Travel Advice and Information

As is the case with most companies, cruise lines try very hard to retain their clientele, doing everything they possibly can to get you to reserve your next cruise(s) with them again instead of going to the competition.  Michael's Club - Courtesy of Celebrity Like airlines, hotels, car rental agencies etc., cruise lines have their own “frequent client” programs, designed to entice cruisers to rebook with them, offering additional perks to reward their frequent clients.   These perks range from free or reduced costs on wifi, dry cleaning, spa treatments etc., to upgraded accommodations, invitation to sit with the captain at dinner one night, ability to reserve specialty dining and excursions before others, priority embarkation, free transfers, reduced pricing, access to special areas on board only for higher level loyalty club members or suite guests (such as Celebrity Cruise’s Michael's Club pictured here) and more.     ~ CRUISE LINE LOYALTY PROGRAMS AR...

Regent Mariner in Alaska  ~  Courtesy of Regent Seven Seas Cruises   Cruises are considered by many to be the best value in travel; the allure of sailing our oceans, seas and numerous scenic rivers with fine dining, entertainment, and stops at interesting ports along the way at an attractive price paid in advance has become ever so popular. There are two primary ways to secure fantastic cruise pricing while getting the best promotions & perks:       Tapping into pre-reserved “group blocks” of suites & cabins       "Last minute” discounted pricing GROUP BLOCK SPACE This is the terminology used by the travel industry for multiple suites / cabins that are pre-reserved without specific names of the travelers. It does NOT mean that you the cruiser needs to be a part of a group.   It does NOT mean that you will be herded around with other cruisers within that group block. It does NOT mean that you h...

The popularity of cruising continues to grow every year, with the global forecast for passengers carried by all cruise lines in 2013 just under 21 million.   Per the Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) cruise growth continues to rise every year.   Back in 1984, the year CLIA achieved official status as a non-governmental consultative organization to the United Nations, I was taking my very first cruise as a professional Tour Director.   Back then only a few million travelers experienced the joy of cruising that year, as I did with my 2 dozen clients on board Royal Caribbean Cruise Line’s very first ship; the M.S. Song of Norway. Since 1984 I have had the pleasure of going on a few dozen cruises of all kinds on a wide variety of cruise lines, both for personal vacation and as a professional Tour Director.   With the variety to choose from, there are many options.   It may come as a surprise to you that most cruisers are very loyal to their fav...

Themed Cruises; Enhance your vacation experience greatly!! As you seek out the best possible vacation value it is extremely likely that you are considering a cruise.   There are many general parameters to consider when selecting the right cruise for you; from budget / pricing, to level of comfort & service as well as destinations desired.  In addition to these obvious choices, you should also consider that many cruises offer a specialty theme on select sailings, with themes ranging from wine or beer to art, jazz, poker or golf to name just a few.  ~Themes are an enhancement that most cruise lines offer, typically with no additional charge or just a slight bit more expensive when compared to a similar non-theme cruise on the same ship and destination.  Activities and extra’s that are part of the theme presented are provided and operated by the cruise line in most cases~ How do you find out if there is a theme that lines up with your interests?...