Although I still recommend getting a passport, this may be an option if you are planning to cruise from US ports. This can not be used for air travel, so please remember, if you need to fly home from your cruise from a Caribbean, Canadian, Bermuda or Mexican airport, this Passport Card will NOT be accepted.
Applications Now Available for U.S. Passport Card
Published on: January 28, 2008
U.S. citizens may begin applying in advance for the new U.S. Passport Card beginning Feb. 1, in anticipation of land border travel document requirements. The State Department said the cards should be available and mailed to applicants in spring 2008. The passport card will facilitate entry and expedite document processing at U.S. land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The card may not be used to travel by air. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the U.S. passport book and will be adjudicated to the exact same standards. The passport card is being issued in response to the needs of border resident communities for a less expensive and more portable alternative to the traditional passport book. The card will have the same validity period as a passport book: 10 years for an adult, five for children 15 and younger. For adults who already have a passport book, they may apply for the card as a passport renewal and pay only $20. First-time applicants pay $45 for adult cards and $35 for children. Visit www.travel.state.gov/passport/ppt_card/ppt_card_3926.html.
Monday, January 28, 2008
Friday, January 25, 2008
Royal Caribbean Share Holders can get ship board credit
Thank your Marc B. for this info:
If you own 100 shares of Royal Caribbean stock, you are entitled to ship board credit when you sail any of the Royal Caribbean brands, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity or Azamara.
Here is the info from the shareholder's link:
RCCL Shareholder Benefit
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible for this offer?
2. What is the offer?
3. How do I redeem this offer?
4. I am sailing with my family and some friends. Can they redeem the offer too?
5. Can I use the offer each time I sail?
6. Can this offer be combined with other offers, onboard credits and coupons?
7. Is offer transferrable?
8. Are there any restrictions?
1. Who is eligible for this offer?
Any shareholder holding a minimum of 100 RCL shares at time of sailing.
2. What is the offer?
$250 Onboard Credit per Stateroom on Sailings of 14 or more nights.
$200 Onboard Credit per Stateroom on Sailings of 9 to 13 nights.
$100 Onboard Credit per Stateroom on Sailings of 6 to 8 nights.
$50 Onboard Credit per Stateroom on Sailings of 5 nights or less.
Applicable on any Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises or Azamara Cruises Sailings. (excludes Celebrity Xpeditions)
3. How do I redeem this offer?
Provide your name, address, confirmation number, ship and sailing date along with a copy of your shareholder proxy card or a current brokerage statement showing proof of share ownership in Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.
Via Mail: RCL Investor Benefit, PO Box 025511, Miami, Florida 33102-5511
Via Fax: 1-305-373-6699
Via Email: shareholderbenefit@rccl.com
4. I am sailing with my family and some friends. Can they redeem the offer too?
The offer is only available for the stateroom in which the shareholder (with a minimum of 100 shares) is sailing. Only one credit per shareholder on any one sailing.
5. Can I use the offer each time I sail?
Yes, you may request this offer multiple times-as often as you sail on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises or Azamara Cruises (excludes Celebrity Xpedition).
6. Can this offer be combined with other offers, onboard credits and coupons?
Yes, this offer is combinable with other offers, onboard credits and coupons. The offer is NOT available to company employees, travel agents, tour conductors and/or others utilizing complimentary or reduced-rate cruise fares.
7. Is offer transferrable?
No. Offer is non-transferable. Only the stateroom that the shareholder is traveling in will be eligible for the onboard credit.
