1. Myth: All Travel Agents and Agencies are the Same
Fact: Every travel agent is different and has a different area that they specialize in. So, depending on what type of trip you are looking to take one travel agent will suit you better than another. That’s why it is important when planning a trip to find a travel agent that specializes in where you want to go.
2. Myth: No One Uses Travel Agents Anymore
Fact: Travel agents still sell 51 percent of all airline tickets, 87 percent of all cruises, 81 percent of all tours and packages, 45 percent of all car rentals and about 47 percent of all hotels.*
3. Myth: Travel Agents are Trying to Cheat Me if They Don’t Quote Me the Cheapest Price
Fact: Travel agents know the ins and outs of different itineraries. While you might find one that is a little bit cheaper, that cheaper itinerary might involve a whole slew of headaches. For example, longer waits at the airport and odd travel times. A travel agent will be looking to get you the best value for you money spent which should include the most direct and time friendly itinerary they can find. – Unless you have told them you would prefer to have the cheaper options presented as well expect value to be a factor included in the trip they plan.
4. Myth: It is Expensive to Use a Travel Agent
Fact: The fee a travel agent charges really depends upon the agent. While some of the more luxury agencies have higher fees, the average fee is quite marginal. Some travel agents will even drop the fee or offer a discount once you have finalized your trip with them. Plus, you can always ask an agent upfront what their fees are and decide for yourself if it’s worth it. Also, it is important to remember that a lot of online booking sites, such as Orbitz and Expedia, charge a booking fee as well.
5. Myth: I Can Easily Book the Same Trip on My Own Without Using A Travel Agent.
Fact: Although travel agents have access to all of the same outlets you would use when looking to book travel, they also have access to exclusive pricing and package deals that are most times not available to the public. Your travel agent also has more leverage in helping out in situations such as hotels claiming to be booked, when in fact they may still have rooms available that are on hold for travel agents reservations. So when everyone else is telling you “No” your travel agent can help turn that to a “Yes.”
6. Myth: Travel Agents Don’t Have Information as Updated as the Internet
Fact: Travel agents obtain some of their information from the same sources as online booking sites such as Orbitz and Travelocity. They also receive daily emails and faxes with new specials from resorts and hotels that may not be published on the internet. Travel agents can also call a place directly to see if they can work out other kinds of special deals for you, something an online site can’t do.
7. Myth: Travel Agents Are a Waste of Time
Fact: Although you can find much of the same information that the travel agent provides for you on your own, you are going to spend a lot of valuable time doing so. A travel agent can actually save you from hours of painful research and price comparison shopping. They have up to date prices, hotel conditions, and interesting new activities. Their prior knowledge and experience gives them the upper hand in trip planning.
8. Myth: Travel Agents Have Lost Their Clout
Fact: Travel agents book hotels, cruises, and activities every day. The companies that provide these services know that and want their business and will work to keep that business coming back. So while a place might be telling you “Sorry we are booked,” for your one time trip, they are more likely to make an acceptation for the travel agent to insure that the agent sends them more business in the future.
9. Myth: Good Travel Agents are Hard to Find
Fact: While there are some below par travel agents out there, sources such as Tripology are great outlets to go to find reliable specialized travel agents that will match your needs.
10. Myth: Travel Agents Can Only Book My Flight and Hotel
Fact: Travel agents can arrange car service, personalized tours and activities, in addition to all the basic travel services they provide. They are also excellent sources of information concerning good restaurants, good sites to see, and tips on what to pack.
*Source: American Society of Travel Agents
Learn How to Become A Travel Agent... Open your own Home Based Travel Agency
Friday
Thursday
Royal Caribbeans Oasis
Royal Caribbean's upcoming 220,000-ton, 5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas has been garnering attention for its size—the ship is a whopping 40 percent larger than the next biggest (which happens to be the cruise line's own Freedom class). But it's Oasis' innovations—unveiled in November at an event at its Finnish shipyard—that are delightfully surprising. They include the outdoor Central Park, complete with live plants; the Boardwalk, an exterior promenade, complete with an antique carousel; and the AquaTheater, a pool area and amphitheater at the ship's bow that will feature a high-dive and other aqua-acrobatics.
