Cruising Canada eh?

The Great White North... over the great white sands?

Canada is conducting studies and wishes to become a year round cruise port. At a recent Cruise Canada Symposium Travel Agent report:

• The Canada/New England region is bullish on its 10-year plan, which calls for becoming a year-round destination for cruise calls, representatives from the regional alliance said at the 19th annual Cruise Canada New England Symposium, taking place this week in Montreal.
• "By 2026, the region will be a premiere year-round destination ... with more than 1 million cruise visitors each year. Canada/New England will be a four-season cruise destination. We want to be open for cruise business year round."
• "Because we have four distinct seasons, there are four distinct opportunities to showcase our region and create authentic local experiences that are different at different times of the year," he noted. "Consumer demand will help fill ships."
• In 2016, the Canada/New England region saw 1,322 cruise ship calls from 21 different cruise lines, adding up to 2.4 million guest visits

Afterall, they can offer a lot of different experiences.  I know, I, for one need more than just an "island experience" since I have been on 50+ carribbevn cruises and was born in Florida.  I am over the beaches!  I like to sail the Caribbean for a bit and then do something different.  But there is no beating the value and relaxation of a cruise...so this is a great alternative.

• There is a new terminal at the Montreal pier and Holland America is already there!  The complete project, upgrading the Alexandra Pier, will be completed by September.
• MSC who hasn't been in these water in years is looking into Canada. With 10 ships on its orderbook through 2026, the privately-owned cruise line is eyeing the region on a seasonal basis
• Even Aida is joining in the new Canadian craze for the summer of 2018.  AIDA Cruises confirmed that the AIDAvita will spend the 2018 summer in Canadian and U.S. waters. That is in stark contrast to this summer, when the 2002-built ship sails in Northern Europe. It is also the earliest season ever for AIDA in North America. The German line typically sails a handful of fall foliage cruises from New York. The ship heads from Hamburg to New York on a 17-night crossing next June, with stops in St. John's, Halifax, Bar Harbor and Boston. After that, the ship sails 14 days from New York to Montreal, before two 14-day round-trip Montreal cruises. Following that is a 14-day open-jaw sailing from Montreal to New York on August 3.

We did a Canadian Fall season cruise a few years back.  Totally different and refreshing.  I thought I would only need to experience it once....but I am reconsidering that thought now.  We visited Quebec City for a Winter Carnival they hold every year and it was awesome.  But more awesome is the food!  I can just imagine sailing a cruise line that likes to use local foods onboard.

Yes it was a little chilly but it was so nice to do different things.  We went lobster fishing, saw fall leaves and all the splendor of their colors and again, did I mention the food up there?  Why don't we have charcuterie trays here in Florida?  Homemade jams, cheeses and meats with a great wine?  My mouth is yearning for that again as I sit here typing this.

I say...yes bring it on!  Everyone should do a New England/Canada cruise at least once.  It is a great way to see part of the two countries that otherwise you would miss out on.  For some, one day in each is enough...but for others like me....it was great to get a sample so I know where to go back to.  I say that in full honesty....I would go back to Quebec anytime.  

How about you, eh?

Packing List for cruises

Packing List for a Cruise

I always get asked to share my list so I thought it would be good to post it on here!

DON'T FORGET - in your Carry-On Bag:Passport or Birth Certificate (and copy)Boarding Passes and Cruise Documents (and copies)
Driver's License(s) (and copies)
Cash/Traveler's Checks (including plenty of ones for tipping)
Credit/Debit Cards (and copies; front and back)this is good if you lose oneCellphone & 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 (the bottles you are allowed to bring!)
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
Hairspray
Styling Gel/Mousse
Hair Accessories
Hair Styling Appliances
Toothbrush and Toothpaste
Denture Care Items
Dental Floss
Mouthwash
Cotton Balls/Swabs
Razor and Shaving Cream
Shampoo (or use what Carnival provides)
Hair Conditioner (Carnival does NOT provide)
Odor Neutralizing Spray
Disinfectant Spray
Disinfecting 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 Woolite (works for hand & machine washing)
Wrinkle Release Spray
Safety Pins
Scissors

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
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
Disposable Underwater Camera(s)
Over the door Shoe Holder (not for shoes…helps keep cabin uncluttered)
Extension Cord & Power Strip/Surge Protector (only one outlet in most cabins)
IPOD, CD Player & CDs or something for music
Duct Tape (too many uses to list)
Clothes Pins (to weigh down shower curtain & for drying clothes)
Bungee Cord (for balcony cabins to hold door open)

Coffee Creamer
Bottled Water
Soda
Corkscrew

I'm Jumping Ship!

