Travel to Europe on US Dollars!!!

There has never been a better time to visit Europe.  Let me count the ways.

• What kind of travel do you like to do?  Have you ever taken a cruise vacation?  This is a wonderful comfortable way to see Europe.  You pay up front in US dollars, both for the cruise and the excursions in your ports of call.  You sleep in the same bed every night and visit many different cities and countries.  You can even combine the cruise with a land tour before or after the cruise.  Or fly in early to the embarking city or stay later in the disembarking city.  Then we can book you a tour, book your hotels all prepaid in US. dollars.  There are different kinds of cruises - big ships, small ships, river boats, sailing vessels.  One is just right for you. 
• Another way to prepay in US dollars is to do a land tour with a company who specializes in Europe.  There are many.  Some give you total service from meeting and greeting to saying good bye.  For first time travelers this is a very comfortable and fun way to travel.  Many tour companies now keep you in some towns for 2 or 3 days and really give you a chance to see everything. 
• If you don’t want the fully guided tour, we can get you a rental car and/or train tickets and you can tootle on your way.  The main thing is that at some point in each city, get a tour from the Information Office in each city.  The saddest thing I have seen are people wandering around cities and have no idea of the history or anything about the buildings.  You may never go there again, so get someone to tell you.
• Don’t take too big a bite when you go.  Better to see just a small area fully than to jump from country to country just to say you have been there.  Check the distances and decide how you will travel between them.  Depending on when you go, prebooking a hotel may be necessary.  The good ones fill up quickly and sleeping in a train station isn’t the most comfortable or safe.  Again, these can be prepaid in US dollars.
• Why are you going to Europe?  Heritage tour?  Are there war stories in your family, then visit the battle fields?  Religious tour?  Taking your family to stay in a villa in Italy or France?  Church group going to Israel or Turkey?   Needing help with a group tour? 

Whatever your reasons, however you want to go, just don’t let the money stop you.  Call me to pre book as much as possible and enjoy your journey.

Location, Location, Location.  Sound like a realtor?  No, it is about hotels when you travel.

Having traveled the world for over 60 years, I have stayed in the worst and the best - and best is more apt to be better!!!

When booking a hotel online, there are oh so many things you don’t know.  Here is my “helpful hint” — use a Travel Professional!!!  You still want to do it yourself?  Then you have no one to blame by yourself when things are not as they seemed to be.

• Where is your choice hotel located?  Good area or bad?  You can’t even tell by the description.  No hotel is going to tell you about the gate they lock at 6 PM at night.  Or that the train runs by at 2 AM every morning.  Or that the beach is several blocks away.  Or that the restaurants are a taxi ride away and you are arriving late at night having had nothing to eat on the airplane.
• The different room categories.  Do you know what partial oceanview, oceanview, oceanfront, mountain view, cityview, and nothing about a view means?  I have toured hundreds of hotel rooms and read their descriptions and you can’t believe what you read.  How about the hotel in Hawaii that had fabulous priced rooms that faced another building about 6 feet away looking into their rooms?  Or the view of the top of the roof and the garbage dump area when the dump trucks came by at 5 AM.  What are you wanting to see?  Or, better yet, not wanting to see?  Or does it matter?
• Maybe the hotel is under renovation.  The pool is closed and the beach is a mile away.  The restaurants are closed and you need to take a cab to get food.  Even the highest end hotels have to renovate.  Here is a clue, if the hallways have carpet rolled up, go some place else!!!
• This one is probably the worst - bed bugs!!!  Doesn’t matter the class of the hotels, this has become a huge problem all over the world.  Take a flashlight and make the room as dark as possible.  Look around light switch sockets, bed railings, and edges of carpet.  They like dark.  Also fleas.  They are really hard to see.  Best suggestion is do not put your suitcases or clothes on the floors and wear slippers. 
• Comfortable beds.  In the last few years there has been a huge shift by hotels to more comfortable bedding, pillows, and comforters.  If your bed has a blanket in a sack - make them give you a new blanket.  They change the sacks, but I have had some filthy blankets.  Some hotels now have pillow menus.  If you have allergies, ask for the kind of pillow that makes you comfortable.
• Bathrooms - oh my!!!  At one time in my life, my husband and I were in the remodeling business.  My huge complaint is dirty, moldy bathrooms.  Check behind the shower curtain and around the bottom of the showers.  The floors around the toilet and under the vanities must be clean.
• Smoking/non smoking.  If you request a non smoking room and know someone has smoked in it, tell the desk at once.  If they are full and can’t change you, ask for an ozone machine and go out to dinner for an hour.  Some floors are totally non smoking, but in Asia, they can smoke in the hallways and it can come under the doors.  You might want to stuff towels along there before you go to bed.
• Hotel Management.  Many times the hotel is great and then the owners change managers and it goes downhill quickly.  I have resources to tell me how hotels are doing in the last few weeks or months.  There is a high turnover in management and that makes such a  difference in the condition of that property.
• Known chains.  These are the safest way to book hotels.  But not always.  I have my favorites and would be happy to share with you.  Then there are groups of hotels such as “Leading Hotels of the World”, “Small Leading Hotels of the World”, “JDB Fine Hotels”, “Orient Express Hotels” and many more.  To qualify to be in these groups, the hotels must maintain very high standards.  Price is not always the issue.  I can book any of them without a worry.  They are closely monitored. 

