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Caller asks Vivian, How do I know if a cruise coupon or discounted cruise package is legit ? Please, Help me get the message out to YOUR friends !

This caller, I had just met, two days prior, when she called me, asking me if I could give a free cruise away for her organization. Unfortunately, we pay the same price as you pay for the vacation and the cruise lines do not give away cruises. They do offer packages for non-profit organizations, to give-away, but that’s a story for another day.

Anyway, today she called me back, and asked me, “How do I know if a cruise coupon or discounted cruise package is legit ?”


I said, #1, If you can not buy this same package from any travel agent, or through a large cruise-only agency, such as Cruises Inc, then it’s not real. Everything, related to a cruise, can be bought through every agency out there, and if it’s a lower rate than at your local travel agency, then you need to be sure you’re with a legit Large Cruise-only agency, cause these are the only agencies that the cruise lines legally give lower rates to offer their clients.

#2, Are they telling you that you can use the package anytime within a year or 18 months ?
She said, yes.
I said, that is your “normal #1 red-flag to the consumer” … Don‘t buy !
The name of the game, is that you’re not going to buy right away. You will wait, and by the time you are ready to go, they are long gone !
I didn’t go into more details like, when you’re ready, the date you want is not available; or in reality, you will never use this, and it’s just money in their pocket !

#3, I said, did they offer, that you will go on Majestic Cruise Lines or Discovery Cruises, or something of this sort … and off brand ?

She said, she didn’t go that far to see the information.
I said, normally what they are offering. Please note, this is not a cruise. This is like a “ferry service” over to Freeport. A true-legit cruise, you spend the night on !
I said, besides, what they usually do, is after you buy, you are contacted, asking if you want to go on a Carnival cruise, or a cruise line of this nature. Then when they give you the price, it’s the same price, had you gone direct to a travel agent and bought it, without every paying down the money on the original offer.

I said, all in all, there is no, lets cut corners and it be real, when it comes to cruises (travel).

I said to her, Thank you for calling me. I started “tuning-up” and my eyes filling with tears.
I said, this is why I got in this business. This is why I am here. I am here to protect you.
I said, I just wish I could reach more people.

She sincerely said, Thank you so much, for taking this time out with me. You have helped me so much !


I got off the phone and just boo-hood.
If this woman had not chosen to trust me and called me back for advice, her organization or the winner, would have had this package in their hands.

I never got in this business to make money !
(And it's truly a good thing I didn't start this business thinking I was going to make any personal income ! First of all, the cruise line pays me nothing, if that caller doesn't buy; and very minimal if they do; I don't get paid by the hour; So, I figure I donate $10 an hour of my past saved money, back to the industry ...heheh. Yeah, that's real !) …

I got in this business to protect LYH folk … And with all the out-of-state referrals, my client base is now about 40% out of the state of Virginia.
So though I am very unhappy that I am not reaching more LYH folk, I’m so glad that my out-of-town customers are reminding their family and friends, that I’m here.

What I get out of this ... Knowing YOU are protected (and I see all the cruise discounts, so I know when to buy for myself; I do not get my cruises free).
This was not some fluke, that I got in with Cruises Inc. I choose Cruises Inc 26+ years ago, after intense study, to be sure this was the right agency in protecing my clients (I sent out 250 letters; and while they interviewed me, I intervied them). Cruises Inc's state of the art technology, which no other agency has, checks your cruise at least 4 times before each client sails, to be sure the cruise line has not messed up your booking (consumers don't realize, that every time they call the cruise line or Cruises Inc, to ask a question, thier booking is opened up by a cruise line reservation, who can easily punch the wrong button and your cruise is gone, without you knowing till time to sail). And when I first book you, we have staff who are paid to find mistakes, so they want to find mistakes; No other agency does this. And we have a customer services team, for answering my customer's generic questions, when I'm on the phone. Yeah, I made the right decision ! Cruises Inc knows this industry and how to deal with these cruise lines ... Whether it be in negotiating our clients added savings/amenities, but in dealing with the "unknown" that can come up on your reservation !


KNOW … I have only been about to reach out and help all these folks because of YOU.
(Sorry, advertising dollars, and me reaching out on my own, is too limited !)
So EVERYDAY, by YOU reminding family and friends, I am here, I can help one more person that YOU know ! YOUR continued support is needed EVERYDAY, if I am going to reach more.

THANK YOU.

