Religious Travel is up 22% in 2012.

Attention land travel lovers:  Globus Journey’s (one of our preferred vendors) has a “Religious Travel division”.

http://www.globusjourneys.com/religious-vacations/

Insight from Travel Weekly article, June 18.  Globus Journey’s states, bookings are up 22% in 2012. According to 2011 survey, 35% of all travelers are likely to take a faith inspired vacation at some time in their life. In which 68% will take an escorted tour; 24%, a cruise, etc. Despite ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Israel remains the “top religious travel destination”; other destination named by future religious travelers were: Italy, England, Egypt, Ireland, Jordan, German, and France.

This opportunity will truly lead to future fundraiser and group travel !




 

Ever wonder, can the cruise lines actually give me best rates ? If NO, then where do lower rates come from ?

Understandably, many consumers are unaware, that the cruise lines have a general contract with ALL the travel agents and cruise specialists in the US.  The cruise lines can NOT consequently give a better rate to someone who calls them directly !

How is this a plus for cruisers ? It merely means, whatever rate you see on the cruise line website, you can call an agent and get the same rate and allow them to take care of you and your cruise !

Why would the cruise line makes such a contract ? If the cruise line offered lower rates, the travel agents would automatically stop helping them !

Has their been a cruise line who tried to offer lower rates to callers ? Yes. Eric Goldring reminded us in his article, at the beginning of June (2012): “Some of you may recall the downfall of Renaissance Cruise Lines. The problem was, in large part, that Frank Del Rio (now head of Prestige Cruise Holdings which owns Regent Seven Seas and Oceania cruise lines) decided that it was such a good product that it could cut out the travel agents and only sell directly to the cruise customer. Renaissance went bankrupt.”

What if, just by chance, I were to call and get a lower rates at the cruise line ? Then most definitely know, that’s a red flag ! Either (1) The cruise line is not telling you the truth, selling you something less than what you think, or possibly making you a promise they can’t actually keep… Or (2) It could be, the cruise line accidentally quoted your agent the wrong amount ! Trust your agent in serving you best, call and tell them !

But 1st, as long as you do NOT have to give the cruise line any money, hold yourself a cabin ! This way you can prove to your agent what you’ve been told. Beware if the cruise line requires you to put down money to reserve ! You could most definitely be stuck with this cruise that may not be true to life ! Remember, just like anything in life, "If it sounds too good to be true, your intuition is literally correct !".

Are there any lower rates or amenities available to the consumer ? Yes, through “large volume agency“.

What makes a large volume agency ? Agencies that sell THOUSANDS of cruises a year !

How does LARGE SALES establish lower rates for the consumer ? The more cruises an agency sells, the happier the cruise lines are. And in turn, they allow these agencies to buy cruise at a LOWER RATES or they give them free amenities for their clients, like onboard credit or dinner at a specialty restaurant !

Would large volume agencies be like Orbitz, Hotwire, Priceline, the Airlines, etc ? 
These names are actually Internet companies, not agencies !

Then how are they able to give lower rates ? They’re smart … They too, buy directly from the “large volume agency”.

So these Internet Co’s don’t actually buy directly from the cruise lines ? NO ! Seemingly, they look big ! But in reality, WHAT’S BIG is the “large volume agency” where all these Internet companies are buying FROM !

But what difference does it make where you buy, when it’s all about lowest price ? Often, especially in smaller towns, where there might not be a “large volume agency”, sadly, that’s often the mind set and the reason many consumers turn to the Internet.

What could merely be more important than lower price ?

Cruise expertise, experience in dealing with these cruise lines, and protection of your cruise and money. You’ve heard the ol’ saying, “you don’t really know someone till you live with them” ! Same holds true with the “large volume agency”, who basically live and rub elbows with the BIG PLAYERS at the cruise line … The Internet “middle man“ doesn‘t have this same pleasure nor insight !
AND …
The “large volume agency” does NOT provide any expertise, nor has any connection with the clients of the Internet “middle man”; therefore, NOT responsible if these buyers don’t get what they think they’re buying !