Now I have had my say about booking a hotel.  Again I repeat, use a Travel Professional.  Now, if you only need one or two nights and are attending a convention or meetings, then book their convention hotel.  I’ve not had any issues in those situations.  But for a vacation or holiday, talk to someone who has an “ear to the ground” and can guide you.  I haven’t been everywhere, but I have resources who have and are going all the time.

Nighty night!!!

Is that right???!!!  You woke up this morning and that was your decision? Maybe you need some enlightenment.

Having owned businesses of various kinds for over 30 years, this is the most mentally difficult business I have ever owned.  The responsibility for a clients “dream” vacation or trip rests totally on my shoulders.  Even though there are a multitude of pieces in this puzzle, in my client’s eyes I am the airline, the cruise line, the hotel, the car rental and on and on.  24/7/365 is the length of responsibility.  You don’t clock out at 5 PM. 

In addition, you are holding control of thousands of dollars of someone else’s money.  Remembering the deadlines, keeping watch on all the supplier’s documents to be sure all the names, dates, dollars, destinations, etc. are correct.  Some of those supplier’s are minimum wage people who just don’t care!!  Let me break it down:

• Airlines.  Oh my, what can I say?  Getting harder all the time to work with them.  Every day we get “misconnects” and have to straighten those out.  They change people’s flight times, connections, even days of flying.  And they just aren’t nice.  Not to mention all the luggage regulations and new charges popping up daily.  Next you will need coins for the former attendants who have nothing to do now but sit at the bathroom doors and hand out tissue squares.
• Hotels.  Management changes, renovations, closures and on and on.  It can be a beautiful property one day and new management trashes it the next.  The biggest thing is location, location, location.  I have to know every little town in the whole world and where the good areas and bad areas are. 
• Car Rentals.  Not so much a challenge.  Just making sure the size holds all the luggage and size of passengers.  Automatic or stick?  Airconditioning?  And taxes…oh my word!!!  Almost more than the car rental.  And don’t forget total insurance coverage.  You can be stuck in a city or country for days if you try to use your own. 
• Cruise Lines.  Knowing all the lines and all the ships in each line.  What are the conditions of each ship?  Are they being maintained?  What are the new ships coming out?  Destinations…what are the ports all over the world?  What is the best and worst time of year to go somewhere?  And cabins…good locations vs. bad locations.  Cabin categories, what are they?  What sizes are the cabins?  Booking a cruise is like buying a pair of shoes..if it doesn’t fit you, you won’t ever cruise again. 
• Tours.  Escorted, guided, independent, and a mix.  The best and worst.  There are scores of tour companies.  Knowing them all takes a long time.  Getting passengers on a wrong one is disaster. 
• Destinations.  I am required to know the whole world, and to have traveled to all or most all of it.  That costs a lot of money and travel agents DO NOT travel free.  What is there to see in every area?  People often take too big a bite and have no idea how far distances are.  What are seasons for pricing? 
• Type of Travel.  There was a study some years back defining kinds of travelers.  Those who want total comfort to those who want a hammock in a hut.  Where do clients fit on that graph?  Now I have to find the right mix so they will come back happy.  And better still, tell all their friends and family.  Selling travel is about repeat business.