Customer asks Vivian today, with Carnival Early Saver Rates, is it really good to book early ?

Click title to get Carnival Early Saver "rules".


First of all, Carnival Early Saver rates are only offered, on 7 night cruises and longer, up till 6 months prior to sailing. So if you think buying your cruise, 3 months before sailing, I’m here to tell you, that’s "too" last minute. These cruise lines want these ships full 6 months from sailing. So in essence, Carnival is punishing those, who buy later than this, with paying a higher rate. Sure, they have offers like senior rates, military rates, or past guest rates, but that’s never a guarantee. It is a mis-conception, that these cruise lines always offer senior, military, and past guest rates. You have to be standing in the right place at the right time, or shall I say, “holding your head right”.

So my answer is YES. When Carnival rates first come out, for the next season, this is the best time to buy, cause this is the lowest rates they are offering at this time. And with Carnival Early Saver Rates, Carnival claims, the rate will not get lower. But if you “see” that it does, up till 2 days prior to sailing, they will give you onboard credit, to spend as you choose onboard, for the difference in the lower rate.

So …
1) If you buy the lowest rate ever, by buying when rates first come out, then you know you have lowest rate.
2) And, if you see that rates have gone down, up till 2 days prior to sailing, you get that savings.

How, can you go wrong by buying the Carnival Early Saver rates “early”, the moment rates come out for the next season ? You can’t.

Know:
1) Just cause Carnival advertises Early Saver Rates, does “not” mean these rates won’t go up.
2) As more people buy, it drives rates “up”. The more you let everyone else buy before you, you are letting them drive “our rate up”? Why let anyone else control your savings ?

And Know … Rates from May 2013 to April 2014 should come out between 1st of April and end of April. From this above info, my question to you, when is it time to buy Carnival Early Saver rates for cruise that sail May 2013 to 2014 ?


Matter of fact, most the cruise lines will come out with their next season rate in April 2012. Note, to get the best prices, buy your next cruise, for your next season, as soon as they come out. Most often, up till final payment, if you see the cruise line offering lower rates, you can get this (except Princess and Holland America flash promos, but they usually come after final payment). It’s the onboard credit and amenity offers that you can’t have, later on, when they run a sale. But what you don’t know, your rate might have been much better than this new offer with the higher rate ! And most often, we can work on getting you into one of our group spaces for amenities, right off the bat (unless you buy Carnival Early Saver rates) !

Now is the season for Japan

I received this article today, from New York Times -

Travel. Click title to view.

Six years ago, I went to Japan, on a 19 night cruise on Princess Cruises, from Osaka, Japan, crossing the date line, then over to Seattle, Washington. It was a great adventure.

My journey began with two days in Osaka. The cab was to be $200 to my hotel, so I found that the airport had transportation, that I could purchase, for @ $16 one way. I then had to exchange American money for Japanese money. It takes a lot of money here, so I had to do this about 3 times during my stay. Once in the city of Osaka, to exchange money, you had to go into a bank. It was like going through a "loan" process, so very time consuming.

Our hotel was a Holiday Inn. The room was tiny. The bed was up against, the wall, on one side of the room. And there was a window over the bed, that when you opened it, there was a walkway outside at window level. The bathroom was a bathroom kit. We had to step at least 6 inches up, to get the ground floor of the bathroom. You had to climb into the tub/shower. Amazing. We stayed two days. Our first day, we did a lot of walking, and my feet had blisters. The next day, we took a city tour, and everyone spoke Japanese, and it included a sit on the floor lunch. I had no idea what the food was, so all I ate were two soups. I think there was two kinds of raw fish, but I wasn't about to eat it. So I was fairly starving, by the time dinner came. We walked to an Outback Restaurant. We ordered the most expensive thing, ribs, $ 10.00US. There was no salad and no potato. And by the time I was getting close to the end of my meal, I began imagining what this food "might be", and had to stop eating ! Breakfast in the hotel included hard boiled egg, sushi, etc.

The next day, we took a train ride to Kyoto (see article). You won't believe it, on the same track, same day, a train jumped rail. I had not bothered to tell my family my hotel name, or much else, so had anything happened to us, no one would have known till after our cruise would to be over.

The ship was only about 10 miles away, however, we were told it would take us at least an hour, and the cost was $ 50 US. Sure enough, that was all for real. But it felt like we went round and round in circles to take up that hour ! When we got there, there was the Worlds Fair Ferris Wheel right by the ship. Beautiful. I was surely glad to get onboard, cause of the cost to be in Osaka !

