Disney Cruise Line is offering a kids-sail-free promotion for a limited time on select 10- and 11-night Mediterranean Cruises in spring 2010. Guests 17 and under sail free on the Disney Magic when accompanied by two full-fare-paying guests in the same stateroom. The offer is valid for sailings April 24 through May 26 and covers a variety of stateroom categories, from deluxe family staterooms with verandahs to standard inside staterooms.
These cruises include three new ports of call not offered when Disney last sailed the region in 2007. In addition to ports in Italy, France and Spain, the Disney Magic will visit Tunis in Northern Africa, the island nation of Malta, and Corsica, an island off the southern coast of France.
A limited number of staterooms are reserved for this offer. The booking code KFO must be used when making the reservation. While the cruise fare is free for guests 17 and under, clients booking will be responsible for government taxes and fees for all stateroom occupants, including those 17 and under. For more information, call 888-DCL-2500 or visit www.disneytravelagents.com.
Learn How to Become A Travel Agent... Open your own Home Based Travel Agency
Thursday
Tuesday
Princess Adds Course on Marketing
Princess Academy has launched a new course, “Create a Winning Marketing Plan,” to help home based travel agents develop a business blueprint to achieve their sales goals. The new course,details how agents can create a marketing plan that takes advantage of promotional opportunities to increase their business.
Home based travel Agents will learn a five-step marketing plan process, which starts with self assessment -- how an agency uses advertising, which destinations they sell the most, and how the agency generates its revenue. The course also shows agents how to set goals and create a regular quarterly calendar for marketing strategies. Agents will learn how to target clients for profitable group business, cruise sales and cruise nights, and how to make the most of other proven sales tactics.
www.onesourcecruises.com
Home based travel Agents will learn a five-step marketing plan process, which starts with self assessment -- how an agency uses advertising, which destinations they sell the most, and how the agency generates its revenue. The course also shows agents how to set goals and create a regular quarterly calendar for marketing strategies. Agents will learn how to target clients for profitable group business, cruise sales and cruise nights, and how to make the most of other proven sales tactics.
www.onesourcecruises.com
NCL Cruise News
1. NCL SALES PAL – check out the tab for our Weekly Hot Deals. Then review the air tab for W. Med pricing inclusive of air and hotel!
2.CRUISE FLASH - Revenue Management tool to help you market our group and FIT rates.
3. PITY THE PROCRASTINATOR sales event is back!! We offer up to 6-Category upgrades on all published 2010 – 2011 sailings.
This is a $600 value! Encourage your clients to book early & take advantage of the savings.
4. Norwegian Epic collateral is now available to order!
Epic Brochure is available (DBEPIC09)
Epic Mini (MBEPIC09)
Epic Postcard (PCEPIC09)
Epic Travel Agent Letterhead (SHEPICLH09)
Pre Paid Gratuities
Effective Tues, July 21 guests will have the option of pre paying their gratuities. The reservation confirmation
Will indicate pre paid service charges.
5. Welcome Aboard Booklet
We will mail the booklet directly to the guest on your behalf. If you prefer this option, kindly…….
a. Change your profile on book NCL.com to allow us to do so.
b. Ask the guest to complete the On Line Check-In form ASAP so that the booklet can go out 60 days prior to sailing.
c. We will continue to look for the guest information to ship up to 3 weeks prior to sailing.
d. Remember the booklet will be personalized to both the guest and the booking agency.
e. We will also send notification when the booklet is mailed so that they can communicate with the guest should they so choose.
Check out all of our easy-to-use marketing tools here
Please block your group space for 2010 and 2011 sailings now. All book a new group by August 1 and email the group number,
ship and sail date and I will add 2 amenity points for you!
Sara Moran, NCL Business Development Manager
smoran@ncl.com
800.327.7030 fax 786.336.543
2.CRUISE FLASH - Revenue Management tool to help you market our group and FIT rates.
3. PITY THE PROCRASTINATOR sales event is back!! We offer up to 6-Category upgrades on all published 2010 – 2011 sailings.
This is a $600 value! Encourage your clients to book early & take advantage of the savings.
