Cricket Cruise & Travel, LLC

2012-02-27T09:18:00.001-08:00

Carnival Cruise Lines confirms that 22 passengers on a ship-sponsored excursion in Puerto Vallarta (during a voyage aboard the "Carnival Splendor" [pictured]) were robbed at gunpoint last Thursday afternoon. The group was apparently heading back to the ship when masked gunmen stopped the bus and robbed the passengers. Carnival says it's helping reimburse the cruisers for their losses and take care of replacement passports and other ID needs. The line has also canceled the excursion (a guided nature trail trek) until further notice.

InterContinental Hotels Group welcomed the 114-room Holiday Inn Buenos Aires-Ezeiza Airport in Argentina. The property features two restaurants, a fitness center, a spa, and other guest services.

American Cruise Lines has added seven additional cabins (three doubles and four singles) to its new paddlewheeler "Queen of the Mississippi" that's debuting in August. The line says the extra single cabins were added due to greater anticipated demand from solo passengers.

The 218-room Enchantment Resort in Sedona, Arizona, will wrap up the final phase of its property-wide renovation project this spring. The resort added an upgraded clubhouse with three dining venues, a larger pool area, and new shops.

(Credit: Carnival Cruise Lines)

2012-02-21T14:49:00.000-08:00

Kids on a Cruise: 9 Things Every Parent Should Do
By Sue Bryant | Cruise Critic

Kids in the pool, kids in the main dining room, kids in the theaters. They really bring out the worst — and best — in cruisers. As much as our readers debate the subject, there’s one thing most people agree on: It’s the parents, not the children, who are mainly to blame when the status quo on board is disrupted by thuggish behavior.

As a parent of two cruise-mad teens who’ve sailed on some 15 ships, I know what it’s like with youngsters onboard — and I’ve come up with my own code of conduct for parents on cruise ships.

Always know where your children are, and if they’re charging round the ship unattended, yelling and disturbing people, stop them. Just because a crewmember hasn’t intervened does not make this conduct acceptable. On a Norwegian ship, I even saw kids running in and out of the crew areas.

If a ship has a family pool and an adults-only pool, respect this and keep the kids out of the adults’ pool. And the hot tub.

Allowing kids to pee in the pool because you can’t be bothered to take them to the bathroom is never, ever OK.

Nobody expects a parade of mini-me toddlers in tuxedos on formal night, but make at least some effort to have the whole family dress up a bit.

Teach children to respect the crew and to say “please” and “thank you” when being served. Learning a few basic table manners doesn’t go amiss, either.

Put exhausted toddlers to bed at night (if the ship offers babysitting) or in the night nursery. Nobody wants to sit with a wailing child lashed into a carriage throughout dinner.

Same goes for the shows: If the entertainment isn’t suitable for children, don’t take them. Having them sit in the theater, playing noisy games on an iPad because they’re bored, is selfish, not to mention rude to the performers.

Show a bit of respect for the facilities on board. Members Brian and Carol watched kids breaking the free ice cream machine on Royal Caribbean’s Independence of the Seas and reported on the Cruise Critic UK blog: “All their parents could do was laugh!”

And think about safety. Don’t you care? Member Ken Roper comments: “On Grand Princess, in a rough sea, I saw three under 10s, unsupervised, on the promenade deck, SKATEBOARDING.  When I reported this to the service desk I was told that it had been dealt with. I was also told that the parents knew that their children had packed the boards.”

Want to rein the kids in onboard? See our suggestions on Controlling Your Kids at Sea.

Credit: Cruise Critic Cruise Reviews & News

2012-02-18T18:25:00.000-08:00

Journey to the Great Land of Alaska
for less aboard a fabulous cruise vacation

Connect with Mother Nature like never before and experience the breathtaking fjords, majestic wildlife, and beautiful scenery that can only be found on an Alaska cruise. With exciting ports of call like Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, and the Inside Passage, you'll be able to discover the wondrous beauty of this Great Land in so many different ways.

Take a look at our featured 7 night Alaska cruise adventure from $789 USD with a $75 USD onboard credit and prepare to embark on thejourney of a lifetime!

You can also combine the best of both land and sea, in an exciting Cruise Tour -- the perfect 2 in 1 vacation!
Continue reading your CruiseShipWeekly to check out our fabulous collection of Alaskan vacations at great savings.

LeAnne Rigsby, CCC, ACC
Certified Cruise Consultant
CLIA Accredited Cruise Counsellor

This Week's Featured Alaskan Cruises


Cruise Line	Itinerary	From

	7 Night Roundtrip Alaska Highlights: Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Inside Passage	$639 USD

	7 Night Roundtrip Alaska Highlights: Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau, Ketchikan	$1,029 USD

	11 Night Classic Denali Cruise Tour Highlights: Ketchikan, Juneau, Anchorage, Fairbanks, Denali	$1,549 USD

	7 Night Glacier Northbound Highlights: Ketchikan, Juneau, Skagway, Glacier Bay, Whittier	$699 USD

Enjoy a Free Hotel Night and Dinner or a Sightseeing Tour
When you book a qualifying rail vacation of 6 nights or more by April 30, 2012

2012-02-17T21:50:00.000-08:00

CELEBRITY CRUISES

Modern LuXury is:

A cruisetour with an exhilarating multi-night journey that gives you time to explore Alaska's majestic interior.

What is an Alaskan Cruisetour?

Find out what an ideal vacation experience to Alaska with Celebrity Cruises is all about. Why see less than 10% of the destination of Alaska when you can travel deeper into the 49th State. Combine a 7-Night Alaska Cruise with a multi-night escorted land tour and really experience the Alaska you cameto see.

Alaska Cruisetours the Celebrity Way

Cruisetours to Alaska with Celebrity Cruises is the only way to travel throughout this magical destination. Our Alaska Cruisetours provide the comfort and cohesive advantage of traveling with a local expert, our Tour Directors, who will ensure your vacation lives up to it's expectations. Learn what makes a Celebrity Cruisetour to Alaska a step above the rest.

Planning Your Celebrity Cruisetour

Now that we've sparked your interest in cruisetours here's what you need to do to start planning your Alaskan adventure. There are many components to consider and options to choose from when booking an Alaska Cruisetour. So we'll help you get off to the right start.

Give me a call or send me an email for more information.

You haven't lived until you've cruised!

~~ LeAnne

2012-02-17T17:29:00.000-08:00

Killarney, Ireland

FOUR NIGHTS IN IRELAND FROM JUST $399
~~ IT'S THE PERFECT IRISH ESCAPE!
Yes, it's back and better than ever! We've had so many requests for our Irish Escape escorted tour that we've brought it back and added additional dates through March of 2013. But you have to book quick as it will soon sell out all over again!
HERE'S WHAT'S INCLUDED: This is the perfect escorted tour for those who want a quick, affordable introduction to Ireland or who want to maximize a long weekend. Highlights of the tour include the must-see destinations and attractions including:

· Dublin
· The Ring of Kerry
· Blarney
· The medieval town of Kilkenny

The tour features 1 night in Kilkenny, 2 nights in Killarney and 1 night in Dublin at four-star hotels as well as private luxury motorcoach with the services of a professional driver/guide, 4 full Irish breakfasts, 2 three-course dinners, a complete sightseeing program, and all local taxes, hotel service charges, and porterage for one suitcase per person. All you need to do is add-on an affordable airfare ~~ and we can help you with that, too.

