually 3 times a day.  Even my Regal Princess cruise in November, offered soft serve at the pool.  There’s others.
      ·         Now Norwegian offers a dining package.  $119 for unlimited dining in their specialty restaurants (select ones not included).  This may go up for the NCL Escape (?).


Though I don’t personally believe in paying extra for specialty dining rooms … This is appealing to many folks.  And those who don’t want to pay it, just ignore it rather than be offended by the charge.  With NCL offering such a low cost for this package, and since I don’t care much for the food on NCL, I actually love this idea !  I will look at my cost for the cruise, add $119, and then decide if I still believe this is a great value.  With Cruises Inc risk space rates or great offers for folks who buy Hawaii early … I believe this package is worth it !  I plan to buy for my NCL Escape cruise, November 2015.

FYI … Things are changing in the industry.  We talked with many of the cruise lines at our Cruises Inc convention in November (2014). 

The cruise lines are in hopes of … Stopping the “coming down” of cruise pricing.   coming down on price.  Instead, they are going to give bonus’ to the folks who book early.  Such as onboard credit, or complimentary drinks, etc. 

Though this won’t change the fact that these “extras” will continue to be at a cost and will probably get higher … Pictures, shore excursions, spa, etc … Folks who “think” they are getting a lower rate on their cruise by waiting … I essence, will have missed the mark … Cause their price won’t include the added amenities, that cruiser who bought early, received !

The cruise lines seemed to have survived these lower cost.  Its more important to the cruise line, that the ships are filled, so the staff can get paid (those who get tips and those who don’t).  That’s nice !

Have you ever considered a Regent Seven Seas cruise ?  Base may seem higher … But LOOK what’s included:  http://www.rssc.com/experience/all-included/

Call me when you’re ready for me to answer your questions about Regent Seven Seas.  Thank you for your continued support as my customer.  Vivian M Webb, MCC

Are you waiting for WAVE SEASON to plan/confirm your 2015 vacation ? What to anticipate.

It’s almost that time of year … WAVE SEASON !

What is “wave season” ?
It’s that time of year … That folks who have yet to do so, take the time in focusing towards planning/confirming their next year’s vacation.   Estimation, January 2 to mid-March.

My question … Have YOU called your agent and scheduled your needed time to talk ?  WAVE SEASON is upon us …. January 2 !

Often folks begin calling the day after Christmas … Before the new year even gets here !  In their mind, they are getting a jump on January 2 callers ! 

Folks are ready to put this past year behind them, and move forward with the new year.  Ready to confirm those vacation plans !

Many “wave season” callers don’t realize … 60-70% of the consumers who will be taking an organized vacation in the next year, have already made their plans … Much farther in advance, than the new year !  For these pre-planners, waiting till the new year, would be LATE in their minds !

In general … WAVE SEASON is LATE !  Anytime you wait and do anything during RUSH SEASON, is late.  Like waiting till December before you buy an Christmas presents.  That’s when everyone else is out doing the same thing !

So here in the industry, we give WAVE SEASON a different name … RUSH SEASON.   It’s a time when folks who have yet to confirm their vacation, want to HURRY HURRY and get this done !

During “wave season/rush season”, the phones starts slamming ringing !  Everybody wants their agent, and/or answers NOW !  With that anticipation of getting this project “off their back” and get confirmed !

“Wave Season” is like the cash registers lines during the Christmas season … LONG !  With an estimate of 30% consumers having the same goal at the same time … It’s BUSY !

Of course there are folks who won’t call at the beginning of “wave season”.  It’s not that they are trying to avoid that initial January RUSH … They just haven’t put this on their priority, for the first of the year.  These folks will often wait till call at the beginning of March. 

By waiting to plan at the end of WAVE SEASON … It’s a little like waiting to take a cruise on it’s last week before an itinerary changes !  Often, the staff are kind of “over” that cruise & ready to move on.  Meaning, the excitement around “wave season” is on the down …

Not just because it’s at the end … But because, come March, much of what folks want are GONE.  Whether it’s the better rates … Better cabin locations … Cabins nearby, for the benefit of children/family … Or even the availability of group space. 

END OF WAVE SEASON is the time of the season, that callers & agents waste a lot of time … No matter how much everyone wants it to be there … That needed space is often GONE !

As mentioned, WAVE SEASON is about 10 weeks long !  Once it’s over, there’s usually a “lul” time in the industry … From about mid-March to mid-April.  And then the calls begin all over again … For callers planning for the “next year”, such as in 2016 !

