On Christmas Day, a terror attempt was made upon a Northwest Flight bound to Detroit from Amsterdam. Obviously, the Transportation Security Administration is now beefing up security again, during the busiest travel season of the year.
Some additional security measures involve extra screening of carry on items and your person. Allow extra time to get through security. It is being said to allow 2 hours for domestic flights and 3 hours for international flights.
Some other security measures MIGHT include:
no access to your carry on bag within the last hour of your flight
no access to any carry on items in your lap, within the last hour of your flight
no bathroom use during the last hour of your flight.
Please keep on top of any new TSA rules at
www.tsa.gov/
Safe travels!
TSA Guidance for Passengers on Heightened Security Measures in Place Following Dec. 25 IncidentNews & Happenings
December 27, 2009
On Dec. 25, 2009, an individual on board Northwest Airlines Flight 253 set off a device and was subdued by passengers and crew. TSA wishes to acknowledge the heroic efforts of those individuals.
As a result of this incident, TSA has worked with airline and law enforcement authorities, as well as federal, state, local, and international partners to put additional security measures in place to ensure aviation security remains strong. Passengers traveling domestically and internationally to U.S. destinations may notice additional screening measures.
The American people should continue their planned holiday travel. TSA encourages passengers to remain observant and aware of their surroundings and report any suspicious behavior or activity to law enforcement officials.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Q: What additional security measures is TSA taking domestically?A: TSA has a layered approach to security that allows us to surge resources as needed on a daily basis. We have the ability to quickly implement additional screening measures including explosive detection canine teams, law enforcement officers, gate screening, behavior detection and other measures both seen and unseen. Passengers should not expect to see the same thing at every airport.
Q: What additional security measures are being taken for international flights to U.S. destinations?
A: TSA issued a directive for additional security measures to be implemented for last point of departure international flights to the United States. Passengers flying into the United States from abroad can expect to see additional security measures at international airports such as increased gate screening including pat-downs and bag searches. During flight, passengers will be asked to follow flight crew instructions, such as stowing personal items, turning off electronic equipment and remaining seated during certain portions of the flight.
Q: Do passengers need to do anything differently to prepare for checkpoint security procedures? Has anything changed in terms of what passengers can bring in their carry-on or checked bags?
A: At this time, security checkpoint requirements for passengers departing U.S. airports remain the same. Passengers do not need to do anything differently, but they may notice additional security measures at the airport.
Q: Should passengers plan to arrive at airports earlier than normal?
A: Passengers traveling within the United States should give themselves extra time to check in and proceed through the security checkpoint before their flight, especially during the busy holiday travel season. TSA advises that passengers traveling on international flights to U.S. destinations allow extra time for security and arrive an additional hour earlier.
Q. How long will these measures remain in place?
A: TSA will continuously review these measures to ensure the highest levels of security.
Monday, December 28, 2009
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Disney's New Promotion
Disney just announced a new promotion for winter travel:
When guests purchase a five-night/six-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, they’ll get a free Disney Gift Card to use at participating locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort for merchandise, recreation and dining.
This Magic Your Way package includes accommodations for five nights right in the middle of the magic;
***a six-day Magic Your Way Base Ticket, with admission to one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks for each day of their stay
***a $300 Disney Gift Card for stays most nights Jan. 3, Jan.10 to 12, Jan. 18 to Feb. 9, Feb. 15 to March 27 and April 11 to June 3, 2010, at select Disney Value Resorts
OR***a $500 Disney Gift Card for stays most nights Jan. 3, Jan.10 to 12, Jan. 18 to March 27 and April 11 to June 3, 2010, at select Disney Moderate Resorts
OR*** a $750 Disney Gift Card for stays most nights Jan. 3 to 11, Jan. 19 to March 27 and April 11 to June 3, 2010, at select Disney Deluxe Resorts, or Jan. 3 to 11, Jan. 19 to March 27 and April 11 to June 3, 2010, at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts.
For reservations and more info on this and other Walt Disney World packages, please contact, mindy@myvacationlady.com
When guests purchase a five-night/six-day non-discounted Walt Disney Travel Company room and ticket package at select Walt Disney World Resort hotels, they’ll get a free Disney Gift Card to use at participating locations throughout the Walt Disney World Resort for merchandise, recreation and dining.
This Magic Your Way package includes accommodations for five nights right in the middle of the magic;
***a six-day Magic Your Way Base Ticket, with admission to one of the four Walt Disney World Theme Parks for each day of their stay
***a $300 Disney Gift Card for stays most nights Jan. 3, Jan.10 to 12, Jan. 18 to Feb. 9, Feb. 15 to March 27 and April 11 to June 3, 2010, at select Disney Value Resorts
OR***a $500 Disney Gift Card for stays most nights Jan. 3, Jan.10 to 12, Jan. 18 to March 27 and April 11 to June 3, 2010, at select Disney Moderate Resorts
OR*** a $750 Disney Gift Card for stays most nights Jan. 3 to 11, Jan. 19 to March 27 and April 11 to June 3, 2010, at select Disney Deluxe Resorts, or Jan. 3 to 11, Jan. 19 to March 27 and April 11 to June 3, 2010, at select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts.
