Starting on May 18, 2010, Carnival will introduce the first year-round cruise schedule from Charleston, S.C., with the deployment of the 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy. Carnival Fantasy will operate from the Passenger Terminal in historic downtown Charleston.
Charleston's centralized location within the southeastern U.S., as well as the city's strong appeal as a tourist destination, were key factors in the decision to launch year-round service. The Carnival Fantasy is expected to carry more than 140,000 passengers annually from the port.
Carnival Fantasy will operate five-, six- and seven-day voyages on a variety of different departure days. Five-day voyages departing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will call at Nassau and Freeport, The Bahamas. Six-day voyages departing Saturdays will visit Freeport, Nassau and Key West, Fla. Seven-day voyages depart Saturdays and will feature Grand Turk, the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, and Nassau.
Replacing the Carnival Fantasy in Mobile will be its sister ship, the 2,052-passenger Carnival Elation, which will reposition from San Diego to launch year-round service from that port May 15, 2010.
With the addition of Charleston, Carnival will operate from 12 year-round homeports which are among the line's 20 North American departure points - the most in cruising.
Thursday, September 17, 2009
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Carnival to Debut Interactive ‘FunHub’ on New Dream
The new ship will take technology at sea to an entirely new level with the introduction of the FunHub. Via their intranet portal they will feature the cruise industry’s first on-board social network. The 130,000-ton vessel, Carnival’s largest ship, is set to debut September 21st. Guests will be able to access the FunHub through one of the 36 computer stations located throughout the ship.
The FunHub will provide guests with ship-specific information and an exclusive shipboard social network, available 24/7. Guests may also use their personal laptops or via 10-inch netbooks which are available for rent and can be used anywhere on board.
Guests can create a personal profile and use the application to meet and interact with others on board, send and receive private messages, create groups based on interests, and invite friends to attend shows or participate in on-board events. Guests can also create their own private or public discussion group, inviting others in their traveling party or friends they meet on board to participate.
It will also be a convenient resource for information specific to the Carnival Dream. Guests will be able to access details the ship’s on-board activities, including entertainment options, daily events and youth programs. Guests can lookup dining options with sample menus, hours of operation and more. Best of all, it contains an application to assist guests in planning their day. Now I can leave my mini note pad and highlighter at home!
For those info lovers, you will be able to get weather updates; biographies of key shipboard personnel; ship and cruise director announcements; three-dimensional ship maps, and a frequently asked questions section.
Best of all, access to the portal are free to all guests! If you want to check out this new ship, Carnival has created a new micro-site at www.carnival.com/dream.
The FunHub will provide guests with ship-specific information and an exclusive shipboard social network, available 24/7. Guests may also use their personal laptops or via 10-inch netbooks which are available for rent and can be used anywhere on board.
Guests can create a personal profile and use the application to meet and interact with others on board, send and receive private messages, create groups based on interests, and invite friends to attend shows or participate in on-board events. Guests can also create their own private or public discussion group, inviting others in their traveling party or friends they meet on board to participate.
It will also be a convenient resource for information specific to the Carnival Dream. Guests will be able to access details the ship’s on-board activities, including entertainment options, daily events and youth programs. Guests can lookup dining options with sample menus, hours of operation and more. Best of all, it contains an application to assist guests in planning their day. Now I can leave my mini note pad and highlighter at home!
For those info lovers, you will be able to get weather updates; biographies of key shipboard personnel; ship and cruise director announcements; three-dimensional ship maps, and a frequently asked questions section.
Best of all, access to the portal are free to all guests! If you want to check out this new ship, Carnival has created a new micro-site at www.carnival.com/dream.
Saturday, July 18, 2009
How to live without tons of shoes on vacation ...
I have the best sister in the world! She recently emailed me to tell me she was sending me an early birthday present (by 6 months!). Her gifts are always cool but sometime they are offbeat and wacky so I didn’t know what to expect.
I was totally unprepared to open the package and find a pair of shoes. I mean nobody buys shoes for another woman especially when the two people involved have totally different taste. However, as I examined the contents and began to read what I was looking at, I was blown away.
How in the world with my love of travel and knowledge of the Internet did I not know about these incredible gems?? Yes, I was devastated at the ever increasing luggage restrictions and on my last trip I had to cut down from 18 pair of shoes to 9! I know, I’ve tried but how could I resist filling one of my husband’s bags with extra shoes? I have to have them coordinate and for those outfits that require a specific but uncomfortable pair … I have to have a backup!