Now that your eyes are open, I will add a few more details.  You need education so you can educate your clients. 

• The Travel Institute has a 2 step process that takes about 6 years to complete.  It starts with CTA after you have been an agent for 5 years and then CTC, taking as long as you need.  A very difficult course.  I have my CTC.
• Cruise Lines International has a 3 step certification process starting with ACC - Accredited Cruise Counselor to MCC- Master Cruise Counselor to ECC-Elite Cruise Counselor.  This is an ongoing training until you reach ECC.  I was #43 to get my ECC out of 250,000 or so travel agents.  It took me 13 years to reach that point.  Very few home-based travel agents can achieve ECC because of the number of cruises we have to sell to reach that certification.
• Destination Specialist courses offered by The Travel Institute as well as Tourist Boards of various countries and cities.  These are ongoing.  I have several of these.
• Seminars, Conventions and Trade Shows are being held constantly.  In our local area there are scores of agents who never attend any.  There is no way to keep up on all the changes if you are not constantly being trained.  In larger agencies, representatives do onsite training and many will come to home-based offices. 

That’s a good start.  Now what do you think?  But most of all, what does the public think about someone who just hung out a shingle or someone who has been around the “block” and can give you the best service and advise?

Remember when you were young or your children were young and they always had to go “potty” everywhere you went?  Basically they wanted to see the bathrooms!!!  I got pretty good figuring out which corner of the store they were in.

When you travel, you don’t need to be checking out the hospitals or clinics all over the world.  Seen one, seen them all, and most are not as nice as at home.  And trying to find a doctor who speaks English can be challenging.  Staying healthy when you travel is #1 to having a good vacation.  My husband doesn’t have a spleen and can go into pneumonia at the drop of a hat.  So, here are some tips that I have found to work. 

• Brookstone has this little filter that you wear around your neck or in your pocket.  I know it works because since we have been using it on planes, we haven’t gotten sick.  Proof enough.
• Spray your nose with nasal spray before boarding the plane.  Acts as a block to germs.
• Take hand wipes to wipe down the food tray.  Must be the dirtiest thing on the plane.
• Take hand sanitizer and use it frequestly.  The one that does the most good is Soapopular.  Doesn’t dry out your skin or have an offensive odor. Take your own pillow for sleeping on red eye flights.  I cut an old down pillow in half and roll it up into a plastic vacuum bag putting it in my carryon.
• Wash your hands in warm soap and water often.
• When going to 3rd World Countries, take your own syringes incase you need to get a shot.  Carry them in a paper towel tube with the ends taped shut.
• Get as much rest as you possibly can.   When you are tired you pick up stuff more easily.
• I wouldn’t even have a problem wearing a mask if I am in a motorcoach and people are coughing and sneezing.  That can spread very fast.

Now to address the Norovirus.  There is a lot in the papers about this on cruise ships.  Well, it has to be reported because those ships are registered in foreign ports and the cruise lines have to report sicknesses when they come into the US.  HOWEVER, it is not just on ships.  It is in hotels, schools and any public places.  I have had clients get it BEFORE they even got to the cruise.  Sometimes people are sick when they board and they think they will get well in a day or so and in the meantime they have infected 50 people.  The cruise lines are watching people very close and if they suspect the passengers are sick, they will quarantine them. 

My last point is the MOST IMPORTANT.  BUY TRAVEL INSURANCE!!!.  The cost is small, but the benefits are HUGE.  Buy it on my web site www.cruiseandtourplanners.com or call me.  Just this past week we heard of a lady who fell down in Italy and cracked her head.  Her family is trying to raise $100,000 to bring her home.  How sad.  I have another client who has cancelled 3 trips because of medical issues and got her money back - she is young.  Then there is the young college studen surfing in Costa Rica who broke his neck and needed $500,000 to come home.  Age has nothing to do with it.  I could tell lots of stories.  DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT INSURANCE!!!

traveling together in groups.