WOW, so can the consumer KNOCK OUT the Internet “middle man” and buy directly with a “large volume agency” ? Most certainly can !


So you’re saying …


* Cruise Lines will NOT literally give ME the best possible rate that are out there !


* The best rates are given to “large volume agency”


* Essentially, local small agencies do NOT sell in volume, so I waste my time calling every agency in town !


* These Internet co’s are actually a “middle man” with no personal connection with the cruise lines !


* The consumer can BYPASS the Internet “middle man” and buy direct with a “large volume agency, and receive service, expertise, and protection !



Where does one begin to look for a “large volume agency” ? Frommer stated, in a Delta article in 2005, what’s the most logical place to find an agency with large volume … Naturally a cruise-only agency (their main focus, is selling cruise after cruise after cruise, unlike a travel agency) ! Yet, he also says, if you don’t have one near by, nor know one or know a friend who knows one personally, then buy your cruise local (NEVER does it mention to buy from the Internet). Go here, see article: http://vwebb.cruisesinc.com/travel/display_editorial.do?draft_display=true&edOid=1611498729


Where can I connect to a “large volume agency” near Lynchburg, VA ? As mentioned in the article … Cruises Inc … Is specifically in Lynchburg, for 21 years now !

Back in 2005, we were the 3rd largest cruise-only agency in the US; After joining forces with another large cruise-only agency (Cruise One), then buying 20 more (Cruises Only), we merely moved to the largest ! And then … the Internet “middle man” came to us too !

Why did I NOT realize Cruises Inc is Lynchburg local ? Cruises Inc is a National company, serving cruises all over the US. Strangely enough, it’s actually the bigger cities who know Cruises Inc is in this smaller city ! In essence, just like National companies, such as Frito Lay and Bausch and Lomb, Cruises Inc brings outside money into Lynchburg !



PS.  Three last questions …

If I see a sale or great cruise rate, Cruises Inc can naturally get that same rate too ?  Don't waste your time wondering.  100% absolutely !  The cruise lines give us the Best Price Guarantee (emblem should still be on our new website:  http://www.bestcruisesavings.com/ !  Just call, tell me what you see, and lets get you booked, as soon as you see what you want/like !

Does a “large volume agency”, such as Cruises Inc, receive lower rates or amenities, from the cruise line, on every date ? No, but 1500+ this year (www.1000CruiseSavings.com); to include monthly, many new Exclusive Sales !

WHY buy from Cruises Inc if there’s not a lower rate on my date ? You tell me ! If it’s all about price and you don’t need the service, expertise, and protection, then I guess, no reason ! Though remember, the more cruises Cruise Inc sells, the more better pricing the cruise lines give to Cruises Inc monthly ! Literally even cruise sold helps in getting more future SAVINGS for YOU, your family and your friends !

And just like many who love all the cruises leaving close to home (Baltimore, Norfolk, and Charleston), WHY NOT strive in keeping the Nations Largest Cruise-Only pricing right close to your home … “Going straight through the horses mouth” as they say, and leaving out the “middle man” out !


 
 

Shore Amore packages with Seabourn - Sojourn

Wow doesn't describe package enough ... Announcing, the new Shore Amore packages with Seabourn's All Inclusive Sojourn.

Roundtrip business class air and transfers


Pre-cruise deluxe hotel stay with breakfast

Exclusive, authentic local experience, such as a gondola ride in Grand Canal in Venice

Ultra-luxury voyage aboard the intimate Silver Spirit

A choice of select small-group shore excursions in every port


Check it out:

http://silversea.directservices.com/es15/webview.asp?e=vwebb@cruisesinc.com&j=6189

TV Top Chef to be onboard Holland America in July

Do you watch Top Chef ?
I truly enjoy watching it, though I don’t cook (guess I just truly just love the competition).
Kevin Sbraga is going to be on Holland America’s Noordam, July 17.