8. Are there any restrictions?
Offer is non-transferable and not available to employees, or agents of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. or its subsidiaries and affiliates, travel agents and tour operators. Offer is not combinable with any special fare programs, including, but not limited to, staterooms purchased with tour conductor credits, interline rates, complimentary cruises or cruises onboard chartered sailings. The Shareholder must own the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. stock at time of sailing. Onboard credit is calculated in US dollars except on sailings where the onboard currency used is a foreign currency (in which case the onboard credit will be converted at a currency exchange rate determined by the cruise line) and is not redeemable for cash. Certificate value credited to onboard account at time of sailing. Any unused credit shall be forfeited. Credit is applied on a per stateroom basis; double occupancy. Single guests paying 200% of applicable fare shall receive full value of certificate. Only one shareholder credit per stateroom. Only one credit per shareholder on any one sailing. Other terms and conditions may apply.
If you own 100 shares of Royal Caribbean stock, you are entitled to ship board credit when you sail any of the Royal Caribbean brands, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity or Azamara.
Here is the info from the shareholder's link:
RCCL Shareholder Benefit
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Who is eligible for this offer?
2. What is the offer?
3. How do I redeem this offer?
4. I am sailing with my family and some friends. Can they redeem the offer too?
5. Can I use the offer each time I sail?
6. Can this offer be combined with other offers, onboard credits and coupons?
7. Is offer transferrable?
8. Are there any restrictions?
1. Who is eligible for this offer?
Any shareholder holding a minimum of 100 RCL shares at time of sailing.
2. What is the offer?
$250 Onboard Credit per Stateroom on Sailings of 14 or more nights.
$200 Onboard Credit per Stateroom on Sailings of 9 to 13 nights.
$100 Onboard Credit per Stateroom on Sailings of 6 to 8 nights.
$50 Onboard Credit per Stateroom on Sailings of 5 nights or less.
Applicable on any Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises or Azamara Cruises Sailings. (excludes Celebrity Xpeditions)
3. How do I redeem this offer?
Provide your name, address, confirmation number, ship and sailing date along with a copy of your shareholder proxy card or a current brokerage statement showing proof of share ownership in Royal Caribbean Cruises, Ltd.
Via Mail: RCL Investor Benefit, PO Box 025511, Miami, Florida 33102-5511
Via Fax: 1-305-373-6699
Via Email: shareholderbenefit@rccl.com
4. I am sailing with my family and some friends. Can they redeem the offer too?
The offer is only available for the stateroom in which the shareholder (with a minimum of 100 shares) is sailing. Only one credit per shareholder on any one sailing.
5. Can I use the offer each time I sail?
Yes, you may request this offer multiple times-as often as you sail on Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises or Azamara Cruises (excludes Celebrity Xpedition).
6. Can this offer be combined with other offers, onboard credits and coupons?
Yes, this offer is combinable with other offers, onboard credits and coupons. The offer is NOT available to company employees, travel agents, tour conductors and/or others utilizing complimentary or reduced-rate cruise fares.
7. Is offer transferrable?
No. Offer is non-transferable. Only the stateroom that the shareholder is traveling in will be eligible for the onboard credit.
8. Are there any restrictions?
Offer is non-transferable and not available to employees, or agents of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. or its subsidiaries and affiliates, travel agents and tour operators. Offer is not combinable with any special fare programs, including, but not limited to, staterooms purchased with tour conductor credits, interline rates, complimentary cruises or cruises onboard chartered sailings. The Shareholder must own the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. stock at time of sailing. Onboard credit is calculated in US dollars except on sailings where the onboard currency used is a foreign currency (in which case the onboard credit will be converted at a currency exchange rate determined by the cruise line) and is not redeemable for cash. Certificate value credited to onboard account at time of sailing. Any unused credit shall be forfeited. Credit is applied on a per stateroom basis; double occupancy. Single guests paying 200% of applicable fare shall receive full value of certificate. Only one shareholder credit per stateroom. Only one credit per shareholder on any one sailing. Other terms and conditions may apply.
