Right now, everyone is trying to figure out what to do with the information or mis-information on the swine flu.
What we know for now- the CDC has issued an alert to avoid unnecessary travel to Mexico. It is not a warning. The planes are still flying. Can you go? YES. Do you want to go? The choice is yours. Should you go? Again, the choice is yours.
Many of the cruise lines are diverting ships away from Mexico for now. They are doing this as a precaution-since again, no one knows how long this flu will last and what implications it will have and, in my opinion, the mass hysteria that would result from the passengers who are fearful of traveling to Mexico.
Most airlines are allowing ticketed passengers to change flights without penalty. There are pretty strict restriction on this so please check with the airline. Continental has extended the date to waive fees until May 15. American has extended their date until May 16. Delta is still at May 6.
Many countries are advising against unnecessary travel to Mexico and some in Europe are suggesting not traveling North America. Canada had 6 reported cases of the swine flu. The US, as of 4/29, had less than 100- most mild. Should you avoid traveling to an entire country because of this?
What do we not know-------
1. How serious is the swine flu?
2. Is it safe to go to Mexico?
3. Is is safe to travel to the US?
4. How long will this go on?
Yes, this is serious but the mass hysteria going on right now is not helping the situation. I have been working with clients on changing their vacations because of the alert and fear of traveling to Mexico, even though the area that they were scheduled to visit has no reported cases of this flu. It is my job to help in any way I can but for those who are scheduled to travel in late June and July, my advice is to calm down and see what happens in the next few weeks. Remember the safety concern about the drug cartels in Mexico? My clients and associates who traveled to Cancun and the Riviera Maya all felt perfectly safe. Sometimes the media is wondeful and sometimes it isn't.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Another ship to sail from NYC in 2010
NCL Pulls Ship from Alaska in 2010, Blames Legislation
Published on: April 28, 2009
Norwegian Cruise Line has redeployed Norwegian Sun for the summer of 2010, moving the ship from Alaska to Europe. The 1,936-passenger Norwegian Sun is assuming the summer 2010 itinerary previously announced for Norwegian Jewel and will sail a 12-day Baltic Capitals itinerary from London (Dover) from May 11 through Sept. 8, 2010. In addition, the 2,376-passenger Norwegian Jewel will move from Europe to New York, sailing a combination of seven-day “Bahamas & Florida,” 10-day “Canada & New England” and 10-day Eastern Caribbean sailings from April 24, 2010 through April 24, 2011.
“After carefully weighing the rising costs of deploying three ships in Alaska and taking into account the recently enacted legislation, in particular the $50 head tax, we felt it was necessary to redeploy Norwegian Sun,” said NCL CEO Kevin Sheehan,. “Alaska is an incredible destination, but we are clearly seeing the impact of these changes in 2009, emphasized even more by this challenging economic environment.”
Norwegian Sun had been scheduled to sail a seven-day itinerary between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska. The ship’s new European deployment now includes a 15-day Panama Canal sailing from Santiago, Chile, to Miami on April 11, 2010. Norwegian Sun will then reposition to Europe on a 15-day transatlantic voyage from Miami to London (Dover) on April 26, 2010, and begins a series of 11 12-day Baltic Capitals cruises with stops in Copenhagen, Denmark; Warnemünde, Germany; Tallinn, Estonia; overnight in St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland; and Stockholm, Sweden.
Following a winter season in Miami, Norwegian Jewel repositions to New York on a 13-day “Circle the Caribbean” voyage on April 11, 2010. Once in New York, the ship will sail 20 seven-day “Bahamas & Florida” cruises with stops in Port Canaveral, Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau. Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Star will continue their deployment in Alaska next summer, sailing seven-day Sawyer Glacier and Glacier Bay cruises from Seattle.
NCL is contacting travel agents and guests with reservations on Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Jewel’s previously scheduled sailings. The company is offering the option to transfer their reservation to a comparable sailing with their fare protected or re-priced if the fare is lower, along with an onboard credit. Transfers must be completed by May 11, 2009.
Published on: April 28, 2009
Norwegian Cruise Line has redeployed Norwegian Sun for the summer of 2010, moving the ship from Alaska to Europe. The 1,936-passenger Norwegian Sun is assuming the summer 2010 itinerary previously announced for Norwegian Jewel and will sail a 12-day Baltic Capitals itinerary from London (Dover) from May 11 through Sept. 8, 2010. In addition, the 2,376-passenger Norwegian Jewel will move from Europe to New York, sailing a combination of seven-day “Bahamas & Florida,” 10-day “Canada & New England” and 10-day Eastern Caribbean sailings from April 24, 2010 through April 24, 2011.
