See all there is to do on a Carnival cruise. Don't miss the boat on the "fun ships"

Over the last 28 years, I've been on at least 25 cruises in Carnival.  I love their décor !  Their, "lets have fun" décor ! Their neon lights, makes you feel you are at a Carnival.  Of course, these lights aren't everywhere; not in the dining room or your room !

With starting to cruise, so many years ago, the ships were very small back then.  So the larger the ship, the more there is to do ! Which I love !

Being active is not actually my forte, but having an opportunity to watch so many things going on, IS !  For me, with being on vacation, the only thing I really want to do, is "watch fun, not do the fun" !

Years back, I enjoyed Elvis Presley impersonator night; keeping the hoola hoop up, men's night gown contest and more.  Today there is so much more !


Go here, see what you're missing  !

http://www.carnival.com/onboard.aspx?cid=Em_FamGuidePR06192013_5461



It's time to plan your Carnival cruise.  (434/800) 237-3832, press 6, then the option that best describes you !
Know, no matter the situations Carnival has had lately, our company reported, just last week, that Carnival is still the most cruises being sold ! 

 

Thought you cruisers might be interested in hearing

FORMAL ANNOUNCEMENT FROM CRUISES INC-WTH.  “In spite of the media assault on the Carnival brand, every day Carnival is the #1 or #2 cruise line that is being purchased !”

What does a Cosmos faith-based vacation deliver? Italy, Portugal, Spain, France, Isreal and Jordan. Group Travel as few as 20.

By Cosmos:

"For more than 50 years, Cosmos has offered value-minded travelers the most affordable travel packages to the world’s more fascinating places. Now, you can also make your dream of an enriching and engaging faith-based vacation an amazing reality with Cosmos value-based religious tours to Italy, Portugal, Spain, France, Israel and Jordan."

Custom tours personalized for your group

"Cosmos Religious vacations feature the best and most popular faith-based itineraries—and when there’s a special trip or destination your group would like to see, we can customize a tour for as few as 20 people."


What does a Cosmos faith-based vacation deliver?

• "A total package, including hotel, transportation, some meals, sightseeing, and a professional Tour Director for as little as $127 per day
• Prices that are 30% cheaper than traveling on your own, thanks to our global buying power
• Hotels you can count on, most of which are Superior Tourist or better and in locations that allow you to immerse yourself in the local culture
• Guaranteed share accommodation for single travelers
• Inclusion of headsets on all sightseeing tours (except Jordan)
• Plenty of leisure time to explore on your own, while not missing any of the spiritual must-sees"

Scheduled group activities and free time

"Cosmos Religious vacations offer the right balance between scheduled group activities and free time for reflection, relaxation or simply to roam on your own. Your Tour Director is always on hand to assist you with finding a religious service or Mass, shopping tips, and suggestions for optional side trips and entertainment."

Sightseeing and highlights included in the price

"Our religious packages take in the most treasured highlights of each destination. They are carefully planned to include visits to places of religious interest and panoramic drives through areas of natural beauty. There’s so much for you to look forward to! Visit Assisi, the home of St. Francis, see the breathtaking cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, spend time in Lourdes, walk in the footsteps of Jesus throughout the Holy Land, and so much more. Your knowledgeable Local Guides will ensure you visit unique and interesting locations throughout your journey."

Included religious services or mass

"Cosmos Religious itineraries not only have time set aside for personal reflection, we also include religious services or Mass throughout each journey. Where services are not included, they may be available during free time."


Request a FREE Religious Brochure
http://www.cosmos.com/Brochures/

Why Cosmos ?
http://www.cosmos.com/About-Cosmos/



What better way to see the World than traveling together with some of your favorite faith-based friends !
Plan 2014 NOW (434/800) 237-3832, press 62.

What’s most important to know, when buying a last minute cruise deals

Often, last minute cruise deals come with rules that may not be easily spelled out on computers.  So protecting yourself is #1.

To best protect yourself, your first step should be in talking to and planning to buy from a human; not a computer (for-go buying on anyone’s website; even the cruise line).  This way, that person will voluntarily tell you all you need to know, and if not, either find someone you better know, or ask all such questions !

