The dawn of a new era is about to begin and your Agent needs to be up to speed. Starting May 1st Carnival will require most agents to book and manage cruises online. When I attend events I always notice I am one of the few agents under 40. I always wondered how these agents are keeping up? Sure some are techy and I know that age really does not matter. However, I know many are creatures of habits and don’t like to learn the new stuff. Well it’s starting with Carnival and I am sure others will follow. I totally understand why Carnival is doing it and it makes sense. Why pay two agents to handle one customer.

Did you know that many deals now only are offered online as well to agents. Great example Princess has fares that must be booked online to get the deal. Yesterday I was looking at a Europe Cruise and the difference between the Online Inside Cabin  deal and phone deal was $700! So your saying do you really need a Travel Agent? I would say Yes becuase agents  can beat find better cruises and deals then you can. I would just say make sure they are Techy! So how can you tell??? It’s Easy!! Here are things to look for…

1-Do they have a Facebook Business Page and is it kept up.

2- Are they on Twitter

3- Do they have a Blog

4- Do they have an online booking engine

5-Do you chat with them via email?

Ask them how they book your cruise? If you hear them say call run!

When I first saw a Thomas Kinkade cottage painting I thought the style was unique but not for me. Then I went to one of those many auctions on a cruise ship just to get some free champagne. A painting came up for auction and I told myself I had to have it! It was a beautiful scene in Europe. I was not paying attention and did not know I won a Kinkade till the bidding was over. What I like Kinkade? He does more then cottages? I really had to laugh. After that purchase I was hooked! In fact I hope to have my daughters room one day filled with the Disney paintings he made about the movies.
I attended a Disney D23 event a few years ago and Thomas Kinkade was there at the event. You had a choice at the event wait for a signature or go listen to him speak. I prefered to hear him speak so I went to take a seat. There was someone savings seats next to me and I thought really? It’s packed not really fair but I let it go. Well to find out it was his wife and kids who sat next to me. They were taking photos of him and were so proud of him presenting. They were so down to earth just sitting in the audiance. I loved his speach as well on how he could tell the whole Disney Movie in the one painting. It was really the best event at D23.
I am sorry we loss such an amazing gifted man today. My condolonces to his family.

AARP is a member only group for the association of people over 50. They give many travel discounts to their members and this month NCL is on the list. You get 5% off your cruise plus possible upgrades!.  This expires Feb15th so hurry up! So its worth joining just to get the discount!

They do allow under 50 to join as an associate member. I don’t understand fully the program so give them a call.

I have attached a link if you want to sign up!

 
Free Travel Bag if you become a Member

I know drama and fear gets ratings. You have to be kidding on this episode? Since your parent company ABC owns Disney which owns Disney Cruise line I find it odd they did not make the show? Many of the other lines did . Also, online every commercial between was of DisneyWorld? I wan’t to point this out first so people understand why you reported the way you did.

Lets go over the drinking scenes on the report. They do not force anyone to drink. Hello People are on vacation?? When I get to Hawaii in two weeks I will want a Mai Tai and nobody better stop me LOL!! They can’t control the IQ of everyone who boards a ship? Dumb people do dumb stuff. My husband (sorry babe) once thought it would be cute to climb on the other side of the balcony. Is that the cruise lines fault if he falls over? I am sure many climb the rails as a dare. Rose did it in Titanic?? I like how they don’t have a brigg because they need it for an extra cabin?? They don’t need a brigg because it would not be used.

The crew part is true they work lots of hours. However, many jobs work lots of hours from low imcome to high income. However, I have spoken to crew before many who have worked for years. I remember talking to an assist watier who owned three homes back home. He was planning to work for so many years until he built his empire up. The money can be good depending on where you base home.

Ok you had to also talk about the Norovirus. Two weeks ago I got a flu bug for 24 hours. Everyone in my house got the bug. We then passed it to others who came by to assist us. It’s the same onboard. I am always amazed only 10% on the average get it.

You should have reported more about that 16 people have died from 100 million who have cruised. It would have nice to have reported a postive story. How it is the safest way to travel, it’s affordable, and fun.

First of all I still love to cruise. This tragedy will not change me from going on a cruise, but maybe some smarter planning.
The Life Boat Drill
I have been on over 30 of these drills and I really never pay attention. In fact one time I even skipped it. The one I did pay attention was 5 days after 9/11. We were going on Voyager of the Seas with only a 1/2 full ship. Many people could not make it due to airplanes being a mess. I remember that drill the most because everyone was serious. Everyone was paying attention. I have have not seen that level since. That’s my first plan pay attention. Remember the deck number and remember the route. If the ship is sideways your already going to be confused so pay attention.
Vacation Emergency Kit
I live in Earthquake country and I do have a backpack in the case of a major Earthquake. I think I will have a Vacation Kit. So here is the list of items I will have not just for cruise ships. Hotels have issues too and I have been where electricity is out. So this is something we should have on all trips.
Here is my list so far…..
Water Proof Bag
copies of Passport and drivers License
credit card
Medicine
Flashlight
Foil Blanket
Mini First Aid Kid
Health Bar
Water Bottle
Pocket Knife
Matches
Flare
Map of Ship
compact tshirt

I can’t wait to get this set up for the future. It’s all about being smart and knowing in life we take risks. Just like I flew 5 days after 9/11. Nothing is going to stop me from seeing my bucket list! I love to Cruise!