Since 9/11 people have wanted to travel in groups.  Why?  Safety?  Familiarity?  Common interests?  Whatever the reason, I am a Group Travel Specialist and love to help put these trips together.  Let’s look at some groups:

• Meeting groups.  Anyone who is a speaker and has a following, cruising offers the perfect venue for meetings.  Unlike hotels, theatres, conference centers or any other building setting, cruise lines offer their rooms - complimentary.  Bring on a speaker, musician, or entertainer of any kind, and we can set up a meeting room or breakout rooms.  Make it a Vacation with a Purpose.
• Incentive group.  How about a sales team that met a goal last year?  Or a department in a corporation who exceeded expectations?  Cruising is a fabulous way to build “community” in the business and solidifies committment among the staff.  You will close the revolving door in the HR Department.
• Reunion Groups.  Family, class, neighborhood, church, military, good old boy, or business reunions.  Cruising has something for every age.  Get a room to be the hospitality room for gatherings.  Go your separate ways during the day and eat dinner together in the evening.  No one has to cook or do dishes!!
• Non Profit Organizations.  Wanting to put the FUN into FUNdraising?  A great way to bring in some extra money and have a great time doing it.  Also, gives the donors a chance to spend quality time with the board of the organization and that can translate into more donations.  These groups can have mini family groups within the larger group.  Everyone has fun.
• Church Groups.  Do you have trouble getting to know people on a personal level?  Put together a group cruise and now you know some people you might never have met.  We had one of these last year and 2 couples who had had a disagreement were able to sit down and talk and resolved the problem.  Bring on a speaker or musician or just have a “hang out” room for a couple of hours to talk.  Great bonding.
• Sports Teams.  These are great groups for a cruise.  Bring on a celebrity and give some seminars.  Hold competition sports on the ship, i.e. basketball, golf.  Have some golf tee times set up at ports of call for your own group.
• Craft Groups.  Bring on your scrapbooking, quilting, cooking, photography, painting, or other groups.  We can set up rooms with sewing machines or other tools you need to make this work.  Cruising is very flexible for any of these groups.
• Card Groups.  You can have casino tournaments, bridge tables, or any other kind of games.  Just ask how these would work.
• Ethnic Groups.  Wear your native costumes, have a fun night of your own music and dancing.  We can request your own food.  Meet relatives and friends from around the world.
• Clubs.  Cars, chess, fishing, gun, motorcycle, camping trailer, country clubs or any other kind of clubs you belong it.  Maybe in the cruising ports we can find a club that you can join with for a day and get a private tour of their city or island.
• Fraternal Organizations.  Elk, Moose, Eagles, Masons, Knights of Columbus, Police guilds, Sons of Norway, or Veterans of Foreign Wars.  Make some connections with others of your organizations and invite other cities. 
• Families.  How long has it been since all your siblings got together?  Do they now have families and the cousins need to meet each other?  Don’t wait for funerals to meet.  Maybe there has been some strife in the family and it is time to reconnect.  Are your parents still living?  Is it time to give them a special treat and get all the family together?  So many reasons, but don’t wait until you have regrets that you didn’t do it.  Move on those impulses that say “we need to get together”.
• Friends.  How about a Girlfriends getaway?  How about a Single Guys Escape?  Maybe some couples want to spend quality time in a wonderful new destination.  Who do you like to “hang” with?  Plan a cruise together.  You know the saying “friends who cruise together, stay together”.  Well, I made it up, but we have a couple we cruise with every years.  They live far away, but we alway take a cruise.  During the day the guys go somewhere and we gals go somewhere else.  We always eat together and do shore trips together.  Great fun.
• Couples.  Husbands, how long has it been for a little romance in your life?  Need to get away from the kids, the jobs, and the pressures of life and rekindle that romance.  Nothing more romantic than a cruise.  Wives, drop a few hints like a chocolate on the pillow at night.  No matter the budget or the time available, there is a cruise for those special people in our lives.
• Weddings and Honeymoons.  Some ships have wedding chapels.  Have the wedding before you leave on the cruise.  Invite all your friends and family to come and celebrate with you.  Then you can sail away on your honeymoon.  Some ports of call have the ability of have weddings in port.  Many wonderful options and packages. 

If you haven’t tried this before, try it now.  You can have 3,4,5, 7 or more days from ports all over the US and the world.  You dream it, we will work on it.  I am the Group Travel Specialist.