Know … Once it’s only 90 days till the ship sails … This last minute deal “you see”, is NOT A SPECIAL PRICING that is being given by this website you’re looking at (unless of course, it’s the cruise line).  This pricing is available to all cruise-only and travel agents.

Plan to buy this last minute deal from someone you know … Or an agency that is well-know and recognized by the travel industry and travel writers.  Truly, not just when it’s 90 days from sailing, but ALWAYS. 

Remember, you don’t personally know these cruise lines.  So take head, as the “industry’s travel writers” continue to remind consumers/cruisers, to buy your cruise (and land tours/all-inclusives) from an agent.  If you don’t know a cruise-only agent (your industry’s specialists), then a local agent !  It continues to be to your advantage, to have “someone” in between you and the cruise line, who will stand behind the vacation you are buying; and I don’t mean a computer or a computer company ! 

 

 

Why take a chance with your vacation !  Or you vacation money !   The industry is here to protect you … It's in your hands to listen !

Cruising Tips. Taking cash on your cruise vacation. Plan to be more prepared.

Thought I may, over the next few weeks, talk about some of the cruising tips I provide to my clients.  This week, someone asked me about taking money.

 

This week, let’s talk a little about, taking cash on your cruise vacation.

Some folks still take travelers checks, which are still accepted in select destinations.  One of the reasons, I do not use them, is the time it takes to go get them, when I’m already in a mad pace before leaving.  I would not expect to cash these in Jamaica or Mexico, however, you can usually get some cashed, while still onboard your ship.

As a single person, if I’m traveling for at least 7 days, I take an estimated amount of $300 in cash.  However, when going to Egypt, since they rarely take CC, I took $ 800 and it was spent quickly, on added tours !

If traveling in the US, such as Alaska or Hawaii, I do not spend this cash, but use my credit card.  However, if in locations, such as Canada, Mexico, or even Europe, I spend the cash, instead of taxing on the extra charges from my CC company, for using my card out of the country.

Another concept folks totally forget, which is annoying, is to break their cash down into small bills.  When I say it’s annoying, it’s cause folks seem to always ask you, if you have changed, and you barely brought the right change you need, for yourself !  It’s like folks who forget to bring their cigarettes (who maybe only smoke on vacation) or film, before we had digital cameras !

So cruisers, don’t forget change !  Or ask for needed change, at the pursers desk onboard !

On a minimum, I take $35-$50 ones, just for me !  They are truly valuable to have on hand, for tipping.  Also greatly needed, when you’re in an area that only accepts cash, like the Jamaica Flea Market; or when you are only spending a $1 or $2.

Then I take $5’s and $10’s.  Again, for areas that only accepts cash; great when bartering.  And another reason, is so others around you, don’t know you even have bigger bills. 

Foreign Money.  Out of 116 cruises, I have only run into 7 situations, where I needed foreign money.  (1) In London for catching the subway; (2) In Asia, when I was on a tour, and one shopping stop they made, would not accept American money (but the bus driver had it converted for me when I saw a purchase I wanted to make);  (3) In Norway, outside the ship, they were selling post cards, and they would not accept American money; (4) In Japan, I stayed 2 days before my cruise (I had to go into banks, to convert my money; it was like getting a loan); (5) In Montreal, I had to catch the bus, and went into a hotel who converted money for me; (6) In Egypt, I had to buy a visa after getting there, and money had to be exchanged at the airport first; (7) In Naples, Italy at Pompeii, trinkets were being sold outside; the lady finally took my $5 American money for a necklace.  Once when I was on a cruise in Europe, I exchanged some money, while onboard my ship, to use in port.  That’s it !

Many folks think you need to exchange you money, even for Jamaica and Mexico.  This is not true.  Many folks are more than happy to accept American money !

OK, that’s my take on money handling when cruising.  I don’t pre-get any foreign money, and I take lots of $1’s and smaller bills !

 

Happy Cruising.  Where is your next get-away !  Here, use my cheat sheets: www.VivianWebb.com

 

 

 

 

Why choose to cruise out of Norfolk ? Great revenue for VA !

