75 minutes from Miami and less than 3 hours from NY, the Turks and Caicos is still a secret to many travelers. With upscale resorts, great dining options and the best beach in the world (according to Conde Nast Traveler), Turks and Caicos is a gem in the Bahamas.
Dont' just take my word for it, click here to see for yourself.
http://www.travelvideo.com/turks_caicos_01&ckey=DE001
Friday, April 23, 2010
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Is your home safe while you are on vacation?
We all get excited right before we leave for a vacation but you want to take a few steps to make sure that your home is secure and still standing when you return.
Here are some tips to give you peace of mind while you are away and make sure you do not make your house as a target of opportunity. These are some simple precautions from the experts.
• Be mindful of who is around when you are discussing your trip - there is no need to let too many people know or draw attention to the fact your house might be empty for a period. This is very important if you use social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter. If your friends and followers all know that you will be away, how difficult would it be for someone with other motives to find out where you live?
• The best deterrent is to have someone housesit. If that is not possible, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take in the newspaper, mail, and any other deliveries and keep an eye on the house. Give them your trip plans and an emergency phone number so they can reach you in case of an emergency. You can also arrange with the post office and newspaper to suspend delivery for the time you are away.
• Lock doors, windows and secure sliding doors (a metal rod or a broomstick in the sliding door track is an inexpensive lock), as well as the garage, the basement, and the attic. Some people even disconnect the power to motorized garage door openers.
• Move any valuables from plain sight.
• Check on your appliances, unplug anything that doesn't need to be on while you're away. Lower air conditioning/heating units to energy-saving levels. You might want to shut off the water to your washing machine. My husband's co-worker came home to a flood of water when the hose to her washing machine burst and the water kept running.
• Set timers to turn on lights if you do not have someone staying at the house.
Above all, enjoy your vacation!
Here are some tips to give you peace of mind while you are away and make sure you do not make your house as a target of opportunity. These are some simple precautions from the experts.
• Be mindful of who is around when you are discussing your trip - there is no need to let too many people know or draw attention to the fact your house might be empty for a period. This is very important if you use social media outlets such as Facebook and Twitter. If your friends and followers all know that you will be away, how difficult would it be for someone with other motives to find out where you live?
• The best deterrent is to have someone housesit. If that is not possible, ask a trusted neighbor or friend to take in the newspaper, mail, and any other deliveries and keep an eye on the house. Give them your trip plans and an emergency phone number so they can reach you in case of an emergency. You can also arrange with the post office and newspaper to suspend delivery for the time you are away.
• Lock doors, windows and secure sliding doors (a metal rod or a broomstick in the sliding door track is an inexpensive lock), as well as the garage, the basement, and the attic. Some people even disconnect the power to motorized garage door openers.
• Move any valuables from plain sight.
• Check on your appliances, unplug anything that doesn't need to be on while you're away. Lower air conditioning/heating units to energy-saving levels. You might want to shut off the water to your washing machine. My husband's co-worker came home to a flood of water when the hose to her washing machine burst and the water kept running.
• Set timers to turn on lights if you do not have someone staying at the house.
Above all, enjoy your vacation!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Volcanic Ash and European Flights
The ash being spewed by the volcano in Iceland is causing serious havoc with air travel to and from Europe for Americans and for flights between European cities. For the 5th day, flights have been cancelled in half of Europe.
"Half of Europe Flights Could Resume Monday; Airlines Press for Service
Published on: April 19, 2010
The European Union said air traffic could return to 50 percent of its normal level Monday if forecasts confirm that skies over half the continent are clearing of volcanic ash from the erupting volcano in Iceland. At the same time, it appeared that some efforts by airlines to persuade European governments to open the skies again were having an effect. EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas said: “We cannot just wait until this ash cloud dissipates.” There also were reports that European ministers would meet Monday to coordinate efforts to reopen air space.
Airports Council International Europe (ACIE), whose members handle 48 percent of European air traffic, issued a statement Sunday calling for an immediate reassessment of flight restrictions. “While Europe’s airlines and airports consider safety to be an absolute priority, they are questioning the proportionality of the flight restrictions currently imposed,” the ACIE said. "The eruption of the Icelandic volcano is not an unprecedented event and the procedures applied in other parts of the world for volcanic eruptions do not appear to require the kind of restrictions that are presently being imposed in Europe.
