Cruise Notes Newsletters

Cruise Notes from Mary
Mary Engram, CTA/MCC Travel Consultant
March 2011

Well I felt it was about time to create a newsletter. I hope enjoy the first issue of “Cruise Notes from Mary”. Would love to hear what you think and get your feedback.

Why I call myself a Travel Consultant and not a Travel Agent
• Agents use a GDS to book cruises. Consultants use their personal contacts to make reservations. • Agents give their clients what they ask for. Consultants are not merely an order-taker but engage in a collaborative decision process. • Agents rely on the internet. Consultants rely on personal knowledge and destination experience. • Agents can access a profile of their clients. Consultants have personal knowledge of their clients' likes, dislikes, travel background and interests. • Agents look for FAM trips. Consultants receive personal invitations to experience the world's best travel products. • Agents book packages on price. Consultants seek out value, knowing that discounted garbage is still garbage. • Agents book cruises. Consultants create customized cruise experiences. • Agents book what the computer says is available. Consultants go the extra mile to verify availability. • Agents take pride in making a successful booking. Travel Consultant take pride in creating a truly memorable experience as a result of going beyond expectations. • Agents are, first and foremost, agents of the suppliers. Consultants are, first and foremost, agents of the clients.

Cruise News

Carnival Legend has resumed Caribbean service from Tampa, following a 14-day dry-dock that renovated the children’s pool area and added Serenity, an adults-only retreat. Read More

Celebrity Cruises is adding two new culinary offerings: an authentic high tea experience called “Champagne High Tea” and premium kosher meals.

SeaDream Yacht Club Vice President of Hotel Operations Erling Frydenberg will host wine tastings on the July 30 to Aug. 6 voyage from Amsterdam, Netherlands, to Bordeaux, France.
The Port of Los Angeles this month became the first port worldwide to provide Alternative Maritime Power (AMP) to three cruise lines, which significantly reduces ship exhaust when cruise vessels are in port.

P&O Cruises named British performer Dame Shirley Bassey as godmother to the 710-passenger Adonia, the latest addition to the fleet. The ship currently operates as Royal Princess.

Norwegian Cruise Line cancelled the Norwegian Star’s calls to Mazatlan, Mexico, through April, after a Feb. 22 shooting in the tourist zone. Carnival Cruise Lines’ Carnival Splendor cancelled its Feb. 24 call.

Uniworld Boutique River Cruises is counting the days to the introduction of its new Antoinette, which will begin sailing along the Rhine River in late March.

Star Clippers is offering a Mediterranean cruise that coincides with the Monaco Grand Prix. Star Flyer’s May 21 and May 28 departures offer itineraries planned around the time trials and Grand Prix race, enabling guests to go ashore in Monte Carlo and get up close to the action.
Cruise Deals

Carnival Magic Goes to Europe
“FUN-tastic” news! The Best of Europe Sale has been extended through March 13th 2011! Don’t miss out as you can still take advantage of great savings – and FREE best available upgrades – PLUS up to $300 onboard credit per stateroom! Carnival is making country-hopping in Europe not only FUN and easy but affordable, too! Their 7, 9 and 12 day Europe itineraries are on sale - all on the grand, sparkling new addition to the fleet, CARNIVAL MAGIC, showcasing “first of her kind” onboard amenities and popular port side highlights including Naples, Rome, Monaco and much more!

Crystal Cruises offers some incredible deals on Caribbean, Panama Canal, Hawaiian Islands, Pacific Coast, Mexican Riviera, and New England & Canada sailings in 2011.

Upgrade from a Balcony to a Mini Suite for free on select Norwegian Cruise Line Bermuda and Bahamas/Florida sailings embarking now through April 2013. Plus, get up to a 4-category stateroom upgrade fleetwide and receive e-coupons for onboard savings of up to $400! Book by March 13, 2011

Where I’ve Been

Mexican Riviera
Met up with clients I hadn’t seen in a long time (Bob) and clients I had never met (Bubbles, Tom, Neoma) onboard RCL Mariner of the Seas sailing the Mexican Riviera. Good thing we booked that sailing because after that, things got weird in Mexico and the cruise lines stopped going to those ports.