4. Norwegian Epic collateral is now available to order!
Epic Brochure is available (DBEPIC09)
Epic Mini (MBEPIC09)
Epic Postcard (PCEPIC09)
Epic Travel Agent Letterhead (SHEPICLH09)
Pre Paid Gratuities
Effective Tues, July 21 guests will have the option of pre paying their gratuities. The reservation confirmation
Will indicate pre paid service charges.
5. Welcome Aboard Booklet
We will mail the booklet directly to the guest on your behalf. If you prefer this option, kindly…….
a. Change your profile on book NCL.com to allow us to do so.
b. Ask the guest to complete the On Line Check-In form ASAP so that the booklet can go out 60 days prior to sailing.
c. We will continue to look for the guest information to ship up to 3 weeks prior to sailing.
d. Remember the booklet will be personalized to both the guest and the booking agency.
e. We will also send notification when the booklet is mailed so that they can communicate with the guest should they so choose.
Check out all of our easy-to-use marketing tools here
Please block your group space for 2010 and 2011 sailings now. All book a new group by August 1 and email the group number,
ship and sail date and I will add 2 amenity points for you!
Sara Moran, NCL Business Development Manager
smoran@ncl.com
800.327.7030 fax 786.336.543
Tips on Traveling With Children
Family vacations can create long-lasting memories and fun learning experiences for parents and children alike. But traveling with children can sometimes be a test of preparedness -- and patience. ASTA has created a list of suggestions to help make the sometimes daunting task of preparing for a trip with the kids manageable and fun for the entire family.
“As a travel agent and a father, I know the difficulties parents encounter when traveling with children,” said Chris Russo, ASTA president and chair. “Working with a professional travel agent, especially one who specializes in family travel, can make all the difference when it comes to having a relaxing getaway everyone can enjoy.” Before leaving, start to build excitement. Start a countdown calendar with perhaps a photo or illustration of the destination. Let kids pack their own bags. Decide what type of clothing (preferably loose and comfortable), but allow them to choose their favorites and to pack a special toy. In a carry-on bag, pack some hard candies and gum, hand wipes, tissues, books, paper, markers in a small, tightly sealed plastic bag and perhaps a surprise toy for each child.
Update immunizations for the entire family. If traveling abroad, check with public health authorities for advisable additional vaccines. At the airport, allow for extra time. Give yourself plenty of time to check-in and in between connecting flights. Be sure to have a safety plan in case anyone gets separated at the airport. Discuss where to meet and what to do. Make a flight plan. Review screening procedures with children before entering security checkpoints so they will not be frightened by the process. Also, all child-related equipment must go through the X-ray machine. To speed the process along, remove children from their strollers/infant carriers and collapse/fold the equipment so it may be examined or put through the machine.
On board, take a seat. Bring a child/infant seat on board that meets current safety standards and is not more than 16 inches wide. The Federal Aviation Administration recommends that children weighing less than 40 pounds be placed in child/infant seats. Getting your seat assignment in advance can help ensure families are seated together. If a flight is full and you cannot obtain seat assignments in advance, advise the airline personnel at the airport. The airline may need to ask other passengers to change seats so children are not seated apart from parents.
If traveling by car, make sure you’re comfortable. Bring pillows and blankets. Stop frequently at rest stops to stretch and make use of restrooms. Play games and make sure the car is stocked with plenty of engaging toys and their favorite tapes or CDs. Most importantly, keep children involved in the vacation process. Save everything collected on vacation -- brochures, napkins, ticket stubs -- and have children paste them into a scrapbook. Do your homework. Plan ahead with the rental company to make sure they offer car seats and installation. If not, you'll have to bring your own in addition to a collapsible stroller.
Once there, plan for down time. Have a daily schedule planned with some flexible, free time for the family. Bring outlet protectors and make a sweep of balconies and bathrooms for any potential dangers. Hide small objects, accessible medications and cleaners children could get their hands on. Familiarize yourself with the hotel’s fire and emergency evacuation routes and procedures.
