Single travelers have always been forced to pay higher rates than those traveling with another person. The "single supplement" has been as high as 100% more than the single rate. The following info is good news for single travelers.
This is an article from Travel Agent Magazine online service from July 30, 2007.
"GOGO For Solo Travelers
Jul 30, 2007
Travel Agent
GOGO Worldwide Vacations on Friday announced packages tailored specifically for the single traveler. The trips feature the Caribbean, Mexico, the United States and Canada and give solo travelers up to 30 percent off single rates, as well as their own hotel room. A host of activities also are available for booking, including snorkeling, wine tasting and dancing. The impetus for the launch was a noticeable increase in travel agents planning vacations for single travelers, said Tom Hayden, vice president of sales for the company. "[Single travelers] are always looking for a destination that offers a wide variety of activities such as nightlife, entertainment, recreational and experiential activities," he said. Departure dates begin in September."
Call me for more info on these options.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Saturday, July 28, 2007
Another reason why to use a Travel Agent
In this age of technology, booking travel online can be relatively fast and easy. Why should you use a travel agent instead of booking your hotel online?
In an article in the July 2007 Agent@Home magazine (a magazine that focuses on the issues of home based travel agents, such as myself), an article was submitted by Stacy Small. Ms. Small is both a travel writer and editor as well as the owner of her own home based travel agency in Florida.
This is an excerpt from her article titled Proving Your Worth.
" Much of it comes down to perception, since online agencies have done a terrific job of promoting their 'cheap fares' and ease of use. But what they don't tell the consumers is that hotel bookings made through them drop to the bottom of the hotel's priority list (for upgrades and special attention), compared to thouse made through top agents, which go to the top of the list. Many hoteliers also confirm to me that bookings made through third party websites are typically assigned the least desirable rooms in the house, since the hotels know the traveler is more likely to be a budget-shopper than a serious upscale traveler with great potential for long-term loyalty."
Just something to ponder when thinking about booking a hotel reservation on your own through the big online booking agencies.
In an article in the July 2007 Agent@Home magazine (a magazine that focuses on the issues of home based travel agents, such as myself), an article was submitted by Stacy Small. Ms. Small is both a travel writer and editor as well as the owner of her own home based travel agency in Florida.
This is an excerpt from her article titled Proving Your Worth.
" Much of it comes down to perception, since online agencies have done a terrific job of promoting their 'cheap fares' and ease of use. But what they don't tell the consumers is that hotel bookings made through them drop to the bottom of the hotel's priority list (for upgrades and special attention), compared to thouse made through top agents, which go to the top of the list. Many hoteliers also confirm to me that bookings made through third party websites are typically assigned the least desirable rooms in the house, since the hotels know the traveler is more likely to be a budget-shopper than a serious upscale traveler with great potential for long-term loyalty."
Just something to ponder when thinking about booking a hotel reservation on your own through the big online booking agencies.
Internet Consumer Review Sites
A while back, I posted an article about why travel agents are so skeptical about relying on consumer reviews on sites such as Trip Advisor. Please be aware that I have posted reviews on these sites before and will continue to do so and I do use these sites as one component of my research on hotels (if I have no personal experience with them).
In a recent opinion article in a Travel Weekly magazine written by hotel editor, Jeri Clausing, this subject is discussed again.
To paraphrase the article, a certain hotel chain in Manhattan has launched a program to boost their consumer ratings on Citysearch and TripAdvisor and due to this program, they were able to increase their very favorable rankings to the #1 spots on both websites.
How did they do this? The hotel marketing director shared an idea that she got from a hotel in Florence, Italy. Upon leaving the hotel, she received an email. This was as "warm and personal note saying, 'It was great having you...and if you wish to make a comment, you are very welcome to click here and make a comment on TripAdvisor.'"
This hotel marketing director thought that this was such a great idea, they started sending similar emails to those guests who booked online. This hotel marketing director went on to say that they had very high rankings to begin with but this program managed to get them to the #1 spots on both Citysearch and TripAdvisor. She mentioned that hotel managers scan these websites for "sensible suggestions" and where they can make improvements.
Yes, this is a smart marketing tool for hotels. It is cheap and shows a great return on their investment. This hotel marketing director was using this program legitimately to help boost their rankings but please note that this is a MARKETING PROGRAM. Just as a hotel has great pictures on it's website, I would trust a guest's personal photos to show the a more accurate depiction of the property.
I, again, am not saying not to use these websites. What I am saying is to use them with a grain of salt. If every single review in the last 2 years has been wonderful, it sounds like you have a winner. If the reviews are very varied, ignore the ones that say "I loved it and want to live here forever" and ignore the ones that rate it poorly for things like "the toilet paper was scratchy or I left a camera out on the dresser and it was stolen."
Above all, ask me to recommend a hotel for you. I have resources that you might not have access to in helping plan your vacation.
In a recent opinion article in a Travel Weekly magazine written by hotel editor, Jeri Clausing, this subject is discussed again.