So, I was floored to hold in my hand a pair of travel shoes that can almost take the place of the majority of my shoes! Impossible you say? I know, I thought there has to be a glitch. They’re probably uncomfortable. Well, they’re not. I walked around in them all day. If there is one negative it’s that they are a little noisy like flip flops. However, they are definitely worth a little noise.
Whether you want casual or dressy; quirky and fun or, just basic single color – you can have it all! The shoes consist of the foundation “soles” with interchangeable tops and there are tons of tops to choose from including customized tops to match a specific outfit!
I personally loved the specialty top she included with “birthday” gift … it’s a cruise ship!! The saddest part is that I have to wait until October to test them out on a trip.
I’m sure you now want to know where you can get them. Just go to www.onesole.com and pick up a pair! Do follow their suggestion and go up a size.
I was totally unprepared to open the package and find a pair of shoes. I mean nobody buys shoes for another woman especially when the two people involved have totally different taste. However, as I examined the contents and began to read what I was looking at, I was blown away.
How in the world with my love of travel and knowledge of the Internet did I not know about these incredible gems?? Yes, I was devastated at the ever increasing luggage restrictions and on my last trip I had to cut down from 18 pair of shoes to 9! I know, I’ve tried but how could I resist filling one of my husband’s bags with extra shoes? I have to have them coordinate and for those outfits that require a specific but uncomfortable pair … I have to have a backup!
So, I was floored to hold in my hand a pair of travel shoes that can almost take the place of the majority of my shoes! Impossible you say? I know, I thought there has to be a glitch. They’re probably uncomfortable. Well, they’re not. I walked around in them all day. If there is one negative it’s that they are a little noisy like flip flops. However, they are definitely worth a little noise.
Whether you want casual or dressy; quirky and fun or, just basic single color – you can have it all! The shoes consist of the foundation “soles” with interchangeable tops and there are tons of tops to choose from including customized tops to match a specific outfit!
I personally loved the specialty top she included with “birthday” gift … it’s a cruise ship!! The saddest part is that I have to wait until October to test them out on a trip.
I’m sure you now want to know where you can get them. Just go to www.onesole.com and pick up a pair! Do follow their suggestion and go up a size.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Finding the best deal
I've had a few disappointed clients the past couple of weeks because I couldn't find them the fabulous deal their friends found. Upon further investigation, I usually find there are many reasons we're not getting the same price. The biggest reason is that they're looking at totally different dates. The dates their friends picked were off-season for the area and they wanted to go during peak season. This really is comparing apples to oranges.
The other reason that I find is their friends may not be giving them the big picture. This is not done intentionally but, people love to brag about the great deal they found. However, lots of times they are just giving the base rate and leaving out additional charges. It's like finding a cruise for $299 and then finding out that there's $200 for port charges and $50 for taxes and fees. So that $299 cruise is now almost double. In one case, the client went back to the friend and sure enough they were just quoting the base fare.
The other problem that I uncovered is that people just want the price quickly so they can go off to the next agency to compare. They don't want to answer a lot of questions or will even give incorrect information, I think for fear of getting the pushy sales pitch. I always get to know my clients so that I can find them the best deal. There are lots of times that special pricing may be available, especially with cruising. There may be past passenger rates; senior rates; resident rates; union and military rates. Some cruise lines will give special rates for sister cruise lines’ past passengers.
Another obstacle that I'm faced with are the clients who want the great deal but come up with so many restrictions that it's nearly impossible. The more specific the demands, such as: exact dates; only a certain product; a particular destination; direct or non-stop flights, etc. will usually increase the price tag. Those that are more flexible have a better chance of the best deal. I may be able to meet 3 out of 5 of the demands for a specific week but find that I can meet all of them if they're willing to travel the week before or the week after.
The more I get to know about my clients the better I can serve them. So, the next time you're shopping for a great deal, don't be afraid to give out information that will help your travel specialist do what they do best and that's finding the best deal to fit your lifestyle! Remember, the more flexible you are the better chance of getting that great deal. There’s nothing wrong with shopping around but be sure that you’re comparing apples to apples when getting the bottom line price.
The other reason that I find is their friends may not be giving them the big picture. This is not done intentionally but, people love to brag about the great deal they found. However, lots of times they are just giving the base rate and leaving out additional charges. It's like finding a cruise for $299 and then finding out that there's $200 for port charges and $50 for taxes and fees. So that $299 cruise is now almost double. In one case, the client went back to the friend and sure enough they were just quoting the base fare.