Eat or be eaten….the law in the wild.      

My first trip to Kenya, West Africa, was a feast for the senses.  No matter where we went, every sight was like a dream come true.

After breakfast the first morning in Nairobi, we are off in our safari vehicles.  Not long after leaving the huge teeming city with it’s noise, pollution, we pull over to the side of the road.  Our driver/guide pops the top of the minivan and WE ARE ON SAFARI!!!  A cheer goes up.  Not far along the road we spot our first zebra.  A cry goes out “A ZEBRA A ZEBRA STOP STOP!!!”.  With a smile, our guide obliges us and out come the cameras.  Little did we suspect that 10 days later, we would pass herds of zebra and not one word would be spoken, unless there were babies kicking up their heels and playing.   And so the adventure begins.   

Miles and miles of beige grass and one would never know there was anything out there.  But a twitch or an ear or swish of a tail and our guide is off the road exploring all the sights that we can’t see.  As we stop to watch prides of lions, herds of elephants, sleeping cheetahs, birds of every description and on and on, not a sound can be heard from us.  We can sit for an hour and watch mamma lions with cubs and no one hardly breathes, let alone talks.   Suddenly the guide says, sit down, and off he goes over boulders, rocks, grass and anything else in the way.  We have no idea with he has seen until he stops under the only Acacia tree for miles around and there hanging over a branch is a sleeping leopard!!!   

One day driving along we see this very tall African man wrapped in orange and red with a stick in his hand and a herd of cattle.  So excited, I ask, “Is that a Maasai?”  “Yes”, says the guide and I am beside myself.  By the end of the trip, I have met many personally and learned about their culture. Fascinating.  Have also visited their villages and crawled into their dung covered huts.    

Take a “trip on the wild side” and visit East Africa.  Call me for more exciting details and how and when to go.  Don’t leave the world until you have seen Africa.

Are you looking for a way to connect with the members of your church?  A cruise is THE way.

Last May I took a group from our church on an Alaska cruise.  One of the classes in the church started the ball rolling.  I blocked some space on Royal Caribbean’s Serenade of the Seas to Alaska from Vancouver.  We then invited anyone wanting to go to come to a lunch after church.  We thought probably 15-20 would show up and 99 people came.

After the presentation, they lined up to book the cruise.  It was such a surprise.  There were seniors, middle aged, and even some young couples - one brought a 2 year old with Grandma and Grandpa to babysit.  No one had ever been to Alaska and the excitement began to build.

One lady brought a suitcase full of games and The Serenade has a beautiful game room which we took over every night.  Our church pianist won the karoake contest which we all attended and yelled and clapped for.  We had a private room for a couple of short get togethers where everyone got to share.  A great way to get acquainted. 

But the biggest thing was that now we know 48 couples in the church that we did not know before.  Now when we go down the aisle, we are hugged and loved by all.  What a fabulous way to build “community” in our busy lives.  There were 2 couples who had had a disagreement at sometime in the past.  They sat down at a meal and resolved the difficulty.  That was worth the trip for them.

Let me help you make this happen in your church.  It was make a big difference.  Become family in these difficult days.

Next stop is the Med in 2010.  The list is already building.

Calling all clergy.  Many have been to Israel, but not many have been to Turkey.  Let’s check it out.

Turkey is the cradle of civilizations which holds the treasures of 13 successive civilizations, spanning more than 10,000 years.  It is a paradise of sea, sun, and nature with 7200 km of coastline.  Many water sports, spas, hot springs and thermal waters. 

• St. Paul, one of the early leaders of the Christian Church was born in Tarsus, ancient Cilcia.  He wrote his letter to the Ephesians in Ephesus
• The 7 Churches of the Apocalypse, mentioned in Revelations, are in Anatolia, Ephesus, Izmir, Pergamon, Thyatria, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea- all in Turkey
• St. John lived and died in Ephesus.
• The first 8 of the Council meetings were held in Turkey
• Believers were first called “Christian” in Antakya.
• Virgin Mary spent the last days of her life in Ephesus
• St. Nicholas was born in Patara
• Apostle St. Philip lived in Hierapolis and was martyred there

This is a fascinating country for many faiths.  Bring your congregation and have a private tour.  Or get a group of clergy together and have a private tour.  I have a local contact who knows all the sites.  Call me to present this to your group.