To paraphrase the article, a certain hotel chain in Manhattan has launched a program to boost their consumer ratings on Citysearch and TripAdvisor and due to this program, they were able to increase their very favorable rankings to the #1 spots on both websites.
How did they do this? The hotel marketing director shared an idea that she got from a hotel in Florence, Italy. Upon leaving the hotel, she received an email. This was as "warm and personal note saying, 'It was great having you...and if you wish to make a comment, you are very welcome to click here and make a comment on TripAdvisor.'"
This hotel marketing director thought that this was such a great idea, they started sending similar emails to those guests who booked online. This hotel marketing director went on to say that they had very high rankings to begin with but this program managed to get them to the #1 spots on both Citysearch and TripAdvisor. She mentioned that hotel managers scan these websites for "sensible suggestions" and where they can make improvements.
Yes, this is a smart marketing tool for hotels. It is cheap and shows a great return on their investment. This hotel marketing director was using this program legitimately to help boost their rankings but please note that this is a MARKETING PROGRAM. Just as a hotel has great pictures on it's website, I would trust a guest's personal photos to show the a more accurate depiction of the property.
I, again, am not saying not to use these websites. What I am saying is to use them with a grain of salt. If every single review in the last 2 years has been wonderful, it sounds like you have a winner. If the reviews are very varied, ignore the ones that say "I loved it and want to live here forever" and ignore the ones that rate it poorly for things like "the toilet paper was scratchy or I left a camera out on the dresser and it was stolen."
Above all, ask me to recommend a hotel for you. I have resources that you might not have access to in helping plan your vacation.
Friday, July 20, 2007
Royal Caribbean to test Open Dining on Freedom of the Seas
Just as I posted an article about Holland America offering a flexible dining option on all if it's ships, I wondered when the other cruise lines, specifically, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean and Carnival were going to offer this as well.
Just 1 day later, Royal Caribbean announced a trial of open dining seating on the Freedom of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean to Test Open Dining on Freedom
Royal Caribbean International confirmed it will test open seating dining on the Freedom of the Seas from Oct. 14 to Dec. 16. The flexible dining will be offered in the Galileo dining room, located on the top of three tiers of the main restaurant. During the test period, open seating will be offered between 6 and 9 p.m. The other two levels will continue to offer two traditional seatings. Royal Caribbean's pilot program follows the announcement on July 16 that Holland America Line will add "As You Wish" open seating on one level of its two-tiered restaurants fleetwide. The move follows a test on the Noordam and will be expanded across the fleet over the next year. Like its sister company Princess Cruises, Holland America will still also offer two traditional seatings on the other restaurant level. Open seating will be 5:15 to 9 p.m.
I think more an more cruise guests want the flexibility to dine at 7pm one nite and 9pm the next. Although I appreciate having the same wait staff, I think the open seating will be continuing as a permanent fixture in the cruise industry.
Just 1 day later, Royal Caribbean announced a trial of open dining seating on the Freedom of the Seas.
Royal Caribbean to Test Open Dining on Freedom
Royal Caribbean International confirmed it will test open seating dining on the Freedom of the Seas from Oct. 14 to Dec. 16. The flexible dining will be offered in the Galileo dining room, located on the top of three tiers of the main restaurant. During the test period, open seating will be offered between 6 and 9 p.m. The other two levels will continue to offer two traditional seatings. Royal Caribbean's pilot program follows the announcement on July 16 that Holland America Line will add "As You Wish" open seating on one level of its two-tiered restaurants fleetwide. The move follows a test on the Noordam and will be expanded across the fleet over the next year. Like its sister company Princess Cruises, Holland America will still also offer two traditional seatings on the other restaurant level. Open seating will be 5:15 to 9 p.m.
I think more an more cruise guests want the flexibility to dine at 7pm one nite and 9pm the next. Although I appreciate having the same wait staff, I think the open seating will be continuing as a permanent fixture in the cruise industry.
Thursday, July 19, 2007
New Flexible Dining Option for Holland America
Holland America has just announced the addition of a new dining option called
As You Wish dining that allows guests to choose from the traditional pre -set early or main dining or a more flexible time that suits them.
This was the announcement from Holland America.
As You Wish™ dining — the latest addition to Holland America’s Signature of Excellence initiative — makes onboard dining more inviting with options to suit every taste. Soon guests will be able to choose a traditional pre-set seating and dining time or a flexible, open seating schedule. While already implemented on the ms Noordam, the program will roll out to the rest of our fleet beginning this fall.
As You Wish™ dining presents a menu of options:
When your clients book, they can choose either flexible/open dining or traditional pre-set dining time (early or main). If they choose the flexible/open seating program, they may make reservations daily up to 4 p.m. — or simply walk up during dining hours.
Guests may also choose to dine in the reservation-only Pinnacle Grill featuring Pacific Northwest steak and seafood specialties, or casual Lido dining.
Complimentary in-room dining is available 24 hours a day.