Graduating to the next Cruising Age Group?

Not sure what to title this one....am I "jumping ship" or just graduating to a different "cruise age"?  Most of my friends/clients know that I am a Carnival Junkie....or was maybe. I finally made it to DIAMOND level and now that I am at the highest level, I don't really even care. I am not sure whether it is like the beanie baby craze....the thrill of the hunt, the challenge and the excitement ...OR... like a broken, sought after Christmas toy...disappointment and let down.

We all know I am getting older and less tolerant of younger generations :)  but it isn't just the "age of the passengers" anymore.  After cruising 13 nights on one cruise, I have realized that the things that are important to me are starting to lack.  I want to be spoiled, I want great food and I want to experience a changing cruise line. 

I have a cruise booked on the Carnival Magic for this September and I am sure I will have a great time.  However, my next Caribbean Cruise will be in January, on Holland America's Koningsdam.  I did a HA ship tour a few months back and I liked what I saw.  The buffet was at a whole new level for me and the dining service was impeccable.  In addition, HA is changing!

Bring on the Jazz, the Test Kitchen, dueling pianos and the wine experience, Blend.  I am ready.  That's right, HA is going after the 50-75 age group now and we deserve this!  From the HA website:

Launched in 2016, Koningsdam carries forward all of the tradition, nautical heritage, and signature service and style for which Holland America Line is known—while raising the bar for 21st-century elegance. The 2,650-guest Koningsdam is the first of her class, ushering in a new era of Pinnacle-class cruising.  ....a mix of something contemporary and something classic: “Koning,” means king in Dutch—and is a salute to King Willem-Alexander, the Netherland’s first king in more than 100 years.....Light-filled spaces. Fluid curves. A sophisticated interplay of high technology and elegance. With beautiful architectural elements inspired by music. All woven together in a forward-thinking design approach.....Koningsdam’s central atrium is pure visual drama. Soaring three decks high, the space is graced by an airy stainless steel sculpture that evokes the feeling of a classical quartet, with strings, arches, and bows. The atrium is capped by a ceiling that serves as a backdrop for subtly changing high-definition projections. Look up by day to see wispy cirrus clouds floating overhead. By evening, the atrium takes on dramatic lighting hues or reflects the clear constellations of the night sky.

I still can't get into the big ships with over 5000 passengers but I am ready to sail on the new midships that are willing to take note that there is a new class of passengers, ready for some changes.  It doesn't take a ship with that many people to provide great entertainment, fun things to do and top class service.

And yes, I know it is still CCL...I did say I was a junkie right?  But actually, I am just someone who wants a great value and more bang-for-the buck.  To me it is not about the status of a cruise line, or any name brand hype.  Heck, I shop at Marshall's and TJMaxx.

Flying to a Port ?

Some people have to FLY to get to a cruise port?

I live in the Tampa Bay area in Florida so needless to say, when it comes to cruising we are spoiled.  We have 5 Cruise Ports within 4 hours.  That isn't to say I never fly to a port however.  I have flown into New York for a Canadian cruise, Puerto Rico for a Southern Caribbean cruise, Baltimore for a special Journey cruise to Panama Canal and I am flying to France in two weeks.

It’s never a good situation when you miss a flight when connecting somewhere. It doesn’t matter if you’re leaving or heading back home, delays in flights that cause misconnection are nothing we want to face.There are certain precautions one should make or have their TA make:

1. Check the itinerary to ensure the legal minimum connecting time is met.
2. Check to ensure there is no change of airports, such as getting to Heathrow LHR and getting a connection in LGW London Gatwick.  Sometimes people don't realize how many airports are in one city!
3. Ensure that connections are purchased in the same ticket to allow baggage transfer. Use your own knowledge about the connecting airport, or do some research regarding distance between terminals and how easy it is to go from one to the other. Consider your passengers’ age and any physical limitations. For example, it’s not the same to go from terminal A to F if a passenger is young and athletic versus if a passenger is a mother with two, small children or if the passenger needs wheelchair assistance.
4. If possible avoid tight connections, giving extra time to guarantee the connection will occur.  It is better to sit down and enjoy a meal (or drink!) between flights than to be stressed and rushing.
5. Have alternate flights handy in case the connection is lost, which will shorten your time when dealing with the airline with a last-minute request.  Make sure you check other airlines, not just the one you are scheduled on.  Most times the airline will be able (if willing) to protect them on the next available flight, but the next flight could be the following day so have alternatives, especially for their "partners".
6. Nobody is under control of delays due to weather conditions. When the season is known to be tough, suggest to book longer connection times.  In the winter, allow ample time for snow delays especially for small airports without a lot of de-icing equipment.  In the south you will have tropical storms, rain, etc. during June-October.
7. Prior to any trip, ensure you review details carefully and ensure involuntary schedule changes have not interfered in your original booking and connecting times.
8. Make sure you take all emergency phone numbers for your cruise line, your TA's cell phone, etc.  