Our Irish Escape tour is priced from $399 per person based on double occupancy. Depending upon dates of travel, the top land-only rate is just $459 per person. And considering that this tour is 4 nights, it costs about $115 per day including breakfast, 2 dinners and sightseeing! With rates this affordable, it probably costs you more to stay home!

EXTEND THE TRIP FOR $119 MORE:
You can make a longer trip of it by extending this tour to stay in Dublin from just $119 per person. This includes 2 nights at the four-star Maldron Cardiff Lane in Dublin, full Irish breakfast daily, and two full days to explore Dublin at leisure.

Contact me ASAP to book this amazing deal. Remember, I can help you with your airfare from your gateway to Dublin, too.
~~ LeAnne

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

LeAnne with Donie, our driver & tour guide
(Dublin, Ireland; December 2011)

I just returned in December from this exact tour -- and can't wait to do it again!!! We stayed in beautiful hotels who spoiled us with their delicious food, and had a fantastic driver (Donie, above photo with me). It was just unforgettably wonderful experience. You cannot imagine the beauty of this island country -- GREEN, GREEN, GREEN! Even in the winter! Driving past meadows with medievel castle ruins!, sheep everywhere, rock hedges everywhere, beautiful cottage homes with manicured lawns, clean & pristine; and don't forget the MOUNTAINS! I loved the people, the music, the food, and the shopping!

(I have SO many photos of my trip... it was difficult to decide which ones to post. I hope you enjoy them! Better yet, book this trip so you can have your own photo memories!!)

Contact me ASAP to book this amazing deal. Remember, I can help you with your airfare from your gateway to Dublin, too.
~~ LeAnne

www.cricketcruiseandtravel.com
cricketcruiseandtravel@gmail.c om

Carriage house between the Blarney Castle and Blarney House

Our hotel room in Kilkenney, Ireland

Bathroom in our hotel room (Kilkenney)

Lobby of our hotel, Killarney Plaza Hotel
(Killarney, Ireland)

Foyer as you enter our hotel, Killarney Plaza Hotel

Castle ruins as we were on the Ring of Kerry tour

Kilkenney Castle
(Kilkenney, Ireland)

Ring of trees on the Ring of Kerry tour

2012-02-17T08:11:00.000-08:00

CRUISES: Carnival Will Expand Its Miami, San Juan Schedules

Carnival Cruise Lines will offer more voyages next winter from Miami and San Juan. The "Carnival Valor" (pictured) will operate seven-day Southern Caribbean cruises from San Juan starting Feb. 10, 2013. The ship will replace the "Carnival Victory," which will move to Miami starting Feb. 4, 2013, to offer four-day (Key West and Cozumel) and five-day (Turks & Caicos, Half Moon Cay, and Nassau or Grand Cayman and Jamaica) voyages. Meanwhile, the "Victory" is replacing the "Carnival Destiny," which will join the "Carnival Legend" in Europe next year (the line will release more details soon).

Norwegian Cruise Line will offer TRX Suspension Training fitness classes on all of its ships by the end of this month ($20 for one class or $60 for four sessions).

Crystal Cruises says it's doubling the number of departures this year that begin with days (nights) in port. It's also adding overnights to the middle or end of most of its 2012 sailings. The trend will continue in 2013, with more than 85 percent of next year's routes including two or more days in port and even more cruises starting with overnights in port.

(Credit: Carnival Cruise Lines)

2012-02-15T22:15:00.000-08:00

Princess Cruises - says its newest ship, the "Royal Princess," will operate its debut season in the Mediterranean starting in June 2013, offering 12-day "Grand Mediterranean" voyages between Barcelona and Venice. The line also announced that the new ship's atrium will be larger than those on other Princess vessels and will boast new features such as an Italian cocktail bar, a gelateria, a seafood bar, and a gift shop.

Carnival Cruise Lines - announced its most varied range of itineraries in Europe for 2013 aboard the "Carnival Legend." Highlights include the line's first Norwegian fjords route and its first extended schedule from the United Kingdom. The ship will operate 17 European sailings between April 22 and Oct. 31, 2013, after crossing the Atlantic Ocean from Tampa (and returning there in November 2013). Carnival says it will replace the "Legend" in Tampa next year while it's in Europe.

Costa Crociere (Costa Cruises) extended the deadline for accepting its compensation offer for passengers who were aboard the wrecked "Costa Concordia" to March 31. The terms and amounts of the offer remain the same, however.

(Credit: Princess)

2012-02-14T13:49:00.000-08:00

YOUR

FIRST LOOK INTO THE SPECTACULAR
ROYAL PRINCESS

ATRIUM!

Coming June 2013!

http://www.princess.com/learn/ships/rp/index.html

Royal Princess' European Debut:

Best of all, you can start planning your next cruise on Royal Princess as she embarks on her maiden season with the destination experts!

Sailing our popular Grand Mediterranean itinerary from June through October 2013, Royal Princess will call in the most incredible ports in the region.

Royal Princess' maiden season goes on sale March 15, so contact ME for the latest updates!

cricketcruiseandtravel@gmail.com

979-836-6600

www.cricketcruise-and-travel.com

2012-02-11T16:40:00.000-08:00

The Mystery of the Muster Drill:
Cruise Ship Safety Laws Explained

Anyone who has ever cruised is familiar with the muster drill.

Vacation fun is put on hold as the powers-that-be close the bars
and order passengers to gather at an assigned meeting place for
a lesson on how to don a life jacket and what to do in case of an emergency.

While many people listen attentively, every muster has a few of
these types: The guy swilling a beer and laughing with his buddies,
even though passengers have been told no drinking is allowed
during the drill. The couple who hide in their cabin, thinking
they've pulled one over on the authorities. The mom and her kids
who stand in the back of the lounge during the presentation
and sneak out after a few minutes.

Even some of the most flagrant violators must be rethinking that
behavior in light of the Costa Concordia disaster. But inattention
at the muster drill played no part in this tragedy. The drill had
not yet been held for the 696 passengers who boarded in Rome,
even though the ship was some three hours out of port and
passengers were eating dinner when the accident occurred.
Yet the ship appears to have been in compliance with muster
drill requirements.

So what exactly must cruise ships do to ensure that passengers
are educated about emergency evacuation procedures? Cruise
Critic examined the rules and regulations, and interviewed
representatives of governing agencies and the major cruise lines,
to figure out the nitty-gritty on these drills.

All cruise lines have to follow regulations called Safety of Life at Sea (SOLAS), which were adopted following the sinking of the Titanic and are administered by the United Nation's International Maritime Organization (IMO). The U.S. Coast Guard also gets involved by making sure those regulations are followed by passengerships that stop in the United States.

The SOLAS regulations pertaining to muster drills are fairly short and straightforward. They require that the drill take place within 24 hours of embarkation. The regulations differentiate between a muster and a "safety briefing." According to SOLAS rules, whenever new passengers embark, a safety briefing must be held "immediately before sailing, or immediately after sailing," consisting of at least a PA announcement. This may be supplemented with other info -- by written materials contained within each cabin, for instance. Regulations require that the safety briefing provides "clear instructions" that "detail the actions each person on board should follow in the event of an emergency." But a muster, where passengers are physically assembled, is required only within 24 hours of sailing. (In Concordia's case, the muster drill was scheduled to take place after additional passengers boarded on Day 2 in Savona, Italy, which would have been within the required 24-hour window.)

As for life jackets, the rules don't specifically say that passengers must don them during the drills -- but they must be shown how to put them on.