This new program will be implemented over the course of the next 12 months on the following schedule:
Operational Now ms Noordam
10/11/07 ms Ryndam
11/13/07 ms Volendam
12/18/07 ms Statendam
1/5/08 ms Oosterdam
1/27/08 ms Rotterdam
2/3/08 ms Zaandam
2/24/08 ms Westerdam
3/15/08 ms Zuiderdam
4/6/08 ms Veendam
4/24/08 ms Maasdam
5/16/08 ms Amsterdam
5/23/08 ms Prinsendam
7/5/08 ms Eurodam (upon delivery)
Many of the deluxe and luxury cruise lines already offer the open seating dining (just as the new Azamara line has implemented on the Journey). NCL was the first to start with FreeStyle Dining. Princess followed with Personal Choice dining. Now Holland America is offering it. It will be interesting to see if Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Carnival join the others.
I'll keep you posted!
As You Wish dining that allows guests to choose from the traditional pre -set early or main dining or a more flexible time that suits them.
This was the announcement from Holland America.
As You Wish™ dining — the latest addition to Holland America’s Signature of Excellence initiative — makes onboard dining more inviting with options to suit every taste. Soon guests will be able to choose a traditional pre-set seating and dining time or a flexible, open seating schedule. While already implemented on the ms Noordam, the program will roll out to the rest of our fleet beginning this fall.
As You Wish™ dining presents a menu of options:
When your clients book, they can choose either flexible/open dining or traditional pre-set dining time (early or main). If they choose the flexible/open seating program, they may make reservations daily up to 4 p.m. — or simply walk up during dining hours.
Guests may also choose to dine in the reservation-only Pinnacle Grill featuring Pacific Northwest steak and seafood specialties, or casual Lido dining.
Complimentary in-room dining is available 24 hours a day.
This new program will be implemented over the course of the next 12 months on the following schedule:
Operational Now ms Noordam
10/11/07 ms Ryndam
11/13/07 ms Volendam
12/18/07 ms Statendam
1/5/08 ms Oosterdam
1/27/08 ms Rotterdam
2/3/08 ms Zaandam
2/24/08 ms Westerdam
3/15/08 ms Zuiderdam
4/6/08 ms Veendam
4/24/08 ms Maasdam
5/16/08 ms Amsterdam
5/23/08 ms Prinsendam
7/5/08 ms Eurodam (upon delivery)
Many of the deluxe and luxury cruise lines already offer the open seating dining (just as the new Azamara line has implemented on the Journey). NCL was the first to start with FreeStyle Dining. Princess followed with Personal Choice dining. Now Holland America is offering it. It will be interesting to see if Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Carnival join the others.
I'll keep you posted!
Monday, July 16, 2007
Traveling during Hurricane Season
There was an interesting article in the Newark Star Ledger on Sunday 7/15/07 by Fritz Faerber of the Associated Press.
He and his wife were in Playa del Carmen during Hurricane Wilma in October 2005. I remember that time well since I had a couple scheduled to get married in the Riviera Maya that week and were at a resort there with 12 other family members and lived through the hurricane. Lots of gray hair popped up that week!
Needless to say, the author brings up some interesting points about traveling during the hurricane season. I have taken excerpts from the article for your benefit. This can also equate to any type of emergency, both weather related or not.
1. Buy travel insurance to cover emergency expenses such as extra days in the hotel and airline fees.
2. Don't book online. The Faerbers booked though an online travel booking service. When they called the online travel company for help, they were told to call the airline. When they called the airline, they were told to call the booking agency. Mr. Faerber mentioned that the tourists who were evacuated first booked their vacations as packages through big companies.
I do remember those days well. Some tour operators flew chartered planes in to evacuate their clients, if the clients had booked charter air through them as part of their vacation packages.
3. Before leaving home, find 1 person who will be able to serve as your point of contact for information and updates. This way, you only need to make 1 phone call or send 1 email to alert everyone of your whereabouts and status. This point of contact can also pass along updates to your boss, dog sitter and everyone else who needs to know.
I particularly like this suggestion. During the 5 days it took for me to get everyone home, I was getting a zillion calls from all the family members. Had there been 1 point of contact, I could have spent more time working on getting my clients home, rather than explaining the same thing to all family members.
4. Maintain your prospective about what is going on. You can't control the weather and some things are just out of your control. Remember that the people helping you through any hurricane or disaster are living through it themselves. Their families, homes and livelihoods are in danger as well so please remember to thank them for all that they are helping you with.
I would also like to add a couple of my own suggestions:
1. Take extra medication with you. If you are delayed in coming home due to any reason, including storms, airline delays, etc, at least you won't get sick while you are waiting to return home.
2. Take a color copy of your passport with you, just in case your original is lost during the turmoil. Also, leave a copy with your designated contact.
3. Ask me about which travel suppliers offer trip insurance that allows you to cancel for any reason. If a major storm is anticipated, you may want to just cancel the vacation in advance.
4. Please bring your insurance information with you in case you need to call the insurance company for anything.
5. Please give my phone # to your designated contact so that they can reach me to let me know what your status is and what help you need from me.
6. Always take a credit card with you, just in case. Debit cards are great but if you have to pay for extra nights in a hotel, food, etc, you might end up exceeding the amount available in your debit card.
