Last week I mentioned that it was an anniversary of sorts of our cruise history - going back on the beautiful newly refurbished Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Seas - with today being 10 years to the day of our first cruise experience which was on this ship.
The bags are packed and everyone is excited. Should be great weather all weekend according to the reports so we are expecting smooth seas and blue skies. We know the grandkids will be excited seeing this ship. In fact, they will actually see the Carnival Fascination in Miami port which was the ship they went on last year with us - their first experience on a cruise.
I hope I can figure it out and if I can, I am actually going to post both the Welcome Aboard picture from 1997 and the Welcome Aboard picture from today when we get back on Monday.
Well have to do the last minute checks of things.
Al
Friday, December 21, 2007
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
A Christmas Cruise Poem
This was sent to me by a friend and since it was a cruise related poem, I could not resist sharing it here. My compliments to Alan Fox for his creativity. Can you figure out what ship(s) it refers to? Post your comments and there might even be a prize.
Happy Holidays to everyone
'Twas the night before Christmas, and far out at sea,
Our vessel was sailing, as smooth as could be
The stockings were hung from the balcony chairs
With hope that St. Nicholas would find them out there
The children were nestled all snug in their uppers
Having just settled down from a Christmas Eve supper
And ma and myself, we were covered in aloe
A bit too much sun, in a pool, warm and shallow
When up in the sky, there arose such a clatter
I leapt from my bed to see what was the matter
To the sliding glass door, I flew like a flash
Well, more like a saunter, and less like a dash
And what to my skeptical eyes should appear
But a great shiny sleigh, and eight flying reindeer
They circled our ship, from starboard to port
As the moon lit the driver, a jolly old sort
Who called to his team, in a happy retort
"Now Dasher, now Dancer," so on and so forth
We raced through our cabin and into the hall
To the very top deck, in time for us all
To be awed by the sight of Old Santa's sleigh
As he lightly touched down, by the midnight buffet
With a bundle of goodies thrown over his back
He rose in the air and dropped down the smokestack
Santa went straight to work, and later we learned
He found every child's cabin, from the bow to the stern
Insides and oceanviews, balconies and suites
Santa filled every stocking, with toys and with treats
Until all his deliveries had been handled with care
Then he noted he still had a minute to spare
So he surfed the wave rider, with nary a fall
While Dasher and Dancer scaled the rock-climbing wall
And Prancer, who had always been fond of the cold
Tried the ice-skating rink, a sight to behold
And then with a whistle, Santa summoned his team
And he bade us farewell, silent nights and sweet dreams
And I heard him exclaim, as he flew out of view
Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good cruise.
By Alan Fox, with appreciation and apologies to Clement Clarke Moore, author of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Happy Holidays to everyone
'Twas the night before Christmas, and far out at sea,
Our vessel was sailing, as smooth as could be
The stockings were hung from the balcony chairs
With hope that St. Nicholas would find them out there
The children were nestled all snug in their uppers
Having just settled down from a Christmas Eve supper
And ma and myself, we were covered in aloe
A bit too much sun, in a pool, warm and shallow
When up in the sky, there arose such a clatter
I leapt from my bed to see what was the matter
To the sliding glass door, I flew like a flash
Well, more like a saunter, and less like a dash
And what to my skeptical eyes should appear
But a great shiny sleigh, and eight flying reindeer
They circled our ship, from starboard to port
As the moon lit the driver, a jolly old sort
Who called to his team, in a happy retort
"Now Dasher, now Dancer," so on and so forth
We raced through our cabin and into the hall
To the very top deck, in time for us all
To be awed by the sight of Old Santa's sleigh
As he lightly touched down, by the midnight buffet
With a bundle of goodies thrown over his back
He rose in the air and dropped down the smokestack
Santa went straight to work, and later we learned
He found every child's cabin, from the bow to the stern
Insides and oceanviews, balconies and suites
Santa filled every stocking, with toys and with treats
Until all his deliveries had been handled with care
Then he noted he still had a minute to spare
So he surfed the wave rider, with nary a fall
While Dasher and Dancer scaled the rock-climbing wall
And Prancer, who had always been fond of the cold
Tried the ice-skating rink, a sight to behold
And then with a whistle, Santa summoned his team
And he bade us farewell, silent nights and sweet dreams
And I heard him exclaim, as he flew out of view
Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good cruise.
By Alan Fox, with appreciation and apologies to Clement Clarke Moore, author of 'Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Friday, December 14, 2007
Happy Holidays
Things are a little quiet right now so no "hot" topic to comment on about cruising. Instead, let me wish everyone who might read this a very safe and joyous Holiday Season and prosperous New Year.