In recent years, lines with bigger ships, including Royal Caribbean and Carnival, have concluded that moving upward of 5,000 passengers, outfitted in bulky life jackets, to their muster stations had become unmanageable. These lines have instituted a new version of the muster drill. According to Bud Darr, director of environmental and health programs for the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA), a membership organization that represents the major cruise lines,
passengers now assemble in large public rooms, instead of on the open decks, where they await further instructions.

On some ships, including Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas and Allure of the Seas, life jackets are kept at the muster stations rather than in individual cabins; ship safety officials made the switch for a couple reasons. One was that in a real emergency, forcing thousands of passengers back to their cabins to grab their life vests would work against an evacuation. Another had to do with dangerous dangling belts. "'Slips, trips and falls' during the drills was one of the most cited
reasons cruise lines gave us for the change," said Brad Schoenwald, Senior Marine Inspector for the U.S. Coast Guard's Cruise Ship National Center of Expertise. "Passengers would slip on a belt strap on the way down the stairs, and you'd potentially have an injury."

As to when the drills are held, Darr said the norm, at least in most major lines that cater to American passengers, is to hold the muster drill and safety briefing simultaneously before the ship embarks. This way, the lines can cover both requirements at one time. But, again, maritime regulations require only that a safety briefing be held "immediately before sailing, or immediately after sailing," and that the muster be held within 24 hours. So some cruise ships, such as Costa
Concordia, that stop at multiple ports to pick up passengers, do not hold a muster until some passengers have already been onboard overnight.

"The important thing is that each line has standard methods and procedures and a well-trained crew," Darr said.

To that end, the Carnival Corporation -- parent company of Costa, as well as nine other cruise lines -- announced that it will conduct "a comprehensive audit and review of all safety and emergency response procedures across all of the company's cruise lines." Captain James Hunn, a retired U.S. Navy Captain and Carnival's senior vice president of Maritime Policy & Compliance, will lead the effort, working with health and safety executives from the Carnival Corporation cruise lines and outside experts. The team, according to the company statement, "will review all safety and emergency response policies and procedures, officer and crew training and evaluation, bridge management and company-wide response and support efforts." The goal is to identify the best practices to put in place to make sure that a Concordia-like incident does not happen again.

In addition, the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) will also be conducting an industry-wide operational safety review, which will include internal reviews by the organization's 26 cruise line members, consultation with experts and regulatory agencies, and the development and sharing of best practices.

We reached out to various cruise lines to find out how they interpret safety regulations and handle mustering, but most weren't that forthcoming about the details. Several, including Crystal Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Norwegian Cruise Line, Oceania Cruises and Regent Seven Seas Cruises, would not comment, referring all questions to CLIA. At press time, Costa has not responded to our requests for information. However, several others did respond, and here is the official word, albeit often quite generic, from each of the other major lines:

Azamara Club Cruises, Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises (all part of the Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. brand):
All passengers and crew must complete an abandon ship drill "at the beginning of each voyage." Muster drills are conducted without passengers donning life jackets. On Royal Caribbean's largest ships, Oasis and Allure of the Seas, life jackets are held at muster stations to be distributed by crewmembers in case of emergency, rather than in cabins; on other ships, life jackets are also kept in cabins, and in emergencies, crew will make sure life jackets are distributed at the muster stations. To ensure that passengers are aware of their specific muster location, each cabin key is individually imprinted with that location. The location is also noted on the back of each cabin door. Officers and crewmembers additionally conduct weekly, monthly and annual drills to train and prepare in case of emergencies. All ships have enough lifesaving craft to accommodate every person onboard, with additional reserve capacity.

Carnival Cruise Lines: "Normal procedure" is to conduct the safety drill prior to departure. The safety briefing is held at dedicated muster stations where crewmembers demonstrate how to wear life jackets. Passengers are not required to wear life jackets during muster; life jackets are kept in the cabins. The briefing is conducted in English, but may also be conducted in other languages if there are a significant number of passengers from a particular country or region. During the drill, every cabin is checked by cabin stewards and a red card is placed in each key slot showing that no guests are present inside. Written materials, available in different languages, are also provided. A safety video, which is played nonstop during the drill, is available via in-cabin TV; it outlines evacuation routes, muster station locations, assistance for physically challenged guests, life jacket instructions, etc. Lifeboats are tested during regularly scheduled drills to make sure they are in proper working order. A full-scale life boat exercise, during which lifeboats are launched and maneuvered in the water by assigned crew, is conducted each month, exceeding the quarterly regulatory requirement.

Cunard Line: The line adheres to the SOLAS requirement that a safety drill be held within 24 hours, and "in many instances" the drill is conducted prior to sailing. Each passenger is assigned a specific area to muster and the use of life jackets is demonstrated and practiced during the drill, which also instructs passengers regarding what to do and where to go in case of an emergency. Crew proficiencies are verified during drills and exercises, including periodic exercises with the U.S. Coast Guard.

Holland America Line: The line follows international maritime law by requiring a mandatory lifeboat drill for all passengers within 24 hours of departure. "In many instances," the drill is conducted prior to sailing.

MSC Cruises: Upon embarkation in the main ports, passengers participate in a one-hour muster drill conducted in six official languages, and any other language spoken by a guest. Passengers take their life jackets from their staterooms and go to their assigned muster station. The drill involves the entire crew and simulates the evacuation process. Staterooms are checked during the drill. In secondary ports, before the ship's departure, a detailed safety briefing is held for all newly embarked passengers. The briefing is normally held in a dedicated area, usually the theater or a muster station. Each passenger's muster station is printed on his/her stateroom key. Written safety materials include maps of the muster stations displayed in all public areas, a safety page within the cabin's booklet that is left open and is pointed out by the housekeeper, and maps on the back of each stateroom door with instructions in six languages. A safety video in English is broadcast 24/7 on the stateroom television system on Channel 1. Children ages 12 and younger are given a bracelet at embarkation to wear with their muster station printed on it.

Princess Cruises: Muster drills are held before departure "whenever possible." Passengers are sent to their respective muster stations, which may be in a public room or near the lifeboat embarkation deck. Passengers wear life jackets during the drill. Passengers are required to attend, but a safety video covering evacuation procedures is also played on the in-cabin television. If a large number of passengers speaking a language other than English is onboard, a separate drill is held in that language. Each stateroom has a map of the route to its muster station, and signs are also posted on the staircases.

Seabourn: The line follows international maritime law by requiring a mandatory lifeboat drill for all passengers within 24 hours of embarkation. "In many instances," the drills are conducted prior to departure. Passengers are instructed where to go and what to do in case of an emergency.

-- by Carol Sottili, Cruise Critic Contributor
-- Photo appears courtesy of member G'ma.

2012-02-10T08:12:00.000-08:00

CRUISES: Disney Takes Possession of the Fantasy

2/9/2012 - Disney took possession yesterday of its newest ship, the "Disney Fantasy" (pictured), at a shipyard in Germany. The ship will depart Feb. 16 for the trans-Atlantic crossing to Port Canaveral. See www.disneycruise.com.

Carnival Cruise Lines announced its 2013 plans for the "Carnival Miracle" and the "Carnival Splendor." The "Miracle" will go to the U.S. West Coast to take over the Alaska and Hawaii routes currently operated by the "Carnival Spirit" (which will be repositioned to Australia), a seasonal Mexican Riviera program, and a Panama Canal voyage. Meanwhile, the "Splendor" will move to New York next year to take over a Caribbean schedule from the "Miracle." The "Splendor" will undergo a major drydock overhaul this December, and it will operate three 13- to 18-night South America voyages before it arrives east. See www.carnival.com.

