Friday, June 22, 2012
June 22, 2012 Cruise Notes from Mary
Cruise Notes from Mary
Mary Engram, CTA/MCC Travel Consultant
June 22, 2012
Happy Friday Everyone
Celebrity Cruise Line Special Offer on Europe Vacations
Embark with friends and family on an updated luxury vacation in Europe. And, with the Europe Getaway Event, the third and fourth guests in your stateroom sail free*. There’s never been a better time to discover the historical beauty of Europe—at exceptional savings.
Applicable Sailings:
12-Night Immersive Wine Cruise onboard Celebrity Constellation®
Southampton, England roundtrip
2012 Sail Dates: Sep. 7, 19; Oct. 1, 13, 25; Nov. 6, 18
10/11-Night Mediterranean Cruise onboard Celebrity Equinox◊
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy roundtrip
2012 Sail Dates: Sep. 3, 14, 24; Oct. 5, 15, 26; Nov. 5, 16
14-Night Mediterranean Cruise onboard Celebrity Reflection◊
Barcelona and Venice departures
2012 Sail Dates: Oct. 21; No v. 4
11/13-Night Italy and Croatia Cruise onboard Celebrity Silhouette®
Venice, Italy departures
2012 Sail Dates: Sep. 4; Oct. 23
12/14-Night Holy Land Cruise onboard Celebrity Silhouette®
Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy roundtrip
2012 Sail Dates: Sep. 29; Nov. 3, 17
12-Night Mediterranean Cruise onboard Celebrity Solstice®
Barcelona, Spain roundtrip
2012 Sail Dates: Sep. 8, 20; Oct. 2, 14
Time is limited. Book your Europe vacation June 22 through July 31, 2012, to take advantage of this exceptional offer.
† CELEBRITY CRUISES RESERVES THE RIGHT TO IMPOSE A FUEL SUPPLEMENT OF UP TO $10 PER GUEST PER DAY ON ALL GUESTS IF THE PRICE OF WEST TEXAS INTERMEDIATE FUEL EXCEEDS $65.00 PER BARREL.
* Prices are per person, cruise only, based on Z or 12 inside stateroom category and double occupancy. Government taxes and fees additional. The Free Third and Fourth Guest Offer (“Offer”) applies to new individual triple or quad occupancy bookings. Offer is valid for new individual bookings only on Europe cruises departing Sept. to Nov. 2012 on Celebrity Constellation®, Celebrity Equinox(SM), Celebrity Solstice®, Celebrity Silhouette® and Celebrity
Reflection(SM), except Offer is not applicable on Celebrity Reflection cruise departing Oct. 12, 2012 and Celebrity Silhouette cruises departing Sept. 17 and Oct. 11, 2012.
Cruise must be booked June 22- July 31, 2012. Offer provides for free cruise fare of third and fourth passengers only; all other charges, including, but not limited to, government taxes, fees, and gratuities, are not included in Offer. Pricing will be adjusted by Celebrity within five business days after booking is made.Prices and Offer are subject to availability, capacity controlled, subject to change without notice, may be withdrawn at any time.
Offer not combinable with any other offer or price programs including, but not limited to, GRPX, reduced air, Choiceair, interline, travel agent and employee rates. Offer not applicable to groups or cruise tours. Single occupancy guests eligible for Offer. To redeem Offer, contact your travel professional or visit www.cruisingpower.com. Refer to Cruise Ticket Contract for additional terms and conditions. Modern Luxury is a trademark of Celebrity Cruises Inc. ©2012 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships registered in Malta and Ecuador. 12029656 • 6/2012
Disney Cruise Line Galveston, Texas Special Offer
Beginning in September, Disney Cruise Line® is sailing from Galveston, Texas! And, for a limited time, your Clients can take advantage of a special offer on select sailings from this new departure port.
Offer Details:
Book a verandah stateroom (categories 5A-7A) for the price of an oceanview stateroom (categories 9A-9D) on most 7-night Western Caribbean sailings from Galveston, Texas, Sept. 22 – Dec. 21, 2012.*
Additional Details:
• This special offer is only valid for new bookings.
• Rates valid for Galveston sailings Sept. 22 – Dec. 21, 2012, for Categories 05A-07A.
• This offer is only available to residents of the U.S. and Canada.
• Government Taxes and Fees, Gratuities and Port Adventures are not included.
• Government Taxes and Fees are an additional $55 per person (subject to change).
• Offer excludes IGT, OGT and VGT Categories with Restrictions.
• Must mention booking code VER
• The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited.
• This offer cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts.
• Offer subject to Disney Cruise Line Terms and Conditions.
* Offer excludes 11/17/12 sailing
Thought for the Month – A Lady and Her Rolls Royce
A woman walks into a bank in New York City and asks for the loan officer. She says she's going to Europe on business for two weeks and needs to borrow $5,000. The bank officer tells her that the bank will need some kind of security for such a loan, so the woman hands over the keys to a new Rolls Royce that's parked on the street in front of the bank.
Everything checks out, and the bank agrees to accept the car as collateral for the loan. An employee drives the Rolls Royce into the bank's underground garage and parks it there.
Two weeks later, the woman returns, repays the $5,000 and the interest, which comes to $15.41. The loan officer approaches her and says:
"We are very happy to have had your business, and this transaction has worked out very nicely, but we're a little puzzled. While you were away, we checked out your accounts and found that you were a multimillionaire. What puzzles us is why would you bother to borrow $5,000?"
"Well, where else in Manhattan can I park my car for two weeks for fifteen bucks?" .
Wishing you a great weekend
Mary Engram, Your Personal Travel Consultant
Friday, June 8, 2012
June 8 2012 - Cruise Notes from Mary
Cruise Notes from Mary
Mary Engram, CTA/MCC Travel Consultant
June 8, 2012
Happy Friday Everyone
Royal Caribbean 3-Day WOW Sale – June 11 – 13, 2012
Reserve any cruise departing August 15, 2012, or later to enjoy up to $200* to spend onboard plus a 50% reduced deposit.
LIMITED-TIME OFFER DETAILS:
Cruise Length Onboard Credit Reduced Deposit
3 to 5 nights $50 per stateroom $50
6 to 9 nights $100 per stateroom $125
10 nights or longer $200 per stateroom $225
*The 50% reduced deposit can also be applied via any automated booking tool. However, the booking confirmation will not reflect the reduced deposit amount due. The WOW Sale Onboard Credit and 50% Reduced Deposit offer are applicable to all Royal Caribbean International® cruises that sail on or after August 15, 2012 including cruisetours.
Offer applies to new FIT bookings with required deposit only and is not applicable to groups. Offer applies to all categories available. All bookings must be made and the required deposit must be paid by June 13, 2012, by 11:59 pm Local Time to qualify for the promotion. Bookings made on June 11, 12, or 13, 2012 without required deposit will not qualify for this offer. Offer is combinable with LAF and restricted rates (Seniors, Residents, Military). Offer is not combinable with any other offer or promotion, including, but not limited to, Interline, Travel Agent, and Net Rates, Crown & Anchor Discounts, Shareholder Benefits or Next Cruise offers, promotions, or benefits.
