Trip Cancellation Insurance. A must read. Do I really need ? Do I know reasons that I dare not ?

Do you have car insurance ?  Why ?

Is it only because you are made to have it ?  The biggest reason you have car insurance, is to protect you !  Whether it be, you caused the accident, or the other guy doesn’t have the needed insurance, to protect you at your best !  Matter of fact, when you choose your coverage for car insurance, you need to think about what YOU may need for YOU !  Meaning … KNOW YOUR SPECIFIC COVERAGE !

Home owners ? Why ? Fire, theft, water damage, etc !  Again, protecting your home and your money !

Renters ?  Why ?    Lots of folks don’t have this.  Not a good idea if you don’t !

You don’t actually buy these insurances, with the anticipation of actually needing to use, do you ?  Well, in general, we do !  So what I mean is, you don’t buy these insurance cause you KNOW something is going to happen, right ?  You buy, “in case” something were to happen !

What about Health insurance ?  Why ?

Is Health insurance an “age” thing ?  You think so ?

Take a look around !  Look at facebook posts !  If you thought years past, that health was an age thing, take a look at social media posts !   More and more today, all of us, have an opportunity to realize, if you’re paying attention, that health is not an “age thing” !

You may say … Well, I know it could happen to me, but I don’t think so !  That’s a natural thought !

I know I said it years back.  At age 40, I was run over from behind.  I was not in the way either.  This person backed up and went into a different parking space, instead of just backing into the thorough fare !  Picture a parking lot ! 

And don’t laugh (I know you’re not) … But I was on VACATION !  And better yet … It was in a “no fault state”.  Do you know what that means ?  It means, I have to cover my own expenses.  Whether it involved my car (which is did not), hospital expenses, and more.  Do you know the laws in every state ? In ever country ?

Thankfully, I did health insurance.  And one of my medications, into the second year of the accident, cost $30,000.  Now unfortunately, I have pre-existing condition.  One in which, my medication is changed often.  Your doctor is the determining factor, of whether your condition is pre-existing.  It’s not what you think nor others !  It’s determined by the doctor !

Now let’s talk Trip Cancellation Insurance.

There are folks who believe this is a waste of money !  Well, it could be.  How many years do you go without using your home owners insurance ?  Car insurance ?

I know some folks, who buy insurance, buy intentionally, in hopes, this will mean they won’t use it … Won’t have issues or any reason to need it … Ward off disaster !   Hoping it will be wasted money !  A great choice in how to look at it !

You say, well, you think you’ll take this gamble, and go without Trip Cancellation insurance.  Well, you can.  But a true question to ask yourself … Am I ok with loosing this money ?  And if you are, don’t buy !  But if you don’t like your own answer, reconsider your decision and buy !

Here’s another question to ask yourself.  How much more “stressed” might you be, if something happened, and you didn’t have coverage ?   My reason for buying any insurance, is the value it gives to me, of “less stress”.  Sure, I don’t want nor anticipating disaster, like anyone else … But if were to happen, I would like to eliminate the stress portion it would add, if I didn’t have it.

And as a single person, I believe the reason for Trip Cancellation Insurance takes on a new meaning.

Not only to protect me of the “unknown” of my roommate, but to protect my roommate, from any situation that my health or my life could cause to them !  It’s my opinion only, that a single person, not choosing to purchase Trip Cancellation Insurance, is a possible double whammy, for that unknown situation to surface !  You can’t be a roommate of mine, if you don’t purchase Trip Cancellation Insurance.  If you don’t want to protect yourself, I’m going make sure, you protect you from me and me from your unknown !  And if you’re a single too, think wise about this !

Trip Cancellation Insurance is not just for cancelling.  Though every policy is different, in the amount of coverage, is usually covers health & accident, emergency evacuation and more.  But again, make sure YOUR coverage !  This is about YOU … What YOU might need … Don’t assume all insurances are created equal !  If you aren’t given a copy of the policy to read … Don’t assume you have what you need !

Does your health insurance cover out of the country ?  Do you know ? Have you checked ?  Though I am not an insurance broker, to answer nor sell insurance, I have been told by the insurance companies “we” use, that insurance does not cover folks on Social Security.  And if you are on the new Marketplace insurance, most folks, are not even covered out of their STATE (emergency may be different … I’ll let you find out).