Cunard will observe this year's Diamond Jubilee for Britain's Queen Elizabeth II with a "royal rendezvous" of its three ships on June 5. The occasion will mark the first time all three vessels have arrived and departed together in formation at their Southampton homeport. See www.cunard.com.

Holland America Line posted more details about its 2012 Mediterranean season. The line will operate 32 different itineraries in the region (seven to 42 days) on seven ships. Highlights include the 62-day "Grand Mediterranean and Black Sea Voyage" aboard the "Prinsendam" this spring and the new 17-day "Spanish Rhapsody" itinerary aboard the "Rotterdam." Fares for seven-day Med sailings start from $699 ppdo. See www.hollandamerica.com.

Viking River Cruises will operate Douro River sailings in Portugal and Spain next year aboard the "Viking Douro." The 10-day cruise/land packages include stops in Lisbon, Coimbra, and Porto before the cruise portion begins. You can lock in two-for-one fares plus $1,100 airfare discounts per couple for these trips. See www.vikingrivercruises.com.

MSC Cruises will allow a second guest to sail free when the first passenger books the Feb. 28 four-night Bahamas voyage aboard the "MSC Poesia" by Feb. 15. Fares start from $449 ppdo. See www.msccruisesusa.com.

Celebrity Cruises will expand its "Celebrity Life" onboard activities program this year by offering "Celebrity Life Plus" options on its trans-Atlantic voyages. The activities will range from art classes and special-interest lectures to fitness sessions, wine tastings, and cooking demonstrations. See www.cruisingpower.com.

Cruise lines around the world (including CLIA members) announced the immediate adoption of new emergency drill policies that require musters for passengers before a ship leaves the embarkation port. If passengers board a ship after that muster has happened, they will be given separate safety briefings as quickly as possible. See CLIA's announcement for more details.

Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines will do away with the five percent discount for bookings made via its web site by the end of this month. The line says it wants to give agents a level playing field with consistent fares that consumers can't beat by going to its web site.

(Credit: Meyer Werft)

2012-02-08T09:55:00.000-08:00

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*Conditions Apply: Special promotions valid on new bookings only. Prices are per person, based on double occupancy accommodations. Prices are for roundtrip travel departing from select cities except for land only packages. Packages do not include meals unless otherwise indicated. Savings reflect land prices only and vary by resort and travel dates. Availability is limited. Rates and/or package prices are subject to holiday blackouts, peak period surcharges, and cancellation charges may be applicable of up to the full price paid depending on the package and when it is cancelled. Other restrictions may apply and vary by resort and airline carrier. Air Inclusive packages: Airfare taxes and fees: Air fuel surcharge is included in pricing. Air inclusive prices do not include government imposed taxes and fees of up to $250, including a September 11th Security Fee of up to $10. U.S. or international government imposed taxes and fees of up to $200 may apply on arrivals and departures depending on the itinerary chosen, and are payable to the appropriate airport authority. Some fares may be non-refundable, but may be exchanged for a fee of up to $200, plus any additional airfare costs due to difference in new airfares. Seats may not be available on all flights. Some airlines impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage. Please contact your airline or refer to its website for detailed information regarding the airlines checked baggage policies.

2012-02-06T20:14:00.000-08:00

West Coast cruisers discover Hawaii's Aloha spirit

(By Rob Lovitt, msnbc.com contributor)

Sapphire Princess sails from Los Angeles on a 14-day Hawaiian Islands itinerary in 2012.

As fans of Hawaii well know, the islands are great place to chill out, de-stress and generally slow down. These days, though, more people are doing so before they even arrive.

That’s because they’re boarding cruise ships on the U.S. West Coast, taking four or five leisurely days to cross the Pacific before visiting a handful of ports and then turning around for another leisurely cruise home.

“The pace is very different,” said Erik Elvejord, director of public relations for Holland America. “We’ve found that there’s a core audience among our guests that’s looking for that kind of product.”

They’re apparently in good company as more cruisers have been signing on for such sailings. According to the Hawaii Tourism Authority, more than 124,000 visitors arrived by cruise ship last year, an increase of 22.9 percent over the year before.

And 2012 promises to be a banner year, as well. In addition to nine Holland America sailings from San Diego — up from six two years ago — Disney will offer its first-ever Hawaii cruises with two sailings from Los Angeles. Princess, meanwhile, will be fairly criss-crossing the Pacific with 27 departures from L.A. and San Francisco.

San Francisco, in particular, is poised to become a hotbed of Hawaiian cruising with Princess offering seven sailings this year — up from zero last year — and eight in 2013. It’s hardly a coincidence that the city is about to break ground on a new $90-million cruise terminal that will open in 2013.

Although still a small market by Caribbean standards, the business is getting a boost from several quarters, including weak demand for Mexican Riviera cruises, the frustrations of air travel and the cruise industry’s embrace of homeporting.

“Mexico has been in decline since about 2006 — before the economic downturn, before the border violence,” said Stewart Chiron, aka The Cruise Guy. “The cruise lines couldn’t invest in new ports so all they could do was add more sailings,” a move which further eroded the profitability of the itinerary.

More recently, the problem has been compounded by concern over Mexico’s ongoing drug war, which prompted several cruise lines to suspend port calls in Mazatlan last year. Many have since reinstated stops there but, according to Bay Area travel agent Lynda Turley Garrett, “People are still thinking twice about Mexico.”

Some are also thinking twice about flying. “As airline tickets have become more expensive and fees have become more onerous, consumers have been looking for ways to cruise without having to include the airline component,” said Dwain Wall, senior vice president/general manager at CruiseOne and Cruises Inc.

That, in turn, may explain the concurrent drop in traditional intra-island cruises, in which visitors fly to Hawaii for seven-night sailings. Offered exclusively by Norwegian on a U.S.-flagged ship, those itineraries hosted 119,000 passengers last year, a drop of 2.5 percent from the year before.

On the other hand, cruising to Hawaii from the West Coast is not for everyone. At 14 to 15 days, such itineraries tend to be expensive and provide only cursory visits to three or four islands. They also take place on foreign-flagged ships, meaning they require short stops, usually in Ensenada, Mexico, to comply with maritime law.

And would-be passengers had better like sea days — lots and lots of sea days, as they typically entail four to five days each way.

Even so, say observers, the market is likely to stay strong for all of the above reasons and, perhaps, for one few might have foreseen.

“It never hurts when a movie comes out that’s set in a gorgeous place,” said Carolyn Spencer Brown, editor in chief of CruiseCritic.com. “I watched ‘The Descendants’ and thought, oh, I want to go back.”

John Borthwick/Lonely Planet Images

The Hawaiian Islands are the perfect vacation destination for travelers of all types.

Rob Lovitt is a longtime travel writer who still believes the journey is as important as the destination.

http://www.travelmarketreport.com/retail?articleID=6869&LP=1

2012-02-06T09:11:00.000-08:00

http://www.travelmarketreport.com/retail?articleID=6869&LP=1

2012-02-05T21:52:00.000-08:00

Why I Work By Referral...

I want you to know how much I appreciate you. I strive to build positive business relationships by working exclusively with people I admire and respect, and who value the services I provide.

Relationships Are More Important Than Transactions

You may have noticed that many travel agents take a transactional approach to sales -- identifying clients, closing the deal, and then moving on to the next one. I choose not to work that way because I believe you deserve more from the professional you decide to work with. That is why I work by referral and repeat clientele.

Since my primary source of new business is referrals from people who know and trust me, I don't have to spend precious time prospecting and promoting myself. I can dedicate myself fully to the activities that benefit you most, and always deliver truly exceptional service.