Added Ulrich Schulte-Strathaus, secretary general of the Association of European Airlines: “Verification flights undertaken by several of our airlines have revealed no irregularities at all. This confirms our requirement that other options should be deployed to determine genuine risks. For example, the FAA has a world-established process of identifying clear no-fly zones. Airlines must be able to fly where it is safe to fly and make decisions accordingly. It is what our passengers demand of us.”
Earlier Sunday, much of European airspace remained closed, as the unprecedented air traffic disaster entered its fifth day. British Airways said it has cancelled all flights through Monday. A British Airways spokesman said that “every single flight is cancelled” through Monday. Britain’s National Air Traffic Services (NATS) extended its flight ban until at least 7 a.m. Monday. The NATS website is experiencing such heavy traffic that the agency has taken the site offline and has put up a holding page for posting updates on the impact of the volcano on flights. British Airports Authority, which oversees most airports in the United Kingdom, is relaying NATS information on its website at www.baa.co.uk.
Meanwhile, KLM said it wanted to resume passenger flights as soon as possible after it flew a test flight through the cloud of ash without suffering any damage. KLM said that by midday Sunday it had flown four planes through what it described as a gap in the layer of microscopic volcanic ash over Holland and Germany. Air France, Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines also sent up test flights, although most traveled below the altitudes where the ash has been heavily concentrated. KLM Chief Executive Peter Hartman, who was aboard the 737 that flew the test flight on Saturday, said the airline hoped to receive permission as soon as possible to resume service. He said KLM saw no irregularities during the flight and found none in post-flight inspections.
In Germany, Lufthansa flew 10 empty planes to Frankfurt from Munich at low altitude on Saturday under visual flight rules, in which pilots don't have to rely on their instruments. Germany’s civil aviation authority said that it had also allowed similar ferry flights by Air Berlin and Condor.
Countries where airspace was still closed as of Sunday included Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.K. Countries experiencing partial air space closures included Italy (northern airspace closed until Monday), Norway (limited flights in north) and Spain (northern airports closed). Countries were flights were operating included Greece, Portugal, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. Airlines flying in Europe are reportedly losing a collective $200 million a day. For more information on what airports are open and what flights are still scheduled, visit www.flightstats.com or www.flightwise.com."
I have clients currently in route home from Rome and their flight has taken off as scheduled but my concern is for clients set to travel to Ireland over the weekend. Great Britain has been hit hard and it will be touch and go for the next few days.
This is just another major reason why travel insurance should be part of every vacation package booked.
"Half of Europe Flights Could Resume Monday; Airlines Press for Service
Published on: April 19, 2010
The European Union said air traffic could return to 50 percent of its normal level Monday if forecasts confirm that skies over half the continent are clearing of volcanic ash from the erupting volcano in Iceland. At the same time, it appeared that some efforts by airlines to persuade European governments to open the skies again were having an effect. EU Transport Commissioner Siim Kallas said: “We cannot just wait until this ash cloud dissipates.” There also were reports that European ministers would meet Monday to coordinate efforts to reopen air space.
Airports Council International Europe (ACIE), whose members handle 48 percent of European air traffic, issued a statement Sunday calling for an immediate reassessment of flight restrictions. “While Europe’s airlines and airports consider safety to be an absolute priority, they are questioning the proportionality of the flight restrictions currently imposed,” the ACIE said. "The eruption of the Icelandic volcano is not an unprecedented event and the procedures applied in other parts of the world for volcanic eruptions do not appear to require the kind of restrictions that are presently being imposed in Europe.
Added Ulrich Schulte-Strathaus, secretary general of the Association of European Airlines: “Verification flights undertaken by several of our airlines have revealed no irregularities at all. This confirms our requirement that other options should be deployed to determine genuine risks. For example, the FAA has a world-established process of identifying clear no-fly zones. Airlines must be able to fly where it is safe to fly and make decisions accordingly. It is what our passengers demand of us.”