And what is your health insurance deductible ?  So even if you are covered, Trip Cancellation Insurance can help with that deductible.  Up until last year, my deductible was $10,000.  Though I could not buy additional insurance to cover me for this deductible, I could buy Trip Cancellation insurance, to help cover me if I were hurt/sick on vacation.

Do understand, Trip Cancellation Insurance is a secondary insurance.  If it took 1^st position, you would pay a whole lot more !  I won’t get into this here, but your main insurance plays 1^st position.  For example, like mentioned above, Social Security doesn’t pay out of the country, so the Trip Cancellation Insurance moves into 1^st place now !

 

FYI … The reason I actually decided to write about this topic today … I had a caller this morning … Was to leave on vacation this Sunday.  Partner had to have emergency surgery.  The doctor says “no” to them going.  They have Trip Cancellation Insurance !  Even bought insurance to cover their flight (not at the airlines).

I have saved a lot of folks, their money, their vacation, and less stress, because they had purchased Trip Cancellation Insurance.  Know, once you have paid final payment, and you have the type of coverage you truly need, you have up till “day of leaving” before you actually have to cancel – Again, it has saved many a vacation, that didn’t have to be cancelled, and the person was able to go !

 

There are so many angles and reasons for buying Trip Cancellation Insurance … Just like any other insurance you buy … It’s about protecting YOU … and YOUR VACATION MONEY !  You can't predict your future (or other family members), can you ?

 

 

 

Your employer cheating you of minimum employment leave ? Is your time off, having you feel younger ? Bringing more spring into the marriage ?

According to Wikipedia (the free encyclopedia) … If you live in the United States …

“There is no statutory minimum. It is left to the employers to offer paid vacation days as part of the compensation and benefits package. According to one survey, 98% of employers offer at least some paid leave to their employees; full-time employees earn between 6 and 20 vacation days at 86% of employers surveyed.  About 96% of surveyed employers give their employees paid time off during public holidays, typically 6 per year.  Some employers offer no vacations at all. The average number of paid vacation days offered by private employers is 10 days after 1 year of service, 14 days after 5 years, 17 days after 10 years, and 19 days after 20 years.”

Go here & See can view what other countries offer their employees.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_statutory_minimum_employment_leave_by_country.

 

So in essence, if your US employer is giving you a paid vacation time or even time off without pay, this is an added value amenity with your job, if you are employed in the US. 

Are you treating this added value time off with care ?  Getting the most out of your time ? Using this time in rejuvenate yourself, so you can make it through till the next time you’ve acquired more time off ?

Do you actually feel you work 7 days a week instead of the average 5 ?  With a home, family, and many things on your to-do-list, you probably do !

Does your motor keep going each day, till you basically flop in the bed ?

 

The Free Dictionary by Farlex claims the definition for “rejuvenation” is … To restore to youthful vigor or appearance; make young again.

Is this how you feel after your time off ?  If not, why ?

Are you staying home and doing more “stuff” on your to-do-list instead of getting away ?
Are you not choosing to budget money for your rejuvenation ?

If you say you have so much to do, this is probably a true statement !  This will never change until we choose to change ourselves.  The way we think !  The way we organize !  The way we prioritize !

According to Dr. Michelle Gannon … “It's not a second honeymoon or an anniversary trip. A marriage vacation is a childless excursion you should take for the health of your marriage. Reconnecting with your spouse is an important exercise you and your spouse should follow.  If you have children, marriage vacations give them an important message that your marriage matters and is treated with importance and respect in terms of time, money, commitment and focus. Have you ever gone on a "Marriage Vacation" to re-energize your intimacy, friendship and connection? We highly recommend them, and if you have children we suggest that you really try to carve out a "No Kids Marriage Vacation."...

 

Isn’t it time for change ?

Share this with a spouse !

Share this with a boss !

 

 

Princess Cruises will have fewer ships in Europe in 2016. What does this mean for cruisers ?

Reported by CruiseIndustryNews:

Princess Cruises will have five ships in Europe next summer instead of six this year. With three ships sailing from Northern Europe for the summer season, the Emerald Princess will sail cruises to the Mediterranean and the Canary Islands with British passengers, while the Caribbean sails around the British Isles and the Regal sails alternating cruises to the Baltic and Norway.

The Pacific Princess will sail from ports both in Northern Europe and the Mediterranean.