Your Journey Includes

* Roundtrip Airfare

* Deluxe Motorcoaches

* First Class Hotels

* Guided Sightseeings

* Daily Breakfast and Dinner

* Entrance Fees

ITINERARY

Day 1 - Depart from New York

Own transportation to New York JFK Airport. Flight to

Istanbul.

Day 2 - Arrive Istanbul Airport

Arrive Istanbul Airport. Our representative will meet you

after the customs and baggage claim. Transfer to the

hotel. Afternoon visit to the Topkapi Palace, the Imperial

Residential Palace of the Ottoman sultans between the

16th and 19th centuries and the oldest and largest of

the remaining palaces in the world. Its displays include

priceless world-class collections of jewelry, porcelain

and costumes of the sultans. Dinner and overnight. (D)

Day 3 - Istanbul

Full day Istanbul tour; the Roman Hippodrome Square,

Blue Mosque with its beautiful blue tiles, St. Sophia

Church, built by Constantine the Great and

reconstructed by Justinian in the 6th century, one of the

world’s greatest architectural marvels and a designated

World Heritage site. Continue to Grand Bazaar.Return

to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (B, D)

Day 4 - Istanbul - Troy - Alexander Troas (Acts 16:8-

11; 20:5, 6, II Tim. 4:13 II Cor. 2:12) - Assos

Drive to Çanakkale. Cross the Dardanelles Strait by car

ferry. Proceed to Troy to see the legendary city and the

replica of the Wooden Horse. Then drive to Alexandria

Troas founded by Alexander the Great. Paul visited here

at least twice. Then drive to Assos, this Hellenistic city

where Paul rejoined his companions. Overnight in

Assos. (B, D)

Day 5 - Pergamon (Rev. 1:11; 2:12) - Thyatira (Acts

16:14, Rev. 1:11; 2:18-24) - Smyrna (Rev. 1:11; 2:

Leave for Pergamum. Visit the Acropolis with the

steepest theater of the ancient world and the Temple of

Trajan. Then visit the Red Basilica, which was an

Egyptian Temple, later converted to a church in the 1st

century. Continue Thyatira and onto Izmir for dinner and

overnight. (B, D)

Day 6 - Sardis (Rev. 1:11; 3:1-4) - Philadelphia (Rev.

1:11; 3:7) - Pamukkale

Drive to Sardis, the capital of the ancient Lydia, where

first coin of the world is invented. See the ruins of the

early Church constructed next to the Temple of Diana.

Continue to Alasehir to see the 1st century Philadelphia

Church. Dinner and overnight in Pamukkale. (B,D)

Day 7 - Laodicea (Col 2:1; 4:13-16, Rev. 1:11; 3:14) -

Colossae(Col. 1:2) - Kusadasi

Morning tour of Pamukkale; noted ancient spa, where

pure white travertines form frozen waterfalls, Hierapolis,

Laodicea. Continue to Kusadasi for dinner and

overnight. (B, D)

Day 8 - Ephesus (Acts 18:19-24; 19:1-35; 20:16-17;

21:29, 1 Cor. 15:32; 16:8, I Tim. 1:3 II Tim. 1:18; 4:12,

Rev. 1:11, 2:1) - Kusadasi

Visit the famous ancient city of Ephesus, the Basilica of

St. John and the House of Virgin Mary. Dinner at the

hotel. Overnight in Kusadasi. (B, D)

Day 9 - Miletus - Kusadasi

Visit the Miletus theater where Paul spoke to the locals.

Return to Kusadasi for leisure. (B, D)

Day 10 - Departure

Early transfer to the Izmir Airport for departure. Fly back

to New York JFK Airport via Istanbul. Arrive New York

same day afternoon. End of our services. (B)

Steps of Paul anThe RelatnTour

…I was caught up in spirit

on the Lord’s day and

heard behind me a voice

as loud as a trumpet,

‘Write on a scroll what

you see and send it to

the seven churches:

to Ephesus, Smyrna,

Pergamum, Thyatira,

Sardis, Philadelphia

and Laodicea.’

