You May Get A Free Cabin Upgrade - Even If The Ship Is Full

After spending one full day on board your cruise ship, it will not be difficult to determine whether or not the ship is completely full. Basically, if you are on a 2500 passenger ship and you never experience any lines, have no trouble making dinner or spa reservations and find that there are plenty of free deck chairs available in the middle of a warm sunny day, chances are that the ship is not 100% filled to capacity.

If this is the case, it doesn’t hurt to simply go to the Front Desk and ask about the possibility of obtaining a cabin upgrade. If there are cabins available, cruise lines have no reason to keep them empty.

Of course, almost 10 times out of 10, you will find a sign on the Front Desk informing you in bold letters that “The ship is full and there are no available cabins.” But don’t let this turn you off. This is actually a permanent sign that is placed on the Front Desk every single voyage, regardless of whether or not the ship is really full.

The idea is to simply reduce the number of passengers making cabin upgrade requests.

If you would like to find out information on cruise itineraries or land vacations, please contact us.

Types of Cruise Lines

This is an overview of the cruise lines and how they are assorted by market.  Cruise lines are grouped into five general markets: 

Contemporary Market – Serve the mass market and most ships are large.  Advantages:  More activities available and less motion at sea.  These cruise lines tend to have great children’s programs, making them a good choice for families.  Service will be great with a staff-guest ratio in the 1:3 range.

• Royal Caribbean
• Carnival
• Norwegian
• MSC & Costa (to a lesser degree)

Premium Market – Offer a product a step or two above the contemporary line.  Level of service will be higher, with a staff-guest ratio in the 1-2½ range.  Food will be of a higher quality, with more artful presentations.  Little touches will be apparent such as fresh cut flowers in the public areas and/or cabins.  Ships will range from mid-size to large, and there will typically be one-two formal nights in the main dining room.

• Celebrity
• Princess
• Holland America

Deluxe Market – Fill the niche between premium and luxury.  All ships in this category are small to mid-size ships.  More luxury elements will be apparent, such as butler service being available; more inclusions such as beverages, and an overall service level increase.  Staff-guest ratio will fall in between the 1:2 -2½ range.  Dress code is typically resort casual with no required formal nights.

• Azamara (owned by Royal Caribbean International)
• Oceania (owned by Norwegian Cruise Lines)

Luxury Market – The highest level of service and food quality.  Ships are generally small, accommodating under 1,000 guests, with most accommodating less than 600 guests.  Guest-staff ratio is in the 1:1½ range.  Food will be ««««« in quality and presentation.  All beverages are typically included.  Cabins will be larger than normal, and likely be outside with verandas.  Some cruise lines even include butler service.

• Silversea
• Regent Seven Seas
• Seabourn
• Crystal
• Cunard
• Viking Ocean Cruises
• SeaDream Yacht Club
• Compagnie du Ponant Yacht Cruises
• Paul Gauguin Cruises

Niche Market – Includes river cruises and other cruises catering to a specific clientele.  The cruise lines’ ship size and service are as varied as the clients they serve.

• Disney Cruises
• Windstar
• Avalon Waterways
• Uniworld River Cruises
• AMA Waterways
• Viking River Cruises
• Tauck River Cruises

For more information, or to inquire about available cruises, please contact us.

Shore Excursions

In some form or another, every passenger will be interested in taking a shore excursion during their cruise. The term “shore excursion” or “tour” includes not only scenic panoramic tours, historical sightseeing, snorkel expeditions, horseback riding, etc. but simple transfers to the beach or even to a quaint village for some free time on your own. Anything that involves using a local taxi, tour operator and/or tour guide can be considered a shore excursion.

Every passenger will most likely utilize at least one of those services at some point during their cruise. Whether you are interested in an all-day tour of every major sight with a gourmet lunch included or just a simple taxi ride to the beach and back, the following information is an excellent tool that benefits every cruise ship passenger.

IMPORTANT TIPS

1. Always take with you in port the tour description brochure that your cruise line provides. 
2. If you book a ship-organized tour, compare the description to what you actually received and make sure it is what you paid for.
3. If you choose to explore independently, be careful who you hire to take you around. Make sure they are licensed tour guides, or taxi drivers. Take the brochure outside with you and show a local operator or taxi driver the tour description that interests you.
4. They will be sure to give you the exact same experience, except that you will avoid being part of a large group, you can dictate how much time you spend at each site, and you will save money that you can use to spend elsewhere.

Are you interested in taking a vacation?  Contact us for all your travel needs.

Celebrate!

There are many reasons in life to celebrate, but there are even more reasons to celebrate when you take a cruise. Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations are all events that you need to inform the cruise line about in order to ensure that your celebration is absolutely perfect. Again, don’t be afraid to get creative!