My cruise adventures included two more stops in Japan, one being Nagasaki, a stop in South Korea, and another in Russia, before getting to the US. While near North Korea, another event took place. Apparently a nuclear (?) something was set off in the water (?). I didn't learn about this till I got home, and a GF told me. She said, wow, all kinds of things happened around you while you were gone. She said, she hadn't heard so much about Japan and the area I was in, till we were gone.

Shopping was great. In Korea, I bought amethyst, and which I had bought a whole lot more, but we had about 15 minutes to shop. I did buy some Japanese shoes and two types of chop sticks.

We saw some wonderful sites. I will never forget this adventure. But like my first time to Asia, on a Royal Caribbean cruise, my idea of visiting these countries is ony by cruise ship.

Have you been to Japan. What was your experience ?

Customers ask, If I do not like dressing up, why is it that you suggest cruisers take a dress-up outfit with them anyway ?

If you don't take the dress-up outfit, you limited your choices, once there. Here's five, very reasonable and conservative reasons, for choosing to take at least one dress-up outfit on your cruise:

1) Who's to say, you may get there and just naturally, on your own, change your mind. It's something about a cruise, that often changes how you "normally do things". Here's example, but not related to dressing-up: Years ago, Carnival use to have a male night gown contest. Every time I would have a honeymoon client book, I would tell them this. I would ask the guys, if they think they would do this, and every one of them told me, no. Well, I would make it a point to call them when returning, only to find out, each and every one of those honeymoon males, did the contest.

2) You might make new friends, who love to go to dress-up night and are really hoping you will be there too. This happens all the time ... Meeting new people. And, next thing you know, you want to do everything they want to do. Or more importantly, you may decide, you don't want them leaving you out of anything or doing something you don't get to do.

3) You find out, that the meal you love most, is being served on dress-up night. All of a sudden, you don't hate dressing-up so much any more. I was once on a cruise, with a group, who thought they could get by with not dressing-up on dress-up night, and marching right into the dining room. Well, the maitre'd didn't let them in ! But they wanted that meal, so they ran to the room, and changed, very quickly and returned to the dining room, enjoying a fabulous meal and forgetting they were all dressed-up !

4) You get there and decide you want to do the dress-up thing for your spouse. Why not ! It's something about a cruise that brings a lot of romance ... You may as well not miss out on the opportunity of making your spouse feel special too !

5) Dress-up night is as great night to take long lasting memory pictures. They make great Christmas presents. You'll find that lots and lots and lots of people take pictures on dress-up night !

If I've yet to convince you, consider taking the outfit anyway ! For woman, it's just no shorts, cause a pants suite or pants and top are just fine. For men, it only means taking a coat and tie; Just plan to take it off as soon as you get inside.

10 Stunning Travel Destinations by Forbes

Click title to view article.
You'll find a great picture for each of the 10 destinations.
Only destination I have been to is Patagonia, Chile. There are a couple on his list, that are on my wish list. Several can be done by cruise ship.
How about you, which have you been to ?
Do you have any of these destinations that you dream for ?

Customers Ask, Do you watch the rates of your personal cruise, after you buy ?

Of course I do !
Though I'm terrible about "finally" finding time to get my own vacation booked, once it's booked, I watch that cruise constantly, up till I make final payment !

Who has more time to watch your cruise than you do !? Don't depend on anyone else to do this. Agents can barely find any non-phone time, to eat lunch/run to the restroom. And, it's often about, being at the right place at the right time ! Cruises can be on sale for an hour, with no advertisement ! So yes, you need to watch your cruise rate. If you don't know how to do it, ask your agent to show you how.

Then do as I tell my clients to do ... You call your agent, and you tell your agent the rate you saw. Then they can check it out, and call you back, once they have the new rate confirmed. It's as simple as that.

There are some offers, that you can not have, cause they're for new bookings only. Royal Caribbean is the worst for saying this, because, they will look to see if you cancelled and re-booked, and then you do not get the new offer. But rates, yes, you most often always get lower rates you see, just not any amenities, if it's for new bookings only. You can't have Princess/Holland America flash programs, if you already have a cruise booked, but these are often not offered till after final payment ... And, they are usually "run of ship", which most people don't want (so just cause you saw an offer, doesn't mean you would have bought it).