“After carefully weighing the rising costs of deploying three ships in Alaska and taking into account the recently enacted legislation, in particular the $50 head tax, we felt it was necessary to redeploy Norwegian Sun,” said NCL CEO Kevin Sheehan,. “Alaska is an incredible destination, but we are clearly seeing the impact of these changes in 2009, emphasized even more by this challenging economic environment.”
Norwegian Sun had been scheduled to sail a seven-day itinerary between Vancouver and Whittier, Alaska. The ship’s new European deployment now includes a 15-day Panama Canal sailing from Santiago, Chile, to Miami on April 11, 2010. Norwegian Sun will then reposition to Europe on a 15-day transatlantic voyage from Miami to London (Dover) on April 26, 2010, and begins a series of 11 12-day Baltic Capitals cruises with stops in Copenhagen, Denmark; Warnemünde, Germany; Tallinn, Estonia; overnight in St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland; and Stockholm, Sweden.
Following a winter season in Miami, Norwegian Jewel repositions to New York on a 13-day “Circle the Caribbean” voyage on April 11, 2010. Once in New York, the ship will sail 20 seven-day “Bahamas & Florida” cruises with stops in Port Canaveral, Great Stirrup Cay and Nassau. Norwegian Pearl and Norwegian Star will continue their deployment in Alaska next summer, sailing seven-day Sawyer Glacier and Glacier Bay cruises from Seattle.
NCL is contacting travel agents and guests with reservations on Norwegian Sun and Norwegian Jewel’s previously scheduled sailings. The company is offering the option to transfer their reservation to a comparable sailing with their fare protected or re-priced if the fare is lower, along with an onboard credit. Transfers must be completed by May 11, 2009.
Monday, April 27, 2009
Client review of the Carnival Legend
Wendy and Jim recently returned from the Carnival Legend and wrote a very detailed review. I thought I would share it with you.
Hello from Florida,
We had a nice time, but I think the Royal Caribbean (Mariner of the Seas) was a nicer ship.
Food - The food was ok – They had a Sushi Bar, Chinese Food bar, NY Style Sandwich bar and then your standard “American” food bar. Each meal they did offer a “diet sugar free dessert” which was a nice touch. Water, Ice-tea, lemonade, coffee, and tea were all free. Drink (ie. Soda and alcoholic beverages were very pricey!) Room service was prompt, but they did not offer hot foods, such as eggs and beacon for breakfast. You could get hot coffee or tea.
Our room was the standard size – It did not seem any bigger even though it was an extended balcony. We loved the balcony. We enjoyed going out there and reading a book, or starring out into the horizon. I was surprised to see rust marks and spots that needed to be painted on the balcony. These things would have not been tolerated and addressed immediately on Royal.
The location of our room was perfect. We were only one flight from the central food buffets and adult pool and Jacuzzi. It was nice to relax and not have to listen to kids screaming.
Shows - They had adult midnight comedian shows on 2 of nights that were great. We laughed so hard, I had tears in my eyes at one point. The dance shows were ok, costues were pretty though.
Boat Tours – They did offer a behind the scene tour of the Kitchen, which was very interesting. They had a 25 ft dish washer! The whole kitchen was done in stainless steel ceiling, floor and walls.
Casino – As always I lost money in the casino. It was nice though, they had 1 cent, 5 cent, 25 cent $1 slots. I thought of them as slot machines I could afford. The roulette tables minimum bet was only a $1 - which was nice. There was smoking in most areas of the casino.
Kids Carnival – They did a great job keeping the kids occupied from breakfast thru dinner (not that we had kids in the programs), but I heard a lot of happy parents talking about the program.
Formal Late Seating – Jim and I had a table to ourselves! It was very romantic. Most of the tables were 2s, 4s, or 6 seaters. I was so used to the standard 6, 8, 10 seater tables. I was a little disappointed to only sit with him every dinner, but it was also a nice change. (normally when you sit with other couples you hear new ideas and interesting things to try on the boat.)
Pools – The pools were all salt water and the hot tubs were fresh water. They had a great water slide with turns and dips. I liked that they had a hot tub open till midnight. It was relaxing sitting in it, while starring at the stars.
Computers - The internet Café was open 24 hours a day and they offered packages and discount times. (Normal price was $0.75 per minute.) Every other day they had half price minutes, so I logged-on only on those days..
