Travel Agent Show - some of what I learned...and new ships!

Recently I spent several days in California at a Travel Agent Seminar.  Everyone in the biz was there:  AmaWaterways, Viking, Carnival, Royal Caribbean, MSC, NCL, etc.  It was a great show and I went to several 'round table" discussions with these vendors.
I learned some new stuff and even won some prizes.

Celebrity, who is owned by RC, showed us a funny clip from the Dark Knight.  
http://fandan.co/2dc2SY6

Thank you Mr. Freeman!

Yes, a travel agent will help you fill that "Bucket List" with buckets-of-fun.

Let your travel agent "get to know you".  Make sure you share the complete picture of what you desire as there is a different cruise geared for YOU than the one for ME.  Every line has it's specialty and you will be doubly blessed with a great vacation if you book on the one that fits your lifestyle the best.  Answer the following questions in advance for your TA: 

• Is fancy dining your thing? 
• How about the onboard entertainment? 
• Is it the Ports of Call? 
• Do you want an all-inclusive?
• Are you a seeker or an indulger?
• Don't drink much, maybe you are looking for the price to include something else?

If your TA doesn't care enough to get to know you, call me!

Have you heard of MSC?

There are so many new ships being built right now and MSC has the most.... 11 actually!  In 2017, look for the "Seaside" to be cruising out of Miami.  How about a Christmas Cruise?  It is scheduled to debut Dec. 23rd and it is heading to their NEW, Private Reserve on one of the Bahama Islands.  This marine reserve will bring something new to your cruising habit.

Did you know that if you are currently in another lines loyalty program, they will match it for your first cruise on MSC?  Yes, if you are diamond...you can get the equivalent status on a MSC ship for your first MSC cruise.  How awesome is that?  Let's not even talk about their new technology, specialty restaurants (including one for chocolate) and onboard bowling!  I am ready to book, are you?

that is all for now.... I can't wait to meet you...let's make a date...what ship?

GOOD MORNING from San Diego!  Time Change....YUCK!

Hello...today I get to start a Travel Agent conference in beautiful San Diego, CA.  This means I also get to experience the joys of time zone changes...yippee.

I tried the usual "best advice"...I flew out to CA several days beforehand thinking it would help.  But even with four prior days, I am still getting up at 5:00am here (which is my 8:00am) as I usually get up at 6:30am EST.  So at least I am doing some sleeping in.  The hardest part is staying up past CA time of 9:00pm.  And we all know, no one wants to miss the fun at night, especially on a cruise.

Being from Florida, most of my cruises are out of my own time zone.  I did deal with it on our Alaska vacations.  There really isn't too much one can do.  I have heard of some starting a few days before their vacation, adjusting their "body time zone". They start going to bed at a different time and getting up like they are on vacation time. What is best?  What have you tried? I would love to hear feedback on how you deal with it...if it has ever worked.

I always feel bad for the passengers coming to Florida to embark on their vacation. They get to deal with waking up, staying up and stomach groaning issues.  But of course it is a cruise and there is nothing that will stop you from having a great vacation. So if you are traveling from another time zone, try to figure out how to trick your body for a week....haha. 

 

My usual thinking is....it is vacation, I will just deal with it.  I will be exhausted and when I get home I will just have to work through it.  Sometimes we catch a little catnap on a sea day to refresh ourselves.  It seems to help.

I think dining is the one thing you do not really have to deal with. Now every cruise line offers dining options that will work with your stomach pains and groans and the mind telling you it is hungry.  How?  You EAT!  There is always something to cure this problem! Between multiple dining times, open seating, specialty restaurants and buffets this is not a problem.  Actually, the problem is to not eat ALL the time!

Wouldn't it be cool if your cruise was on something like a DVR?  Like we do with our TV shows.  We wake up late and we hit "start over from the beginning" or we could skip something we don't want to do like we skip over commercials.  

Wait...is there something you don't like? 

Why book in a Cruise Group with people you don't even know?

Today, let's take a look at some of the advantages to booking within a Group instead of an individual booking.  People are afraid that just because they are in a group they will have to hangout with the others in that booking.  Although groups were started for this reason, now groups are booked by agents to "bundle" reservations for perks and lower prices.