“As a travel agent and a father, I know the difficulties parents encounter when traveling with children,” said Chris Russo, ASTA president and chair. “Working with a professional travel agent, especially one who specializes in family travel, can make all the difference when it comes to having a relaxing getaway everyone can enjoy.” Before leaving, start to build excitement. Start a countdown calendar with perhaps a photo or illustration of the destination. Let kids pack their own bags. Decide what type of clothing (preferably loose and comfortable), but allow them to choose their favorites and to pack a special toy. In a carry-on bag, pack some hard candies and gum, hand wipes, tissues, books, paper, markers in a small, tightly sealed plastic bag and perhaps a surprise toy for each child.
Update immunizations for the entire family. If traveling abroad, check with public health authorities for advisable additional vaccines. At the airport, allow for extra time. Give yourself plenty of time to check-in and in between connecting flights. Be sure to have a safety plan in case anyone gets separated at the airport. Discuss where to meet and what to do. Make a flight plan. Review screening procedures with children before entering security checkpoints so they will not be frightened by the process. Also, all child-related equipment must go through the X-ray machine. To speed the process along, remove children from their strollers/infant carriers and collapse/fold the equipment so it may be examined or put through the machine.
On board, take a seat. Bring a child/infant seat on board that meets current safety standards and is not more than 16 inches wide. The Federal Aviation Administration recommends that children weighing less than 40 pounds be placed in child/infant seats. Getting your seat assignment in advance can help ensure families are seated together. If a flight is full and you cannot obtain seat assignments in advance, advise the airline personnel at the airport. The airline may need to ask other passengers to change seats so children are not seated apart from parents.
If traveling by car, make sure you’re comfortable. Bring pillows and blankets. Stop frequently at rest stops to stretch and make use of restrooms. Play games and make sure the car is stocked with plenty of engaging toys and their favorite tapes or CDs. Most importantly, keep children involved in the vacation process. Save everything collected on vacation -- brochures, napkins, ticket stubs -- and have children paste them into a scrapbook. Do your homework. Plan ahead with the rental company to make sure they offer car seats and installation. If not, you'll have to bring your own in addition to a collapsible stroller.
Once there, plan for down time. Have a daily schedule planned with some flexible, free time for the family. Bring outlet protectors and make a sweep of balconies and bathrooms for any potential dangers. Hide small objects, accessible medications and cleaners children could get their hands on. Familiarize yourself with the hotel’s fire and emergency evacuation routes and procedures.
Travel Bound Offers 20 Percent Commission
Travel Bound is offering agents 20 percent commission on all hotels, tour and transfer products, and packages in European Mediterranean countries booked for independent or group travel clients between July 8 and 31 for travel anytime through Dec. 31.
The countries include Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Monaco and Turkey. The company has also introduced 11 new sightseeing tours in these countries.
Free bonus nights are also offered at dozens of properties in the Mediterranean. All 20 percent commission products can be booked from the Current Promotions section of www.booktravelbound.com
The countries include Portugal, Spain, France, Italy, Croatia, Greece, Cyprus, Malta, Monaco and Turkey. The company has also introduced 11 new sightseeing tours in these countries.
Free bonus nights are also offered at dozens of properties in the Mediterranean. All 20 percent commission products can be booked from the Current Promotions section of www.booktravelbound.com
GOGO Summer Blowout Sale
GOGO Worldwide Vacations inaugurated its Summer Blowout Sale with reduced prices and special extra inclusions in Mexico, the Bahamas, Hawaii, the Dominican Republic, St. John, Canada, Costa Rica, Thailand, Spain and Germany, or stay in the states and have fun in Las Vegas and Tucson.
Vacations start at just $119 (based on three nights double occupancy at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas, land only) and include extras like free nights, bonus savings, complimentary breakfasts, and more. Personalized Summer Blowout flyers are available at www.gogowwv.com. Under Great GOGO Features, click on Printable GOGO flyers.
Vacations start at just $119 (based on three nights double occupancy at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino Las Vegas, land only) and include extras like free nights, bonus savings, complimentary breakfasts, and more. Personalized Summer Blowout flyers are available at www.gogowwv.com. Under Great GOGO Features, click on Printable GOGO flyers.
Thursday
Traveling by air this summer? 4 things you should do
Traveling by air this summer? 4 things you should do
by Janice Hough
This summer — particularly this summer — there a few things worth doing differently, when it comes to air travel.