Offer is valid for Cruisetour packages but not combinable with other Cruisetours Onboard Credits. Cruisetour packages receive the OBC based upon the length of the Cruisetour. Onboard credit is in U.S. dollars, has no cash value, is not redeemable for cash, is not transferable and will expire if not used by 10:00 pm on the last evening of the cruise. In the event that a guest has more than one applicable offer for the same sailing, guest can choose the offer he or she wishes to apply. Offer is available in all markets, excluding Australia and New Zealand.
Any existing booking that is cancelled between June 5 and 13, 2012 and is rebooked for the same sailing on June 11, 12, or 13, 2012 will not be eligible to receive the offer. Any eligible reservation that is cancelled and is reinstated or changes the ship or sail date after June 13, 2012 will not be eligible to receive the offer. Onboard Credit will be applied to qualified booking by Royal Caribbean International® within 4 weeks of the Sale. The 50% reduced deposit and onboard credit offer is applicable to on-line bookings; however, the on-line booking confirmation will not reflect this reduced deposit or onboard credit. Subject to availability. Prices are per person, cruise only, based on double occupancy and in US dollars. Certain restrictions may apply. Government taxes and fees are additional. Offer may be withdrawn at any time
Crystal Cruises Offers New Short Cruises at Sale Prices
Crystal Cruises announced 12 new short Mediterranean itineraries sailing from July through December starting at $262 per day. All-inclusive, five- to eight-day vacations on the Crystal Serenity start at $1,310 per person for accommodations, gourmet dining, fine wine, premium spirits, gratuities, fitness classes and enrichment activities.
Itinerary options include the five-day Aug. 1 cruise from Monte Carlo (overnight) to Florence, Porto Venere and Rome from $1,310. A six-day Oct. 30 cruise sails from Athens to Istanbul, visiting Navplion, Mykonos and Kusadasi and is priced from $1,575.
In addition to the new options, Crystal’s Mediterranean season offers 18 previously scheduled 7, 11, and 12-day itineraries priced from $2,620 per person, double occupancy.
Royal Caribbean’s “Hairspray” to Perform on Tony Awards
Royal Caribbean International will partner with the Tony Awards to include a live broadcast of a number from “Hairspray” live from the Oasis of the Seas in the Caribbean Sea. The cruise line, which has been named an official partner of the 66th Annual Tony Awards, will be part of the live broadcast airing on CBS from the Beacon Theatre in New York City on June 10. Royal Caribbean is the only cruise line to feature fully licensed Broadway productions.
In addition, Royal Caribbean’s new global brand campaign “The Sea Is Calling. Answer It Royally,” will air during the telecast.
Norwegian Honored by Miami Chamber of Commerce
Norwegian Cruise Line was honored with the 2012 Good to Great Award in the category of 1,000-plus employees by the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce. The award, which honors South Florida companies that embody ideals from Jim Collins’ best-selling business book “Good to Great,” was presented on June 1. While the context of the award is based on the book, the award criteria have been localized to reflect the uniqueness of South Florida.
Judging was based on a nominee’s ability to demonstrate a pattern of solid-to-great performance over a four-year period. Companies were also asked to demonstrate leadership within management ranks and to speak to their processes for a solid workforce base. Five area universities -- business schools at Barry University, Florida International University, Florida Memorial University, Johnson & Wales University and Nova Southeastern University -- determined the judging criteria and shepherded the award process
Oceania Cruises’ Regatta Calls at Mazatlan
Cruise lines are slowing returning to Mazatan, the resort city on Mexico’s Pacific Coast that several major cruise companies decided to pull out of early last year due to security concerns. The destination, which announced increased visitor numbers and new tourism developments in March, welcomed Oceania Cruises’ flagship Regatta this past Memorial Day Monday. The ship’s 600 passengers spent 12 hours in the city.
The Regatta’s current itinerary is an 18-day tour beginning in San Francisco and concluding in Miami, with stops in the Mexican cities of Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán, Acapulco, Huatulco and Chiapas. Tourism officials held meetings with a number of cruise lines at Cruise Shipping Miami in March, many of which intend on returning to Mazatlán soon.
Grandeur of the Seas renovated
Royal Caribbean International's Grandeur of the Seas completed a $48 million revitalization at the Navantia ship yard in Cadiz, Spain.
Upgrades to the 1,950-passenger ship include the addition of five dining venues; technological enhancements; a poolside LED screen; new furniture, carpeting and upholstery; and a new aerial entertainment show in its six deck Centrum.
In addition, the ship received a new Diamond Lounge for Crown & Anchor Society loyalty members, a Concierge Lounge for suite guests and top-tier loyalty guests, a Royal Babies and Tots Nursery, and a redesigned Viking Crown Lounge.
Grandeur of the Seas this summer is operating a series of seven- to 11-day Mediterranean itineraries from Venice, Marseille and Palma de Mallorca.
Hawaiian Airlines Starts New York JFK-Honolulu Service
Hawaiian Airlines launched daily nonstop service between New York City and Honolulu on June 5 with Hawaiian's inaugural Flight 51 departing from JetBlue Airways Terminal 5. Hawaiian also has expanded its reach in the Eastern U.S. through new codesharing and frequent-flyer reciprocity agreements with JetBlue.
Hawaiian will place its HA code on select JetBlue-operated flights throughout the East Coast, and customers of each carrier's frequent flyer program will be able to earn and redeem loyalty points or miles for travel on either airline. Hawaiian is operating its new nonstop service with a new wide-body, twin-aisle Airbus A330-200 aircraft seating 294 customers with 18 seats in First Class and the remainder in Economy Class.
Hawaiian Flight 51 departs JFK daily at 10:00 a.m. and arrives at Honolulu International Airport at 3:00 p.m. Flight 50 departs Honolulu daily at 3:05 p.m. and arrives in New York City at 6:55 the following morning
AirTran NEW non-stop service on the West Coast
AirTran adds new non-stop service between Orange County, California and Los Cabos, Mexico, beginning June 3, 2012
Royal Caribbean Sets Sail For Asia
Exciting news from Royal Caribbean this week announcing that the recently renovated Mariner of the Seas will begin sailing to Asia in June 2013, offering new itineraries from china and Singapore to Japan, Korea, and Southeast Asia for the remainder of the year.
The move caters to the ever-expanding Chinese cruise vacation population, while enticing cruise guests from around the world to visit China and sail around Asia. A number of itineraries will be offered, with stays ranging from 3 to 12 nights, complemented by onboard product customizations including Chinese-style menus, language services and specialized retail and entertainment options, similar to the amenities that transitioned the Voyager of the Seas into this market.
