Wednesday, November 9, 2011

We're still not done with this storm season.


A new one to report.

Subtropical Storm Sean is located about 445 miles southwest of Bermuda. The storm is stationary with winds of near 45 mph. Little change in strength or motion is expected today.

Warnings and Watches: There are no Warnings or Watches in effect.

Cruise line itinerary changes - There are no changes we are aware of.

Click title for Bloombergs current story

In 1991, there were 2 hurricanes in Bermuda in the month of September, just after I first got into the cruise business. I had 2 cruises planned, to Bermuda, that same September. Would you believe, my 2 weeks missed both the hurricanes ! I do remember, that one of Royal Caribbean ships (maybe the Nordic Empress), received a lot of damage due to one of these hurricanes in September. I remember the story being told, was that a Celebrity Cruise Line ship (maybe the Meridian), sailed near by this RCI ship, in case the ship and her guest needed help.

Have you ever been near a hurricane, while cruising ? Please share your story.

Tuesday, November 8, 2011

Have you experiences any of the travel venues that won in the 2011 Travel and Leisure Awards for ...




It's always exciting to learn which travel venues win the travel awards each year.

Since most my life is aboard a cruise ship, the opportunity to stay in hotels and resorts, do not often come my way. However, in my 113 cruises ...

I've been to Santorini, Greece with a non-name brand Tour Operator, no longer in business (biggest reason to by Trip Cancellation Insurance which covers bankruptcy of a carrier!). Many pictures you see of Greece are showing a picture of Santorini. With the sun in the background and the houses against the side of the mountain. Residents actually must walk to get to their homes, because it's only a small cement path and no rodes. They actually have a jonnie house, at the front of the walk, because the walk is very far for the person who lives at the very tip.

I have been to Bali on a Royal Caribbean cruise, about 10 years ago, for 2 weeks, which also includes Singapore, Malaysia, and Thailand. Rice fields and personal home temples were of high scenery here.

I did take a 2 week cruise of Australia and New Zealand, however, I did not take the extra time to go to the Great Barrier Reef.

And of course, I have been many times to the Caribbean and Bahamas, with 5 times to Bermuda and 4 times to Hawaii's Big Island.

Which of the below have you had the opportunity to experienced ? What did you like most or least ?

TRAVEL + LEISURE WORLD’S BEST AWARDS 2011 WINNERS OVERALL
WORLD’S BEST CITY Bangkok
WORLD’S BEST HOTEL Singita Grumeti Reserves (Saskwa Lodge, Sabora Tented Camp, and Faru Faru Lodge), Tanzania
WORLD’S BEST ISLAND Santorini Greece
WORLD’S BEST LARGE-SHIP CRUISE LINE Crystal Cruises
WORLD’S BEST SMALL-SHIP CRUISE LINE Seabourn
WORLD’S BEST RIVER CRUISE LINE Tauck
WORLD’S BEST INTERNATIONAL AIRLINE Singapore Airlines
WORLD’S BEST DOMESTIC AIRLINE Virgin America
WORLD’S BEST TOUR OPERATOR/SAFARI OUTFITTER Micato Safaris
WORLD’S BEST CAR-RENTAL AGENCY Zipcar
WORLD’S BEST DESTINATION SPA Rancho La Puerta Fitness Resort & Spa Tecate, Mexico
WORLD’S BEST HOTEL SPA Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa New Zealand


TRAVEL + LEISURE WORLD’S BEST 2011 HOTEL WINNERS BY REGION

CONTINENTAL U.S. AND CANADA
TOP RESORT Blackberry Farm Walland, Tennessee
TOP LARGE CITY HOTEL The Peninsula Chicago
TOP SMALL CITY HOTEL Eliot Hotel Boston
TOP INN Triple Creek Ranch Darby, Montana

HAWAII
TOP RESORT Four Seasons Resort Hualalai Hawaii, the Big Island

THE CARIBBEAN, BERMUDA, AND THE BAHAMAS
TOP RESORT Nisbet Plantation Beach Club Nevis

CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
TOP RESORT Posada de Mike Rapu, Explora Rapa Nui Easter Island, Chile
TOP CITY HOTEL Palacio Duhau – Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, Argentina

MEXICO
TOP RESORT One&Only Palmilla Los Cabos
TOP CITY HOTEL Four Seasons Hotel México, D.F. Mexico City

AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND, AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC
TOP LODGE/RESORT Lodge at Kauri Cliffs Matauri Bay, New Zealand
TOP CITY HOTEL The Langham Melbourne

EUROPE
TOP RESORT Hotel Caruso Ravello, Italy
TOP LARGE CITY HOTEL Stafford London by Kempinski
TOP SMALL CITY HOTEL Milestone Hotel London
TOP INN/SMALL COUNTRY HOTEL Hotel Villa Cipriani Asolo, Italy

ASIA
TOP RESORT Oberoi Udaivilas Udaipur, India
TOP CITY HOTEL Mandarin Oriental Bangkok

AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST
TOP LODGE/RESORT Singita Grumeti Reserves (Saskwa Lodge, Sabora Tented Camp, and Faru Faru Lodge), Serengeti National Park, Tanzania
TOP CITY HOTEL Cape Grace Hotel Cape Town, South Africa


TRAVEL + LEISURE WORLD’S 2011 BEST CITY AND ISLAND WINNERS BY REGION
REGION CITY ISLAND
UNITED STATES AND CANADA New York City Cape Breton Nova Scotia, Canada
EUROPE Florence Santorini Greece
ASIA Bangkok Bali
AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC Sydney Great Barrier Reef Australia
MEXICO AND CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA Buenos Aires Galápagos
AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST Cape Town
HAWAII Hawaii, the Big Island
THE CARIBBEAN, BERMUDA, AND THE BAHAMAS Cuba


TRAVEL + LEISURE WORLD’S BEST 2011 HOTEL SPAS WINNERS BY REGION*

CONTINENTAL U.S. + CANADA Ritz-Carlton New Orleans, Louisiana
HAWAII Grand Wailea Maui
MEXICO Excellence Riviera Cancun Mayan Riviera
Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach Resort & Spa Los Cabos ( tie )
EUROPE Rome Cavalieri, A Waldorf Astoria Hotel Rome
ASIA Discovery Shores Boracay Philippines
AUSTRALIA, NEW ZEALAND AND THE SOUTH PACIFIC Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa New Zealand
CARIBBEAN, BERMUDA AND THE BAHAMAS Couples Tower Isle St. Mary, Jamaica
CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires
AFRICA AND THE MIDDLE EAST Singita Kruger National Park South Africa

5 World Heritage Sites You Should Visit in China





One place I've yet to travel to, is China. I marvel in the idea of getting there some time in the near future. I have several Cruises Inc associates and cruise customers who have been there, and they've told me they were thankful for the memories and the sights to be seen. I ran across this article on TravelHoppers by Cheryl Probst (click title). This article provides great information to hold onto, for anyone preparing to travel to China. My biggest desire is to see the Great China Wall and cruise down the Yangtze River (see pictures). Have you ever wanted to see China ? If so, what is your dream adventure.

The official website for China National Tourist Office (Toronto, Canada) offers additional information on things to know and things to do, along with a shopping guide.

My top river picture is of Yangshuo, China. In the China Travel Guide, I learned that Yangshuo lies in the northeast of Guangxi Province and to the southeast of Guilin City. The ethnic minority groups including Hui, Zhuang, Yao and others, enriches cultures for their various festivals. Yangshuo also attracts tourists with its delicious specialty foods, such as Beer Fish, Niang dishes and special snacks including rice noodles and various glutinous rice cakes. You can taste them in most streets of the county. The local specialties such as the Shatian Shaddocks, the kumquats and the Chinese chestnuts is noted for being worth tasting as well. If you want to buy some souvenirs, it's suggested to look for their painted fans, embroidered balls, and painted shirts. These can be purchased in the tourist spots and in the malls of the county.