Earlier Sunday, much of European airspace remained closed, as the unprecedented air traffic disaster entered its fifth day. British Airways said it has cancelled all flights through Monday. A British Airways spokesman said that “every single flight is cancelled” through Monday. Britain’s National Air Traffic Services (NATS) extended its flight ban until at least 7 a.m. Monday. The NATS website is experiencing such heavy traffic that the agency has taken the site offline and has put up a holding page for posting updates on the impact of the volcano on flights. British Airports Authority, which oversees most airports in the United Kingdom, is relaying NATS information on its website at www.baa.co.uk.
Meanwhile, KLM said it wanted to resume passenger flights as soon as possible after it flew a test flight through the cloud of ash without suffering any damage. KLM said that by midday Sunday it had flown four planes through what it described as a gap in the layer of microscopic volcanic ash over Holland and Germany. Air France, Lufthansa and Austrian Airlines also sent up test flights, although most traveled below the altitudes where the ash has been heavily concentrated. KLM Chief Executive Peter Hartman, who was aboard the 737 that flew the test flight on Saturday, said the airline hoped to receive permission as soon as possible to resume service. He said KLM saw no irregularities during the flight and found none in post-flight inspections.
In Germany, Lufthansa flew 10 empty planes to Frankfurt from Munich at low altitude on Saturday under visual flight rules, in which pilots don't have to rely on their instruments. Germany’s civil aviation authority said that it had also allowed similar ferry flights by Air Berlin and Condor.
Countries where airspace was still closed as of Sunday included Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Latvia, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia, Sweden, Switzerland and the U.K. Countries experiencing partial air space closures included Italy (northern airspace closed until Monday), Norway (limited flights in north) and Spain (northern airports closed). Countries were flights were operating included Greece, Portugal, Russia, Turkey and Ukraine. Airlines flying in Europe are reportedly losing a collective $200 million a day. For more information on what airports are open and what flights are still scheduled, visit www.flightstats.com or www.flightwise.com."
I have clients currently in route home from Rome and their flight has taken off as scheduled but my concern is for clients set to travel to Ireland over the weekend. Great Britain has been hit hard and it will be touch and go for the next few days.
This is just another major reason why travel insurance should be part of every vacation package booked.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Waiting for last minute travel bargains may not work this year
I met with many travel sales representatives the other night at a meeting. Each one said that 2010 is enormously better than 2009. No great surprise there. People are more confident in the economy and many people who put off travel for 2009 are traveling this year.
In the United States, people feel that travel is a right. Most people work very hard and very long hours. To support a family, both spouses have to hold jobs so family time and couple time is at a minimum. A vacation will rejuvenate both.
When I spoke to the sales representative for Celebrity cruises, he was passing out a sheet of sailings to Bermuda from the Cape Liberty (Bayonne) cruise pier on the Celebrity Summit. This is the first time Celebrity has been doing regular sailings from this area to Bermuda in a number of years. At first, Celebrity was very optimistic with pricing and set pricing a bit too high for the market to bear. Time sensitive promotions and specials were announced and all of a sudden, these ships filled up.
Let me give you an example. In mid March, the June 27 sailing had an unheard of resident promotion for residents living in the Northeast and Mid Atlantic states, including NY and NJ. I booked an upgraded balcony cabin for first time Celebrity cruisers at a great rate. Two weeks later, the promotion was taken off the table. The ship had sold enough cabins that they didn't need to offer the discount anymore. That same cabin is now over $500 more than what my clients paid.
Similar stories came from the representatives from Holland America and Norwegian Cruises. It isn't only cruising. I have been waiting to see what Disney was going to announce as their next promotion but after a chat with my sales rep, she said that they, too, have noticed an increase in sales and don't have to offer the kind of promotions as they did last year. Does anyone remember the "buy 4 nights and get 3 free"? It won't be happening anytime soon again. I'm hoping that they still offer their free dining for September reservations.