Here are a few suggestions:
First, it might seem simple, but leave a little earlier for the airport. It’s not just that flights are fuller during the summer, but there are a lot more families and infrequent travelers. Which can slow you down everywhere from on the parking lot shuttle bus to the check-in kiosks to the security lines.
I actually almost missed a plane once due to a large family using the same airport parking lot, with a ton of stuff. It took them several minutes to get the bags, strollers etc, on the bus, and about as long to get them off. And of course they were getting out the terminal before mine.
Ditto, infrequent travelers may have have trouble with automatic kiosks, which to be fair, are not always user-friendly, and usually move slower though security.
Second, if there’s a choice, consider booking a slightly longer connection than usual. Yes, many airports allow 30 to 40 minute connections between flights when traveling on the same airline, and yes, if you miss a legal connection, it is supposed to be the airlines problem to fix it.
But with overloaded flights and understaffed airports, if you miss a flight, it may not help that you are in the right, if you can’t get to a human in time to rebook the next plane, or if the next flight is oversold.
And as to those automatic rebooking programs, let’s just say they’re not exactly creative in problem solving. If you miss a flight, say, to JFK airport in New York, they won’t look at La Guardia or Newark. Nor will they look at other carriers or unusual connections.
Third: If you normally won’t accept a middle seat, take it just in case. When I can’t find a window or aisle seat for clients, I usually keep checking back, and in the few cases I can never find a decent seat, I generally suggest clients get a seat at the airport, because an airline is more likely to help you find an aisle or window if you don’t have any other seat already. Not these days. Even though I hate middle seats, it’s safer to have something.
Admittedly, if you’re not in a hurry, going to the airport without a seat assignment could increase your chances of volunteering to receive denied boarding compensation, but if you do need to be on the flight in question, grab whatever you can get in advance, and ask the gate agent nicely at the airport about switching.
And finally, yes, this is easier said than done, but pack more that your usual patience and sense of humor. Along with a good book, and a fully charged Blackberry or whatever PDA-phone-entertainment device you carry. I sometimes try to tell myself that whatever travel absurdity I am in the middle of will at least make a good story someday.
by Janice Hough
This summer — particularly this summer — there a few things worth doing differently, when it comes to air travel.
Here are a few suggestions:
First, it might seem simple, but leave a little earlier for the airport. It’s not just that flights are fuller during the summer, but there are a lot more families and infrequent travelers. Which can slow you down everywhere from on the parking lot shuttle bus to the check-in kiosks to the security lines.
I actually almost missed a plane once due to a large family using the same airport parking lot, with a ton of stuff. It took them several minutes to get the bags, strollers etc, on the bus, and about as long to get them off. And of course they were getting out the terminal before mine.
Ditto, infrequent travelers may have have trouble with automatic kiosks, which to be fair, are not always user-friendly, and usually move slower though security.
Second, if there’s a choice, consider booking a slightly longer connection than usual. Yes, many airports allow 30 to 40 minute connections between flights when traveling on the same airline, and yes, if you miss a legal connection, it is supposed to be the airlines problem to fix it.
But with overloaded flights and understaffed airports, if you miss a flight, it may not help that you are in the right, if you can’t get to a human in time to rebook the next plane, or if the next flight is oversold.
And as to those automatic rebooking programs, let’s just say they’re not exactly creative in problem solving. If you miss a flight, say, to JFK airport in New York, they won’t look at La Guardia or Newark. Nor will they look at other carriers or unusual connections.
Third: If you normally won’t accept a middle seat, take it just in case. When I can’t find a window or aisle seat for clients, I usually keep checking back, and in the few cases I can never find a decent seat, I generally suggest clients get a seat at the airport, because an airline is more likely to help you find an aisle or window if you don’t have any other seat already. Not these days. Even though I hate middle seats, it’s safer to have something.
Admittedly, if you’re not in a hurry, going to the airport without a seat assignment could increase your chances of volunteering to receive denied boarding compensation, but if you do need to be on the flight in question, grab whatever you can get in advance, and ask the gate agent nicely at the airport about switching.
And finally, yes, this is easier said than done, but pack more that your usual patience and sense of humor. Along with a good book, and a fully charged Blackberry or whatever PDA-phone-entertainment device you carry. I sometimes try to tell myself that whatever travel absurdity I am in the middle of will at least make a good story someday.
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