Mariner of the Seas will join Voyager of the Seas, another ship already operating in the region, in Royal Caribbean’s commitment to the growing cruise industry in Asia. Together, these ships represent the largest and most state -of- the -art cruise ships operating in the region
Carnival raises cover charge for steakhouse
Carnival Cruise Lines hiked the cover charge for its steakhouses by $5, to $35 per person.
“The increase was necessitated as a result of higher food costs and is consistent with other alterative restaurant charges within the cruise industry. This is the first fee increase for the steakhouses in several years,” Carnival said.
Thirteen Carnival ships have steakhouses: the Spirit, Pride, Legend, Miracle, Conquest, Glory, Valor, Liberty, Freedom, Splendor, Dream, Magic and Breeze. The Destiny will get a steakhouse after a refit next year; the ship will be renamed the Sunshine.
Carnival also started charging for specialty coffees — such as cappuccinos, espressos and lattes — in the main dining rooms during lunch and dinner service.
Thought for the Month
Vacation: a period of travel and relaxation when you take twice the clothes and half the money you need.
Wishing you a great weekend
Mary Engram,
Your Personal Travel Consultant
Like my Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/MaryEngramTravelConsultant
Friday, September 16, 2011
Sept 16 Cruise Notes from Mary
Cruise Notes from Mary
Mary Engram, CTA/MCC Travel Consultant
September 16, 2011
Happy Friday Everyone
We have some really good specials going on. And the best of them is a special Cruise with Mary 12 Med Cruise in 2012. Details are shown on the last page. Hope you can join us.
Regent Seven Seas 3-Day Event
Sail Date Nights Itinerary Ship Fare OBC
Nov 12, 2011 - 16 Luxor to Barcelona Seven Seas Voyager $6,999 $500
Nov 28, 2011 - 21 Barcelona to Dubai Seven Seas Voyager $7,299 $350
Dec 16, 2011 - 11 Roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale Seven Seas Mariner $4,599 $200
Jan 6, 2012 - 17 Singapore to Sydney Seven Seas Voyager $8,799 $350
Jan 20, 2012 - 24 Lima to Buenos Aires Seven Seas Mariner $14,199 $500
Jan 23, 2012 - 15 Sydney to Auckland Seven Seas Voyager $9,599 $500
Feb 7, 2012 - 15 Auckland to Sydney Seven Seas Voyager $9,599 $500
Apr 2, 2012 - 10 Barcelona to Istanbul Seven Seas Mariner $3,599 $200
Apr 12, 2012 - 7 Istanbul to Rome Seven Seas Mariner $2,299 $200
Apr 16, 2012 - 7 Athens to Istanbul Seven Seas Voyager $2,299 $200
Apr 23, 2012 - 7 Monte Carlo to Barcelona Seven Seas Mariner $2,799 $200
Apr 23, 2012 - 10 Istanbul to Venice Seven Seas Voyager $4,099 $200
Apr 30, 2012 - 10 Barcelona to Istanbul Seven Seas Mariner $3,999 $200
All rates include; complimentary Unlimited Shore Excursions in all ports of call, complimentary beverages throughout the ship, Complimentary in-suite mini bar replenished daily, complimentary 24-hour room service, No additional charge for specialty restaurants and No gratuities required. Just mention the "3-Day Event" at time of booking to apply the shipboard credit.
Norwegian’s New Ships Named Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway
Norwegian Cruise Line has selected the final names for our two new ships: Norwegian Breakaway, Launching in April 2013, and Norwegian Getaway, Launching in 2014.
Breakaway is defined as "a departure or break from routine or tradition" and Getaway is defined as "a place where one escapes for relaxation, vacation, etc."
October-December Room-Only Offer at the Disneyland Resort
Now, you can save up to 30%* on a stay at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, for arrivals most nights Oct. 2 – Dec. 24, 2011.
Offer Details:
Save up to 30%* off a room-only reservation at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
Save up to 25%* off a room-only reservation at the Disneyland Hotel or Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa. Please note that this offer is not available for travel Nov. 23-25, 2011, and travel on this offer must be completed by Dec. 25, 2011.
Booking & Travel Windows:
Book this offer Sept. 13 – Oct. 15, 2011, for a broader selection of travel dates, with arrivals most nights Oct. 2 – Dec. 24, 2011.
Book this offer Oct. 16 – Dec. 10, 2011, for arrivals most nights Nov. 1 – Dec. 24, 2011.
YOU ARE INVITED ON A
CRUISE WITH MARY
12 Night Mediterranean Venice Cruise
Onboard Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas
October 15 – 27, 2012
Do you love the unbridled romance of Italy? Then, savor a late afternoon in Venice's magnificent St. Mark's Square, which Napoleon once called "Europe's greatest drawing room." Or behold the breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples from cliff-top, pastel-colored Positano, where our ships often spend the night. If you're a Francophile, bask in the glamour of Monaco on the sun-splashed French Riviera, wander Provence's genteel countryside, and shop for timeless treasures in Bonifacio, Corsica's famed "antique city". The Mediterranean unleashes a land of gems ready to be discovered.
15 Oct 12 (Mon) Barcelona, Spain -- 1700
16 Oct 12 (Tue) Cannes, France 0900 1800
17 Oct 12 (Wed) Livorno, Italy 0700 1900
18 Oct 12 (Thu) Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy 0700 1900
19 Oct 12 (Fri) Naples, Italy 0700 1830
20 Oct 12 (Sat) At Sea -- --
21 Oct 12 (Sun) Venice, Italy 1400 --
22 Oct 12 (Mon) Venice, Italy -- 2030
23 Oct 12 (Tue) Ravenna, Italy 0700 1800
24 Oct 12 (Wed) Split, Croatia 0700 1700
25 Oct 12 (Thu) At Sea -- --
26 Oct 12 (Fri) At Sea -- --
27 Oct 12 (Sat) Barcelona, Spain 0600 --
• Royal Caribbean International reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement on all guests if the price of West Texas Intermediate fuel exceeds $65.00 per barrel. The fuel supplement for 1st and 2nd guests would be no more than $10 per guest per day, to a maximum of $140 per cruise; and for additional guests would be no more than $5 per person per day, to a maximum of $70 per cruise.
* Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, for cruise only on select sailings and stateroom categories. Government taxes and fees are additional. For new reservations only. Subject to availability. Certain restrictions apply. May not be combinable with any other promotion and may be withdrawn at any time. "Deals" pricing reflects the special rate(s) you may be eligible for. Proof of eligibility required. If eligibility cannot be validated, you will be charged the standard rate or denied boarding. All prices are quoted in US Dollars. All itineraries and prices are subject to change without notice. Ships' Registry: Bahamas. © 2010 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Jr. Suite $2,813.52 per person (based on availability)
Balcony $1,963.52 per person
Oceanview $1,633.52 per person
Inside $1,333.52 per person
Insurance is highly recommended. Airfare from LAX is available for an optional cost of $1,270.60
$900 per cabin deposit due at time of booking
Final Payment due July 1, 2012
Providing Better Customer Service
Is there a particular Royal Caribbean or Celebrity cruise that you have your eyes on? If so, I will be escorting a group on Royal Caribbean October 1-9, 2011 and can book it onboard for you. Great way for your booking will qualify for onboard credit.