Here’s article by Gene Sloan, USAToday: http://travel.usatoday.com/cruises/post/2012/06/top-chef-cruise-holland-america/714409/1

13 Spas With Breathtaking views - Pictures are certainly better than 100 words

Ritz Calton - Hong Kong - Claims to be the highest spa location in the World !


13 Spas with Breathtaking Views, provided by MSNBC
http://itineraries.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/06/05/12069730-13-spas-with-breathtaking-views?lite

Weeee, it's worth taking a look !  Why not inspire your day with some pleasurable sites !

Traveller announces in article: World's Top Destination for 2012 named

Traveller announces in article: World's top destinations for 2012 named
 
 
Guess which European country ?   See article here:



http://www.smh.com.au/travel/worlds-top-destinations-for-2012-named-20120612-2072b.html






With so many ships bound for Europe this summer, I could truly figure, Europe is where many travelers would be venturing to this year !


Unbelievably for my office, it’s my local LYH folks, who are traveling outside of their own state, the most, this summer !   And the majority have ultimately chosen my most favorite destination … Alaska !  Though the Alaska ships are sailing full this summer, so far (Remember, less ships there to fill up), Alaska may truly be one of the destination with the lesser crowds ... So Why not ! 


Ultimately the REALISTIC question is ... Where will YOU be venturing to in 2012 ?

Fun Travel Quotes

A vacation is what you take when you can no longer take what you've been taking.
-- Earl Wilson


Be an explorer. The universe is filled with wonder and magical things.
-- Flavia


Find what brings you joy and go there.
-- Jan Phillips




He who returns from a journey is not the same as he who left.
-- Chinese Proverb


I can't think of anything that excites a great sense of childlike wonder than to be in a country where you are ignorant of almost everything.
-- Bill Bryson


I hoped that the trip would be the best of all journeys: a journey into ourselves.
-- Shirley MacLaine

Isn't it interesting that people feel best about themselves right before they go on vacation? They've cleared up all of their to-do piles, closed up transactions, renewed old promises with themselves. My most basic suggestion is that people should do that more than just once a year.
-- David Allen


No matter what happens, travel gives you a story to tell.
-- Jewish Proverb

A chance to ultimately win our next 7 night cruise giveaway on Royal Caribbean

Don't let this opportunity pass you by for a chance to win a Royal Caribbean cruise for you and your mate !
Winner to actually be announced August 1st.
http://vwebb.cruisesinc.com/travel/cruises/Contest.html?PG=1&SWEEPSTAKE_NAME=3Q05

10 Best River Cruises by Frommers

This pictures is Seine River in Paris.  I have ventured on a fantastic River Cruise here with Uniworld.  Great cruise for art lovers !  We visited are museums, where Monet lived and more !



Ran across this slide show of pictures:  10 Best River Cruises, by Frommers.


http://www.frommers.com/slideshow/index.cfm?p=1&group=349&cat_cd=ARTCULTURE#slide

Superb Alaska Cruise May 2012 on Holland America Zaandam

Another superb Alaska cruise, this past May (2012).

As always, fantastic ! Whether it be … Adventuring on another cruise; or another cruise to Alaska ! How I get lucky, to see NO RAIN, almost every time I visit !

Truly, I know, one of my main reasoning for loving Alaska, is it’s scenery … More specifically … I just love looking at mountains ! They give me that cozy feeling of peace and serenity !

My first time to Alaska, back in 1977, sadly, wasn’t a pleasant experience, nor was it about sightseeing ! I opted to get married, actually 2-3 weeks before graduating high school, so I could leave, soon after, on a 10 day drive, for “his” Air Force duty in. (See PS & PSS below)

My dislike for driving and riding today, I know, justifiably began from this horrifying ride there; only partially, speaking of the “back then” treacherous roads of the Alaska Highway (FYI, gas was $2 a gal there) - more history, go here. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alaska_Highway) ! Fortunately, my 2 ½ month wife battered experience, didn’t leave me to hate Alaska … but instead, I literally can’t get enough !

