The perfect Honeymoon Love story (testimony). The value of “vacation time with a mate” and it’s rejuvenation to the relationship ! Even when you didn’t know you needed it.

I began a conversation the other day with some of my associates.  The topic … Partners who won’t choose to take a true get-away vacation.  Meaning, the mate has asked the partner, over and over, that they might choose to for them to get-away together, yet the partner refuses to budge.  

I stated, that it was “Sad, partners won’t choose to leave more than a couple of days for vacation.  They can’t imagine the rejuvenation it could give to them ! The added romance, etc !  Not choosing to see the needs of a mate, can be perceived as selfish.”.

 

Subject including reasons heard by mates, that their partner gives in not wanting to get away.

·         Animals

·         Children

·         Grandchildren

·         Work, to include volunteer work

·         Phobias

·         Other

Our conversation also included, but not limited to, how we all admit, we hate to leave our animals and families behind, when getting away.  And how it’s true, work often gets behind.    (Please note, this topic is NOT against the reasons; it’s about not choosing vacation at the request of a mate).

The conversation continued with it’s main purpose ….  Special time, designated with our mates are valuable to any relationship.  

·         Karen mentioned … “How some people in a relationship don't understand how detrimental it is to their relationship to ignore the needs of their partner, who wants to get away and reconnect with them. If a person keeps ignoring the needs of his or her partner, it can create a wedge in the relationship, the relationship may suffer and/or end because of it”.

·         Melissa stated … “Agree that not being attentive to your partner's wants and needs could be perceived as selfish!”.

Next Kimberly chimed in and shared with us, her own personal honeymoon love story (testimony) … In reference to … “The wedge”.  

“I totally agree with you on the importance of taking a vacation helping with the health of a relationship! I wouldn't have known it before my honeymoon (last month, my husband and i took a 3 week honeymoon going to Universal Studios Orlando, WDW & a 7 day cruise).

Before we got married, we have been together for 11 years! We hardly ever fight, we spend all of our time together and share the same hobbies. We watch tv together, play games together, have a dog together! We were always surrounded by friends and family (we are super family oriented). We felt that our relationship was just great and there was no holes!

Then we took this 3 week honeymoon. 3 weeks of just me and him. And you know what...we ended up filling a hole, we didn't even know we had! A "wedge" like Karen had mentioned! This wedge/hole was created by forgetting to specifically focus on our RELATIONSHIP because we got lost in the day to day...in family and friends...in the daily grind of life. We didn't realize that we lost WHO we are as a couple. So we spent 3 weeks spending time together ALONE and that made us EVEN CLOSER!

We both couldn't believe it! We both didn't expect the change or the difference. Now we're even more in love and have an even stronger relationship!  So maybe, you can share the story with your clients who don't realize the importance of taking time off with their loved one! Maybe there is a hole/wedge there that they didn't even know existed! 

And let me tell you … I never gave vacationing too much thought before I joined this company, to be honest with you.  I always thought "Yeah, I would LOVE to go to Hawaii or England or wherever! " but I always found plenty of excuses as to why I couldn't go. "My business needs me." "My family won't survive without me." (I don't have kids by the way. I just take care of everything. LOL)

Then I joined this company and my desire to vacation increased because I kept seeing all those great deals/flyers/emails/etc with the gorgeous pictures! LOL I guess I got hit by a travel bug.

So when the honeymoon came around, I thought "Well, if I'm going to take the time off, I might as well make sure to do whatever it is we really want to do". My husband and I are big Disney fans! It was part of our bucket list to go to WDW. So we decided we would spend at least 8 days there to make sure we got to experience it all!

Then I thought "Well if we're going to Orlando...how can we NOT go to Universal Studios and see the Wizarding World of Harry Potter?" So we added another 4 days for Universal. XD LOL Then I thought "I'm a travel agent! I should go on a cruise too while I'm in Florida!". I was going to book a 3 day cruise, but then decided on a 7 day cruise.” 

Hmm...my whole mentality was that if we were going to go away for our honeymoon, we wanted to make sure it was memorable and get a lot of rest/fun for ourselves! Plus I figure if I'm buying airfare, I might as well get the most bang for my buck! LOL

It was one of the best decisions I ever made to take that long honeymoon. 2 weeks would have been plenty by the way! By the 3rd week we were missing home quite badly! LOL But basically, by taking a 3 week honeymoon we were able to rejuvenate our relationship, fill that hole, experience tons of new things, truly relax and start our new life together with a big bang!

