Answers to know before deciding an Alaska land package with a cruise

Picture by W. Woodson, taken Aug 2014.

In order to buy a Alaska Land Tour package with the cruise line, your cruise must be a Southbound or Northbound cruise.  Cruises that are round trip Seattle or Vancouver, will not offer these optional tours.  You can buy land packages on your own, to go up into Alaska, however, you would have the additional “flight cost”, to get from Seattle or Vancouver.

When I am choose an Alaska land package from the cruise line, I still usually look at the available cruise choices first … After choosing the cruise of choice, then I look at “that cruise lines” Alaska Land packages..

Go here, see my suggestions on how to choose a 7 night Alaskacruise.

FYI, if looking at a 10/11 night, Princess offers out of San Francisco.

Only if a customer calls and can only be gone 10 or 11 days, do I consider first, looking at the available Alaska Land packages first.  This person has a “short window” for being on the land, so this part of the package is important.     

With a caller, I usually get online with them, and first show them “how to read” the cruise line’s Alaska Land packages.  This will in turn, help them “know what to look for”, when viewing other cruise line options.  Believe it or not, “seeing what I am talking about”, gives a clearer vision of everything you will read below.

If this is your first time doing a land package in Alaska, you may want to begin by including the traditional cities, such as Fairbanks, Denali, and Anchorage.    See #1, #2, # 6, and #7 below.

Know, most folks who are wanting a land package in Alaska, are wanting to go to Denali National Park, with hope of seeing the wildlife and Mount McKinley (highest mountain peak in N. America).  To get to Denali, you must travel by way of Fairbanks or Anchorage (Denali in the middle), or you can go to both cities.  You can not get to Denali without going through one of these locations.  See #1, #2, #5, and #4 below.

Here’s a list of options to think about when deciding on a cruise line land package.  What you want, determines the available package and the cost.  Do I want my package to include:

       1)      Land before the cruise or cruise before the land ?

2)      Fairbanks ?  Since only USAir is in my city of LYH, I would know that I would need to fly from another air city to get there/leave there !

3)      Transfers to or from Vancouver or Seattle airport ?  Usually for me, it’s a lower cost to use Seattle.  Know, that every cruise line does not make these transfers available from the cruise line.

4)      Both available tours in Fairbanks ?  (A) The River Boat Discovery Cruise “and” (B) Gold Dredge #8 ? 

5)      Any “rail” transportation ?  Do I want rail all the way, from Fairbanks to the ship, or at least to Anchorage ?  If it does not have to be all the way, which portion do I want rail ?  Which direction do I want the train to travel (Fairbanks first; or from ship) ?  Does the rail include dome cars ? 

6)      A longer time in Denali National Park in hopes of seeing wildlife ?  The park is about 96 miles long.  Depending on how long you are in the park, determines how far into the park you will go.   Today, most Alaska land packages include the Natural History Tour (3-4 hours).  Will your package allow you to upgrade to the Tundra Wilderness Tour (estimate cost $60pp) for 7-8 hours ?  As of today, no cruise line package allows you to upgrade to the Kantishna package (11-12 hours).  Look close at the words in the Alaska Land Package to be sure the Natural History or Tundra Tour is mentioned.  There are packages with “no” tour into the park.  Know that Princess offer an “on your own package”, so you can buy a tour of choice, on your own.

7)      Any spare time in Denali so you can buy the optional “Dinner Show” ?  Or river rafting, helicopter or plane over Mount McKinley ?  The times you are in Denali or in the park, are often not available in advance, for you to know if there’s any spare time.    This why many folks opt for 2 days Denali.

8)      Any other lodges ?  Example, Princess Cruises offers packages, to include  Mount McKinley Lodge.  Royal Caribbean offers Telkeenta Wilderness Lodge.

9)      A night in Anchorage ?  Or are you happy with a package that only stops in Anchorage for lunch, as the Motor Coach is transporting you to the ship ?

10)   The ship sailing from Whittier or Seward or Vancouver ?

Remember 2 things when only wanting the lowest available Alaska land package price:

1)      There may be things you wish you had of included in your package !