Couples Ocho Rios to close for Renovations
Unlike many other resorts that will update the property around the guests, Couples Ocho Rios is going to close completely for 8 months to completely renovate the property. Here is the press release from the company:
Couples Ocho Rios to Unveil New Hotel within Historic Walls
Jamaica’s Original All-Inclusive Hotel to Close While Undergoing $15 Million in Upgrade
Miami, FL – January 23, 2008 – Couples Resorts is pleased to announce plans for a US$15 million renovation of Jamaica’s first all-inclusive, couples only resort, Couples Ocho Rios. Nearly all areas of the 59 year old resort will be renovated as it is restored to its original Old World Jamaican charm, marrying tropical splendor with an updated, Grand Island style. The resort will close on April 1 and a new and improved Couples Ocho Rios will be unveiled on December 15, 2008. Nearly every aspect of the resort from the lobby to the spa to restaurants and pool facilities will be renovated with contemporary upgrades to ensure the romance, refinement and quality that Couples Resorts’ savvy guests have come to expect.
“We’ve been working on these plans for two years now,” explains Couples Chairman Lee Issa. “This well-orchestrated renovation effort is an example of our continued investment in Couples Ocho Rios and dedication to quality and guest satisfaction. Our guests are sophisticated travelers, who recognize superiority and style when they see it. We want to ensure they get what they desire – unparalleled beauty and romance.”
Originally built in 1949 as the Tower Isle Hotel and rebranded as Couples Ocho Rios in 1978, the resort will undergo extensive renovations that will include the addition of 20 accommodations – four suites and 16 rooms - all with ocean views, flat screen televisions in all rooms, new doors to guest room entrance and enhancements to the main pool (including leveling the depth to 5.0 feet throughout and creating a new water feature), lobby, piano bar, main dining room, main bar, and garden villa suites. Some bathrooms will feature zero edge walk-in showers.
Brand new amenities include a new wedding gazebo, veggie and juice bar, pool grill, spa with 10 treatment rooms, swim-up pool bar and new dive pool, gym, aerobics room, photo shop, gift shop, games room, and a floating dock at Tower Isle, Couples Ocho Rios’ own private island.
Guests already booked at Couples Ocho Rios during the closed period will be protected at one of our three sister properties (Couples Sans Souci, Couples Swept Away or Couples Negril) and will receive a certificate entitling them to two complimentary nights on a return stay at Couples Ocho Rios from April 1 – December 15, 2009. Guest who elect not to travel will be offered a full refund.
“It is common knowledge among our loyal guests that the staff at Couples Ocho Rios is what makes this resort so special. Several have been with the resort for nearly thirty years,” states Lee Issa. “We have offered a comprehensive and generous package to ensure that all valued employees will return to the resort for its grand re-opening in December.”
Couples Resorts, headquartered in Montego Bay, Jamaica, owns and operates four properties in Jamaica, West Indies - Couples Ocho Rios, the first-ever couples only, all-inclusive resort, Couples Sans Souci, Couples Swept Away and Couples Negril. Pioneered by the legendary Abe Issa – "father of Jamaican tourism" – each Couples Resort is an unsurpassed model of the all-inclusive concept, boldly designed with local inspiration to create a harmonic sense of nature and authentic Caribbean spirit. For more than 30 years, Couples has delighted guests and refined the Caribbean all-inclusive resort experience by providing unparalleled service, exceptional dining experiences and exclusive added value inclusions.
Couples Ocho Rios to Unveil New Hotel within Historic Walls
Jamaica’s Original All-Inclusive Hotel to Close While Undergoing $15 Million in Upgrade
Miami, FL – January 23, 2008 – Couples Resorts is pleased to announce plans for a US$15 million renovation of Jamaica’s first all-inclusive, couples only resort, Couples Ocho Rios. Nearly all areas of the 59 year old resort will be renovated as it is restored to its original Old World Jamaican charm, marrying tropical splendor with an updated, Grand Island style. The resort will close on April 1 and a new and improved Couples Ocho Rios will be unveiled on December 15, 2008. Nearly every aspect of the resort from the lobby to the spa to restaurants and pool facilities will be renovated with contemporary upgrades to ensure the romance, refinement and quality that Couples Resorts’ savvy guests have come to expect.