Also it has helped my work ethic.  I don't feel all tired and think "ugh, another work day...." ! LOL That 3 week honeymoon made me actually MISS work!  Crazy right?”.

 

Well, you’ve heard it direct from a person who admits, she never knew the value of vacation, with a  mate … What personal time with a mate can bring to a relationship … Even when you didn’t know you needed it !

 

Unfortunately,  I have several clients, who will not opt to get away, at the request of their mate, no matter it’s reason.  Also have a family member, who never believed in vacation.  After 18 years, chose to go on a 3 night cruise.  After the cruise, they split.  It was possibly, too late to save or not long enough in helping them.

I’m in the business of cruises because of what vacation taught me !  I believe vacation saved me.  I’m a work-a-holic.  To help me, I need to get away about every two months !  It not only rejuvenates me, I come back with new ideas and goals !

If your partner won’t get away, don’t give up !  They need this vacation as much as you  need it !  Whether it’s for the relationship or coming back to a better work energy !

And if your boss won’t take a vacation.  Choose to tell that boss out right … If they don’t want vacation for them, do it for everyone else on the job !  (smile).

 

You heard ? Seahawks Fan Cruise onboard Princess. Special events, no charge. Great father’s day gift !

Cruise … Saturday, June 20, 2015

Roundtrip Seattle Alaska sailing
Join Princess Cruises, the Official Cruise Line of the Seattle Seahawks on an action-packed 7-day cruise to Alaska.

 

What a great opportunity ! 

·         Sail with the Seahawks & other fans.  All guests booked on this voyage are eligible to participate in Seahawks-related events at no additional charge.

·         Onboard a Princess cruise

·         To Alaska !

·         Roundtrip Seattle

·         As low as $ 1099 pp.  Rates subject to change/based on availability/2 in a room

·         Invite the kids … 3^rd/4^th as low as $ 499pp.  Rates subject to change/based on availability

·         Ask about onboard credit to spend as you choose !

 

Princess Cruises reminds folks … This Father’s Day, give your dad the ultimate fan experience !

What better way to kick off summer vacation than sailing with your fellow fans ? Join Princess Cruises on this incredible journey to the Great Land of Alaska.

 

Guests will enjoy the ultimate in player interactions and onboard fan activities including:

·         Meet and greet autograph signings and photo opportunities with Seattle Seahawks players in featured ports

·        Q&A “Chalk Talks” with alumni players  Seahawks “Rally at Sea”

·        Appearances by Blitz the mascot and the Sea Gals  On-deck Tailgate Party with game-day inspired food

·       Football inspired movie nights on the giant Movies Under the Stars poolside LED screen

·       “Spirit of the 12s” contests  Seahawks trivia contests

·       Chances to win signed merchandise and tickets to regular season home games Many more surprises to be announced! Be sure to check princess.com/seahawks for updates.

 

Per Princess Cruises, this voyage is sold as part of Princess 50th Anniversary Sale, now through February 26, 2015.

·         All categories are eligible for the promotion, subject to cruise inventory availability.

·         Deposit: Cruise deposits for bookings made under the Princess Cruises 50th Anniversary Sale are refundable.

·         Specialty Dining voucher is applicable to voyages and cruise fares advertised in this promotion only. Voucher will be delivered to the stateroom upon embarkation. Please present the voucher to the Maitre d’ at the Specialty Dining location of your choice to receive your credit. Princess Cruises reserves the right to pre-assign Specialty Dining times. Voucher may be used on a single voyage only, is not redeemable for cash and expires at the end of that voyage. Offer is not transferable and may not be combinable with other select offers or other onboard credits. Specialty Dining voucher is quoted in U.S. dollars.

·         $100 USD Onboard Spending Money per stateroom ($50 per person) is applicable to reservations booked and deposited before /26/2015 for voyages listed in this sale only. Offer is applicable to first/second-berth guests only. Third/fourth-berth guests are not eligible. Guests with single occupancy will receive the per stateroom credit amount. Onboard spending money may be used on a single voyage only, is not redeemable for cash and expires at the end of that voyage. Offer is not transferable and may not be combinable with other select offers or other onboard credits. Onboard spending money is quoted in U.S. dollars.