Just remember, if you buy last minute, and pay in full, you may as well STOP watching the rate. Cause for the most part, once you make final payment, the cruise line is not going to lower the rate, if it drops. And the reason, is because, if rates go down after final payment, it's about selling those cabins that no one wanted ! It's only fair, if we have the better cabins, that we don't get the lower rate. So STOP watching rates, once you make final payment. You don't need to know.

And don't listen to people when you get on your cruise, who try to tell you that they paid $2. Hear me ... People never remember they paid their deposit ... and they never remember that they paid all those taxes. So what they remember, is the cruise only rate minus the deposit. Example, I'm going on 7N cruise to Alaska in May. I was talking to my roommate other day, and I said, yep, we really got a deal, only $300+. She said, what ? I said, I mean, that was the cost with out any taxes. She said, oh yeah, you're right. See, even I quote the cruise only rate and no taxes. Everyone does this. It's all about what a person wants to remember in their subconscious as to what they paid. Try it. Remember just the cruise price minus the deposit and see if your rate doesn't sound like a steal, when you tell YOUR STORY !

Customers ask Vivian, Why do you suggest cruisers should buy early ?

This question comes up all the time.

#1, When rates first come out, the cruise lines plans, are that these are the best rates that should be offered for that sailing. Rates come out for the next year, around March; For Alaska, it may not be till September. You want to stop last minute sales, support the cruise lines by buying early. If you're going, what are you waiting for ?

#2, Know ... The more cruisers book on a sailing, it "drives the rate up". So as you wait, other cruisers are making the cost of Your cruise go up.

#3, Get the best cabin location. As cruisers buy, they choose the most mid-ship cabins. As you wait, everyone is getting Your well-deserved cabin. Closer to sailing, when you see the "sales", it's meant to be for the cabins that cruisers don't want. Only if someone cancels, who booked early, do you have a chance at getting a mid-ship cabin when buying last minute.

#4, To get in on Cruises Inc special dates, you must buy early. Cruises Inc constantly reserves dates to save their clients money. It's usually given in the form of amenities, like onboard credit, wine, etc. Just remember, since Cruises Inc also provides the cruises to Orbitz, Hotwire, Priceline, Airline's, and other company's, the space goes quick. Cruises Inc's 1st choice in reserving cruise date, for amenities, is FBO their own clients, not to these internet companies. But Cruises Inc too, is helping to fill the ships, so the space is given, first come first serve. The cruise dates Cruises Inc reserves the most, are Holland America, Princess, Norwegian, and select dates for Royal Caribbean. So if cruisers are buying direct at the cruise lines, they are missing the boat on savings, because the cruise lines can NOT give these offers to their callers (And, if you're buying Carnival Early Saver online, if you don't know all the rules, cruisers could loose all their money; so don't book at the cruise line and do not book these rates online any website ! Call to book direct with a cruise specialist, by phone). See: www.1000CruisSavings.com

#5. In general, the sale rates the cruise lines offer, are usually available to the public, up till final payment (Exception, Carnival Early saver and Princess/Holland America flash programs). Its the other offers, like onboard credit, etc, that you can only have, during the time to promo is going on. So again, the name of the game is to get in on the early pricing and the best cabins ... And Cruises Inc's reserved space. And then "watch your sailing", only up till final payment, and call your agent if rates go down, to see if you can qualify for the lower rate ! If you didn't know cruisers do this, I'm here to remind you ... Everyone does this !

#6. My thing is, if it's on your to-do list, get it done and over with. Don't look up info one day, then a week later, look again, then a week later, look again. Get it over with. Take one day (time management), set aside time, and get it done. It's one more thing off your to-do list. And it's a happy thing. It's something, once done, that you have to look forward to ... Vacation !

Day in and day out ... I notice that clients are NOT paying attention to the offers they receive by email (whether it be from Cruises Inc or from the cruise lines). Know how I know ? Cause one week later, cruisers will call to book that same cruise, AFTER the sail is over. The cruise lines, as well as Cruises Inc, work very hard in making available to clients, savings. My suggestion, even if you think you're not ready to cruise, look at the offers.

And, too many cruisers are buying last minute, and missing out on all the savings Cruises Inc makes available, when you buy early (before Orbits, Hotwire, Priceline, Airline Co customers buy them all up). Do you know the definition of last minute ? Last minute is no longer 6 weeks from sailing; Its 6 months from sailing ! So if you're booking less than 6 months from sailing, you have missed a many a sale offer !