Luxury New-Builds
Long-anticipated new-builds from Seabourn and Silversea will be the first brand new luxury ship designs to debut in nearly a decade.
In 2009: Seabourn Odyssey, which will launch in June, will be the first out of the gate. On tap is the biggest spa on a luxury ship, roomier accommodations (the vessel will be three times larger than its fleetmates but carry only double the passengers); course-by-course, in-room dining; and more.
Silversea Cruises launches Silver Spirit in November. Silver Spirit will be similar in style and design to the line's existing trio of upscale ships, but with a few firsts—including a supper club and an Asian-themed restaurant—and a larger spa.
In 2009: Seabourn Odyssey, which will launch in June, will be the first out of the gate. On tap is the biggest spa on a luxury ship, roomier accommodations (the vessel will be three times larger than its fleetmates but carry only double the passengers); course-by-course, in-room dining; and more.
Silversea Cruises launches Silver Spirit in November. Silver Spirit will be similar in style and design to the line's existing trio of upscale ships, but with a few firsts—including a supper club and an Asian-themed restaurant—and a larger spa.
New Ships Coming
At least a dozen new cruise ships will hit the waters in 2009, and travel agents are advised to take advantage of the excitement surrounding the developments. "The new builds and the buzz that goes with them does spark the 'Ooh, I want to be in on that' nerve," "I'd suggest that all agents get themselves pumped up about the excitement of these new vessels. Then pick up the phone and let clients know that something very exciting is going on -- and that you want to be sure they know.
Wednesday
Webinar - Silver Sea Cruises
Join us and Silversea's Steve Tucker for a overview of Silversea's voyages for 2009...webinar. Friday January 30th at 2 pm Eastern, 1pm Central, Noon Mountain and 11 am Pacific for an exciting and informative session with Silversea Cruises.
Space is limited.Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/629617856
Space is limited.Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/629617856
Virtual MSC Cruise Brochure
We invite you to VIRTUALLY sail with us along the azure seas and color-drenched shores of the Mediterranean and the Greek Isles. Explore the exotic in Egypt, Turkey and Morocco. Or discover the breathtaking fjords of Scandinavia, the treasures of Russia and so much more.
Click Here
Click Here
Monday
FREE Tools to Sell Religious Pilgrimage Groups!
This Webinar is designed to introduce you to a host of brand-new tools developed by Unitours for the Home Based Travel Agents. Unitours has produced a series of free DVDs with both of Bob’s informative Travel Agent Seminars, as well as another set which agents can show to potential clients to teach them how easy it is to host a religious pilgrimage.
Finally, you will learn how to use a new state-of-the-art online Religious Itinerary System which will allow you to generate professional pilgrimage itineraries to save, print, or email directly to your prospective clients.
Join us on this Webinar and learn how you can get Your Own FREE Set of DVD's and begin earning significant commissions on productive International Pilgrimage Groups. To register, go to this Web page!
Finally, you will learn how to use a new state-of-the-art online Religious Itinerary System which will allow you to generate professional pilgrimage itineraries to save, print, or email directly to your prospective clients.
Join us on this Webinar and learn how you can get Your Own FREE Set of DVD's and begin earning significant commissions on productive International Pilgrimage Groups. To register, go to this Web page!
Friday
Recession forces travel companies to slash prices
Airlines, cruise lines and hotels have drastically lowered prices as part of an effort to attract travelers. Tell Your clients to book now, as the economy gets better this summer the prices will go higher.
Thursday
Seabourn adds Online Booking Link & Bonus Commission
The Yachts of Seabourn announced the addition of a new online booking portal for travel agents. The portal is accessible from Seabourn’s website at www.seabourn.com, and allows travel agents to make bookings or adjustments to an existing booking at any time, from anywhere.
