In the Travel News

My father died last week; currently spending 1/2 my days, packing my mother, to move to Fla, within the next week; therefore, wanting to provide, at least some current, "In the Travel News".


Godmother for the new "Royal Princess"
http://content.princess.com/pcan/?QTHr7TdOead16DolTJxoMRyUz50pwoknQ

Worlds most colorful cities
http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/09/travel/worlds-most-colorful-cities/index.html?hpt=tr_c1

The Worlds strangest Natural Wonders
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/travel-leisure/the-worlds-strangest-natural-wonders_b_2978891.html?utm_hp_ref=travel

Worlds most beautiful Airports
http://www.usatoday.com/story/travel/flights/2013/04/07/worlds-most-beautiful-airports/2056899/

12 Delicious Destinations for foodies
http://www.independenttraveler.com/slideshow/12-delicious-destinations-for-foodies

Best Breakfast around the World
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/travel-leisure/best-breakfasts-around-th_b_2992826.html?utm_hp_ref=travel

Travel Articles

21 Best Vacations in the USA !
http://travel.usnews.com/Rankings/best_usa_vacations/

Worlds most unusual (unique) hotels. 
http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/trivagocouk/worlds-most-unusual-hotels_b_2972781.html?utm_hp_ref=travel&ir=Travel#s2276865&title=Ariau_Amazon_Towers

Peek at the "new Royal Princess". 
http://www.usatoday.com/picture-gallery/travel/cruises/2013/04/01/photo-tour-a-sneak-peek-at-the-new-royal-princess/2034557/

Top 5 Dive destinations
http://www.travelsinparadise.com/travelarticle/top-5-dive-destinations.html

10 Places to visit that will change your childs life
http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/03/travel/national-geographic-kids-travel/index.html?hpt=tr_c1 

The Nicest vs Most Unfriendly Countries for Travel

See Peter Greenberg's article: The Nicest vs Most Unfriendly Countries for Travel

http://www.petergreenberg.com/2013/03/19/how-rude-the-nicest-vs-most-unfriendly-countries-for-travel/

Most Friendly Country: Iceland #1
Morocco #3

Don’t Go There: Venezuela #140

From Vivian:  Venezuela is place, that if you cruise here, be sure to take the cruise ships tour, when wanting to go into this island !

Why Hawaii ?

How many folks, who have yet to go, have Hawaii on their bucket list ?  Statistics have proven, 80% of folks.

 

Makes sense !

 

What do you think of, when you think of Hawaii  ?

·         Islands

·         Mountains

·         Sunsets

·         Crystal clear blue waters

·         Beaches/swimming

·         Scuba diving/snorkeling

·         Golf

·         Volcano

·         Native Hawaiian’s

·         Hula dancing

·         History

·         Polynesian Cultural Center

·         Arizona Memorial/Pearl Harbor

·         Plantations

·         Gardens

·         Water falls

·         Luau’s/pig roast

·         Cuisine

·         Hawaiian shirts/attire

·         Whales/sea life

·         Helicopter rides

·         Weddings

·         Great photos

 

Hawaii is fun.  Romantic.  Exotic. Natural.

And what’s the best way to see Hawaii ?

By cruise ship !

 

My first time to Hawaii, I just bought a hotel/flight package.  Once there, I spent as much in traveling around the islands and on food, as I did, with my original package cost.  Next 4 times, I went by cruise ship.

Though I prefer beginning my cruise from Vancouver, over to Hawaii, or vice versa, Norwegian Cruise Lines 7 Night cruise, actually offers you 100 hours in port.  Can’t beat that !

 

Call, it’s time for you to see Hawaii.  Reminder, need to call us 7 mo – 15 month’s in advance, to take advantage of our special rates with Norwegian, in Hawaii !  Naturally, we sell out quickly !

And before you complete your planning, be sure to ask me, my 2-3 tips you’ll want to know !

Why won’t the cruise line give me a discount, if I book with them directly ? Why do they pay agents ? How can I help keep my next cruise price down ?

In reality, cause it cost the company money, when folks book directly !