7. Please alert your credit/debit card company that you will be traveling out to of the country so that they don't deny charges from overseas.
Try not to worry about what can go wrong with a vacation and focus on the fact that you ARE going on a vacation. We can work through any issues if any arise.
He and his wife were in Playa del Carmen during Hurricane Wilma in October 2005. I remember that time well since I had a couple scheduled to get married in the Riviera Maya that week and were at a resort there with 12 other family members and lived through the hurricane. Lots of gray hair popped up that week!
Needless to say, the author brings up some interesting points about traveling during the hurricane season. I have taken excerpts from the article for your benefit. This can also equate to any type of emergency, both weather related or not.
1. Buy travel insurance to cover emergency expenses such as extra days in the hotel and airline fees.
2. Don't book online. The Faerbers booked though an online travel booking service. When they called the online travel company for help, they were told to call the airline. When they called the airline, they were told to call the booking agency. Mr. Faerber mentioned that the tourists who were evacuated first booked their vacations as packages through big companies.
I do remember those days well. Some tour operators flew chartered planes in to evacuate their clients, if the clients had booked charter air through them as part of their vacation packages.
3. Before leaving home, find 1 person who will be able to serve as your point of contact for information and updates. This way, you only need to make 1 phone call or send 1 email to alert everyone of your whereabouts and status. This point of contact can also pass along updates to your boss, dog sitter and everyone else who needs to know.
I particularly like this suggestion. During the 5 days it took for me to get everyone home, I was getting a zillion calls from all the family members. Had there been 1 point of contact, I could have spent more time working on getting my clients home, rather than explaining the same thing to all family members.
4. Maintain your prospective about what is going on. You can't control the weather and some things are just out of your control. Remember that the people helping you through any hurricane or disaster are living through it themselves. Their families, homes and livelihoods are in danger as well so please remember to thank them for all that they are helping you with.
I would also like to add a couple of my own suggestions:
1. Take extra medication with you. If you are delayed in coming home due to any reason, including storms, airline delays, etc, at least you won't get sick while you are waiting to return home.
2. Take a color copy of your passport with you, just in case your original is lost during the turmoil. Also, leave a copy with your designated contact.
3. Ask me about which travel suppliers offer trip insurance that allows you to cancel for any reason. If a major storm is anticipated, you may want to just cancel the vacation in advance.
4. Please bring your insurance information with you in case you need to call the insurance company for anything.
5. Please give my phone # to your designated contact so that they can reach me to let me know what your status is and what help you need from me.
6. Always take a credit card with you, just in case. Debit cards are great but if you have to pay for extra nights in a hotel, food, etc, you might end up exceeding the amount available in your debit card.
7. Please alert your credit/debit card company that you will be traveling out to of the country so that they don't deny charges from overseas.
Try not to worry about what can go wrong with a vacation and focus on the fact that you ARE going on a vacation. We can work through any issues if any arise.
Cabin Pictures of the Azamara Journey
The Penthouse suite is gorgeous but might be above some of our budgets so please check out the sky suites and the balcony cabins, as well
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
More pictures of the Azamara Journey
Check out the library, the Looking Glass Lounge, the pool and the Windows Cafe
Azamara Journey Ship Review
Review of the Azamara Journey
Ship inspection 7/7/07
It was a great day for a ship inspection- bright and sunny- and what a great ship to inspect. The Azamara Journey is a new product as a new division of Celebrity Cruises. The Journey and the Quest (to be introduced later this year) are sister ships and both are small, intimate and will be quite a different type of ship than the Celebrity ships.
The Journey is small by today’s cruise standards. Carrying just 710 passengers, this is hardly the type of ship for those looking for the rock climbing walls, teen disco, golf courses and party atmosphere. This is definitely a more upscale, elegant and subdued cruise ship.
Since the Journey is making it’s debut in the NY metro region taking over the Celebrity Zenith itinerary to Bermuda, there were families on board but there is no formal children’s program or facilities. This is definitely an upscale adult cruise ship. I actually felt bad for the kids on this ship. As lovely as it is, it was definitely is not a cruise ship that caters to children..
You board the ship on deck 4 which is where the guest relations and shore excursion desks are located. In between the two, is a lovely sitting room that reminded me of an English pub with high back upholstered chairs and dark woods. It had a very soothing atmosphere. Right in front of the guest relations desk is an elegant staircase which leads up to the shops and a lounge. The décor of this ship is elegant and toned down- very different from some of the bright colors that you might see on other cruise lines.
On the same deck, is the casino, main show lounge and the main dining room.
The casino is bright and cheerful but I did notice a lack of 25 cent slot machines. There were a couple of penny and nickel slots but everything else was $1 minimums. I had to keep reminding myself that the casino was small but there are only 710 guests on this ship and is quite sufficient for the # of guests.
The cabaret is a wide open room with individual seating, rather than rows of bench seating. Again, I had to remind myself that thousands of guest will not be clamouring for seats each evening.
