August 3, 2012 Cruise Notes from Mary

Cruise Notes from Mary
Mary Engram, CTA/MCC Travel Consultant
August 3, 2012

Happy Friday Everyone

Soul Train Cruise 2013 Fall Sailing
The next sailing of the Soul Train Cruise is Oct. 5-12, 2013! We will sail on Holland America's m/s Westerdam, the same ship that we are using for the spring cruise. This new sailing will leave from San Diego, visit the ports of Cabo San Lucas, with an overnight stay in Puerto Vallarta, and include scenic sailings along the Mexican coast.

Lineup of Performers
As we know, it is the music that matters most, and the Soul Train Cruise 2013 fall sailing will feature some of the most exciting performers in the "Soul Train" tradition. The lineup is not completed as yet, but already scheduled to appear on the cruise are

Earth, Wind & Fire        Gladys Knight                           The Bar-Kays

Confunkshun                Sugarfoot's Ohio Players           The Mary Jane Girls

The Dazz Band                         The Original Lakeside              Jody Watley    

A Taste of Honey featuring Janice Marie                       DJ Biz Markie

Comedian Alonzo Bodden                                             Party band DW3

 

We are close to adding other amazing performers, but you know the lineup will be spectacular.  All of our main Artists perform at least twice during the cruise, which allows each and every Guest an opportunity to see and hear them all.

Wait List Only — Book Now — Special Rates
Customarily we start booking a cruise when the lineup is complete; however, due to the wishes of Wait List Guests, we are starting the booking process today (for Wait List Guests only)! This opportunity to book ahead of anyone else will end on Tuesday, Sept. 4, 2012. Not only are you the only Guests who can book a cabin during this period, but we are offering you rates lower than any other Guest on the cruise. The standard rates will be $200-$400 per person higher than the special Wait List rate, so do not let this opportunity slip away.

Carnival to Double Deposit for Solo Travellers

Heads up, solo cruisers. Starting August 30, Carnival is doubling the amount required as a booking deposit.   The policy change applies to new individual and group bookings made on or after August 30, 2012.  Bookings made prior to August 30 are not affected. 
 

Cruise with Mary from the Far East to Dubai

If you are interested in sailing with me from Singapore to Dubai on April 5, 2013, prices are starting to increase.  To take advantage of group pricing, your deposit is due September 15, 2012 instead of October 1, 2012  In addition, if you are a member of Royal Caribbean’s Crown and Anchor Society, savings coupons are also available for this sailing.

The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2013 Now 88 Percent Sold
With our special Cozumel excursions and first-time cruise performances by George Benson, Bob James and Ken Ford added to an already amazing lineup, it should come as little surprise that we have already sold more than 85 percent of our cabins for The Smooth Jazz Cruise. If you want to be a part of this amazing event, the time to act is now!

 
Special Excursions Planned in Cozumel for SJC '13
our 27-hour stay in Cozumel provides us with a special opportunity to provide some exciting excursions we could not otherwise offer. Enjoy sailing with Candy Dulfer, go scuba diving with Richard Elliot, or play tennis with Brian Culbertson.

Thought for the Month –
I often hear the comment “I’ve already been there”  But have you really?  If someone from another country wanted to see the United States so they booked a trip to New York.  After their visit, will they be able to say they saw the United States or can they merely state that they visited New York?  Just something to ponder.

Wishing you a great weekend

 Mary Engram, CTA/MCC

Your Personal Travel Consultant