Once they get to the portal by selecting the “Travel Professionals” page of Seabourn’s website, agents are invited to register to gain access to real-time inventory on 2009 and 2010 departures of the 208-guest Seabourn Pride, Spirit, Legend and the 450-guest Seabourn Odyssey, which is due to launch in June 2009.
To encourage agents to try the new service, Seabourn is offering a $200-per-booking bonus commission for bookings made using the “Inside Line” portal through March 21.
About a third of Seabourn’s guests make a booking for a future voyage while they are still onboard to take advantage of an extra 5 percent savings. Many simply make a deposit on an open booking, which gives them up to two years to decide on a particular cruise departure. For agents of those guests, Inside Line provides an easy, efficient means to check availability and secure the space their clients want, whenever they contact the agent. For more information, call 800-929-9595 or visit www.seabourn.com.
Once they get to the portal by selecting the “Travel Professionals” page of Seabourn’s website, agents are invited to register to gain access to real-time inventory on 2009 and 2010 departures of the 208-guest Seabourn Pride, Spirit, Legend and the 450-guest Seabourn Odyssey, which is due to launch in June 2009.
To encourage agents to try the new service, Seabourn is offering a $200-per-booking bonus commission for bookings made using the “Inside Line” portal through March 21.
About a third of Seabourn’s guests make a booking for a future voyage while they are still onboard to take advantage of an extra 5 percent savings. Many simply make a deposit on an open booking, which gives them up to two years to decide on a particular cruise departure. For agents of those guests, Inside Line provides an easy, efficient means to check availability and secure the space their clients want, whenever they contact the agent. For more information, call 800-929-9595 or visit www.seabourn.com.
Tuesday
Unbeatable Airfares
Please join ua and Trafalgar Tours for the latest scoop on their unbeatable air specials to Europe. The training is on Tuesday January 13th. The webinar will begin at 2pm Eastern, 1pm Central, Noon Mountain and 11am Pacific. Don't miss this terrific opportunity to provide great value to your clients!
Space is limited.Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/613267585
Space is limited.Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/613267585
Webinar - How to sell Travel Insurance
Travel Guard's Interactive Online Review will help you sell more insurance and make more money! Travel Guard's interactive reviews are designed for you to become more comfortable with the programs available through Travel Guard, the services and the tools. The training sessions have always produced rave reviews from our travel agent partners. The review includes Travel Guard Service Standards, detailed information regarding our Top Selling Products, overcoming common objections, selling techniques, tips for closing the sale and benefits of selling travel insurance in your agency.
Space is limited.Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/123505955
Space is limited.Reserve your Webinar seat now at:
https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/123505955
Monday
Webinar on January 20
Want to learn how you can sell more Globus Family Of Brands? Then join us for our online training at 2:00p.m. Eastern, 1:00pm Central, Noon Mountain, and 11:00 a.m. Pacific on Tuesday January 20th, 2009.
Space is limited.Reserve your Webinar seat now at:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/240591726
Space is limited.Reserve your Webinar seat now at:https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/240591726
Sunday
There is no recession in the cruise business!
I just read this artical by... Kelly Monaghan, CTC. It's great advice, so I am passing on to you.
Virtually every ship sailing from Florida these days goes out at 100% capacity, barring a few last-minute cancellations and no-shows.
The demand is there and the capacity is there. Yes, sadly some of your friends and neighbors must cut back on their discretionary spending these days. But there are literally tens of millions of people who can afford to travel, who want to travel, and who will travel. These are the people to whom you should be directing your marketing efforts.
The second thought I'd like to share is that group cruises, especially group cruises centered around a theme or activity about which people are passionate, are one of the best and fastest ways to maximize your commission potential. The same is no doubt true of tours and all-inclusive vacations, but cruises seem to especially lend themselves to this sort of promotion.
One of the cruises I went on was for people interested in Internet marketing, something I personally am passionate about. What struck me was that people came not just for the onboard seminars -- which were phenomenal -- but to reconnect with friends whom they had met on previous cruises. There will be another next year and the rebooking rate is a phenomenal 85% -- and that number was reached before the ship reached its home port!