Shops – They only had 2 shops, jewelry and souvenirs. Hint: to any of your future clients, the last 3 days of the cruise , the discounts got bigger! T-shirts that were originally $30 were $15, Alcohol was 60 – 75% off jewelry was 40% off. They also must try the Rum cake – it’s delicious!
Clubs – The clubs at night were pretty quiet. I always thought of Carnival as the party ship, but Royal had more people in the clubs.
Tips – Bar tips were automatically added to your receipt and service tips (house keeper, food server) was automatically charged to your sign and sail card on the first day.
Sites – If you have any clients who cruise out of Tampa, let them know that 1 hour into the cruise they can see the Sunshine Skyway bridge. It is a very beautiful view.
Formal Pictures – The cruise offered the standard formal pictures, but they were very pricy! $20. Per 8 x 10! I suggest you ask someone take your picture. It wasn’t as fancy, but it was much more affordable. As always I took lots of picture about 300! I am going to set them up on a picture site – I will send you the address.
Ports –
Grand Cayman felt very safe and had lots of nice shops. They beaches were pretty and locals were friendly.
Cozumel was nice also. We did a little shopping – Prices on Onyx and sterling silver were great. 75% off compared to what you would pay in the states! The bars had a lot of activities such as dancing and balloon making. Three Amigo was the place to go – As soon as you walk off the pier it was on your right. We also did the forest ATV tour, it was awesome, but be prepared to the get dirty! They had 2 different groups, beginners and advanced – so it was fun for everyone. Snorkeling could be done right Off Main Street! You could rent gear or bring your own. They had stairs down to the water – very user friendly
Isle Rotan – Only 7 shops and I did not feel very safe. I highly suggest going on a tour or you will be bored at the port. The beaches were very pretty, but you could tell the country was still in the process of building a “tourist area”.
Belize was nice – we took a tender right from the cruise ship to the Great Barrier Reef snorkel excursion. The coral reef was very pretty. Hint: bring a water camera to capture all the pretty fish. I saw sting rays, and lots of bright colored fish. It was a tour I suggest to anyone who likes to snorkel. Our 2nd stop was to a private island, which served food and drinks. We were there for 1 hour and then headed to town. (this was offered all by 1 tour) We shopped thru the tourist mall. It hasn’t changed much since we were there.
I hope this all makes sense – I am still rocking and exhausted from our trip.
Thanks again
Wendy
Hello from Florida,
We had a nice time, but I think the Royal Caribbean (Mariner of the Seas) was a nicer ship.
Food - The food was ok – They had a Sushi Bar, Chinese Food bar, NY Style Sandwich bar and then your standard “American” food bar. Each meal they did offer a “diet sugar free dessert” which was a nice touch. Water, Ice-tea, lemonade, coffee, and tea were all free. Drink (ie. Soda and alcoholic beverages were very pricey!) Room service was prompt, but they did not offer hot foods, such as eggs and beacon for breakfast. You could get hot coffee or tea.
Our room was the standard size – It did not seem any bigger even though it was an extended balcony. We loved the balcony. We enjoyed going out there and reading a book, or starring out into the horizon. I was surprised to see rust marks and spots that needed to be painted on the balcony. These things would have not been tolerated and addressed immediately on Royal.
The location of our room was perfect. We were only one flight from the central food buffets and adult pool and Jacuzzi. It was nice to relax and not have to listen to kids screaming.
Shows - They had adult midnight comedian shows on 2 of nights that were great. We laughed so hard, I had tears in my eyes at one point. The dance shows were ok, costues were pretty though.
Boat Tours – They did offer a behind the scene tour of the Kitchen, which was very interesting. They had a 25 ft dish washer! The whole kitchen was done in stainless steel ceiling, floor and walls.
Casino – As always I lost money in the casino. It was nice though, they had 1 cent, 5 cent, 25 cent $1 slots. I thought of them as slot machines I could afford. The roulette tables minimum bet was only a $1 - which was nice. There was smoking in most areas of the casino.
Kids Carnival – They did a great job keeping the kids occupied from breakfast thru dinner (not that we had kids in the programs), but I heard a lot of happy parents talking about the program.
Formal Late Seating – Jim and I had a table to ourselves! It was very romantic. Most of the tables were 2s, 4s, or 6 seaters. I was so used to the standard 6, 8, 10 seater tables. I was a little disappointed to only sit with him every dinner, but it was also a nice change. (normally when you sit with other couples you hear new ideas and interesting things to try on the boat.)