“We’ve been working on these plans for two years now,” explains Couples Chairman Lee Issa. “This well-orchestrated renovation effort is an example of our continued investment in Couples Ocho Rios and dedication to quality and guest satisfaction. Our guests are sophisticated travelers, who recognize superiority and style when they see it. We want to ensure they get what they desire – unparalleled beauty and romance.”
Originally built in 1949 as the Tower Isle Hotel and rebranded as Couples Ocho Rios in 1978, the resort will undergo extensive renovations that will include the addition of 20 accommodations – four suites and 16 rooms - all with ocean views, flat screen televisions in all rooms, new doors to guest room entrance and enhancements to the main pool (including leveling the depth to 5.0 feet throughout and creating a new water feature), lobby, piano bar, main dining room, main bar, and garden villa suites. Some bathrooms will feature zero edge walk-in showers.
Brand new amenities include a new wedding gazebo, veggie and juice bar, pool grill, spa with 10 treatment rooms, swim-up pool bar and new dive pool, gym, aerobics room, photo shop, gift shop, games room, and a floating dock at Tower Isle, Couples Ocho Rios’ own private island.
Guests already booked at Couples Ocho Rios during the closed period will be protected at one of our three sister properties (Couples Sans Souci, Couples Swept Away or Couples Negril) and will receive a certificate entitling them to two complimentary nights on a return stay at Couples Ocho Rios from April 1 – December 15, 2009. Guest who elect not to travel will be offered a full refund.
“It is common knowledge among our loyal guests that the staff at Couples Ocho Rios is what makes this resort so special. Several have been with the resort for nearly thirty years,” states Lee Issa. “We have offered a comprehensive and generous package to ensure that all valued employees will return to the resort for its grand re-opening in December.”
Couples Resorts, headquartered in Montego Bay, Jamaica, owns and operates four properties in Jamaica, West Indies - Couples Ocho Rios, the first-ever couples only, all-inclusive resort, Couples Sans Souci, Couples Swept Away and Couples Negril. Pioneered by the legendary Abe Issa – "father of Jamaican tourism" – each Couples Resort is an unsurpassed model of the all-inclusive concept, boldly designed with local inspiration to create a harmonic sense of nature and authentic Caribbean spirit. For more than 30 years, Couples has delighted guests and refined the Caribbean all-inclusive resort experience by providing unparalleled service, exceptional dining experiences and exclusive added value inclusions.
Monday, January 7, 2008
I am a Travel Agent............
This is an excerpt from an article written on www.openjaw.com
I am a travel agent.
I'm sometimes called a travel counselor, or a travel professional or a vacation & cruise specialist. I use my knowledge of destinations, resorts, escorted tours, cruise ships, air travel and attractions to 'counsel' clients on the best choices for their vacation dreams, desires and budgets.
As a travel agent, I add value.
Think of me as you would an accountant or a real estate agent. You can file your own tax return, but those who choose to use an accountant do so because they recognize that specialized knowledge pays off. The same goes for a real estate agent. You can sell your house without an agent, but most don't, because the absence of that knowledge can result in major problems. While my role is to match up clients with travel products, it's always your interests I represent. If anything goes wrong with your trip, I'm there for you.
Your time is precious.
You have choices today. You can research and book your trip online. You might even save a couple of dollars. If you're just booking a flight from point A to point B, or a car rental, or a hotel room, go ahead and book online. I won't be offended. You might find that it takes longer than you expected to find the 'best price' and if your flight is oversold or cancelled you'll be on your own but if you're a gambler the odds are pretty good you'll be OK.
When it comes to your hard-earned vacation time, I will passionately defend the value of my services. That shiny brochure with the golden bodies sitting around a glistening pool doesn't always tell the whole story. I might know that they pool is under renovation, the rooms are tired and dated, that on the particular week of your holiday the place will be packed with drunken college kids. That might matter to you. That might even be worth many times the small fee I charge for my services.