       2)      It’s possibly for a few more dollars you can get “more for you buck”.
       3)      You still have to go through all the many packages to see which one is the lowest cost.

The above are a few of the answers you want, as you plan your Alaska land package.  Though you have a little insight here, you’ll then want to turn to an agent, who should easily be able to help you decided what you want to be included (If they have been to Alaska AND if they have experience the different options above) !  Foremost, remember to find out if the agent has personal Alaska travel experience, "to help you best", before you get too involved in asking anything more !

Will there be any cabins, when VA cruisers discover Carnival’s “one” sailing to Bermuda …

It’s been the buzz word for the last 6 months in reference to Carnival’s “one” 7 night sailing to Bermuda from Norfolk in 2015.  Will there still be cabin space when cruisers discover this opportunity ?

Though many folks believe it’s better to wait and buy last minute, this does not stand true for those “supply and demand” sailings.  And it looks like October 23, 2015 will be one of those sailings.

Group space has been gone for this sailing for many months now.  And individual space through Carnival is getting slim !  Matter of fact, when you look online at Carnival, their balconies are SOLD OUT !

It only makes sense that this cruise is popular !  First of all, no cruise ships sailed from Norfolk in 2014.  Not only bad for the Virginia economy, this made it a further distance to drive, for Virginia cruisers to embark for a cruise.

Secondly, it’s been years since a cruise left Norfolk and went to Bermuda.  This alone makes this a very exciting opportunity for cruisers.  Especially for those folks who have planned early !

FYI ...There are many folks who are flying into Norfolk, and taking this time to see Williamsburg while they are here.  Sounds like a lot of fun for a lot of folks !

 

Bermuda is a great place to cruise to !  First of all it is British owned, so the island is cleanlier than islands you might venture to in the Caribbean.  Bermuda is well known for its beaches and golf.  Naturally this is attractive to beach lovers and golfers.   AND SHOPPERS !

And there’s the famous Rum Swizzles and now there are 2 Rum Swizzle Restaurant locations.  And have you heard of their famous ‘Dark-N-Stormy’ drink ?  You will be able to find Gosling’s Brothers store in Hamilton and yes, they carry several sizes of the  Black Seal Rum (dark rum).

And though non-resident can not rent a car here, you and rent a moped or purchase a ferry/bus passes and easily get around.  There are 3 most popular area’s to visit, the ship is docked in one … The Dock Yard (Wharf).  The other two, Hamilton and St George.  To learn more … You should plan to come sail along with those of us “who bought early” !

 

Oh, and did I tell you that the ship will be in Bermuda for 3 days ?  Yes, and you can come & go as you please.  Eat onboard or eat on the island and return late or stay out all night !

So what will this mean to those folks who have yet to hear about this sailing ? It will probably be too late, when they hear about it, to find space and climb onboard.

Yes, it’s over 13 months till sailing and this ship is almost full !

However, don’t panic, there are agencies who have space.  However, you better plan to have credit card in hand, when you find one of these agencies.

For a limited time, Cruises Inc in Lynchburg, VA has 5 balconies left.   There’s some inside too !  Prices is too good to post !  Did I say limited time ?  Too low to post ?
Plan to call today !

 

 

Vicki Freed says - Just add entertainment

Vicki Freed, spokes person with Royal Caribbean sends out a blurb to agents today ...

Many of the world’s great destinations are distinguished by their entertainment. Nothing makes memories quite like an unforgettable show experienced in a new and exciting place. Of course, great entertainment is one of the hallmarks of a great cruise vacation. And unlike anywhere else, it costs your clients nothing more since it’s included in the fare. Although all cruise lines offer some form of entertainment, make sure they’re getting only the best with the most variety. Tony Award-winning Broadway shows. Aerial spectaculars. Ice-skating and water shows. Your clients will be applauding you for helping them make the right choice for their next vacation that’s entertaining from start to finish.


Are you ready to start enjoying some great entertainment at Sea ?  Call & climb onboard today !

Carnival Splendor out of Norfolk in October 2015 to Bermuda almost sold out. See "Things to do" in Bermuda.