The main dining room, Discoveries, is lovely with dark wood upholstered chairs and refined window treatments. The service is white glove and extremely attentive. The food was excellent although some in my group didn’t love the soufflé dessert. The wine served to us was excellent and I believe it was just the house brand. The open seating makes dining very pleasant especially if you meet new friends on board and would prefer to dine with them, as opposed to set table mates. The dress code is country club casual so no need for suits and gowns.
There are 2 alternative restaurants on the Journey, Prime- a steak house and Aqualina- a Mediterranean restaurant. Prime C has a $25 per person cover fee (although 1 specialty restaurant is included in the price of the cruise and 2 if you book a suite). I am told that they serve Kobe steak in Prime C restaurant- although we didn’t get to sample it. Aqualina is decorated in a more airy tone and has a $20 cover charge. Try to ask for the tables all the way in the back, overlooking the water! I would suggest stopping by the restaurants on the day of embarkation to make your reservation. Of course, your butler can handle it for you but they will fill up fast.
Windows Café is the buffet dining area on the pool deck. What makes this so unique is the spacious feel to the dining tables, both indoor and outdoor dining and that the staff serves the food- rather than you leaning over to serve yourself.
The food looked appetizing and was plentiful. It was very well staffed.
The Journey has the same amenities that we have come to know and love on Celebrity ships- like Michael’s Pub and the martini bar. Micheal’s is attached to the Library and is stunning. Take a look at the gorgeous ceiling!
The martini bar is on Deck 5 right outside the main dining room.
The Spa is lovely but lacking the Aqua Spa. The spa menu was quite extensive and I’m sure was going to be very well booked at the beginning of the cruise, so make your spa appointments early.
The pool area has plenty of seating area with comfy lounge chairs all around the pool. A nice touch- towels were already set up on every chair.
The Looking Glass Lounge is a great spot for an evening drink and for listening to music and dancing. This is the Journey’s version of the disco so if you are looking for loud, gyrating music, this is not the place to hear it.
Again, this is an upscale and sophisticated ship. The guests are not going to be up all night long dancing the night away.
The cabins all have European bedding, plush linens and flat screen TV’s. Each cabin has butler service. There are very few inside cabins and only about 60 ocean view cabins. The rest have balconies. The standard balcony cabin is a nice size with 38 square foot balcony. The Sky Suites are considerably larger and have a bath tub in the bathroom. The Penthouse Suite is a stunning 2 room suite with 2 bathrooms.
All in all, the penthouse suite is spacious and stunning. The double balcony is huge and is a great space to relax and watch the ocean go by.
Who would I recommend this ship to?
1. Seasoned cruisers
2. Those looking for a quiet, upscale atmosphere
3. Those looking for some unique, longer itineraries
4. Those looking for a bit more than Celebrity, Princess or Holland America has to offer.
Who would I not recommend this ship to?
1. Families
2. Those looking for a party atmosphere
3. Those who only want the biggest and newest cruise ships out there.
The Azamara ships are going to fill a void in the market for upscale cruisers who are looking for itineraries a bit out of the ordinary. The prices will be commensurate with the products so this will not be a cheap cruise. Specials that come up may be more in terms of air specials or upgrades rather than true sales.
Because of the size, these ships will sell out quickly so check the itineraries and give me a call. The unique sailings will get a good response from guests who want something more than mass market cruising.
"Sticker Shock at Sea" vs Travel Trade's cruise editor
Travel Trade is a magazine that is available to all in the travel industry and it provides travel agents with valuable information. For those of you who might read Conde Nast Traveler, you might know the name of their columnist Wendy Perrin. She frequently writes articles that are interesting but not necessarily ones that I agree with entirely. Here is an article from Travel Trade Magazine which seems to also disagree with Wendy Perrin's opinion of additional charges on a cruise ship.
"'Sticker Shock at Sea' Author Wants Lexus Features at Kia Prices
By Marilyn Green
(Travel Trade’s cruise editor examines the “sticker shock” Conde Nast Traveler columnist Wendy Perrin described in this month’s issue of the magazine.)
Conde Nast Traveler columnist Wendy Perrin claims in the magazine’s July edition that the expenses she, her husband and two children incurred on a 10-day Caribbean cruise aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Constellation resulted in a cost 54% higher than the base fare.
There are, however, a number of items among her expenses that few would consider “typical.”
Perrin, in her column “The Wendy Perrin Report,” includes dinner for two at the ship’s alternative gourmet restaurant at $220 including wine and tip. The actual fee for the Ocean Liners gourmet restaurant is $30 per person, far less than a similar meal would cost in any comparable land-based restaurant.
It is intended to cover the intensive service and to limit the number of passengers who choose such a dinner to the number that can actually be handled so guests are not disappointed.
Wine and Tip
How Perrin and her husband managed to spend an extra $160 on wine and tip is a little perplexing — either it was a very special wine or a huge tip, and in either case, it was their choice.
Perrin and her husband spent $6 an hour per child for child care while the ship was in port and she and her husband spent $818 for 10 shore excursions for themselves.
The regular children’s program on Celebrity is free of charge and $6 per hour would not be considered an excessive babysitting fee in any hotels I know. Many parents pay more at home.