Most of all, try not to stress in situations you cannot control.  

Have a great trip and a wonderful cruise!

Is it all about Control or Privacy or Fear?

Is it all about Control, or Privacy, or Fear?

To say that "not everyone will book using a Travel Agent" is an understatement.  To think that your "friends" will book through you to help support you, is a misconception. I have several friends who do not book through me.  Although the cruise lines have made it very easy and actually better to use a TA, there are several reason I hear:

1.  I like to be in control.

When using a TA, payments on your upcoming cruise are made through the TA.  Clients cannot actually see the financial part of their booking.  Clients like to log on just to see their balance for some reason.  

A TA can send you your balance and financial info in just a few clicks.  They can also be bothered to make payments whenever you desire.  I don't ever mind having a client call to make even a $10.00 payment.

Other control issues include:  dining times, seating assignments, cabin selection, etc

I assure you, I can help you get the best cabin available at the time of booking.  I will call in your dining requests...I will do as your request....

2.  I don't like giving so much personal information to a TA

Travel Agents are registered and every tiny bit of information we enter on your reservation is recorded in detail. 

Think about this....is your information safer and more private with ONE person or a company call center?  

It is no one's business what I pick out for my vacation.

A good TA (like me...LOL) doesn't judge either.  I understand your reasoning behind the cabin you choose.  There are times when even I want an inside cabin!  I look at it like a restaurant...there is a menu for a reason!  Not everyone has the same taste.  Furthermore, what you order this time may be completely different next time. 

3.  I don't want to miss a price reduction, upgrade, or perk

Some clients go online a check everyday to see if there is a better price, cabin etc.  Good!  I am glad you are looking to save and have a better vacation!

When you see a price reduction advertisement that you maybe entitled to- send it to your TA.  It is actually easier for your TA to get you a price adjustment than filling out the forms and waiting. There are times when your TA can get you a reduction even when you don't qualify for it.  The more you save the happier you are, the happier you are, the more you will give me a chance to serve you again.

And remember....When you are onboard a ship and there is a deal offered...go ahead and sign up.  Just transfer the reservation to your TA when you return home!  The cruise lines let you do this for a limited time.

Conclusion:  I know....some people will just book with whoever has the best offer at the time.  I would just love the opportunity the given a chance.  Maybe there is something I can offer too!  Either way, don't be afraid to use a TA.  

River Cruise !!!!

I haven't entered a BLOG in forever and now I am going on a River Cruise!!

So.....I figure....if I am going to talk to clients about a River Cruise I better go on one, right?
We are scheduled to fly to Bordeaux, France and "force" ourselves on a AMA Waterways river cruise of the Bordeaux Wine Region.  
I want to do something different.  I love cruising but I have been on so many that I need to expand my travel patterns for awhile.  I am still cruising the Caribbean too and am also looking into a Norway Exploration Voyage cruise with Hurtigruten....wanna go?

I am going to find out the following:
1.  Is it better to cruise with 150 guests or over 2000, 3000, 4000......?
2.  Is the food better on a river cruise?
3.  Do I enjoy not waiting in a line to board of disembark in port?
4.  How do the cabins compare?
5.  What about entertainment?  Will it be enough to get me up past 10:00pm?

just to name a few of the questions I want answers for!

I learned last year at my Travel Agent Seminar, AMA Waterways is the best rated River Cruise line, so that is who I booked with.  Adding the price of the flight was a bit hard to swallow, as living in Florida, I am not used to paying extra to get to a port.
We are going from Bordeaux to Cadillac, to Pauillac, to Libourne.....tasting wine along the way and even attempting a Bike Tour!

Why should someone consider a river cruise?
1.  Tired of the same Caribbean ports
2.  Tired of cruising with 2000+ people and herding calls...cruise with 100-200 instead
3.  Wanting to experience exquisite, locally shopped free ingredient meals by world class chefs.  Check out this video:
https://www.facebook.com/CruiseCheerleader/


I will let you know when I return...I promise a full report!

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?