Are you beginning to see the power of this? If you can identify and reach a group of people who are passionate about something -- anything -- and then design a shipboard experience that appeals to them, you are well on your way to a virtually guaranteed stream of repeat business, year after year.
And if you're successful, that stream of business should growyear after year after year.
One key to a successful themed cruise is attracting a person or persons who have special expertise or who are well-knownto your target market. Several of ther biggest "gurus" in the Internet marketing field were on the Miracle with me. Best of all, they were not there to give anyone the "hard sell" but to share openly while they relaxed with their buds. As another example, one of the travel agents with the marketing group specializes in themed cruises that appeal to the considerable fan base for old sci-fi TV series. He's now working on a cruise featuring Kevin Sorbo.
In fact, the range of interests and businesses and product types represented (there were nearly 300 people in the group!) was astonishing. And if you don't think an experience like this has anything to offer travel agents, you are dead wrong.
Please understand: I am not saying, "Market on the Internet or die!" There are many successful home-based agents who never go anywhere near the Internet. But consider this: We all have computers and Internet marketing doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, so why not at least investigate the possibilities?
For me, this cruise has already more than paid for itself in the ideas and new information I've picked up. I'll be going again next year, aboard the brand new megaship, the Carnival Dream.
In fact, in subsequent issues of this newsletter, I'll be letting you know how you can participate as well. Perhaps we can even have special home-based travel agent get togethers during the next cruise to discuss the challenges and opportunities peculiar to our niche.
Virtually every ship sailing from Florida these days goes out at 100% capacity, barring a few last-minute cancellations and no-shows.
The demand is there and the capacity is there. Yes, sadly some of your friends and neighbors must cut back on their discretionary spending these days. But there are literally tens of millions of people who can afford to travel, who want to travel, and who will travel. These are the people to whom you should be directing your marketing efforts.
The second thought I'd like to share is that group cruises, especially group cruises centered around a theme or activity about which people are passionate, are one of the best and fastest ways to maximize your commission potential. The same is no doubt true of tours and all-inclusive vacations, but cruises seem to especially lend themselves to this sort of promotion.
One of the cruises I went on was for people interested in Internet marketing, something I personally am passionate about. What struck me was that people came not just for the onboard seminars -- which were phenomenal -- but to reconnect with friends whom they had met on previous cruises. There will be another next year and the rebooking rate is a phenomenal 85% -- and that number was reached before the ship reached its home port!
Are you beginning to see the power of this? If you can identify and reach a group of people who are passionate about something -- anything -- and then design a shipboard experience that appeals to them, you are well on your way to a virtually guaranteed stream of repeat business, year after year.
And if you're successful, that stream of business should growyear after year after year.
One key to a successful themed cruise is attracting a person or persons who have special expertise or who are well-knownto your target market. Several of ther biggest "gurus" in the Internet marketing field were on the Miracle with me. Best of all, they were not there to give anyone the "hard sell" but to share openly while they relaxed with their buds. As another example, one of the travel agents with the marketing group specializes in themed cruises that appeal to the considerable fan base for old sci-fi TV series. He's now working on a cruise featuring Kevin Sorbo.
In fact, the range of interests and businesses and product types represented (there were nearly 300 people in the group!) was astonishing. And if you don't think an experience like this has anything to offer travel agents, you are dead wrong.
Please understand: I am not saying, "Market on the Internet or die!" There are many successful home-based agents who never go anywhere near the Internet. But consider this: We all have computers and Internet marketing doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg, so why not at least investigate the possibilities?
For me, this cruise has already more than paid for itself in the ideas and new information I've picked up. I'll be going again next year, aboard the brand new megaship, the Carnival Dream.
In fact, in subsequent issues of this newsletter, I'll be letting you know how you can participate as well. Perhaps we can even have special home-based travel agent get togethers during the next cruise to discuss the challenges and opportunities peculiar to our niche.