Although I spent most of the time working and did not do any shore excursions, it was great spending quality time getting to know my clients better at dinner. Although everyone had a good time, the Mariner was a little big for them so future cruise will be on smaller ships. And I think Celebrity Century is just the right size ship for their group cruise to Hawaii in October 2011.

2011 Smooth Jazz Cruise
Thanks to clients Leon and Nellie, I had the opportunity to experience my first ever Smooth Jazz Cruise charter onboard Holland America Noordam. All I can say is jazz and music lovers alike with LOVE this cruise. This was amazing cruise with music to satisfy a variety of tastes as well as events and activities that will keep you on the go. If you love jazz, this is the cruise for you. This is a full ship charter on Holland America that sails January of each year.

The line-up for 2012 will feature Smokey Robinson and include David Sandborn, Marcus Miller, Jonathan Butler, Gerald Albright, Boney James, Rick Braun, Candy Dulfer, Jeff Golub , DW3, Patrice Rushen, Joe Sample, Brian Simpson, Peter White, and Alonzo Bodden. The dates are January 15-22 and January 22-29 but I will warn you. The ship is already 80% sold out so you need to reserve your space soon. Give me a call at (714 878-7064 or email me at mengram@worldviewtravel.com if you are interested because only a certified agent can sell this cruise and yours truly is a Smooth Jazz Certified Agent.

United Arab Emirates Cruise
What can I say about my 7 cruise to the United Arab Emirates? We departed Dubai on a Monday night, sailing to Fujairah, Muscat, Abu Dhabi and back to Dubai. It was a leisurely itinerary, with overnights in both Muscat and Dubai, and a day at sea

Tip – Don’t listen to your fellow travelers who say there is nothing to do in Fujairah. Book a tour and get outside of the industrial port. You will be glad you did as there are wonders to behold. We did the East Coast tour and learned there were excellent beaches in Fujairah as well and the rugged Hajar Mountains. We visited a 300 year old fort, the Friday Market and the Bidya Mosque. Got to see a real oasis in the desert and it was nothing like I imagined.

We did the Mystical Muscat and Panoramic Muscat by Night with Dinner tours in Muscat. Our day tour took us to spice and gold souk. This was a real treasure find because I learned this is where the Three Wise Men of the bible brought gold, frankincense, and myrrh to baby Jesus. So of course I had to bring some back to share with my bible study group. We also went to the Mosque, Sultan’s Palace and a private museum, which gave you an idea of what life was like in the distant past. That night we went to a wonderful restaurant to experience a night with the locals. Muscat was absolutely a joy.

In Abu Dhabi many people took the Hop on Hop Off Bus, but we elected to do a tour which included the Grand Mosque. Ladies have to don the Black Gown and Scarf which is provided free of charge.

Our tour in Dubai included the Burj el Arab, Jimeirah mosque, World Trade Center to view the wind towers, Dubai Museum and the gold souk.

The very best tour of the trip was the Dune Dinner Safari in Dubai. Our 4-wheel drive Toyota Land Cruiser took us over rolling dunes deep into the heart of the desert. We visited a camel ranch, a Bedouin village, and I tried my luck at sand skiing. It is easier skiing downhill than trying to walk back up those sand dunes. Our campsite had a real Arabian ambience as we relaxed on low cushions. Lots of activities, including camel rides, having your hands painted with intricate henna designs, enjoying a “shee-sha” or water pipe before our Arabic BBQ dinner, followed by a belly dancer and whirling dervish.

Since our flight did not leave until 11:20 pm, we stored out luggage at the airport and took the metro back to the Dubai Mall. A must see is the aquarium, underwater zoo, ski slop, and carnival. Amazing that all of this is housed within a single mall.

Although I am not a big fan of cruise line shore excursions, for this itinerary I would recommend booking your tours through the ship. Be advised that a “visa fee” for entry and exit in Oman will show up on your Sea pass account.

Thought for the Month
Do not try to live 'up to a standard' rather try to 'be the standard

Well that’s it for now. I hope you enjoyed it and would love to hear your feedback as I hope to send out a newsletter every month.

Love and Hugs

Mary Engram,
Your Personal Travel Consultant
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