(Rv 1:10-11)

Departure Guarantee

What is your opinion about the cruise Industry?  Maybe I can shed some light.

Starting with Noah’s Ark, people have floated on the water.  All kinds of vessels, all kinds of bodies of water.  We just love floating around the world. 

Contrary to those who have served in the Navy, today’s cruising is very comfortable, informative, entertaining, and can be the ultimate vacation.  But it is like a pair of shoes, if it doesn’t fit you, you won’t be happy.  How do you know if it fits you? 

First of all, you need professional assistance.  As the highest certified professional in the industry, I am constantly monitoring all the cruise lines and all the ships in each company.  Just because your neighbor or Aunt Suzie cruised on a particular ship does not mean it is right for you.  I build a personal relationship with you to find out as much as I can to put you on the best fit.  Each time you cruise, those criteria may change and I have to know how to change you.  So, let’s start with the basics.

There are about 4 different classes of cruise lines, in my humble opinion.

• Luxury
• Premium
• Mass Market
• Assorted miscellaneous types

LUXURY - From very small yacht-type vessels to very large ocean liners, these are set apart by the ratio of staff to passengers.  Also, the inclusions such as wine with meals, stock bars in the cabins, suite-type accommodations, included shore excursions, high quality linens and bathroom amenities. Some overnight in ports of call.   Many longer cruises that are better suited to the older passengers, Just simply, like a more luxurious resort or hotel, the level of service is superior.  Definitely an adult only atmosphere.

PREMIUM - A small number of companies in this category.  Ships of various sizes, interesting ports of call with some overnights, high ratio of passengers to staff, may have some limited children’s programs, champagne on boarding, high quality service and food.  Pricewise, a step down from the Luxury brands

MASS MARKET - Larger ships, more family orientated, lots of onboard activities, many places to eat, busy and active ambience and priced for the maximum population.  Many newer ships and new builds coming all the time.  Great for goups of all types with meeting room capabilities.  Generational groups with activities for all ages. 

ASSORTED MISCELLANOUS TYPES - In this category you have

• River cruises both in the US and around the world
• Sailing vessels
• Paddle wheelers
• Small ships in many places around the world
• Theme ships such as Disney Cruise Lines
• Expedition-type ships
• Barges in the US and France-self guided or escorted

We will explore these in depth in future postings.  In the meantime, remember to get a CLIA (Cruise Line International Association) certified professional such as myself to assist you.  I know the industry and the industry knows me!!!

Are you looking for ways to raise funds for a non profit organization?

Two weeks ago I returned from a 5 day Caribbean cruise escorting 246 people from 13 countries, about 50 did not speak English, or spoke very little.  This organization is in many countries around the world teaching married couples how to have strong marriages.  The stories about changed lives were evident in everyone in the group.

So, what is this all about?

Carnival Cruise Lines, the largest cruise line in the world, working with select travel agents will assist Not For Profit organization raising funds.  I call it “Putting the Fun into Fundraising with Carnival Cruise Lines, the Fun ships”.   The cruise line gives back to the organization $200 per cabin after the cruise is over.  Here are some of the details:

• An initial meeting takes place with the decision marker of the organization and myself.  We can move up to the meeting with the board or however the organization is structured.
• The organization picks a time of year for this cruise to take place
• I work with them to pick a destination and length of cruise
• We block a number of cabins.  Five cabins is the minimum for the program
• The organization promotes this to their data base through emails and mailings. 
• Carnival Cruise Lines will coop the cost of the mailings.
• I handle all the bookings and questions with the membership all the way from the initial booking to the end of the cruise. 
• There MUST be a commitment of the Board to go on this cruise.
• We can have a welcome party, meeting rooms with AV equipment - all complimentry.  Even breakout rooms, if needed.
• The organization can bring on speakers, musicians or other dignitaries
• At certain levels, there will be free cabins that can be sold, auctioned, raffled or given to board members
• I go with the group as the escort, thereby freeing the board to enjoy a Vacation with a Purpose.

Besides the fund raising feature, this is a fabulous way for the membership of the organization to have quality time with the board, get to know them on a personal level and hopefully, generate more donations for the future.

As a preferred agent with Carnival Cruise Lines, it would be my great pleasure to acquaint you with this fabulous program