Benefit from my knowledge.
My knowledge offers other benefits. I may know the concierge who can arrange tickets to anything or that wonderful little restaurant tucked away in a side street. These are the kinds of things I learn through my travels and studies. I'm thrilled to share them with you, my clients.
I am a travel agent.
This is how I make my living, but I won't get rich doing this. That's not my motivation. I love to travel, see new places, meet new people, enjoy new sensations. More than anything, I love the feedback from clients that my knowledge, care and attention helped them create lasting memories. That's worth a lot to them. What is it worth to you?
I am a travel agent.
I'm sometimes called a travel counselor, or a travel professional or a vacation & cruise specialist. I use my knowledge of destinations, resorts, escorted tours, cruise ships, air travel and attractions to 'counsel' clients on the best choices for their vacation dreams, desires and budgets.
As a travel agent, I add value.
Think of me as you would an accountant or a real estate agent. You can file your own tax return, but those who choose to use an accountant do so because they recognize that specialized knowledge pays off. The same goes for a real estate agent. You can sell your house without an agent, but most don't, because the absence of that knowledge can result in major problems. While my role is to match up clients with travel products, it's always your interests I represent. If anything goes wrong with your trip, I'm there for you.
Your time is precious.
You have choices today. You can research and book your trip online. You might even save a couple of dollars. If you're just booking a flight from point A to point B, or a car rental, or a hotel room, go ahead and book online. I won't be offended. You might find that it takes longer than you expected to find the 'best price' and if your flight is oversold or cancelled you'll be on your own but if you're a gambler the odds are pretty good you'll be OK.
When it comes to your hard-earned vacation time, I will passionately defend the value of my services. That shiny brochure with the golden bodies sitting around a glistening pool doesn't always tell the whole story. I might know that they pool is under renovation, the rooms are tired and dated, that on the particular week of your holiday the place will be packed with drunken college kids. That might matter to you. That might even be worth many times the small fee I charge for my services.
Benefit from my knowledge.
My knowledge offers other benefits. I may know the concierge who can arrange tickets to anything or that wonderful little restaurant tucked away in a side street. These are the kinds of things I learn through my travels and studies. I'm thrilled to share them with you, my clients.
I am a travel agent.
This is how I make my living, but I won't get rich doing this. That's not my motivation. I love to travel, see new places, meet new people, enjoy new sensations. More than anything, I love the feedback from clients that my knowledge, care and attention helped them create lasting memories. That's worth a lot to them. What is it worth to you?
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Princess Cruises announces the "Chef's Table"
Princess Cruises is set to roll out its recently launched the Chef's Table dining experience across the line's fleet. Currently available on Emerald Princess, the Crown Princess and the Caribbean Princess, the Chef's Table is scheduled to debut aboard most vessels in the fleet in early 2008. The line's smaller ships -- the Tahitian Princess, the Pacific Princess and the Royal Princess -- are not part of the initial roll-out but may offer the program at a later date.The Chef's Table offers a select group of gourmands the opportunity to be welcomed into the ship's galley for an evening hosted by the executive chef. While many passengers can take galley tours during the quiet off-hours, the Chef's Table takes interested diners behind the scenes during the height of dinner preparation, where they'll also enjoy cocktails and hors d'oeuvres, followed by a special, multi-course tasting dinner paired with selected wines in the dining room. Additionally, each couple at the Chef's Table will receive a personalized, autographed copy of Princess' cookbook, "Courses, A Culinary Journey," which has sold more than 100,000 copies worldwide and is available through Amazon online. Guests will also receive a complimentary photo taken at the private table with the chef. The Chef's Table experience can be reserved by up to 10 passengers per night, at a cost of $75 per person. Reservations are made onboard through the ship's dine telephone line or in person at the dining reservations table set up on the first day of the cruise.
Cunard Queens to Rendezvous in NYC on 1/13/08
Happy New Year to all!