For reservations and more info on this and other Walt Disney World packages, please contact, mindy@myvacationlady.com
Monday, December 21, 2009
USA Today's Airport Guide
Cheapest places to park, how to get thru security fast, best places to eat and more
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/airportguides/index.htm
http://www.usatoday.com/travel/flights/airportguides/index.htm
Friday, December 18, 2009
Oahu's different seasons
Most people that Hawaii only has 1 season but in actuality, when you go can mean a lot, especially if you are a surfer.
Do you know how to differentiate between Oahu’s winter and summer months?
A key point of seasonal differentiation is the surf. Oahu’s winter surf averages 6-12 feet, but can reach as high as 25-35 feet. Oahu’s North Shore beaches take on a very different personality between seasons.
In the winter, the North Shore beaches are pounded with large surf and are not swimmable.
In contrast, during summer months you can float in a raft and drift with the gentle winds.
Hawaii’s summer: May-September
Hawaii’s winter: November-March.
Do you know how to differentiate between Oahu’s winter and summer months?
A key point of seasonal differentiation is the surf. Oahu’s winter surf averages 6-12 feet, but can reach as high as 25-35 feet. Oahu’s North Shore beaches take on a very different personality between seasons.
In the winter, the North Shore beaches are pounded with large surf and are not swimmable.
In contrast, during summer months you can float in a raft and drift with the gentle winds.
Hawaii’s summer: May-September
Hawaii’s winter: November-March.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
World's Coolest Pools
Check out the world's coolest pools
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-coolest-pools/1
http://www.travelandleisure.com/articles/worlds-coolest-pools/1
Monday, December 14, 2009
Labadee has been renovated to welcome the Oasis of the Seas
Royal Caribbean International’s private beach destination of Labadee, Haiti, has completed a multi-year renovation in time to welcome the line’s Oasis of the Seas on the ship’s Dec. 1 voyage. The primary areas of focus under the development plan included renovations to the island’s pier to allow for the accommodation of Royal Caribbean’s Freedom- and Oasis-class ships, an overhaul of the facilities and dining venues, and a complete revamp of Labadee’s upland areas, including the construction of new bars and the renourishment of area beaches. The dining establishments saw a 57 percent growth in capacity, and the new pier area stretches 1,300 feet (pier and trestle) in length.
Two areas new to Labadee and central to the redesign of the destination are Dragon’s Plaza and Labadee Town Square, both of which offer meeting places where guests can experience Haitian culture and take in shopping, shows, cultural activities and other activities. Within Dragon’s Plaza, Columbus Cove Beach offers family-friendly attractions including water slides, which complement the area’s aqua park. Labadee Town Square offers an expanded version of the artisan market, as well as music, folkloric dancers and other entertainment.
New activities and redesigned public areas elsewhere on Labadee include the new Dragon’s Tail Coaster, offering a high-speed ride through 2,232 feet of the destination’s tropical flora and rock formations. Upland-area favorites like Barefoot Beach Club, dedicated for the use of Royal Caribbean’s suite guests, offers enhanced food and beverage services; and 20 private cabanas are available for rent along the water’s edge and within the hillside areas. The spa facilities at Barefoot Beach have also been revamped to provide an Oasis-like feel, and an expanded area has been set aside for yoga classes and other spa services.
With Oasis of the Seas introducing additional calls to Labadee and other ports on the ship’s Eastern Caribbean itinerary, shore excursions and tour capacities at each stop have increased. On Labadee, new tours include the High Speed Coastal Cruise & Swim excursion and the Discover Haiti Coastal Cruise.
For information and reservations on the Oasis of the Seas or any other cruise, please contact mindy@myvacationlady.com
Two areas new to Labadee and central to the redesign of the destination are Dragon’s Plaza and Labadee Town Square, both of which offer meeting places where guests can experience Haitian culture and take in shopping, shows, cultural activities and other activities. Within Dragon’s Plaza, Columbus Cove Beach offers family-friendly attractions including water slides, which complement the area’s aqua park. Labadee Town Square offers an expanded version of the artisan market, as well as music, folkloric dancers and other entertainment.
New activities and redesigned public areas elsewhere on Labadee include the new Dragon’s Tail Coaster, offering a high-speed ride through 2,232 feet of the destination’s tropical flora and rock formations. Upland-area favorites like Barefoot Beach Club, dedicated for the use of Royal Caribbean’s suite guests, offers enhanced food and beverage services; and 20 private cabanas are available for rent along the water’s edge and within the hillside areas. The spa facilities at Barefoot Beach have also been revamped to provide an Oasis-like feel, and an expanded area has been set aside for yoga classes and other spa services.