Only the Royal Princess will spend the full summer in the Mediterranean. However, Princess will have fewer berths in Europe in 2016 than in 2015.

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

What does this mean for cruisers ?

One less ship in Europe will mean a higher supply and demand !  Not only for Princess, but for the entire Europe cruising market.

Less space, less sailings, less itineraries !
One might not think one ship can make a difference, but it most certainly can !

Europe will sell up faster for 2016.  And the more full the ships get, the higher the price will get !

Folks are already talking about next years vacation !  Usually agents don’t hear the talk till end of April … But this year, lots of chatter, already began in February !

Folks are already on my calendar, patiently waiting for itineraries and pricing to surface, so they can confirm their plans !  And those, where the opportunity has already arrived, are booking now for  2016 !

Yes, some of these folks are those who didn’t get to plan a cruise in 2015.  Yet many, are cruisers who already have a cruise or two booked in 2015 !

Lots of talk for 2016 in reference to Alaska and Europe !

Wonder which will end up being the most popular destination for 2016 ?
Which will you choose ?
Will you book early while you have options, or will you wait too late in 2015 for booking 2016 ?

Currently I am anticipating May as a hugh booking month for 2016 !

But folks may fool me and try and get a jump on others, by booking instead, in April !
Especially those folks who’ve got an eye on the cruise lines, just waiting for itineraries/rates to post !

2015 Wave Season is almost over !  Barely in time to change course and concentrate on 2016 !

Some folks don't realize, 70% cruisers have already booked their next years vacation BEFORE DECEMBER !  WAVE SEASON (Jan-midMarch) is last minute bookers for me  - about 20% more book !  And anyone who books after is truly LATE (10%) !

And this year ... I'm anticipating that these 70% will be booked by September ... And won't dare wait through till December !

There's already lost of group space already sold out in 2016.  I checked on Carnival Vista for December 2016 and it's GONE !

Did you know ... There are cruisers who buy cabins, price unknown !  That's right. Their agents write letters to the cruise lines, and put down a deposit, without knowing the rates !  That's why, when rates come out, you wonder why select type cabins, already gone ? !

My suggestion ... Put 2016 on your calendar now !  Talk to your family.  When you want to go ?  Who wants to go with you ?  Then start looking to see what options are already available !  If not yet there, try and find out, "when" might it be available, so you too, can be one of the 1st to jump onboard.


PS.  Folks who are use to booking next January for their upcoming vacation, may want to consider changing their way of thinking for 2016 vacations !  Will there still be space next January for 2016 ?  That's the mystery question that none of us can answer !

 

Carnival - Longer cruises - 2015 & 2016. Cruisers excited ! Booking 2016. Filling up !

There are many cruisers who are total Carnival cruise lovers.  These cruisers truly, not only prefer cruising Carnival, they have no interest on cruising with any other line. 

Why should they ?  Carnival are the FUN SHIPS … For the young at heart.  Carnival not only attracts younger cruisers who love FUN, they bring to the table, many folks of all ages … Hey, us older folks love FUN too !

It’s inspiring for us who love to cruise Carnival … That Carnival is listening to our wishes … Our dreams !  LONGER CRUISES … LONGER CRUISE TIME … And NEW PORTS !

2015 begins this opportunity !   10- to 14-day voyages on six different ships between October 2015 and February 2016 that feature extended calls at destinations throughout the Caribbean, Bermuda, Mexican Riviera and The Bahamas.

Carnival already began taking reservations, beginning in December 2014. 

11 different voyages onboard Carnival Miracle, Carnival Dream, Carnival Glory and Carnival Sunshine, departing from Long Beach, Calif., Port Canaveral, Fla., San Juan, Miami, and New Orleans.  These voyages will visit more than two dozen destinations, including less traveled ports like Bonaire, Martinique, Dominica, Grenada and, for the first time on a Carnival ship …Tobago.

Several of the 10- and 11-day voyages can be combined into three-week-long Caribbean cruises.

These new voyages are in addition to a previously announced series of nine 10- to 14-day departures to the Caribbean and Bermuda offered on Carnival Triumph from Galveston and Carnival Pride from Baltimore in 2015-16.

Cruisers feedback … They’re excited.  But you don’t have to take anyone’s word for it.  The proof is in the pudding.  These sailings are already selling up !  Even for 2016 sailings.

 

What does this may mean for folks who are yet aware these sailings are available ?