Thought for the Month
There are no foreign lands. It is only the traveler who is foreign – Robert Louis Stevenson
Wishing you a great weekend
Mary Engram, Your Personal Travel Consultant
Mary Engram, CTA/MCC Travel Consultant
September 16, 2011
Happy Friday Everyone
We have some really good specials going on. And the best of them is a special Cruise with Mary 12 Med Cruise in 2012. Details are shown on the last page. Hope you can join us.
Regent Seven Seas 3-Day Event
Sail Date Nights Itinerary Ship Fare OBC
Nov 12, 2011 - 16 Luxor to Barcelona Seven Seas Voyager $6,999 $500
Nov 28, 2011 - 21 Barcelona to Dubai Seven Seas Voyager $7,299 $350
Dec 16, 2011 - 11 Roundtrip Ft. Lauderdale Seven Seas Mariner $4,599 $200
Jan 6, 2012 - 17 Singapore to Sydney Seven Seas Voyager $8,799 $350
Jan 20, 2012 - 24 Lima to Buenos Aires Seven Seas Mariner $14,199 $500
Jan 23, 2012 - 15 Sydney to Auckland Seven Seas Voyager $9,599 $500
Feb 7, 2012 - 15 Auckland to Sydney Seven Seas Voyager $9,599 $500
Apr 2, 2012 - 10 Barcelona to Istanbul Seven Seas Mariner $3,599 $200
Apr 12, 2012 - 7 Istanbul to Rome Seven Seas Mariner $2,299 $200
Apr 16, 2012 - 7 Athens to Istanbul Seven Seas Voyager $2,299 $200
Apr 23, 2012 - 7 Monte Carlo to Barcelona Seven Seas Mariner $2,799 $200
Apr 23, 2012 - 10 Istanbul to Venice Seven Seas Voyager $4,099 $200
Apr 30, 2012 - 10 Barcelona to Istanbul Seven Seas Mariner $3,999 $200
All rates include; complimentary Unlimited Shore Excursions in all ports of call, complimentary beverages throughout the ship, Complimentary in-suite mini bar replenished daily, complimentary 24-hour room service, No additional charge for specialty restaurants and No gratuities required. Just mention the "3-Day Event" at time of booking to apply the shipboard credit.
Norwegian’s New Ships Named Norwegian Breakaway and Norwegian Getaway
Norwegian Cruise Line has selected the final names for our two new ships: Norwegian Breakaway, Launching in April 2013, and Norwegian Getaway, Launching in 2014.
Breakaway is defined as "a departure or break from routine or tradition" and Getaway is defined as "a place where one escapes for relaxation, vacation, etc."
October-December Room-Only Offer at the Disneyland Resort
Now, you can save up to 30%* on a stay at one of the Hotels of the Disneyland Resort, for arrivals most nights Oct. 2 – Dec. 24, 2011.
Offer Details:
Save up to 30%* off a room-only reservation at Disney’s Paradise Pier Hotel
Save up to 25%* off a room-only reservation at the Disneyland Hotel or Disney’s Grand California Hotel & Spa. Please note that this offer is not available for travel Nov. 23-25, 2011, and travel on this offer must be completed by Dec. 25, 2011.
Booking & Travel Windows:
Book this offer Sept. 13 – Oct. 15, 2011, for a broader selection of travel dates, with arrivals most nights Oct. 2 – Dec. 24, 2011.
Book this offer Oct. 16 – Dec. 10, 2011, for arrivals most nights Nov. 1 – Dec. 24, 2011.
YOU ARE INVITED ON A
CRUISE WITH MARY
12 Night Mediterranean Venice Cruise
Onboard Royal Caribbean Serenade of the Seas
October 15 – 27, 2012
Do you love the unbridled romance of Italy? Then, savor a late afternoon in Venice's magnificent St. Mark's Square, which Napoleon once called "Europe's greatest drawing room." Or behold the breathtaking views of the Bay of Naples from cliff-top, pastel-colored Positano, where our ships often spend the night. If you're a Francophile, bask in the glamour of Monaco on the sun-splashed French Riviera, wander Provence's genteel countryside, and shop for timeless treasures in Bonifacio, Corsica's famed "antique city". The Mediterranean unleashes a land of gems ready to be discovered.
15 Oct 12 (Mon) Barcelona, Spain -- 1700
16 Oct 12 (Tue) Cannes, France 0900 1800
17 Oct 12 (Wed) Livorno, Italy 0700 1900
18 Oct 12 (Thu) Civitavecchia (for Rome), Italy 0700 1900
19 Oct 12 (Fri) Naples, Italy 0700 1830
20 Oct 12 (Sat) At Sea -- --
21 Oct 12 (Sun) Venice, Italy 1400 --
22 Oct 12 (Mon) Venice, Italy -- 2030
23 Oct 12 (Tue) Ravenna, Italy 0700 1800
24 Oct 12 (Wed) Split, Croatia 0700 1700
25 Oct 12 (Thu) At Sea -- --
26 Oct 12 (Fri) At Sea -- --
27 Oct 12 (Sat) Barcelona, Spain 0600 --
• Royal Caribbean International reserves the right to impose a fuel supplement on all guests if the price of West Texas Intermediate fuel exceeds $65.00 per barrel. The fuel supplement for 1st and 2nd guests would be no more than $10 per guest per day, to a maximum of $140 per cruise; and for additional guests would be no more than $5 per person per day, to a maximum of $70 per cruise.
* Prices are per person, based on double occupancy, for cruise only on select sailings and stateroom categories. Government taxes and fees are additional. For new reservations only. Subject to availability. Certain restrictions apply. May not be combinable with any other promotion and may be withdrawn at any time. "Deals" pricing reflects the special rate(s) you may be eligible for. Proof of eligibility required. If eligibility cannot be validated, you will be charged the standard rate or denied boarding. All prices are quoted in US Dollars. All itineraries and prices are subject to change without notice. Ships' Registry: Bahamas. © 2010 Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Jr. Suite $2,813.52 per person (based on availability)
Balcony $1,963.52 per person
Oceanview $1,633.52 per person
Inside $1,333.52 per person
Insurance is highly recommended. Airfare from LAX is available for an optional cost of $1,270.60
$900 per cabin deposit due at time of booking
Final Payment due July 1, 2012
Providing Better Customer Service
Is there a particular Royal Caribbean or Celebrity cruise that you have your eyes on? If so, I will be escorting a group on Royal Caribbean October 1-9, 2011 and can book it onboard for you. Great way for your booking will qualify for onboard credit.