Here’s a few more memories … Summer 1977 …
* Elvis Presley died (Aug 16)
* Sebastian Cabot, actor (Mr French-Family Affair), dies
* Groucho Martin, NYC, comedian (Marx Bros), dies
* Soft drink industry kept changing the tab tops, trying to develop one, where the consumer could no longer through the top on the ground; also, short time lived the "skinny” can soft drink.
* NJ allows casino gambling in Atlantic City
* Apple II, the 1st personal computer, goes on sale
* Doobie Brothers sponsor a Golf Classic & Concert for United Way
* James Earl Ray (Martin Luther King's killer) escapes from prison (and recaptured)
* "I'm Your Boogie Man" by KC & Sunshine Band peaks at #1
* "Beatlemania" opens on Broadway
* Space Shuttle test model "Enterprise" carries a crew aloft for 1st time
* Oil enters Trans-Alaska pipeline exits 38 days later at Valdez
* Marvel Comics publish "Kiss book" tributing rock group Kiss
* US Railway Post Office final train run (NY to Wash DC)
* Mohammed al-Zahaby, Egyptian minister, murdered
* Stacy Moskowitz, shot to death by Son of Sam, at 20
* US & Panamana sign Panama Canal Zone accord

See more, here. http://www.historyorb.com/date/1977

Most of my cruises to Alaska have been on Holland America, Princess or Celebrity. I’ve yet to travel there, by way of, Carnival and Royal Caribbean, , and a few of you know, my least favorite choice would be Norwegian.

This time, I went on the Zaandam (Holland America) for 7 nights, with one night in Seattle. One of my good clients and great friend, Nancy of Phoenix, AZ traveled with me. Due to Nancy’s other cruise planned, in August, to Europe, she realistically could only take a week off for this venture.

We began by flying into Seattle, a city we both love ! After checking into the Fairmont Marriott, near the airport, we went back to the airport, to take the tram to downtown.

Before arriving downtown, we did make one stop, at a market I saw on the side of the road. Once down town, naturally, we went to Pike’s Market. Our walking here, as expected, totally wore us out. However, before leaving, we had a delightful cup of home made clam chowder.

So we came back to the hotel, rested, then off to eat at Sharp’s RoastHouse , where we’ve scrumptiously eaten BBQ before. Turn in time this evening was early, seriously, not by choice ! Up early and off to the airport, next morning, for our motor coach ride, with Holland America to Vancouver !

One of the most fun parts and my 2nd joy for cruising (my 1st joy is relaxation; non-working), are the meals ! I don’t cook, so when I crave some good eating, I have to head out to a near by restaurant (close to home - cause I don’t like to drive), or truly just plan that next cruise ! Holland America was certainly exception, these 7 days, for their entrées at dinner ! With cutting back on the amount of food, that I now eat in each setting (as of January), I was happily pleased, that our waiter, would accommodate me, with a small sampler plate of all the entrees, each evening (leaving off the veggies and potato).

After dinner each evening, we did go oft to the different shows. Seriously, they all seem to be cutting back on entertainment !

With Nancy and I, both, cruising to Alaska many times (even another time together), we actually choose not to partake in any shore excursions this visit. Fortunately, we’ve both done everything there we’ve wanted to do; some tours more than once ! We basically choose to take leisure walks through the town, as we shopped ! We also visited the Red Dog Saloon in Juneau; Red Onion Saloon in Skagway, along with the “Days of 98” show; And bought halibut for lunch on the creek of Ketchikan. We did opt, for our first time, the Alaska Railroad train ride from Seward to Anchorage which is absolutely a must for some great mountain views (see picture album below) !

A sample of shore tours I’ve done on my past Alaska cruises include … The Deadliest Catch tour, whale watching, fishing, crabbing, flight seeing, glacier walking, glacier cruises, totem poles carving demonstration, salmon bake, cooking demonstrations, canoeing, panning for gold, Eagle Rapture Centers, going into the mines, train rides, up into the Yukon territory, dog sledding, dog camps, visit gardens, and more ! Things that don’t interest me, nor Nancy, include, water rafting, snorkeling, tracking, zip lining; typically, such things of this same nature.