With Oasis of the Seas introducing additional calls to Labadee and other ports on the ship’s Eastern Caribbean itinerary, shore excursions and tour capacities at each stop have increased. On Labadee, new tours include the High Speed Coastal Cruise & Swim excursion and the Discover Haiti Coastal Cruise.
For information and reservations on the Oasis of the Seas or any other cruise, please contact mindy@myvacationlady.com
Friday, December 11, 2009
Spotlight on Uniworld River Cruises
For over 30 years, Uniworld has taken guests to the world's great rivers in Europe, Russia, China, and Egypt. Uniworld offers over 500 departures on more than 30 itineraries sailing on 12 rivers in 20 countries across 4 continents.
Since 2006, when Uniworld was purchased by Travel Corporation (parent company of Red Carnation Hotels - the award-winning five-star luxury hotel collection), Uniworld has made major investments in its ships and its people. The ultimate goal of these investments is a first-class European river cruise boutique, hotel-style experience. The winning combination of Uniworld's new sister company's expertise in first-class hotel management coupled with Uniworld's decades of superior nautical experience has created a new dimension in river cruising.
Boutique Hotel-Style Ships
Boutique hotel designers often invest a lot of thought, time, and resources into an interior decor reflective of a destination, as well as the amenities that ensure an elegant, relaxed, and intimate experience.
This is apparent on each of Uniworld's eight company-owned ships. Over the course of the last two years, Uniworld's ships have been completely refurbished to the highest standard of comfort, so guests travel from one exciting destination to the next with access to stylish lounges, cozy libraries, panoramic restaurants offering sumptuous cuisine, and inviting riverview staterooms.
More Personalized Attention
Exceptional service guaranteed doesn't just happen; it's planned. Uniworld has invested in a team of dedicated professionals who work together to ensure guests have a truly memorable experience. With no more than 134 guests per ship and a ratio of one highly-trained crew member for every three guests, Uniworld's staff is able to anticipate the needs and desires of each guest and offer more personalized attention.
Uniworld employs an all English, professionally trained staff, so there are no language barriers and no problems understanding what is being said or going on. All announcements are made only in English. Unlike many companies offering river cruise programs in Europe and elsewhere, Uniworld is an American company focused on North American travelers, or at least English-speaking clientele (the trips are popular with Canadians and Australians as well).
The readers of Condé Nast Traveler have named Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Collection in the coveted top ten ranking in the magazine's 21st Annual Readers' Choice Awards. The awards are based on the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' choice survey, the largest independent poll of consumers' preferences.
Since 2006, when Uniworld was purchased by Travel Corporation (parent company of Red Carnation Hotels - the award-winning five-star luxury hotel collection), Uniworld has made major investments in its ships and its people. The ultimate goal of these investments is a first-class European river cruise boutique, hotel-style experience. The winning combination of Uniworld's new sister company's expertise in first-class hotel management coupled with Uniworld's decades of superior nautical experience has created a new dimension in river cruising.
Boutique Hotel-Style Ships
Boutique hotel designers often invest a lot of thought, time, and resources into an interior decor reflective of a destination, as well as the amenities that ensure an elegant, relaxed, and intimate experience.
This is apparent on each of Uniworld's eight company-owned ships. Over the course of the last two years, Uniworld's ships have been completely refurbished to the highest standard of comfort, so guests travel from one exciting destination to the next with access to stylish lounges, cozy libraries, panoramic restaurants offering sumptuous cuisine, and inviting riverview staterooms.
More Personalized Attention
Exceptional service guaranteed doesn't just happen; it's planned. Uniworld has invested in a team of dedicated professionals who work together to ensure guests have a truly memorable experience. With no more than 134 guests per ship and a ratio of one highly-trained crew member for every three guests, Uniworld's staff is able to anticipate the needs and desires of each guest and offer more personalized attention.
Uniworld employs an all English, professionally trained staff, so there are no language barriers and no problems understanding what is being said or going on. All announcements are made only in English. Unlike many companies offering river cruise programs in Europe and elsewhere, Uniworld is an American company focused on North American travelers, or at least English-speaking clientele (the trips are popular with Canadians and Australians as well).
The readers of Condé Nast Traveler have named Uniworld Boutique River Cruises Collection in the coveted top ten ranking in the magazine's 21st Annual Readers' Choice Awards. The awards are based on the Condé Nast Traveler Readers' choice survey, the largest independent poll of consumers' preferences.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Azamara Cruises to rebrand and redesign itself
A new name and more for Azamara Cruises:
"Azamara Cruises, the two-ship brand launched in 2007 with the 694-guest Azamara Journey and sister ship Azamara Quest, has changed its name to Azamara Club Cruises, and refined its focus with a series of new brand attributes designed for up-market, experienced travelers. “This isn’t a strategy of going ‘from good to great,’” said Azamara Club Cruises President & CEO Larry Pimentel (pictured). “This is about taking an already great product and making it exceptional.”