Working by referral is all about trust.
And let's face it, when we are seeking any service we are all looking for someone we can trust -- someone proven who comes highly recommended and is already on our side.

You Control My Business

I know that I must earn your future referrals, so I aim to exceed your expectations. I have a vested interest in making sure that you are completely satisfied at the end of our transaction together. I want you to be so "fired-up" that you can't wiat to tell your friends and family about me and the fantastic service you received!

When you come across an opportunity, I appreciate you referring me to great people like yourself, who would benefit from the excellent service and personal attention I provide.

Service After the Sale

I devote myself to serving the needs of my clients before, during and after each sale. Instead of disappearing after the closing, you can expect me to keep in touch. I will be sending valuable information to you each week or month (permission based upon your choices). Please call me from time to time to check in and let me know if you need anything.

I hope you will turn to me for help with any of your travel plans because it is such a privilege to work exclusively with people like you who I admire and respect, and who value the service I provide.

The Value of Referrals

90% of consumers worldwide said they are most likely to trust the recommendations of the people they know, a figure that was well above any other form of advertising, according to recent market research conducted by The Nielsen Company.

I'm never too busy for you and/or your referrals!!

2012-01-30T18:05:00.000-08:00

Travel agents know something you don't
By Katia Hetter, Special to CNN
updated 11:47 AM EST, Mon. January 30, 2012

Not your grandmother's travel agent
In an age where travelers of all ages turn to the Internet to book flight and hotel reservations, modern travel agents are offering expert advice on cruises and tour packages to far-flung locales, advice on the best a particular city has to offer, exclusive perks, hidden discount prices and the security of an adviser in case of inconvenience or disaster.

Successful agents know that their customers have access to lots of travel information -- often too much -- and want time-saving guidance, exclusivity and security in a complicated world. Whether they can convince younger Americans who may not have ever worked with a travel agent of that added value -- and ensure their industry's survival -- remains to be seen.

It's true that there are fewer U.S. travel agents today: 105,910 in 2010 versus 111,000 in 2006, according to the American Society of Travel Agents. And there are fewer agencies: 14,800 agencies in 2010, compared with 18,850 in 2006, according to ASTA.

While some agencies went out of business after the airlines eliminated commissions and consumers began to shop online, agencies have also consolidated and started offering more service than the Internet can provide. Many have shifted to home offices, doing most of their business over e-mail and the telephone.

To serve a generation that may have never dealt with a human being while making travel plans, travel companies are hiring young people to market to their own generation. American Express Travel launched a pilot apprentice program to teach the travel business to young people with strong customer service skills who were interested in travel but had no business experience. In the first class of 25 apprentices, 90% were promoted to full-time travel agents after a year, says Ellen Bettridge, vice president of the American Express U.S. Retail Travel Network.

American Express Travel, which allows customers to book online, via telephone or in-person, launched the NextPedition program last fall to attract young people, Bettridge says. People take an online survey to assess their travel interests and are offered mystery travel packages according to their personality type. A key element: Purchasing the trip requires a conversation with a human being, allowing the company to make the case for human interaction with its agents.

Yet as the numbers show, many consumers still aren't convinced. Singer-songwriter Marilyn Carino, who travels between homes in Atlanta and Brooklyn and often books touring gigs in Canada and Europe, prefers the simplicity of booking online, even for complex leisure travel.

"Booking travel online is way preferable to using an agent. You don't have to say 'What?' or 'Can you spell that?' to your computer screen,' " Carino said. "Enter your name, info, dates, just the facts, click OK, done."

Money still matters
When the economy tanks, the travel industry gets hit especially hard. The U.S. travel market declined 15% in 2009, according to PhoCusWright, a travel market research firm. Travel agencies were hit even harder, declining 21% because their bottom line is affected by corporate travel and complicated leisure travel, which includes international travel, cruises and tour packages. But they also recovered the fastest in 2010: up 15% while the total market gained 11%, says Douglas Quinby, PhoCusWright's senior director of research and author of an upcoming study of travel agents.

Where travel agents once relied heavily on a percentage of the price of an airline ticket, now they often charge flat fees for airline ticket purchases or creating a custom trip package. They still receive commissions from tour operators and cruise lines for sales, and may receive airline commissions if an airline wants to promote a particular route or if the agent purchases a significant number of one airline's products, says Lauri Reishus, vice president of operations at ARC, an airline-owned company that provides financial services to the travel industry.

Travel agents may charge a flat $35 fee to purchase an airline ticket or a $250 "plan to go" fee to organize a more complex travel package. (Some fees may apply to the cost of a trip.) Expert agents can charge an hourly rate for specialized services, and some even charge an annual retainer for customers who want an agent at their disposal.

"Other people will spend $35 and consider it a bargain to not only get the best price but to have someone there to help me when something happens," says Matthew Upchurch, chief executive officer of Virtuoso, a luxury network of affiliated travel agencies.

It's a relationship
Modern travel advisers want you to think of them like a financial adviser or lawyer, with whom you have a long-term relationship, says Upchurch. That person understands what you like from what you say about your preferences, from what you say you liked on previous trips and from the questions they ask that you might not have thought of.
"One of the biggest values of a good travel adviser is understanding what's important to you and being able to provide options you hadn't thought of," Upchurch said.

For many agents, specialization is the name of the game. Travel agencies (not including Expedia, Priceline and other online travel agencies) make up one-third of the U.S. travel market but grab a larger share of cruise and tour operator packages (about two-thirds) and corporate travel (more than three-quarters), says PhoCusWright's Quinby.

They may specialize in cruises, African safaris, Japanese trips, adventure travel or corporate travel.

"It's not just that a travel agent is a cruise specialist," Quinby said. "They're going to be a certified Alaska cruise specialist or a specialist for the Princess Cruise line. They take tons of destination and product training."

The average traveler is spending hours online booking their travel, perhaps time worth more than the dollars saved by not using an agent.
"The average traveler is spending something like ... nine web sessions and visiting 21 websites in order to book their travel," said Mark Orwoll, an editor of Travel + Leisure magazine. "Travelers are really looking for some advice, somebody who can answer questions for them, somebody who has experience in traveling, and they can't always get that online."

Travelers spending a lot of money on a complicated trip want to get it right, says Tony Gonchar, chief executive officer of the American Society of Travel Agents. "If I recommend Jordan, I've known your experience historically and talked post-trip about how you enjoyed your visit. I've assessed your risk tolerance."

While travel agents get a lot of buzz when they remove travelers from the mess of a cruise ship disaster or from the path of an erupting Icelandic volcano, they also can address the more ordinary disruptions of missed flights and lost luggage.

Before you go
Before you book, Gonchar recommends choosing an agent from ASTA membership at travelsense.org . If your agent is an ASTA member, he promises his association's code of ethics can be enforced up to and including expulsion. CRICKET CRUISE & TRAVEL, LLC ~ LeAnne Rigsby is a member of ASTA.

"You have recourse if you do not have the ability to resolve your issue with a travel agent," he said. "It's like a Good Housekeeping seal of approval."

2012-01-30T17:57:00.001-08:00

Today in History: January 30, 1649

King Charles I is beheaded

The British have always had an interesting relationship with their monarchs. Charles I reigned from March 1625 until his death in 1649. His death, however, holds a certain distinction. Charles I was the only British monarch ever put to death by the Parliament of England. The King's policies did not win him any friends: he was an advocate of the Divine Right of Kings, and levied taxes without Parliament's consent, never a popular move. He married a Catholic at a time when a very conservative Protestant movement was sweeping the nation. The English Civil War ensued, with Charles defeated. Parliament abolished the monarchy and declared the Republic of the Commonwealth of England. Charles I was imprisoned, tried, convicted, and then executed by beheading for high treason. The rather dreary Protestant Puritans soon wore on the public's sensibilities, however, and the monarchy was restored in 1660, with Charles's son, Charles II, taking the throne.

