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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Hurry ! Deadline June 30

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

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

That's right, it is deceiving to believe !

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

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

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

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

Carnival Summer 2009 Photo Contest

Send Carnival your favorite photo from a "Fun Ship" Getaway. Share that great pictures from your Carnival cruise. Entries must be received by July 3, 2009.

Click title for link to details or Visit: carnival.com/promo/photocontest.

Trivia - Did you know ?

Which cities go with with nicknames ?

1. Big Apple ?
2. The Big Easy ?
3. La-la Land ?
4. Magic City (for its rapid growth) ?
5. Charm City (nicer than the former Mobtown) ?
6. Iowa by the Sea (Local boosters perfer International City) ?
7. Azalea City (for obivious reasons)
8. Palmetto City (or Holy City for all it's churches) ?

Cities:
A. New York City
B. Los Angeles
C. New Orleans
D. Baltimore
E. Charleston
F. Mobile
G. Miami
H. Long Beach

Answers: 1A; 2C; 3B; 4G; 5D; 6H; 7F; 8E

Know any other nicknames for cities ? Please share.

Carnival Towel Creations

Have you ever tried to make the Carnival towel creations, like your room steward, once home ? Now you can - Click on title.

How many of you enjoy the towel creations made in your room each night ? Please share your experiences.

Carnival continues to win awards in the cruis industry

From Carnival Currents.
Total Readers' Choice awards - Carnival has been winning these awards since 1999; More than any other c.l.
* Carnival earned top honors in 2008, including Best Value for the money, Best Main dining room cuisine, Best Entertainment, Best Chrildren's Program and Best Web site.
* The Mexican Riviera cruises earned Carnival the first ever award in this category.
* Has won Best Shore Excursion category.
* Carnival Freedom won the Best Magaship award.

Have you sailed on Carnival ? Please share your experiences and the awards you might give ?

2008 Latest Edition (Video) - Did You Know ?? From You Tube

Click title to view video. I thought this video was interesting with it's facts.
What do you think of this video ?

Are your sail dates flexible ? Holland America sale

Call to find out where to find list: Samples dates below:

Alaska from $ 349 in June (Vancouver to Seward or vice versa). Select sailings June - Aug on sale. Call

Alaska Cruise Tours from $ 1169 - Aug 9 (CruiseTour 11 - 12-Day Discovery Cruise & Denali Adventure). Select dates June - Aug 23 on sale. Call

Australia & New Zealand from $ 1399 (Jan 6, 2010) Other dates in Jan & Feb on sale. Call

Asia Pacific from $ 999 (16N Sept 23)

Bermuda from $ 699. Select dates May through October. Call

Canada/New England from $ 749 (June 20 & 27). Other dates, June to Oct on sale. Call

Caribbean from $ 549. Select dates October to Dec 12 on sale. Call

Europe from $ 849 (July 2 for 8N Baltic). Other sailings on sale. Call

Hawaii from $ 1399, Select 15N sailings Oct 8 - Dec 7 on sale. Call

Holiday cruises from $ 899 (Dec 19 Eurodam) Dec 26 also on sale. Call

Mexican Riviera from $ 499. Select sailings Nov 21 - Dec 12 on sale. Call

Panama Canal from $ 899. Select sailings Oct 14 - Dec 13 on sale. Call

South America from $ 1199. (Dec 15). Nov 19 & Feb 23, 2010 on sale. Call


Flexible dates ... This is not available for everyone. My schedule for cruising is flexible to a point. What about you ... Are your dates flexible to cruise when you find that great deal ?

Ships coming to Port Canaveral

Freedom of the Seas 2009
Carnival Dream 2009
Norwegian Sun 2010
Disney Dream 2011
Disney Fantasy 2012

Since I am only 12 hours from Port Canaveral, this would be an easy place for me to cruise out of. What about for you ? Is Port Canaveral within your desired driving time

New Ships for Family Travel In 2009

Reported by Family Getaway Agent Magazine:

Ocean-Going:

Carnival Cruise Lines’ 3,646-passenger Carnival Dream
Celebrity Cruises’ 2,850-passenger Celebrity Equinox
Costa Cruises’ 2,260-passenger Costa Luminosa and 3,004-passenger Costa Pacifica
MSC Cruises’ 3,300-passenger MSC Splendida
Royal Caribbean International’s 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas
Yachts of Seabourn’s 450-passenger Seabourn Odyssey

River Cruising:

Amawaterways’ 148-passenger
ms Amadolce and ms Amalyra
Avalon Waterways’ 138-passenger
Affinity and 140-passenger Creativity
Tauck’s 118-passenger Swiss Jewel
Uniworld’s 160-passenger River Beatrice and 84-passenger River Tosca
Victoria Cruises’ 378-passenger Victoria Jenna
Viking River Cruises’ 189-passenger Viking Legend

Since I am ready for more river cruising, the river cruise choises would appeal to me most. Which will your first choice ? Will your choices be of cruise line choices, size, or new adventure ?

Poll - When do you pack before vacation ? How long does it take you to pack ?

Family Getaay Agent magazine took an online poll. Responses were:
* 47% say they are last-minute packers when packing for a family vacation.
* 36% say they are packed in advance.
* 17% say that they take their time when packing.

Due to many "last minute" needs of others, I try not to wait till the last minute when doing anything ! So I compile what I will be taking on my cruise, 2 weeks prior. And then I place these things in my suite case, the day prior. When do you pack prior to your vacation ? Why this choice ?

Did you know ? Global cruise with Cruise West, is the longest of it's kind in the cruise industry

Cruise West is planning a 335 day circumnavigation of the world, described as the longest of its kind in the cruise industry. This small ship will visit 59 countries over 14 oceans and seas. More details will be available by the end of May.

I've been on 2 Cruise West cruises (Columbia Snake Rivers and to Alaska). If I had the time and the money, I would definately take a 335 day cruise What about you ? I would !

Last minute balcony deals this Summer - Many itineraries - Many C.L's - Hurry !

Click title for info.

Alaska, Bermuda, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Hawaii, Mediterranean, Mexican Riviera and Tahiti ... On Carnival, Celebrity, Crystal, Disney, Holland America, Norwegian, Princess, Regent and Royal Caribbean ! Capacity controlled. Can be withdrawn at any time.

I found there to be many great balcony rates left for this summer. I know if I weren't already obligated for the summer, I would definately choose one of these cruise ! Are you maxed out for the summer or can you take advantage of one of these savings opportunities ?

Tauck World Discovery Tours - FREE airfare - Expires July 15

Act quickly to take advantage of FREE AIRFARE in conjunction with selected itineraries and departure dates of Tauck’s 2009 European river cruises as well as selected departures of Istanbul & the Black Sea and Cruising the Galapagos Islands!

Wow ! Great opportunity for savings !
Did you know that cruise specialist companies can also service your land packages through tour operators ?
Have you taken a Tauck European River cruise package before ? Please share your experiences.

New Orleans - Visitor numbers continue to climb

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

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

Alaska loses more cruises in 2010

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

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

Carnival launches its Baltimore homeport

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

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

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

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

"Travel Matters" is theme of National Tourism Week

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

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

Royal Caribbean offering "My Time Dining"

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

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

Princess - More ships cruising the Caribbean in summer 2010

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

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

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

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

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

Cunard World Club Member Sale

World Club Members receive these special offers on upcoming voyages:

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

Based on capacity control !

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