Pimentel, who joined Azamara in July, spent several weeks talking with travel agents, past guests and the press to determine how to make his great-to-exceptional goal a reality. He also tapped a new team focused 100 percent on Azamara, including Edie Borstein, vice president of sales and marketing; Bert Van Middendorp, assistant vice president of hotel operations; Signe Bjorndal; director of marketing; Michelle Nevin, director of national; and an eight-member field sales team dedicated solely to Azamara. Together, Pimentel and his team shaped the new Azamara Club Cruises, whose most distinguishing new attributes will be in effect by April 2010.
“Today’s cruisers have incredible new vacation options — like Celebrity’s stunning Solstice Class and Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas,” said Pimentel. “Azamara Club Cruises will distinguish itself by delivering the destination like no other line.”
The newly rebranded Azamara Club Cruises will be based on four pillars -- destination immersion, extraordinary customer service, cuisine and wine, and wellness and vigor. From a destination standpoint, Azamara will visit 140 ports in 50 countries in 2010, with itineraries featuring more overnight stays to allow guests to immerse themselves in communities and cultures. Among the overnight locations are Istanbul, Turkey; Sorrento, Italy, which offers a host of tour options along the Amalfi Coast and Capri; a full three days and two nights in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Azamara’s Scandinavia and Russia itineraries; and multiple overnight stays in Azamara’s Southeast Asia region, including Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong.
“We’re going to slow down the tempo, and allow our guests to not just see the destination, but to live it,” said Pimentel. “Consider destinations like St. Tropez or St. Petersburg, Russia. If you’ve experienced them only by day, you haven’t really experienced them. With Azamara, through more overnight stays and late-night stays, you can.”
The destination focus of Azamara Club Cruises inspired the brand’s new tagline -- “You’ll love where we take you” -- and will extend to its shore excursions, an essential ingredient to allow guests to truly experience a community and its culture.
Azamara has created distinctive two-day packages tailored to the overnight destinations to make it easy for guests to immerse themselves in each location, including Dubrovnik, Croatia; Odessa, Ukraine; Livorno (Florence), Italy; Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany; or London, in addition to Sorrento and St. Petersburg.
Azamara also will offer experiences such as a two-night package from Bangkok to Laos; an overnight tour from Hiroshima to Osaka via bullet train; a three-night experience from Mumbai, including a visit to the Taj Mahal; overnight tours in Israel between Ashdod and Cairo; and a Grand Egypt tour featuring the best of both Luxor and Cairo.
Azamara’s specialty tours include a Ferrari driving tour in Civitavecchia, Italy; a visit to Liverpool with the “In the Steps of The Beatles” tour; a private demonstration of chocolate flavors in Dubrovnik; a “Theatre A La Carte” evening in London; Croatian liqueur tasting in Zadar; an Imperial Russian Court evening at Tsarskoye Selo in St. Petersburg; an evening gondola serenade in Venice; and high tea at the Burj al Arab Hotel in Dubai.
Azamara will continue to place a heavy emphasis on fine cuisine, and will expand its focus on wine to include vintages from boutique wineries around the world. Guests will have the opportunity to taste high quality wines that may be unavailable at home, because the selected vineyards produce a strictly limited quantity each year, distributed primarily locally. The featured wines will be offered complimentary at lunches and dinners on every sailing. Azamara also will offer a program at ports of call featuring dining opportunities at popular local restaurants. These culinary shore excursions will focus on regional cuisines and wine.
Wellness and vigor also will be a core component of the Azamara experience, with onboard and land-based experiences designed to help guests feel and look healthier and more youthful. Azamara’s aim in wellness and vigor is to help guests balance their physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual needs through massages, facials and other spa treatments, as well as acupuncture, yoga, Pilates, and enrichment programs.
The newly refined brand also is focused on delivering exceptional service. “Extraordinary service is paramount with Azamara Club Cruises,” said Pimentel. “We know every travel and hospitality organization proclaims it’s committed to great service, so what will make Azamara stand out? First, our butlers will be trained to be true English butlers to offer that fine balance of anticipatory, pampering, yet non-intrusive service to guests in every suite.” Guests in staterooms will be served by the line’s host of experienced stateroom attendants.
Azamara also will offer many inclusive amenities, with the following included in the cruise fare beginning with the first voyages in April 2010 on Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest: a specific brand of bottled water offered at no charge throughout the voyage, whether in public venues or in staterooms; specialty coffees and teas; housekeeping and dining gratuities; shuttlebus service to/from port communities, where available; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programs; most meals and room service; house wine at lunches and dinners; and self-service laundry. Specialty dining in Azamara’s intimate Prime C steakhouse and the Mediterranean-influenced Aqualina will be complimentary for suite guests for the duration of their cruise.