Two more pieces of advice, by way of a questions. When you first think of cruising, why do you ponder over it for a couple months ? Why do you not see your choices online, and call and book right then ? Why waste so much of your time. Don't think about a cruise till you are ready to commit, right then, and then book. Time management. Who has a lot of free time anymore ? You're being pulled here and pulled there. So why not, get this one thing off our back ... Your vacation plans !

The cruise lines and Cruises Inc beg clients to help us save them money. What do they need to do, besides emails, to help remind you ? To help show you that your best interest is at heart, in SAVING ?!

Cruises Inc, helping clients all over the US, sail in 2012 (Loaning clients their deposit, up to $500 per cabin & giving up to $150 to spend)

Click title to see event on facebook, to include dates of event, phone # to participate, and details.

Event for week of March 26 only. Phone calls only.

Customers ask, Vivian's point of view, as to why we need vacations (also, see statistics)

Click title for article - The Importance of Vacations, for Stress Relief, Productivity and Health.

30 years ago, I was in the banking business. Being a work-a-holic, you can understand how banking would be my whole life, at that time. Some people are more into marriage, more into having families, and some, consume their whole life with working. That's me. Add perfectionist to that, and you can have double stress that you put on yourself.

Even with the normal every day stresses of work and work deadlines, I still love work. It keeps my mind going; it actually keeps me out of trouble (mind wonder). However, even a work-a-holic needs a break. Time to regroup; time to refocus; time to have time to think; time to figure out how to put new ideas into play.

At home, if one is like me, a work-a-holic doesn't have time to think, cause they are always working; moving from project to project. And though one loves work, you get burn out or over the top frustrated/stressed.

The sad part is, when a work-a-holic doesn't realize this about themselves. That they too, are not a super person (man or woman). One can't function 24/7, 7 days a week, and not finally burn out or just totally stress out, or even a melt down. For me, the best way to know when that time comes for me, is when I start getting grouchy !

What's even more sad about a work-a-holic, is when they don't realize, that if they're not willing to take the time for themselves, they need to reach out of the box, and think about those around them. Work-a-holics forget, that everyone around them is not like them. And their own work habits, puts stress on others. So when we start getting croucher our ownself, or notice that those around us are getting stressed, it's time for us work-a-holics to give others a break (time off from us).

Luckily, with working at the bank, 20+ years back, I had 6 weeks vacation a year. To survive my own job, i took those 6 weeks off. And once I discovered "cruising", I discovered this was the only thing that truly took me away from work. That's how I got started cruising, out of need, for myself. And the whole reason I went in this business, was to help others "see the same". Not only for the self outcome you receive with a vacation, but the outcome you give to others, as well as, the outcome you receive by choosing a cruise ... A vacation that truly takes you away.

This business is not some money making business; matter of fact, it doesn't even pay the cost of my health insurance. My true purpose for being here, is to remind you that you have not taken your vacation this year, and that sitting home, wasting your vacation away, is "not" a vacation ... But a cruise truly will take you away from it all. You literally stop thinking about work; about life stresses. You actually forget there's home; work. I sit around the pool, not to sunbath, but to allow thoughts to go through my head, even if those thoughts are work related ideas. I even write them down. And when I come home, I feel like a new person. And ready to roll at it again till the next time I can cruise. And, I make sure I have that next cruise planned, so I can see "light at the end of the tunnel".

Vacation is not selfish. Vacation is a need for health. There's a many a doctor who tell their clients to take vacation; why can't they write a prescription !

If you know anyone around you, who does not go on vacation or who do not believe in vacation, they actually need vacation more than you and I. Make suttle hints; leave articles. You may be saving their life ... And what about the stress relief you might receive when they are away ?! Be a winner; be pro-active with your vacation, as well as, reminding others around you. The life you might save, might be your own !

---------------------------

A global study found that about a third of employed Americans usually do not take all the vacation days that they are entitled to, leaving an average of three days on the table. Article, "Take a vacation, for your health's sake",
By Alina Tugend

British get an average of 26 days of vacation and the French about 37 — compared with 14 days for Americans, Expedia.com said.

According to John de Graaf, executive director of Take Back Your Time, a nonprofit organization that studies issues related to overwork, 137 countries mandate paid vacation time. The United States is the only industrialized country that doesn't.