The other problem that I uncovered is that people just want the price quickly so they can go off to the next agency to compare. They don't want to answer a lot of questions or will even give incorrect information, I think for fear of getting the pushy sales pitch. I always get to know my clients so that I can find them the best deal. There are lots of times that special pricing may be available, especially with cruising. There may be past passenger rates; senior rates; resident rates; union and military rates. Some cruise lines will give special rates for sister cruise lines’ past passengers.
Another obstacle that I'm faced with are the clients who want the great deal but come up with so many restrictions that it's nearly impossible. The more specific the demands, such as: exact dates; only a certain product; a particular destination; direct or non-stop flights, etc. will usually increase the price tag. Those that are more flexible have a better chance of the best deal. I may be able to meet 3 out of 5 of the demands for a specific week but find that I can meet all of them if they're willing to travel the week before or the week after.
The more I get to know about my clients the better I can serve them. So, the next time you're shopping for a great deal, don't be afraid to give out information that will help your travel specialist do what they do best and that's finding the best deal to fit your lifestyle! Remember, the more flexible you are the better chance of getting that great deal. There’s nothing wrong with shopping around but be sure that you’re comparing apples to apples when getting the bottom line price.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Job Loss Insurance!
I am so excited that I just had to share our newest press release. This is just one of the many reasons that I love being a part of the CruiseOne family:
Susan M. Cuervo, ACC
CruiseOne, Olathe, KS 66062-3935
Tel: (913) 397-7399 Toll-Free: (877) 417-0300 Fax: (913) 397-7398
Email: sue@sailwithsue.com
CRUISEONE, NATION’S LEADING CRUISE RETAILER, UNVEILS INNOVATIVE JOB LOSS INSURANCE VALID ON ALL CRUISE LINES
Local CruiseOne Franchise Owner Susan M. Cuervo, ACC Now Offering Unique “CruiseAssurance” Policy at No Additional Charge on Bookings March 1-May 2
Olathe, Kansas – March 1, 2009 – Consumers nationwide might be concerned about losing their jobs, but Susan’s clients no longer need to worry about a pink slip ruining their vacation plans. CruiseOne, the nation’s largest cruise retail agency, today announced the first-ever comprehensive job loss travel insurance policy covering travel on all cruise lines. The new “CruiseAssurance” initiative is an exclusive benefit to consumers booking through Susan Cuervo in Olathe, even if they have to cancel their trip at the last minute because of an unexpected layoff.
The best part? CruiseOne is picking up the tab for “CruiseAssurance” for consumers purchasing their basic travel insurance. Combined with lower-than-ever prices, cruising is now the most affordable and worry-free vacation option.
“In today’s environment, it is crucial for businesses to step up to the plate showing we understand consumer challenges, and a handful of companies have recently done this with their versions of job loss protection,” said Dwain Wall, General Manager of CruiseOne’s corporate headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “Our ‘CruiseAssurance’ policy takes the concept of job loss insurance to a new level, easing the concerns of consumers at no charge and on any cruise line of their choice.”
Under the “CruiseAssurance” policy, clients booking a cruise with Susan can cancel their trip up to the day of departure, or even during the vacation. The only requirements are that travelers purchase an entry-level travel insurance plan – administered by Travel Guard – and present their termination letter. One year of employment is required. “CruiseAssurance” applies to bookings made March 1 through May 2, 2009 and is offered in addition to an already comprehensive travel protection policy.*
To book a cruise with “CruiseAssurance”, contact Susan at 913-397-7399 or toll free 877-417-0300.
* Underwritten by the National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA. Currently authorized to transact business in all states and the District of Columbia. NAIC No. 19445.
About CruiseOne:
CruiseOne, with more than 550 cruise travel franchise locations, combines tremendous industry buying power with a unique, customized experience that offers customers the ability to plan vacations online while enjoying the personalized touch of an experienced local cruise consultant. The company, part of World Travel Holdings, is the nation’s largest cruise travel retailer.