Pools – The pools were all salt water and the hot tubs were fresh water. They had a great water slide with turns and dips. I liked that they had a hot tub open till midnight. It was relaxing sitting in it, while starring at the stars.
Computers - The internet Café was open 24 hours a day and they offered packages and discount times. (Normal price was $0.75 per minute.) Every other day they had half price minutes, so I logged-on only on those days..
Shops – They only had 2 shops, jewelry and souvenirs. Hint: to any of your future clients, the last 3 days of the cruise , the discounts got bigger! T-shirts that were originally $30 were $15, Alcohol was 60 – 75% off jewelry was 40% off. They also must try the Rum cake – it’s delicious!
Clubs – The clubs at night were pretty quiet. I always thought of Carnival as the party ship, but Royal had more people in the clubs.
Tips – Bar tips were automatically added to your receipt and service tips (house keeper, food server) was automatically charged to your sign and sail card on the first day.
Sites – If you have any clients who cruise out of Tampa, let them know that 1 hour into the cruise they can see the Sunshine Skyway bridge. It is a very beautiful view.
Formal Pictures – The cruise offered the standard formal pictures, but they were very pricy! $20. Per 8 x 10! I suggest you ask someone take your picture. It wasn’t as fancy, but it was much more affordable. As always I took lots of picture about 300! I am going to set them up on a picture site – I will send you the address.
Ports –
Grand Cayman felt very safe and had lots of nice shops. They beaches were pretty and locals were friendly.
Cozumel was nice also. We did a little shopping – Prices on Onyx and sterling silver were great. 75% off compared to what you would pay in the states! The bars had a lot of activities such as dancing and balloon making. Three Amigo was the place to go – As soon as you walk off the pier it was on your right. We also did the forest ATV tour, it was awesome, but be prepared to the get dirty! They had 2 different groups, beginners and advanced – so it was fun for everyone. Snorkeling could be done right Off Main Street! You could rent gear or bring your own. They had stairs down to the water – very user friendly
Isle Rotan – Only 7 shops and I did not feel very safe. I highly suggest going on a tour or you will be bored at the port. The beaches were very pretty, but you could tell the country was still in the process of building a “tourist area”.
Belize was nice – we took a tender right from the cruise ship to the Great Barrier Reef snorkel excursion. The coral reef was very pretty. Hint: bring a water camera to capture all the pretty fish. I saw sting rays, and lots of bright colored fish. It was a tour I suggest to anyone who likes to snorkel. Our 2nd stop was to a private island, which served food and drinks. We were there for 1 hour and then headed to town. (this was offered all by 1 tour) We shopped thru the tourist mall. It hasn’t changed much since we were there.
I hope this all makes sense – I am still rocking and exhausted from our trip.
Thanks again
Wendy
CDC report on the swine flu
There is a lot of media press about an outbreak of swine flu in Mexico and travelers should take precautions.
This is no different than the precautions you would normally take when around people who are sneezing and coughing, during cold and flu season.
I have attached a link to the site for the CDC which should update periodically.
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluUS.aspx
Right now, the CDC has NOT issued an alert to avoid travel. They are currently suggesting that precautions be taken- like washing your hands frequently, use a tissue when sneezing, and avoiding contact with people who appear to be sick.
This is no different than the precautions you would normally take when around people who are sneezing and coughing, during cold and flu season.
I have attached a link to the site for the CDC which should update periodically.
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/contentSwineFluUS.aspx
Right now, the CDC has NOT issued an alert to avoid travel. They are currently suggesting that precautions be taken- like washing your hands frequently, use a tissue when sneezing, and avoiding contact with people who appear to be sick.
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Royal Caribbean Announces More Cruising from Tampa
Royal Caribbean International announced its 2010-11 short Caribbean cruise program, which offers 331 sailings on 20 itineraries visiting 15 ports of call. The cruise line will expand its deployment in Tampa with Radiance of the Seas from autumn 2010 through spring 2011, while Majesty of the Seas and Monarch of the Seas will continue their year-round Bahamas sailings from their respective homeports of Miami and Port Canaveral. Grandeur of the Seas will reposition to Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale for summer and autumn 2010, after which Navigator of the Seas will take over. Bookings for the line’s 2010-11 short cruises are now open.