1.  Travel Agents will book Group Space with a rate guarantee from that date.  As rates increase for a particular sailing the group space would be "locked in" at the lower rate until the date of recall from the cruise line.  This allows them to add your booking at the original rate until they run out of cabins in their allotment.  Most TA's will save multiple levels and types of cabins in their allotment allowing you choices.

2.  If a rate goes down a TA can still book you into the group at the new lower rate which will still allow you to gain the perks earned by the group.

3.  The TA is responsible for your booking.  As your TA, I will not be paid commission when final payment is made, as in an individual booking.  I am not paid until the group completes the sailing.  Therefore, a TA will continue to help you and keep you happy longer....LOL.

4.  Groups usually have some kind of "perk" if it contains enough cabins.  This perk can be anything from wine, prepaid tips or onboard credits (OBC).  In my groups, I usually ask the clients what they prefer as their perk and 95% of the time it is OBC.

5.  Your TA might have more freedom to move you around as cabin become available, change your cabin number or type, your travel partner, etc.  Sometimes on an individual booking there may be a service charge or penalty for doing changes.

6.  A lot of "Groups" make a Facebook Page promoting the group, posting excursion ideas, getting to know each other and sharing other general information.  What you do with this information is up to you.  You are not forced to every participate with others in the booking in anyway!  A client can join in activities they desire, ignore ones that don't interest them and do nothing at all.  They do not have to sit with the group during meals or even have the same dining times.

7.  Payments are made through the TA.  While there are clients who do not like the fact that they cannot see their payment information directly, it is very secure and a time saver.  Partial payments can be made through a TA with no problems and if your TA is nice (like me!) this should NEVER be a issue. 

I would love to add you to one of my Group Bookings or create one around your desired sailing.  Give me a call at 727-644-0023 and let's see if there is a way I can help you save money!

I was able to save quite a few on the Carnival Pride repositioning cruise January 2, 2017.  I booked a group with inside cabins at $2000 and balconies at $3000.  These are now priced much higher and I was able to save the average client over $1000.

Cruising without Kids?

Cruising without Kids?

We have two children...and we love our kids,,,,and our kids loved cruising when they were growing up.  We used to vacation twice a year, one with the kids and the next without. Now we like cruising without ANYONE's kids. 

I was very surprised when I was speaking with a client wanting to book a cruise in July. First, they were surprised to find out how much more a cruise costs over the summer.  The kids are out of school and this is the prime time for family cruising....June, July and holiday weeks!  

Teachers are off work..this is when they cruise too.  For this customer, this was a dilemma. She was a teacher wanting to relax during her off time and be away from the little "tricycle motors" that she is with the other nine months. Imagine my surprise,, when I explained why this cruise would cost so much more they remarked that they had no idea the ships may be full of children.  Sometimes I am amazed what knowledge an experienced cruiser has over someone without the experience. We are our knowledge for granted. 

Yes, the ships sell out over the summer usually.  There is very little need to run a sale. She called be back after noticing the rates were lower towards the end of August and beginning of September. However, she doesn't want to cruise then because she feels that she is taking a chance with hurricanes.She tells me how unfair this is...as if I can change it.  Of course, I feel bad for her...I understand.  She is one of the rare people who needs to cruise during this time who doesn't want to be around kids.  A lot of cruisers are like us.  We are more than happy to leave those cabins for the families and cruise another time.  We have that option...and we use it...lol. 

What can you do when you have no choice?  I would recommend a cruise line that doesn't offer much for children.  Of course, we are talking about a more expensive line. If more money isn't an option, maybe try a combination of:

1. Choose a week that is as late as you are willing to sail.  A lot of families vacation earlier so that they can return in time for back-to-school shopping. 
2. Choose a ship that has an adult area.  If the ship don't have this, try the floor with all the suites or spa cabins.
3. Do not book cabins near other cabins that hold more than two passengers, adjoining rooms, or family areas. Look at the cabins next door and across the hall when booking.
4. Make sure your cabin is not located near the kid's activity rooms or clubs.
5. Give me a call and I will help you.