·        Offer is combinable with Captain Circle Launch Savings, Cruise Sales and with Standard Groups, Group amenities and counts toward TCs.

·        Offer is for new bookings only and is not combinable with select offers, including Past Guest, Flash, Interline, Travel Agent and Friends and Family rates. The promotion will be subject to capacity control and is not transferable.

·         Air & Transfers: The standard transfer program and eZAir will apply to all voyages.

 

 HURRY !  Space filling quick ! 

Making sure you are on the correct vacation company website ! Beware of the internet tricks !

Have you noticed, when you go online and do a search for a particular travel company, that often, many sites come up ?    Why ?

Today, many agencies buy shortcut URL’s, that will include that company name you are looking for.  That agency is in hopes, by buying this shortcut URL, you will “see them as” that true company and contact them and buy.

Unfortunately, they are not the “true site” nor are they the direct company.

Example when searching Uniworld, one of the short URL’s that comes up is Uniworld.RiverCruise.com.

This is NOT Uniworld.

What should a consumer be looking for ?  Normally, the consumer needs to look for the word “official” when glancing over the options !

However, today, when I did a search for Uniworld, not only did I see Uniworlds “official” site, I also see that RiverCruise.com is claiming they are the official site.

So beware !

Nothing is wrong with searching the internet for answers to your questions.  Doing your homework before you call your agent and buy.  But unless you are getting your answers from “your agent”, the only other company you want to talk to is the “official” company. 

Talking to an unofficial company, portraying themselves as that company, is not where you want to get your answers !  I don’t care how much they say they are the experts ! 

Call your agent !  Get your answers from someone you trust and can go back to !  A specific person. 

Again, beware !

 

Wave Season, most definitely here ! Yet to book your 2015 cruise ? Waiting may hurt you for 2015

Sorry no time for blogging last week !

 

January has rocked.  Why wouldn’t it ?  All these cruise line offers are unbelievable ! 

Look at Royal Caribbean … Buy the first and get the 2^nd one for ½ price.  And onboard credit too.  This is great savings !  Ends this Friday, January 30.

Look at Celebrity Cruises … 123go.  Great in the Caribbean but even better offer for Alaska & Europe !

Look at Norwegian … Drink packages, dining packages, and more.  Not to mention our “Risk space” of lower rates !

 

There are plenty more offers.  But there are deadlines !  And if folks keep waiting, they are going to miss the boat.

So many folks have jumped on the wagon and saving lots of money !  Personally, I think it’s absolutely just wonderful !

Those who are still thinking that “last minute” is the way to buy, may soon discover, they have made the wrong decision ! 

In talking with the cruise lines at our National Conference onboard the Regal Princess, we were told, that the cruise lines plans are to offer this “early promotions”, fill the ships up, so they’re not having to lower the rates down the road.   And even if they do, the “last minute” isn’t really getting the better deal, because they missed out on the amenities … Whether it’s onboard credit, free drink and dinner packages, and more. 

 

So in reality, they may be fooling themselves over seeing a lower rate.  Besides that, these “early birds” are getting the better cabins!

Just yesterday, a customer who normally buys in January, choose to wait till end of January this time.  Not only did he miss our MYSTERY MONEY offer by one day, the cabins he wanted on Lido were gone.  He had to “settle” for 2 decks lower.

 

So it’s real.  And this Wave Season seems to be working.  Phones ringing off the hook here with me !  Matter of fact, no time to make an entry on my blog last week !. 

Yet, there are still folks who are not only dragging their feet in making a decision, there are those who have yet to place their 2015 vacation confirmation on their to-do-list !  Or still have the mental concept of book at the "last minute". 

 

Wait if you want !  These amenities offered now are fabulous !  I don't even have time to book something for me !

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tis a beautiful season a New Year can bring … Tis the same season for higher travel scams/scammers/mis-info. Please Read/Share with friends

January is an exciting season ... Christmas is over and now folks want to concentrate on the vacation for the new year.  It's also this same season, where folks are pulled into incorrect information and even travel scams.

The internet is a great way in finding friends on facebook ... Reading about factual historical information ... Viewing pictures ... Looking up a phone number to that local gift shop.  All sorts of resourceful information.


Though such resources can bring us insightful information, many folks will go beyond this step, and "act on" what they may "think they found".  They may see words like:
* Sale
* You can only get this package here
* Best Prices
* Last one
* You must act now
* And more!