Perrin and her husband chose the shore excursions they wanted. Again, it would be hard to find any vacation where side trips are complimentary.
She also bought an unlimited soda package at $5 a day — her choice — which sounds like a very good deal, and she and her husband spent $228 on drinks and wine, apart from the gourmet dinner — their choice, once more.
It is true that fees for satellite Internet are costly, but she could have used the ubiquitous Internet cafes in port for a fraction of the price if she’d chosen, and she elected to have additional soft drinks from the minibar and cappuccinos from the coffee bar, which are extra — ordinary coffee is readily available and free.
Trip insurance, which she seems to feel should have been included to make a fair bargain, is not covered by the base price of any vacation I have ever encountered. For one thing, different people require different features on their insurance, and a good agent goes over these features with each client.
Perrin goes to great lengths about gift shop sales announced by flyers, easy to ignore if you aren’t interested — the stateroom does have a wastebasket — and spa personnel urging clients to buy products.
Not Unique to Cruises
Steiner Leisure runs the spa concession on 126 cruise ships, 53 resort spas and two luxury day spas. It is true that they do push products, but it certainly isn’t a practice unique to Steiner, nor unique to cruise ships.
It should be noted that luxury cruises do include some of the features Perrin wanted, and that, even among contemporary lines, there are differences in what is included in the base price. (NCL’s Jewel-class ships, for instance, have complimentary cappuccino and espresso in the buffet area).
One difference is that with the all-inclusive luxury price you pay for the entire package of extras, while with Celebrity, you choose the extras you want to purchase. This is another area where a good agent can advise the client according to the individual’s tastes and needs.
Perrin lists a number of analogous features a buyer might want on a new car, including a long-term warranty, a sunroof and a CD player — options that are in addition to the base price — as were the extras Perrin’s family chose on their cruise. As in other areas of life, you pays your money and you takes your choice."
As always, I can help you choose the right cruise or land package for you. If you want an 'all inclusive; European experience, perhaps an escorted land tour or a river cruise might be an option for you. Give me a call and we can discuss all of your options.
"'Sticker Shock at Sea' Author Wants Lexus Features at Kia Prices
By Marilyn Green
(Travel Trade’s cruise editor examines the “sticker shock” Conde Nast Traveler columnist Wendy Perrin described in this month’s issue of the magazine.)
Conde Nast Traveler columnist Wendy Perrin claims in the magazine’s July edition that the expenses she, her husband and two children incurred on a 10-day Caribbean cruise aboard Celebrity Cruises’ Constellation resulted in a cost 54% higher than the base fare.
There are, however, a number of items among her expenses that few would consider “typical.”
Perrin, in her column “The Wendy Perrin Report,” includes dinner for two at the ship’s alternative gourmet restaurant at $220 including wine and tip. The actual fee for the Ocean Liners gourmet restaurant is $30 per person, far less than a similar meal would cost in any comparable land-based restaurant.
It is intended to cover the intensive service and to limit the number of passengers who choose such a dinner to the number that can actually be handled so guests are not disappointed.
Wine and Tip
How Perrin and her husband managed to spend an extra $160 on wine and tip is a little perplexing — either it was a very special wine or a huge tip, and in either case, it was their choice.
Perrin and her husband spent $6 an hour per child for child care while the ship was in port and she and her husband spent $818 for 10 shore excursions for themselves.
The regular children’s program on Celebrity is free of charge and $6 per hour would not be considered an excessive babysitting fee in any hotels I know. Many parents pay more at home.
Perrin and her husband chose the shore excursions they wanted. Again, it would be hard to find any vacation where side trips are complimentary.
She also bought an unlimited soda package at $5 a day — her choice — which sounds like a very good deal, and she and her husband spent $228 on drinks and wine, apart from the gourmet dinner — their choice, once more.
It is true that fees for satellite Internet are costly, but she could have used the ubiquitous Internet cafes in port for a fraction of the price if she’d chosen, and she elected to have additional soft drinks from the minibar and cappuccinos from the coffee bar, which are extra — ordinary coffee is readily available and free.
Trip insurance, which she seems to feel should have been included to make a fair bargain, is not covered by the base price of any vacation I have ever encountered. For one thing, different people require different features on their insurance, and a good agent goes over these features with each client.
Perrin goes to great lengths about gift shop sales announced by flyers, easy to ignore if you aren’t interested — the stateroom does have a wastebasket — and spa personnel urging clients to buy products.
Not Unique to Cruises
Steiner Leisure runs the spa concession on 126 cruise ships, 53 resort spas and two luxury day spas. It is true that they do push products, but it certainly isn’t a practice unique to Steiner, nor unique to cruise ships.
It should be noted that luxury cruises do include some of the features Perrin wanted, and that, even among contemporary lines, there are differences in what is included in the base price. (NCL’s Jewel-class ships, for instance, have complimentary cappuccino and espresso in the buffet area).
One difference is that with the all-inclusive luxury price you pay for the entire package of extras, while with Celebrity, you choose the extras you want to purchase. This is another area where a good agent can advise the client according to the individual’s tastes and needs.