With the planned improvements, Azamara is raising fares. “We started to increase prices several weeks ago, and we continue to,” Bornstein said. “On Monday, Dec. 14, we’ll see the biggest price increase. When our story gets out there and people see what’s included, they will realize it will be worth every penny. This product was so underpriced. Now we’re offering additional things that further justify the price increase.”
Finally, Azamara is a launching a new guests loyalty program, Le Club Voyage, with specific features and benefits yet to be announced."
For information and reservations for Azamara Club Cruises, contact mindy@myvacationlady.com
"Azamara Cruises, the two-ship brand launched in 2007 with the 694-guest Azamara Journey and sister ship Azamara Quest, has changed its name to Azamara Club Cruises, and refined its focus with a series of new brand attributes designed for up-market, experienced travelers. “This isn’t a strategy of going ‘from good to great,’” said Azamara Club Cruises President & CEO Larry Pimentel (pictured). “This is about taking an already great product and making it exceptional.”
Pimentel, who joined Azamara in July, spent several weeks talking with travel agents, past guests and the press to determine how to make his great-to-exceptional goal a reality. He also tapped a new team focused 100 percent on Azamara, including Edie Borstein, vice president of sales and marketing; Bert Van Middendorp, assistant vice president of hotel operations; Signe Bjorndal; director of marketing; Michelle Nevin, director of national; and an eight-member field sales team dedicated solely to Azamara. Together, Pimentel and his team shaped the new Azamara Club Cruises, whose most distinguishing new attributes will be in effect by April 2010.
“Today’s cruisers have incredible new vacation options — like Celebrity’s stunning Solstice Class and Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas,” said Pimentel. “Azamara Club Cruises will distinguish itself by delivering the destination like no other line.”
The newly rebranded Azamara Club Cruises will be based on four pillars -- destination immersion, extraordinary customer service, cuisine and wine, and wellness and vigor. From a destination standpoint, Azamara will visit 140 ports in 50 countries in 2010, with itineraries featuring more overnight stays to allow guests to immerse themselves in communities and cultures. Among the overnight locations are Istanbul, Turkey; Sorrento, Italy, which offers a host of tour options along the Amalfi Coast and Capri; a full three days and two nights in St. Petersburg, Russia, on Azamara’s Scandinavia and Russia itineraries; and multiple overnight stays in Azamara’s Southeast Asia region, including Ho Chi Minh City, Bangkok, Singapore and Hong Kong.
“We’re going to slow down the tempo, and allow our guests to not just see the destination, but to live it,” said Pimentel. “Consider destinations like St. Tropez or St. Petersburg, Russia. If you’ve experienced them only by day, you haven’t really experienced them. With Azamara, through more overnight stays and late-night stays, you can.”
The destination focus of Azamara Club Cruises inspired the brand’s new tagline -- “You’ll love where we take you” -- and will extend to its shore excursions, an essential ingredient to allow guests to truly experience a community and its culture.
Azamara has created distinctive two-day packages tailored to the overnight destinations to make it easy for guests to immerse themselves in each location, including Dubrovnik, Croatia; Odessa, Ukraine; Livorno (Florence), Italy; Warnemunde (Berlin), Germany; or London, in addition to Sorrento and St. Petersburg.
Azamara also will offer experiences such as a two-night package from Bangkok to Laos; an overnight tour from Hiroshima to Osaka via bullet train; a three-night experience from Mumbai, including a visit to the Taj Mahal; overnight tours in Israel between Ashdod and Cairo; and a Grand Egypt tour featuring the best of both Luxor and Cairo.
Azamara’s specialty tours include a Ferrari driving tour in Civitavecchia, Italy; a visit to Liverpool with the “In the Steps of The Beatles” tour; a private demonstration of chocolate flavors in Dubrovnik; a “Theatre A La Carte” evening in London; Croatian liqueur tasting in Zadar; an Imperial Russian Court evening at Tsarskoye Selo in St. Petersburg; an evening gondola serenade in Venice; and high tea at the Burj al Arab Hotel in Dubai.
Azamara will continue to place a heavy emphasis on fine cuisine, and will expand its focus on wine to include vintages from boutique wineries around the world. Guests will have the opportunity to taste high quality wines that may be unavailable at home, because the selected vineyards produce a strictly limited quantity each year, distributed primarily locally. The featured wines will be offered complimentary at lunches and dinners on every sailing. Azamara also will offer a program at ports of call featuring dining opportunities at popular local restaurants. These culinary shore excursions will focus on regional cuisines and wine.
Wellness and vigor also will be a core component of the Azamara experience, with onboard and land-based experiences designed to help guests feel and look healthier and more youthful. Azamara’s aim in wellness and vigor is to help guests balance their physical, emotional, social, spiritual and intellectual needs through massages, facials and other spa treatments, as well as acupuncture, yoga, Pilates, and enrichment programs.
