Once booking your cruise, “stuff” happens when changing names in cabins. The value of an agent.

Usually it is only “women groups” who ask to do this.  I personally try to remember, when I am booking a group of ladies, that I tell them upfront that “no cabin swapping is allowed”.  And if you do, it’s a $35 charge to do so.

Now for the reason:

#1 reason … Making changes back and forth is what can cause errors at the cruise lines.  Never to I ever suggest making unnecessary change at the cruise line.  Every time your booking is opened up at the cruise line, whether it is from an agent, or you, who bought your cruise on your own, you subject your cabin in error.  Whether it’s price change or cancellation.

At Cruises Inc, that is “why” we have a special staff who are paid to find ERRORS !  When there is a change, the booking goes back through a process of making sure it is all right.  Whether looking at just the change that was made, up to checking over the entire booking.  Most consumers have NO idea of the problem of errors and why they want an agency that continues to go over their booking.

#2 reason … The reason I pre-warn women groups, that changing folks around in cabins is not allowed, is because “women” are famous for wanting to make changes all the time.  Whether it’s who’s room they are in, changing dining times, or even changing the sail date !  This doesn’t usually happen with couples.  Cabins are more stable with couples !

I had a woman argue with me, in wanting this change done about 2 years ago.  I did it without a fee, however, normally I charge $35 to make the change, to deter this person wanting to make the change.

Agents are here to protect you, even from YOURSELF !  And if something can cause your cruise to get changed or get lost, I personally take measures, even if it’s threatening to charge a fee, to keep the cruiser from hurting themselves.

#3 reason … Long complicated story !

Between the 1^st person in room & 2^nd person …. At least one of these persons may never leave the cabin or the cruise booking is automatically cancelled. 

·         If 1^st person stays the same always, then within cruise line guidelines (possible fees/penalties),  the 2^nd person’s name can usually change as many times as you want.

·         If 1^st person must cancel, but 2^nd name has always been the same from beginning, then the 2^nd person moves into 1^st position.  Again, the new 2^nd person’s name can be changed over & over (based on above guidelines).

·         However, if 2^nd person’s name has already changed once, if the 1^st person name now must change, the cruise line will not protect rate & cabin will auto cancel.  Why, cause now that is a 2 name change !

 SEE HOW COMPLICATED ?

Folks try to tell me, “Oh, we won’t change again”.  Unfortunately, NO ONE CAN PREDICT THEIR FUTURE NEEDS OR FUTURE CHANGES that may need to take place.

Couple year back, a customer got mad at me, cause I wouldn't change the names around, so she could now be booked with her daughter (FYI - you can change the name, once onboard).  I finally decide it wasn't worth the fight or trying to explain what could happen and just did it, and didn't charged the fee (I paid the fee out of my pocket.  In honesty, she was not a nice person & hopefully she will not be in a group, where I have to book her again !).  Lucky for her, notother issues arose !

Just today, this situation came up again.  It was NOT a “woman’s group” so I did not pre-warn them of no ladies swapping cabins.  And in the case of the situation I am talking about, it was “very vital” that we swap the two 1^st folks in the 2 cabins.  But NOW … The 2^nd person may need to cancel, and they want to put another person in their place !  In general, this is a NO !

And in this 2nd case, they had bought “a non-refundable” cruise.  NO name changes.  SEE the disadvantage in getting the lower cost that includes non-refundable !

 

Your vacation is serious business !  Though it’s eventually about fun-n-play, it’s totally a business situation till you get onboard for that fun-n-play.  You need to treat it as such !

And you should highly consider, beginning that “business transaction” by way of a travel expert.  One who thinks out of the box.  One who encourages you NOT to make unnecessary changes from your original booking.  One who has been doing this business for a long time !  One who has seen the problems first hand !

Happy Booking !

 

 

 

 

Cruises. What time of year are lowest ? When to buy ? Seasonal destinations. Supply & Demand

Cruises.  What times of year are lowest ?  Best time to buy “low dates” ? Which destinations are seasonal and can cause a supply-and-demand effect ?