Scroll down to see ... Thinks to do in Bermuda.



It's amazing how select sailings can sell out 15-18 months prior to sailing.  This sailing is one of them !

Reasons sailings sell out is due to supply-and-demand.  In this case, it's no wonder !  There is only "one 7 night sailing" going to Bermuda in 2015 out of Norfolk !  This is why this cruise is so popular ... So special ... So HIGH IN DEMAND !

If you look on Carnival's website, you see different pricing, from day to day.  One day I see bunk beds for $ 999pp (all plus govt fees of $165pp) ... Another day, balcony for $1669 ... Today I saw oceanview for $1500+.

FYI ... There are agents out there who bought space long ago, who have a whole lot better pricing than this.  Of course, this pricing is too good to post !

WE have space for limited time !  Currently have 7 inside & 10 balconies left.  No oceanview, but you will like our balcony prices.  Call me !  (434/800) 237-3832

Then I'll add you to our Facebook group, where I have added lots of info, so folks can take their time getting prepared.  Hey, we have 14 months till sailing !

Come join us !



Here is some personal Bermuda insight (& valuable links of info) I shared today, with those already signed up for Oct 2015.     What I’ve done/What there’s to do in Bermuda ...

Beaches of Bermuda:  http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda_00032e.htm

Golf in Bermuda:  http://www.worldgolf.com/courses/bermuda/
Shopping in Bermuda:  http://bermudaforvisitors.com/Activities/bermuda-shopping.html
Insight to the cost of restaurants around Bermuda:  http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda_0001b2.htm

 

Years back, we would rent mopeds.  You can park & lock them up at the dock, so you can rent for more than one day.  Know, they ride on the opposite side of the road in Bermuda, so this can be dangerous.  And though the speed limit is only 20mph, their local buses seem to go much faster than this.

You can NOT rent a car in Bermuda.  Taxi cabins can be expensive, however, you may get one who might share with you, inside info about Bermuda.

Back in 1991, I was with a group that rented a sail boat.  This was nice.  We went out for the day.  The sail boat stopped for folks to go snorkeling.

 

Our ship will be docked at the Dock Yard – The Wharf.  There are a few things you can do/see here.  There’s glass blowing.  Rum cakes made here (small & expensive).  There’s a craft market.  A mall.  A pharmacy.  There’s the entry to Snorkel Park Beach.  There’s the Bermuda Maritime Museum.  And several restaurants.

Snorkel Park:  http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda_00000f.htm
Monday night party may be available at Snorkel Park:  http://www.snorkelparkbeach.com/club-aqua.html
Frog & Onion offers live music (& possibly Trivia):  http://www.frogandonion.bm/
Bone Fish Bar & Grill may live music:  http://www.bonefish.bm/
Museum:  http://www.bmm.bm/
Restaurants:  http://www.thewestend.bm/category/dining/

 

Today, I usually take advantage of the bus and/or ferry services from the Dock Yard  to St George & Hamilton.  You can pay per ride, per day, or get a 2-3 day pass.  Note, when you buy a ferry pass, such as 1-2-3 days, it automatically includes the use of the bus.  Last time I was there, a 2 day pass was $26-28.  Often I wait to walk around at the Dock Yard, on my last day in Bermuda.  This way I am not having to by a pass on this day, and I am closer to the ship, when she gets ready to sail out !

*  By bus, it takes about an hour to go from the Dock Yard to Hamilton & another hour to get to St George. 

*  By ferry, it takes about 35 minutes to St George and about 20 minutes from the Dock Yard to Hamilton.  There is no direct ferry service from Hamilton to St George. 
*  Note, in Hamilton, from the ferry terminal, the bus terminal is about (when looking at city) 2 blocks left, then another long block or 2 more into the city (up a small include), then another ½ a block to the right.
*  See links below for some sights/stops on the way.
*  By ferry, it is a gorgeous ride to Hamilton, while viewing all the pastel color homes !
*  You must pay attention to the “last ferry & to the bus schedule” or you may have to take a cab to return to the ship.
http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda_00006f.htm (bus)
http://www.bermuda4u.com/transport/buses/routes/bus-route-7/ (bus)
http://www.seaexpress.bm/ferries_about.aspx (ferry)
http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda_000073.htm (Ferry)

