After almost a month of switched itineraries due to the over exaggerated swine flu scare, the cruise ships are coming back to Mexico and Royal Caribbean's Enchantment of the Seas already made a call in Cozumel.
http://www.traveltrade.com/news_article.htm?id=7001&p=index.htm
Mexico has some of the best travel values out there now including buy 1 night get 1 free- just too good to pass up at a brand new adults only, all inclusive resort, Secrets Silversands. These deals won't last long since the Riviera Maya was always a good value to begin with.
Contact me for more great deals in Mexico.
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Tuesday, May 26, 2009
Newest Passport Ruling
With so many changes in passport rulings, it is hard to keep up with them. As of June 1, 2009, the lastest passport ruling is going into effect.
This came from Carnival Cruise Lines for those passengers who are sailing a "closed loop" itinerary- meaning their cruise will start and end in the same US port.
While the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires valid passports for land and sea travel, a final ruling was issued allowing leniency for “closed-loop” cruises, i.e., sailings that both originate and terminate in the same U.S. port.
U.S. citizens taking “closed-loop” cruises are not required to have a passport but will need proof of citizenship and a government-issued photo ID, such as an original or certified copy of a birth certificate and a driver’s license. Children will also be required to carry a birth certificate and a photo ID if over the age of 15.
Although a passport is not required for “closed loop” cruises, we strongly recommend that all guests travel with a passport (valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel), a passport card or an enhanced driver’s license (EDL). Having these documents will enable them to fly from the U.S. to a foreign port in the event they miss their scheduled embarkation or to fly back to the U.S. if they need to disembark the ship mid-cruise due to an emergency.
If a cruise begins and ends in different U.S. ports or begins and ends in a foreign port, a valid passport or other recognized WHTI-compliant document is required. A valid passport is required for any of our Europe cruises.
For more information, a complete list of WHTI-compliant documents or to obtain a passport application, visit www.travel.state.gov
REMINDER - all guests need proof of citizenship in order to travel and failure to present a valid document at check in will result in denied boarding and no refund will be issued. We strongly encourage your clients to invest in a passport since it is the preferred document of choice for proof of citizenship.
It is My Vacation Lady's strongest recommendation that ALL CRUISE PASSENGERS use a valid passport when taking a cruise regardless of the this latest ruling. If, for any reason you must leave the cruise early (illness, injury or family emergency) and must be flown home from Mexico, Canada or a Caribbean Island that is not a part of the United States, you will not be allowed back into the country without a valid passport. For adults the passport application is $97 and is valid for 10 years- that is the best form of ID you can have at the cost of less than $10 per year. For kids 15 and under, the passport is at a lower cost but only is valid for 5 years.
Please get your passport now!
This came from Carnival Cruise Lines for those passengers who are sailing a "closed loop" itinerary- meaning their cruise will start and end in the same US port.
While the new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires valid passports for land and sea travel, a final ruling was issued allowing leniency for “closed-loop” cruises, i.e., sailings that both originate and terminate in the same U.S. port.
U.S. citizens taking “closed-loop” cruises are not required to have a passport but will need proof of citizenship and a government-issued photo ID, such as an original or certified copy of a birth certificate and a driver’s license. Children will also be required to carry a birth certificate and a photo ID if over the age of 15.
Although a passport is not required for “closed loop” cruises, we strongly recommend that all guests travel with a passport (valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel), a passport card or an enhanced driver’s license (EDL). Having these documents will enable them to fly from the U.S. to a foreign port in the event they miss their scheduled embarkation or to fly back to the U.S. if they need to disembark the ship mid-cruise due to an emergency.
If a cruise begins and ends in different U.S. ports or begins and ends in a foreign port, a valid passport or other recognized WHTI-compliant document is required. A valid passport is required for any of our Europe cruises.
For more information, a complete list of WHTI-compliant documents or to obtain a passport application, visit www.travel.state.gov
REMINDER - all guests need proof of citizenship in order to travel and failure to present a valid document at check in will result in denied boarding and no refund will be issued. We strongly encourage your clients to invest in a passport since it is the preferred document of choice for proof of citizenship.
It is My Vacation Lady's strongest recommendation that ALL CRUISE PASSENGERS use a valid passport when taking a cruise regardless of the this latest ruling. If, for any reason you must leave the cruise early (illness, injury or family emergency) and must be flown home from Mexico, Canada or a Caribbean Island that is not a part of the United States, you will not be allowed back into the country without a valid passport. For adults the passport application is $97 and is valid for 10 years- that is the best form of ID you can have at the cost of less than $10 per year. For kids 15 and under, the passport is at a lower cost but only is valid for 5 years.
Please get your passport now!
Monday, May 18, 2009
State Dept and CDC lifts Travel Alerts to Mexico
In spite of all of the media overkill, the swine flu or H1N1 influenza, the CDC removed its alert advising against non essential travel to Mexico and shortly afterward, the State Departement lifted theirs.