Of course, since select cruise lines already have rates out for 2016, and many have promised more by January, this WAVE SEASON may be bigger than the industry is anticipating.  One call may be for 2015 vacationers, while the next call will be for 2016 ! 

My question …

Is January 2 on your schedule to get your vacation confirmed or are you waiting till March ?
Have you contacted your agent & scheduled your appointment … Either just after Christmas … Or just after the New Year ?

Amusing & frustrating – Consumers buy on their own, then reach to non-expert advice for answers

Today … Many consumers think it’s just normal to buy their travel on their own.  WHY ? Cause they see others do it this way ?  Cause much info is now on the internet ?  Cause they think they get a better deal ?

Buying travel is not all about price.  And even if it were, the majority of the consumers don’t know where the best prices are located !  And even if there are better prices out there, if you don’t know where they are, it’s best to buy your travel local !

What does …  “Buy on your own actually mean” ?

To the travel industry, this means you need NO HELP ! It means you’re going to read all the information from that Cruise or Tour Operator, or search out information from expert Travel Writers.

Is this the same definition to the consumer ?

Apparently NOT !

More and more consumers are buying direct from Cruise and Tour Operators or “the net”, and instead of learning and reading information for themselves, they putting their responsibility, onto the back of others.  They reaching out to family/friends, and facebook for their answers !

Please know, if you find yourself having one question, you’ll soon learn you’ll have a second question … And on and on.  If that’s the case … Why not begin with a Travel Professional ?  And expert in the topic of your travel ?  Or with a company that has backing ?  Why start with no backing ?

It is true, if friends/family have been on previous cruises/vacation, you may want to ask their “take” on a topic.  But not all “takes” fits everyone.  And “takes” shouldn’t be the blood that consumers rely on. 

There are so many laws and rule in traveling, that consumers just don’t realize.  Just cause you give “your take” doesn’t mean the person you are providing the advice to, already knows these rules/laws for their specific travel !

And whether the info you receive is correct or not, your friends/family, nor facebook, will be liable for your vacation in times of trouble.  Again, this is WHY you don’t want to “Buy on your own” !  You want a Travel Professional backing ! 

Have you seen these FB groups like … Carnival, past, present, future … Or Royal Caribbean … Or similar ?

Personally, I don’t know why I join these FB groups.  I see questions, that lead me to believe, these folks should have never “Bought on their own” !  One minute I find myself laughing at the questions … Then I find myself frustrated over the answers that are given.

I read somewhere that facebook can be depressing.  For me, many times, it is !  I just cringe when I see folks who buy their travel on their own.  And cringe even more, when I see them ask questions, that they should be receiving from their travel professional, or from me, had they called me.

If I see one of my FB friends, buy their cruise on their own, I “unfriend them”. 

I have had folks get mad when I do this.  Why ?
That person is the one who decided they didn’t need my advice … It was not me, who turned my advice away from them, before they decided to … “Buy on their own”.

 

The Travel professional can’t help you out of a bind, after you “bought on your own” and put yourself there !  The time for a Travel Professional is “when you buy” !  So as long as you are only reaching to friends/family, and even facebook for answers “before you buy” … Remember when its time to buy … Call your Travel professional !

 

 

 

Are past cruisers under the FALSE ASSUMPTION ... Lower rates at the cruise line ? Heads up to other Myths !

Yesterday … On a Facebook group … A cruise posted a statement … “I am a past guest of XYZ.  I call the cruise line directly, so I can get past guest rates, instead of calling a Travel Agent”.

I saw another FB post … “I see this great rate online at XYZ.  Can my Travel Agent call and get these rates, or do I need to call the cruise line and buy myself ?”

WHAT ? 

Does this 1^st cruiser think she can’t get the same rate with her Travel Agent ?
Does this 2^nd cruiser think her Travel Agent must book through an online agency to get her these rates ?

OH MY !

There are so many MYTHS in this industry !
Folks are hurting themselves because they do not understand this industry !
Which is the VERY REASON to book your cruises directly thru a Travel Agent … If you don’t know a Cruise Specialist Agency !

Apparently, many folks are under the assumption ….

·         Lower Rates at the Cruise Line

·         Cruise Line agents are your specialists

·         To get closest to your cruise, buy at the cruise line

·         Lower Rates online

 

The facts are …

·         Every Travel Agent is given the SAME RATES that are found at the cruise line.  Doesn’t matter if it is “past guest rates”, senior or military rates, a special promotion, or a casino promotion, etc.  By industry “ethics”, the cruise line can NOT provide a direct caller, a lower rate, than they can find at their Travel Agent (or Cruise Specialist Agency).   If a cruise thinks, the reason they should buy their cruise at the cruise line, is for lower rates, they have this WRONG !