 

When are the lowest times of the year to cruise ?  Here are a few:

January up till, usually first week of, February, (2) Week after Thanksgiving, (3) Last week of April and usually first two weeks of May (which often includes Mothers Day), (4) Last week of August, (5) The month of September; Labor Day to be determined by when you buy, and (6) October to December, excluding holidays.

Best time to buy “lower priced dates” ?

(1)    2 years to 9 months in advance.

(2)    As you get closer and the dates sells out, because other folks also know about “low rate dates”, the rate may climb higher faster than you think.

When to get lowest rate for any date ?

(1)    Rates come out from the cruise lines, as much early as 2 years in advance, through at least January two years out (sometimes through March).  Example:  In March of 2014, select cruise lines have published their rates thru January of 2016.

(A)   Many shoppers don’t start shopping 2 years early, so they don’t realize these great first posting of rates !  2 year pre-buyers do !

(B)   Advantage of buying early

(a)    Best cabins locations

(b)   If rates go up, you confirmed while rates were lower.

(C)   What if rates go down before final payment ?

(a)    If rates go down, usually the cruise line will lower the rates if you see them, before final payment .

(b)   If you bought Carnival Early Saver Rates, you are guaranteed the lowest rate, if you see it, up till 2 days prior to sailing. 

UNDERSTANDING CARNIVAL EARLY SAVER RATES, is a topic for another day !

UNDERSTANDING FUTURE CRUISE LINE PROMOTIONS, is a topic for another day.

(D)   Why might rates go down before final payment  ? At least 2 reasons why rates may go down, before final payment

(a)    The cruise line may have “over” calculated, what they thought they could charge for         that  sail date.

(b)   If the cruise lines don’t sell enough cabins by a specific time frame, it’s time to get rid of a few more cabins. 

       (E ) When is latest a person should consider buying a cruise ?  Or when lower rates might come

              out ? Could be 9 months prior to sailing date (?);  6 months (?); 4 months … If you are 

              waiting till 2 months, YOU ARE A LAST MINUTE BUYER ! 

 

Know:

(a)    Every category (cabin type), may not go on sale.  The category you wanted may not drop.

(b)   They may only offer specials for past guest, seniors, military, etc, and maybe you won’t qualify. 

BEWARE OF COMPANIES WHO SELL YOU AN UNQUALIFYING RATE, is topic for another day.

UNDERSTANDING PAST GUEST, SENIOR, MILITARY RATES, ETC, topic for another day

(2)    Last Minute Buyers. 

WHO QUALIFIES TO BE A LAST MINUTE BUYER, is topic for another day.  You may not, but don’t know that !

(A)   This same rate you think is a deal, may have also been received by the folks who bought 2 years early; 9 months early, etc.

(B)   You could be paying higher than folks who bought 2 years early; 9 months early, etc.

(C)   You may only be left with the worst cabins

(D)   If you need triples and quads, they may be gone.

(E)    If you need several cabins, they may be gone or sold out before you get your group to act.    

WHO QUALIFIES AS A LAST MINUTE BUYER, is a topic for another day !

(F)    Sometimes these lower rates are on a “guarantee only”.  That means …

(a)    You don’t get a cabin number. 

(b)   You don’t know where you will end up

(G)  Of course, you may get “lucky” buying last minute.  But you need to be able to accept whatever you get

WHO QUALIFIES AS A LAST MINUTE BUYER, is a topic for another day

 

“Seasonal” destination cruises.   Unbeknown to consumer, there’s NOT enough cruise ships to sail all year to all destinations; and select destinations, it’s too cold.   To name a few:

·         Alaska, May to September

·         Asia, this is currently expanding to more dates

·         Australia, November to March

·         Bermuda, End of April to October

·         Panama, Select dates in Winter, Spring, Fall – no summer

·         Hawaii cruises, where you don’t have to fly all the way to Hawaii r/t, Select dates Winter, Spring, Fall – no summer

·         Europe – Select areas are not offered all year; not even all Summer !  Mediterranean usually offers more sail dates.

·         South America – November to March

·         Transitional cruises – More Spring/Fall.  Or when a ship changes their main port

 

Here are a few embarkation/disembarkation ports that are also “Seasonal”

·         Norfolk unavailable, 2014.  ASK ME ABOUT ON SAILING 2015, OCT 23, that is almost SOLD OUT.