Wednesday
NCL Webinar January 12
Learn how to attract cruise customers utilizing a variety of methods that fit with any size marketing budget with NCL's FREESTYLE RESOLUTION promotion!
NCL will be drawing a FREE 7-day cruise for two after each webinar from the list of live webinar attending participants (both audio and web). Yes, that is a chance to win one of EIGHT FREE cruises!
Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/603286240
NCL will be drawing a FREE 7-day cruise for two after each webinar from the list of live webinar attending participants (both audio and web). Yes, that is a chance to win one of EIGHT FREE cruises!
Space is limited. Reserve your Webinar seat now at: https://www2.gotomeeting.com/register/603286240
The Economy Isn't Affecting Everyone
Lots and lots of people (both premium and luxury) still have the means to travel and are excited over the great price opportunities that are now available in travel.
Don't be afraid to reach out to your customers to let them know that there are great deals and opportunities to be had right now.
The old adages about travel still apply despite the current economy: "We only have a limited time on this planet and there are so many wonderful and intriguing places to visit".
Your customers should enjoy traveling right now when prices are LOW, lines are short and flights are not full.
Don't be afraid to reach out to your customers to let them know that there are great deals and opportunities to be had right now.
The old adages about travel still apply despite the current economy: "We only have a limited time on this planet and there are so many wonderful and intriguing places to visit".
Your customers should enjoy traveling right now when prices are LOW, lines are short and flights are not full.
Tips for a Successful 2009!
While it's important to look for new clients in today's challenging economy, it's also crucial to keep your current clients happy.
1. Send a thank you note or email to each client after their trip to thank them for their business. This is also a good time to ask for ideas for their next trip or referrals.2. Relate to your client on a personal level by remembering their birthday or any other special event in their life.
3. Watch for special offers or interesting tidbits on a destination your client mentioned they would be interested in visiting.
4. Keep a file on your clients' preferences so you don't have to ask which airline or seat assignment they prefer.
5. Build your email database as it is often the easiest and most cost effective way to reach your customers.
6. Create a short monthly or quarterly newsletter with helpful travel hints, specials and a feature destination article that will entice your clients.
7. All communications to clients should have a "call to action" by including a special promotion available for a limited time only.
8. Block group space on popular theme cruises, and target affinity groups that share a common interest related to the theme.
9. Join a business networking organization to meet new potential clients in your community.
1. Send a thank you note or email to each client after their trip to thank them for their business. This is also a good time to ask for ideas for their next trip or referrals.2. Relate to your client on a personal level by remembering their birthday or any other special event in their life.
3. Watch for special offers or interesting tidbits on a destination your client mentioned they would be interested in visiting.
4. Keep a file on your clients' preferences so you don't have to ask which airline or seat assignment they prefer.
5. Build your email database as it is often the easiest and most cost effective way to reach your customers.
6. Create a short monthly or quarterly newsletter with helpful travel hints, specials and a feature destination article that will entice your clients.
7. All communications to clients should have a "call to action" by including a special promotion available for a limited time only.
8. Block group space on popular theme cruises, and target affinity groups that share a common interest related to the theme.
9. Join a business networking organization to meet new potential clients in your community.
Monday
Agent Support Action Program
Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises
have created an unprecedented support package expressly designed to help agents offset the challenges of the current economic conditions. On the heels of suspending fuel supplements, the three brands announced “ASAP,” or Agent Support Action Program.
Effective January 1 through February 28, 2009. 1 percent commission supplement on cruise bookings for sailings from January 2009 through March 2010.
Our new ASAP Program will make customized marketing support available. Travel agents interested in marketing our three brands should contact their local Sales Manager.
Tour Conductor Credit requirements reduced from 1-for-16 to 1-for-10 for all new groups.
50 percent reduction in deposits for all new FIT bookings.
Individual agent booking incentive through which agents can earn a complimentary cruise.