Just some interesting news for those of you living in the NYC area.
On Sunday, January 13, 2008, Cunard Line operator of The Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World will, for the first and only time, sail their three luxury liner Queens - flagship Queen Mary 2, famed Queen Elizabeth 2 and the new Queen Victoria - together out of New York harbor. The regal fleet is scheduled to depart at 6:30 p.m. Queen Mary 2 will depart from her home port, Brooklyn Cruise Terminal while QE2 will depart from Pier 92 and Queen Victoria will depart from Pier 88 both at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Then, the three Queens will rendezvous and sail past the Statue of Liberty during a spectacular fireworks celebration at approximately 7:00 p.m."This is an historic occasion for Cunard and New York, marking the only time that the three ships will be together...ever," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. "More history will be made as our grand dame QE2 departs on her 26th and final World Cruise and Queen Victoria will depart on her maiden World Cruise," added Marlow.This is the first-time in Cunard's 168-year history that three "Queens" have been in service at the same time and with QE2 retiring in November 2008 will be the only time they will be together, offering a maritime history-making moment.Thousands of well-wishers are expected to gather at ideal viewing locations to wish the majestic fleet of Queens "Bon Voyage" and see the fireworks celebration. They include: •Battery Park: On the southern shoreline of Manhattan, www.thebattery.orgMap link: http://www.bpcparks.org/bpcp/map/map.php•Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park: Overlooking the Hudson River with great views of the Statue of Liberty
Getting there: Just south of the Museum of Jewish Heritage. By subway: 4 or 5 to Bowling Green, or N or R to Whitehall.•The Esplanade: Running the entire length of Battery Park City, along the Hudson River from Stuyvesant High School on the north end all the way south to Battery Park
•Hudson River Park: 550 acre park extends for five miles along the Manhattan shoreline from Battery Place to West 59th Street.
For the most current information on the day's events, visit www.cunard.com/rendezvous.
Just some interesting news for those of you living in the NYC area.
On Sunday, January 13, 2008, Cunard Line operator of The Most Famous Ocean Liners in the World will, for the first and only time, sail their three luxury liner Queens - flagship Queen Mary 2, famed Queen Elizabeth 2 and the new Queen Victoria - together out of New York harbor. The regal fleet is scheduled to depart at 6:30 p.m. Queen Mary 2 will depart from her home port, Brooklyn Cruise Terminal while QE2 will depart from Pier 92 and Queen Victoria will depart from Pier 88 both at the Manhattan Cruise Terminal. Then, the three Queens will rendezvous and sail past the Statue of Liberty during a spectacular fireworks celebration at approximately 7:00 p.m."This is an historic occasion for Cunard and New York, marking the only time that the three ships will be together...ever," said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. "More history will be made as our grand dame QE2 departs on her 26th and final World Cruise and Queen Victoria will depart on her maiden World Cruise," added Marlow.This is the first-time in Cunard's 168-year history that three "Queens" have been in service at the same time and with QE2 retiring in November 2008 will be the only time they will be together, offering a maritime history-making moment.Thousands of well-wishers are expected to gather at ideal viewing locations to wish the majestic fleet of Queens "Bon Voyage" and see the fireworks celebration. They include: •Battery Park: On the southern shoreline of Manhattan, www.thebattery.orgMap link: http://www.bpcparks.org/bpcp/map/map.php•Robert F. Wagner Jr. Park: Overlooking the Hudson River with great views of the Statue of Liberty
Getting there: Just south of the Museum of Jewish Heritage. By subway: 4 or 5 to Bowling Green, or N or R to Whitehall.•The Esplanade: Running the entire length of Battery Park City, along the Hudson River from Stuyvesant High School on the north end all the way south to Battery Park
•Hudson River Park: 550 acre park extends for five miles along the Manhattan shoreline from Battery Place to West 59th Street.
For the most current information on the day's events, visit www.cunard.com/rendezvous.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