The newly refined brand also is focused on delivering exceptional service. “Extraordinary service is paramount with Azamara Club Cruises,” said Pimentel. “We know every travel and hospitality organization proclaims it’s committed to great service, so what will make Azamara stand out? First, our butlers will be trained to be true English butlers to offer that fine balance of anticipatory, pampering, yet non-intrusive service to guests in every suite.” Guests in staterooms will be served by the line’s host of experienced stateroom attendants.
Azamara also will offer many inclusive amenities, with the following included in the cruise fare beginning with the first voyages in April 2010 on Azamara Journey and Azamara Quest: a specific brand of bottled water offered at no charge throughout the voyage, whether in public venues or in staterooms; specialty coffees and teas; housekeeping and dining gratuities; shuttlebus service to/from port communities, where available; destination-influenced entertainment and enrichment programs; most meals and room service; house wine at lunches and dinners; and self-service laundry. Specialty dining in Azamara’s intimate Prime C steakhouse and the Mediterranean-influenced Aqualina will be complimentary for suite guests for the duration of their cruise.
With the planned improvements, Azamara is raising fares. “We started to increase prices several weeks ago, and we continue to,” Bornstein said. “On Monday, Dec. 14, we’ll see the biggest price increase. When our story gets out there and people see what’s included, they will realize it will be worth every penny. This product was so underpriced. Now we’re offering additional things that further justify the price increase.”
Finally, Azamara is a launching a new guests loyalty program, Le Club Voyage, with specific features and benefits yet to be announced."
For information and reservations for Azamara Club Cruises, contact mindy@myvacationlady.com
Monday, December 7, 2009
Hidden Hotel Fees (part 3)
Don't be surprised when your hotel bill reflects a higher rate than you anticipated.
Here are some other "surprise fees" that can appear on your bill.
Packages: Some hotels charge $1 to $25 to mail packages for their guests, with similar fees for receiving packages. These fees may vary based on the size or number of packages. If you are near a post office or a mail boxes/shipping store, it may be more cost effective to just drop the package off.
Parking: Mandatory valet parking can easily add $25 a day onto the cost of your downtown hotel -- and don't forget the tip. Ask if there is free self parking. You may have to walk a bit and possibly get wet if it rains but could save you a bundle.
Resort fee: This ubiquitous surcharge generally runs between $10 and $25 per day and can cover a wide variety of services and amenities, such as a business center, a pool, a gym, daily newspaper delivery, housekeeping or "free" local calls. Even if you don't use any of these services, you'll still get stuck with the tab. This is extremely common in Hawaii and will tend to include "free self parking", bottles of water, newspaper delivery and, if you are lucky, free internet access. On our last visit, one resort didn't have a resort fee but charged $15 for self parking. The other had an $18 resort fee but included self parking. Be sure to read what the resort fees include before you book.
Taxes and other local charges: Taxes are no huge surprise to most travelers, but what about concessionary fees to pay for local building projects or tourism marketing efforts? Hotels often pass these mandatory charges straight from the local government to you. Energy surcharges are my biggest pet peeve.
Telephone: Before picking up the receiver, study your hotel's list of telephone charges carefully. Some hotels charge for local and toll-free calls, while others do not. You may occasionally be charged simply for dialing, even if your call is never connected. Check with your cell phone carrier on charges made from your destination. It may be less than using the hotel room phone. Palace Resorts in Mexico, in particular, include free 800 # calls and calls back to the US. That's a nice perk.
Towels: An extra towel at the pool could cost you an extra buck or two, particularly if you bring it back to your room with you. For me, it is easier for me to spot my towel if I bring one from home. A blue and red towel amidst a sea of beige makes it so much easier to find my lounge chair.
Tips for Avoiding Fees
Do Your Research
Beyond taxes, it can be difficult to figure out which fees will be charged at a particular hotel or resort before you book. Most of the fees listed above aren't listed on hotel booking sites in your final breakdown of charges. For example, we tried booking a stay at the Westin St. John Resort and Villas on Hotels.com, Travelocity and Expedia. All three sites collected taxes and "service fees" (note that these are charged not by the hotel but by the booking sites), but it wasn't until we visited the Westin's Web site that we discovered the resort also charges a $40 resort fee per night. The moral of the story? No matter where you finally book your stay, be sure to check multiple sources for a better idea of what fees may apply.
Ask Ahead of Time
You can find some information online, but often your best bet is simply to pick up the phone. Call the hotel and ask what fees will apply to your stay -- and whether any of them can be waived ahead of time. Keep in mind that fees can vary within the same chain, so it's best to dial the individual property directly instead of calling the 800 reservations number. Write down the names of any staff members you speak with and which fees they agree to waive.
Don't Tip Twice
Before you leave a tip for your housekeeper, make sure the hotel isn't already charging you a housekeeping gratuity fee. If it is, you can skip the additional tip -- or ask for the fee to be removed so that you can tip at your own discretion.