Please note ... I will not post another article till week of June 3 ... I'm cruising in Canada !

 

Why Norfolk ?

 

* Convenient for folks from VA, NC, and even Maryland !

* No flying !

* Port is easy to find; easy parking !

* Especially great for first time cruisers and experience the Bahamas.

* Great for groups, especially when many groups have a lot of first time cruisers !

 

And if you are FROM Virginia … The # 1 reason for us to choose Norfolk for ourselves and/or encourage others, is the revenue it brings our state !  And the second reason, is that it brings jobs to folks working at the port, for the cruise ship.  Why let Miami, NY, etc take advantage of this opportunity.  We need the money too !  In today’s World, everyone needs to think like this !

Remember, if we don’t support the cruise ships in Norfolk, then they could easily choose to leave ! (Just like if we don’t support our LYH airport) !

One reason we do not have any more ships or sailings than we do, in Norfolk, is because we have to prove that we can and will support them !

 

Question presented to me today, Should I wait and book my 2014 later ?

No.  Get the best possible rate, with what you are seeing NOW.  And get the better cabins by booking now.  And if rates drop, before final, most cruise lines allow you to have the rate.  All you have to do is watch the rate and call your agent.

It’s true, if there is some sort of sale down the road, that offers amenities, like onboard credit, you can’t have this, cause you already booked !  That happens.  But sometimes, it’s standing at the right place at the right time.  You can’t predict what the cruise line will offer tomorrow and how long the offer will be for !  What’s worse, the offer may come up, and it’s not even applicable to YOUR DATE !

It’s true that Holland America and Princess offer a “flash” promo and folks already booked can not have.  But this price is real close to sailing (of course, sometimes, it is before final payment is due).  It’s also true, if you buy a Super Saver or Easy Saver rate with Carnival, they too, will not price protect you.

 

Folks don’t believe it, but the best rates are given to those folks who book early … Such as when rates come out … Which means NOW for 2014.  And those who wait till last minute, and don’t care if they get on or not, or don’t care what kind of cabin they get, if they time it right, they too, can often get good rates.

 

So many think that last minute rates are the last 2 months.  Not necessarily so.  Had a group that had booked over 6 months ago.  Rates dropped, great.  Those folks who had already bought, got in on these rates.  A month later, a friend of theirs called and wanted to book too.  The sailing had gone back up $200 per person.  Yes, $200 pp.

 

Are you ready to book your 2014 cruise ?  You should be.  Call now (434/800) 237-3832, press 6.

Do you have family in areas of the US or out of the country, that you have yet to visit ?

What are you waiting for ?  Retirement ?  When your kids get older ?

It's an opportunity for  … New surrounds … Cultures … Way of Life … Scenery … Restaurants … Entertainment … Different shopping …  And possibly a great chance for taking a cruise (from Fla, LAX, Seattle, Galveston, NY, and more) !  All kinds of possibilities.

There are many reason you have family in other areas of the US, or out of the country.  Their job moved them. It’s where their partner’s family lives.  They are in the military (not combat area).  Could be your child … brother/sister … An Aunt/cousin … HS classmate …

I’m sure they’ve invited you to come visit !  And if not, make it your idea !

 

You do not necessarily have to stay with them.  You can get your own hotel.  Matter of fact, when visiting, plan time for yourself.  Be proactive.  Check out the area on the internet and pre-plan things you can do.  And if you're not a planner, consider CHANGING !  Part of the fun of travel is before you go !

And if money is the issue,  learn to travel reasonably !  However, beware of the Internet !

Don’t give up an opportunity, by having to have your cake and eat it too ! 

 

My point.  If there’s an opportunity (or an excuse) to go see another area of the US, our outside of the US, do not lose this opportunity !  Situations could change quickly, and they move ! 

Don’t put off.  Make those plans today !  You’re not promised time “after your retirement”.  There are no promises. 

It’s today that you have !  Make use of it !

 

Reach to a "coach" if organization is holding you back !

 

 

Cruises are like potato chips ! MEN >>> Which “chip of the World” will you be taking your spouse/partner in 2014 ? It's time for a little HAPPY !

One cruise entices you to want “many” !  You can’t get enough !