Thought for the Month
There are no foreign lands. It is only the traveler who is foreign – Robert Louis Stevenson
Wishing you a great weekend
Mary Engram, Your Personal Travel Consultant
Friday, September 9, 2011
Sept 9 Cruise Notes from Mary
Cruise Notes from Mary
Mary Engram, CTA/MCC Travel Consultant
September 9, 2011
Happy Friday Everyone
People mover at Miami's airport set to open
The MIA Mover, an elevated train opening Sept. 9 at Miami Airport, will transport passengers between the airport and the rental-car center. The MIA Mover, which can carry 3,000 passengers per hour, will replace shuttle-bus service between the airport and the rental-car center. Travelers renting a car will take moving walkways on the terminal’s third level to the MIA Mover’s airport station and board one of eight train cars to the rental car facility.
Royal Caribbean’s 2012 Asia cruises deployment schedule for Voyager of the Seas
The ship’s inaugural Asia season will start on May 26, 2012, in Singapore, followed by sailings from Shanghai (Baoshan) and Tianjin in China.
Voyager of the Seas will offer vacationers a wide range of short cruises – three-, four-, five- seven- and eight-night itineraries in Asia – to longer, 14- to 18-night cruises in the South Pacific to New Zealand and Australia.
Voyager of the Seas will start its Asia 2012 season with a sailing from Singapore, followed by itineraries out of Shanghai (Baoshan) and Tianjin, to ports including Fukuoka and Kobe in Japan, and Busan and Jeju in Korea until October. Voyager of the Seas will begin 14-night sailings from Sydney, Australia on Nov. 24, 2012, to ports in Australia and New Zealand, while itineraries in early 2013 will include stops in Tasmania and the South Pacific.
Cruises will include the seven-night “Pearls of the Orient” and “Jewels of Asia” sailings, calling at various destinations in Japan and South Korea. Vacationers also can choose a repositioning cruise aboard Voyager of the Seas from Singapore to Fremantle, Australia, departing October 22, 2012, and returning on March 9, 2013. Voyager of the Seas will reposition to begin its winter season from Sydney on November 5, 2012.
Royal Caribbean Set to Charter Legend of the Seas to Chinese Group
Royal Caribbean will charter Legend of the Seas to the Xiamen municipal government and China World Cruises (CWC) for four months in 2012. During the four-month charter, Royal Caribbean will operate and market 21 three- to eight-night sailings from Xiamen, as well as Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong, to ports of call in Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan and Korea. The inaugural five-night charter sailing will depart from Hong Kong on March 20, while the first departure of guests from Xiamen will be on March 26.
NORWEGIAN UNVEILS MORE PROJECT BREAKAWAY STATEROOMS
Norwegian Cruise Line announces the balance of stateroom designs for Project Breakaway. Each of the 144,017 gross ton vessels will have approximately 4,000 passenger berths including Studio, Spa Balcony, Spa Mini-Suite, Oceanview, Family Mini-Suite, and Inside staterooms.
The ships will have 59 Studios on each ship which are specifically designed and priced for the solo traveler. These rooms also have private keycard access to the Studio complex and exclusive two-story Studio Lounge with a bar.
The ships will also have 28 Spa Baclony and 20 Spa Mini-Suite staterooms featuring tranquil spa décor and have easy access to the adjacent spa and fitness center, as well as complimentary access to the Thermal Spa Suite during operating hours.
The Family Mini-Suites will feature all the attributes of the Mini-Suite and are located in close proximity to the children's facilities, making it convenient and easy for families.
Each Ship will have 158 Oceanview staterooms. There are approximately 42 Family Oceanviews that sleep up to five guests and have a bathroom similar to the Mini-Suite and a modern double sink, bath tub and a second wardrobe for added storage.
There will be 449 Inside staterooms that feature two lower beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed. Many are connecting and sleep up to four guests. They are located on various decks throughout the ship and some are adjacent to the children's facilities.
Passenger Services Act (PSA) – Incorrectly referred to as the ‘Jones Act”
Many times guests want to link back-to-back cruises and may wonder why this is prohibited in some cases. Here is some interesting information about a law that restricts the combination of some cruises. Please note that the "Jones Act" governs cargo, not passengers.
The Passenger Services Act (often inaccurately/incorrectly referred to as the "Jones Act") prohibits ships of non-U.S. registry from embarking and disembarking passengers at two different U.S. ports. Such travel would constitute point-to-point transportation between two U.S. ports, a practice prohibited on foreign flagged vessels.
An exception to this general rule allows passengers to be transported between two U.S. ports if the cruise itinerary includes a port call at a "distant foreign port". Distant foreign ports do NOT include Canada, Mexico, Central America, Bermuda and most Caribbean islands. South America and the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) do qualify as distant foreign ports.
Deals of the Week
Celebrity Cruises - Experience Modern Luxury with Exclusive Extras
Book an Oceanview stateroom or above between September 12 – 18, 2011 on one of many select 2011 and 2012 Celebrity Cruises® voyages and receive up to $100 Onboard Credit plus an Onboard Value booklet with $350 of onboard savings, compliments of your Virtuoso® travel advisor. Plus, suite guests enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine on select sailings!
BONUS OFFER: Book a Veranda or above stateroom between September 12 - 18 on any 2011 sailing and enjoy complimentary specialty dining for two!
Specialty dining for two is available for veranda staterooms and above on any sail date in Q4 2011. The specialty dining credit will be available to guests once onboard. Credit cannot be used to pre-book specialty dining reservations prior to boarding the ship. Onboard Credit offer is in U.S. dollars and is not redeemable for cash. This offer is not transferable. Offers are only valid for new individual (FIT) bookings, made September 12 - 18, 2011 and are not combinable with any other offers, excluding Reduced Deposit. All unrestricted and select restricted promos (Reduced Air AR**, Resident RES, Seniors SRS, Military, Police & Firefighter, Outside special or gty, Balcony special or gty) can be combined with this program offer. Offers cannot be applied to deep discount promos, off-tariff price promos, or agency phone # driven promos. Offers also cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. OFFERS DO NOT APPLY TO INSIDE STATEROOMS. Offer is applicable to Ocean View staterooms and above. Singles paying 200% are entitled to full face value. Bottle of wine is applicable only to suite bookings and will be combined with the featured onboard credit offer. No redemption form is needed. Onboard Credits will be applied by Celebrity Cruises to those applicable bookings prior to sailing. Onboard Value Booklets will be mailed to agency for distribution prior to sailing. ©2011 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships registry: Malta and Ecuador. Fares, schedules, Virtuoso exclusives, events and amenities are subject to availability and blackout dates and may change without notice. Restrictions may apply. See your Virtuoso travel advisor for more details and applicable restrictions. Virtuoso is not responsible for any errors in pricing. The trademarks VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo and SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. Virtuoso, Ltd. has a U.S. copyright registration for the Globe Swirl Logo, ©2000. All rights reserved. Virtuoso CST#2069091-50 351184 09/11
Island Princess - Pacific Coastal - 4-day - September 21, 2011
Inside from $199 – Outside from $299 - Balcony from $449 – Mini-Suite from $549
Sapphire Princess - Mexican Riviera - 7-day - November 19, 2011
Inside from – Outside from $599 – Balcony from $649 – Mini-Suite from $899 -
January 15-22, 2012 – Smooth Jazz Cruise 2012 ... Everyone Will Be There – 95% sold out
David Sanborn Marcus Miller Jonathan Butler
Gerald Albright Candy Dulfer Boney James
Alonzo Bodden Larry Braggs Rick Braun
Brian Culbertson Eric Darius DW3
Jeff Golub Euge Groove Rahsaan Patterson
Patrice Rushen Joe Sample Brian Simpson
Kirk Whalum Peter White Ellis Hall
Chance Howard Tom Braxton Andre Berry
Randy Jacobs Nate Phillips Ron Reinhardt
Dwight Sills Patches Stewart Jay Williams
Ramon Yslas Selina Albright Jodie Butler
Randy Butler Dane Butcher Pat Prescott
Thought for the Month
I recently returned from a trip to Alaska. Although I’ve done two previous cruises, this was my first trip that included Fairbanks, Alaska. I hope this little story explains why I love to travel.