With more berths and an expanded season, Radiance of the Seas will increase Royal Caribbean’s capacity in Tampa. Radiance of the Seas’ itineraries will include a four-night sailing to Cozumel and a five-night sailing that adds Costa Maya. The ship’s 2010 season will kick off with a seven-night Western Caribbean sailing on Oct. 9, calling at Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Costa Maya and Belize City. Grandeur of the Seas will reposition from Tampa and continue sailing four- and five-night Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Everglades in April 2010. Ports include Key West, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Grand Cayman and CocoCay.
In November 2010, Navigator of the Seas will replace Grandeur of the Seas at Port Everglades, also offering four- and five-night itineraries. On one of its five-night itineraries that depart Mondays, Navigator will call at the new port of Falmouth, Jamaica, and Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach on the north Haitian coast. Other ports of call will include Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize City and Ocho Rios. Majesty of the Seas and Monarch of the Seas will continue year-round three- and four-night Bahamas itineraries, departing Mondays and Fridays from Miami and Port Canaveral. Ports of call include Nassau, CocoCay, and Costa Maya.
With more berths and an expanded season, Radiance of the Seas will increase Royal Caribbean’s capacity in Tampa. Radiance of the Seas’ itineraries will include a four-night sailing to Cozumel and a five-night sailing that adds Costa Maya. The ship’s 2010 season will kick off with a seven-night Western Caribbean sailing on Oct. 9, calling at Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Costa Maya and Belize City. Grandeur of the Seas will reposition from Tampa and continue sailing four- and five-night Western Caribbean itineraries from Port Everglades in April 2010. Ports include Key West, Cozumel, Costa Maya, Grand Cayman and CocoCay.
In November 2010, Navigator of the Seas will replace Grandeur of the Seas at Port Everglades, also offering four- and five-night itineraries. On one of its five-night itineraries that depart Mondays, Navigator will call at the new port of Falmouth, Jamaica, and Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach on the north Haitian coast. Other ports of call will include Grand Cayman, Cozumel, Belize City and Ocho Rios. Majesty of the Seas and Monarch of the Seas will continue year-round three- and four-night Bahamas itineraries, departing Mondays and Fridays from Miami and Port Canaveral. Ports of call include Nassau, CocoCay, and Costa Maya.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Another reason to book with My Vacation Lady
This afternoon, the travel agent community was rocked by some bad news announcing that Happy Vacations, a travel supplier serving Hawaii, the South Pacific, Caribbean and Mexico, has ceased operations.
This was a company that I used with much success in the last few years but stopped at the end of 2008 because I had a funny feeling about their finances. A promotion that I was working on with Happy Vacations never came through. I had to follow up too much on invoices when I noticed errors.
After my last honeymoon traveled in November 2008, I moved all of my Hawaii business to Classic Vacations which I felt was more financially secure and has great service and competitive pricing. I am very glad I did.
When the announcement came this afternoon, many in our community entrusted Happy Vacations with their clients dream vacations and honeymoons. For those who paid with credit cards, their money will be protected. For those who purchased third party insurance, their money will be protected. Right now, the agents who entrusted their clients' vacations to Happy Vacations are scrambling to find out what parts of the vacations are intact and what has to be rebooked.
I am happy to say, that I am not in that position because of a funny feeling that I had last year.
My sincere sympathy to all of those travel agents and clients who are now in a situation that none of us expected.
This was a company that I used with much success in the last few years but stopped at the end of 2008 because I had a funny feeling about their finances. A promotion that I was working on with Happy Vacations never came through. I had to follow up too much on invoices when I noticed errors.
After my last honeymoon traveled in November 2008, I moved all of my Hawaii business to Classic Vacations which I felt was more financially secure and has great service and competitive pricing. I am very glad I did.
When the announcement came this afternoon, many in our community entrusted Happy Vacations with their clients dream vacations and honeymoons. For those who paid with credit cards, their money will be protected. For those who purchased third party insurance, their money will be protected. Right now, the agents who entrusted their clients' vacations to Happy Vacations are scrambling to find out what parts of the vacations are intact and what has to be rebooked.
I am happy to say, that I am not in that position because of a funny feeling that I had last year.
My sincere sympathy to all of those travel agents and clients who are now in a situation that none of us expected.
Friday, April 17, 2009
Royal Caribbean will have 5 ships in the CaribbeanYear Round
Yesterday, I happened to be looking at Mediterranean sailings for a client and saw the Adventure of the Seas doing very interesting 7 nite sailings from Malaga Spain in the summer of 2010. My next question was----- which ship is sailing from San Juan if the Adventure is in Europe. My question was answered..........