Why ?

 

Who doesn’t love …

·         Euphoria ?

·         Fantasy ?

·         Escape ?

·         No work ?

·         No responsibilities ?

·         No phones ?

·         No computers ?

·         No cooking ?

·         No cleaning ?

·         No decision making ?

·         No driving ?

·         Romance ?

·         No bill after a meal ?

·         Unlimited food options ?

·         Trying new foods ?

·         Not having to eat something you don’t like ?

·         Daily activities ?

·         Variety of Night time entertainment ?

·         Discover other cultures ?

·         Fulfill Dreams ?

·         Sea the World !

 

·      Make your spouse/partner HAPPY !

 

What’s your reason ?

 

The best part about my job is the last one … Helping Men provide their spouse/partner ... "HAPPY" ... Appreciation ...

Gratitude !  And great times are ... Birthday ... Anniversary ... Valentines ... Christmas ... Thanksgiving ... Or no reason at all !

85% of my customers are MEN !  Yes, Men.  Men love making their wives/partners happy !

Who doesn’t !

 

Men … Have you booked your 2014 cruise get-away for the love of your life ?

It’s time !

 

 

Understanding "group cruises" ! Why groups must book as early as 15 months prior. Why you too need to book now if joining a group

So you understand a little bit about groups and why they often need to book as early as 15 months in advance.
Or why, if joining a group, you need to follow the plan and book when they do.

 

Groups can't wait last minute to decide to travel like individuals or 3-4 cabins ! Here's some of the reason why !

* The cruise lines allow only a maximum number of groups to sail on every sailing. Why ? Not everyone sails in a group; they have to let individual cabins have space too.   There are other reasons, often political, financial, etc !

* Travel agents and group leaders hold space, they have NOT yet sold. As soon as rates come out, agents and long time group leaders gather up all the space; often leaving limited space for smaller groups to buy, later. You have to hurry ! It's not a joke ! This is why agents encourage their group leaders to get their space early. Even 15 months in advance ! As soon as the next years rates come out !  You wait till January 2014, and your date, if popular, is gone !  Oh, you can still buy 8 cabins plus, but the amenities given to groups are not available to groups, if there's no group space !  You have to have space, even if it's in categories you do not want, to have the amenities (your agent can explain this deeper).

*  Know ... All this held space, even if there are no names or deposits ... Drives your rate up !  The more space reserved on any given sailing, DRIVES RATES UP !  The cruise line feels that all these folks want to sail, so rates start, or immediately, climb !  So even individuals get hurt by this !  It's WHY individuals should book early too !

* Groups usually like to room near each other. If you do not book early or all at the same time, then this can't happen.  Sure you may find 3-4 cabins together.  But too often, you could easily be scattered, the later you wait.  Even on different decks !

* If your groups like balconies, these go first !  And if  you are hoping they will be in a row, plan early !

* If you need cabins that hold 3 or 4 in a room, these go first !

* If you are planning during a popular time, these go first ! Whether it be cruises that sail only seasonally, like Alaska, or during holidays, like Easter.

*  The cruise line give a maximum of time for group leaders to hold space !  Every cruise line is different.  Example:  Royal Caribbean gives 30 day to  hold more than 16 cabins.  After 30 days, if your group leader wants to continue to hold space, they have to put up $ 50 per cabin for all space that does not yet has a name or deposit.  And the group leader does not get this back till after the cruise sails !  Who can afford that ?!  Example:  Carnival.  Group rate is not the lowest available at Carnival; so the longer you wait, you're driving your own rate up !
 

 

TRUST YOUR AGENT, when they are trying to tell you, BOOK NOW ... Reserve the group space now ! Especially if the space is currently there ! It could change in a week ... in a day ... while you're on the phone !  Agents know this cruising World !

 

You ask, what about all the last minute deals ? These aren't for groups !  Even less available, if taking kids to be in your same room !  These are for last minute travelers. One cabin ! Only 2 people ! Who do not care where their cabin is or if they get a balcony !