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html
Cruise ships will be coming back to Mexican ports of call within the next few weeks and some of the tour operators (like Apple Vacations) are running some great specials when using their charter fligths (PHL, PIT, BWI and more).
With hoteliers consolidating hotels to keep the businesses running, this has been a difficult year for Mexico's tourist business. I, for one, hope it can rebound quickly.
http://www.travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html
Cruise ships will be coming back to Mexican ports of call within the next few weeks and some of the tour operators (like Apple Vacations) are running some great specials when using their charter fligths (PHL, PIT, BWI and more).
With hoteliers consolidating hotels to keep the businesses running, this has been a difficult year for Mexico's tourist business. I, for one, hope it can rebound quickly.
Friday, May 15, 2009
CDC removes alert against travel to Mexico
On May 15, the CDC downgraded its advisement not to travel to Mexico.
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/content/travel-health-precaution/novel-h1n1-flu-mexico.aspx
Carnival Cruises announced that their cruise ships will return to Mexico ports of call again starting in mid June.
Tourists have been staying away from Mexico since the April 27 alert. Hopefully, now the tourist areas of Mexico can get back to welcoming travelers to their beautiful beaches and resorts.
http://wwwn.cdc.gov/travel/content/travel-health-precaution/novel-h1n1-flu-mexico.aspx
Carnival Cruises announced that their cruise ships will return to Mexico ports of call again starting in mid June.
Tourists have been staying away from Mexico since the April 27 alert. Hopefully, now the tourist areas of Mexico can get back to welcoming travelers to their beautiful beaches and resorts.
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Carnival Cruises wants to return to Mexico
This article is taken from a daily travel agent news letter that I subscribe to.
Carnival's Arison Seeks Lifting of Mexico Travel AdvisoryPublished on: May 14, 2009
Carnival Corp. Chairman and CEO Micky Arison (pictured) is asking President Obama and federal authorities to lift the advisory that discourages non-essential travel to Mexico due to fears of H1N1 influenza. “This travel advisory is, in effect, a ban on cruise travel to Mexico,” Arison wrote in a letter on behalf of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, which he chairs. “Cruise ships have stopped taking passengers to all Mexican ports. The impact of this ban on the economy of Mexico is very serious. It will have unintended consequences on Mexican citizens that include loss of employment, revenues to governments, and ultimately their public health and welfare.”
Arison said cruise ships have medical facilities onboard, screen passengers, and have worked closely for many years with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Our medical professionals agree with CDC and World Health Organization officials who have publicly stated that the H1N1 virus is generally no greater health risk than seasonal influenza,” Arison wrote. “The WHO issued the enclosed statement titled, ‘No Rationale for Travel Restrictions.’ The Department of Homeland Security has determined that closing land border crossings is not warranted. Airlines offer flights to Mexico, although the travel advisory has had a similar effect on leisure travel to Mexican resorts. It is now apparent that the health implications of H1N1 are not limited to Mexico. The same precautions that you mentioned this week should apply to all travelers, domestic and international. Effectively banning travel to the entire country causes unnecessary widespread harm to Mexico. We respectfully request that the State Department encourage CDC to revise this Travel Advisory to allow responsible travel to Mexico.”
Carnival's Arison Seeks Lifting of Mexico Travel AdvisoryPublished on: May 14, 2009
Carnival Corp. Chairman and CEO Micky Arison (pictured) is asking President Obama and federal authorities to lift the advisory that discourages non-essential travel to Mexico due to fears of H1N1 influenza. “This travel advisory is, in effect, a ban on cruise travel to Mexico,” Arison wrote in a letter on behalf of the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association, which he chairs. “Cruise ships have stopped taking passengers to all Mexican ports. The impact of this ban on the economy of Mexico is very serious. It will have unintended consequences on Mexican citizens that include loss of employment, revenues to governments, and ultimately their public health and welfare.”
Arison said cruise ships have medical facilities onboard, screen passengers, and have worked closely for many years with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. “Our medical professionals agree with CDC and World Health Organization officials who have publicly stated that the H1N1 virus is generally no greater health risk than seasonal influenza,” Arison wrote. “The WHO issued the enclosed statement titled, ‘No Rationale for Travel Restrictions.’ The Department of Homeland Security has determined that closing land border crossings is not warranted. Airlines offer flights to Mexico, although the travel advisory has had a similar effect on leisure travel to Mexican resorts. It is now apparent that the health implications of H1N1 are not limited to Mexico. The same precautions that you mentioned this week should apply to all travelers, domestic and international. Effectively banning travel to the entire country causes unnecessary widespread harm to Mexico. We respectfully request that the State Department encourage CDC to revise this Travel Advisory to allow responsible travel to Mexico.”
Monday, May 11, 2009
Review of the MSC Orchestra
On Wednesday, May 6, 2009, I was invited to see the MSC Orchestra on it’s first port call in New York City. This is the first time any MSC ship has visited New York and they have promised to visit New York more frequently.