I had clients book a family vacation to the Riviera Maya a few months back. Their airfare was less than $500 per person. Now, other clients want to go that same week and the price for airfare alone is over $700 each. Will you still get a bargain if you wait until the last minute? Perhaps, but don't expect to get as good a deal as last year. Those bargains are gone.
In the United States, people feel that travel is a right. Most people work very hard and very long hours. To support a family, both spouses have to hold jobs so family time and couple time is at a minimum. A vacation will rejuvenate both.
When I spoke to the sales representative for Celebrity cruises, he was passing out a sheet of sailings to Bermuda from the Cape Liberty (Bayonne) cruise pier on the Celebrity Summit. This is the first time Celebrity has been doing regular sailings from this area to Bermuda in a number of years. At first, Celebrity was very optimistic with pricing and set pricing a bit too high for the market to bear. Time sensitive promotions and specials were announced and all of a sudden, these ships filled up.
Let me give you an example. In mid March, the June 27 sailing had an unheard of resident promotion for residents living in the Northeast and Mid Atlantic states, including NY and NJ. I booked an upgraded balcony cabin for first time Celebrity cruisers at a great rate. Two weeks later, the promotion was taken off the table. The ship had sold enough cabins that they didn't need to offer the discount anymore. That same cabin is now over $500 more than what my clients paid.
Similar stories came from the representatives from Holland America and Norwegian Cruises. It isn't only cruising. I have been waiting to see what Disney was going to announce as their next promotion but after a chat with my sales rep, she said that they, too, have noticed an increase in sales and don't have to offer the kind of promotions as they did last year. Does anyone remember the "buy 4 nights and get 3 free"? It won't be happening anytime soon again. I'm hoping that they still offer their free dining for September reservations.
I had clients book a family vacation to the Riviera Maya a few months back. Their airfare was less than $500 per person. Now, other clients want to go that same week and the price for airfare alone is over $700 each. Will you still get a bargain if you wait until the last minute? Perhaps, but don't expect to get as good a deal as last year. Those bargains are gone.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Norwegian Epic and Macys to host July 4 Fireworks
If you live in the NY metro region, the Macy's 4th of July fireworks are always a big deal. They shoot the fireworks off from barges on the Hudson or East River and it is a site to see- whether in person or on TV. This year, the Norwegian Epic will be in the NYC harbor and they are teaming up with Macys to sponsor the fireworks.
"This year's Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® in New York is sure to be truly epic. Norwegian Cruise Line and Macy's today announced that Norwegian Cruise Line’s new ship, Norwegian Epic, will be the host venue for the 34th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks event taking place on Sunday, July 4, 2010. The event includes a national, one-hour, live entertainment broadcast on NBC-TV beginning at 9 p.m. and takes place on board Norwegian Epic where invited guests will have a front row view of the fireworks display.
As Norwegian Cruise Line's largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, Norwegian Epic will be an ideal venue for the fireworks show. Guests will have incredible views of the New York skyline and river from the ship's pool and outer decks. The expansive ship – the length of more than three football fields -- will provide multiple vantage points to view the largest and most spectacular fireworks display in the nation.
"We're thrilled to be partnering with Macy's to host their 34th Annual 4th of July Fireworks," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "This is the biggest and most spectacular fireworks display in the nation. What better way to salute Norwegian Epic than to host such an epic event on board. It will be an amazing finale to our inaugural festivities in New York and something we're sure we’ll never forget."
"Over the years, Macy's has staged its 4th of July Fireworks in many different locations, but it's my guess that this year's live broadcast, taking place aboard the monumental new Norwegian Epic, will add a dimension to the show that will excite our audience like never before," says Robin Hall, head of Macy's Parade and Entertainment Group. "We are grateful to Norwegian Cruise Line for their partnership." Hall continued, “It seems fitting that the largest ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet should host the biggest fireworks show in America. Now that's an EPIC event!"
In addition to hosting the Macy's Fireworks broadcast on board Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line is partnering with Macy's to offer a Norwegian Epic Vacation Getaway Cruise for four on board the ship as part of a national sweepstakes.