Stop and think about it !

On an average, how many times do you call the cruise line “before” you book ?

Then after booking, how many times, on an average, do you call, a week, with a question ?

Well, they have to have staff, to be there, to answer your questions !

On an average, 50% of the calls received, are from folks who have questions; it is not from folks, with money in hand, buying a new vacation.

The more folks call with just questions, the more staff they need; or the more you call, the more on hold time there will be, if staff is limited !

So if you are finding a hold time, when calling the cruise line, in many cases, it’s due to other callers, who too, do not have an agent !

So why do they give agents money, when you book with an agent ?

Think !  It’s a common sense answer !

Because you are not needing to call the cruise line with questions; you are calling your agent ! 

It’s only natural to realize, that it is cheaper for the cruise lines, if you call your agent, then when you call them directly !

The cruise lines have the agents here for a reason !

Not only because it saves them, by you not calling them with your questions, but the cruise lines know, that agents have valuable experience to share with their customers.  Not only valuable insight, but know-how.  Information that will help you, not only in avoiding your own mistakes, but so you will be more highly educated than the average cruiser.  The education and insight cruisers have, the LESS problems the cruise line has. 

 

KNOW.  The more money YOU save the cruise line in them NOT having to have staff and the less problems cruisers have for the cruiseline, because cruisers have been educated by agents, the LOWER YOUR CRUISE can stay. Think about it !  Think smart !  And do all cruisers a favor ! Call and book through an agent, ALWAYS !

PS.  Every time I hear of a person who bought direct, it angers me; cause I know that person is playing a part, in my next cruise price being higher !

Titanic II will be the ship where dreams come true

Article by Travel Pulse.

Construction of the vessel, is an effort to build a virtual replica of the famed Titanic, but with modern technology conforming to today's safety and comfort standards. Palmer would not reveal the project cost of the ship.

Titanic II is expected to be completed by 2016 and will then sail from China to Southampton, England.

 

“We have had more than 40,000 enquiries from around the world from people expressing an interesting in securing a booking for the maiden voyage,” Palmer said, claiming some would-be passengers are offering $700,000 to $1 million for the chance to be on the first voyage.

More of the story:  http://www.travelpulse.com/titanic-ii-ship-plans-unveiled-by-australian-billionaire-clive-palmer.html&u=426A81A0-2A25-48B8-80C6-022E1B10F455


From Vivian.  I heard someone other day say, they would not at all be interested in sailing on the Titanic II; I know I would be !  As mentioned above, this ship will have all of today's safety and comfort standards !  I would personally love this opportunity !  Matter of fact, by then, maybe I will have my Stage Hypnosis practice underway, and can apply to be onboard this ship as part of the entertainment !




 

Vacation – Is it a Luxury ? Or Should it be a requirement ? Missing vacation time, hurts you or your boss ? Or both !

Who do you hurt by not taking vacation time ?

Several articles enclosed. 
See what the experts say.

http://vwebb.cruisesinc.com/travel/admin/CMSTemplates/DisplayDraft.html?draft_display=true&edOid=1611826883

Who likes cruises more – the parents or the kids ?

Just a few minutes ago, I got off the phone with a client, who had cruise last year, that was planning to take their son, with them this year.  Cool !

The mother was wondering, if she dare take a long cruise, such as 7 nights, or should she consider a shorter cruise first ?  I asked why was she debating on the length of time.  She said, what if he got bored ?

Immediately, I began asking these questions:

Is he a loner ?  No.

Is he outgoing ? Somewhat.

Does he like other kids ?  Yes.

Does he have to be with our 24/7 ?  No.

 

I said, I need not ask any more !

I said, understand, though you are thinking , in general, that this vacation is for you ?  WRONG !

This will be all about your son !  I said, you may see him by the end the cruise !  Seemed as though, she was very pleased to here this, due to her concerns.

I said, and once he gets back to school, it’s going to be all about, “My folks took me on a cruise !”

Her son was 13. I said, he will be able to go to activities on his own.  Come and go.  It will be up to you, to tell him what time you want him to meet up with you.