But really, should you just stay home, relax in front of the television, read a novel, do a few day trips? Well, vacations are not simply a luxury. There is increasing evidence that they really are necessary for good health.

Using information from the Framingham Heart Study, which started in 1948, researchers looked at questionnaires women in the study had filled out over 20 years about how often they took vacations. Those women who took a vacation once every six years or less were almost eight times more likely to develop coronary heart disease or have a heart attack than those who took at least two vacations a year, said Elaine Eaker, a co-author of the study and president of Eaker Epidemiology Enterprises, a private research company.

Another study, published in 2000, looked at 12,000 men over nine years who were at high risk for coronary heart disease. Those who failed to take annual vacations had a 21 percent higher risk of death from all causes and were 32 percent more likely to die of a heart attack. "So forget about cutting down on cholesterol and exercise — Take off the Bahamas !" Even if you don't have heart problems, a vacation of at least one week — and preferably two weeks to really unwind — can help you relax and sleep better. Mark Rosekind, president and chief scientist at Alertness Solutions, a scientific consulting firm, has worked with NASA pilots and astronauts on sleep issues.

Studies have proven, after a few days on vacation — and it usually took two to three — people were averaging an hour more of good quality sleep. And there was an 80 percent improvement in their reaction times. "When they got home, they were still sleeping close to an hour more, and their reaction time was 30 to 40 percent higher than it had been before the trip," Rosekind said.

The trick, these days when going on vacation, is not only to physically remove yourself from your normal routine, but mentally as well. Checking your BlackBerry every few hours or rushing to the nearest Internet café doesn't cut it.

For 10 years, the Faculty of Management at Tel Aviv University has conducted a study looking at what is called "respite effects," which measure relief from job stress before, during and after vacations.

Professor Dov Eden, an organizational psychologist who has conducted the study, found that those who are electronically hooked up to their office, even if they are lying on the Riviera, are less likely to receive the real benefits of a vacation and more likely to burn out.

Studies have proven, "How the body reacts to a lifestyle of stress," she said. "This is real evidence that vacations are important to your physical health."

William Doherty, a professor of family social science at the University of Minnesota, said that "vacations tend to create memories more than any other family activity, and the bad times are some of the best memories."

Do these pictures remind you of anyone ? Hope not you !

Customers ask, Why do I like taking the train to Baltimore, New Jersey, or New York to catch my cruise ?

Click title and view someone else's point of view.

#1, I do not like driving, what so ever ! Send a helicopter for me, from Walmart, and I would go there every day ! #2, I love trains ! I think they are one of the most fun ways of getting around, besides sailing onboard a cruise ship !

Unlike in a plane, I do not feel I am so restrickted to my seat. Just the fact that I can get up and move around, allows me to "not" have that urge of wanting to get up, like I do, when I'm flying on a plane ! Sure, it's some what rocky when traveling to the rest room, but again, I don't seem to get up as much. I feel the seats are more roomier and so are the isles. It's also open seating, so you can sit where you want; Even alone !

When I want to walk around, like go to the dining cart or the snack area, I can do so. Or I can sit and look out the window; or read a book; or get on my cell phone. I feel more freedom when I'm on the train !

Like many do, when traveling my plane, I can bring my food, but more importantly, I can buy my drink in advance, and bring it on the train. And as long as you can handle your luggage, you can bring, just about, whatever you want. Sometimes, you can check your luggage, but you need to be sure of your destination before doing this. You also don't go through all that screening like you do to ride a plane.

Besides the east coast train to get to my ship, I've enjoyed many a train ride. I love all the one in Alaska, and I've repeated them several time (Fairbanks-Denali-Anchorage-Skagway). I'm planning to take the train from Seward to Anchorage in May of 2012. I've also done the trains in Australia ! I've taken trains in Japan. I may not opt to always go by train to get to my destination, but if the island or port I am visiting, offers trains, I usually take this option. I just love them.

I have 2 dream train trips I want. One is the Canadian Rockies, and the 2nd one is above New York, the Andirondacks. Neither have I yet to find time to put in my schedule ! The travel time, just for the Andirondacks is 2 days from LYH to Montreal, and then another 2 days back.

Tell me your love for trains and your favorite journeys !

Customers ask me, What do you carry in your carry-on, on the plane or just onto the cruise ?

Well, I think the best and plan for the words.