Perrin lists a number of analogous features a buyer might want on a new car, including a long-term warranty, a sunroof and a CD player — options that are in addition to the base price — as were the extras Perrin’s family chose on their cruise. As in other areas of life, you pays your money and you takes your choice."
As always, I can help you choose the right cruise or land package for you. If you want an 'all inclusive; European experience, perhaps an escorted land tour or a river cruise might be an option for you. Give me a call and we can discuss all of your options.
Thursday, July 5, 2007
Another Story on Why to Use a Travel Agent
While we were in Punta Cana last month, we met a lovely couple from upstate NY. Recently retired, they wanted to save some money on this vacation. They got a "special" rate of $220 per night (plus taxes) from the Riu Palace Punta Cana and booked it for 7 nights directly. They searched the internet for decent airfare and found the best prices on USA 3000 from Newark. This is the same airline that Apple Vacations uses for it's clients out of Newark.
They booked transfers separately and as Laura put it, they were petrified that they would be robbed, beaten and left in a ditch on the side of the road in Punta Cana, but of course, that didn't happen and they arrived safely.
We had dinner with them on Saturday evening in the gourment (and it was excellent) restaurant and then in the Steakhouse on Sunday evening. Our flight home on USA 3000 was Monday morning and we arrived back in Newark safe and sound.
Knowing that their flight was on Friday, I email the pictures we took on Sunday- 2 days after their return (or what should have been their return).
The email response was quite a surprise.
Their return transfer showed up promptly at 8:45 AM for the drive back to the airport. Upon arriving at the airport, they were told the airport was closed due to a mishap on the runway. There were no other flights available that day. Actually the next day that USA 3000 might be able to get them back to Newark was on Monday- 3 days later!
The clients who were on the same flight but booked through Apple Vacations had a longer transfer (to La Romana) but were home Friday afternoon. Apple just arranged for their clients to get on a USA 3000 flight from La Romana instead of Punta Cana.
Because Laura and her husband didn't book through Apple Vacations, they were never informed of any issues with the airport (it really wasn't the airline's fault but really the airport's problem). Now they needed to get back to the hotel- another fee for the car to take them back. They also needed to find another flight home sooner than Monday as they were running out of medication.
The hotel gave them back the same room (again at the rate of $220 per night plus taxes) and the search started. They were able to get on American to JFK (in NYC) on Saturday for a modest fee of $450 per person- a total of $900. The cab from JFK to Newark (where their car was parked) was another $75.
In total their cheapie vacation ended up costing them another $1200 for the 1 day delay. Of course, they had no trip insurance to cover the cost. They booked on line.
Morale of the story- don't leave your vacation to chance.
Book with a Vacation & Cruise Specialist.
They booked transfers separately and as Laura put it, they were petrified that they would be robbed, beaten and left in a ditch on the side of the road in Punta Cana, but of course, that didn't happen and they arrived safely.
We had dinner with them on Saturday evening in the gourment (and it was excellent) restaurant and then in the Steakhouse on Sunday evening. Our flight home on USA 3000 was Monday morning and we arrived back in Newark safe and sound.
Knowing that their flight was on Friday, I email the pictures we took on Sunday- 2 days after their return (or what should have been their return).
The email response was quite a surprise.
Their return transfer showed up promptly at 8:45 AM for the drive back to the airport. Upon arriving at the airport, they were told the airport was closed due to a mishap on the runway. There were no other flights available that day. Actually the next day that USA 3000 might be able to get them back to Newark was on Monday- 3 days later!
The clients who were on the same flight but booked through Apple Vacations had a longer transfer (to La Romana) but were home Friday afternoon. Apple just arranged for their clients to get on a USA 3000 flight from La Romana instead of Punta Cana.
Because Laura and her husband didn't book through Apple Vacations, they were never informed of any issues with the airport (it really wasn't the airline's fault but really the airport's problem). Now they needed to get back to the hotel- another fee for the car to take them back. They also needed to find another flight home sooner than Monday as they were running out of medication.
The hotel gave them back the same room (again at the rate of $220 per night plus taxes) and the search started. They were able to get on American to JFK (in NYC) on Saturday for a modest fee of $450 per person- a total of $900. The cab from JFK to Newark (where their car was parked) was another $75.
In total their cheapie vacation ended up costing them another $1200 for the 1 day delay. Of course, they had no trip insurance to cover the cost. They booked on line.
Morale of the story- don't leave your vacation to chance.
Book with a Vacation & Cruise Specialist.
Tuesday, July 3, 2007
What is important to you when you travel?
When helping new clients plan their vacations, I will ask a lot of questions. I will try to find out what they like to do, what type of accommodations would like, what they expect in terms of service and of course for what budget they are looking to spend. Why do I ask so many questions? If I didn’t, I wouldn’t be doing my job and wouldn’t get as many repeat clients and as many referrals as I do.
By asking so many questions of new clients, I can get a better idea of what they want from their vacation, what expectations they have and then I can make some recommendations. The last thing that I want is a disappointed client.