2012-01-30T17:50:00.000-08:00

Popular "Take Your Sweetie to Tahiti" Offer Returns
Exclusive Gift Package — Just in Time for Valentine's Day!

Everyone's in the mood for romance on Valentine's Day, and Paul Gauguin Cruises has the perfect gift package for my clients' special someone. In honor of the holiday, if you reserve through ME any 2012 Tahiti & the Society Islands 7-night sailing aboard the m/s Paul Gauguin between January 30 and February 18, 2012, you'll receive a special gift package*, including:
$100 per-person credit at the onboard Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm
Box of Leonidas chocolates
Flower turndown service

That's a $230 value -- absolutely free!

At the Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm, expert therapists and aestheticians offer an extensive menu of massages, skin care, and facials, including authentic Polynesian treatments, for them to enjoy.

No place on Earth is more romantic than the magical islands of Tahiti and French Polynesia, home of The Gauguin. Aboard this exceptional ship, my clients can also enjoy intimate gourmet dinners for two … watch the sun set over against the stunning backdrop of the South Pacific … hold hands while strolling a private white-sand beach … and so much more.

Remember, this special offer is in addition to our extraordinary savings offer of 50% off standard cruise fares plus FREE airfare from Los Angeles, an additional value of $3,200 per couple, good for all 2012 departures.

Love may be eternal, but this promotion lasts less than three weeks.
Don't hesitate! Reserve today.
www.cricketcruise-and-travel.com
979-836-6600 LeAnne

2012-01-28T12:34:00.001-08:00

SPECIAL OFFER to make MY CLIENTS’ 2012 vacation dreams a reality!

Limited time: save up to $300** on cruises and enjoy 50% reduced deposits
plus get free upgrades on Europe sailings**

... I'll surround my clients in modern luxury while being transported to some of the most captivating destinations around the world.

Save up to $300** on almost every cruise from March 2012 through April 2013.

Captain’s Club loyalty members, receive an $80 onboard credit** on Solstice® Class ships,

Save up to $1,000 off Europe vacations on suites and Business Class airfare through ChoiceAir.

We just added even more ways to help you make my clients’ 2012 vacation dreams a reality:
50% Reduced Deposits** - payhalf the usual deposit
Free Upgrades** - enjoy an upgraded view on most Europe sailing

*Save up to $1,380 on Europe:
$1,000 ChoiceAir Offer + $300 Savings Offer + $80 Onboard Credit

Must book by February 5, 2012, to enjoy these values.

Contact me for details and other great offers ==> 979-836-6600

Universal Orlando adding new nighttime water show this spring

2012-01-26T11:47:00.000-08:00

Universal Orlando adding new nighttime water show this spring

2012-01-26T11:44:00.000-08:00

In Quebec, a ‘cruise on rails’ with haute cuisine
katherine gougeon
Quebec City— From Saturday's Globe and Mail
Published Saturday, Oct. 01, 2011 6:00AM EDT
Last updated Thursday, Oct. 13, 2011 11:12PM EDT

If you hadn’t heard of Charlevoix before now, expect to hear much more as Cirque du Soleil co-founder Daniel Gauthier helps transform this notoriously insular yet infinitely welcoming region into a four-season destination.
Earlier this month he marked the inaugural voyage of Le Massif de Charlevoix, a high-end rail experience that connects the outskirts of Quebec City with the heart of Charlevoix, 1 1/2 hours to the northeast, in a way best described as up close and personal.

Covering 140 kilometres of track in 31/2 hours, the 10-hour round-trip excursion (which is punctuated by a three-hour stopover in scenic Malbaie) echoes the region’s unhurried way of life while revealing its charms from usually unseen perspectives. Billed as “a cruise on rails” between mountain and sea, the route often hugs the St. Lawrence shoreline so tightly passengers feel as though they are gliding on water. Although the train follows the same track on the return journey, the landscape is altered by the bold changes in light and tides that have enthralled the local artist colony for years.

The track itself was laid out independently in 1909 by Canadian businessman Sir Rodolphe Forget. Snaking along the Beaupré coast into places the road does not, it delivers privileged views of waterfalls, wildlife and ancestral estates. A highlight is the lowlands and mountains of Cap Tourmente, a pristine nature reserve that hosts 350 species of birds, including the enormous flock of migrating snow geese that accompanied the train from overhead.
Onboard, in bright, airy compartments more Wallpaper-esque than Orient Express, guests feast on an elaborate lunch and dinner created by Jean-Michel Breton, executive chef of Le Fairmont Manoir Richelieu. Guided by a “field to fork” seasonality, Breton’s inventive, ever-changing menu takes its cues from local growers and producers. Each course is prepped in the Fairmont kitchens the night before, with final cooking and finishing entrusted to the train’s designated sous-chefs. Delicacies on the autumn menu include smoked duck carpaccio, escargot terrine, deer osso bucco and, for dessert, a milk chocolate “meteorite” – an homage to the asteroid that crashed into the region 350 million years ago, forming the crater in which 90 per cent of Charlevoix’s population now lives.

True to his Cirque roots, Gauthier has gone to considerable lengths to make the onboard experience as enchanting as the view from the panoramic windows. Each table of four is equipped with an iPad cued by GPS to provide original musical and video accompaniment at key points of interest. In addition to telling passengers about things they can’t see from the train – nearby villages, a convent, local artists – the presentation offers some fascinating archival footage of Charlevoix. A favourite of such luminaries as Fred Astaire, Bob Hope, Bing Crosby and U.S. president William Taft, the town was once a summer playground for North America’s rich and famous. Arriving in Malbaie by steamship, VIPs and their families would check into their chalets and spend their days golfing, dining, dancing and deal-making at the iconic Manoir Richelieu (which can be toured during the stopover). Ironically, the party ended when the advent of railways opened up other travel options.

For Gauthier, who also owns the Le Massif ski area and is putting the final touches on an eco-friendly, five-star hotel in nearby Baie-Saint-Paul, the plan is to create the infrastructure that will allow Charlevoix to reclaim its place as a tourism hot spot. But for now, the train offers a rare and often remarkable perspective of a road less travelled.
Autumn departures through Oct. 23 with service resuming in February, 2012. $249 a person/round-trip; lemassif.com.
Special to The Globe and Mail

www.cricketcruiseandtravel.com

Best Cruises for Seniors

2011-01-22T22:44:00.000-08:00

What exactly is it that seniors want in a cruise?

We want a comfortable experience. We love to visit serveral ports without the hassles of having to pack and unpack at different hotels in different cities. And we want to be pampered a little bit more -- with good food and service, great entertainment and activities, and a good value for our vacation dollars.

Many of us look for stimulating enrichment programs as food for our minds and menus with healthy selections for our bodies. Despite popular notions, there are actually a slew of us seniors out there who aren't crotchety busy bodies; instead we like to be active, and we'd prefer to learn about the culture of the Asian port at which we are about to dock or take those salsa lessons before we actually land in Argentina.

