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 !