I have decided to continue my CLIA education this year. I want to get my MCC by 2013. To get my MCC I must sell 40 cruises in 2 years, sail two 7 night cruises, and take additional training. So they best way to do this is to become a Travel Agent Member. I also get discounts for my ID card, classes, and coupons for my clients. That’s why I am posting this..

Here are some coupons I have for my clients. First person to call gets the coupon!

Crystal Cruises-$200 off per cabin

Cunard-Up to 2 Category Upgrade

Oceania Cruises- $100 per stateroom shipboard credit

Paul Gaugin Cruises-$100 per person shipboard credit

Pearl Sea Cruises- Category Upgrade

Princess Cruises- 2 Category Upgrade

Regent Seven Seas Cruises- $100 per Suite/Stateroom Shipboard Credit

Uniworld-$50 per person

You should always book with a ACC, MCC, or ECC agent. At least you know they have sold cruises, been on cruises, and have had training. This is not an easy task to get these accreditations from CLIA.

Carnival Early Saver is a huge push right now but again you must understand the rules. The perks of course you save money when booking and if the price drops during the last 60 days you can ask for a credit.

However, lets talk about insurance. If you book Early Saver and you cancel you get a $50 penalty per person and the rest of your deposit goes for a future cruise booking. The money must be used in the next 20 months. That’s fine but insurance gets tricky with Early Saver.

If you booked any other offer and you have not made the final payment insurance is refundable if canceled. This is not the case with Early Saver. They give you a credit for a future cruise just like they did with the deposit. If you decide to use the insurance for cancel any reason you only get 75% back in a future credit. I assume you can use this if you run out of the 20 months. Complicated? Absolutely! Try to find the policy on this as well!! LOL

So the best way to add insurance is at final payment unless you have a medical condition. This could get you a full refund if you cancel due to medical reasons but you would still lose your insurance money. In a non Early Saver you would lose nothing if canceled before final payment. If you book with a Travel Agent I would suggest looking at their insurance or even a private company. Many won’t have the clause as Early Saver does and could benefit you . Some will give you refund so it could be a win win! Just ask do I get refund if I cancel before final payment?

WORLD TRAVEL HOLDINGS NAMED 2011 “ELITE TRAVEL PARTNER OF THE YEAR” BY NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
Wilmington, MA – December 5, 2011 – World Travel Holdings (WTH) – the nation’s leading cruise retailer – today announced that it has been named Norwegian Cruise Line’s 2011 “Elite Travel Partner of the Year.”  The company, which includes CruiseOne, Cruises Inc. and numerous other brands, was chosen for its overall revenue, year-over-year growth and commitment to the Norwegian brand. 
In presenting WTH with this recognition, Kevin Sheehan, Norwegian Cruise Line’s president and chief executive officer, said “in 2011, we renewed our commitment to the travel agency community with the introduction of Partners First, our corporate philosophy of putting travel partners first.  Norwegian Cruise Line’s success relies on the support of our travel partners and we appreciate their dedication to our brand.”
In late 2010, WTH’s home-based division – which encompasses CruiseOne franchisees and Cruises Inc. agents – held its annual National Conference aboard Norwegian Epic.  That event was the largest in the companies’ history and was instrumental in building upon WTH’s relationship with the cruise line, providing firsthand product knowledge to attendees and offering top producers unprecedented access to the Norwegian Cruise Line team. 
In accepting this year’s award, Brad Tolkin, Co-Chairman and Co-CEO of WTH said “I am honored to accept this prestigious award on behalf of the WTH employees, CruiseOne franchisees and Cruises Inc. agents who embraced this relationship and really made it happen in 2011.  We deeply value our partnership with Norwegian and know that their commitment to us has been critical in achieving a mutually successful partnership.”
Dwain Wall, Senior Vice President and General Manager of CruiseOne and Cruises Inc., added “Norwegian Cruise Line has taken its commitment to the travel agency distribution model to new levels in 2011 with their Partners First initiative.  As an organization, WTH appreciates all that Norwegian continues doing to help us be successful.  This award signifies what two like-minded companies can achieve together, by supporting each other in every possible way.”

This is a great video to show you why you should never miss a ship. When they say to be back by 4 you need to take them seriously. I remember on my Alaska Cruise I saw this family shopping and we were leaving in three minutes. They told them to run! Which they were very lucky. Also, when you leave a ship you should have your documentation with you. If you need to fly to catch up you will need your passport. This is a new rule in the last few years. Have your wallet with you as well. It’s not cheap to catch up. However, if you bought insurance they will help you with the process and may cover you. So travel insurance is not just to cancel your cruise. Make sure you buy insurance. They are a great help in situations like this.