Don’t book early ?
May be just like Carnival’s “one” 7 night sailing to Bermuda from Norfolk, October 23, 2014 !  Folks may be paying higher prices to climb onboard !  FYI, I still have space !  Call today, est $ 600 pp savings !

As an agent, what do I plan to do about it ?  I too, plan to look at these sailings NOW … And decide which ones I want to go on.  And plan to save space !  And watch rates climb !
 

 

If you looked at this list when I posted yesterday, I have added more dates, to include the new Carnival Vista in the Mediterranean.  9 nights or longer voyages in 2015 & 2016 include:  

Carnival Breeze

*May 26-Jun. 4, 2016:  10-day Eastern Caribbean & Bermuda round-trip Miami, Florida visiting King's Wharf, Bermuda (two-day call), Amber Cove (Puerto Plata), Dominican Republic, and Grand Turk Island.

*Nov.27-Dec.9, 2016:  13-day Southern Caribbean from Miami, Florida to Galveston, Tx visiting Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Castries, St. Lucia, Willemstad, Curacao, Oranjestad, Aruba, and Cozumel, Mexico.

Carnival Dream

*Oct. 4-15, 2015: 11-day Caribbean/Bermuda cruise from New Orleans to San Juan featuring Nassau, King’s Wharf, Bermuda (overnight call), St. Maarten and St. Thomas.

*Oct. 15-25, 2015: 10-day Caribbean cruise from San Juan to New Orleans with calls at St. Thomas, St. Kitts, St. Maarten, Grand Turk, and Falmouth, Jamaica (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 21-day round-trip voyage from New Orleans). 

*Jan. 3-14, 2016:  11-day southern Caribbean cruise from New Orleans to San Juan with stops at Grand Turk, Aruba, Bonaire, St. Kitts, Antigua and St. Maarten

*Jan. 14-25, 2016:  10-day Caribbean cruise from San Juan to New Orleans calling at St. Thomas, Dominica, St. Kitts, Grand Turk and Falmouth (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 21-day round-trip voyage from New Orleans). 

Carnival Glory

*Oct. 31–Nov. 14, 2015: 14-day Caribbean cruise round-trip from Miami visiting Aruba, Bonaire, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Thomas and St. Maarten.

*Jan. 23-Feb. 2, 2016: 10-day cruise from Miami to San Juan calling at the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, Grand Turk, Antigua, Martinique, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and St. Thomas.

*Feb. 2-13, 2016: 11-day cruise from San Juan to Miami visiting St. Croix, St. Maarten, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire, Aruba, and Curacao (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 21-day round-trip voyage from Miami).

Carnival Legend

*May 7-18, 2015:  12-day Hawaii Northbound from Honolulu, Oahu (overnight call), Hawaii to Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia visiting Kahului, Maui, Hawaii, Hilo, Hawaii, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, and Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii.

*Sept. 15-25, 2015:  11-day Hawaii Southbound from Vancouver (Canada Place), British Columbia to Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii visiting Hilo, Hawaii, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii, and Kahului, Maui, Hawaii.

Carnival Liberty

*Mar.6-18, 2016: 13-day Southern Caribbean cruise from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Galveston, Tx, visiting Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Bridgetown, Barbados, Scarborough, Tobago, St. George's, Grenada, Oranjestad, Aruba, and George Town, Grand Cayman.

Carnival Miracle

*Oct.17-Nov 1, 2015: 16 day Hawaii round-trip from Long Beach (Los Angeles), California visiting Kahului, Maui, Hawaii, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Hilo, Hawaii, and Ensenada, Mexico.

* Nov.28-Dec.13, 2015: 16 day Hawaii round-trip from Long Beach (Los Angeles), California visiting Kahului, Maui, Hawaii, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Hilo, Hawaii, and Ensenada, Mexico.

*Jan. 16 –Jan. 31, 2016:  16 day Hawaii round-trip from Long Beach (Los Angeles), California visiting Kahului, Maui, Hawaii, Honolulu, Oahu, Hawaii, Nawiliwili, Kauai, Hawaii, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, Hilo, Hawaii, Ensenada, Mexico.

*Jan. 31- Feb. 12, 2016:  13-day Mexican Riviera voyage round-trip from Long Beach, Calif., calling at Cabo San Lucas (two-day call), La Paz, Mazatlán, Zihuatanejo/Ixtapa, Manzanillo, and Puerto Vallarta (two-day call), (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 29-day voyage round-trip from Long Beach, CA).