 

2 Lighthouses on Bermuda:

Gibbs Lighthouse is close to the Dock Yard, between the Dock Yard & Hamilton.  http://bermudalighthouse.com/directions.htm
St David’s lighthouse is in St George.  http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda2_000024.htm

 

Crystal Caves.  http://www.caves.bm/

They are on St George.  Just down the road from Rum Swizzle Inn.  There are 2 entries (or 2 caverns); side by side.  If you have ever been to the Luray Caverns in VA, it’s nothing like this.  Instead, you walk down some steps, and stand on a metal platform and look.  They offer a better cost if you purchase both.  My opinion, they are the same (?).

 

2 Rum Swizzle Inn Restaurants. 

The Rum Swizzle drink was discovered in Bermuda.  Folks love to go to their restaurants, just to say they have been there.  Many folks write on their walls, paste a sticker of their favorite school/sports team, or even leave their business card.
One is closer to the Dock Yard & the other is in St George (see link of locations).  Be on the right bus, and the bus will stop near the location near the Dock Yard, and the bus will stop across the street in St George.  http://www.swizzleinn.com/
Current menu:  http://www.swizzleinn.com/restaurant.php  (at the bottom of the menu, you will see the cost for Rum Sizzle drinks.  It’s my opinion, the size of the glass is only about the size of 2 shot glasses (?).  The “full jug size” is 7 drinks of this size.  Though somewhat potent.).
Know >>> You can buy a bottle of Rum Swizzle, to bring home or bring back to the ship.  See Gosling Brother info below.
 

Duty Free liquor can be found at Gosling Brother.  In Hamilton on Front Street; to the right of the ferry terminal; right near end of dock.

Bermuda is also famous for their Gosling Rum (Dark rum of the Seal).  Here’s a little history:  http://www.goslingsrum.com/discover_meetthefamily.asp
T*  here are two prices offered at Gosling, on select items.  There is a lower price, where they bring your liquor purchase back to the ship & it is delivered to your room.  And there is a higher price, so you can take it back to the ship into your room (please note, this opportunity may change ?).
*  You will find all sizes of Gosling Rum, Rum Swizzles, and even Dark & Stormy in a can (4 for $10 – This is Ginger Beer & Gosling Rum already mixed.  Ginger beer is not a beer; it is a strong type Gingerale).  Other liquors might not have a higher price for you to bring back to ship (?).
*  Here’s a picture of what the store front looks like.  It is just to the right of the ferry terminal in Hamilton.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g147257-d147458-i45015786-Front_Street-Hamilton_Pembroke_Parish_Bermuda.html

 

Bermuda Specialty drinks:  http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda2_000056.htm

 

Here is a general map of Bermuda.
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Kings+Wharf+Bermuda+Map&Form=IQFRDR&id=D28F9A2AFA1B75D44FDC76D590F806D4FB65D552&selectedIndex=0#view=detail&id=D28F9A2AFA1B75D44FDC76D590F806D4FB65D552&selectedIndex=0

Here’s a general map of the Dock Yard:

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=map+of+dock+yard+hamilton&id=645B8CA186960092EC4885A37500FF8329816C3A&FORM=IQFRBA#view=detail&id=D28F9A2AFA1B75D44FDC110FE0882907A4305ABD&selectedIndex=1

Here’s streets in Hamilton

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=map+of+hamilton+bermuda&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=map+of+hamilton+bermuda&sc=3-23&sp=-1&sk=#view=detail&id=86E03702C21837AF928265BCD19391EED6B3AF1B&selectedIndex=8

Here’s Old Town St George:

http://static.moon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/berm_06_The-Old-Town-of-St.-George.jpg

 

My August 2014 Alaska pictures

Soon I will write about my experience, however, for now, here are my pictures (1139)
https://cruisevacationpictures.shutterfly.com/pictures/3477

Here are a few pictures from friends who were with me too:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/474302372584453/

Enjoy !