If you have something to celebrate, cruise lines are prepared to assist. They can offer everything from gifts and party facilities to meetings with the Captain and special arrangements for your port visits. The Executive Housekeeper on board every ship receives a spreadsheet at the start of every cruise, detailing exactly which guests are celebrating a special occasion. Each specific occasion has a unique set of arrangements that will be put into place upon the guest’s arrival.

Keep in mind that celebrations are not limited to birthdays, anniversaries or graduations. Religious celebrations, business milestones and any personal achievements are all perfectly valid reasons for you to notify the cruise line that you want to celebrate during your cruise. Your travel agent can inform the cruise line as well and the reservation agent will add your requests into their system.

In the end, helping you celebrate your special occasion allows cruise lines to provide you with an enhanced experience at very little cost to them. All you need to do is inform the cruise line and once again, you shall enjoy the benefits.

If you would like information about cruises or land vacations, please contact us.

Avoid this Category!

No situation warrants a negative or rude attitude directed at the crew members. These individuals
work extremely hard and simply follow the rules given to them by the cruise line. If you have a
genuine problem with anything on board, don’t take it out on your waiter, bartender or receptionist.
Speak directly with a senior officer who has the ability to solve your problem.

You must now be asking, “How does knowing all of this actually help me?” Here’s the answer.
Being aware of how crew members react towards passengers provides the perfect opportunity for
anyone with a little common sense to use this information in their favor.

Just as a “problem guest” makes an impression on crew members living in an environment of
constant routine, so do the passengers that climb into the complete opposite, and much smaller,
category. I am now referring to the “favorite guest”.

Unfortunately these days, a simple smile and “thank you” does not get you into this exclusive and
highly rewarding category. There are nice people all over the ship - normal, every day folks that
are polite and kind, but who don’t make any impression on the crew. Although it is quite easy for
people to fall into the category of “problem guest”, it is not so easy for people to move into the more
positive category of “favorite guest”.

The sad truth is that being nasty stands out. Being normally polite and decent does not. But here’s
your chance to change the pattern, because overly polite and friendly people do get noticed.
Crew members absolutely love passengers who treat them respectfully. By simply using terms
such as “Thank you very much (insert name)” and asking questions about their home countries and
families, you can find yourself being viewed in the most favorable light by crew members.

Differentiate yourself in a positive way from the other passengers and you shall be rewarded. Imagine the possibilities if you are able to make a positive impression on several crew members!

If you would like information about cruises or land vacations, please contact us.

Don’t Forget About the Freebies

Let me now focus on the aspects of a cruise that do not cost any extra money and which any
value-seeking passenger would be foolish not to utilize. This section may seem quite obvious, but
the truth is that a majority of passengers either do not know about or do not take advantage of all
that is available.

Here is a list of the activities that you should really keep an eye out for: Dance and variety shows,
comedians, musicians, guest lecturers and even celebrity appearances. In addition, a quick
browse through the ship’s daily newsletter will reveal dance classes, arts & crafts sessions, jazz
performances, yoga instruction, computer learning, movie schedules, open-air deck parties and
BBQs, passenger competitions ranging from golf putting to ping-pong and event guest talent
shows. Other offerings that you absolutely do not want to miss include: galley tours, full ship tours,
lectures by the navigational and chief officers and even sample spa treatments. These activities
are almost always free!

You could fill every single day and night with activities that do not cost you a penny and your
vacation would be no less rewarding than had you spent hundreds of extra dollars on wine tastings,
casino gambling, specialty restaurants and art auctions.

If you would like information about cruises or land vacations, please contact us.

Loyalty Programs

While you are on your cruise, you may want to visit the loyalty program office on board the ship. The loyalty program is free and available to everyone who cruises, no matter what age, and you can become a member during your first cruise, and be entitled to more perks for each level you achieve.   Your kids can become cruise experts by the time they are 18.

When you join, obtain a list of everything you are entitled to once you get on board, and be sure to take advantage of it all!  

If you would like information about cruises or land vacations, please contact us.  

Back-to-Back Cruises

When you finally find the perfect cruise at a great price, you might come across another one that sails right before or right after the one you choose.  The opportunity to take an extended vacation is too good to resist, but if the price is right, it would be a great deal.  For one thing, it saves money on travel expenses it would take to make two trips. 


How do you pack for a back to back cruise?
My husband and I recently returned from a 12-day back-to-back (24-day total) cruise.  Now how do you think we packed for such a long trip?  We chose to bring with us enough underclothes and pairs of socks to last the whole trip, six pairs of pants each, and enough tops to last 12 days.  I also brought two   dresses for the two formal nights that would be on a 12-day cruise.  The pants could be worn four days throughout the whole trip.  Depending on the cruise line, you might be able to wash your tops in the laundry room available to guests; or as in our case, for a nominal fee, we were provided laundry bags that we stuffed as much as we could, by rolling each shirt/blouse as tightly as possible.  We were able to stuff 16 tops in that tiny bag.  The dresses could be re-worn on the second cruise. Back-to-back cruises are also great if you want to increase your cruise points to reach a higher level.  The more points you have, the more perks you are entitled to.