As far as dinner.  Probably one night, the kids will all eat together, and he will not come to dinner.  And on the other nights, Carnival (this was cruise line they are planning), has an “express dining for kids”, in which, your son is served within 45 minutes, so he can then go be with his friends.

I said, they have activities, like till 10pm and some nights, it’s even later.

 

I said, what is real fun about taking your child, on their first cruise, is watching their eyes and their mouth fly wide open, when they see everything !  It will all be exciting for you too, cause you can’t wait to show them around the ship.  Whether it’s all the food at the buffet, and the fact that they can have 2 deserts, or all the lights in the casino, or all the places on the ship where you can go.

Well, that’s all the conversation it took.  Her question back to me was, “Do you think maybe we should choose a longer cruise ” !

Most definitely yes !  Not only do you need the longest you can get.  Your child is going to get all involved with their new friends, and they too, are not going to want to leave !  And when you get home, all they are going to be saying is, “When are we going again !”.

I said, Matter of fact, on Royal Caribbean ships in Fla (and other locations), families are repeating the same ships over and over, because, the kids want to go back !

 

So parents may think they have fun .... But kids have more !

 

 

 

 

 

News Media and Carnival Triuimph issues

I do not think I would want a news persons job.  Seems like, even if this is not true, that the name of the game, is report the “negative”.  The thought of having to think negative all the time, runs a chill up my spine.

The above came to mind, when watching the news last night and today.  In reference to the Triumph disaster.  The way it was announced, “Will folks be cancelling their upcoming cruise vacation due to distaster”.  I thought, what ?

Crazily, such issues have actually caused more sales !  It reminds folks, oh, I forgot to buy my cruise !  And ... Now's the time to go !  Things get safer after an incident !

Also I heard the woman on the World News say … I wouldn’t get on another ship … I would suit them !  That’s sad.  Someone in the spotlight, to suggest and encourage such negative response.   Very sad !   I think she said, she had never cruised before.  So it’s actually her, that I feel sorry for ; to include the negativity !

WOW.  First of all, WHY put fear in folks, when they didn’t have any !  WHY ruin the thought process of a fun upcoming vacation !  As a consumer, I think I would be more upset, that there was someone out there, that encouraged, “think negative” and "spoiling of fun".

Luckily on the news, they put some cruisers, who cleared the air.  That they will; cruise again and they can’t wait !  Here Here cruisers !  You tell them ! 

 

Don’t allow anyone spoil your fun … Especially, not even the media !  Travel Writers ? Now that's a different story !  They know this industry ... Doubt many in the media do (?).

 

 

When to expect a cruise line sale ?

Posting before Tuesday this week, because I am already fully booked Tuesday !

First of all, the cruise lines have sales going on all the time !

 

The better questions are,  …

1)     Will my sailing date go on sale, later ?
2)    Will prices, for my sailing date, get lower ?

The answer is, who knows !

 

The next thing to know:

The cruise lines have “sales quotas” that must be met by certain dates !

What I mean is, the cruise lines have it all figured out, that by this date, this particular “sail date”, should have 25% cabins sold; and this same sail date, by such and such date, should have 50% sold, and so forth !

When sales quotas are not met by these certain dates, sales take place !

 

However, it may not be a sale across the board !

What do I mean by across-the-board ?

The whole ship may not go on sale !

Instead, either …

1)    Only select categories will go on sale (therefore, remember, when checking to see if your cruise is on sale, check categories that are higher than your category, or you could miss out).
2)    The sail date only goes on sale for select large agencies that are given Exclusive Rates from the cruise lines, like Cruises Inc.  (Royal Caribbean is always giving us this, in helping them sell their space).
3)    The sail date will only offer a lower rate for select passengers, such as Military, Police, Fire persons, Teachers, Senior, folks that live in certain states, or Past Cruise rates, etc.

 

So just cause a sailing goes on sale, you may not qualify.  Or  you may not have bought your cruise from an agency that is offered Exclusive Pricing, such as with Cruises Inc.