We are personally looking forward to next Friday for a special reunion (special for Helen and I anyway). On Dec 21, 1997, we went on our very first cruise (about 35 cruises ago) on the Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Seas doing a Western Caribbean itinerary.
On Dec 21, 2007 - 10 years to the day - we are going back on her once again. We have been on her several other times, in fact twice in 2007 already but this is the "historic" date for us. Of course now it does an alternating 3 and 4 night cruise to Coco Cay (their private Bahama Island) and Nassau and Key West on the 4 night cruise.
The fun part of the trip this time is having a couple of the Grand Kids with us who live in New Mexico who will be visiting. Last year we took them on a Carnival ship for their first cruise and this year, not only will they be on a new ship (for them), but will actually see the other ship in port that day.
The Majesty of the Seas was refurbished earlier this year and she is very, very nice now and almost like brand new (bult in 1992). OK, the 122 sq ft rooms are still 122 sq ft but the ship is in great shape and a great short cruise experience.
When we went on her in '97, we never thought that 4 years later we would be a part of this industry as Personal Cruise Specialists and a few years later I would actually be handling the recruiting of new agents for our company. Do we love cruising? You bet - we are having the best time of our life now and have been for the past 6 years and hopefully for many more in the future.
Again, Happy Holidays and best of the New Year to everyone.
Al
We are personally looking forward to next Friday for a special reunion (special for Helen and I anyway). On Dec 21, 1997, we went on our very first cruise (about 35 cruises ago
On Dec 21, 2007 - 10 years to the day - we are going back on her once again. We have been on her several other times, in fact twice in 2007 already but this is the "historic" date for us. Of course now it does an alternating 3 and 4 night cruise to Coco Cay (their private Bahama Island) and Nassau and Key West on the 4 night cruise.
The fun part of the trip this time is having a couple of the Grand Kids with us who live in New Mexico who will be visiting. Last year we took them on a Carnival ship for their first cruise and this year, not only will they be on a new ship (for them), but will actually see the other ship in port that day.
The Majesty of the Seas was refurbished earlier this year and she is very, very nice now and almost like brand new (bult in 1992). OK, the 122 sq ft rooms are still 122 sq ft but the ship is in great shape and a great short cruise experience.
When we went on her in '97, we never thought that 4 years later we would be a part of this industry as Personal Cruise Specialists and a few years later I would actually be handling the recruiting of new agents for our company. Do we love cruising? You bet - we are having the best time of our life now and have been for the past 6 years and hopefully for many more in the future.
Again, Happy Holidays and best of the New Year to everyone.
Al
Monday, December 3, 2007
Would you give yourself an appendectomy?
There is an interesting commercial running on TV about a guy talking to a Dr. who is giving instructions for the guy to perform surgery on himself. The commercial is by a stock broker company and makes a good point in a humorous way. What are you trained to do?
This relates to the booking of travel also. With the cruise industry growing by leaps and bounds, new ships and destinations and choices for the consumer, booking cruises is much more than just booking one.
New online companies are popping up constantly and are charging monthly fees for people to become their own agent. "Book like a pro" one press release recently said. No training necessary. Lately the cruise lines have been taking a stand against these card mills, multi-level companies and other sites which appear to give the consumer the opportunity to become an agent and book themselves (for a fee).
Professional agents take their time and expense to learn not only about the different products out there but how to service the consumer, before, during, and after the booking is made. When situations arise after a booking is made what do you do? Who do you contact? How do you get it resolved? The cruise lines pay commissions to agents to be the consumers advocate and help the consumer before, during and after the process of booking and even sailing. And the consumer does not need to pay extra for this service beng provided to them.
Since the cruise line sets the price for their product and pay us, the professional agent, from that price they charge, you as the consumer actually get MORE for your money booking through an agent who is a trained professional than even booking direct with the cruise line. And we will not even go into group block space which may give you added value to your booking which you can not get directly from the cruise line.
So I ask you, "would you give yourself an appendectomy?" Don't be fooled! If it sounds too good to be true..........................you know the rest.
This relates to the booking of travel also. With the cruise industry growing by leaps and bounds, new ships and destinations and choices for the consumer, booking cruises is much more than just booking one.
New online companies are popping up constantly and are charging monthly fees for people to become their own agent. "Book like a pro" one press release recently said. No training necessary. Lately the cruise lines have been taking a stand against these card mills, multi-level companies and other sites which appear to give the consumer the opportunity to become an agent and book themselves (for a fee).