Spectators from coast-to-coast will have a front row view of the fireworks by tuning into NBC's national broadcast of Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular beginning at 9:00 p.m. (check local listings). In addition to the splendor of the nation's largest fireworks display, the spectacular entertainment broadcast will feature a star-studded line-up of performances by America's most popular recording artists.
Viewing information, spectator tips and fireworks event sweepstakes information will be available as of June 2010 at www.macys.com/fireworks or by calling the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Hotline at (212) 494-4495. "
For more info on the Epic or for reservations, please contact mindy@myvacationlady.com We have some cabins available on the Aug 21, 2010 sailing at substantial savings over current pricing so contact us asap for those rates.
"This year's Macy's 4th of July Fireworks® in New York is sure to be truly epic. Norwegian Cruise Line and Macy's today announced that Norwegian Cruise Line’s new ship, Norwegian Epic, will be the host venue for the 34th Annual Macy's 4th of July Fireworks event taking place on Sunday, July 4, 2010. The event includes a national, one-hour, live entertainment broadcast on NBC-TV beginning at 9 p.m. and takes place on board Norwegian Epic where invited guests will have a front row view of the fireworks display.
As Norwegian Cruise Line's largest and most innovative Freestyle Cruising ship to date, Norwegian Epic will be an ideal venue for the fireworks show. Guests will have incredible views of the New York skyline and river from the ship's pool and outer decks. The expansive ship – the length of more than three football fields -- will provide multiple vantage points to view the largest and most spectacular fireworks display in the nation.
"We're thrilled to be partnering with Macy's to host their 34th Annual 4th of July Fireworks," said Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line's chief executive officer. "This is the biggest and most spectacular fireworks display in the nation. What better way to salute Norwegian Epic than to host such an epic event on board. It will be an amazing finale to our inaugural festivities in New York and something we're sure we’ll never forget."
"Over the years, Macy's has staged its 4th of July Fireworks in many different locations, but it's my guess that this year's live broadcast, taking place aboard the monumental new Norwegian Epic, will add a dimension to the show that will excite our audience like never before," says Robin Hall, head of Macy's Parade and Entertainment Group. "We are grateful to Norwegian Cruise Line for their partnership." Hall continued, “It seems fitting that the largest ship in the Norwegian Cruise Line fleet should host the biggest fireworks show in America. Now that's an EPIC event!"
In addition to hosting the Macy's Fireworks broadcast on board Norwegian Epic, Norwegian Cruise Line is partnering with Macy's to offer a Norwegian Epic Vacation Getaway Cruise for four on board the ship as part of a national sweepstakes.
Spectators from coast-to-coast will have a front row view of the fireworks by tuning into NBC's national broadcast of Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular beginning at 9:00 p.m. (check local listings). In addition to the splendor of the nation's largest fireworks display, the spectacular entertainment broadcast will feature a star-studded line-up of performances by America's most popular recording artists.
Viewing information, spectator tips and fireworks event sweepstakes information will be available as of June 2010 at www.macys.com/fireworks or by calling the Macy's 4th of July Fireworks Hotline at (212) 494-4495. "
For more info on the Epic or for reservations, please contact mindy@myvacationlady.com We have some cabins available on the Aug 21, 2010 sailing at substantial savings over current pricing so contact us asap for those rates.
Monday, April 12, 2010
If your cruise is docking in Ocho Rios:
I found this info on a cruising website (can't remember which) and thought it had some useful info. Hope you find it helpful as well.
"Things worth doing in Ocho Rios within a few minutes of pier (as recommended by a Local):
Internet Cafe - exit the pier, turn left and it's across the street beside the Burger King
Supermarket ( coffee, sauce and spices)- exit the pier, turn left just a short walk.
Island Village/ Magaritaville - turn right about 5 minutes from the pier
Taj Mahal - souvenir/shopping close to Island Village
Mama Marley (Jamaican restaurant) - left across the street from Sunset Jamaica Grande
Craft Market - left of the pier
Waterfalls: Dunn's River vs Coyaba River Garden and Museum
Dunn's River, powerful magnificent. Must see/should see at least once but be ready to deal with very aggressive vendors. Avoid the vendors by leaving through the entrance. Coyaba, beautiful botanical garden with waterfall that is fun and easy to climb.