This is why, agents push cruisers, over and over, book early !  And the reason:

1)    Your sail date, may either sell out, or be at the capacity needed, and never go on sale !
2)    If rates go down, in “most cases”, as long as you have not paid finally payment, you can have the lower rate !  Which is my 1^st reason for saying to folks, WHY WAIT !  If you book early, you will have the better cabin.  And #2, if your sail date does not go on sale or sells out, you got your cabin before this took place and you won’t miss your cruise !  (Truly, I know folks who will wait for the sale, and watch that ship sell out !  How ludacrist, if you have your heart set on that cruise or that sale date.  I had a caller who missed the Olympics in Europe, cause he had already bought the return air, but never bought the cruise.  Sorry, deserves you right – He was not my customer; only a caller that was hoping I was going to be able to save him; actually, I did get space, but he still didn’t buy; but when he called back the 2^nd time, they too, were gone !  How dumb – sorry to say this outloud !).

 

You ask, is it possible, that your cruise may go on sale, or lower it’s rates ?

My answer is almost totally no, if ….

1)    Ship already almost sold out

2)    You are already booking late (less than 3 months from sailing)

3)    You are going in summer or Christmas, or another holiday, and the sailing is getting closer than close (3 months away).

4)    If there is only 1 or 2 sailings with this destination, or the ship only sails in certain seasons, such as summer or winter, and you’re buying during the peak of that season.

 

If you can sail any time … then there are many dates all year with lots and lots of savings !  So you just use my cheat sheets, and look through the whole year, and you can truly save !

But when you have "rules", you absolutely do not neccessarily "fit" in the concept of waiting !

What do I mean by rules ?

Can you go any week of the year ?  If the answer is no, then you have already "lost" to the 1st question of 10, that I was going to ask !

Here's 2 more .... 

1)     Will there be more than 1 or 2 other couples sailing with you !
2)    You need cabins for 3^rd or 4^th person (your kids) to be in your room.

 

Know, there are a couple of promos, by cruise lines, where folks can not have the lower rate:

Princess and Holland America “Flash” promos.  But these are often not offered till after other folks have paid in full.

 

As mentioned, usually, you can get the lower rate, up till final payment.  However, remember, new cruisers booking, aren’t usually getting the better cabin !

Therefore know … It won’t be long, that cruise lines (or even agents), will start, either charging a fee to have the lower rate, or do like Carnival, and based on select promos you buy, you can NOT have the lower rate. And the reason is,

1)  The cruise lines can’t go out of business, with making less money, or you may not get your cruise either … They only want to sell full. 

2)  Cruise Lines can't afford all the paper work it causes, with folks calling all the time; and the work it takes to lower the rates !

3)  And folks, who buy early, deserve, not only the better cabins, but the lower rate.  In turn, it also holds true, that the folks who got the better cabin location, do not deserve the better rates !

 

So BEWARE, it’s coming … Just like the airlines already do !

Personally, I don't blame them !  It is a lot of paperwork, and you should have to pay a fee !

I believe more cruise lines will do as Carnival, and if you buy certain promos, you can not have the lower rate later !  It would actually solve the problem of so many calls and paper work !  I use to be so against Carnival's Early Saver Rates and rules; but today, they give clients choices; and if they choose the promo, where the rate won't lower, then it's the customers choice, so why lower the rate, when customers had a choice upfront !

 

 

 

 

 

Royal Caribbean’s latest Promo Offers – Will your onboard credit really be there ?

Truly, Royal Caribbean is one of my favorite cruise lines to work with on “land” - Their headquarters.  Of course, why wouldn't I ... Cruises Inc has a special number to call, where theae folks are some of the highes trained folks RCI has ! 

However, latterly, their Promo Offers are not at all, as simple as one would think, to receive !  I'm talking about the offers lately, of $ 50 OBCC to $ 200 OBCC, for select destinations.  Having all this extra money sounds great, doesn't it !

What you don’t know is … RCI is nNOT applying this promotion, to your booking when you call and first book.  Instead, this is being done by a team of their staff, but not till a later date … 10+ days or longer, after deposit !