Professional agents take their time and expense to learn not only about the different products out there but how to service the consumer, before, during, and after the booking is made. When situations arise after a booking is made what do you do? Who do you contact? How do you get it resolved? The cruise lines pay commissions to agents to be the consumers advocate and help the consumer before, during and after the process of booking and even sailing. And the consumer does not need to pay extra for this service beng provided to them.
Since the cruise line sets the price for their product and pay us, the professional agent, from that price they charge, you as the consumer actually get MORE for your money booking through an agent who is a trained professional than even booking direct with the cruise line. And we will not even go into group block space which may give you added value to your booking which you can not get directly from the cruise line.
So I ask you, "would you give yourself an appendectomy?" Don't be fooled! If it sounds too good to be true..........................you know the rest.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving
We just want to wish our clients, prospective clients, agent friends and anyone who might read this a very safe and Happy Thanksgiving Holiday.
Those of us who are fortunate enough to go on cruise vacations should also keep in mind that many can't for various reasons. So if you see someone who could use a smile today (or any day for that matter), be thankful that you just might be able to make someone's day better by saying hello and giving them a smile. They'll feel good and so will you.
Those of us who are fortunate enough to go on cruise vacations should also keep in mind that many can't for various reasons. So if you see someone who could use a smile today (or any day for that matter), be thankful that you just might be able to make someone's day better by saying hello and giving them a smile. They'll feel good and so will you.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Cruise Lines Imposing a Fuel Surcharge
Did you know that cruise ships travel less than one-half mile on a gallon of fuel? And we think we have “pain at the pump!”
A typical 7-night cruise consumes between 50,000 to 70,000 gallons of fuel, if not more. With the rise in fuel costs and the unrest in the oil industry, the value of the dollar etc., the cruise lines have had no choice but to impose a fuel surcharge for sailings – both new bookings and for people already booked. The surcharge they have implemented covers about one-third of their rise in cost which they have been absorbing for many months now.
Although it will vary by cruise line, $5 per person per day ($35 per person for a 7 night cruise) seems to be the standard. This surcharge only applies to the 1st and 2nd passengers in the cabin - not the 3rd, 4th, or 5th. This charge is beyond our control as an agent so please don't shoot the messenger.
And, for most things we purchase that must be moved by rail, train, or air, prices have and will continue to rise. At least with a surcharge, it can be discontinued when fuel prices stabilize (at least we hope they will.) Even with this small additional cost, a cruise vacation is still the best value for a vacation.
"I'll play Bingo one less time and save that $20-30 to offset it" is what one client told me the other day. Now that's a plan.
Al
A typical 7-night cruise consumes between 50,000 to 70,000 gallons of fuel, if not more. With the rise in fuel costs and the unrest in the oil industry, the value of the dollar etc., the cruise lines have had no choice but to impose a fuel surcharge for sailings – both new bookings and for people already booked. The surcharge they have implemented covers about one-third of their rise in cost which they have been absorbing for many months now.
Although it will vary by cruise line, $5 per person per day ($35 per person for a 7 night cruise) seems to be the standard. This surcharge only applies to the 1st and 2nd passengers in the cabin - not the 3rd, 4th, or 5th. This charge is beyond our control as an agent so please don't shoot the messenger.
And, for most things we purchase that must be moved by rail, train, or air, prices have and will continue to rise. At least with a surcharge, it can be discontinued when fuel prices stabilize (at least we hope they will.) Even with this small additional cost, a cruise vacation is still the best value for a vacation.
"I'll play Bingo one less time and save that $20-30 to offset it" is what one client told me the other day. Now that's a plan.
Al
Tuesday, November 6, 2007
Family Reunions and Cruising
Why might considering a cruise for your next family reunion be worthwhile? This was asked by a prospective new client over the weekend. My answer was simply "It's the best and only way I know to accommodate ALL members of a family!
Let's compare a cruise to a land based resort. Most resorts are either budget or luxury. Normally, it's the person (we call them the "pied piper" for the group) who is organizing and promoting this to the family members who chooses the place. They will most often choose something that fits their lifestyle - if they are used to luxury living, they will choose a luxury resort. Needless to say, they can afford that place (well, maybe or maybe they just want others to think they can) but not everyone in the family can afford it or is going to be comfortable in that type environment. The younger or less affluent don't want to say they can't afford so they spend more than they should (ego? or embarrassment not to go?).