Remember, just because you have reached that time when you prefer to cruise with less kids onboard, that doesn't make you a scrooge.  In fact you may someday take your grandchildren and started enjoying it all over again!

What do you think about Loyalty Programs?

What do you think about Loyalty Programs?

Today I want to actually start a conversation.....instead of just giving my opinion...I want yours.

What do you think about cruise line Loyalty Programs?

As you probably know, I have cruised a lot.   I love my perks for being a returning guest but these perks have diminished over the years.  The population of these programs have reached such high numbers that the cruise lines have had to make adjustments. While I understand this, I surely do miss certain things.

What is your favorite perk?  

Laundry is sweet, but I would have to admit getting on and off the ship early/first is my favorite perk. I am disappointed that this also available to the general cruisers by purchase on some lines.

Wouldn't be nice if the perks were available across a company's fleet? 

I know that would definitely increase my loyalty to one company! Probably the most discussed perk that is discussed is how awesome it would be to have loyalty across a company's fleet, to all the brands they own:

• Carnival's 10 brands, including Carnival, Princess, Holland America, Cunard, Costa +
• Royal CL with Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Pullmantur, Azamara Club Cruises +
• Norwegian Cruise Line with Oceania and Regent Seven Seas

What is the ONE perk you could do without?

What is a perk that is no longer offered that you miss?

Let me know your answers, I think I will forward your requests....LOL

                                             

Me and my Dad on my 5th cruise:         

Look...they used to just glue a label on back

Cruising with a Disability (Part 1 ...the Anticipation)

Cruising with a Disability (Part 1 ...the Anticipation)

I am not even sure where to begin this page but I am very excited to get started.  So, I will just blurt everything out without worrying about what order to put it in!  

I have a new friend in my condo association who is disabled.  She has been disabled for a few years due to complications with a surgery that was "little to no risk" so-to-say. She has her "Jazzy" electric wheelchair and has limited mobility without it.  She also has no functionality with her left hand and arm, she is single and had to learn to do everything all over or in a different way.  This took over a year. Yet, she is positive and outgoing and has booked a cruise within a group I have going in December.

I sat down with her today to discuss cruising with her electric wheelchair and her concerns.  I have seen a lot of comments on social media about cruisers with electric wheelchairs and other handicap disabilities.  I have read rude remarks from both sides so I had concerns. She was excited about my blog, not because she wants to complain, but because she wants to help others!

So we, the unchallenged, actually have a different challenge we are faced with.  It is our challenge to understand and show mutual respect.  In today's world we are used to getting things our way and the lazy way at the same time.  We take things for granted and we don't like the words "can't or don't".  This causes things that are not ordinary to rattle us and we don't always know how to handle this. She understands that everyone onboard is on vacation and wants nothing in their way of having fun. Please remember, she is not there to be in the way.  She is not inferior, she is very intelligent and in her everyday life people who know her, know this.  When she is away from home strangers react to her differently.

A physically challenged person has no less desires then you or me.  They want to cruise and experience the same relaxing and fun vacation that we do. Stop and think about the following for a minute:

1. They also deserve to be able to sit near a window seat with their friends or family for dining.
2. They would love to be able to access all the levels on a ship and play putt-putt.
3. The buffet would be great if they could reach, hold their plates and pick out their food at the same time without difficulties.  Heck, this is sometimes even hard for me!
4. The electric scooter makes them sit higher in the lounges and this is out of their control. Why should they have to sit in the back of the room all the time?
5. An electric scooter is slower than unattended children running through the ship
6. They do not have the choice of taking the stairs. When elevators are full they cannot take another route.  They must wait until someone will let them in.
7. and the list goes on and on....

I was surprised to hear that the Port Authority has told her getting to the parking lot at 9:30am is mandatory to assure a handicap parking space with room on the side. She cannot do without one of these due to the ramp on her vehicle.  She must be able to get out the side of her car. Luckily she lives close to the port, but when driving to Miami or others, she has to drive down the night before to avoid having to leave at 3:00am.  Most ports waive the parking fees so at least she will break even in costs.