For information about cruises or land vacations, please contact us.

Tipping Early – The Great Motivator

Most people who cruise find that cruise lines automatically add a daily gratuity to your bill.  You have the option of having the charges removed and pay the gratuity yourself.  This may impractical and a little inconvenient, but consider the advantages if you choose to tip the crew members yourself.

Rather than waiting until after your cruise to tip everyone, figure how much each person will receive if the cruise line added it to your daily bill.  Asking the concierge (or front desk) for a gratuity breakdown will make this easier.  They usually have a list available upon request. 

During our last cruise, we decided to give the cabin steward half his tip on the first day, then the head waiter, waiter and assistant half their tips on the second day.  The dining room attendants are extremely busy the first evening, and everything seems a bit hectic, but by the second evening, they are better organized. You will be surprised how this little gesture will put you in the top percentage of favored guests, especially when you introduce yourself, and ask a little about themselves.  It will motivate any crew member to work as hard as possible to ensure that you are well taken care of during your stay.

Another great idea is to prepare 'gift packages' to give to your cabin steward/ess. These can be small bags containing a few special items from your hometown. Crew members would be very happy to receive such a gift and again, such a gesture would only lead to more benefits for you.

For information about cruises or land vacations, please contact us.

Purchasing Merchandise on Cruise Ships

No matter how small a cruise ship is, there is always a duty-free shop or two that sells everything from jewelry to liquor.  Chances are, you had your eye on something that you must have.  Be patient and wait for the on-board sales. By waiting a day or two ... or even the last day the shops are open, you can purchase the gifts that have caught your attention, at a much more affordable price.  The longer you wait, the better the sale!

Looking to take a cruise?  Contact us!  

Cruise in a ‘Group’ (Even if You Are Traveling Alone)

Group bookings are highly prized by the cruise lines and groups are lavishly rewarded with extra perks. For example, if you book 8 double-occupancy cabins, one person in the group gets a free cruise (they still have to pay the tax though). Everybody in the group will also get additional perks like cabin upgrades, on-board credits, casino vouchers, bottles of wine, and so on.

If you’re traveling with a large group, make sure to tell me (your travel advisor) so I can arrange all the perks that you’re entitled to.

Even if you are traveling alone, you can still benefit from group programs.  Contact us to book today!

Considering a River Cruise?

An increasing number of people looking for a new cruise adventure are saying “been there, done that, and bought the T-shirt” with just about every mass-market ocean cruise itinerary option.

For some of them, a river cruise is the next thing on their bucket list.

If you’ve had your eye on a river cruise, it’s not a bad time to book, but I’ll get to that in a minute.

First, here’s a quick summary of how a river cruise is different, and why you might want to consider it:

·      The focus is much more on the destination, and less on the ship itself

·      River cruises generally have considerably higher quality amenities and services.

·      River ships are far less crowded – there are usually only between 100 and 150 passengers.

·      There are far more inclusions on river ships than are found on the mass-market lines, so your onboard charges are considerably less.

Here are some other things you may not know about river cruises:

·     The most popular routes are between Amsterdam, Netherlands and Basel, Switzerland (1 week), or Budapest, Hungary (2 weeks).

·     Because of the small ship sizes, river cruises tend to sell out much more quickly than ocean cruises, and you’ll want to start planning at least a year in advance. This is particularly true for the lowest priced cabins, as they sell out quickly.

·     Where the mass-market ocean cruise lines will sometimes discount their prices to fill up the ship closer to departure, river cruises are the opposite – they are most heavily discounted when you book early, and they become more expensive the closer to sailing that you book.

Discover the Beauty of River Cruising

Five river cruises offer what larger ocean cruise ships only dream of – explore the exquisite Rhine River and all its fascinating destinations along the way; discover your ancestral roots in the charming towns once traveled by family from generations past; immerse yourself in the exotic flavors, traditions and culture of the Mekong.  Only on a river cruise can you explore the intimacy of the land you are traveling in.

There is no question that river cruises are at a completely different price point than a typical mass-market ocean cruise. If you normally book an inside cabin on a Carnival cruise, you will find river cruising very expensive. However, many people who often take suites on mass-market cruise lines find the price of a river cruise to be comparable to those.

Looking to book?  Contact us.