Royal Caribbean to Base Five Ships Year-Round in Caribbean
Published on: April 17, 2009
Royal Caribbean International unveiled its 2010-11 year-round Caribbean season, comprising 243 sailings on five ships from four homeports. Twenty-four itineraries of five to nine nights visit 25 ports of call. Serenade of the Seas will expand from seasonal to year-round service from San Juan, while Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas will continue regular sailings from Port Canaveral and Miami, respectively. Together, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas will offer Saturday and Sunday departures from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. General bookings for Royal Caribbean’s 2010-11 year-round Caribbean cruises are now open. Additional seasonal Caribbean deployments will be announced in the near future.
Having sailed seasonally from San Juan since 2003, Serenade of the Seas will begin year-round service in April 2010 with two alternating seven-night Southern Caribbean itineraries through December 2010. No port of call is repeated on the two itineraries, which can be combined. One itinerary will call at Curacao, Aruba, Dominica and St. Thomas, while the other visits Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maarten and St. Croix.
From May 2010, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas will continue alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries departing on Saturdays and Sundays, respectively. On Jan. 30, 2011, Liberty of the Seas will begin alternating a six-night Western Caribbean, departing every other Sunday, and an eight-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary, departing every other Saturday. In 2010, Allure of the Seas will cruise its inaugural season, mirroring Oasis of the Seas’ alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean roundtrips. Oasis of the Seas also will sail two holiday cruises -- a five-night voyage departing Dec. 18, calling at Labadee and Falmouth, Jamaica, and a nine-night voyage departing Dec. 30, calling at Labadee, Falmouth, St. Maarten and St. Thomas.
Royal Caribbean to Base Five Ships Year-Round in Caribbean
Published on: April 17, 2009
Royal Caribbean International unveiled its 2010-11 year-round Caribbean season, comprising 243 sailings on five ships from four homeports. Twenty-four itineraries of five to nine nights visit 25 ports of call. Serenade of the Seas will expand from seasonal to year-round service from San Juan, while Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas will continue regular sailings from Port Canaveral and Miami, respectively. Together, Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas will offer Saturday and Sunday departures from Port Everglades in Fort Lauderdale. General bookings for Royal Caribbean’s 2010-11 year-round Caribbean cruises are now open. Additional seasonal Caribbean deployments will be announced in the near future.
Having sailed seasonally from San Juan since 2003, Serenade of the Seas will begin year-round service in April 2010 with two alternating seven-night Southern Caribbean itineraries through December 2010. No port of call is repeated on the two itineraries, which can be combined. One itinerary will call at Curacao, Aruba, Dominica and St. Thomas, while the other visits Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua, St. Maarten and St. Croix.
From May 2010, Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas will continue alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries departing on Saturdays and Sundays, respectively. On Jan. 30, 2011, Liberty of the Seas will begin alternating a six-night Western Caribbean, departing every other Sunday, and an eight-night Eastern Caribbean itinerary, departing every other Saturday. In 2010, Allure of the Seas will cruise its inaugural season, mirroring Oasis of the Seas’ alternating seven-night Eastern and Western Caribbean roundtrips. Oasis of the Seas also will sail two holiday cruises -- a five-night voyage departing Dec. 18, calling at Labadee and Falmouth, Jamaica, and a nine-night voyage departing Dec. 30, calling at Labadee, Falmouth, St. Maarten and St. Thomas.
Monday, April 6, 2009
NEW Royal Caribbean Saving Certificates are out!
Royal Caribbean past guests, Crown and Anchor members, are eligible for further savings when they use the Crown and Anchor Saving Certificates on any of the eligible cruises.
Royal Caribbean just announced saving certificates for cruises for August 2009 - February 2010 and some are on the Explorer of the Seas from Bayonne and My Vacation Lady has special locked in rates on some of these sailings!
Just an example, save up to $50 per cabin on the August 20, 2009 five nite cruise to Bermuda on the Explorer from Bayonne IN ADDITION to the $75 ON BOARD CREDIT PER CABIN OFFERED BY MY VACATION LADY. Prices start as low as $968.65 per person.
If you like to travel with friends, and you can put together a group of 5 cabins or more (2 guests in each cabin), YOUR CRUISE FARE CAN BE FREE!
Call me at 732-418-0819 or email me at mindy@myvacationlady.com for more information on the Crown & Anchor Savings Certificates or how to cruise for free!