Keeping abreast of all the available “Travel Offers” for 2015

There’s so many travel offers available for 2015, how does one keep up?

First, have an idea of the type vacation you want in 2015.  Will it be Caribbean ?  Something new & exotic  like Hawaii, Alaska, or even Europe ?  Will it be a cruise ?  Or will you choose a “land based” vacation.  And if land based, will this be a “package”, or are you just planning for the beach, a self driving venture, or a point & fly concept ?

How long will you go for ?

When can you go ?
Who will be going with you ?
Can you go on more than one vacation in 2015 ?

Next, which cruise lines are you willing to go on ?  Which Land Tour Operators interest you ?  If you don’t know, then this should be your next subject to work on.  There’s all kinds of information on the net or you can ask an agent to advice you.

Next question is “when” do you plan to make a decision ?

These type questions are just the preparation needed, so you are more ready for the many offers that are available now or about to surface.  And if you are planning to make a decision now or in the next month, you need to get ready now, with all the above answers.  Many of the deals are passing you buy as you read this !

 

So how to dive into the deals ?

If it’s a cruise you will be going after or a “land based package”, first sign up for emails from each of these carriers !  This way you will receive, first hand, the available offers.

Next, choose 1-2 “agent websites” who offer lots of email offers, whom you would buy your package from.  Example, my staff sends out emails weekly, to include Exclusives, that can only be purchased through us.  You can sign up here:  www.SignUp4CruiseDealls.com

 

Don’t plan to buy your vacation direct from the cruise line or tour operator, just because they sent you an email of their offers.  These emails are just a resource for you.  Every agent across the country can provide these offers to you !  You want an agent, as your middle guy, to know all the rules and to be there for you, if there’s a personal issue you may have or the cruise line/tour operator has a situation that could affect your vacation.

 

A VALUABLE PIECE OF INFO TO KNOW:  Exclusives offers, such as cruises, are only offered by LARGE agencies (Distribution Houses), and you can NOT receive these by buying your cruise directly at the cruise line.  The cruise lines can NOT give you their lowest available rates and/or amenities.  They provide these offers just to the LARGE agencies (Distribution Houses).

 

DO YOU KNOW A DISTRIBUTION HOUSE ?  Many folks think these are the internet sites like Orbitz, Hotwire, Priceline, the Airlines, etc.  In reality, these sites buy from a Distribution house themselves.

 

IF YOU KNOW A DISTRIBUTION HOUSE, YOU CAN BUY DIRECTLY THERE TOO !  Cruises Inc is a part of the LARGEST distribution house in the country.  The above internet sites buy their cruises from this distribution house too.  Many folks don’t realize, this same distribution house may be in their own home city.  Lynchburg, VA, has been available for local folks to buy directly for 23 years now.                              

 

Plan to take advantage of savings for your 2015 vacation !

·         Plan now BEFORE 2015 … Many savings out there !

·         Find a Cruise Distribution House to buy your next cruise !

·         Sign up for email offers !

·         Do your homework by using resources to decide which vacation for you

·         Then CALL2BUY2SAVE !  Don’t buy off the net; buy from a human voice.  Not only do You not want to miss out on offers & you want to know all the rules, you want to buy from someone who offers a variety of cruise lines/tour operators, so this person will advise you, which may NOT be for you !

 

HAPPY PLANNING !

 

 

All Inclusives - Which one for you

I'll be away the next couple of Wednesdays, when I usually post to my travel blog.  Thought I would leave you these links to view while I am gone to ALASKA for my 13th time.

Know .... 3 years ago, the Resort industry asked us if we would provide All-Inclusives for our customers.  Folks love our customers, because they are so well informed.  So we agreed to provide !



Go here, several links with insight:

http://vwebb.cruisesinc.com/travel/cruise_articles/CMSStandardPage.html?edOid=1611616103


I'll be back to work Monday "late afternoon", Aug 25.  Enjoy the rest of your summer while I am gone !