If it's a pied piper who is younger, less affluent or used to more budget vacation, they will choose accordingly and then the older or those who are used to more luxury are not going (it would be beneath them to stay at the abc motel instead of a 4 Seasons for example).
So how do you find something that everyone can be comfortable with and can afford to attend? A cruise is the perfect solution! Every ship and cruise line (unless you choose the more luxury cruise lines) will have budget and luxury accommodations on the same ship. There are inexpensive interior cabins to Penthouse suites with butlers and private Jacuzzis to choose from and priced accordingly. Everyone can afford to go on the cruise.
There are so many things to do that there really is something for everyone of all ages. From the kids programs for the various age groups, trivia games, pools, spas, sports (two ships even have bowling alleys on them now), entertainment of all varieties, food from buffets or hot dogs/hamburgers to luxury gourmet dining. People can choose to eat together or not as they wish (most family reunions do try to have the dinner meal together in the main dining room (s).
For those with out the higher incomes, this dining is included in the price of a cruise so they can be comfortable eating things they may never have tried before - appetizers, cold soups, salads and many choices of entrees plus the wonderful desserts. (yum-yum, my downfall personally).
Then think about it. You go to a resort and it is one place the entire time. They have a great golf course but many in the family don't play golf for example (or you don't want them plying with you.) On a cruise, you can go to 3, 4,even 5 different places/islands during the 7 night cruise. Your hotel travels with you and you only unpack once. In each port there are many choices of things to do and again, there is something that is affordable or more exotic as one choices depending on their lifestyle. Play golf, go sightseeing by air, go to a beach, tour historical places, get a feel for another culture (definitely worthwhile for the younger folks), go shopping or guess what, even stay on board an read a book and relax.
Cruising is about choice and choices and yet, is affordable for everyone - young, old, rich or poor. The family gets together and everyone is comfortable and has a great time. So the next time you are going to be the pied piper for the family, think it trying this. Once you do, it will quite possibly become the families reunion vacation of choice.
Let's compare a cruise to a land based resort. Most resorts are either budget or luxury. Normally, it's the person (we call them the "pied piper" for the group) who is organizing and promoting this to the family members who chooses the place. They will most often choose something that fits their lifestyle - if they are used to luxury living, they will choose a luxury resort. Needless to say, they can afford that place (well, maybe or maybe they just want others to think they can) but not everyone in the family can afford it or is going to be comfortable in that type environment. The younger or less affluent don't want to say they can't afford so they spend more than they should (ego? or embarrassment not to go?).
If it's a pied piper who is younger, less affluent or used to more budget vacation, they will choose accordingly and then the older or those who are used to more luxury are not going (it would be beneath them to stay at the abc motel instead of a 4 Seasons for example).
So how do you find something that everyone can be comfortable with and can afford to attend? A cruise is the perfect solution! Every ship and cruise line (unless you choose the more luxury cruise lines) will have budget and luxury accommodations on the same ship. There are inexpensive interior cabins to Penthouse suites with butlers and private Jacuzzis to choose from and priced accordingly. Everyone can afford to go on the cruise.
There are so many things to do that there really is something for everyone of all ages. From the kids programs for the various age groups, trivia games, pools, spas, sports (two ships even have bowling alleys on them now), entertainment of all varieties, food from buffets or hot dogs/hamburgers to luxury gourmet dining. People can choose to eat together or not as they wish (most family reunions do try to have the dinner meal together in the main dining room (s).
For those with out the higher incomes, this dining is included in the price of a cruise so they can be comfortable eating things they may never have tried before - appetizers, cold soups, salads and many choices of entrees plus the wonderful desserts. (yum-yum, my downfall personally).
Then think about it. You go to a resort and it is one place the entire time. They have a great golf course but many in the family don't play golf for example (or you don't want them plying with you.) On a cruise, you can go to 3, 4,even 5 different places/islands during the 7 night cruise. Your hotel travels with you and you only unpack once. In each port there are many choices of things to do and again, there is something that is affordable or more exotic as one choices depending on their lifestyle. Play golf, go sightseeing by air, go to a beach, tour historical places, get a feel for another culture (definitely worthwhile for the younger folks), go shopping or guess what, even stay on board an read a book and relax.
Cruising is about choice and choices and yet, is affordable for everyone - young, old, rich or poor. The family gets together and everyone is comfortable and has a great time. So the next time you are going to be the pied piper for the family, think it trying this. Once you do, it will quite possibly become the families reunion vacation of choice.
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