Royal Caribbean just announced saving certificates for cruises for August 2009 - February 2010 and some are on the Explorer of the Seas from Bayonne and My Vacation Lady has special locked in rates on some of these sailings!
Just an example, save up to $50 per cabin on the August 20, 2009 five nite cruise to Bermuda on the Explorer from Bayonne IN ADDITION to the $75 ON BOARD CREDIT PER CABIN OFFERED BY MY VACATION LADY. Prices start as low as $968.65 per person.
If you like to travel with friends, and you can put together a group of 5 cabins or more (2 guests in each cabin), YOUR CRUISE FARE CAN BE FREE!
Call me at 732-418-0819 or email me at mindy@myvacationlady.com for more information on the Crown & Anchor Savings Certificates or how to cruise for free!
Friday, April 3, 2009
And you thought no on was traveling!
Queen Elizabeth Maiden Voyage Sells Out in 29 Minutes
Cunard Line announced that the October 2010 maiden voyage for the new Queen Elizabeth sold out in 29 minutes on April 1, easily making it the fastest-selling voyage in Cunard’s 170-year history. The voyage sold out faster and involved more guests than QE2’s final voyage, which sold out in 36 minutes in June 2007. More than half of Queen Elizabeth’s remaining maiden season, comprising six voyages from October to December 2010, was sold within the first two hours. “This is an impressive record set by what will be an impressive ship and speaks volumes about the Cunard brand as well as for the resilience of the cruise sector as a whole in these challenging times,” said Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard. “It is also very encouraging to see the level of interest in Queen Elizabeth coming from all our international markets, with bookings in the U.K., U.S. and Germany particularly strong.”
Queen Elizabeth’s maiden 2010 season will consist of six voyages calling on 32 ports in 18 countries. The maiden voyage will depart from Southampton on Oct. 12, 2010, en route to the Atlantic Isles. The ship will then embark on five celebratory inaugural voyages, for which space is still available but selling fast. The 14-day “Mediterranean Premiere” departs Southampton on Oct. 25, 2010, and calls at Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples (for Capri and Pompeii), Cartagena and Gibraltar. Fares start at $2,795 per person. The 18-day “Aegean Introduction” departs Southampton on Nov. 8, 2010, to Malaga, Malta, Venice, Dubrovnik, Kusadasi, Athens and Alicante. Fares start at $3,295 per person. The five-day “Gallic Debut” departs Southampton on Nov. 26, 2010, and calls at Rotterdam, Brussels/Bruges and Cherbourg; fares begin at $1,195 per person. The 13-day “Iberian Discovery” departs Southampton on Dec. 1, 2010, and calls at Vigo, Lisbon, Seville, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma and Madeira. Fares start at $2,395 per person. The 22-day “Festive Debut” departs Southampton on Dec. 14, 2010, and visits Madeira, Tortola, Dominica, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua and Azores Islands. Fares start at $4,795 per person.
Cunard Line announced that the October 2010 maiden voyage for the new Queen Elizabeth sold out in 29 minutes on April 1, easily making it the fastest-selling voyage in Cunard’s 170-year history. The voyage sold out faster and involved more guests than QE2’s final voyage, which sold out in 36 minutes in June 2007. More than half of Queen Elizabeth’s remaining maiden season, comprising six voyages from October to December 2010, was sold within the first two hours. “This is an impressive record set by what will be an impressive ship and speaks volumes about the Cunard brand as well as for the resilience of the cruise sector as a whole in these challenging times,” said Carol Marlow, president and managing director of Cunard. “It is also very encouraging to see the level of interest in Queen Elizabeth coming from all our international markets, with bookings in the U.K., U.S. and Germany particularly strong.”