·         New York, Carnival has taken their ships out, for the winter

·         There are NO 3 night cruises closer to us than Port of Canaveral

·         Port of Charleston only offers 5 & 6 night cruises.  And it is only Carnival

·         Baltimore no longer offers short than 7 night cruises

·         From Baltimore, if only 7 nights, you can only go to the Bahamas. You must take longer cruises to get further south to the Caribbean

 

The less time a ship is in a destination, or that lack of number of times that a ship is embarking/disembarking from a specific port, this causes SUPPLY-N-DEMAND.

(1)    Select sailings may sell out as early as 15 months in advance. 

·         ASK ABOUT 2015, OCT 23 OUT OF NORFOLK – ALMOST SOLD OUT !

·         Royal Caribbean’s Fall Hawaii cruise sells out quick !

·         Watch for cruise line sales in specific destinations.  That is the time to buy.  Right now, many cruise lines have sales on Alaska & Europe 2015.           

 

 

Happy sailing ! 

Answers to know before deciding an Alaska land package with a cruise

Picture by W. Woodson, taken Aug 2014.

In order to buy a Alaska Land Tour package with the cruise line, your cruise must be a Southbound or Northbound cruise.  Cruises that are round trip Seattle or Vancouver, will not offer these optional tours.  You can buy land packages on your own, to go up into Alaska, however, you would have the additional “flight cost”, to get from Seattle or Vancouver.

When I am choose an Alaska land package from the cruise line, I still usually look at the available cruise choices first … After choosing the cruise of choice, then I look at “that cruise lines” Alaska Land packages..

Go here, see my suggestions on how to choose a 7 night Alaskacruise.

FYI, if looking at a 10/11 night, Princess offers out of San Francisco.

Only if a customer calls and can only be gone 10 or 11 days, do I consider first, looking at the available Alaska Land packages first.  This person has a “short window” for being on the land, so this part of the package is important.     

With a caller, I usually get online with them, and first show them “how to read” the cruise line’s Alaska Land packages.  This will in turn, help them “know what to look for”, when viewing other cruise line options.  Believe it or not, “seeing what I am talking about”, gives a clearer vision of everything you will read below.

If this is your first time doing a land package in Alaska, you may want to begin by including the traditional cities, such as Fairbanks, Denali, and Anchorage.    See #1, #2, # 6, and #7 below.

Know, most folks who are wanting a land package in Alaska, are wanting to go to Denali National Park, with hope of seeing the wildlife and Mount McKinley (highest mountain peak in N. America).  To get to Denali, you must travel by way of Fairbanks or Anchorage (Denali in the middle), or you can go to both cities.  You can not get to Denali without going through one of these locations.  See #1, #2, #5, and #4 below.

Here’s a list of options to think about when deciding on a cruise line land package.  What you want, determines the available package and the cost.  Do I want my package to include:

       1)      Land before the cruise or cruise before the land ?

2)      Fairbanks ?  Since only USAir is in my city of LYH, I would know that I would need to fly from another air city to get there/leave there !

3)      Transfers to or from Vancouver or Seattle airport ?  Usually for me, it’s a lower cost to use Seattle.  Know, that every cruise line does not make these transfers available from the cruise line.

4)      Both available tours in Fairbanks ?  (A) The River Boat Discovery Cruise “and” (B) Gold Dredge #8 ? 

5)      Any “rail” transportation ?  Do I want rail all the way, from Fairbanks to the ship, or at least to Anchorage ?  If it does not have to be all the way, which portion do I want rail ?  Which direction do I want the train to travel (Fairbanks first; or from ship) ?  Does the rail include dome cars ? 

6)      A longer time in Denali National Park in hopes of seeing wildlife ?  The park is about 96 miles long.  Depending on how long you are in the park, determines how far into the park you will go.   Today, most Alaska land packages include the Natural History Tour (3-4 hours).  Will your package allow you to upgrade to the Tundra Wilderness Tour (estimate cost $60pp) for 7-8 hours ?  As of today, no cruise line package allows you to upgrade to the Kantishna package (11-12 hours).  Look close at the words in the Alaska Land Package to be sure the Natural History or Tundra Tour is mentioned.  There are packages with “no” tour into the park.  Know that Princess offer an “on your own package”, so you can buy a tour of choice, on your own.