What’s more shocking, “asking for the offer” is not, at all, getting the offer applied.  An email must be then sent, to the “coupon” dept, to “ask” for the offer.

You ask why ?  RCI now makes each booking, go through a process, to see if the cruiser really does qualify !  If I guess, maybe agents were applying the offers, when the cruiser did not qualify, so later, the bookings rejected, and probably a lot of unhappy guest ! 

 

Anyway, this team is making sure, you did not receive a Crown and Anchor offer also; that you are not in a group; did you book on the correct dates; did you cancel and rebook; and more.  If you do not qualify, then you do not qualify !  Poof, you do not get the onboard credit !

 

You ask, what is the big deal that RCI is not putting the offer on your booking at time of deposit, yet waiting till later ?

Well … If you book on your own (direct at the cruise line), then YOU will have to follow up on your own to see if this promo was ever applied or if for some reason, maybe it rejected !

If you bought online, I guess you better follow up with that company, to see if it was ever applied !

And if you bought from an agent, hopefully that agent, will automatically continue to follow behind the cruise line, to be sure it is done !

 

I believe many folks are going to get on their cruise, and there will be no onboard credit !  Basically because they didn’t know, that the promo is not automatically being applied … And, one needed to follow up  !

What has been my experience so far ? 

1)    RCI tells me that this promo will not automatically be applied. 

2)    I must send an email asking for the promo or go up on RCI’s agent site and notify there. 

3)    Though promo is said to be applied, by this team, within 10 days of making deposit, that is not happening !

4)    I can now, wait more days and call again, or send in email again, in case they never received.

5)  One I had, the res agent put on a Crown and Anchor offer.  Guess what, my booking rejected !  He can't have both ... It's one or the other.  Had I not been following up, I would have not known !

 

Lots of extra work, when it is RCI who is offering this promo to all cruisers !  Meaning, if you really want it, expect to really work, to get it, unless you bought from an agent who is detailed to the point of making sure it is there for you ! 

Just a heads up on Royal Caribbean's current offers ...Do not assume anything with the new RCI’s offers !

 

 

 

Why choose Princess Cruises in Alaska for land tour or land cruise package

From Princess Cruises site:  Journey into the pristine waters of the Great Land with Princess Cruises, voted the “Best Cruise Line in Alaska” six consecutive years by readers of Travel Weekly. From soaring snowcapped mountain peaks to magnificent glacier-rimmed fjords and colorful marine life, you can see it all on an Alaskan cruise with Princess. Sail our breathtaking Voyage of the Glaciers cruise to the Gulf of Alaska or journey through the Inside Passage. Each cruise offers dazzling glacier-viewing opportunities and also visits charming Alaska ports, immersing you in the flavors and cultures of “America’s Last Frontier.”

 

From Princess, What's a Cruisetour?

A seamless land and sea vacation – three to eight days exploring the Alaskan wilderness, including at least two nights at Denali National Park and stays at Princess-owned wilderness lodges, plus a seven-day cruise along Alaska’s picturesque coast.

 

Princess lists some highlights of their land & sea cruisetour vacations:

•        Two or more nights at Denali on every Princess cruisetour, enjoying the treasures of the area and Mt. McKinley

•        A full day sailing Glacier Bay National Park, plus more glacier viewing at Hubbard Glacier or College Fjord, on every Princess cruisetour
•        Exciting Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service between your ship and Denali - where the majestic Alaska heartland unfolds before your eyes*                      •        Unbelievable wildlife viewing – bears, moose, caribou, bald eagles, Dall sheep and more
•        The comfort of wilderness lodges owned and operated by Princess, at the doorstep of legendary national parks
•        Hundreds of optional activities, like fly fishing, river rafting, kayaking, nature hikes, ATV adventures, dog-sledding and more

*On Your Own options do not include Direct-to-the-Wilderness rail service.

 

Learn more about Alaska National Parks from Princess:  http://www.princess.com/learn/destinations/alaska/why_visit_alaska/national_parks/index.html

 

From Vivian:  Of course, my favorite cruise line has always seem to sway to Princess Cruises … “the Love Boat”.  Even a single person like myself, loves that feeling it gives !