·         Why would anyone think the Cruise Line agents are your specialist ?  Are consumers thinking these c.l. agents have been on these ships ?  REALLY ?  Does the consumer NOT KNOW … That the info these c.l. agents are being read of a computer, that the c.l. has provided.  They only know … WHAT THEY KNOW IS WHAT THEY CAN READ !   FYI … If your Travel Agent (or Cruise Specialist) doesn’t know an answer for you … They can call the cruise line and let the agent READ IT TO THEM !  LOL … Sorry I am laughing !  Your Travel Agent (or Cruise Specialist) is the VERY PLACE you should buy your cruise !  As mentioned above, consumers do not know this industry … Travel Agents (Cruise Specialist) do !  Most Travel Agents (especially Cruise Specialists) have taken many cruises first hand !  This gives them many steps up in specialization to this industry !  And … Most Travel Agents (and Cruise Specialist) have been in this industry for year … The more problems they see, the more experience they are for YOU !  AND … Most agencies do not charge you a fee … IT IS FREE TO HAVE THEIR EXPERTISE !

·         Just cause you buy at the cruise line, doesn’t actually make you closer to your cruise.  But of course, depends on your definition of “closeness”.  Closeness is someone who is monitoring your cruise … Someone who understands what can go wrong (thinking out of the box, in advance) … Who has years of connection with the cruise lines.  Just cause someone works for the cruise line, it does NOT make that connection, that consumers actually need !  This is found at a Travel Agency (or even more connection, through Cruise Specialists).  Besides, many cruise line employees come and go, daily … Do they really have to care what they tell you ?  I’m not knocking these employees … Only sharing some insight !

·         The ONLY time rates are lower online, is if the date you want, is a date, that was bought long ago, before rates went up on this sailing.  Does this make sense ?  Meaning, for the most part, all the rates at the cruise line and online, are available through your Travel Agency (and Cruise Specialist).  If you are not choosing to contact your Travel Agent (or Cruise Specialist), verifying that they too can get the same rate, please tell me WHY ANYONE WOULD ASSUME they couldn’t !  And that is what is happening … ASSUMPTION !   FYI … Yes, there are lower rates out there !  These rates are given to “distribution houses” !  These internet companies, buy their cruises from these distribution houses, NOT at the cruise lines !  The name of the game is to FIND THE DISTRIBUTION HOUSES & BUY FROM THEM DIRECT … Bypass the “net” all together !

 

There is so much that consumers do not know !  That’s ok.  It’s not their job.  It is the job of the Travel Agency (unless you know a Cruise-Only Specialist Agency … There is a difference).  Why would the Travel Agent (or Cruise Specialist) still be here to help the consumer, if the cruise line didn't need them ?  If the industry didn't need them ?  If YOU didn't need them ?

 

Please take advantage of this insight.  It’s your money !  It’s your vacation !  Your job is to find the Travel Agent (or Cruise Specialist) who will watch over both !

 

By the way … Cruises Inc-WTH is North America’s Largest distributor of cruises … Providing the “cruise pricing” to most all major internet companies !  Cruises Inc is a Cruise-Only Specialist Agency !  Cruises Inc is not a franchise.  There are many associates around the US, who make themselves available for you to buy from them directly … Providing consumers MORE THAN JUST CRUISE INC’S PRICE !  And we have a 63 person back-office staff, who watches over our customer’s cruises and is negotiating our rates for us !  We also have EXCLUSIVES that we don’t provide to all our internet partners ! 

So if you can’t find a Travel Agency … Find a Cruises Inc agent … We are here for you !

 

So many cruisers book their next years cruise in December. WHY ?

Those who have yet to book their next years vacation, often book in the month of December.  Many great reasons why …

#1 reason is … Gift giving !  Folks love to give the “gift of travel” !  Many family vacations come from such gift under the tree !  And then there’s the “gift of romance” … For your significant other !

Who wouldn’t love to wake up Christmas morning, to open a box of joy … A future vacation … A present that will bring long lasting memories !  Especially a cruise or an all-inclusive resort to an exotic  “long-time-dream” destination.

Though many think of “love” and “memories” in reference to vacation, there are other reasons folks buy in December …

·         The sales !

      ·         Want to beat the “last minute” folks who wait till January !

Though I have really been busy, booking vacations for folks this week, with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, folks have not finished !  There continue to be folks calling each day … With “credit card” in hand !  Don’t want to miss that deal !  Want to get their present all confirmed !