7)      Any spare time in Denali so you can buy the optional “Dinner Show” ?  Or river rafting, helicopter or plane over Mount McKinley ?  The times you are in Denali or in the park, are often not available in advance, for you to know if there’s any spare time.    This why many folks opt for 2 days Denali.

8)      Any other lodges ?  Example, Princess Cruises offers packages, to include  Mount McKinley Lodge.  Royal Caribbean offers Telkeenta Wilderness Lodge.

9)      A night in Anchorage ?  Or are you happy with a package that only stops in Anchorage for lunch, as the Motor Coach is transporting you to the ship ?

10)   The ship sailing from Whittier or Seward or Vancouver ?

Remember 2 things when only wanting the lowest available Alaska land package price:

1)      There may be things you wish you had of included in your package !

       2)      It’s possibly for a few more dollars you can get “more for you buck”.
       3)      You still have to go through all the many packages to see which one is the lowest cost.

The above are a few of the answers you want, as you plan your Alaska land package.  Though you have a little insight here, you’ll then want to turn to an agent, who should easily be able to help you decided what you want to be included (If they have been to Alaska AND if they have experience the different options above) !  Foremost, remember to find out if the agent has personal Alaska travel experience, "to help you best", before you get too involved in asking anything more !

Will there be any cabins, when VA cruisers discover Carnival’s “one” sailing to Bermuda …

It’s been the buzz word for the last 6 months in reference to Carnival’s “one” 7 night sailing to Bermuda from Norfolk in 2015.  Will there still be cabin space when cruisers discover this opportunity ?

Though many folks believe it’s better to wait and buy last minute, this does not stand true for those “supply and demand” sailings.  And it looks like October 23, 2015 will be one of those sailings.

Group space has been gone for this sailing for many months now.  And individual space through Carnival is getting slim !  Matter of fact, when you look online at Carnival, their balconies are SOLD OUT !

It only makes sense that this cruise is popular !  First of all, no cruise ships sailed from Norfolk in 2014.  Not only bad for the Virginia economy, this made it a further distance to drive, for Virginia cruisers to embark for a cruise.

Secondly, it’s been years since a cruise left Norfolk and went to Bermuda.  This alone makes this a very exciting opportunity for cruisers.  Especially for those folks who have planned early !

FYI ...There are many folks who are flying into Norfolk, and taking this time to see Williamsburg while they are here.  Sounds like a lot of fun for a lot of folks !

 

Bermuda is a great place to cruise to !  First of all it is British owned, so the island is cleanlier than islands you might venture to in the Caribbean.  Bermuda is well known for its beaches and golf.  Naturally this is attractive to beach lovers and golfers.   AND SHOPPERS !

And there’s the famous Rum Swizzles and now there are 2 Rum Swizzle Restaurant locations.  And have you heard of their famous ‘Dark-N-Stormy’ drink ?  You will be able to find Gosling’s Brothers store in Hamilton and yes, they carry several sizes of the  Black Seal Rum (dark rum).

And though non-resident can not rent a car here, you and rent a moped or purchase a ferry/bus passes and easily get around.  There are 3 most popular area’s to visit, the ship is docked in one … The Dock Yard (Wharf).  The other two, Hamilton and St George.  To learn more … You should plan to come sail along with those of us “who bought early” !

 

Oh, and did I tell you that the ship will be in Bermuda for 3 days ?  Yes, and you can come & go as you please.  Eat onboard or eat on the island and return late or stay out all night !

So what will this mean to those folks who have yet to hear about this sailing ? It will probably be too late, when they hear about it, to find space and climb onboard.

Yes, it’s over 13 months till sailing and this ship is almost full !

However, don’t panic, there are agencies who have space.  However, you better plan to have credit card in hand, when you find one of these agencies.

For a limited time, Cruises Inc in Lynchburg, VA has 5 balconies left.   There’s some inside too !  Prices is too good to post !  Did I say limited time ?  Too low to post ?
Plan to call today !

