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.
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
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.
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