Once in Anchorage, we did a little shopping. We even went to the market, which I have visited before. We then choose to rest a little, while enjoying a nice meal, at a restaurant I've visited before, Glacier BrewHouse. Note, we both wanted to go to the Sourdough Mining Company (across street is chocolate factory with a fountain of running chocolate), but it was outside of town; about a $30 cab ride (If you're staying in a hotel in Anchorage and have 10 people, they will complimentary come pick your group up).

Let my 425 pictures tell the rest of the story ! A few of the pictures have captions, but you can’t see the caption unless you make the picture larger (and the caption is written tiny, below picture) http://cruzladycustomerscruise.shutterfly.com/27



Since home, I've updated my article, go here: My 10 steps in choosing an Alaska cruise and/or cruise-tour. http://vwebb.cruisesinc.com/travel/admin/CMSTemplates/DisplayDraft.html?draft_display=true&edOid=1611671610



PS. My X is still living in Anchorage, however, ended his Air Force career as soon as his 4 year term was over. Fortunately for me, I've only seen him once since; from a distance; in K-mart, Madison Heights; 1980.

PSS. I am also a life coach. If you or know anyone who was victimized as a battered wife, and would like to partake in complimentary coaching sessions; leave me a message on my coach phone line: (434) 473-7470 (mention this article)


This mustang looks someone like "my car", that I rode in to Alaska.  While there, he wrecked.  Upon coming home, I flew; but it cost me $ 500 to get my car home (hired a company to do this); my car took the Alaska Marine Highway, before traveling across the US to Lynchburg !

Alaska Bound - When will you ultimately choose to complete this on your bucket list

Alaska Bound ! That's truly what I continuously think of each year ... May through September. I have been there 12 times, and just finished this last time 2 weeks ago. Though I am not writing now, about my trip, I have updated info, to help you choose the Alaska package (cruise or cruise/tour) that's right for you. Take a look at my above link and call with questions. (434/800) 237-3832, press 62 to leave message so I can actually return your call as soon as possible !

20 Reasons to Visit Fiji

http://www.smh.com.au/travel/twenty-reasons-to-visit-fiji-20120518-1yuoz.html For article by Belinda Jackson of The Sydney Morning Herald

Possible Travel Scams - I know I've been burnt before, could "this deal" be for real this time ?