It is impossible for us to totally realize all the issues she is faced with.  Even getting a cabin is tough!  There are only so many handicap accessible cabins on a ship, especially on the ships built before the ADA.  Please...PLEASE...do not reserve a modified cabin unless you need one or it is close to sailing and that is all that is left!  I have heard many times about traveller's getting bumped from a modified cabin and they are upset.  Please understand if this happens to you...after all you are warned when booking.

She doesn't mind it when people offer to help her either.  This was something I often wondered. For my friend, even cutting meat is an issue.  Carrying a glass and maneuvering through the ship at the same time is not a possibility. Sitting at the bar cannot happen. If there is something you can do to help others enjoy their vacation, do you offer? The world would be a better place if we realize we are all after the same thing...a wonderful cruise!

She was very amazed to learn what to expect and she wanted to share this with you!

Let me help you... it is worth more than commission to me (Reason #2)

It is worth more than commission to me (Reason #2)

Have I said that I love to help people yet?

I have read a lot of sad stories about using a cruise line employee over a travel agent. Let me assure you of one thing, I am not in this for the money.  Sure, it is nice to make a little commission to help fund my cruising addiction, but I got into this because I felt the need.

When you call a cruise call center or representative they have a job.  It is a job with goals, schedules and commission bonuses.  The more they book, the more they make. It is job with sales meetings, emails and high pressure pushes to book certain sailings. There are memos and scripts to follow.

When you call a good travel agent there is a different commitment, a different "calling" and different pressures to get it right.  A TA wants to get it right because the last thing they want is for you to return and complain.  We will still be here at the other end of the phone, in our office or home and we want you to book again with us.  We do not have the opportunity to hide from you and we don't have a high turnover of employees we can blame things on.

I recently read a story about selecting a cabin thru a VP vs. a TA.  Let me promise you, I  have time to bring up some particular issues based on YOU.  When you call me I am going to ask questions like:

• What do you like in a cabin, where you like to be on the ship and what needs do you have in selecting a cabin?
• What are your sleeping habits?
• What are you dining preferences and what do you like to be closest too?

All this information will assist me in directing you to the best available cabin for YOU. Everyone is different.  I don't like being next to cabins with 4 people in them.  I am out late so some noises don't bother me. I will be so exhausted at 1:30am it won't matter.  But I am not you, so after a bit of chit chat I can usually:

• Give you some ideas of a good berth for you but not force you or try to change your mind.  I will not mislead you.
• I will let you know what I know....like if there looks like the stewards cabin is near a particular cabin, or the laundry or the pool pump, etc.
• I will share possible problems with the cabins next to you, the ones across the hall and even the deck above you.

I have not been on every ship but I can share what I know.  There are always things to consider and I have the time to listen to you.  Your experience may vary from trip to trip depending on cruise length, number of ports, who you are traveling with or without!  I have cruised with "the girls", large groups, small groups, my family and alone with my husband.  I have been in inside cabins, outside cabins, balconies, wrap arounds and suites.  There is a difference but sometimes the difference doesn't matter much.  Sometimes you just want to see the sunset from your balcony and nothing else matters.....

There are a lot of TA's out there like me...find one...find me !

One reason (the first of many) to use a travel agent

Why a Travel Agent? reason #1:

I often hear "I use the same Booking Agent at the cruise line all the time" and my reply is always "Yeah, I used too also."  Last year I finally broke away and decided to give this a serious look.  I love, Love, LOVE to help people, I know about travel and I love to plan travel....sometimes to the point where every little minute is planned.  

I have planned out land vacations to Alaska, Vegas and the Grand Canyon, Portland, Quebec, Niagara Falls with Cedar Point and Put-in-Bay, New York City and numerous ski trips, to name a few. When it comes to cruising, I have booked a "ba-gillion".

Don't get me wrong....there are TA's who are in it just for the money and just because it is a job.  Also, there are even more TA's who are in it just to save money on their own vacations.  I want to help people who have the same attitude and the same dream as myself.  I want my clients to strive to get everything they can out of their week or 10 days or more.  I want to save them money and make sure they have seen what they set out to see ..and more!