There was much fanfare about the ship when we arrived. The press was invited to tour the ship along with high ranking police and fire department officials, as well as about 100 or more local travel agents. As this was the first time that I had ever seen a ship from this cruise line, I was very anxious to see what MSC was all about.
Upon entering the ship, you can see right away that this ship is stunning with rich dark woods and elegant furnishings. Although we didn’t get to see the entire ship, I truly liked what I saw.
The main theatre is large and probably the nicest that I have seen on any cruise ship. Again, the décor was stunning and elegant- rich blues and thousands of tiny blue lights to greet you upon entering.
We saw a couple of different lounges. The Savannah with it’s leopard décor is exotic and fun but done is a tasteful way. All of the furnishings are in a leopard print with leopard lamps all round and one would think this would be tacky- but it wasn’t at all. It was probably my favorite of the lounges.
The cabins are small but adequate. There were stall showers in all but the suites, which had bathtubs. The cabins all have TV’s, in room safes and mini bars. The standard balcony cabin is 161 square feet plus a 38 square foot balcony- a bit smaller than many other cruise lines and I might imagine that on a longer cruise, this might be a bit tight on closet and drawer space. The interior cabins are 150 square feet and some can accommodate up to 4 guests with 2 upper berths. Again, to me this might feel tight but for a family on a budget, this is an extremely economical way to cruise.
Speaking of families, MSC is one of the cruise lines that allow kids 17 and under to sail for free when in the cabin with 2 full fare passengers and they truly mean it. When I priced out family cabins for clients, all the kids paid were the taxes. There is a nice kid’s area as well with a great jungle gym, as area for the teens. The Kids Sail Free is capacity controlled so if you are considering taking advantage of this promotion, it would be a great idea to book early.
Food is always a big part of cruising and MSC lived up to their Italian heritage. We were treated to a great lunch that included an appetizer of a king crab leg and smoked salmon, salad, ravioli (among the best I have ever had) and a main entrée of full lobster tail and a huge portion of filet mignon. Tiramasu rounded out the meal and I can honestly say the food was excellent. The waiters came around with bottled water constantly and wine. This, of course, was a special luncheon and wine would be additional at a normal meal.
We didn’t get to see the buffet but we did see the Shanghai Asian restaurant which gives guest an option of dining there for an additional fee. Room service is free in the Caribbean (I heard that there was an additional charge for it in Europe). There is actually 1 hour during the day (between 5 and 6 pm) where there is no food available other than room service. Dining has 2 set seating options- main and late and there is the option of upstairs at the casual restaurant which turns into the Four Seasons at night offering a wonderful sunset view. This offers an a la carte menu at a set charge. The casual, pool side restaurant, La Piazzetta, also offers pizza in the evening.
Entertainment is an area where MSC stands out and their entertainment staff puts on a different show every evening. The evening shows range from a main theatre production, opera type production, acrobatics, magicians or jugglers. Please keep in mind that the MSC ships attract an international clientele and some of the productions might not be entirely in English.
Who would I recommend to sail on MSC?
MSC is a European cruise line and will attract a very international clientele. For those travelers who are looking for an all American crowd where English is the only language spoken, this is not going to be the cruise line for you.
If you are comfortable with English being one of 5 languages spoken and you like a more European atmosphere, MSC is a great option offering great values.
I can be reached at mindy@myvacationlady.com for more info on the MSC Orchestra.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
Happy Mother's Day!
I stole this from my Norwegian Cruise Line manager, Maria DiRocco. I hope she doesn't mind.
ON BEING A MOTHER...
Somebody said it takes about 6 weeks to get back to normal after having a baby.
That somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother, NORMAL is history!
Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is giving birth.
That somebody never watched her "baby" get on the school bus for the first day of kindergarden.
Somebody said if you're a "good mother" your child will turn out good.
That somebody thinks kids come with directions and a guarantee.
Somebody said "good" mothers never raise their voices.
That somebody never came out the back door just in time to she her child hit a golf ball through the neighbor's window.
Or on a plane headed for military "boot camp".
Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child gets married.
That somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter in law to a mother's heartstrings.
Someboyd said your mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her.
That somebody isn't a mother!
ON BEING A MOTHER...
Somebody said it takes about 6 weeks to get back to normal after having a baby.
That somebody doesn't know that once you're a mother, NORMAL is history!
Somebody said the hardest part of being a mother is giving birth.
That somebody never watched her "baby" get on the school bus for the first day of kindergarden.
Somebody said if you're a "good mother" your child will turn out good.
That somebody thinks kids come with directions and a guarantee.
Somebody said "good" mothers never raise their voices.
That somebody never came out the back door just in time to she her child hit a golf ball through the neighbor's window.
Or on a plane headed for military "boot camp".
Somebody said a mother can stop worrying after her child gets married.
That somebody doesn't know that marriage adds a new son or daughter in law to a mother's heartstrings.
Someboyd said your mother knows you love her, so you don't need to tell her.
That somebody isn't a mother!
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