Possible Travel Scams - Too good to be true, for real ? Scam victimization does not literally care if you are young or old … White or Chinese … Red head or bald … Republican or democratic … High School diploma or have a Masters … Live in the most expensive house in town or the trailer down the road ! All forms of walk have skillfully had their chain pulled and fallen short of the truth ! Thirty years ago, I actually worked for a bank, prior to ever considering the travel business. It was certainly then, my first encounter with consumer scams, playing victim on our bank customers. If we caught wind, when a client was withdrawing money, that it could possibly be for a possible scam, we would automatically offer to consult with them and offered to call their family ! * Little ol’ ladies sending so-called-taxes money first, to get a car or prize that had suddenly won ! * Folks selling their car, having to send money first, cause the check coming to them would ultimately be the amount they had agreed on. * The the list goes on ... Admittingly, after I saw several doctor customers formerly bite a few travel scams, I believe this was part of the inspiration, driving me to want to help Lynchburg folk with travel ! Actually, the reason I am bringing this topic up today, is cause I received another call, like I do regularly, every week, from a “local” who bought one of the “good to be true” travel deals (he bought from company in Arizona)... Buy now, receive later. Yep, you can typically use up to one year or 18 months ... "Red Flag 1”. Sadly for all consumers alike, advertisement has lead us to believe, if you shop long and hard enough, you will get a better deal. Or if it just simply sounds unbelievable, jump on it now ! Unfortunately this is a mind set that are hurting our folks daily ! http://www.usa.gov/topics/consumer/scams-fraud.shtml Unfortunately consumers … Allow me to highly express, unless you can afford to loose your hard earned money, your travel is NOT something for you to “choose” to play around with ! Though travel is “all about fun”, buying your travel is totally different, and should be most definitely taken seriously … Like work smart, Be smart ! And did you know there's "Default of a Carrier" insurance you should be considering ! We’ve all knowingly heard it before … “If it looks to good to be true, it genuinely probably is”. This was a catchphrase used by the Better Business Bureau to alert the public to shady business practices beginning in 1954. And why not check out: www.lookstoogoodtobetrue.com! Honestly, if buying travel only meant, looking on the “net” and find a good deal, why are there so many travel agents out there ? Why are cruise lines and Land Tour Operators excitingly willing to pay agents commission for "watching over", yes, that's what I said, "watching over" your vacation till it's time to leave ? Did you know agents are not paid for what is done prior to you confirming you plans, they are actually paid for what you might need "after" ! Yes, I said "after ! You do realize, when you buy your own travel, no one is paying you to watch over it ! You can't get a lower price, literally ! Could it be something “in” all these people who buy strickly from agents ? Oh, that topics for another day ! The big question is, does the consumer really know a good deal with they see it ? All-in-all, next time you’re about to buy travel, do yourself a favor, bring up these “red flags” to yourself : (1) Always use debit card or credit card, preferably credit, for better protection. Never, ever, buy anything that you will not get till the future, with cash or check ! (2) After you’ve checked the “net”, especially for hotel and airfare, go directly to that vendor and check out their price and highly consider buying directly there ! (3) If your offer is giving you one year to 18 months to use, BINGO, big possible scam. Run ! Cruises and Land Packages have to be bought for a specific date for it to be the real thing ! (4) And just when you “think” you have a deal (great price), call a local travel agent or cruise-only specialist if it’s a cruise, and if they can’t buy it for you, it’s 99%, most likely, NOT REAL ! All travel agents get the same rates ! Only larger volume cruise-only agencies can get you lower rates … (5) Treat yourself to following Expertise Travel Writers and let them tell you, as the consumer, what to be aware of “and” what to call a deal ! Oh well enough preaching ... At a $ 100 for 30 minutes, some days, I make more money fixing the travel, "after" consumers buy that "great deal on the net" ! Truthfully, some folks never learn, and I get repeat business this way ! Hey, you have money to burn, bring it on !

What's more important to you ? Vacation ?

Truly interesting; reasoning believable ... Jim Rohn says, "I find it fascinating that most people plan their vacations with better care than they plan their lives. Perhaps that is because escape is easier than change".

Announcing Norwegian Getaway's Home Port

Norwegian Cruise Line would like to announce that our new state-of-the-art 4,000 passenger ship, Norwegian Getaway, will make Miami her year-round home port. Norwegian Getaway - which will be the largest ship ever to home port year-round in Miami - will embark on weekly cruises beginning in the spring of 2014. Miami-Dade County officials joined Norwegian Cruise Line Chief Executive Officer Kevin Sheehan today at PortMiami on board Norwegian Spirit for this announcement.

Being built at Meyer Werft in Germany, Norwegian Getaway will be 144,000 gross tons and is scheduled for delivery in spring 2014. We will announce the ship's inaugural itineraries and on-sale dates later this year. Norwegian Getaway's sister ship, Norwegian Breakaway, will begin sailing from her year-round home port of New York City in May 2013.

To read more info, click on title.

Where Might This Picture Have Been Taken ? Can You See Yourself surging now ? (clue) Why not !

Clue to where this picture is. Why not !

Where might this picture be ? Can you See yourself surging now ?

Article: Taking the Kids -- Aboard Disney's new Fantasy

Click title for article by Eileen Ogintz, Tribune Media Services

See more Disney Fantasy Photos on Facebook (just copy/paste into a URL):
http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.3413195661805.144707.1627440064&type=3&l=21c34c22c3

Complimentary e-Book: Steps to planning your vacation

Click title for your complimentary e-Book.

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) !