Carnival Pride

*Mar.15-29, 2015: 15-day Caribbean and Central America cruise From Tampa to Baltimore, Maryland with stops at George Town, Grand Cayman, Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, Colon, Panama, Oranjestad, Aruba, Bonaire, Netherlands, Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

*Jan.17-28, 2016 :  12-day Exotic Southern Caribbean from Baltimore, Maryland to San Juan, Puerto Rico visiting Grand Turk Island, Oranjestad, Aruba, Willemstad, Curacao, Bonaire, Netherlands, and Frederiksted, St. Croix.

*Jan. 28-Feb. 7, 2016:  11-day Exotic Eastern Caribbean from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Baltimore, Maryland visiting Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Antigua, Dominica, Castries, St. Lucia, Basseterre, St. Kitts, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.  (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 23-day voyage round-trip from Baltimore, Maryland).

*Mar. 13-27, 2016: 15-day Eastern Caribbean cruise round-trip Baltimore, Maryland visiting Grand Turk Island, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Dominica, Castries, St. Lucia, Martinique, Antigua, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

Carnival Sunshine

*Nov. 28-Dec. 9, 2015: 11-day Caribbean/Bahamas voyage from Port Canaveral, Fla., to San Juan visiting Grand Turk, St. Thomas, Tortola, St. Kitts, Dominica, St. Lucia, Antigua and St. Croix.

*Dec. 9-19, 2015: 10-day Caribbean cruise from San Juan to Port Canaveral featuring St. Thomas, Antigua, Dominica, Martinique, St. Croix, and Grand Turk (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 21-day voyage round-trip from Port Canaveral).

*Feb. 21-March 5, 2016: 13-day southern Caribbean cruise round-trip from Port Canaveral calling at St. Maarten, Dominica, Barbados, Scarborough (Tobago), Grenada, Martinique, St. Kitts and St. Thomas.

Carnival Triumph

*Mar. 2-14, 2015: 13-day Journey of Discover cruise round-trip Galveston, Tx, visiting George Town, Grand Cayman, Puerto Limon, Costa Rica, Colon, Panama, Cartagena, Colombia, and Santa Marta, Colombia.

*Oct. 24-Nov. 4, 2015: 12-day Southern Caribbean from Galveston, Texas to San Juan, Puerto Rico visiting George Town, Grand Cayman, Oranjestad, Aruba, Bonaire, Netherlands, Grenada, Martinique, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

*Nov.4-14, 2015:  11-day Eastern Caribbean cruise from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Galveston, Tx visiting Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Basseterre, St. Kitts, Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Antigua, Grand Turk Island, and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Cruiseline Private Island).  (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 23-day voyage round-trip from Galveston, TX).

*Jan.16-27, 2016:  12-day Southern Caribbean cruise from Galveston, Texas to San Juan, Puerto Rico visiting George Town, Grand Cayman, Oranjestad, Aruba, Bonaire, Netherlands, Grenada, Martinique, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

*Jan. 27- Feb. 6, 2016:  11-day Eastern Caribbean from San Juan, Puerto Rico to Galveston, Tx visiting Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Basseterre, St. Kitts, Philipsburg, St. Maarten, Antigua, Grand Turk Island, and Half Moon Cay, Bahamas (Cruiseline Private Island).  (the above two cruises can be combined to create a 23-day voyage round-trip from Galveston, TX).

New ship – Carnival Vista

*May 1-14, 2016: 14-day Adriatic & Mediterranean cruise from Trieste, Italy to Barcelona, Spain, visiting Dubrovnik, Croatia, Piraeus (Athens), Greece, Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey, Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete, Valletta, Malta, Palermo, Sicily, Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, and Marseille (Provence), France.

*May 14-24, 2016:  11-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, Spain to Piraeus (Athens), Greece (overnight call), visiting Marseille (Provence), France, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Naples, Italy, Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete, Rhodes, Greece, and Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey.

*May 24-Jun. 3, 2016:  11-day Mediterranean cruise from Piraeus (Athens), Greece to Barcelona, Spain visiting Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey, Rhodes, Greece, Valletta, Malta, Messina, Sicily, Italy, Naples, Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, and Marseille (Provence), France.