Beaches: Paradise beach is by Magaritaville which is a tourist trap but a lot of fun.
Reggae beach a short ride away nicer and less crowded.
*** By a local I mean that I was born and raised in this area but now return primarily as an American tourist. The about places I have enjoyed over the years."
"Things worth doing in Ocho Rios within a few minutes of pier (as recommended by a Local):
Internet Cafe - exit the pier, turn left and it's across the street beside the Burger King
Supermarket ( coffee, sauce and spices)- exit the pier, turn left just a short walk.
Island Village/ Magaritaville - turn right about 5 minutes from the pier
Taj Mahal - souvenir/shopping close to Island Village
Mama Marley (Jamaican restaurant) - left across the street from Sunset Jamaica Grande
Craft Market - left of the pier
Waterfalls: Dunn's River vs Coyaba River Garden and Museum
Dunn's River, powerful magnificent. Must see/should see at least once but be ready to deal with very aggressive vendors. Avoid the vendors by leaving through the entrance. Coyaba, beautiful botanical garden with waterfall that is fun and easy to climb.
Beaches: Paradise beach is by Magaritaville which is a tourist trap but a lot of fun.
Reggae beach a short ride away nicer and less crowded.
*** By a local I mean that I was born and raised in this area but now return primarily as an American tourist. The about places I have enjoyed over the years."
Friday, April 9, 2010
Are Shore Excursions too expensive?
I found this article a while back. I don't know the author or the original date it was published but it is still relevant so I thought I would dust it off and include it in my blog.
"What should you do when a client asks: "Some of the shore excursions on our planned cruise seem a little pricey. Should we rent a car and go out on our own?"
Tell them; They can, but, unless they are very familiar with the area (maybe they have been before), AND the port is in the USA, or in a "friendly" country AND they are fluent in the language, it IS NOT recommended!
Most shore excursions are in the $30.00 to $100.00 range, with some higher, up to $500.00 or more, depending on the length of the excursion, mode of transportation and admission fees to attractions visited.
Chances are, they will see more, have more time to spend and feel much safer if they take an excursion provided by the cruise line.
Remember, on their own, they could get lost, break down, or, heaven forbid, have a medical emergency or get robbed. In any of these cases, if they cannot get back to the ship on time, it WILL NOT wait for them! It will then be at their expense to either get to the ship's next port or get home - neither a particularly easy, quick or inexpensive task - especially in a foreign country!
The best security in taking a cruise sponsored excursion is that they know that ship will not leave without them, regardless of what happens, and how late their group returns.
One of the most enjoyable "shore" excursions I have taken didn't even involve the shore. It was a small boat excursion in Alaska which picked us up at our ship and took us out into the bay beneath a glacier. With the motor off, you could hear the wildlife calling out, and there were two whales, each at least twice as long as the boat we were in, mere yards from us.
The cost: about $35.00 for a two and one half hour bay cruise amongst the Alaskan wildlife. To me, this excursion was vastly underpriced for the experience it afforded me.
And, there are much more costly excursions, too. In St. Petersburg, for example, most cruise lines offer a day excursion to Moscow. It involves a round trip flight and visits the Kremlin, and several other landmarks you may have seen in books, but may never get another chance to visit. This excursion can run as high as $750.00 to $1,000.00 per person or more. Or, an Antarctica flight from a South America cruise - this can run $1200.00 or more.... and then there's the granddaddy of expensive excursions - offered by Crystal Cruises for the second year is a flight in an actual MIG fighter jet at Mach speeds above Russia - at a hefty cost of $22,000.00.
But, what is the cost if they don't go, and they never get the chance again?
What is it worth to walk on the Great Wall in China, or to visit the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, or see the Louvre in Paris.
These are costly excursions, but, as a once in a lifetime experience, they are truly priceless!"
Just a personal experience to add:
In Panama, we took an excursion through the Panama Canal and booked it through the cruise line. There was a delay going thru the canal and we were got back to the ship about 45 minutes after it was scheduled to leave the port. Since the excursion was booked through Celebrity, the ship waited and once the last person went up the gang plank, the ship took off. Had we booked it on our own, we would have been responsible for flying to Costa Rica to meet up with the ship. By the way, travel insurance usually does not cover this expense.