 

 

Vicki Freed says - Just add entertainment

Vicki Freed, spokes person with Royal Caribbean sends out a blurb to agents today ...

Many of the world’s great destinations are distinguished by their entertainment. Nothing makes memories quite like an unforgettable show experienced in a new and exciting place. Of course, great entertainment is one of the hallmarks of a great cruise vacation. And unlike anywhere else, it costs your clients nothing more since it’s included in the fare. Although all cruise lines offer some form of entertainment, make sure they’re getting only the best with the most variety. Tony Award-winning Broadway shows. Aerial spectaculars. Ice-skating and water shows. Your clients will be applauding you for helping them make the right choice for their next vacation that’s entertaining from start to finish.


Are you ready to start enjoying some great entertainment at Sea ?  Call & climb onboard today !

Carnival Splendor out of Norfolk in October 2015 to Bermuda almost sold out. See "Things to do" in Bermuda.

Scroll down to see ... Thinks to do in Bermuda.



It's amazing how select sailings can sell out 15-18 months prior to sailing.  This sailing is one of them !

Reasons sailings sell out is due to supply-and-demand.  In this case, it's no wonder !  There is only "one 7 night sailing" going to Bermuda in 2015 out of Norfolk !  This is why this cruise is so popular ... So special ... So HIGH IN DEMAND !

If you look on Carnival's website, you see different pricing, from day to day.  One day I see bunk beds for $ 999pp (all plus govt fees of $165pp) ... Another day, balcony for $1669 ... Today I saw oceanview for $1500+.

FYI ... There are agents out there who bought space long ago, who have a whole lot better pricing than this.  Of course, this pricing is too good to post !

WE have space for limited time !  Currently have 7 inside & 10 balconies left.  No oceanview, but you will like our balcony prices.  Call me !  (434/800) 237-3832

Then I'll add you to our Facebook group, where I have added lots of info, so folks can take their time getting prepared.  Hey, we have 14 months till sailing !

Come join us !



Here is some personal Bermuda insight (& valuable links of info) I shared today, with those already signed up for Oct 2015.     What I’ve done/What there’s to do in Bermuda ...

Beaches of Bermuda:  http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda_00032e.htm

Golf in Bermuda:  http://www.worldgolf.com/courses/bermuda/
Shopping in Bermuda:  http://bermudaforvisitors.com/Activities/bermuda-shopping.html
Insight to the cost of restaurants around Bermuda:  http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda_0001b2.htm

 

Years back, we would rent mopeds.  You can park & lock them up at the dock, so you can rent for more than one day.  Know, they ride on the opposite side of the road in Bermuda, so this can be dangerous.  And though the speed limit is only 20mph, their local buses seem to go much faster than this.

You can NOT rent a car in Bermuda.  Taxi cabins can be expensive, however, you may get one who might share with you, inside info about Bermuda.

Back in 1991, I was with a group that rented a sail boat.  This was nice.  We went out for the day.  The sail boat stopped for folks to go snorkeling.

 

Our ship will be docked at the Dock Yard – The Wharf.  There are a few things you can do/see here.  There’s glass blowing.  Rum cakes made here (small & expensive).  There’s a craft market.  A mall.  A pharmacy.  There’s the entry to Snorkel Park Beach.  There’s the Bermuda Maritime Museum.  And several restaurants.

Snorkel Park:  http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda_00000f.htm
Monday night party may be available at Snorkel Park:  http://www.snorkelparkbeach.com/club-aqua.html
Frog & Onion offers live music (& possibly Trivia):  http://www.frogandonion.bm/
Bone Fish Bar & Grill may live music:  http://www.bonefish.bm/
Museum:  http://www.bmm.bm/
Restaurants:  http://www.thewestend.bm/category/dining/

 

Today, I usually take advantage of the bus and/or ferry services from the Dock Yard  to St George & Hamilton.  You can pay per ride, per day, or get a 2-3 day pass.  Note, when you buy a ferry pass, such as 1-2-3 days, it automatically includes the use of the bus.  Last time I was there, a 2 day pass was $26-28.  Often I wait to walk around at the Dock Yard, on my last day in Bermuda.  This way I am not having to by a pass on this day, and I am closer to the ship, when she gets ready to sail out !