For my plane flight. I plan, to carry the bare minimals, that I could get by with, in a week, in case my luggage never shows. I take a pair of shoes I could use all week; plenty of under clothes (to include a pair of shorts); a change of clothes; my PJ's, all my jewelry; camera, all my medications, and other items that may have a higher cost value to it. Some people's philisophy, if you pack this way, then all will work out well, and your luggage won't get lost. But sure enough, you don't think this way, and you luggage gets delayed. Do yourself a favor, plan out of the box.

For getting onboard. I take the clothes I will need for dinner that evening, all my medications, jewelry, camera, and any items of high cost, etc. Many people don't realize, your luggage may not come for several hours, and it may not come till after you go to dinner, especially, if you have early dinner. Remember to plan this way when packing your carry-on, that you take onboard.

Remember, anything you can't do without for 36 hours, don't pack it in your check-luggage !

Customers ask, Why do you not choose to go to All-Inclusives yourself ?

Click title for sample All-Inclusive Resort names.

The first thoughts that come to my mind, when I think, All-Inclusives, that would not cause me to choose an All-Inclusive, are the exact same reasons, why others do choose All-Inclusives.

* Beach
* Fun in the sun
* Non-motorized motor Sport activities
* Staying in one location

Then I think of the more practical reasons, and I can truly understand the value of an All-Inclusive
* Most include r/t transfers from the airport, even if when an hour away.
* Taxes and tips
* All drinks

And of course, the parts I do like, like being on a cruise:
* All meals
* Different dining venues available
* Touring the island


Though I know so many people who love All-Inclusives, the staying in one place, would be the part that least interested me. More importantly, when I hear folks say, they never left the resort, because they were afraid to go into the island, then my question is, why choose that island. You would be better off, just choose an All-Inclusive in the US, and not spend all that money in airfare.

All in all, many people are happy with never leaving the resort and staying in one place, and that's why they have All-Inclusives. And All-Inclusive may be exactly what the doctor ordered for you too ! What ever it takes to truly feel like you are away from work, away from stress, away from daily tasks, is the key to why you get away. Try it, you might love it !

Remember, there are 1000+ choices out there. It's valuable to you, to allow your agent to share with you, the Land Tour Operators they work with. Just like a cruise, name brand companies, who rate the resorts for you, is so important. And it's important that this company stands behind the resort, for your agent ! Remember Trip Cancellation Insurance (often it covers cancel for any reason, which is valuable, in case there is a hurricane that wipes your vacation away).

Have you beem to an All-Inclusive. Please share your experiences.

From the desk of Gerald Bernhoft, Director of the Mariner Society of Holland America

Click title for his words. Below his article, view some Alaska pictures.

A man truly after my own heart. His favorite destination is Alaska too !

Customers ask me, Why do I love cruising

Wow, let me count the ways. Like the Cruise Line International Association states, there's 101+ reasons to choose from ! (Click title for CLIA's list).

My reasons:

My #1 reason, I'm a work-a-holic. To stop me from work, you have to literally take work away from me. I discovered 26 years ago, take me out of the country on a cruise, and I can't reach my work. Not by phone, not by computer (I don't take my computer on vacation, unless I want work to "win"). Of course, some of my creativity happens, related to work, while I'm on a cruise. But even so, I can't do anything about my ideas, till I get home, so that kind of working is ok for me.

There are only 2 things that clear my mind of work ... A cruise and a movie ! They're both hypnotizing and energizing for me.

Another reason I love cruising is for the food. I don't cook. I'm a microwave person. I'm a hurry up and get it done person, so I can get back to work. I eat while I'm at my computer, if I remember to eat at all. On a cruise, I sit for at least 1 & 1/2 hours, and this is part of the entertainment and relaxation for me. I love being served. I love seeing the happy faces when they feel happy in making me happy. I love having tea or hot coffee at my meal (rather than the cold I drink at my computer). I love the variety of foods I never see in my kitchen. I have no desire to learn how to cook the things I receive on a cruise, however, I love critiquing their food ! As mentioned, I may not know what the ingrediants are, but I know if it's good or not ! I would be a great food critique for the cruise lines !

I love going to the shows and having something different in my life. I don't have time to go to shows when I'm home, except when I force myself out to a movie, once every 6-9 months.