In many cases, I will recommend to my clients that they look for alternate options to the cruise lines excursions but usually in ports where they can get themselves back to the ship in plenty of time if there is a problem on the excursion. This is a company that many of my clients have used successfully in the Caribbean and Bermuda, Mexico, Canada/New England and Alaska. They might offer less expensive excursions, smaller groups or more unique excursions. Always check with me before booking them for my opinion or client feedback on an excursion.
"What should you do when a client asks: "Some of the shore excursions on our planned cruise seem a little pricey. Should we rent a car and go out on our own?"
Tell them; They can, but, unless they are very familiar with the area (maybe they have been before), AND the port is in the USA, or in a "friendly" country AND they are fluent in the language, it IS NOT recommended!
Most shore excursions are in the $30.00 to $100.00 range, with some higher, up to $500.00 or more, depending on the length of the excursion, mode of transportation and admission fees to attractions visited.
Chances are, they will see more, have more time to spend and feel much safer if they take an excursion provided by the cruise line.
Remember, on their own, they could get lost, break down, or, heaven forbid, have a medical emergency or get robbed. In any of these cases, if they cannot get back to the ship on time, it WILL NOT wait for them! It will then be at their expense to either get to the ship's next port or get home - neither a particularly easy, quick or inexpensive task - especially in a foreign country!
The best security in taking a cruise sponsored excursion is that they know that ship will not leave without them, regardless of what happens, and how late their group returns.
One of the most enjoyable "shore" excursions I have taken didn't even involve the shore. It was a small boat excursion in Alaska which picked us up at our ship and took us out into the bay beneath a glacier. With the motor off, you could hear the wildlife calling out, and there were two whales, each at least twice as long as the boat we were in, mere yards from us.
The cost: about $35.00 for a two and one half hour bay cruise amongst the Alaskan wildlife. To me, this excursion was vastly underpriced for the experience it afforded me.
And, there are much more costly excursions, too. In St. Petersburg, for example, most cruise lines offer a day excursion to Moscow. It involves a round trip flight and visits the Kremlin, and several other landmarks you may have seen in books, but may never get another chance to visit. This excursion can run as high as $750.00 to $1,000.00 per person or more. Or, an Antarctica flight from a South America cruise - this can run $1200.00 or more.... and then there's the granddaddy of expensive excursions - offered by Crystal Cruises for the second year is a flight in an actual MIG fighter jet at Mach speeds above Russia - at a hefty cost of $22,000.00.
But, what is the cost if they don't go, and they never get the chance again?
What is it worth to walk on the Great Wall in China, or to visit the Valley of the Kings in Egypt, or see the Louvre in Paris.
These are costly excursions, but, as a once in a lifetime experience, they are truly priceless!"
Just a personal experience to add:
In Panama, we took an excursion through the Panama Canal and booked it through the cruise line. There was a delay going thru the canal and we were got back to the ship about 45 minutes after it was scheduled to leave the port. Since the excursion was booked through Celebrity, the ship waited and once the last person went up the gang plank, the ship took off. Had we booked it on our own, we would have been responsible for flying to Costa Rica to meet up with the ship. By the way, travel insurance usually does not cover this expense.
In many cases, I will recommend to my clients that they look for alternate options to the cruise lines excursions but usually in ports where they can get themselves back to the ship in plenty of time if there is a problem on the excursion. This is a company that many of my clients have used successfully in the Caribbean and Bermuda, Mexico, Canada/New England and Alaska. They might offer less expensive excursions, smaller groups or more unique excursions. Always check with me before booking them for my opinion or client feedback on an excursion.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
More Fees from Airlines
I can go off on my rant again about how much happier I would be if I never had to deal with the airlines again, but you've heard it all before. A first in the industry was announced yesterday by discount airline, Spirit Air. Charges if you want to put carry on bags in the overhead compartment!