Perhaps more so than the majority of travelers, some of us have accessibility issues. In this regard, ships built in the last half dozen years generally follow Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) recommendations for passengers with mobility problems. Some lines go the extra mile when it comes to accessibility; two examples are Holland America's wheelchair accessible tender transfer system and Royal Caribbean's hydraulic pool chairs that enable passengers with mobility issues to use the swimming pool.

Whether it's because we have more time to travel and do so more often or because we have a fixed income to work, with, many of us may have budget-related issues. If you would like to make the most of your available travel budget, always compare prices between economy-priced lines like Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Lines, and shop around for specials on such lines as Royal Caribbean, Celebrity and Holland America.

The following are a couple other things you may consider:

Reduce your onboard costs as much as possible. In order to avoid laundry charges, pack plenty of clothes. Bring your own camera and film, as opposed to buying photos onboard or a disposable camera from the ship shops. Do your homework on the ports of call and tour independently -- it could be cheaper than buying shore excursions for you and your companion.

Before booking, ask yourself what you are most looking forward to on your next cruise. Do you want to delve into an enrichment program? Are you looking forward to some spa relaxation? Or are you looking to enjoy some spectacular dining? Whatever it is, a cruise that will suit your tastes and aspirations is out there.

Contact the cruise line to make sure that it offers any special services that you require. Fo instance, if you have accessibility issues, find out what exactly you will be able to participate in, espeically if your ship doesn't actually dock at a certain port of call if you are on a smaller ship.

Many cruise lines now offer healthy dining options, but if you are on a special diet, notify the cruise line or travel agent when you book your voyage. Generally, if notified three weeks or more in advance of your sailing, most cruise lines will be able to accommodate your special diet. When it comes to hearty-healthy dining, many cruise lines, including Crystal, Holland America, Princess, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, NCL, and Carnival, offer low-fat selections on their menus (and lines like Crystal and Carnival feature low-carb selections, in case you are following Atkins and similar diets).

Participate in as many activities and enrichment programs as you wish, but don't be shy about droppi something if it turns out is is not to your liking. On a recent cruise, a friend of mine stayed frustrated throughout her language course, but she continued through several lessons before she finally dropped the course -- she could have saved herself some time and just dropped it after the first class.

If you are on a medication, bring an ample supply of it as the ship's doctor may not have it -- bring enough not only to last for the entire voyage, but for a week more, in case of travel delays. I was at the airport in Fairbanks on September 11, 2001, and we were not able to get a flight back home for six days. Two seniors in our grou had to find a pharmacy and incur transportation costs to the drugstore and long-distance call charges to get refills for their prescriptions.

But with all these things to think about and all the cruise lines out there, what exactly is a good cruise line for us seniors?

Crystal Cruises: Best enrichment program
Celebrity Cruises: Best premium line offering excellent value for your vacation dollar (tied with HAL)
Holland America Line: Best premium line offering excellent value for your vacation dollar (tied with Celebrity)
Royal Caribbean International: Best ships for active seniors (tied with Princess)
Princess Cruises: Best ship for active seniors (tied with Royal Caribbean)
Cunard Line: Best cruise line for ocean crossings
Carnival Cruise Lines: Best for seniors on a budget
Disney Cruise Line: Best line for three-generational reunions at sea
Silversea Cruises: Best ultra-deluxe small ship cruise line for seniors

Reprinted from Cruise Critic: Cruise Reviews & News (last updated 02/11/2008)

Traveling Abroad Means Converting to the Local Currency, Right?

2010-10-16T15:01:00.000-07:00

While Mexico has had a very liberal acceptance of US dollars for decades, the Mexican Government passed a new anti-money laundering law beginning September 14, 2010.

With this new law, the use of American dollars (CASH) to make purchases in Mexico will change. Other payment methods such as credit cards of all types and all issuing banks, Travelers Checks, Mexican pesos and non-American foreign currencies (such as Euros or Canadian dollars) are NOT affected in any way by this new law.

The most noticeable differences to my clients will be:

Hotels and exchange booths, and local banks will only be able to change a maximum of $1,500 USD CASH per person per month into Mexican pesos. Previously there was no limit.

Businesses (including restaurants, shops, and DMC's) will only be able to accept a maximum of $100 USD CASH per transaction -- but the number of transactions per customer is not restricted.

Certain businesses may not be able to, or may choose not to accept American dollars for any purchase at all (this may include shops, etc), however still accepting Mexican pesos.

If a client/customer wants to purchase an excursion (for example) that costs $150 US dollars per person, customers will only be able to pay $100 of this amount in USD CASH and the remainder will need to be in another form of payment (credit card, Mexican pesos, etc).

Airlines are advising that within Mexico, they will only accept Mexican pesos and credit cards for any fees (including baggage fees).

Vacationers should never carry large amounts of American dollars with them abroad, but instead they should consider either using a Credit Card, taking or locally withdrawing Mexican pesos from an ATM (very easy and convenient), or use Travelers Checks (of any currency).

Princess Cruises Will Add Alaska Ship in 2012

2010-10-14T22:21:00.000-07:00

After two years operating just three ships on its Voyage of the Glaciers route, today Princess Cruises announced that it will be returning a fourth ship to its signature itinerary for the 2012 summer season.

The decision by Princess to increase its Alaska capacity was prompted, in part, by recent changes to the head tax structure in the state and the more balanced approach to doing business in Alaska, according to the line.

"We are particularly appreciative of the efforts of Governor Sean Parnell and the Alaska state legislature that have resulted in meaningful progress toward resolving the challenges facing Alaska's recovery as a cruise destination," said Alan Buckelew, president and CEO of Princess Cruises. "We still have work to do, but the recent changes definitely played a part in this decision."

Buckelew pointed out that bringing a fourth ship back tot he Gulf of Alaska route has wide economic impacts from Southeast Alaska to Prudhoe Bay. "Because the one-way route lends itself to longer visitor stays, with visits to both the interior and Southeast Alaska, we calculate it has twice the potential economic impact of roundtrip cruises," he said.

"We are especially pleased to be able to announce this additional capacity to our business partners and supporters throughout Alaska who have worked tirelessly to advocate for a more positive business climate," Buckelew added. "They have improved the investment environment for all cruise lines and for all cruise dependent businesses throughout the state."

Princess' Voyage of the Glacier itinerary is the line's most popular Alaska itinerary, taking passengers between Vancouver and Whittier across the Gulf of Alaska with a visit to Glacier Bay and ports of call in the state's southeast. Because many passengers on this one-way route usually spend extra time in Alaska's interior utilizing Princess' lodges, rail and motorcoaches, this itinerary provides significant tourism benefits to the state.

Full details of Princess' 2012 Alaska deployment will be announced in spring 2011, including which ship will be added to the lineup.

Right Now It's the Hottest Destination in America

2010-10-12T15:23:00.000-07:00

In The Florida Keys and Key West, the water's still warm, the sun's still shining and the average daily temperature is in the mid 70's. If you're looking for anything from an active family vacation to a romantic weekend getaway, there's something for everyone, all year round, in the Florida Keys.

...come as you are!!

Experience Tempting Culinary Twists Onboard Allure of the Seas

2010-09-09T17:42:00.000-07:00

Allure of the Seas introduces new culinary concepts and tempting twists to signature Oasis-class restaurants. A Brazilian steakhouse will be a destination restaurant that comes to life for dinner service in the Solarium. In Central Park, recently appointed Chef de Cuisine, Molly Brandt will present guests with a one-of-a-kind menu and distinct dining experience at 150 Central Park, a signature fine dining experience.