Travelers have the option of scoping everything out on the internet today.  But still there are ideas out there waiting to be shared.  There are also dangers out there that a TA can help you battle, especially today when booking a cruise.  Once I discovered the differences in using a TA over just booking it over the internet or even over the phone with the cruise line....it was a no brainer...I just had to step out and learn how to do this! Let us start with the "book while cruising" issue.

The most common booking issue when you don't use a TA, is the "pre-sale" contract. These "saver" plans make a lot of extra revenue for the company.  By hooking people into booking early and on-the-spot they make back the dollars of the discount by charging change fees. A lot of travellers get caught in the hype of booking while on the ship because of the onboard credit they are offering.  When they return home and find out they cannot go, not only is the OBC gone, but they are usually charged per person to change their itinerary. 

I find it is best to book under a different promotion being offered and then "follow" the sales.  Reserve the cabin you want but change the promotion code later.  Switch to the rate for "early bookings" after you make sure you can go.  You have time...don't get drawn in.

Example:  Linda is on a cruise and they announce "if you book while on the ship you will get a future cruise onboard credit of $100".  Linda is loving her cruise so she books one for next year for her and her husband.  It is usually booked under a promotion that has a change fee of $50 per person.  Linda finds out after returning home that her chosen week to cruise will not work at her job.  Changing two people at $50 per person just ate up that OBC!  Remember the OBC is per cabin...if you book with children your penalty for changing could cost you more than the OBC you were going to get.

Meanwhile.....Sue calls me and wants to book a cruise.  Even though there is a early rate sale for reserving this cruise so far out...there is also a Past Guest rate with no penalties for changes or even cancelling.  This is the rate we use. Two months later when Sue is sure they are going, we check the current promotions and switch to the early rate.  In addition...I have a group booking on that same cruise and she is still getting a OBC!

What am I saying?  Don't rush, don't react and check into options.  Sometimes there is a better way!

Follow my blog and let us journey together.  I will try my best to help you and save you money.  Share this with your friends!

Since I was three...that's right since 1962

Since I was three...that's right since 1962

While cleaning out my parents home, I came across some old cruise photos and paperwork.  My parents always took us because they refused to leave us with people while they travelled.  We would be the only children on the ship most time.  Many times we would be fussed over and sometimes even used as part of the entertainment. We would get really bad looks from other adults who seem disappointed that there were children onboard.  I find this funny now..... because I prefer to travel when school is IN session for the same reasons.... I suppose!

I remember one cruise, the main entertainment was a puppeteer named Victor Charles.  He used marionette type puppets and his partner played the piano for sound effects.  That was the main show, no kidding!  No Broadway shows or dancers, no singing.  He performed two nights and I got called up to the stage both nights to assist him. Definitely no babysitting services...our parents had to take us everywhere or switch off.  

Once, when my dad was in charge of me, I feel asleep in the top bunk and he slept below.  When my mother returned from her shopping excursion she thought I had left the cabin. She had the Captain stop the ship and everyone was looking for me.  You see, I had fallen inside the wall where the bed went, behind the mattress, while sleeping.  No one could see me.  Thankfully I woke up after causing a commotion and 30 minute delay!

The ships would hold hundreds, not thousands.  There were not mega cruise lines with multiple ships. I also remember real wood staircases, red velvet drapes and the Purser was always a very good looking young man.... that I would have a "crush" on every time.  Now, we see a lot of stainless steel instead wood and hardly any drapes at all.

I recently sailed a "throwback" cruise.  I missed the auctioning off of the "horses" for the race.  It is sad that I was told they don't do it because passengers abused it.  I missed the "flaming" Baked Alaska but I was told the due to insurance they cannot offer it.  Oh, how I wish, we really could go back in time.

I am attaching some photos.  Imagine this today?????  They won't even give out a cabin number now because they have to protect us from twisted people.  SAD!

1. Imagine... not only are our names listed, but our cabin numbers...and we children have our OWN cabin...no adult assigned.
2. I did a count and there is 140 passengers on this sailing of the Cabo Izarra and our Captian was Jesus.  
3. Can you imagine now if they listed this?  All the people rooming with someone they maybe shouldn't be?  LOL
4. Although I miss so much...I still love to cruise!