You say, what if the rates go down ?  If you see lower rates, most cruise lines allow you to have the lower rates, as long as final payment has not been made (Once exception I know - Flash Rates with Holland America & Princess - These are often not done till final payment has passed (?) !  I'm not talking if they are offering amenities ... I'm talking rates here !  Of course, once final payment, you can not have ... That's for last minute folks ... the ones who don't care where they room is ... The ones who don't care that the rooms are scattered !  So what do you have to loose ?  Buy now, at the best possible rates ... Watch rates ... Call your agent when you see a lower rate !

 

You say ... Well, you can't commit that early ! WHY NOT ?
Other than possibly a few cancellation fees, you can get your money back from the cruise line or tour operator if you cancel before final payment date ! And for after this date, there's Trip Cancellation Insurance (however, many are due at time of deposit - Many not refundable if cancel before final payment - OUR IS ) !

You say ... You don't know what you're doing that far in advance ! Does anyone know what they will be doing or where they will be, 15 months from now ? NO. You are not any different than all these other folks that commit in advance. Not choosing to commit in adance is "you" ! It's all there for you, where you can !

Note to Group Leaders.  If you are putting off holding space and getting your group to commit early, you are allowing rates to climb, as I'm speaking to you, right here !  You are the person, that your followers are depending on, to get them in on "ground level rates" ... This means, before they take even there 1st climb !





You say you haven't even booked your 2013 vacation ?  Sorry !  You may want to consider, dropping everything else, and getting that done next week !  Then move right on to booking 2014 !


Here, use my cheat sheets of info:
www.BestCruiseSavings.com
www.CruiseClose2Home.com
And ...
www.DeckPlansAndMore.com
www.CruiseLine4me.com

Here >>> Join our August 2014 Customized-Escorted land & RCI cruise groupo !  Deadline for guaranteed rates from RCI is May 8, 2013 !  Yes, 2013 !

 

Received this question. Can you tell me the advantage of buying from an agent as opposed to from the cruise line itself

Normally, I have folks ask me, why buy directly at the cruise line ?

But I’ll instead, I’ll answer this persons question, their way. 

 

Don't mean to start off by soundind silly, by the 1st 2 things I respond with.

#1, The cruise line does not pay the consumer to take care of your own vacation, and they legally "can not" give you a lower rate than an agent ("select agents, as in large agents, like ourselves, are the ONLY people the consumer can get a lower rate from) and …

#2, In reality, if cruise line did not think it was better idea, for the consumer to buy from an agent, they would not pay agents commission and their wouldn't be so many agents out there, in “need” for helping all the consumers who are cruising ! 

 

The basic only reason the cruise line sells cruises at all, to consumers, is in hopes of catching you, in buying now, when you call, so you do not call another cruise line and buying there !  They’re not worried about you buying from an agent (they promote this); they are worried you will go to another cruise line !

 

Cruise lines have cruise specialist and travel agents, selling their product, basically for 3 reasons:   

(1)      Agents have experience; the more cruisers can be educated before they buy and sail, the less problems cruise lines will have - This is the cruise lines #1 reason for having agents on their side. They need help ! Not only in being sure you are educated, but …   

(2)      They do not have the sales force to fill up their ships       

(3)      Cruise Line folks come and go all the time; they may not be at all, employed by the cruise line, even a week after you buy; most have never sailed (if an agent hasn't sailed, run too); you don't know these folks (anyone, like on the internet, can tell you anything they think you want to hear;  they don't care if you don’t come back and buy a second time; agents want you for life; they want to build a friendship, not just be an agent); only info cruise line folks can give you is what they read off a computer - consumers have a misconception if they think folk at the cruise lines are the experts; sometimes, that might be all an agent can give you too, but at least, an agent should know if it makes sense or not, what the cruise line is telling them !

 

Now, that's what's in it for the cruise line that you do not buy direct with them !

So What's in it for you ...  

(1)   As mentioned, the cruise line won't give you a discount or pay you for taking care of yourself.  But they will pay an agent. It's usually free to you; who doesn't like free ! 

(2)   Leave all the work to someone else. You say, what work ? Work for agents doesn't begin till you buy. We're not actually paid, to help you decide which cruise, especially now that this info is all over the net. Of course, they can also be here to help guide you; ask questions to see if you are sure this is right cruise for you. But they are actually here, for after you buy. Sure, in answering your questions.