Our flight out of Fairbanks did not leave until 10:20 pm so we had the whole day without a car to explore the city. We decided to do the Riverboat Discovery tour which I highly recommend. As we were walking through the village, we heard someone behind us say “I’m trying to catch up with this lovely couple” and that chance meeting shaped our experience in Fairbanks. We introduced each other and before I knew it, 4 enjoyable hours had flown by. During this time, I learned the following:
• They had been married for over 45 years
• They had lived in Fairbanks for over 40 years
• They came to Fairbanks when the husband got a job on the Alaska pipeline
• They had a garden that the moose liked to raid, although the wife did not like to cook
• Although the wife had a larger fish mounted on the wall, the husband actually won money for the fish he had mounted
• They took us to the North Pole and Salmon Bake for dinner (yes we got in the car with a couple who showed us their guns and let Bill hold a bow and arrow used to hunt caribou.
Although we only knew this lovely couple for less than 5 hours, we had a wonderful time with them and our visit was the highlight of our trip to Alaska. You can SEE every destination in the world, but you can not EXPIERENCE the destination until you meet the people..
Wishing you a great weekend
Love and Hugs
Mary Engram
Your Personal Travel Consultant
Like my Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/MaryEngramTravelConsultant
Mary Engram, CTA/MCC Travel Consultant
September 9, 2011
Happy Friday Everyone
People mover at Miami's airport set to open
The MIA Mover, an elevated train opening Sept. 9 at Miami Airport, will transport passengers between the airport and the rental-car center. The MIA Mover, which can carry 3,000 passengers per hour, will replace shuttle-bus service between the airport and the rental-car center. Travelers renting a car will take moving walkways on the terminal’s third level to the MIA Mover’s airport station and board one of eight train cars to the rental car facility.
Royal Caribbean’s 2012 Asia cruises deployment schedule for Voyager of the Seas
The ship’s inaugural Asia season will start on May 26, 2012, in Singapore, followed by sailings from Shanghai (Baoshan) and Tianjin in China.
Voyager of the Seas will offer vacationers a wide range of short cruises – three-, four-, five- seven- and eight-night itineraries in Asia – to longer, 14- to 18-night cruises in the South Pacific to New Zealand and Australia.
Voyager of the Seas will start its Asia 2012 season with a sailing from Singapore, followed by itineraries out of Shanghai (Baoshan) and Tianjin, to ports including Fukuoka and Kobe in Japan, and Busan and Jeju in Korea until October. Voyager of the Seas will begin 14-night sailings from Sydney, Australia on Nov. 24, 2012, to ports in Australia and New Zealand, while itineraries in early 2013 will include stops in Tasmania and the South Pacific.
Cruises will include the seven-night “Pearls of the Orient” and “Jewels of Asia” sailings, calling at various destinations in Japan and South Korea. Vacationers also can choose a repositioning cruise aboard Voyager of the Seas from Singapore to Fremantle, Australia, departing October 22, 2012, and returning on March 9, 2013. Voyager of the Seas will reposition to begin its winter season from Sydney on November 5, 2012.
Royal Caribbean Set to Charter Legend of the Seas to Chinese Group
Royal Caribbean will charter Legend of the Seas to the Xiamen municipal government and China World Cruises (CWC) for four months in 2012. During the four-month charter, Royal Caribbean will operate and market 21 three- to eight-night sailings from Xiamen, as well as Shanghai, Tianjin and Hong Kong, to ports of call in Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan and Korea. The inaugural five-night charter sailing will depart from Hong Kong on March 20, while the first departure of guests from Xiamen will be on March 26.
NORWEGIAN UNVEILS MORE PROJECT BREAKAWAY STATEROOMS
Norwegian Cruise Line announces the balance of stateroom designs for Project Breakaway. Each of the 144,017 gross ton vessels will have approximately 4,000 passenger berths including Studio, Spa Balcony, Spa Mini-Suite, Oceanview, Family Mini-Suite, and Inside staterooms.
The ships will have 59 Studios on each ship which are specifically designed and priced for the solo traveler. These rooms also have private keycard access to the Studio complex and exclusive two-story Studio Lounge with a bar.
The ships will also have 28 Spa Baclony and 20 Spa Mini-Suite staterooms featuring tranquil spa décor and have easy access to the adjacent spa and fitness center, as well as complimentary access to the Thermal Spa Suite during operating hours.
The Family Mini-Suites will feature all the attributes of the Mini-Suite and are located in close proximity to the children's facilities, making it convenient and easy for families.
Each Ship will have 158 Oceanview staterooms. There are approximately 42 Family Oceanviews that sleep up to five guests and have a bathroom similar to the Mini-Suite and a modern double sink, bath tub and a second wardrobe for added storage.
There will be 449 Inside staterooms that feature two lower beds that can be converted to a queen-size bed. Many are connecting and sleep up to four guests. They are located on various decks throughout the ship and some are adjacent to the children's facilities.
Passenger Services Act (PSA) – Incorrectly referred to as the ‘Jones Act”
Many times guests want to link back-to-back cruises and may wonder why this is prohibited in some cases. Here is some interesting information about a law that restricts the combination of some cruises. Please note that the "Jones Act" governs cargo, not passengers.
The Passenger Services Act (often inaccurately/incorrectly referred to as the "Jones Act") prohibits ships of non-U.S. registry from embarking and disembarking passengers at two different U.S. ports. Such travel would constitute point-to-point transportation between two U.S. ports, a practice prohibited on foreign flagged vessels.