New Port Review - Amber Cove

Amber Cove

I recently visited a new port....which is getting hard to do these days. Amber Cove was developed by Carnival for their brands: Carnival, Holland America, Princess, Costa and is also hosting bi-weekly Fathom "social impact" cruises from Miami.  They spent a lot of money and really did a good job on making this port fun for all.

Thankfully, Amber Cove is not a tender port.  That is the first great thing  The second thing I noted is.....IF you were on a budget or tired.....this port has enough to do to just "chill" out.

The Dominican Republic is a beautiful place so I want to make sure you don't misunderstand me.  I am not saying that you should just hang out at the port and not take an excursion or see the island.  There are wonderful tours offered by the cruise line as well as independent tours for those like me who dare to find my own.  In fact, I am scheduled to go there again in soon and I must take the Waterfall Tour! 

You will find: shops, a huge pool with a swim up bar, a restaurant, waterslide, cabanas for rent, a zipline over the pool area, cultural center, another "sky" bar and more.

Rental Cabanas are seen as your ship docks.  There are actually 4 types of cabanas at the port:  Grand Cabana for a larger group, ocean side, pool side  and hill side. Although I recommend reserving in advance through the ship, when we were there cabanas were available to rent still. This is a picture of the Grand cabana and several ocean side cabanas.

This is the back of the Hill side.  The front porch area hangs over the hill with a great view of the port and pool below. 

Each cabana has it owns shower as seen here.

The pool area is huge with an abundance of lounge chairs, Swim-up bar and plenty of music. If you look closely  you can see the restaurant behind the bar.  Unlike Half Moon Cay, the employees at this port are NOT from the ship and you do NOT use your Sign and Sail Card to make purchases.

Ziplining is purchased as a daily add-on and guests may "zip" as much as they want.  It is perfect for teenagers!  The waterslide is enjoyed by just about anyone !

Shhhhh...be careful what your share

Shhhhh...be careful what your share

We, ourselves....you and I .... our friends, family and fellow cruisers, have created the monsters that we complain about now.

We have gone on social media and cruise websites posting pictures, likes and dislikes, hints and secrets.  We have no right to criticize a cruise line for making changes based on supply and demand or popularity.  After all, they are businesses and they want to make a profit right?

Yes, us ...the privileged ones who get to cruise all the time...are now mad because:

• loyalty programs have changed their benefits
• cabins now have more categories and cost more in certain areas
• privileges such as getting on early can be bought
• secret areas are now exposed
• and even.....alcohol can no longer be sneaked on it water bottles
• and many other ideas

We love to cruise and we have told everyone what a great deal you can get.  Cruising has even become a family tradition.  Now we are upset that there are too many loyal cruisers and program benefits have needed to be altered.  They can't possibly put 1800 in the lounge at one time, or 500 on the first tender.  We need to be real here and stop thinking we are the only ones who cruise a lot. And...God forbid that they will only wash my undies twice in 8 days!  Have we really gotten upset over this?  What other vacation do you go on that does your laundry for you?

We have gone on Cruise Critic and have started "debate" conversations about how great aft balconies are...and surprise, they are now more expensive.  We have told countless stories about putting vodka in mouthwash bottles, water bottles and more. We have written to cruise lines offering our suggestions to have benefits we are willing to pay for.  And when this causes more passengers to do it, it becomes limited.

If you don't think (or know) that cruise lines are smart enough to have employees search and follow the internet, you should think again.  I recently chatted with a cruise line executive who put me in contact with an employee who does just that.  This employee shared and discussed with me about what was being reported on a cruise that was rerouted due to a storm.  He explained how his team was monitoring the comments on Cruise Critic.

There is a big difference with telling your friends your ideas or hints than posting it on the internet.  Next time you log onto a site like Cruise Critic take note of just how many people have a birthday today!  You are sharing your special secret with:

    Todays stats - Threads: 2,189,748, Posts: 47,883,300, Members: 1,402,754

I am not telling you to be mean...lol.  Remember shopping at Christmas for your kids?  There was always a toy or two that became hard to get because it was reported to be "the toy of the season".  We create these situations.