Been years back, but I have taken classes with Princess; and the biggest thing that stood out with me and their teaching, was that, with Princess land packages, there will always be a fantastic beautiful view.

When first going to Denali, I recall, for their property in Denali, they were the first that offered “hard top” on their property; so when you wheeled your luggage, the wheels were not rolling in the dirt.  Also love the main lodge for everyone to come in and just lounge around.  Also, the creek, right off the public deck !

Also know, you can purchase Princess hotels in Alaska, without the cruise.  They have a special department.  Call me !

 

Isn’t it time you took your Princess Cruise/Tour ?  And confirm your 2013 today !

 

If you are already booked, can you have the cruise lines new Promo Offer or Lower Rates ?

Save yourself time ... Know the rules !

 

To get Promo offers, you must book on the certain dates outline in their rules. Their computer tells them when you booked, so they can’t force this !  Just like they can’t go back, and give you a promo offer that was available the week before you bought !  GO IMMEDIATELY TO THEIR RULES … Usually it says, for “new bookings only”.

Know this about Royal Caribbean … If you cancel and rebook, their new offer is automatically “null” to you; they do not put the promo on your booking till “after” they have gone over it to see that all rules were followed).  Just imagine folks who buy on their own and cancel, only to their cruise and discover that they are not going to get the amenities !

Know this about Carnival …  85% of the cruisers today are buying a Carnival product that is 100% non-refundable, so you would have to cancel and loose deposit, then rebook !  Sadly, folks who buy their cruise with Carnival, on their own, do not know the rules !

Do yourself a favor, STOP looking at “all promos”, once you are booked, unless you are contemplating purchasing an additional cruise !

If you still want to look, GO IMMEDIATELY TO THE RULES, and see if your cruise is applicable, before getting excited that you just might qualify.

 

In most cases, the only chance you have at saving money, once you have booked, is if there’s a lower rate ! 

And if you have already paid in full, then it’s time to forget the lower rate opportunity ! 

LOOK … THERE’S AN EXCEPTION TO THIS RULE !   If you bought a Carnival Early Saver Rate, you can have the lowest qualifying rate available, up till 2 days from sailing.

POSSIBLY ANOTHER EXCEPTION.  Royal Caribbean (and other cruise lines) may allow you to upgrade (but no return money) !

Again, do yourself a favor, once you have paid final payment - STOP looking at rates, unless you are hoping to get to a higher category at a lower rate !

 

However, if you are NOT paid in full, the next question to you is … Which cruise line are you on ?

Holland America or Princess.  If they are offering a “Flash” promo, only new bookings can have this. 

Carnival.  Super Saver, Instant Saver, and Easy Saver Rates are Not price protected; this means, no price reduction !

Other cruise lines, call if you see a lower rate before final payment!

 

However, remember, be sure the LOWER RATE IS IN YOUR CATEGORY !  Check online, to specifically know, the price for your category !

Royal Caribbean, Holland America, and Princess.  Just cause they have a sale, it does not mean your category is not on sale !  Yet often, you might be able to upgrade if it is a higher category !

Royal Caribbean "caution".  There are times, when there are select lower rates that might not be applicable to an offer you originally bought.  You could easily have them change you to the new offer and automatically loose the offer you had originally bought !  Could be a Crown & Anchor offer; a booking you made onboard; a Senior or Resident Rate.  Problem is, this happens often; beware playing with Royal Caribbean after you originally buy or buy onboard !

Carnival.  If the offer is in a higher category, Carnival will usually allow you to upgrade, even if it’s a Super Saver, Instant Saver or Easy Saver Rate.  This rules could change !

 

Please remember, those last minute sales (after you have paid final payment), these are so the cruise line can get rid of this left over space (this helps keep your price down); it’s often cabin locations that folks don’t want.  Why not give these folks a lower rate ?!


If I did not answer your question or the scenerio you come up with, let me know, and I can add this to this article.