10 Tips to remember when buying your cruise

10 tips to remember when buy your cruise

Go here: 
http://vwebb.cruisesinc.com/travel/cruise_articles/CMSStandardPage.html?edOid=1612114029 

Cruising the British Isles is truly a destination to consider !

It's been since 2005 since I have visited many of the ports in the British Isles.  However, there are ports to never forget and want to keep on the bucket list to visit again !

Here's my written insight:
http://vwebb.cruisesinc.com/travel/cruise_articles/CMSStandardPage.html?edOid=1611885827 

What drives cruise rates up ?

There are many sources that drive cruise rates up ?

·         The more folks book on a specific date, it drives the rates up.  As soon as a certain number of cabins are sold, like airline tickets, then rates are subject to climb.

·         If the cruise is only seasonal, such as Alaska, which is May through September, this will drive rates up.  Some dates will be soft (stay low), yet other dates will begin climbing quickly.

·         If there is only one or 2 or 4 sailings the whole year, with a specific itinerary, this too will drive rates up !  And also cause the sailing to sell out quickly.  FYI, October 23, 2015 on the Carnival Splendor is sold out, at the cruise line, on balconies already.  I have 20 balconies available !

·         Believe it or not, just going online and looking at the rates over and over, yet not ready to buy, will drive rates up.  The computer thinks someone is interested in the date.  So folks just looking or waiting to buy, are driving their own rates up !

·       And folks who are hoping rates will go down, and continue to look at their sailing over and over, again, makes the computer think someone is interested in this date.  So again, this can hurt rates from coming down.

 

The name of the game is not look at rates till you are ready to buy.  And once you look rates, call your agent & buy immediately.  Then don’t look at rates every day to see if they have gone down.

 

 

Early Birds for 2015 cruises are racking up the worms !

For July, I decided to be open evening hours for Tues-Wed-Thur nights till 9pm EST !  I just knew, the “Early Birds” wouldn’t want to wait much longer in planning and deciding on 2015 … So what better than provide more open hours to get this done !

It’s real !  Besides all the cruise line offers, just the lower cost for cruises in 2015 is amazing.  One client bought 2 cruises … One in March on Norwegian and another in November on Royal Caribbean … Both for 7N’s at only $ 429 pp !  It’s amazing.

 

It's easy to go thru the entire year and see dates that have the lowest rates ... Meaning, March date might be $ 999 for a balcony, yet the end of April might have a price of $ 799.  It's amazing.  Here, use my cheat sheets:  www.VivianWebb.com.

 

And of course, for our clients  ... We have 1400+ dates already set up for 2015/2016 to offer our client amenities. And I still have estimate 40 cabins left for October 23, 2015 for 7N's to Bermuda out of Norfolk ... Only one sailing and the ship, especially balconies, basically sold out !

It’s also amazing how many folks are thinking “outside of the Caribbean” for 2015 !

River Cruises

Hawaii

Alaska

Globus Vacations (land tour)

Collette Tours (land tour)

Villas by Distinction (land villa – we own)

 

If you have yet to book 2015 ... IT'S TIME !  July is 1/2 over !

The more folks book ... It drives the rates UP for you, when you continue to wait !

 

 

Vacations Should be a requirement for your health versus considering it as a luxury !

Go here !
http://vwebb.cruisesinc.com/travel/cruise_articles/CMSStandardPage.html?edOid=1611826883

Folks booking 2015 cruises before July ! If not planning to climb onboard in July, don’t look !

Several folks have already booked for 2015 since I’ve been in Fla.

Seems like the words Florida & the thoughts of sunshine, gets folks thinking about their vacation !

For those who have yet to call …The “Big Booking” month of July, for 2015, is creeping quickly upon us. 

You have “this” week & Monday to avoid the July rush !

For folks waiting for  July … Truly consider taking this week & view your options … Have your questions ready !

Take advantage of my cheat sheets:  www.VivianWebb.com
And www.DeckPlansAndMore.com

Just remember to pick up the phone &  “call to book your cruise” ! 

Avoid booking online !

There may be questions or rules you are unaware of when booking online !  One question leads to the next ... Which is why you want a Cruise Specialist by your side ! 

