Live Through the Down Times

For most of 2008, we heard about the economy and how bad things were and how bad they could continue to be. People have even been using the word, Recession. Now that we are almost at the end of January 2009, it is time to move on. Times will continue to be hard but the economy will get better. One thing to remember is that you will survive. This month I have been incredibly busy. As I have been booking cruises (and lots of them), people have been telling me that they still need to live during these hard times. They have saved their money and deserve and need their vacation.

We understand that price is still a concern. Prices now are better than ever and continue to be. However, as the economy starts to show signs of improvement, the cruise lines will take notice and start to slowly increase their prices.

A cruise is still one of the best value vacations for the entire family. Almost everything is included and there is something to do for all ages. The best part is that you don't have to worry about cooking, cleaning or planning things for the family to enjoy. So if it is one, two, three or twenty of you that need a break, consider this the best time to book a cruise vacation.

Change is Here

As we celebrate this historic day, there is optimism that change is here. No matter which side of the election you were on, we are now seeing change. Many speculate that the positive feelings that people have now will carry over for quite some time. In the Cruise Industry, we are definitely seeing a wave of action. Cruise lines such as Princess Cruises have reported Record Breaking Sales over the past week. Our phones have been ringing off the hook and people are starting to book summer vacations and beyond. This increase in cruise sales has prompted cruise lines to consider raising prices. We all knew that these low prices and fantastic deals couldn't last forever. This is the time to secure the cruise vacation you've been thinking about. Call Renee at 866-568-0022 to discuss a cruise for you.

13 Fun Reasons to Cruise

With the weather being so frigid in the majority of the country, people are talking more and more about going someplace warm. When people think about warm weather vacations, they think about cruising. MSN.com had a great article titled, "13 Fun Reasons to Set Sail" that was posted today. Check it out at http://travel.msn.com//Guides/CruiseSlideShow.aspx?cp-documentid=827969&imageindex=1.

You will see many of the same reasons that were mentioned in a previous post. So like Royal Caribbean says... "Get out There". Let 2009 be the year that you try something new and exciting or continue to enjoy the fabulous lifestyle that cruising has to offer.

Group Cruise Advantages

You have a group of friends or family that are thinking of going on a cruise vacation. Now what? Contact your Cruise Specialist to find out the advantages of forming a group. Most cruise lines consider a group to have 8 or more double occupancy cabins that sail together. What are the advantages?

• Special Pricing
• Group Amenities- each sailing with have "points" associated with it. You can use these points to add extras such as a bottle of wine or champagne to each stateroom, onboard credit of various amounts, tote bags. free 1 hour cocktail party, etc...
• All reservations are cross referenced together to ensure that your entire group will sit together during dining.
• One price includes your meals, shipboard activities, entertainment and much more!
• Spend as much or as little time with your group as you want.
• Children have organized activities to participate in allowing adults to have some well deserved free time.
• Accomodations to meet every budget
• Exotic ports of call

Forming a group cruise is easy, just call Renee for information. To see the group cruises that we already have set up, click here. We would love to have you join us.

Tracking a Cruise Ship

Your friends and family are on a cruise. You know they are going to the Caribbean, but where are they at this very moment? To figure out the location of cruise ships, simply log onto http://www.sailwx.info/ . Then click "Ship Tracker" and "select "Cruise Ship Tracker" from the pull down menu. This is a great site that will show you where cruise ships are located at that moment. So, if you can't join your family or friends on that great cruise adventure, you can at least see where they are. Enjoy!

Finding the Best Rate

As a Cruise Specialist, I am trained in finding the best rate possible. There are many options available for people looking to travel. Here are a few of the options that we look for when booking cruises...

1. Resident rates- cruise lines often offer discounts to people that live in certain states. This is why we always ask where you retain residence.
2. Senior rates- if someone is aged 55 or older in the cabin, then you are eligible for the Senior rate.
3. Past Passengers- if you have cruised before, make sure you sign up for the past passenger program. This will enable you to get discounted fares or upgrades.
4. Reduced rates for 3rd and 4th passengers within the cabin
5. Discount for full payment in advance- this is popular with Crystal Cruises.
6. Credit card promotions- use a particular card to pay for your cruise and you could be eligible for reduced fares, onboard credit or upgrades.
7. Group rates- if you can fill 8 or more cabins at double occupancy, you can get lowered rates and added amenities.
8. And many more.

As you can see there are many ways to save on cruises. We try to get you the best deal possible. This is the best time to buy and you have no risk since your deposit is refundable up until the final payment date.

Call today to see if you are eligible for one of the above discounts or others. You could be cruising in 2009 or 2010!

Start the New Year Out Right!

Welcome to 2009! I hope that everyone had a safe and happy start to the year. Most of you probably had the conversation regarding resolutions. How many of you vowed to dedicate more time to yourself or family? What better way to do that than take a cruise.

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises want to help you with your resolution. On Tuesday, January 6, 2009, they are having a Sales Event. Many sailings have reduced fares. Take a step toward your resolution and call me to start planning your next cruise. I look forward to helping you!