Combining the best of classic Mexican beach bars and Southern California's famed taquerias, Rita's Cantina will be a vibrant new restaurant in the Boardwalk neighborhood. Rita's Cantina also boasts some of the best and widest selection of margaritas at sea. In addition, the restaurant will introduce new nightlife to Boardwalk with live guitar music, drinks and dancing.

Also new to Boardwalk's dynamic and engaging scene will be The Boardwalk Dog House, an outdoor hotdog specialty. Guests can choose from traditional hot dogs, wieners, brats, sausages and other delicious linked meats and a variety of toppings to split a long bun.

(Credit: Royal Caribbean International newsletter)

Belize Prepares for 2012 Celebration

2010-09-07T17:37:00.000-07:00

Belize is gearing up for a year of reflections, renewal and celebration when the winter solstice of 2012 arrives.

"Imagine a New Year's party that comes only once every 52,000 years, and you'll get an idea of what this means to those of us living in the Maya heartland," said Dr. Jaime Awe, director of Belize's Institute of Archaeology, yesterday (Sept. 6, 2010) at a preliminary launch of a new Belizean website dedicated to the 2012 celebrations planned for this Central American nation.

Seleni Matus, director of the Belize Tourism Board, said, "This region is where the Maya Calendar began and continues to be read. You won't find too many people worried about 2012 here. In fact, we're looking forward to a year of celebrating and highlighting Belize's vibrant Maya culture and history."

Belize, on Central America's Caribbean coast, has a large per capita Maya population and a huge number of Maya archaeological sites. Three Maya dialects are still spoken in Belize, and traditions such as farming methods and cooking have continued largely unchanged for centuries in Maya villages.

Belize will be hosting scientists, academics and an expected influx of visitors throughout 2012, with a range of special tours, cultural activities and Maya themed sporting events planned. One initiative, for instance, involves visitors being issued with commemorative Maya "passports" and collectors' cards, which give entry and are stamped at each of Belize's Maya temples and archaeology sites. Along with information kits and knowledgeable guides they ensure visitors a well rounded and memorable Maya experience during 2012.

There are also special tour packages on offer, with most resorts enthusiastically participating in the national celebrations. Events such as the annual La Ruta Maya canoe race, one of the longest in the world, will emphasize Maya culture as it passes through the country.

Credit: Joe Pike, TravelAgentCentral

10 Over-The-Top Cruise Ships

2010-08-30T17:25:00.001-07:00

Whether it's stairs made of Swarovski crystals, a Cirque Du Soleil-like performance, water park, or planetarium, modern cruise ships are offering everything travelers would want to have a holiday in one place.

Cruise booking specialists (Cruise 1st, Australia) has navigated the high seas to find its top 10 unique offers: (This list is not endorsed by Reuters.)

1. Celebrity Century - Celebrity Cruises
This ship, refurbished in 2006, boasts rooms with private verandas and suites with personal butlers. The Martini Bar is also home to the first "ice bar" concept at sea.

2. Pacific Jewel - P&O Cruises Australia
Launched December 2009, Pacific Jewel offers a high-wire circus and trapeze arena on the top deck and P&O's first ever celebrity chef restaurant -- Salt Grill by Luke Mangan. The spa and fitness center is as big as an Olympic-sized swimming pool and the ship has four kids' clubs and a shopping precinct.

3. MS Panorama - Avalon Waterways
The MS Panorama, due to be launched in May 2011, will be the first to feature two full decks of suites with wall-to-wall panoramic windows and balconies to enjoy the view cruising along some of Europe's major rivers such as the Rhine and Danube.

4. Queen Mary 2 - Cunard
Arguably the most magnificent ocean liner ever built, the ship features the only planetarium at sea and 15 restaurants and numerous bars and lounges, including the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar. With book clubs and regular presentations on contemporary and historical issues, the Queen Mary 2 travels almost everywhere and is well known for a 108 day World Voyage.

5. MSC Fantasia - MSC Cruises
Known for opulence, the MSC Fantasia boasts the exclusive MSC yacht club featuring a staircase of Swarovski crystals as well as a private lounge with transparent ceilings. The aqua park has 150 illuminated musical fountains and the swimming area a waterslide.

6. Oasis of the Seas - Royal Caribbean International Line
The world's largest cruise ship ever, costing over $1 billion, is divided into seven different neighborhoods. Onboard activities include a zip-line, carousel, rock-climbing walls, a 750-seat AquaTheater amphitheater hosting water ballet and dinner shows with the option of 25 different restaurants.

7. Celebrity Solstice - Celebrity Cruises
On board Celebrity Solstice, real grass is used in the half-acre Lawn Club where passengers can enjoy a picnic or join a game of bocce or croquet. Watch glass blowers in action.

8. Ruby Princess - Princess Cruises
The newest member of the Princess Cruises fleet, the Ruby Princess features poolside theaters and the cruise line's signature outdoor cinema. The adults-only The Sanctuary features a spa-inspired setting while the kids can enjoy five swimming pools, including a swim-against-the-current lap pool. For those looking to renew their vows or lucky enough to meet their soul mate on board, the ship has the Hearts and Minds wedding chapel.

9. MV Orion - Orion Expedition Cruises
Designed for expedition cruising but exuding luxury, guests explore various destinations, and are transported ashore in one of the fleet of 10 Zodiacs or inflatable rubber boats. On board, enjoy a meal from award-winning Sydney chef Serge Dansereau of The Bathers' Pavilion fame.

10. MV True North - True North
Cruise through Australia's Top End on board one of the most luxurious Australian cruise ships, True North. Six expedition vessels carry passengers up close to waterfalls and the onboard helicopter can take passengers to emote billabongs to fish or snorkel.

(reprinted from MSNBC.com; copyright 2010 Reuters)

Roatan, Honduras

2010-08-29T16:43:00.000-07:00

Roatan forms part of a Caribbean archipelago off the northeastern coast of Honduras called the Bay Islands. Roatan is in the middle and is the largest of the three main islands. These islands are surrounded by a spectacular barrier reef that rivals Australia's Great Barrier Reef for beauty and diversity. This, and the warm clear waters here have lured divers from around the world for snorkeling and scuba diving.

There's so much to do on this beautiful island -- hiking, diving, snorkeling, kayaking, swimming, exploring, shopping, and/or swimming with dolphins.

Some "don't miss" opportunities:
Parrot Tree Hill mansion;
Dolphin encounter -- swim, pet & interact with these gentle, well-trained animals.
Tabyana Beach -- a tropical natural beach fringed by palm trees on the jungle side and soft white sand and warm blue water on the other. Guests here can kayak, snorkel, scuba dive, and/or relax and enjoy a delicious lunch.
Gumbalinda Park -- have a close encounter with the wildlife, hundreds of parrots and monkeys to interact with.
Sherman's Iguana Refuge and Fish Nursery -- mingle among hundreds of iguanas.
Turquoise Bay Beach -- relax and swim.
Cameo Factory -- see the steps in cameo carving, and purchase these exquisite beauties. Gorgeous!

I personally fell in love with the island the first time I visited. The Honduran people are warm, friendly and helpful.

I hope you'll choose a cruise with this island as one of the ports-of-call on the itinerary, or a land-based vacation package.

(information compiled through NCL University's course on Roatan, Honduras)

Cricket Cruise & Travel, LLC

Kids on a Cruise: 9 Things Every Parent Should DoBy Sue Bryant | Cruise Critic

http://www.travelmarketreport.com/retail?articleID=6869&LP=1

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Roatan, Honduras

Kids on a Cruise: 9 Things Every Parent Should Do
By Sue Bryant | Cruise Critic