*Jun. 11- 21, 2016:  11-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, Spain to Piraeus (Athens), Greece (overnight call), visiting Marseille (Provence), France, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Naples, Italy, Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete, Rhodes, Greece, and Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey.

*Jun. 21-Jul. 1, 2016:  11-day Mediterranean cruise from Piraeus (Athens), Greece to Barcelona, Spain visiting Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey, Rhodes, Greece, Valletta, Malta, Messina, Sicily, Italy, Naples, Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, and Marseille (Provence), France.

*Jul. 9-19, 2016:  11-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, Spain to Piraeus (Athens), Greece (overnight call), visiting Marseille (Provence), France, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Naples, Italy, Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete, Rhodes, Greece, and Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey.

*Jul. 19-29, 2016:  11-day Mediterranean cruise from Piraeus (Athens), Greece to Barcelona, Spain visiting Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey, Rhodes, Greece, Valletta, Malta, Messina, Sicily, Italy, Naples, Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, and Marseille (Provence), France.

*Aug.6-18, 2016: 13-day Mediterranean Cruise round-trip Barcelona, Spain visiting Marseille (Provence), France, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Naples, Italy, Dubrovnik, Croatia, Corfu (Kerkyra), Greece, Messina, Sicily, Italy, and Cagliari, Sardinia.

*Sept. 3-13, 2016:  11-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, Spain to Piraeus (Athens), Greece (two-day call) visiting Marseille (Provence), France, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Naples, Italy, Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete, Rhodes, Greece, and Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey.

*Sept.13-23, 2016:  11-day Mediterranean cruise from Piraeus (Athens), Greece to Barcelona, Spain visiting Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey, Rhodes, Greece, Valletta, Malta, Messina, Sicily, Italy, Naples, Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, and Marseille (Provence).

*Oct. 1-11, 2016:  11-day Mediterranean cruise from Barcelona, Spain to Piraeus (Athens), Greece (two-day call) visiting Marseille (Provence), France, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Naples, Italy, Iraklion (Heraklion), Crete, Rhodes, Greece, and Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey.

*Oct. 11-21, 2016:  11-day Mediterranean cruise from Piraeus (Athens), Greece  to Barcelona, Spain visiting Izmir (Ephesus), Turkey, Rhodes, Greece, Valletta, Malta, Messina, Sicily, Italy, Naples, Italy, Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy, Livorno (Florence & Pisa), Italy, and Marseille (Provence), France.

New ship - Carnival Vista to & in the US

*Oct. 21-Nov. 3, 2016:  14-day Transatlantic Westbound from Barcelona, Spain to New York, New York visiting Gibraltar (U.K.), Ponta Delgada, Azores, and King's Wharf, Bermuda (two-day call).

*Nov. 11-18, 2016:  12-day Eastern Caribbean round-trip New York, New York visiting Grand Turk Island, San Juan, Puerto Rico, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas, Antigua, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten.

*Nov. 18-29, 2016:  12-day Southern Caribbean from New York, New York to Miami visiting Grand Turk Island, Bonaire, Netherlands, Oranjestad, Aruba, and Philipsburg, St. Maarten. 

 

 

Why make Princess Cruises your next destination ? Now 3-4-5 night cruises available

Taking classes are vital way to keep abreast of new information the cruise lines have available for agents.  Like their own staff, Princess prefers keeping agents update and make available new info often.  I took some additional classes this week and provide a some of the material impressive to me (below link).

Though I have not been on as many Princess Cruises as other lines, Princess is actually the first cruise line that pops out of my mouth when someone ask me, which cruise line do you personally love the most. 

Why ?  Makes me feel good when onboard.  Feels like it's advertised for many years ... The Love Boat.  Whether you are a couple or just traveling alone.  Love doesn't have to always mean couples ... It can be love for self.  And choosing the cruise line that makes you feel the love is how Princess has me feeling when I'm sailing onboard one of her ships.

My preferable choice of destination when sailing Princess is their EXOTIC DESTINATIONS, but sometimes I too, only have time for a 7 night cruise in the Caribbean or in Alaska.  And today, they even have 3-4-5 night cruises from Ft Lauderdale, Houston, and LAX for first time cruisers, for folks who want a quick getaway, or maybe they can't afford a longer cruises ... And it's a great opportunity to sample a Princess !

Go here:
vwebb.cruisesinc.com/travel/display_editorial.action?edOid=1612572187 

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 ?!