Besides, everyone knows ... Computers aren’t programmed to think like a human !

And often … Agents with Exclusives aren't always shown online !  Call !
Who doesn't like talking to a REAL PERSON ! 

Reminder … This "rush" is not exclusive just to a few agencies !

It’s National !

The cruise lines & agencies will be a rocking !
Longer “hold times” on the phone !  Another reason to let your agent handle for you !

And know ... The more folks who get in front of “You”  … They're getting your choice category and cabin location they are taking !

Are you thinking … These ships can’t be filling up yet ?

Wrong !
Please don’t choose to make this stuff up in your mind !
It’s real !

I’ve had customers make comments that there are so many ships out here to fill.  I ask … Who are you getting your information from ?  Certainly not from folks in the industry !

Stop a moment and think about supply & demand …

*If you can only travel or only like to vacation in the summer, there is basically only Royal Caribbean and Carnival in the Caribbean !  Your cruise line & ship choices have now cut down by 85% ! 
*If you can only travel during holidays, there’s maybe 30 ships to choose from !
*If you plan to take a group, most group leaders have already jumped onboard for 2015 !  Know that cruises lines will only allow @ 30% of their space to be reserved for groups !
*You want a balcony ?  It has been proven that most folks today want a balcony !  30% of balconies will sell out before inside.  And it is reason the cruise lines are making available less ocean view cabins !
*Do you need a cabin that holds 3 or 4 in the room.  These type cabins go first during the peak seasons of summer and holidays !
*Every time “you wish” there was a specific cruise you want, you have just answered your own supply and demand question !

Example  … There is only “one” sailing in 2015 to Bermuda out of Norfolk.   It’s October 23.  “One sailing”.  Ship is basically sold out, especially balconies.  I have 25 balconies left.  And they are all on a TBA because cabins #’s are currently gone (25 cabins are being reserved for me, but no cabins #’s given out now).  Spread the word and get your group onboard today !

If you are not ready to book in July … Do yourself & everyone a favor …

Do not even look at your options ! 
*First of all … Why see lower rates now, only to book at a higher rate or discover space is gone later !
*Secondly know … Your continue to look at the computer or call the cruise line on the computer, has the computer thinking you are buying.  You’re driving your own rate up for later !
*Thirdly … Why waste your valuable time (or others) for something you’re not yet ready to commit too !

So for those planning to book your 2015 cruises before or "during" July ... IT'S EXCITING !

 

The more you spend on vacation, the stronger the rock you’ll want by your side !

The more folks experience travel, the more they love to “go” !  Makes sense !  The more you see the World, travel continues to grow in your blood !

Too often though, folks begin to think their past travels will give them the experiences needed for their future travels.  Actually the opposite is true.

When going to new destinations, new ventures, or using new Tour Operators or cruise lines, the rules or requirements are different.  Which is the main reason to want a Support Team for all your travels.  Especially the more you are spending.

Your vacation money is special.  You  want to protect it with all your choices.  Whether it’s where you’re going or with which vendor you’ve decided to use.

Travel Agents and Cruise Specialist are not here just for your first adventure.  They are here for every adventure.  To not only help back you with your choices, but in case something were to go wrong !

One adventure or 10 adventures, does not an expert make !  This is not to cut you down for the knowledge that you’ve acquired with your past travels, but to protect you will the possible new insight that you have no idea that you might encounter.

The longer the agent has been in the travel business and the more customers an agent sends on vacation, the more experience this agent develops !

Experiences comes from problems.  Almost every customer an agents deals with has different needs, wants, and problems.   This is what helps agents learn how to “climb out of a box” when a different situation comes up.

Customers can’t expect to know the many outlets to situations because they’ve not experience anything except for their own past situations.  Yet often, the customer encounters something new for themselves.   That is why you want backing !

A backing that can help get you “out of that box” … That situation that you’ve never encountered before.  Yet the more your agent has run into a variety of situations, the better this agent can help you with your situation !

And working with an agent, who works with other agents or with staff who also encounters many different type situations, the plus this is for you !  Meaning, it’s to your advantage to be working with an agent that has more than just themselves to rely on for answers or an outlet to a situation you could possibly encounter.