 

Matter of fact next week, I have posted on FB for “the guys” to give me a call !  The ones who have yet to buy that Christmas gift !  I’m expecting lots of calls, Tuesday thru Friday !

 

 

If you’ve yet to buy that special Christmas gift … You've got about 2 weeks left !
Where would your loved ones want to travel in 2015 ?

 

 

 

Do all travel agents include their friends/family in their customer database ?

My first instinctual answer … YES, of course !

Isn’t that how most of us begin our businesses anyway … Reaching out to family/friends ?

My take … Who wouldn’t I want to have “the best of the best” most, right ?  Family/friends !  I know when I first got in this business, I did it so "I" would know the in's and out's, but secondly, I did it for  … Family/friends !

Truly, not everyone in business feels this way !  Rather not have family/friends as customers.  Even among our Cruises Inc (CINC) agents !

For CINC agents who won’t book their family/friends … These folks have to … (1) Turn to the internet our Private Label Partners (Orbitz, Hotwire, Priceline, 98% of the airlines, our websites such as Cruises.com & others), to get our negotiated rates.

Yes, these internet outlets, will make available for these folks and many consumers, access to Cruises Inc’s “lowest negotiated rates” with the cruise lines, however, they receive NO CINC protection/backing, no CINC expertise, guidance, nor advice, NO access to CINC’s trip cancellation insurance for pre-existing medical, weather if you never get to go, nor bankruptcy of a carrier, & more. Or … (2) These folks can buy from the cruise line, receiving no industry protection, no lower negotiated rates, no additional insurance coverage, etc.

 

HOW WOULD THIS MAKE YOU FEEL … Knowing that you wouldn't be asked to book at the agency where a family member or friend worked at ?  Knowing you wouldn't be asked to book through directly through Cruises Inc versus the "net".

 

I’ve often asked why you’re anti-family/friends as customers ?  Few responses have been  … Family/friends  …

·         Usually more demanding

·         Think rules don’t apply to them

·         Can call you at home

·         Expect you to be on duty all hours

·         Will text or email you rather than call the work phone line

·         Expecting lower rates than your other customers

·         Have been known to think the favor that is being done, is them allowing you to serve them

·         May dangle in front of you, that they are thinking of doing business elsewhere, as if this is more hurt to you than them (Oh yes, there are folks who call themselves friends, who think there’s nothing wrong with such dangling of your feelings !)

 

My thought on this … Set boundaries !  I personally don’t do differently with family/friends, other than my mother !  Whatever rules are set in place with my company, with the cruise line, with the industry, or with other customers, are the same format for friends/family !  And if they can’t accept the boundaries, then “fire them” as your customer, as you would any person who asked you to "break a rule" for them !!

 

My take … It is a "gift" that Cruises Inc allows folks to book directly with them, and not forcing consumers to book only through their Private Label Partners ... "the net" !   I know I was excited 23 years ago when I discovered Cruises Inc !

So how would I personally feel if my family/friend, would not choose to make available to me, their expertise in this industry ?  Devastated that a stranger could have this opportunity, over me !

Personally, I want my family/friends to have the "best of the best", along with the backing of Cruises Inc ... It's the whole reason WHY I'm with Cruises Inc. 

The new Regal Princess experience while onboard Cruises Inc conference

Yesterday, a past guest called me, to inquire about a cruise for March.  As normal, I take folks up on my website, so they can “see” options … See reality of what is actually there.  Whether it be dates … cruise lines … itineraries.  The value of seeing the pricing, is basically only to see the minimum rates available, however, until I go into another system, one could never know, that they like the minimum price option or the cruise line rules attached to that price !

It wasn’t long, before this client was asking me about my Regal Princess cruise that I had just embarked from.  The caller said, I have experienced a Princess and truly enjoyed them.  So we immediately began looking at Regal Princess on my website.  Easy to find:  put in month/year, Princess, and the ship name.  Since client knew they only wanted Eastern Caribbean, we plugged this in too (only Eastern sailings will show up).

There were 4 dates in March to choose from.  And all but one date, showed the balcony pricing to begin at $ 699pp.  I then looked in our A-Z promo, provided from my staff, to see if there was some type of sale being offered by Princess.  Yes, a sale through Dec 2, based on capacity control, that was lowering the rate to 2 for 1.

 

TIP:  2 for 1 means off brochure rate, not what you are seeing online.  Also what you see is the 2 for 1 already broken down.  So if it shows $ 699, it’s $ 699 per person, cause the normal price was estimated $1400 per person.