See Breathtaking Alaska on a Smaller Ship

If you are thinking of an Alaska cruise in the near future, you might want to consider a smaller ship…

Most of the major cruise lines have ships that cruise to Alaska, and they do an excellent job. However, most of these ships are all over 100,000 tons and carry more than 2500 passengers, and as such have a hard time making it to anywhere other than the three stock ports of call:  Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchican.

Take Skagway as an example – this small town has only 800 permanent residents, with a bit of extra infrastructure because the cruise ship industry is such a huge part of their economy.  However, if you haven’t been there before, you can only imagine what happens when a town of 800 welcomes 10,000 or more passengers who are disgorged from three or four ships on the same day!

The experience is a lot like Disneyworld at spring break, except with mountains and glaciers.

Contrast that experience with what you’ll get on a smaller ship with one of the luxury lines like Crystal, Silversea, Regent Seven Seas, or Seabourn.

On a smaller ship, you’ll be visiting ports along with a few hundred other passengers as opposed to a few thousand. Additionally, the smaller ships purposely time their schedules so they are not at a port of call when there is even ONE other ship there, much less three or four.

Second – smaller ships can reach smaller, more interesting ports.  If you’ve already seen Juneau, Skagway, and Ketchikan, it might be time to check out Icy Strait (Hoonah), Sitka, Prince Rupert, Kodiak, Dutch Harbor, or Nome.

The scenery anywhere in Alaska and British Columbia is spectacular, but what you often miss on the big ships is the art, culture, and people of the ports.  You will be surprised how many of the people working in the shops in Ketchikan are actually university students from Washington State! In the smaller ports of call, you are much more likely to meet a local, or to connect with indigenous peoples.

Some ships embark/disembark in Seward, a picturesque harbor town that offers a taste of the best of what you've come up north to experience.  It is a charming base for exploring the peninsula and its unique small towns.  However, the nearest airport is 104 miles in Kenai, but you'll likely have a group transfer to or from the port by motor coach or train.  The pretty 2½ hour road trip to or from Anchorage is worth the trip.

So if you’ve cruised to Alaska previously, and been left thinking, “Wow, what spectacular scenery… but now I know what it looks like to the local cattle herds”, you might want to give Alaska another try on a smaller ship – it’s guaranteed to be a different experience.  Contact us for information.

Choosing the Perfect Stateroom

Did you know that it is not unheard of to be upgraded from an Inside cabin to a Balcony?

Although everyone hopes for something like this, realistically, it is extremely unlikely.  Lots of people get upgrades, but an upgrade from Inside to Balcony is very rare.

Although you don’t have to be booked in a Guarantee status to get this type of upgrade, is the best way to increase your chances of receiving one.

Most people prefer to choose their cabin ahead of time rather than choosing a Guarantee status, but what is the best cabin location?.

You would think there would be a straight-forward answer, but there is not!

The short answer is that it depends very much on what you value.

Some people want to be close to the elevators, so they can minimize their walking. Others don’t want to be anywhere near the elevators because they fear it may be noisy.

Some really like the back of the ship so they are close to the top-deck public areas. Others complain that the rumble from the ship’s engines is too loud at the back.

Underscoring all these decisions is the price, which varies depending on location. As a rule, you’ll pay more for a mid-ship cabin compared to one that is further forward or aft. A mid-ship cabin can be a whole lot more money or a just little more, depending on the specific sailing, so it’s worth asking how much it would cost to upgrade.

Here are some considerations when choosing a cabin:

Forward, Mid-ship, or Aft: The most expensive cabins are mid-ship. In reality, the staterooms are exactly the same size, but people typically want to be mid-ship, and the cruise lines are happy to charge you more in order to get them. It is true that you can feel the ship move on the bow, but you need to consider where you are sailing to figure if this makes any difference. For example, most Alaska cruises never make it to the open ocean, and as such the ship moves very little (although there are exceptions). The engine noise is more apparent in the stern but, wearing earplugs, I have never had a problem sleeping because of this.

Lower decks or Higher decks: If you are worried about feeling the ship move, it will be less noticeable on the lower decks, but again, you need to consider whether this matters for the cruise you are on. The advantage to the lower decks is that usually you are closer to the indoor public areas for dining and entertainment. Conversely, staterooms on the higher decks are usually closer to the pools and outdoor public areas on most ships.

Noise: We always bring a set of earplugs with us when we cruise, so noise is never a factor. However, if you don’t like wearing them and you are worried about noise, then when you are planning your cruise, find the ship’s deck plans online, or ask us to send you a copy, and figure out what is around your cabin. Look to see that you are not next to a laundry room or crew area, as well as stairwells and elevators. If the area is unmarked on the deck plan, you can pencil in “avoid”. Also check what is directly above and below you. There is nothing worse than being right below a galley, or right above a nightclub if you value your sleep. Regardless of where I’m located, I always bring a pair of earplugs just in case.