Stock Up
Bring your own snacks and bottled water to help yourself resist the lure of the minibar or the edible "gifts" the hotel leaves on your desk.
When in Doubt, Ask
During your stay, don't take anything for granted. Before using the gym or taking an extra towel at the pool, ask if a fee applies.
Use Your Cell Phone
Hotel telephone charges can be confusing and pricey, so avoid the hassle entirely by using your own cell phone.
Allow Plenty of Time at Checkout
Many travelers are in such a hurry to leave their hotel that they sign and pay their bill without looking it over -- and that's just what hotels are counting on. Allow yourself plenty of time to survey the charges and dispute any that seem unfair. You'll have a much better chance of getting them removed from your bill if you negotiate before you sign on the dotted line.
Know Your Rights
Federal law requires that all hotel fees be clearly disclosed. This usually happens in the fine print -- so read the terms and conditions of your reservations agreement carefully. If you discover fees at checkout that weren't disclosed to you in writing, point them out to the hotel staff and ask them to be removed.
Here are some other "surprise fees" that can appear on your bill.
Packages: Some hotels charge $1 to $25 to mail packages for their guests, with similar fees for receiving packages. These fees may vary based on the size or number of packages. If you are near a post office or a mail boxes/shipping store, it may be more cost effective to just drop the package off.
Parking: Mandatory valet parking can easily add $25 a day onto the cost of your downtown hotel -- and don't forget the tip. Ask if there is free self parking. You may have to walk a bit and possibly get wet if it rains but could save you a bundle.
Resort fee: This ubiquitous surcharge generally runs between $10 and $25 per day and can cover a wide variety of services and amenities, such as a business center, a pool, a gym, daily newspaper delivery, housekeeping or "free" local calls. Even if you don't use any of these services, you'll still get stuck with the tab. This is extremely common in Hawaii and will tend to include "free self parking", bottles of water, newspaper delivery and, if you are lucky, free internet access. On our last visit, one resort didn't have a resort fee but charged $15 for self parking. The other had an $18 resort fee but included self parking. Be sure to read what the resort fees include before you book.
Taxes and other local charges: Taxes are no huge surprise to most travelers, but what about concessionary fees to pay for local building projects or tourism marketing efforts? Hotels often pass these mandatory charges straight from the local government to you. Energy surcharges are my biggest pet peeve.
Telephone: Before picking up the receiver, study your hotel's list of telephone charges carefully. Some hotels charge for local and toll-free calls, while others do not. You may occasionally be charged simply for dialing, even if your call is never connected. Check with your cell phone carrier on charges made from your destination. It may be less than using the hotel room phone. Palace Resorts in Mexico, in particular, include free 800 # calls and calls back to the US. That's a nice perk.
Towels: An extra towel at the pool could cost you an extra buck or two, particularly if you bring it back to your room with you. For me, it is easier for me to spot my towel if I bring one from home. A blue and red towel amidst a sea of beige makes it so much easier to find my lounge chair.
Tips for Avoiding Fees
Do Your Research
Beyond taxes, it can be difficult to figure out which fees will be charged at a particular hotel or resort before you book. Most of the fees listed above aren't listed on hotel booking sites in your final breakdown of charges. For example, we tried booking a stay at the Westin St. John Resort and Villas on Hotels.com, Travelocity and Expedia. All three sites collected taxes and "service fees" (note that these are charged not by the hotel but by the booking sites), but it wasn't until we visited the Westin's Web site that we discovered the resort also charges a $40 resort fee per night. The moral of the story? No matter where you finally book your stay, be sure to check multiple sources for a better idea of what fees may apply.
Ask Ahead of Time
You can find some information online, but often your best bet is simply to pick up the phone. Call the hotel and ask what fees will apply to your stay -- and whether any of them can be waived ahead of time. Keep in mind that fees can vary within the same chain, so it's best to dial the individual property directly instead of calling the 800 reservations number. Write down the names of any staff members you speak with and which fees they agree to waive.
Don't Tip Twice
Before you leave a tip for your housekeeper, make sure the hotel isn't already charging you a housekeeping gratuity fee. If it is, you can skip the additional tip -- or ask for the fee to be removed so that you can tip at your own discretion.
Stock Up
Bring your own snacks and bottled water to help yourself resist the lure of the minibar or the edible "gifts" the hotel leaves on your desk.
When in Doubt, Ask
During your stay, don't take anything for granted. Before using the gym or taking an extra towel at the pool, ask if a fee applies.
Use Your Cell Phone
Hotel telephone charges can be confusing and pricey, so avoid the hassle entirely by using your own cell phone.