An exception to this general rule allows passengers to be transported between two U.S. ports if the cruise itinerary includes a port call at a "distant foreign port". Distant foreign ports do NOT include Canada, Mexico, Central America, Bermuda and most Caribbean islands. South America and the ABC islands (Aruba, Bonaire, Curacao) do qualify as distant foreign ports.
Deals of the Week
Celebrity Cruises - Experience Modern Luxury with Exclusive Extras
Book an Oceanview stateroom or above between September 12 – 18, 2011 on one of many select 2011 and 2012 Celebrity Cruises® voyages and receive up to $100 Onboard Credit plus an Onboard Value booklet with $350 of onboard savings, compliments of your Virtuoso® travel advisor. Plus, suite guests enjoy a complimentary bottle of wine on select sailings!
BONUS OFFER: Book a Veranda or above stateroom between September 12 - 18 on any 2011 sailing and enjoy complimentary specialty dining for two!
Specialty dining for two is available for veranda staterooms and above on any sail date in Q4 2011. The specialty dining credit will be available to guests once onboard. Credit cannot be used to pre-book specialty dining reservations prior to boarding the ship. Onboard Credit offer is in U.S. dollars and is not redeemable for cash. This offer is not transferable. Offers are only valid for new individual (FIT) bookings, made September 12 - 18, 2011 and are not combinable with any other offers, excluding Reduced Deposit. All unrestricted and select restricted promos (Reduced Air AR**, Resident RES, Seniors SRS, Military, Police & Firefighter, Outside special or gty, Balcony special or gty) can be combined with this program offer. Offers cannot be applied to deep discount promos, off-tariff price promos, or agency phone # driven promos. Offers also cannot be combined with other offers or promotions. OFFERS DO NOT APPLY TO INSIDE STATEROOMS. Offer is applicable to Ocean View staterooms and above. Singles paying 200% are entitled to full face value. Bottle of wine is applicable only to suite bookings and will be combined with the featured onboard credit offer. No redemption form is needed. Onboard Credits will be applied by Celebrity Cruises to those applicable bookings prior to sailing. Onboard Value Booklets will be mailed to agency for distribution prior to sailing. ©2011 Celebrity Cruises Inc. Ships registry: Malta and Ecuador. Fares, schedules, Virtuoso exclusives, events and amenities are subject to availability and blackout dates and may change without notice. Restrictions may apply. See your Virtuoso travel advisor for more details and applicable restrictions. Virtuoso is not responsible for any errors in pricing. The trademarks VIRTUOSO, the Globe Swirl Logo and SPECIALISTS IN THE ART OF TRAVEL are registered trademarks of Virtuoso, Ltd. Virtuoso, Ltd. has a U.S. copyright registration for the Globe Swirl Logo, ©2000. All rights reserved. Virtuoso CST#2069091-50 351184 09/11
Island Princess - Pacific Coastal - 4-day - September 21, 2011
Inside from $199 – Outside from $299 - Balcony from $449 – Mini-Suite from $549
Sapphire Princess - Mexican Riviera - 7-day - November 19, 2011
Inside from – Outside from $599 – Balcony from $649 – Mini-Suite from $899 -
January 15-22, 2012 – Smooth Jazz Cruise 2012 ... Everyone Will Be There – 95% sold out
David Sanborn Marcus Miller Jonathan Butler
Gerald Albright Candy Dulfer Boney James
Alonzo Bodden Larry Braggs Rick Braun
Brian Culbertson Eric Darius DW3
Jeff Golub Euge Groove Rahsaan Patterson
Patrice Rushen Joe Sample Brian Simpson
Kirk Whalum Peter White Ellis Hall
Chance Howard Tom Braxton Andre Berry
Randy Jacobs Nate Phillips Ron Reinhardt
Dwight Sills Patches Stewart Jay Williams
Ramon Yslas Selina Albright Jodie Butler
Randy Butler Dane Butcher Pat Prescott
Thought for the Month
I recently returned from a trip to Alaska. Although I’ve done two previous cruises, this was my first trip that included Fairbanks, Alaska. I hope this little story explains why I love to travel.
Our flight out of Fairbanks did not leave until 10:20 pm so we had the whole day without a car to explore the city. We decided to do the Riverboat Discovery tour which I highly recommend. As we were walking through the village, we heard someone behind us say “I’m trying to catch up with this lovely couple” and that chance meeting shaped our experience in Fairbanks. We introduced each other and before I knew it, 4 enjoyable hours had flown by. During this time, I learned the following:
• They had been married for over 45 years
• They had lived in Fairbanks for over 40 years
• They came to Fairbanks when the husband got a job on the Alaska pipeline
• They had a garden that the moose liked to raid, although the wife did not like to cook
• Although the wife had a larger fish mounted on the wall, the husband actually won money for the fish he had mounted
• They took us to the North Pole and Salmon Bake for dinner (yes we got in the car with a couple who showed us their guns and let Bill hold a bow and arrow used to hunt caribou.
Although we only knew this lovely couple for less than 5 hours, we had a wonderful time with them and our visit was the highlight of our trip to Alaska. You can SEE every destination in the world, but you can not EXPIERENCE the destination until you meet the people..
Wishing you a great weekend
Love and Hugs
Mary Engram
Your Personal Travel Consultant
Like my Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/MaryEngramTravelConsultant
Friday, August 26, 2011
August 26, 2011 - Cruise Notes from Mary
Cruise Notes from Mary
Mary Engram, CTA/MCC Travel Consultant
August 26, 2011
Happy Friday Everyone
Carnival building a cruise port in Dominican Republic
Carnival Corp. will finance and build a $65 million cruise port on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, just west of Puerto Plata
Royal Caribbean, Universal will offer Tampa, Fla., cruises
Royal Caribbean and Universal Orlando have expanded their two-year old deal to offer cruises out of Tampa, Fla. The companies, which are trying to compete with Disney's family cruises, will start selling packages that include accommodations at Universal and cruises on Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas
Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane-related Travel Insurance
Q - When do I need to buy travel insurance for my trip to be protected against a hurricane?
A Travel Insured plan must be purchased not later than the day before a tropical storm or hurricane is identified and named by the U.S. National Weather Service in order for the insured trip to be protected against that storm and the effects of its resulting weather pattern. Once named, the storm is no longer "unforeseen" as required for coverage.
Q - What are the covered reasons for Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption that can be caused by a hurricane?
All of Travel Insured's plans under the Worldwide Trip Protector brand umbrella can provide Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption coverage when:
• Weather causes complete cessation of common carrier services for at least 24 consecutive hours.
• The traveler's primary residence is made uninhabitable by hurricane, flood or other natural disaster.
• The destination accommodations are made uninhabitable by hurricane, flood or other natural disaster.