Inside, Oceanview or Balcony: This is highly personal choice, and many of the advantages are obvious. Personally, I don’t spend much time in our stateroom, so an inside is our best choice.  On the other hand, what would happen if you were confined to your room for a day or two? This happens more often than you might think - if you get any symptoms of a contagious bug, they will confine you to your stateroom. If the idea of being stuck in a dark, windowless room for a day or more gives you any anxiety, you should stay away from inside cabins.  If you really value the outdoor personal space a balcony provides so that you can enjoy a morning cup of coffee, or evening glass of wine in a private space, then a balcony is right for you. But, you should consider how much more you are willing to pay for this, and that changes cruise by cruise.

Again, there are no right or wrong answers here… just a series of questions that you’ll want to ask yourself before making any decisions about a stateroom location. If you book your cruise through us, we'll have a discussion about your preferences so that I can find you a cabin that exactly meets your needs, at the best possible price.

Luggage: A Couch-Sized Issue

If you’re a traveler, the greatest innovation of the past century isn’t space travel or insulin, but rather wheels on luggage.

This has changed everything.

No longer are you restricted by your own ability to lift and manage your own bags. You can now bring just about everything you own, and simply be able to push it along a sidewalk until someone much stronger than you can lift it on to a conveyor belt.

This is clearly evident in the fact that new luggage comes in the same sized box as a couch. If you don’t believe me, take note next time you’re at an airport or cruise ship terminal. It’s a comedy of errors watching some people attempt to manage their own stuff.

For some, this catastrophe-in-waiting is remedied by packing light. This has always been my preference. However, this is not a course of action that will work for some people.

As it turns out, there are a number of services out there that will pick up your luggage a few days in advance of a cruise (or other types of trips), and will deliver it to your embarkation point. Imagine how nice it is to get up on your date of travel, grab your carry-on, and leave for the airport.

No overhead cranes to get your luggage in and out of your trunk; no wheeling through the airport with your half-ton of stuff – it takes away a lot of the pain of travelling.

So, if you’re a notoriously heavy packer, or even if you just don’t want to be bothered dragging stuff through airports, it’s probably worth checking one of these services out. For a few dollars more you solve a couch-sized issue.

Now… think about how much more stuff you can bring! 

Ready to get away from all the cold weather?  We can help get you booked on the cruise of your dreams.

There are NO Guarantees with a 'Guarantee' Cabin

There seems to be a lot of misinformation about how ‘Guarantee’ cabins work, so today I thought I would provide a bit of an explanation, which will hopefully clear things up.

In some cases, a Guarantee cabin is an excellent way to save a few bucks and/or be first in line for an upgrade. Other times it is very clearly the wrong choice.

Here are two client stories, which illustrate the difference.

Client #1 was one of those people who considers their stateroom to be simply a “place to sleep”, and is honestly not that bothered as to where it is on the ship.

This client didn’t find out her cabin assignment until she boarded, and was thrilled to discover the cruise line had booked her into a Balcony cabin – not bad considering she had asked for a Guaranteed Inside!

Client #2 had trouble getting his head around the idea of a Guarantee cabin from the outset.

“Why won’t they just tell me what room I’m in?” he asked.

I explained to him that the cruise lines offer guarantee cabins for a lower price than assigned cabins so that they have flexibility in how they fill the ship.

With a Guarantee cabin, you pay a lower price and are guaranteed a cabin in a specific category or higher.
In return for this lower price, you agree to accept whatever stateroom the cruise line assigns you (in that category or higher), and the cabin number may not be known until immediately prior to embarkation.

I suggested to this particular client that if he was uncomfortable waiting (potentially up until the sail date) for his cabin assignment, that perhaps we should book a specific (“assigned”) cabin for him, and that it would cost him only about $30 more for the week.

He preferred to save the $30.

He got his cabin assignment a week before departure, and he hated it – it was right beside the elevator and he was very worried about noise. He asked me to do something (anything!) to get his cabin re-assigned. By this time, the ship was sold out, and there was nothing I could do to change his stateroom.

At this point, he would be wise to get a set of earplugs.  We use them all the time, and they really work.

Guarantee cabins are a great way to save a few bucks, and are one of the best ways to get an upgrade.

However, Guarantee cabins are NOT a good choice for you if you are travelling with people in another cabin and want to be close to them. 

When booking a ‘Guarantee’ cabin, be sure that you understand what you’re getting into, and that the trade-off is worth it.

10 Reasons to Go on a River Cruise

I often speak with seasoned ocean cruisers who have seen the ads for river cruising, and wonder if a river cruise is right for them.  