*  By bus, it takes about an hour to go from the Dock Yard to Hamilton & another hour to get to St George. 

*  By ferry, it takes about 35 minutes to St George and about 20 minutes from the Dock Yard to Hamilton.  There is no direct ferry service from Hamilton to St George. 
*  Note, in Hamilton, from the ferry terminal, the bus terminal is about (when looking at city) 2 blocks left, then another long block or 2 more into the city (up a small include), then another ½ a block to the right.
*  See links below for some sights/stops on the way.
*  By ferry, it is a gorgeous ride to Hamilton, while viewing all the pastel color homes !
*  You must pay attention to the “last ferry & to the bus schedule” or you may have to take a cab to return to the ship.
http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda_00006f.htm (bus)
http://www.bermuda4u.com/transport/buses/routes/bus-route-7/ (bus)
http://www.seaexpress.bm/ferries_about.aspx (ferry)
http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda_000073.htm (Ferry)

 

2 Lighthouses on Bermuda:

Gibbs Lighthouse is close to the Dock Yard, between the Dock Yard & Hamilton.  http://bermudalighthouse.com/directions.htm
St David’s lighthouse is in St George.  http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda2_000024.htm

 

Crystal Caves.  http://www.caves.bm/

They are on St George.  Just down the road from Rum Swizzle Inn.  There are 2 entries (or 2 caverns); side by side.  If you have ever been to the Luray Caverns in VA, it’s nothing like this.  Instead, you walk down some steps, and stand on a metal platform and look.  They offer a better cost if you purchase both.  My opinion, they are the same (?).

 

2 Rum Swizzle Inn Restaurants. 

The Rum Swizzle drink was discovered in Bermuda.  Folks love to go to their restaurants, just to say they have been there.  Many folks write on their walls, paste a sticker of their favorite school/sports team, or even leave their business card.
One is closer to the Dock Yard & the other is in St George (see link of locations).  Be on the right bus, and the bus will stop near the location near the Dock Yard, and the bus will stop across the street in St George.  http://www.swizzleinn.com/
Current menu:  http://www.swizzleinn.com/restaurant.php  (at the bottom of the menu, you will see the cost for Rum Sizzle drinks.  It’s my opinion, the size of the glass is only about the size of 2 shot glasses (?).  The “full jug size” is 7 drinks of this size.  Though somewhat potent.).
Know >>> You can buy a bottle of Rum Swizzle, to bring home or bring back to the ship.  See Gosling Brother info below.
 

Duty Free liquor can be found at Gosling Brother.  In Hamilton on Front Street; to the right of the ferry terminal; right near end of dock.

Bermuda is also famous for their Gosling Rum (Dark rum of the Seal).  Here’s a little history:  http://www.goslingsrum.com/discover_meetthefamily.asp
T*  here are two prices offered at Gosling, on select items.  There is a lower price, where they bring your liquor purchase back to the ship & it is delivered to your room.  And there is a higher price, so you can take it back to the ship into your room (please note, this opportunity may change ?).
*  You will find all sizes of Gosling Rum, Rum Swizzles, and even Dark & Stormy in a can (4 for $10 – This is Ginger Beer & Gosling Rum already mixed.  Ginger beer is not a beer; it is a strong type Gingerale).  Other liquors might not have a higher price for you to bring back to ship (?).
*  Here’s a picture of what the store front looks like.  It is just to the right of the ferry terminal in Hamilton.
http://www.tripadvisor.com/LocationPhotoDirectLink-g147257-d147458-i45015786-Front_Street-Hamilton_Pembroke_Parish_Bermuda.html

 

Bermuda Specialty drinks:  http://www.bermuda-attractions.com/bermuda2_000056.htm

 

Here is a general map of Bermuda.
http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=Kings+Wharf+Bermuda+Map&Form=IQFRDR&id=D28F9A2AFA1B75D44FDC76D590F806D4FB65D552&selectedIndex=0#view=detail&id=D28F9A2AFA1B75D44FDC76D590F806D4FB65D552&selectedIndex=0

Here’s a general map of the Dock Yard:

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=map+of+dock+yard+hamilton&id=645B8CA186960092EC4885A37500FF8329816C3A&FORM=IQFRBA#view=detail&id=D28F9A2AFA1B75D44FDC110FE0882907A4305ABD&selectedIndex=1

Here’s streets in Hamilton

http://www.bing.com/images/search?q=map+of+hamilton+bermuda&qs=n&form=QBIR&pq=map+of+hamilton+bermuda&sc=3-23&sp=-1&sk=#view=detail&id=86E03702C21837AF928265BCD19391EED6B3AF1B&selectedIndex=8

Here’s Old Town St George:

http://static.moon.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/berm_06_The-Old-Town-of-St.-George.jpg

 

My August 2014 Alaska pictures

Soon I will write about my experience, however, for now, here are my pictures (1139)
https://cruisevacationpictures.shutterfly.com/pictures/3477

Here are a few pictures from friends who were with me too:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/474302372584453/

Enjoy !

Keeping abreast of all the available “Travel Offers” for 2015

There’s so many travel offers available for 2015, how does one keep up?

First, have an idea of the type vacation you want in 2015.  Will it be Caribbean ?  Something new & exotic  like Hawaii, Alaska, or even Europe ?  Will it be a cruise ?  Or will you choose a “land based” vacation.  And if land based, will this be a “package”, or are you just planning for the beach, a self driving venture, or a point & fly concept ?

How long will you go for ?

When can you go ?
Who will be going with you ?
Can you go on more than one vacation in 2015 ?

Next, which cruise lines are you willing to go on ?  Which Land Tour Operators interest you ?  If you don’t know, then this should be your next subject to work on.  There’s all kinds of information on the net or you can ask an agent to advice you.

Next question is “when” do you plan to make a decision ?

These type questions are just the preparation needed, so you are more ready for the many offers that are available now or about to surface.  And if you are planning to make a decision now or in the next month, you need to get ready now, with all the above answers.  Many of the deals are passing you buy as you read this !

 

So how to dive into the deals ?

If it’s a cruise you will be going after or a “land based package”, first sign up for emails from each of these carriers !  This way you will receive, first hand, the available offers.

Next, choose 1-2 “agent websites” who offer lots of email offers, whom you would buy your package from.  Example, my staff sends out emails weekly, to include Exclusives, that can only be purchased through us.  You can sign up here:  www.SignUp4CruiseDealls.com

 

Don’t plan to buy your vacation direct from the cruise line or tour operator, just because they sent you an email of their offers.  These emails are just a resource for you.  Every agent across the country can provide these offers to you !  You want an agent, as your middle guy, to know all the rules and to be there for you, if there’s a personal issue you may have or the cruise line/tour operator has a situation that could affect your vacation.

 

A VALUABLE PIECE OF INFO TO KNOW:  Exclusives offers, such as cruises, are only offered by LARGE agencies (Distribution Houses), and you can NOT receive these by buying your cruise directly at the cruise line.  The cruise lines can NOT give you their lowest available rates and/or amenities.  They provide these offers just to the LARGE agencies (Distribution Houses).

 

DO YOU KNOW A DISTRIBUTION HOUSE ?  Many folks think these are the internet sites like Orbitz, Hotwire, Priceline, the Airlines, etc.  In reality, these sites buy from a Distribution house themselves.

 

IF YOU KNOW A DISTRIBUTION HOUSE, YOU CAN BUY DIRECTLY THERE TOO !  Cruises Inc is a part of the LARGEST distribution house in the country.  The above internet sites buy their cruises from this distribution house too.  Many folks don’t realize, this same distribution house may be in their own home city.  Lynchburg, VA, has been available for local folks to buy directly for 23 years now.                              

 

Plan to take advantage of savings for your 2015 vacation !

·         Plan now BEFORE 2015 … Many savings out there !

·         Find a Cruise Distribution House to buy your next cruise !

·         Sign up for email offers !

·         Do your homework by using resources to decide which vacation for you

·         Then CALL2BUY2SAVE !  Don’t buy off the net; buy from a human voice.  Not only do You not want to miss out on offers & you want to know all the rules, you want to buy from someone who offers a variety of cruise lines/tour operators, so this person will advise you, which may NOT be for you !

 

HAPPY PLANNING !