I love the picture. Very enticing and soothing. What do you think ? Worth visiting for you ?

Thursday, September 29, 2011


Hello Singles ....

Exploring the world doesn't need to be a two-person job. Single travelers can experience the myriad destinations of Azamara Club Cruises® in Asia, Europe, the Mediterranean, South America and the West Indies without paying an excessive single supplement. For select voyages, singles pay just 125% (regular single rate is 200%) of the stateroom fare on our up to 50% off brochure rate, and gratuities for housekeeping, dining and bar staff are included!

Book single occupancy on select Azamara 2011 - 2012 voyages and enjoy attractive single supplement rates.

See itineraries and pricing, using "name of ship" (Price on website based on 2 in room - For single rate, add 25% more.): www.SearchMyCruise.com


Azamara Journeys

SEPTEMBER 8, 2011 DECEMBER 27, 2011
SEPTEMBER 17, 2011 JANUARY 4, 2012
SEPTEMBER 24, 2011 JANUARY 29, 2012
OCTOBER 4, 2011 FEBRUARY 25, 2012
OCTOBER 15, 2011 MARCH 30, 2012
NOVEMBER 22, 2011 MAY 6, 2012
NOVEMBER 27, 2011 NOVEMBER 15, 2012
DECEMBER 4, 2011 NOVEMBER 29, 2012
DECEMBER 18, 2011 DECEMBER 12, 2012


Azamara Quest

OCTOBER 1, 2011 JANUARY 18, 2012
OCTOBER 8, 2011 FEBRUARY 1, 2012
OCTOBER 15, 2011 FEBRUARY 15, 2012
OCTOBER 26, 2011 FEBRUARY 29, 2012
NOVEMBER 6, 2011 MARCH 14, 2012
NOVEMBER 17, 2011 APRIL 12, 2012
NOVEMBER 27, 2011 APRIL 24, 2012
DECEMBER 11, 2011 MAY 8, 2012
DECEMBER 23, 2011 NOVEMBER 7, 2012
JANUARY 4, 2012 DECEMBER 5, 2012


Then call with credit card in hand to guarantee Your rate/space.
(434/800) 237-3832.
Vivian M. Webb, MCC

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

11N’s October 22, 2012 - from Quebec to Cape Liberty, NJ


YES 2012. Ship already selling OUT !!, YES, ALREADY. WHY NOT, it’s a GREAT ITINERARY !! From Quebec to Cape Liberty, NJ, with an overnight in Quebec. SEE my AMTRAK suggests ! Call and book today. Only 16 cabins. From $ 999. (434/800) 237-3832, press 2.
CLICK ON TITLE FOR DETAILS

Saturday, June 18, 2011

My dog of 15 yrs had to be put to sleep today




My dog of 15 yrs, Cocoa, had to be put to sleep today. He had lost the sense, over 6 months ago, to go out side to the bathroom. He lost use of his back legs from time to time. The seizures became big this week, and he stayed at vet or the Emergency hospital, except last night, when we thougt they were under control. But he was up 2 times and went all over himself, since he was no longer standing up (drowsiness from meds)(had to have baths). The Dr said this morning, his quality wouldn't get any better, and maybe it was time. I made the decision when he had that next seizure at 9am. I could have been a brain tumor.

I originally got him, after about a year old, hanging out at my mom's (and other neighbors) ... It was one freezing New Years night, and I couldn't stand it anymore. My dad has told him through the years, that he definately led the life of luxury ! Air condition home ... water bed ... all the girls at the vet who loved him when I was cruising !! Special dog food and treats ! You name it !

WILL MISS HIM ! He has been a lot of work for the last 6 months, and expensive for 15 years, but that little tail wagging will be missed more than I thought it would be, especially when reality sets in !

No more pets, so please, no one try to talk me into this again !!