Here are some reasons you may want to consider a river cruise:

1.   The Ports – It may be a blinding flash of the obvious, but you will encounter ports on a river cruise that are not accessible by ocean.  If you find yourself staying on board your ocean ship because you’ve already been to a port of call several times, it may be time to find some new ports to visit.  You can do that on a river cruise.

2.   The Size – Ocean ships measure their guests by the thousands, where a river cruise have between 100 and 180 people.  It’s a much different experience for embarking and disembarking, as well as using the ship amenities.

3.   The Culture – Ocean cruising is all about the culture on board the ship – the entertainment, the activities, and the food.  In contrast, river cruises are about the culture of the ports you visit.  If you’re a person who enjoys the famous sites and museums on your ocean cruise port stops, you’ll find the river cruise experience to be much more in touch with the local culture.

4.   The Service – The mass-market ocean lines generally do a fine job of taking care of the guests.  The river cruise lines do even better.  It is akin to comparing staying at the Marriott (generally good service), with staying at the Waldorf-Astoria (much better service).  You don’t have to be dissatisfied with the service on your ocean vessel to appreciate the elevated level of service on a river cruise. It’s difficult to describe the difference until you’ve experienced it for yourself.

5.   The Food – Much like the point above, as good as the food is on board your favorite mass-market cruise line, they are better on board the river cruise lines.

6.   River Cruises are More Casual – Some people really like to get dressed up in ball gowns and tuxedos, while others are not as excited about that program.  The river cruise lines are much more casual than the mass-market lines.  There are no formal nights.

7.   More Active – One of the attractions of a mass-market ship for some people is to put up your feet, and read a book and sip cocktails for a week.  For people like me, this is fun but only for about an hour, and after that I’m looking for something to do.  River cruises offer far more activities that are normally connected to the people and culture of the port being visited.

8.   Night Time Ports of Call.  Have you ever wondered what a port of call looks like after 6pm?  River cruises are much more likely to stay in port in the evenings so you can get a feel for the place after dark.

9.   All inclusive – If you’ve ever gotten to the end of your ocean cruise, and discovered that your ship-board charges are more than what you paid to get on the ship in the first place, you might want to look at the river cruise lines.  Far more is included in the fare.

10. Motion Sickness – Seasickness is not a problem for everyone, but you may be surprised how many people have to take measures to make sure they don’t get sick.  This isn’t a consideration on river cruises.

If the aspects discussed above appeal to you, it may be time to consider a river cruise! 

But beware... river cruising is often a stepping stone to luxury ocean cruising.  Once you experience a small ship with fewer passengers, all-inclusiveness, and top-notch personalized service, it can be difficult to return to a mass market cruise line.

Planning a Cruise?  I'd love to help!  Get in touch today.  

The World’s Best Ski Resorts

The snow … the slope … the scenery … the thrill – these are the most important factors when considering a ski resort. With so many to choose from, ski enthusiasts are more selective about where they want to go. 

There are a lot of well-known ski resorts. Here are the some of the world’s most popular:

1. Stowe Mountain Resort is the most picturesque ski resort in the area.  It is located near the town of Stowe in northern Vermont.  It consists of two separate mountains – Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield, providing 39 miles of skiable terrain.

2. In France, the host of the first Winter Olympics in 1924, Chamonix Mont-Blanc is one of the world’s finest ski resorts. Mont-Blanc is the highest European mountain west of Russia and attracts both skiers and mountain climbers alike. 

3. Banff National Park is the most visited Alberta tourist destination in Canada.  Sunshine Village was the first downhill ski resort developed in the 1930s. Mount Norquay was also developed during that time, and the first chairlift was installed there in 1948.  Lake Louise is one of the most visited lakes in the world, and provides a scenic vista of Mount Victoria Glacier to the southwest. 

4. Vail is the largest ski mountain in Colorado, and is the third largest resort in the country.  The town of Vail was actually built when the ski resort opened in 1962. 
   
   
5. Switzerland is said to have the most pristine ski resorts.  The beautiful country of Switzerland boasts St. Moritz, the oldest ski resort in the world.

6. Kitzbühel is one of Austria's best-known and fanciest ski resorts. Situated between the Hehnenkamm and Kitzbühler mountains, its breathtaking scenery that would steal any skier’s heart.  Hehnenkamm features the infamous World Cup Der Streif course.
   
   
7. The most popular ski resort is the Whistler/Blackcomb in British Columbia. It is consistently ranked as the No. 1 resort in North America because of its vertical drop and spectacular vistas. The village cafes, restaurants that cater foods of the world, and internationally known stores, attract both skiers and non-skiers alike.

Release your inner skier and discover why these breathtaking ski resorts are the most popular places in the world.  Contact us to reserve your amazing ski vacation.