$50 - $200 Onboard Credit offer on select sailings from March 2009 to March 2010. Booking window: January 5 – 19, 2009.
Prepaid gratuities for Azamara bookings.
Click here for more information and sales tools
have created an unprecedented support package expressly designed to help agents offset the challenges of the current economic conditions. On the heels of suspending fuel supplements, the three brands announced “ASAP,” or Agent Support Action Program.
Effective January 1 through February 28, 2009. 1 percent commission supplement on cruise bookings for sailings from January 2009 through March 2010.
Our new ASAP Program will make customized marketing support available. Travel agents interested in marketing our three brands should contact their local Sales Manager.
Tour Conductor Credit requirements reduced from 1-for-16 to 1-for-10 for all new groups.
50 percent reduction in deposits for all new FIT bookings.
Individual agent booking incentive through which agents can earn a complimentary cruise.
$50 - $200 Onboard Credit offer on select sailings from March 2009 to March 2010. Booking window: January 5 – 19, 2009.
Prepaid gratuities for Azamara bookings.
Click here for more information and sales tools
Online Training for Gay & Lesbian Market
Out Now and World Travel Market (WTM) is now available online for a global audience. The lesbian and gay market for travel and tourism has become increasingly sought after -- particularly at a time of global slowdown.
Out Now gay market research shows that lesbian and gay appetite for travel remains strong, especially as a result of “Double Income No Kids” (DINK) households which characterizes the gay market in many markets globally.
WTM has released a new online webinar, featuring Out Now’s CEO Ian Johnson, presenting the latest gay marketing knowledge including lesbian and gay market research, case studies and strategic insight. The webinar was created during the recent “Gay Marketing Masterclass by Out Now” held in London at WTM.
As well as covering the latest advice on how to tap into the gay market, the webinar includes as its theme “Homosexual, Not Homogenous,” with a detailed discussion of the ways in which gay consumers are made up of a set of complementing consumer niches, and how targeting “the” gay market necessarily requires a good understanding of how these groups interact and coalesce.
The webinar also covers details of the groundbreaking new “GayComfort” training, marketing and accreditation program, described by industry commentators as “the world's best.” For more information, visit www.OutNowConsulting.com or www.GayComfort.com.
Out Now gay market research shows that lesbian and gay appetite for travel remains strong, especially as a result of “Double Income No Kids” (DINK) households which characterizes the gay market in many markets globally.
WTM has released a new online webinar, featuring Out Now’s CEO Ian Johnson, presenting the latest gay marketing knowledge including lesbian and gay market research, case studies and strategic insight. The webinar was created during the recent “Gay Marketing Masterclass by Out Now” held in London at WTM.
As well as covering the latest advice on how to tap into the gay market, the webinar includes as its theme “Homosexual, Not Homogenous,” with a detailed discussion of the ways in which gay consumers are made up of a set of complementing consumer niches, and how targeting “the” gay market necessarily requires a good understanding of how these groups interact and coalesce.
The webinar also covers details of the groundbreaking new “GayComfort” training, marketing and accreditation program, described by industry commentators as “the world's best.” For more information, visit www.OutNowConsulting.com or www.GayComfort.com.
Emerging Vacation Hot Spots
GOGO Vacations released a guide to the emerging vacation hot spots for 2009. The hot spots included a mix of domestic and international locations with diverse tourist appeal. “Ecotourism and experiential travel are very firmly on travelers’ radars and next year’s hot spots reflect these emerging trends,”
Affordability and ease of access are common features on the 2009 list. The international destinations that have been included outside of Mexico and the Caribbean, Bali, Portugal and Dubai, are all within easy reach of the U.S.A. and are highly affordable for U.S. travelers.
For more information, visit www.gogowwv.com.
Affordability and ease of access are common features on the 2009 list. The international destinations that have been included outside of Mexico and the Caribbean, Bali, Portugal and Dubai, are all within easy reach of the U.S.A. and are highly affordable for U.S. travelers.
For more information, visit www.gogowwv.com.