The new smoking policy will be rolled out in two stages:

Effective June 15, 2011, cigarette smoking in public areas will be permitted only in Carnival¿s dance clubs, designated areas within the casino and casino bar, certain sections on the open decks on all vessels and also in the jazz clubs on 13 Carnival ships. The 13 ships include Carnival Destiny, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Victory, Carnival Spirit, Carnival Pride, Carnival Legend, Carnival Miracle, Carnival Conquest, Carnival Glory, Carnival Valor, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Freedom, and Carnival Splendor. Cigar smoking will also be permitted in the jazz clubs. On other vessels in the fleet, cigar (and cigarette) smoking will also be permitted in designated areas on deck.

Effective December 1, 2011, smoking will be prohibited in all guest staterooms. Those guests in balcony accommodations will be permitted to smoke cigarettes and cigars outside on the balcony. Spa staterooms, currently featured on Carnival Splendor, Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic, will continue to remain entirely smoke-free, including on the balconies.

Monday, May 30, 2011

FREE COACHING for fear of water or fear of flying



Click on title to receive more information

PRESS RELEASE: FREE SUMMER COACHING SESSIONS in "many" curricula areas of YOUR choice




PRESS RELEASE: Vivian M Webb, Master Cruise Counsel with Cruises Inc of Lynchburg, has recently expanded her 35 year teacher education certification into “the art of coaching“. Vivian is the first Certified Hypnotist in Lynchburg to be associated with the National Guild of Hypnotist (NGH), and the first Professional Certified Life Coach in Lynchburg to be associated with the International Association of Coaching (IAC). Vivian also completed the Neuro-linguistic programming (NLP) certification through Fowler Wainwright. Vivian’s original goal in pursuing hypnosis was for helping clients with fears of flying and fear of being on water, which she will continue to offer FREE SESSION towards helping with these fears. Vivian has amplified her coaching abilities and will be offering: Business coaching, career coaching, child coaching, coaching singles, date coaching, financial coaching, parent coaching, personal life coach, relationship coaching, separation and divorce coaching and victimization coaching (which is more than rape). This SUMMER, Vivian will be offering 3 FREE SESSIONS to callers for any of her curricula areas (limited client space). For more information, visit: CoachingAndHypnosis2YOURsuccess.com
click title for more information and to contact Coach Vivian

Friday, October 29, 2010

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE TO BUILD TWO NEW SHIPS to deliver ships in spring 2013 and 2014

Great time to be sure YOUR EMPLOYER (with 50 employess) is signed up for employee discounts and a FREE cruise website (10+ employess) !! (434/800) 237 3832

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Art pictures for sale


Click link to view pictures.
Call for pricing.

Saturday, October 16, 2010

MORE groups you can join.


Click title to see other groups you can join ! REMEMBER you do NOT have to hang out with the group, you are only taking advantage of their AMENITIES and/or pricing !!

The NCL Epic was exactly what I expected & MORE ! You deserve to cruise the Largest and most innovative ship. WE have reserved space on every date !

Click title to read my review
WE have reserved every date on the NCL Epic to SAVE our clients money and or to receive amenities !

Thursday, October 14, 2010

Sail to the Mediterranean for 9N’s, June 3 aboard Carnival’s new Magic ! Receive $ 200 per cabin onboard credit & more.


Click title for itinerary.

For estimated rates, go to www.SearchMyCruise.com

And to see more dates, go to www.1000CruiseSavings.com


Have you been MISSING OUT ON THE SAVINGS ? !!

REMEMBER if you buy from Orbitz, Hotwire, and Priceline, they are NOT a TRAVEL AGENCY. They have to buy their cruises from an agency. They know to buy from a cruise ONLY agency ! That's why they buy all their cruises from US !! But you must buy from us DIRECT to have a cruise specialist manage & protect your cruise. That's why I am here in LYNCHBURG for you !

Don't Miss the Boat - It's all for YOU !



CALL ASAP !

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Make new friends cruising - Why not join a group from your area, or from another area of the US ?


Click title for list.
You do NOT have to hang with this group to take advantage of their savings and amenities. CRUISE SMART - SAVE MONEY !

For other dates where you can save money and/or receive amenities, however, there is not a group to travel with, go to www.1000CruiseSavings.com

Saturday, September 11, 2010