Vacationing Aboard a Repositioning Cruise Ship

Thinking about cruising overseas but find it a bit pricey?  Consider a repositioning cruise. 

What is a repositioning cruise, you say?

A repositioning cruise is when a ship moves to another embarkation region.  This is usually done seasonably.  The most common itineraries feature Alaska to Hawaii sailings as well as spring Caribbean to Mediterranean sailings and vice versa in the fall.  These cruises are one-way trips, so travel arrangements must be made upon disembarking.

All cruises require proof of citizenship.  If you are not flying overseas, a passport card will do.  This costs less than a regular passport, and we use them every time we travel domestically.  Sometimes just a driver’s license or government issued ID will do, but the passport card is accepted every time without question, and they are good for ten years; and children’s for five years.  However, when you travel to another country, whether flying or disembarking from your one-way cruise ship, passports are required for all family members, including infants, and must have two or more blank pages.  Both passports and passport cards must be valid at least six months before you travel.  Check with the State Department to see if the country you plan to travel to requires specific documentation.

When planning a repositioning cruise, consider arriving at your departure port at least a day in advance to avoid delays.  You won’t want to miss your ship due to weather conditions or accident delays along the way.  Giving yourself an extra day or two will also give you time to relax and prepare for embarkation.  Believe me, you can expect almost anything to happen on embarkation day.  We have seen delays that seem like hours waiting in line to board.  By the time you get on the ship, you are exhausted.  Think how much worse it would be if you travel on the same day.  The same goes for post-cruise arrangements.  If you schedule your flight the day you arrive, there may be delays getting to the airport; and sometimes the port authority can cause disembarking delays.  Consult us for pre- and post-cruise hotel packages and flight arrangements for a much more relaxing vacation.

There is no restriction on how much luggage you can bring on board repositioning cruise ships; however, if you make flight arrangements, extra luggage may add to the cost of your trip.

What you pack will also depend on when and where you will be cruising to.  If you are heading towards the north, you may consider warmer clothing; and lighter clothing if you are traveling towards the warmer Caribbean.  

When researching the ports of call, it is important to determine exactly how long your cruise ship will stay docked there.  If you have enough time, you may be able to leave the ship and see what the port area has to offer, or take an excursion. 

By keeping the above-mentioned points in mind, you could make the most out of your repositioning cruise.  If you are interested in booking such a cruise, you are encouraged to schedule your reservation with us today. You can get an unbelievable deal on a repositioning cruise, but they don’t last.  A reservation is the best way to ensure that you will be able to have this amazing experience.   Contact us for more information.

Popular Cruise Ship Destinations and Ports of Call

When considering vacationing aboard a cruise ship, there are many individuals who are unaware of what to expect.  Individuals that have never been on a cruise ship before are likely to be a little bit confused when it comes to cruise ship destinations and ports of call.  If you are interested in taking a cruise, it is advised that you familiarize yourself with cruise ship destinations and ports of call. 

A port of call is a term that is used by many cruise lines.  It is used to describe stops that a cruise ship will make along the way.  If you are interested in booking a vacation aboard a ship that makes multiple port stops, you will want to consider the ports available.  Vacationing on a cruise ship is enough to make any vacation perfect, but selecting the right ports of call will make your vacation even more enjoyable.

When examining the cruise ships offered by multiple cruise lines, you should automatically be provided with the cruise ship’s scheduled stops, also known as an Itinerary.  The itinerary will tell you where and when the cruise ship will arrive at each destination, and times of departure.  If the stop is long enough, you may be able to view local attractions, or just spend your time at the beach. 

All around the world, there are a number of ports that cruise ships regularly stop at.  Many of the most popular ports are found in the Caribbean.  If you are searching for a tropical cruise, you may want to consider the climate of each port before making your reservation.  Popular ports include, but are not limited to, Cozumel, San Juan, and St. Thomas.  Shoppers love the Caribbean for duty-free merchandise.  Duty free is merchandise purchased without having to pay government taxes.

Caribbean cruises are often viewed as the most popular types of cruises, but they are not the only ones that are available.  Vacation cruises are popular all around the world, including Europe, Canada, and the Northern United States. The ports of call on these cruises may be not be considered tropical, but they still offer many fun and exciting attractions for cruise ship travelers.

In addition to ports of call, you will also see information on a cruise ship’s final destination.  When selecting a cruise ship, the final destination is extremely important.  This is because most, but not all cruise ships return to their originally place of departure. For prevent unnecessary travel, it is advised that you search for a cruise ship that returns to its original port of departure.  Cruises to Alaska generally consist of two lengths.  A 7-day cruise starts and ends in the same place can start and end in the same place, but tends to spend less time in port cities.  One-way cruises allow clients to sail deeper into Alaska than the round-trip cruises and typically operate on a north to south-bound rotating basis.  You would have the advantage of tacking on a land tour package on the one-way cruise.  Some clients prefer to book back-to-back, one-way cruises, extending their travel time to 14 days.  One advantage to this is that the ship returns to its original port of departure, saving you unnecessary travel expenses.