(3)   What the consumer doesn't think about ... what if there's a problem ... with your own life or the cruise line ... Why rely on yourself, to have to figure it all out; that the cruise line will even listen to you, as a consumer.

(4)   You are one cruise; agents deal with these cruise lines for many cruises; and agents like ourselves, who sell 100,000 a year, deal with them much more !  The more experience the agent has with a cruise line, the better your cruise has a chance at running smoothing. More importantly, the fighting power the agent has over the consumer; as the largest cruise distributor, we work with the cruise line CEO’s when the issue gets bad ! 

 

The consumer is not aware of what goes on behind closed doors and all the work that takes place in keeping your cruise safe. And if you work with a big company, like ours, we have computer safe guards, that lets us know if the cruise line has touched your booking, with in as early as 2 hours; giving us a better chance at getting in there and getting it fixed before it is too late. 

If you've never had problems, that's wonderful; but that's not reality in the cruise world ! My day is 50% problems and fixing !  I love it; but at the moment, very stressful.

 

Though most agents, do not get any lower rates, than you can get at the cruise line directly, there are the LARGE co's like ourselves that do. It's not every date, it's not every cruise line.  And our Exclusives change daily, like all the sales you see at the cruise lines.

 

Thankfully, our folks come to us, just cause they like US, otherwise, I might take it personally, and think they only want to work with us, due to something monitary ...hehehe !

 

Hope this helps. We are here in LYH, 22 years now, protecting folks cruises and answering their questions.  And … providing equal rates to that of Orbitz Hotwire, Priceline, the Airlines & more.

How can I say EQUAL ?  Because they buy from US !  We are the distribution house, providing cruises to these internet companies I have mentioned above.  That’s right, they do not buy from the cruise line either !  They buy from US.  This is “how” we are known as and became the Nations Largest Cruise Distributor !

Now we don’t monitor the cruises or answer questions for folks who buy off these internet sites.  Our expertise and protection is only available for folks who buy from us direct.

And we are right here in LYH. 

Many folks do not know we are here.  It’s by word of mouth only, to know we are here.  You either find out cause you and I are friends … You’re a past cruiser with us … Our customers tell you … You’re on my facebook page … Or you ran up on US accidently (like part of the 51% of my out-of-state customers have done)

So yes, you too, can by-pass the internet and deal directly here too … Keep your money in LYH … Get the best possible rates there are … and tie into our personal connection with the cruise line too ! 

We were placed here in LYH specifically for LYH folks !  
And I admit, if LYH folks want US to stay, their support in needed in knowing this, by buying with us directly !

(1)      So you can buy from an expert, with higher connections at the cruise line, and not have to buy from a cruise line agent.

(2)      So you can receive the lower rates that the cruise lines give US; that they “legally” can not give you !

(3)      So you can keep your money in LYH !

(4)      So you can deal with someone locally that you know !

(5)      So you don’t have to get our rates, by having to go on the net.

(6)      And we allow you to refer friends and family from out of state, where we can “legally do business”; because we have license in every state, unlike local agents.

 

When you decide you want us to help you, please call/no email or facebook with questions ..........
434 237-3832, press 6 ...... then press 62 or 61, which ever best describes you (by reading this, consider that you already know me, and don’t pres 63)

What buying your “last minute cruise” can provide for you, especially from ONLINE !

I'm a little early this week in my blog posting.  A situation happened to a new cruiser, and I wanted to share !

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

There are so many sales on cruises all the time.

And yes, often the cruise you bought, months back, may provide a lower rate at a later date.  And though “sale minded late buying folks” don’t realize, many of these sale rates are available for “early buying folks”, to partake in.

However, the talk today, is not about, how the early bird buyers can take advantage of these sale rates too, it’s about, “Where buying your last minute cruise can get you”.

 

The “Great” about sale rates are …

·         Cruises you may have “wished” to travel on, may possibly get to a price, that you can now afford or willing to pay !

·         How wonderful !  What a wonderful feeling !  Not only to discover, a price is in your reach or within your mind-set, but now you get to go on the cruise !