# # #
CruiseOne, Olathe, KS 66062-3935
Tel: (913) 397-7399 Toll-Free: (877) 417-0300 Fax: (913) 397-7398
Email: sue@sailwithsue.com
CRUISEONE, NATION’S LEADING CRUISE RETAILER, UNVEILS INNOVATIVE JOB LOSS INSURANCE VALID ON ALL CRUISE LINES
Local CruiseOne Franchise Owner Susan M. Cuervo, ACC Now Offering Unique “CruiseAssurance” Policy at No Additional Charge on Bookings March 1-May 2
Olathe, Kansas – March 1, 2009 – Consumers nationwide might be concerned about losing their jobs, but Susan’s clients no longer need to worry about a pink slip ruining their vacation plans. CruiseOne, the nation’s largest cruise retail agency, today announced the first-ever comprehensive job loss travel insurance policy covering travel on all cruise lines. The new “CruiseAssurance” initiative is an exclusive benefit to consumers booking through Susan Cuervo in Olathe, even if they have to cancel their trip at the last minute because of an unexpected layoff.
The best part? CruiseOne is picking up the tab for “CruiseAssurance” for consumers purchasing their basic travel insurance. Combined with lower-than-ever prices, cruising is now the most affordable and worry-free vacation option.
“In today’s environment, it is crucial for businesses to step up to the plate showing we understand consumer challenges, and a handful of companies have recently done this with their versions of job loss protection,” said Dwain Wall, General Manager of CruiseOne’s corporate headquarters in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. “Our ‘CruiseAssurance’ policy takes the concept of job loss insurance to a new level, easing the concerns of consumers at no charge and on any cruise line of their choice.”
Under the “CruiseAssurance” policy, clients booking a cruise with Susan can cancel their trip up to the day of departure, or even during the vacation. The only requirements are that travelers purchase an entry-level travel insurance plan – administered by Travel Guard – and present their termination letter. One year of employment is required. “CruiseAssurance” applies to bookings made March 1 through May 2, 2009 and is offered in addition to an already comprehensive travel protection policy.*
To book a cruise with “CruiseAssurance”, contact Susan at 913-397-7399 or toll free 877-417-0300.
* Underwritten by the National Union Fire Insurance Company of Pittsburgh, PA. Currently authorized to transact business in all states and the District of Columbia. NAIC No. 19445.
About CruiseOne:
CruiseOne, with more than 550 cruise travel franchise locations, combines tremendous industry buying power with a unique, customized experience that offers customers the ability to plan vacations online while enjoying the personalized touch of an experienced local cruise consultant. The company, part of World Travel Holdings, is the nation’s largest cruise travel retailer.
# # #
Land vs Sea
Wow, I had planned on posting immediately but the past few weeks have been busy. Aside from doing our favorite non-cruise activity – tax preparation (not!) we’ve had a lot of first time cruisers contact us.
For those of us that love to cruise, we know about the multitude of benefits. However, it seems that our best kept secret is now out … the value! It’s long amazed me how many people have yet to try a cruise. The only reason that I can come up with is that they mentally look at the cruise fare as they would the cost of a hotel. Most people, I think, don’t really look at the total cost of lodging; meals; transportation; entertainment and other activities when they plan a trip. While they may plan a budget, how many really come home and add up everything they have actually spent? It’s easy to say “Oh, I’ll plan $100 for meals per day.” Sticking to it is another story.
Last month, I went on a land trip (I know, it felt strange to not have it attached to a cruise!) but, I got to spend my birthday with my oldest and dearest friend in the world so it was worth it:-) However, I couldn’t stop comparing it to my cruises especially since I could see the ships in the harbor.
The first morning at breakfast, I decided to forgo the small glass of juice after seeing a $5 price tag and opted for coffee and a waffle. While the food and service were good, I really did not think it was worth $20 for just one person. It was definitely a drastic difference from what I would experience on a ship. When I looked at all the tables around me I was astounded at not only what they were spending but what they were really getting for it. While I love to travel and spend money, I like knowing that I’m getting the best value for my hard earned dollars. This was definitely not the case here.
That feeling grew as the day wore on and I watched families spend a small fortune on mediocre pool side fare and shell out money for the water toys to keep the children entertained. I overheard diner planning as well as nightly entertainment choices and a few heated debates over the cost of a particular performance or activity over another. One couple sitting nearby wanted to go see a traditional island dance show but knew that their young teens wouldn’t enjoy it. Plus, the husband didn’t want to spend what it would cost for 4 tickets. Needless to say they weren’t going to leave them alone in their hotel room nor let them go off on their own.
It took all of my restraint to not run over and tell them that if they were on a cruise they wouldn’t be having this discussion. Not only would they be able to go to a show and not pay extra for it, they could stop worrying about what their children were doing because they were busy having fun with kids their own age; supervised by trained staff in the teen lounge at no charge. How about families with younger kids – they have to tailor every land based activity around them and the adults’ wants go unfulfilled unless they want to shell out big money for a babysitter. Definitely no special nights out with just the two of them … not so if they had been on a cruise!