We just got back from a 7 night vacation to Punta Cana to a beautiful newer resort that got fabulous reviews on TripAdvisor. My associates who stayed at this resort last year also loved it. I had clients there last summer shortly after it opened and they hated it.
Travel agents, obviously, can’t visit every hotel in every destination so we rely on feedback from clients and associates. Interesting though, that the feedback on this resort was great, my associates felt the same way but my clients disliked it.
What were the answers to the questions I asked------
Great beach
Spa
Lots of relaxation
All Inclusive
Really nice resort - at least 4*
Under $3000 for all 4 of them, including airfare.
(This last part is where the problem came in. The budget was a low for a really nice property but since this client is a doctor, I wouldn’t consider anything less.)
What did I recommend to them?
A brand new, gorgeous deluxe resort on a fabulous beach with a spa. It was all inclusive. The price was a bit over the budget since he booked so late and they needed 2 rooms.
What was the end result?
I got a complaint from the wife (I had dealt with the husband as she was out of town). She hated the flights that he approved. Their luggage was delayed which set everything off on a bad note. She hated the food. She hated the service. In short, she was not happy.
What did I do for them?
I put through a complaint with the tour operator and they sent me a $50 future travel credit for these clients. I also sent them the same, if they book another vacation with me.
Could this have been avoided? I’m not sure that the all of it could have been avoided but there were a couple of points to consider here. My friend, who is a patient of this doctor (the new client) said that he got exactly what he asked for- relaxing, great beach, all inclusive and in his budget, but he didn’t realize how important food is to the vacation. They didn’t like eating at the buffet for dinner. This was a major issue for them.
In the future, I will definitely make sure that all clients understand the limitations of all inclusive restaurants, such as the number of times they can eat in the specialty (sit down) restaurants and the reservation process. Will this doctor and his family book through me again. He said he would.
Just a side note: We didn’t love the resort either. The food was good- at the specialty restaurants but not so at the buffet. The resort was too quiet for us. We like to travel where English is the primary language spoken. We like good entertainment. We are used to cruises so we got spoiled.
Would I recommend this resort to clients? Certainly- as long as the resort fits their criteria . Would I recommend an all inclusive resort to this doctor again? Probably not- if food is a big issue, most all inclusive resorts wouldn’t fit the bill unless it was way over his price range.
We visited 13 resorts while in Punta Cana. Add that to the 2 we saw a couple of years ago. I feel confident that I can recommend the right property for clients looking at Punta Cana.
By asking so many questions of new clients, I can get a better idea of what they want from their vacation, what expectations they have and then I can make some recommendations. The last thing that I want is a disappointed client.
We just got back from a 7 night vacation to Punta Cana to a beautiful newer resort that got fabulous reviews on TripAdvisor. My associates who stayed at this resort last year also loved it. I had clients there last summer shortly after it opened and they hated it.
Travel agents, obviously, can’t visit every hotel in every destination so we rely on feedback from clients and associates. Interesting though, that the feedback on this resort was great, my associates felt the same way but my clients disliked it.
What were the answers to the questions I asked------
Great beach
Spa
Lots of relaxation
All Inclusive
Really nice resort - at least 4*
Under $3000 for all 4 of them, including airfare.
(This last part is where the problem came in. The budget was a low for a really nice property but since this client is a doctor, I wouldn’t consider anything less.)
What did I recommend to them?
A brand new, gorgeous deluxe resort on a fabulous beach with a spa. It was all inclusive. The price was a bit over the budget since he booked so late and they needed 2 rooms.
What was the end result?
I got a complaint from the wife (I had dealt with the husband as she was out of town). She hated the flights that he approved. Their luggage was delayed which set everything off on a bad note. She hated the food. She hated the service. In short, she was not happy.
What did I do for them?
I put through a complaint with the tour operator and they sent me a $50 future travel credit for these clients. I also sent them the same, if they book another vacation with me.
Could this have been avoided? I’m not sure that the all of it could have been avoided but there were a couple of points to consider here. My friend, who is a patient of this doctor (the new client) said that he got exactly what he asked for- relaxing, great beach, all inclusive and in his budget, but he didn’t realize how important food is to the vacation. They didn’t like eating at the buffet for dinner. This was a major issue for them.
In the future, I will definitely make sure that all clients understand the limitations of all inclusive restaurants, such as the number of times they can eat in the specialty (sit down) restaurants and the reservation process. Will this doctor and his family book through me again. He said he would.
Just a side note: We didn’t love the resort either. The food was good- at the specialty restaurants but not so at the buffet. The resort was too quiet for us. We like to travel where English is the primary language spoken. We like good entertainment. We are used to cruises so we got spoiled.
Would I recommend this resort to clients? Certainly- as long as the resort fits their criteria . Would I recommend an all inclusive resort to this doctor again? Probably not- if food is a big issue, most all inclusive resorts wouldn’t fit the bill unless it was way over his price range.
We visited 13 resorts while in Punta Cana. Add that to the 2 we saw a couple of years ago. I feel confident that I can recommend the right property for clients looking at Punta Cana.
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