If you are a nice person who likes to share hints (and I am not saying you shouldn't) then you should also be a nice person and accept to fact that cruise lines are a business and they are out to make a profit, build new ships and stay afloat.  

I would much rather have a cruise line make enough money to stay in business then to lose the privilege of sailing with them.

That was then......the Dining Room

That was then...... the Dining Room

Yes...cruising has changed...

It amazes me to hear some of the comments made by passengers on a cruise.  They are all over the place and I always feel like I have to come to the defense of the cruise line.

You will hear such things as "No matter what  - it is still better than being at work"... to... 

"I am never cruising this line again because they have taken ------ off the menu".

It seems that lately seasoned cruisers are comparing cruising today with cruising 10 years ago.  These of course are sometimes the same people who do not want to pay anything more for their vacation then what they paid back then.

Let me take you down memory lane.  I am 57 years old and my first cruise was when 

I was only 3.  I do not remember that one of course, but I can remember back to over 40 years ago.  

• My father had to wear a dinner jacket for supper and shorts were never allowed no matter what meal it was.  Even a little, I had to wear a dress.
• The dining room doors were locked after 15 minutes and you were not allowed in after that point.
• They played a little 6 note xylophone over the intercom when it was time for dinner.    I think that is where "Close Encounters" got their tune from...lol
• You choose a appetizer, soup, salad and one entree off the menu.  Vegetables were served table side. Desserts were good but not masterpieces.
• You ate at your assigned table and assigned time for all meals.  
• There was no 24 hour food, ice cream or room service.. but there were midnight buffets!

Slowly, dress codes have disappeared.  Dining options have flourished and alternate venues have become ordinary. Just as family dinner tables have been reduced across the country, so have our manners and wanting to make cruise dinnertimes special.

Let's fast forward to May 2007.  We were on the Carnival Legend and it was formal night.  A gentleman in the dining room (in his ordinary clothes) has just boasted about breaking his lobster tail record.  This cruise he has made it to eight!  

Meanwhile, his waiters are watching as he throws away all his side dishes.  Some he ordered just to "taste".  I think to myself:  these waiters have got to be hurting inside. They leave their families behind for months at a time, they watch us make pigs of ourselves and throw food away foolishly and still continue to smile and take our verbal abuse.  I wonder what they really would like to say to us?

Have you been to a department store lately?  In 1977, I worked for Sears in the Sporting Goods department.  We had three employees in that department at all times. We actually helped customers pick out their merchandise and answered questions. My point is...businesses all across America have discovered that Customer Service is a thing of the past.  They have cut manpower hours to keep costs down.

Guess what?  Cruise lines have done the same thing.

And in the department store you don't hear people complaining rudely in the center of the store...and you certainly don't see people mistreating someone who is "just an employee" doing as they are told.

Try to think about the positives of cruise line changes! 

We are always dieting these days...by having less waiters in the dining room the service is slower.  If we eat slower we will be full faster, thus eating less.

The cost of cruising is still about $100 day...for all that food, lodging, fun and relaxation

The food onboard didn't not involve menu planning, shopping or cooking.

My point is:  Enjoy your cruise...things have changed....but you work hard to earn vacation and you need to relax.  Chill out cause....it really is the best way to enjoy your time!

Why should you make a Packing List?

Why should you make a Packing List?

So....on our last cruise....yes, me the seasoned cruiser and organized one, forgot my one and only prescription medicine.  This was the one time I didn't print my list and cross off items as I went.  

I take a high blood pressure pill each day along with some calcium, fiber and low dose aspirin.  I must have got side tracked as I was putting the pills in my little daily boxes.  Of course the only one I left out was the one I am needing.

Did you know that if you are traveling in the islands, some places will give you a 5 day emergency order of medicine?  As long as it isn't some restricted medicine or super duper pain killer that is going to send you into la-la-land.....

So, I paid $37.60 for FIVE pills that I usually pay $15/90 pills.....such is life.  My husband has paid $6.00 for deodorant before and that was back when it was $2.00.