I love shopping. I don't have time for shopping when I'm home, other than to the grocery store, maybe every 6-8 weeks. I'm a junk buyer, so I love to buy things from the native countries, and I bring them home as gifts, for my folks/brother/his new wife, for Christmas and birthdays.

I love seeing sites. Not only where people live, but historical sites.

I use to always take naps each day, something I don't do at home. But last few cruises, I have not done so.

I love sitting on the pool deck; listening to the music; just being quiet.

Drinking and gambling is not my thing on a cruise, so unfortunately, I'm not helping in keeping the low cost for cruising down. Yet, I love watching others gamble, winning, and having a great time !

For me, cruising is vital to my health. I need to get away. I need change. I need new inspiration, new ideas. I need re-vitalization. When I come home, I feel like a new person, and ready to roll again, till the next time I can partake in my next cruise. And I like having the next one planned, so I have something to look foward to.

Now what is your reasoning for Choosing to Cruise.

Customers ask, do I buy Trip Cancellation Insurance and why ?

I do.

4 reasons:

1) I have a pre-existing medical condition
2) Being in this business, I see how many people, have to cancel, and use the insurance
3) I want 250,000 emergency evacuation insurance, in time of need (dead or alive)!
4) In case I get sick while onboard.

Insurance is all about the unforseen. If we knew nothing was going to happen, then of course, we would not buy it. We buy car insurance, right ? We buy house insurance, right ? We don't buy this because we want to, we buy it to protect ourselves. And yes, many of us, like me, are insurance poor.

The consumer is un-aware, that most often, their insurance might not cover their sickness while away. But even if it does, you have a deductible. So for nothing else, you're covering your deductible.

One can't imagine the cost it is, for a helicopter to be flown out to your ship to take you away. And if you don't have insurance, you might have to settle for being flown to the closest island or city , like Miami, veruses all the way home. An agent's customer, who did not have insurance, had to be flown to Miami for $19,000, versus all the way home for $70,000.

Just so you know, I have customers who buy it, because they solely believe, if they buy it, it will mean they won't need it. So that's another way of looking at it ... Ward off the "bad".

Remember, insurance is about protecting ourselves ... our money ... our vacation. The way I look at it ... 6 months down the road, you're not going to look at that $ 79 or $ 179 pp insurance that you had to put out. It will be behind you and forgotten !

Clients ask, Why do I go to my port of embarkation, one day early ?

Many reasons ...
1) The LYH airport reminds me to remind clients, every time I am in there, to ask clients to fly out a day early !
2) I would rather get there, a day early, and get the worrying, of not missing the ship, over with !
3) I like to rest, the evening and morning, prior to my cruise, than get up extra early to catch my flight ! Even if I am driving or taking the train.
4) Extra day of vacation !

Please note, I've had clients, who had direct flights, and luggage was lost. Go figure ! But another reason, to fly in a day early.

Once, I drove to a port, 7 1/2 hours away. I did leave day before. Good thing ! As soon as I crossed the bridge, heading into hurt, a dear came off the hill, and landed in my grill. Like I tell everyone, I've been around for a while, cruising, and there are many things that have already happened to me, that I don't want to see happen to you.

Once, a group of us was flying out of San Diego. We weren't going the day prior, but that was when, one bought flights from the cruise line, and you were guaranteed to get to the ship, if flight was delayed. Unfortunately, we were going on a Hawaii cruise, and you can Not fly to Hawaii to join the ship in an American port, so if we missed the ship, our cruise would have been null. Though we were late, I could see we were going to make it, but I kept my fingers crossed.

Reminder ... We are never promised, that all will run smooth, going to our cruise. My opinion, it's better to think the best, however, prepare for that unknown, by getting there a day early, and have that part over with !

For some reason, I find, some people, want to fight the idea of going early or paying the extra expense of a night hotel prior (my mother always fights me, but then thanks me, EVERY TIME I make her go early). Going the night prior is like buying an insurance policy ... You buy it in hopes of never needing it, right ? You don't buy insurance because you want to, you do it to protect yourself. It's the same reason, for going one night prior ... And insurance policy that you hope you don't need !

So many clients take my request, and come back, thanking me, that they did not have to rush anywhere, the morning of their cruise. Don't you want this same feeling too ?

2012 Cruises, to and from, Quebec City

Click title for list of cruises

Next 2 weeks

I will probably be away from the computer for next 2 weeks. I'm headed to Fla ... my mom had back surgery.

Happy Valentines Day !