 

Now the down side !  Yes, this is actually what this article is about !

·         1^st, unless you have been studying that specific cruise you wanted, you could in turn, discover, that quickly buying this cruise, is not really the one you want !

·         You may have as little as an hour to decide you want to buy.  Wow, glad this added stress fits in your life !

·         You may actually miss that cruise you wanted, because you weren’t standing at the right place at the right time ! Or didn’t act fast enough !

·         You may buy from the wrong person or agency or company, because you had to decide too quickly !  And “you thought” this agency or company was the only place that had this price !

·         In most cases, the full payment is due at time of call !  And now you are in penalty for changes or to cancel.

 

Here’s a few horror stories.  Recaller …

·         Had chosen wrong week, in error !

·         Hadn’t confirmed with family, what date they could go !

·         Hadn’t asked boss, if they could have this date off !

·         Didn’t understand what bunk beds were !

·         Didn’t understand want an obstructed view cabin meant !

·         Didn’t realize, how much the total was reaching !  Saw the cruise price without any of the taxes.

·         Had not checked out the cost of airfare, before buying !

·         Hadn’t figured first, how they would get to the departure port !

·         Had not been offered Trip Cancellation Insurance and later needed it !

·         The list goes on !

 

What can actually provide worse … Folks who choose to buy their “last minute packages” ONLINE !

·         There are packages you can not get out of, once you buy !  And no changes !

·         And  if you’ve paid in full, you can not move to another agent or receive help from someone who could have helped you in the first place !

 

Do yourself a favor, don’t do this to yourself !  Pick up the phone and call an agent !   For my customers … Even if they buy early, I ask them to “call me” and “not buy from my website”.

And I don’t mean any agent.  And I don't mean the cruise line (that's a day for another story) ! Someone who will tell you the truth !  Who thinks “out of the box” !  With years of experience (Experience means they have already  run into many customer and cruise line problems, from the past; the more cruises they have sold, the more experiences they will have).

Someone who will  …

·         Tell you, the whole cost, in full !

·         Tell you, what kind of cabin you are really getting or could end up with !

·         Makes sure this is the cabin location you really want to end up in !  Are there downfalls !

·         Remind you to consider airfare and transfers that are possible needed.

·         Suggest you get to your port of destination a day early !

·         Make sure you have considered Trip Cancellation Insurance !

·         Make sure you have provided correct names !  Instead of giving your nick-names online.

·         Correct spelling of names !

·         If you are old enough to sail !  If your kids can be in a separate room !

·         If you bought a cabin that will hold the number of people you want !

·         Tell you the rules in the promotion you are buying !

·         Tell you the rules about how you can not get out of this !

·         Let you know, that what you think you are buying, does not give you the amenities you think you will be getting !

·         The list goes on !

It’s an “experienced” agents job, to “think out of the box for you”.  To think of everything that could go wrong, with what you are choosing !  To remember past experiences, of situations other folks have been in !  You as an individual, can not expect from yourself, to know things that have happened out in this Cruise World, that you never thought of nor knew that ever has happened !

 

Just yesterday.  Here’s what happened to someone who bought their last minute cruise on “my website”:

·         1^st of all, she bought a package that she could not get out of; she was within penalty.

·         She had not considered the cost of airfare.  $ 2100 pp.

·         She had not considered the transfers to and from the ship.  $ 192 pp.

·         She later wanted to add a person, and thought she was paying double and would only have to pay the govt fees for the 2^nd person.  She had gotten a sale on a single rate; and this cruise line, hadn’t charged double on all the taxes.

Here is what is worse over THIS scenario !  She assumed, she could partake in seminar she had seen elsewhere (like a theme cruise), and could just buy from anyone !  WRONG !  The cruise had to be bought from that other company !  And now that it was paid in full, i could not even move her cruise to the other agency !

SORRY !  She is stuck with this cruise !  She can either put out the other money for airfare and transfers, or she can count the loss, of her already paid money !

REMEMBER, “cruisers don’t let their friends buy from the internet or the cruise lines” !  Choose to be the best friend ever to your friends … And share with them "where" they can be safe in making their cruise purchase !