Queen Elizabeth’s maiden 2010 season will consist of six voyages calling on 32 ports in 18 countries. The maiden voyage will depart from Southampton on Oct. 12, 2010, en route to the Atlantic Isles. The ship will then embark on five celebratory inaugural voyages, for which space is still available but selling fast. The 14-day “Mediterranean Premiere” departs Southampton on Oct. 25, 2010, and calls at Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples (for Capri and Pompeii), Cartagena and Gibraltar. Fares start at $2,795 per person. The 18-day “Aegean Introduction” departs Southampton on Nov. 8, 2010, to Malaga, Malta, Venice, Dubrovnik, Kusadasi, Athens and Alicante. Fares start at $3,295 per person. The five-day “Gallic Debut” departs Southampton on Nov. 26, 2010, and calls at Rotterdam, Brussels/Bruges and Cherbourg; fares begin at $1,195 per person. The 13-day “Iberian Discovery” departs Southampton on Dec. 1, 2010, and calls at Vigo, Lisbon, Seville, Gran Canaria, Tenerife, La Palma and Madeira. Fares start at $2,395 per person. The 22-day “Festive Debut” departs Southampton on Dec. 14, 2010, and visits Madeira, Tortola, Dominica, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua and Azores Islands. Fares start at $4,795 per person.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Carnival Cruises announces Your Choice Dining
Carnival Launches "Your Choice Dining"
Carnival Cruise Lines has launched Your Choice Dining, which provides a selection of three dinner seating options for guests aboard the line’s 22-ship fleet. In addition to early or late assigned seating, the cruise line is rolling out Your Time open seating to accommodate individual guest preferences. Also, under the new Your Choice Dining program, dining assignments will be confirmed at the time of booking. Your Time open seating, currently available on five ships, will be implemented one vessel at a time over the next several months as modifications in dining room table configurations are completed on each ship. An additional eight ships are scheduled to be converted by the end of year, and the balance of the fleet will be converted by summer 2010. The program is now available on the Carnival Legend, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Miracle. By the end of this month, it will be available on the Carnival Conquest, Carnival Elation and Carnival Pride. It will be available on the Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Spirit by mid-June; the Carnival Dream by late September; the Carnival Ecstasy by mid-October; the Carnival Glory by mid-December; the Carnival Fascination by February 2010; and the Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Destiny, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Valor, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Freedom and Carnival Victory by summer 2010.
Confirmed dining assignments are now available fleet-wide. At the time of booking, guests are asked to choose from among early dining at 6 p.m., late dining at 8:15 p.m. or Your Time dining, which allows guests to dine at any time between 5:45 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., if applicable, depending on the ship and sailing date. Dining assignments will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis, according to when guests made their reservations. If the preferred dining choice is not available, guests may confirm an alternate choice and be placed on a waitlist for their first preferences. Waitlists will be cleared prior to the sailing, and guests will be notified via email of their confirmed seating assignments. Your Time guests also can request any table size or waiter and are typically seated immediately when arriving at the dining room. If a modest wait time is required, guests are given a pager so they are free to relax elsewhere on the ship until their table is ready. Additional options available under Your Choice Dining include poolside eateries and, on a number of ships, reservations-only, fine-dining restaurants.
Carnival Cruise Lines has launched Your Choice Dining, which provides a selection of three dinner seating options for guests aboard the line’s 22-ship fleet. In addition to early or late assigned seating, the cruise line is rolling out Your Time open seating to accommodate individual guest preferences. Also, under the new Your Choice Dining program, dining assignments will be confirmed at the time of booking. Your Time open seating, currently available on five ships, will be implemented one vessel at a time over the next several months as modifications in dining room table configurations are completed on each ship. An additional eight ships are scheduled to be converted by the end of year, and the balance of the fleet will be converted by summer 2010. The program is now available on the Carnival Legend, Carnival Liberty, Carnival Sensation, Carnival Paradise and Carnival Miracle. By the end of this month, it will be available on the Carnival Conquest, Carnival Elation and Carnival Pride. It will be available on the Carnival Fantasy and Carnival Spirit by mid-June; the Carnival Dream by late September; the Carnival Ecstasy by mid-October; the Carnival Glory by mid-December; the Carnival Fascination by February 2010; and the Carnival Imagination, Carnival Inspiration, Carnival Destiny, Carnival Triumph, Carnival Valor, Carnival Splendor, Carnival Freedom and Carnival Victory by summer 2010.
Confirmed dining assignments are now available fleet-wide. At the time of booking, guests are asked to choose from among early dining at 6 p.m., late dining at 8:15 p.m. or Your Time dining, which allows guests to dine at any time between 5:45 p.m. and 9:30 p.m., if applicable, depending on the ship and sailing date. Dining assignments will be accommodated on a first-come, first-served basis, according to when guests made their reservations. If the preferred dining choice is not available, guests may confirm an alternate choice and be placed on a waitlist for their first preferences. Waitlists will be cleared prior to the sailing, and guests will be notified via email of their confirmed seating assignments. Your Time guests also can request any table size or waiter and are typically seated immediately when arriving at the dining room. If a modest wait time is required, guests are given a pager so they are free to relax elsewhere on the ship until their table is ready. Additional options available under Your Choice Dining include poolside eateries and, on a number of ships, reservations-only, fine-dining restaurants.
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