Allow Plenty of Time at Checkout
Many travelers are in such a hurry to leave their hotel that they sign and pay their bill without looking it over -- and that's just what hotels are counting on. Allow yourself plenty of time to survey the charges and dispute any that seem unfair. You'll have a much better chance of getting them removed from your bill if you negotiate before you sign on the dotted line.
Know Your Rights
Federal law requires that all hotel fees be clearly disclosed. This usually happens in the fine print -- so read the terms and conditions of your reservations agreement carefully. If you discover fees at checkout that weren't disclosed to you in writing, point them out to the hotel staff and ask them to be removed.
Friday, December 4, 2009
One Stop Luggage Limits on Airlines!
One of my Linked In contacts published this website for a fast way to check the luggage limits for each airline. I'm not sure if it has every airline in the world but it is a good place to start.
www.Luggagelimits.com
I plugged in Newark to Cancun (since I just booked clients on this route yesterday) and the info came up correct- 1 free piece of luggage per person (up to 50 lbs) and 1 free carry on per person up to 40 lbs for coach class tickets.
Of course, I am not recommending that you take this website's info as gospel but it might make your researching a bit easier.
Good travels!
www.Luggagelimits.com
I plugged in Newark to Cancun (since I just booked clients on this route yesterday) and the info came up correct- 1 free piece of luggage per person (up to 50 lbs) and 1 free carry on per person up to 40 lbs for coach class tickets.
Of course, I am not recommending that you take this website's info as gospel but it might make your researching a bit easier.
Good travels!
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Hidden Hotel Fees- Part 2
Just some more ideas to help you save money while staying in hotels:
Energy surcharge: In an effort to pass rising energy costs on to consumers, many hotels now tack an energy surcharge of several dollars a day onto their guests' bills. One of the islands in particular that does this is the Bahamas. It always bothered me to send a client to the Atlantis at a premium rate to have them pay an additional $5 per day as an energy surcharge.
Groundskeeping fee: If your resort has acres of lush lawns, gardens or golf courses, look out -- you could be footing the bill in the form of a groundskeeping surcharge. I have personally never seen this but I'm sure it exists.
In-room safe: Some hotels are charging guests $1 - $3 just for the privilege of having a safe in their room, even if it's never opened. The fee supposedly covers both the cost of the safe and insurance for its contents.
Internet: Many hotels, particularly those serving business travelers, offer high-speed Internet and Wi-Fi services. Costs vary widely; while many hotels offer complimentary Internet access, others charge per minute or per day, so be sure to ask before logging on. Believe it or not, many of the less expensive hotels, like the Courtyard by Marriott, include free internet access but the Hyatt resorts charge up to $15 per day for the priviledge of logging on.
Luggage holding: Need your hotel to store your bags for a few hours after you check out? At certain hotels, you'll have to pay a few bucks for the privilege.
Minibars: There are a number of different fees associated with minibars -- even if you never eat or drink any of the goodies inside. Picking up an item and putting it back can trigger the minibar's sensors, immediately adding the price of the item to your bill. On sensitive machines, even jostling minibar items as you add your own food to the fridge can incur a charge. And if you try to avoid the hassle entirely by calling ahead and asking the minibar to be emptied before your arrival, beware -- you could be charged an "unstocking" fee. If you know you are not going to be using the minibar, just don't even open it.
Energy surcharge: In an effort to pass rising energy costs on to consumers, many hotels now tack an energy surcharge of several dollars a day onto their guests' bills. One of the islands in particular that does this is the Bahamas. It always bothered me to send a client to the Atlantis at a premium rate to have them pay an additional $5 per day as an energy surcharge.
Groundskeeping fee: If your resort has acres of lush lawns, gardens or golf courses, look out -- you could be footing the bill in the form of a groundskeeping surcharge. I have personally never seen this but I'm sure it exists.
In-room safe: Some hotels are charging guests $1 - $3 just for the privilege of having a safe in their room, even if it's never opened. The fee supposedly covers both the cost of the safe and insurance for its contents.
Internet: Many hotels, particularly those serving business travelers, offer high-speed Internet and Wi-Fi services. Costs vary widely; while many hotels offer complimentary Internet access, others charge per minute or per day, so be sure to ask before logging on. Believe it or not, many of the less expensive hotels, like the Courtyard by Marriott, include free internet access but the Hyatt resorts charge up to $15 per day for the priviledge of logging on.
Luggage holding: Need your hotel to store your bags for a few hours after you check out? At certain hotels, you'll have to pay a few bucks for the privilege.
Minibars: There are a number of different fees associated with minibars -- even if you never eat or drink any of the goodies inside. Picking up an item and putting it back can trigger the minibar's sensors, immediately adding the price of the item to your bill. On sensitive machines, even jostling minibar items as you add your own food to the fridge can incur a charge. And if you try to avoid the hassle entirely by calling ahead and asking the minibar to be emptied before your arrival, beware -- you could be charged an "unstocking" fee. If you know you are not going to be using the minibar, just don't even open it.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