Not every situation that could take place has been yet experienced.  However, if your agent has a relationship with vendors and cruise lines, again, this puts an extra plus on your side.

My main point is, the more you get travel in your blood the more you will be venturing to your dreams !  And the more adventure, the more money you will choose to invest !  Do yourself a favor, and don’t do this alone, no matter how much experience you feel you have under your belt. 

  

Your job is only to decide what you want and go fun .... Let it be another persons job to make sure you get there and have your fun, with little hassle !

 

In many cases, there is not a cost for such back-up support !  Take it !

And when I say take it, I’m not suggesting you call someone for all the know-how and then go do it on your own.  No, if you ask an agent for an answer to one question, then you choose to lean on this person for buying and managing your product for you !

It’s not about the help and answers you get “before” you make your choice !  It’s about the Support System and Team you get after the travel product is purchased ! 

Agents make very little in commission for helping you “after” you have purchased !  They truly are in this business to help you from yourself, in that “box of possible turmoil” that you have yet to experience !  Let them be your rock !

 

 

Cruising from Norfolk is few. October 2015 almost sold out !

Each year I receive calls from folks asking for cruises from Norfolk.  As if there are ships sailing 24/7 in Norfolk. 

“I would like a cruise over Christmas”. 

“I would like to take my family on a cruise this summer”.

Though such a request may not sound silly to folks who have this vacation desire, to those of us in the industry, the request is actually shocking !  That folks aren’t more aware of what is going on in their own state cruise port ! 

Sure taking a cruise is for pleasure !  But the money it brings to your state is even more vital !

So if you don’t know … Cruises from Norfolk are few and far between.  Matter of fact, in 2014, there were none.  WOW !  What this is doing to our Virginia economy !

One of the reasons there are not more cruises from Norfolk is supply and demand.  When the ships are here, they seem to have a hard time filling up.  Why should the ships stay in Norfolk if they can’t fill them up ?  If we don’t support them ? 

 

Well, there is ONE sailing in 2015 that is NOT having a problem selling up ! 

And that’s October 23 sailing for 7 nights to Bermuda !

Why is it selling so fast ?

#1, some folks make their next cruise purchase as soon as new itineraries are released !
#2, some folks will only sail from Norfolk so they are alert to any new sailings !
#3, its been awhile since a ship sailed from Norfolk to Bermuda.  Doesn’t take long for the word to get out !
#4, there’s only ONE sailing !

I’m personally holding 50 cabins.

However, apparently, the folks on my FB or maybe here reading my blog, aren’t those who have been “jolted” to the 4 reasons I’ve listed above.  Mine are still sitting here !  Maybe folks of LYH don't want in on this opportunity ?

I’ve heard things like, I don’t know what I will be doing in 16 months.  My response is, “Do you think all these folks who have already bought, know where their lives might be in 16 months”.  No, but they hope they will be sailing on that cruise to Bermuda !

Why not have something to look forward to !

Rates have gone up since I purchased.

Come June 18 this year … Carnival will be asking me for my space back.
Why so early ?
They want them back to sell at a higher price !

You want me to partake in providing Carnival an opportunity to sell at higher rates ?

You want to pay higher rates when you finally get around to deciding ?
You think it’s best to wait till last minute and see if you can still get in at good deal ?
So you know … I am already having hard time, finding a decent cabin location and I have 50 cabins.

Having 50 cabins does NOT mean locations.  It means rate.  I have 50 cabins that I can sell at the select categories I have chosen.

(434/800) 237-3832 … press 62 if only want to talk.

Press 61 & transfer to me directly, if you have CC in hand !
4F inside only $ 691pp
8C balcony only $ 921pp
Govt fees $ 142.09 (to me, this tax is low for Bermuda).

 

And as long as 5 cabins sell from my group, each cabin will receive $100 onboard credit !

Hurry !  Help make more money for Virginia … Invite your friends from other states ! 

And don’t make me have to give this space back to Carnival at the June 18 deadline !