Saturday
Frequently Asked Cruise Questions
Is Cruising Affordable?
Cruising is much less expensive than a hotel-based vacation. Plus They include FREE meals all day long. There are cruises available at all price ranges - from budget to luxury - and all represent perhaps the best value for your vacation dollar.
What’s included in the price?
The price of your cruise price includes your cabin, all meals (including the midnight buffet!), entertainment, parties and, of course, all transportation between all the ports on your itinerary. On most ships, alcoholic beverages and optional shore excursions are not included in the basic price.
What's Included?
• Stateroom or suite accommodations
• Ocean transportation
• Gourmet dining
• Supervised kids' programs
• Vegas – or Broadway-style shows
• Entry to nightclubs, piano bars & more
• Activities like yoga & basketball• Gym, pool & hot tubs
• Port charges
What's not included:
• Gratuities
• Spa treatments
• Alcoholic beverages
• Casino gambling
• Shopping
• Organized tours & activities onshore
• Babysitting
• Nominal fees at some specialty restaurants.
Will I get bored onboard?
Hardly! Cruise ships are floating resorts that will give any Las Vegas hotel a run for their money. Activities begin at sun up and go into the late hours of the night. The scenery is ever-changing, and every port offers exciting opportunities for exploration.
Today's ships offer activities and entertainment for vacationers of all ages, from toddlers to seniors. From lounging by the pool with a good book, taking yoga or cooking classes, enter a talent show or a putting contest, take a dance class, get a massage or attend a lecture. spa treatments, basketball ,swim, play bingo or bridge.
At night, you might try your luck in the casino, take in a Broadway-style floor show or a magician's act, catch a comedy show, sing along in a piano bar, or indulge in five-star cuisine. From luxury to adventure, there's a ship to suit your vacation needs.Family-friendly ships may feature everything from kids' clubs to teen coffee-houses.
Unique ship features may include:
• Rock-climbing wall
• All-ocean view or all-suite accommodations
• Martini & champagne bars
• Teen discos
• Thalassotherapy pool
• Spiral waterside
• Planetarium
• Boutiques by Harrods & Bvlgari
• Butler service• Miniature golf
• Pool-side movies
Is airfare included in my cruise price?
Cruise lines usually offer both a cruise-only price and an AIR/SEA price that includes connecting airfare, transfers between the airport and ship and baggage handling. In some instances, only the cruise-only fare is available. The prices shown on our site are typically cruise-only, but our cruise counselors will gladly provide an air-inclusive price if requested.
What's a shore excursion?
That's a term that refers to anything you do off the ship, in port. At every stop, you'll have the option of exploring the area on your own or as part of a group with a planned itinerary. You might hike a tropical rain forest in the Caribbean, fish for king salmon in Alaska, tour Mayan ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, or take a sightseeing tour.
Are all cruise ships the same?
No way! There are 20 major cruise lines with with over 100 ships. They range from ultra exclusive ships that cater to 100 passengers to the new floating resorts carrying 4,000 people. There are 30 year ships and 3 month old state of the art ships.
Will I need a passport?
Travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada will be required to have a passport. This is a change from prior travel requirements and will affect all United States citizens. This new requirement will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States. Most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and to a lesser degree, Mexican citizens will be affected by the implementation of this requirement.
Categories of Cruise Lines:
Cruise Fun for Singles, Couples & Families
Carnival Cruise Lines
Disney Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Premium Cruises: Sophisticated Yet Affordable
Celebrity Cruises
Holland America Line
Princess Cruises
Unique Experiences: Exotic Destinations
Costa Cruises
Orient Line
Viking River Cruises - Europe and Asia
WindJamer - Tall Sail Ships
Luxury Cruises: The Ultimate Experience
Crystal Cruises
Cunard Line
Oceania Cruises
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises
Seabourn Cruise Line
Silversea Cruises
Windstar Cruises
Cruising is much less expensive than a hotel-based vacation. Plus They include FREE meals all day long. There are cruises available at all price ranges - from budget to luxury - and all represent perhaps the best value for your vacation dollar.