 

Customer then began asking me about my experience on the Regal Princess last week.  All kind of memories began coming up.

Like on other Princess ships, the Regal had a large Piazza area.  Full of glass and brass and marble. The lowest deck was deck 5 and expanded to decks 6 & 7.  This is great place to meet and socialize, whether it was in the day or at night.  You were able to enjoy, on the higher decks, the music from deck 5.  Several days, there were 4 ladies playing string instruments, causing you not to want to leave.

There were complimentary dining venues, outside of the dining room and cafeteria.

(1)    There was the deli (street-café) on deck 5 at the atrium.  This is open 24 hours.  In the morning there were fresh Danish.  But by noon, there was chicken salad, shrimp salad, quiche, shepherd pie and more.   Also desserts, such as cheese cake, tiramisu, and others.  Some of the options were there every day and others were not.  Either way, it was great.  My roommate and I ate there at least 2-3 times. 

(2)    Wheel House Lounge on deck 7 aft.  At lunch, fish-n-chips was served.  Never found time to see if it was there every day, but did pass by at least 3 days, and saw this option.  My roommate and I never found time to try this out, but others said it was very good !  At night, there was a restaurant, further back, at additional cost.

(3)    Alfreda’s pizza/pasta restaurant, deck 6, at the atrium.  Not only could you get pizza on the deck, you could have a sit down option here.  There were salads, pasta, pizza, and calzones.  My roommate and I ate here one day for lunch.  Truly had wanted to return !

 

There were so many areas with music and shows !  My roommate & I only had time to visit a few.

·         Club 6 on deck 6, forward.  This was near the Casino and Churchill’s (cigar bar).

·         Princess Live.  As we passed by, we could listen to the karaoke.  Other times, this venue offered lectures or game shows.

·         Main pool area.  One night there was “Latin night”.  There was a band on the deck above the pool (17), for folks to view from both deck 16 & 17. 

·         On the same night as Latin night, there was a a mini show with the dancers.  The stage was mid-deck 16, which could be viewed from deck 16 & 17.  This included the light and water show, where water comes up 33 feet. 

·         Also on same night, after Latin Night and the light/water show, there was disco under the stars at the Serenity pool.  Here there are the cabanas.  And for this night, they had put out many size “plastic” balls, in the water and on the deck, that would change colors.  This was awesome !

Each night, our group social was near the SeaView Bar area.  This is where you can look thru the glass (SeaWalk), at 128 feet down, and see the water and lower decks.  I personally chose to view what was down below, without standing on the glass !

There were several features/benefits that I personally liked about pool deck 16.

·         There weren’t endless lounge chairs everywhere.  So this was spacious.
·         There were other sitting options besides “lounge chairs”, which totally added to the décor for me !
·         Because the stage was in middle of pool deck, it could be viewed, almost equally around deck 17 pool area.
*         When it was time to watch a “movie under the starts”, hamburgers, pizza, and ice cream were  nearby for snacking !

Loved the Horizon Court area.  Beautiful !  Colors great !  Seemed so fresh !  My roommate and I only had time for lunch here, 2 days and breakfast once.  However, we walked through here several days, just to view.  There is several areas with food on display, so you need to make full rounds.  It’s a great social area too. 

·         Best feature … You sit down and your drinks are brought to you.  No getting up to get them.
·         Cloth napkins on the tables
·         At night, the tables are already set up with wine & water glasses, before you even sit down
·         2^nd best feature … Many of the food area lines go from left to right of the ship, instead of parallel.  You’re not trying to squeeze by folks who are in the food line.
·         There’s a whole area for just desserts.  I’m not talking about a small section, but a walk through area !  Several desserts on display to include bread pudding or a cobbler.  And as you walk out of the area, you also find cookies !  Nicely displayed.
·         The last sea day, there was sushi, which my roommate loved !

 

Now that there is no more smoking on the balconies, the smoking areas are important for cigar and cigarette users ! 

·         Deck 6, forward, was Churchill’s.  Somewhat small, yet never crowded.  Restrooms, Club 6, the casino, and the Princess lounge were right there.

·         Deck 17, aft (just above Horizon Court).  Wicker chairs to enjoy.  However, best part, was the coffee and there was an attendant there.  You could order drinks too.  This was all fabulous !  There is also a pool and lounge chairs in this area.  Definitely met hear for socializing ! 

 

There is so much to do on this ship.  Not everything is covered here.  As mentioned, my roommate and I did not have time to try it all.  The disadvantage of having our conference onboard and going to “class” almost every day.  Guess we’ll have to go back !  Oh, poor us !