No matter how many Travel Writers try to warn the consumer ... Year after year, and even the "same folks", fall victim to such words as seen above.  Why ?

Why do folks "trust" words they see on the net before listening to the words of folks they know ?

Why would folks want to hand over their money and they don't eve know this company ?

And even worse, why do some folks "let other friends" buy their travel for them ?  It's your money.  It's to your advantage to keep your hands on it !


Even if a vacation is legit, if you receive "wrong information", it's not any different than being scammed.  How fun will it be to arrive to your cruise ...
* Being led to believe you would get an upgrade, to find yourself in "bunk beds" ?
* To find out, you were given a senior rate, but you are only 45, and must now pay the difference because you didn't qualify for that rate ?
* To not bring enough money, because you were under the impression you were going to get some onboard credit, but learn your price didn't include this ?
* To be told you didn't need a passport, when you actually do ?

What about these folks who are turning to facebook groups or even friends, to get their needed information, to later learned the information was wrong ?  Do you call that being scammed ?  You will when you can't get on the boat ! 

But then, who are you going to turn to with this wrong info ?  Facebook ?  Your friends ?  You think they are going to give you your money back cause they gave you wrong information ?  Yeah right !  These folks may even deny they ever told you this or that you mis-understood.  And maybe you did !

When I am on facebook, and I see folks ask questions that they should be turning over to a professional ... I get either start laughing or I get angry !  I either can't believe the readers are believing this information or I get angry cause the one telling it, seems to think they're some kind of expert because they have cruised before !  If these folks are such experts, why aren't the cruise lines paying them for their expertise (on facebook) ?

I had been on 12 cruises before I got in this business.  I too, thought I had it made.  I learned quick, I KNEW NOTHING !

If you've read my past blog articles, you will know, that I try to remind folks ...

*If it's too good to be true, it most likely is !

* If your local agent can't get it for you, then it's probably not real.

* Don't buy your airfare nor a hotel from an "internet based" company.  Buy directly !  Folks do NOT
read the contract before buying ... There's insight there, you need to know !  Even if you have bought here before, and it all worked out ok, it doesn't mean you are safe next time.  Why play Russian-roulette with your money !  I do not buy my own travel from these sites !

* And cruise and land packages ... Buy from your local Travel Agent ... Better yet, Travel Writers will tell you ... Deal with a Cruise Specialist  !  This is their forte ... Their expertise.  They have direct access to the cruise lines over anyone else !  Some are "distribution houses" for these "Internet based" travel companies, who are a 3rd party between you and the experts !  You want someone who will talk to you on the phone ... Don't even buy on "their website" ... CALL !  They are hidden cruise line and land base rules that you need to know !  And find someone, not only who has been on many cruises, but someone who has been in this industry for years ... Knows how to deal with the cruise lines !  If you don't know someone, reach out.  Ask friends if they know a Cruise Specialist !  And I'm not talking about a res agent at the cruise line !  And if your friends don't know, as Travel Writers !


On a different note ... Not all Trip Cancellation Insurance is created equal !  Beware !  Cruise Specialist companies usually have insurance to better protect you !  Wow, what another good tip to know !


As mentioned ... It is the season !  The  season to think about that wonderful vacation ahead ... And the season to beware !

It's why you want to turn to someone you know before making such purchases ... Before putting your hard earned vacation money out there !

Be pro-active ... NOT post-active !  Once you get yourself in a bind, it can either cost you much more to get yourself out, or you may just have to chalk it up to another well-learned lesson. 

Don't miss the boat & have to stay home in 2015.

 

If you missed reviews & pictures: Carnival Sunshine & Regal Princess

If you missed ... Enjoy !

Go here review, Carnival Sunshine.

Go here pictures on Shutterfly, Carnival Sunshine.

Go here review, Regal Princess.

Go here pictures on Shutterfly, Regal Princess.


Go here, past cruise Shutterfly pictures.

Agree .... This person writing in the snow looks desperate ?  Can you blame them ?!

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

January 2 beings the new Wave Season.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

Taken a “Land Tour Vacation” before ? 

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

What is a Land Tour Operator ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

Where do Land Tour Operators travel ?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

I wrote back:

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

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

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

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

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


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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

My question …

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

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

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

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

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

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

Is this the same definition to the consumer ?

Apparently NOT !

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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