What’s included in the price?
The price of your cruise price includes your cabin, all meals (including the midnight buffet!), entertainment, parties and, of course, all transportation between all the ports on your itinerary. On most ships, alcoholic beverages and optional shore excursions are not included in the basic price.
What's Included?
• Stateroom or suite accommodations
• Ocean transportation
• Gourmet dining
• Supervised kids' programs
• Vegas – or Broadway-style shows
• Entry to nightclubs, piano bars & more
• Activities like yoga & basketball• Gym, pool & hot tubs
• Port charges
What's not included:
• Gratuities
• Spa treatments
• Alcoholic beverages
• Casino gambling
• Shopping
• Organized tours & activities onshore
• Babysitting
• Nominal fees at some specialty restaurants.
Will I get bored onboard?
Hardly! Cruise ships are floating resorts that will give any Las Vegas hotel a run for their money. Activities begin at sun up and go into the late hours of the night. The scenery is ever-changing, and every port offers exciting opportunities for exploration.
Today's ships offer activities and entertainment for vacationers of all ages, from toddlers to seniors. From lounging by the pool with a good book, taking yoga or cooking classes, enter a talent show or a putting contest, take a dance class, get a massage or attend a lecture. spa treatments, basketball ,swim, play bingo or bridge.
At night, you might try your luck in the casino, take in a Broadway-style floor show or a magician's act, catch a comedy show, sing along in a piano bar, or indulge in five-star cuisine. From luxury to adventure, there's a ship to suit your vacation needs.Family-friendly ships may feature everything from kids' clubs to teen coffee-houses.
Unique ship features may include:
• Rock-climbing wall
• All-ocean view or all-suite accommodations
• Martini & champagne bars
• Teen discos
• Thalassotherapy pool
• Spiral waterside
• Planetarium
• Boutiques by Harrods & Bvlgari
• Butler service• Miniature golf
• Pool-side movies
Is airfare included in my cruise price?
Cruise lines usually offer both a cruise-only price and an AIR/SEA price that includes connecting airfare, transfers between the airport and ship and baggage handling. In some instances, only the cruise-only fare is available. The prices shown on our site are typically cruise-only, but our cruise counselors will gladly provide an air-inclusive price if requested.
What's a shore excursion?
That's a term that refers to anything you do off the ship, in port. At every stop, you'll have the option of exploring the area on your own or as part of a group with a planned itinerary. You might hike a tropical rain forest in the Caribbean, fish for king salmon in Alaska, tour Mayan ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico, or take a sightseeing tour.
Are all cruise ships the same?
No way! There are 20 major cruise lines with with over 100 ships. They range from ultra exclusive ships that cater to 100 passengers to the new floating resorts carrying 4,000 people. There are 30 year ships and 3 month old state of the art ships.
Will I need a passport?
Travelers to and from the Caribbean, Bermuda, Panama, Mexico and Canada will be required to have a passport. This is a change from prior travel requirements and will affect all United States citizens. This new requirement will also affect certain foreign nationals who currently are not required to present a passport to travel to the United States. Most Canadian citizens, citizens of the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda, and to a lesser degree, Mexican citizens will be affected by the implementation of this requirement.
Categories of Cruise Lines:
Cruise Fun for Singles, Couples & Families
Carnival Cruise Lines
Disney Cruise Line
Norwegian Cruise Line
Royal Caribbean
Premium Cruises: Sophisticated Yet Affordable
Celebrity Cruises
Holland America Line
Princess Cruises
Unique Experiences: Exotic Destinations
Costa Cruises
Orient Line
Viking River Cruises - Europe and Asia
WindJamer - Tall Sail Ships
Luxury Cruises: The Ultimate Experience
Crystal Cruises
Cunard Line
Oceania Cruises
Radisson Seven Seas Cruises
Seabourn Cruise Line
Silversea Cruises
Windstar Cruises
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