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 !