"Spirit Airlines said it will begin charging for carry-on bags stowed in overhead bins next summer. At the same time, Spirit is introducing what it is calling PENNY PLUS fares and reducing its checked bag fees exclusively for its $9 Fare Club members. The airline reduced its lowest fare by over $40 each way on average with this move. Members of Spirit’s $9 Fare Club now pay as low as a penny plus fuel, taxes and fees for their reservation.
There will be more than a million “PENNY PLUS” fare seats, according to Barry Biffle, Spirit’s chief marketing officer. Spirit describes the lower fares and new fees as a way to give customers the option of paying only for the services they want and use rather than subsidizing the choices of others. Besides charging for carry-on bags stowed in overhead bins (under the seat in front remains free) Spirit also will charge those wishing to be boarded first on the airplane.
Members of Spirit’s $9 Fare Club who pre-reserve their carry-on bag in advance online receive a $10 discount compared to non-members and pay only $20 for their carry-on. In addition, checked bag fees for $9 Fare Club members have been reduced to $15 for domestic flights and $20 for international flights, both a $10 savings compared to non-members. The baggage discounts will be available for purchase by July 1, 2010, for travel August 1, 2010 and beyond.
The new carry-on bag fee is effective for reservations purchased after April 5, for travel starting August 1 and beyond, and will be available for purchase on or before July 1. The fee applies to carry-on luggage to be placed in overhead bins and includes priority boarding in Zone 1. Personal items that fit under the seat are free."
What's next----- charges to use the bathroom on board?
"Spirit Airlines said it will begin charging for carry-on bags stowed in overhead bins next summer. At the same time, Spirit is introducing what it is calling PENNY PLUS fares and reducing its checked bag fees exclusively for its $9 Fare Club members. The airline reduced its lowest fare by over $40 each way on average with this move. Members of Spirit’s $9 Fare Club now pay as low as a penny plus fuel, taxes and fees for their reservation.
There will be more than a million “PENNY PLUS” fare seats, according to Barry Biffle, Spirit’s chief marketing officer. Spirit describes the lower fares and new fees as a way to give customers the option of paying only for the services they want and use rather than subsidizing the choices of others. Besides charging for carry-on bags stowed in overhead bins (under the seat in front remains free) Spirit also will charge those wishing to be boarded first on the airplane.
Members of Spirit’s $9 Fare Club who pre-reserve their carry-on bag in advance online receive a $10 discount compared to non-members and pay only $20 for their carry-on. In addition, checked bag fees for $9 Fare Club members have been reduced to $15 for domestic flights and $20 for international flights, both a $10 savings compared to non-members. The baggage discounts will be available for purchase by July 1, 2010, for travel August 1, 2010 and beyond.
The new carry-on bag fee is effective for reservations purchased after April 5, for travel starting August 1 and beyond, and will be available for purchase on or before July 1. The fee applies to carry-on luggage to be placed in overhead bins and includes priority boarding in Zone 1. Personal items that fit under the seat are free."
What's next----- charges to use the bathroom on board?
Monday, April 5, 2010
Summer Vacation Prices- My Vacation Lady's Forecast
If I had a crystal ball and could predict the price of airfare and vacations in any certain time, I wouldn't need to be a Vacation and Honeymoon Specialist. I could just make my predictions and wait for the money to start pouring in. Well, the crystal ball is in the shop for repair so these predictions were made on actual experience with what I have been seeing for summer vacations.
Take a look
at what My Vacation Lady predicts for the summer of 2010.
Take a look
at what My Vacation Lady predicts for the summer of 2010.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Cruise cabins do matter
There are so many times that clients will say that they only use their cabin to sleep so they don't need a cabin with a window or a balcony or a suite with concierge or butler service. Trust me, on the many cruises that I have sailed on with my family, my husband or with friends, I prefer a cabin with a balcony. To me the cruise cabin you choose will enhance your cruise experience, whether it is due to the location of the cabin, the type of cabin or the service that comes with it.
My friend and colleague, Steve, posted this link on his blog a bit ago and I thought I would borrow it.
Click here
My friend and colleague, Steve, posted this link on his blog a bit ago and I thought I would borrow it.
Click here
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