So here is my packing list...I am thinking I will use it again, next time and every time!

in your Carry-On Bag:

Passport or Birth Certificate
Cruise Documents and Boarding Pass
Driver's License
Gift Cards or Onboard credits
Cash/Traveler's Checks (including plenty of "ones and fives" for tipping)
Credit/Debit Cards
Cellphone & Charger
Pens
Highlighters
Sticky Notes
Camera, Case, Charger, & Memory
Addresses For Postcards and/or Emails
Eyeglasses & Case/Contact Lens Needs
Sunglasses & Floatable Cord
Jewelry for security reasons
Bathing Suit (in case you want to swim before bags reach cabin)Change of Clothes
Prescription Medications
Lanyard 
Wine (if your cruise line allows)
Door Decorations (you can do this while awaiting your suitcases)
in your Checked Luggage 
Ibuprofen/Aspirin
Toothache Remedy, sleeping pills if he snores,etc.
Seasickness Prevention/Remedy
Antibiotic Ointment
Cold & Allergy Medications
Lip Balm/chap stick
Adhesive & Liquid Bandaids
Indigestion/Gas Medication
Aloe Vera Gel
Sunscreen (check that expiration date)
Insect Repellant
Cosmetics
Feminine Hygiene Products
Deodorant/Antiperspirant
Moisturizer
Hairbrush and/or comb
Hairspray, Styling Gel/Mousse
Hair Accessories and ponytail holder
Hair Styling Appliances
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Denture Care Items
Dental Floss
Mouthwash
Cotton Balls/Swabs
Razor and Shaving Cream
Shampoo
Hair Conditioner
Odor Neutralizing Spray
Disinfectant Spray or Wipes
Hand Sanitizer
Two Gallon Ziplocs
One Quart Ziplocs
Travel Sized Toilet Paper (for use in ports)
Toilet Seat Liners (for use in ports)
Travel Sized Laundry soap (works for hand & machine washing)
Wrinkle Release Spray
Safety Pins
Scissors

CLOTHES

Formal wear..don't forget socks, belts, slips, etc!

Bathing Suits (at least two so one can dry while the other is being used)
Cover-ups
Sun Hat
Water Shoes
Sandals
Walking Shoes
MORE SHOES
Backpack, tote bag, or Fanny Pack to use in Ports
Mesh Beach Bag
Cheap Plastic Watch (to attach to beach bag strap)
Drink Snugglies/Coozies
Large Thermal Mug(s) and water bottles
Inexpensive Rain Ponchos
Collapsible Cooler
Bubble Wrap (for breakable souvenirs)
Reading Material
Underwater Camera(s)
Over the door Shoe Holder (not for shoes…helps keep cabin uncluttered)
Extension Cord & Power Strip/Surge Protector (sometimes there is only one outlet)
Music (on your phone or other device)
Walkie-Talkies (or rent onboard)
Duct Tape (too many uses to list)
Clothes Pins
Bungee Cord (for balcony cabins to hold door open)

and for me......Flavored Coffee Creamer and favorite pillow

 

Getting Started!

Getting Started :)

Okay here we go....this is all Kathleen's fault.  She mentioned on the Carnival Valor Girl's Cruise in April that I should start a blog. 

• I love to help people book their cruises, get them a deal and watch for sale prices
• I am available to help find them things to do in port.
• I like to make Door Signs for everyone's Cabin door
• I love booking groups and making them goody bags!

But most of all.....I understand how cruising has changed and why it has changed.

I am a Cruise Cheerleader!

A little about me....

I was born in St. Petersburg, Florida and have lived here all 57 years.  I am married and we have two grown children.

I have been cruising since the age of three (3) and I love it.  I like cruising with my husband or with a group...any ship, any itinerary!

I have been an Travel Agent less than a year but my immediate boss (Jay Getman) has been in the industry for "like-a-bajillion-years".  Jay's home office is Cutting Edge Travel in St. Petersburg, FL.  After helping friends book their cruises, he said "you should do this" and he signed me up.  I am very grateful for the opportunity and training he is giving me.