As previously mentioned, cruises ship vacations are popular all around the world.  When selecting a cruise vacation, you are encouraged to keep this in mind.  In addition to the ports of call and on board activities, you should consider selecting a cruise ship based on its location of departure. If you are interested in vacationing on a cruise, but while on a budget, you may want to select a port of departure that is located close to your home, and easy to drive to.  Doing so will likely prevent unnecessary travel expenses. 

With all of the available cruise ship destinations and ports of call, selecting a cruise ship to vacation on may seem overwhelming.  Despite this overwhelming feeling, you are still encouraged to contact us.  We can save you precious time and do all the research for you.

Themed Cruise Ships

It is likely that you have heard of a themed cruise ship before. Themed cruise ships are popular, all around the world. While most individuals have heard of a themed cruise ship, many are unaware exactly what they are.  When researching a certain themed cruise, many people are looking for the theme itself rather than where the ship is traveling to.  If you are interested in making travel plans aboard a themed cruise ship, there are some vital pieces of information that you must first consider. This information is vital to selecting the themed cruise that best fits your needs.

When it comes to themed cruise ships, many individuals automatically think of cruises designed for families with children. Family themed cruise ships are the most popular types of cruises available.  In fact, it is likely that you have heard of a number of these cruise ships.  One of the most well-known is Disney Cruise Lines.  Disney Cruise Lines is a niche, or specialty, cruise line that offers a wide variety of different cruises that are targeted toward the whole family. Disney is most well-known for their cartoon characters.  These characters are aboard all themed Disney cruise ships.

Disney Cruise Lines is a cruise with a specific theme.  In addition to a cruise with particular cartoon characters, it is possible to book a traditional family cruise.  Themed cruise ships with a family focus often include a wide range of services, facilities, and activities that are tailored to children of all ages.

While family themed cruise ships are often considered the most popular on some contemporary cruise lines, they are not the only themed cruises available.  Another popular themed cruise includes celebrity cruises. A number of different cruise lines offer this popular and highly sought after theme.  Celebrity cruises have special on board guests.  These guests may include popular television stars, movie stars, and music artists.  Special dinners and autograph sessions are often included in a celebrity cruise.

Sometimes you see advertisements for specifically themed cruises, such as the ‘70s Rock & Romance Cruise.  These cruises are very popular, as they usually have a variety of bands from that time period who perform, meet and mingle with the passengers.

Ships that offer a culinary theme are also becoming more popular.  Interactive cooking classes hosted by well-known chefs lure foodies from all over the world to experience exotic cuisine such as local flavors offered for each port of call.  

Romance is another theme that many cruise lines focus on.  Romance themed cruises are offered on board a number of different cruise ships. These cruise ships often target couples.  To keep the ship setting mature and in good nature, an age restriction may be placed on passengers.  Age restrictions are effective at eliminating excess amounts of children aboard a ship that is designed for couples. Romance is a wide theme that covers many categories.  These categories are likely to include honeymoons, weddings, and anniversaries. 

In addition to the above-mentioned themed cruises, there are a number of other cruise ship themes.  These themes may include, but are not limited to, singles, dancing, movies, gambling, and adventure.  Most cruise lines feature a casino or gaming facility, with the exception of Disney.  Because Disney is family oriented, you won’t find a casino on board any of their ships.  It is also possible to find a cruise ship that offer gambling as their theme. These cruises are often referred to as casino cruises. 

Cruise ships with dancing themes are popular among individuals of all ages.  Despite their wide range of popularity, dancing cruises are often most enjoyed by senior citizens.  Dancing cruises tend to offer a number of different or themed dance halls. Each of these halls may incorporate a different style of music.  Disco, ballroom or Latin themed dance halls will satisfy all tastes in music.  In a way, dancing cruises can also be considered romantic.  There are many travelers who enjoy being able to relax and spend quality time with their dancing partner. 

Thrill seekers may find fun aboard a cruise ship with an adventure theme. In addition to traditional cruise ship services, it is likely that you will find a number of on board activities designed for those seeking a thrill.  Many of these activities include on board surfing and rock climbing. The adventure activities found aboard a themed cruise will all depend on the cruise ship in question.  As more cruise ships are being developed, so are the number of activities designed for those who want action and adventure. 

It is easy to see that there are a number of different themed cruises.  If you are interested in scheduling a vacation aboard a themed cruise ship for the activities that you most enjoy participating in, contact us.