Our own night time plans once again had me shaking my head. We had reservations to make; taxi fares; fees for the show and while dinner was great, the bill was outrageous. Yes, I realize that costs to import items to the island are high and thus, the finished product is more than we’d pay at home but I just couldn’t help comparing it to my cruise experiences.
My best advice to first time cruisers: When looking at the cost of a cruise, take the total and divide it by the number of passengers and then the numbers of nights sailing. This will give you the per diem cost for each of you. Now, compare that to what you spent for lodging; meals; activities and entertainment on your last vacation. You'll wonder why you haven't tried a cruise sooner!
In the end, I had an absolutely wonderful time and don’t regret the money that I spent because you can’t put a price tag on the experience; spending quality time with my friend and the lasting memories. However, the cruise lover in me couldn’t help thinking what an outrageous time we would’ve had on a cruise for less money.
For those of us that love to cruise, we know about the multitude of benefits. However, it seems that our best kept secret is now out … the value! It’s long amazed me how many people have yet to try a cruise. The only reason that I can come up with is that they mentally look at the cruise fare as they would the cost of a hotel. Most people, I think, don’t really look at the total cost of lodging; meals; transportation; entertainment and other activities when they plan a trip. While they may plan a budget, how many really come home and add up everything they have actually spent? It’s easy to say “Oh, I’ll plan $100 for meals per day.” Sticking to it is another story.
Last month, I went on a land trip (I know, it felt strange to not have it attached to a cruise!) but, I got to spend my birthday with my oldest and dearest friend in the world so it was worth it:-) However, I couldn’t stop comparing it to my cruises especially since I could see the ships in the harbor.
The first morning at breakfast, I decided to forgo the small glass of juice after seeing a $5 price tag and opted for coffee and a waffle. While the food and service were good, I really did not think it was worth $20 for just one person. It was definitely a drastic difference from what I would experience on a ship. When I looked at all the tables around me I was astounded at not only what they were spending but what they were really getting for it. While I love to travel and spend money, I like knowing that I’m getting the best value for my hard earned dollars. This was definitely not the case here.
That feeling grew as the day wore on and I watched families spend a small fortune on mediocre pool side fare and shell out money for the water toys to keep the children entertained. I overheard diner planning as well as nightly entertainment choices and a few heated debates over the cost of a particular performance or activity over another. One couple sitting nearby wanted to go see a traditional island dance show but knew that their young teens wouldn’t enjoy it. Plus, the husband didn’t want to spend what it would cost for 4 tickets. Needless to say they weren’t going to leave them alone in their hotel room nor let them go off on their own.
It took all of my restraint to not run over and tell them that if they were on a cruise they wouldn’t be having this discussion. Not only would they be able to go to a show and not pay extra for it, they could stop worrying about what their children were doing because they were busy having fun with kids their own age; supervised by trained staff in the teen lounge at no charge. How about families with younger kids – they have to tailor every land based activity around them and the adults’ wants go unfulfilled unless they want to shell out big money for a babysitter. Definitely no special nights out with just the two of them … not so if they had been on a cruise!
Our own night time plans once again had me shaking my head. We had reservations to make; taxi fares; fees for the show and while dinner was great, the bill was outrageous. Yes, I realize that costs to import items to the island are high and thus, the finished product is more than we’d pay at home but I just couldn’t help comparing it to my cruise experiences.
My best advice to first time cruisers: When looking at the cost of a cruise, take the total and divide it by the number of passengers and then the numbers of nights sailing. This will give you the per diem cost for each of you. Now, compare that to what you spent for lodging; meals; activities and entertainment on your last vacation. You'll wonder why you haven't tried a cruise sooner!
In the end, I had an absolutely wonderful time and don’t regret the money that I spent because you can’t put a price tag on the experience; spending quality time with my friend and the lasting memories. However, the cruise lover in me couldn’t help thinking what an outrageous time we would’ve had on a cruise for less money.
Friday, February 20, 2009
Okay, this is definitely a work in progress. I really want to share my love of travel and especially cruising. Over the years, I've picked up some wonderful tips that I shared with many. I've been able to add to this since getting into the cruise business and I've had many first time cruisers tell me that my information helped them feel like experts and made their trip more enjoyable. So, my hope is to share my passion with you ...
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