Additionally, Travel Insured's Worldwide Trip Protector plan and Worldwide Trip Protector Gold plan can provide Trip Interruption coverage when:
• Mandatory evacuation is ordered by local authorities in the destination due to a natural disaster or hurricane. There must be 50 percent or less of the total trip length remaining after the evacuation ends for Trip Cancellation coverage to apply.
• When the insured's arrival at the destination is delayed and causes the loss of 50 percent or more of the scheduled trip duration due to reasons covered by the Trip Delay benefit (described below).
Q - What are the covered reasons for Trip Delay that can be caused by a hurricane?
All Travel Insured's plans under the Worldwide Trip Protector brand umbrella can provide Trip Delay coverage when:
• A weather-caused delay of the insured's common carrier occurs for either six or more hours, or for 12 or more hours, depending upon the specific plan selected.
• A delay is caused by a documented traffic accident when the insured or his or her travel companion was en route to a departure, whether they are directly or not directly involved.
Q - Is any coverage provided when the cruise line or tour operator changes my travel itinerary due to a hurricane?
Yes. Travel Insured's Worldwide Trip Protector and Worldwide Trip Protector Gold plans include a coverage called Change of Itinerary / Missed Port of Call. It can provide coverage when the insured passenger who prepays for a non-refundable shore activity in a cruise port of call, or a scheduled non-refundable stop on a tour, misses the prepaid activity due to a change of itinerary. The passenger can be reimbursed up to $300 with the Worldwide Trip Protector plan, or up to $750 with the Worldwide Trip Protector Gold plan, unless the missed activity is rescheduled during the course of the trip.
Q - Is any coverage provided when a common carrier travel delay due to a hurricane causes me to miss my scheduled cruise or tour departure?
Yes. Missed connection coverage is included in several plans. The Worldwide Trip Protector and Worldwide Trip Protector Gold plans can provide coverage when as a result of a common carrier delay of three or more hours due to weather the insured traveler misses his or her cruise or tour departure. The same coverage in the Trip Protector Lite Expanded plan can apply for a common carrier delay of six or more hours due to weather causes the missed departure. Each plan, up to the maximum plan-specific limits, reimburses costs to rejoin the trip as well as meal and accommodation expenses, and non-refundable payments for the unused portion of the tour or cruise.
Q - When is the Cancel for Any Reason upgrade a good option to buy for hurricane-related coverage?
Cancel for Any Reason coverage is a good option for travelers to buy who want the ability to cancel their vacation when a hurricane is threatening, but not yet arrived, at their travel destination. It is also valuable for those who want the ability to cancel their travel in adverse weather conditions even when their common carrier is able to transport them to their destinations. These reasons, not covered within the standard Travel Insured policies, are covered with the Cancel for Any Reason option
Thought for the Month – Mary Engram is out of the Office
I will out of the office August 26 - September 6 doing a training seminar with Celebrity Cruises. So during that time I will only be checking emails twice a day. So even when I am on vacation, I am not on vacation because I have to attend mandatory training session to maintain by cruise certification.
Wishing you a great weekend
Mary Engram,
Your Personal Travel Consultant
Like my Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/MaryEngramTravelConsultant
Mary Engram, CTA/MCC Travel Consultant
August 26, 2011
Happy Friday Everyone
Carnival building a cruise port in Dominican Republic
Carnival Corp. will finance and build a $65 million cruise port on the north coast of the Dominican Republic, just west of Puerto Plata
Royal Caribbean, Universal will offer Tampa, Fla., cruises
Royal Caribbean and Universal Orlando have expanded their two-year old deal to offer cruises out of Tampa, Fla. The companies, which are trying to compete with Disney's family cruises, will start selling packages that include accommodations at Universal and cruises on Royal Caribbean's Jewel of the Seas
Frequently Asked Questions About Hurricane-related Travel Insurance
Q - When do I need to buy travel insurance for my trip to be protected against a hurricane?
A Travel Insured plan must be purchased not later than the day before a tropical storm or hurricane is identified and named by the U.S. National Weather Service in order for the insured trip to be protected against that storm and the effects of its resulting weather pattern. Once named, the storm is no longer "unforeseen" as required for coverage.
Q - What are the covered reasons for Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption that can be caused by a hurricane?
All of Travel Insured's plans under the Worldwide Trip Protector brand umbrella can provide Trip Cancellation or Trip Interruption coverage when:
• Weather causes complete cessation of common carrier services for at least 24 consecutive hours.
• The traveler's primary residence is made uninhabitable by hurricane, flood or other natural disaster.
• The destination accommodations are made uninhabitable by hurricane, flood or other natural disaster.
Additionally, Travel Insured's Worldwide Trip Protector plan and Worldwide Trip Protector Gold plan can provide Trip Interruption coverage when:
• Mandatory evacuation is ordered by local authorities in the destination due to a natural disaster or hurricane. There must be 50 percent or less of the total trip length remaining after the evacuation ends for Trip Cancellation coverage to apply.
• When the insured's arrival at the destination is delayed and causes the loss of 50 percent or more of the scheduled trip duration due to reasons covered by the Trip Delay benefit (described below).
Q - What are the covered reasons for Trip Delay that can be caused by a hurricane?
All Travel Insured's plans under the Worldwide Trip Protector brand umbrella can provide Trip Delay coverage when:
• A weather-caused delay of the insured's common carrier occurs for either six or more hours, or for 12 or more hours, depending upon the specific plan selected.
• A delay is caused by a documented traffic accident when the insured or his or her travel companion was en route to a departure, whether they are directly or not directly involved.
Q - Is any coverage provided when the cruise line or tour operator changes my travel itinerary due to a hurricane?
Yes. Travel Insured's Worldwide Trip Protector and Worldwide Trip Protector Gold plans include a coverage called Change of Itinerary / Missed Port of Call. It can provide coverage when the insured passenger who prepays for a non-refundable shore activity in a cruise port of call, or a scheduled non-refundable stop on a tour, misses the prepaid activity due to a change of itinerary. The passenger can be reimbursed up to $300 with the Worldwide Trip Protector plan, or up to $750 with the Worldwide Trip Protector Gold plan, unless the missed activity is rescheduled during the course of the trip.
Q - Is any coverage provided when a common carrier travel delay due to a hurricane causes me to miss my scheduled cruise or tour departure?
Yes. Missed connection coverage is included in several plans. The Worldwide Trip Protector and Worldwide Trip Protector Gold plans can provide coverage when as a result of a common carrier delay of three or more hours due to weather the insured traveler misses his or her cruise or tour departure. The same coverage in the Trip Protector Lite Expanded plan can apply for a common carrier delay of six or more hours due to weather causes the missed departure. Each plan, up to the maximum plan-specific limits, reimburses costs to rejoin the trip as well as meal and accommodation expenses, and non-refundable payments for the unused portion of the tour or cruise.
Q - When is the Cancel for Any Reason upgrade a good option to buy for hurricane-related coverage?
Cancel for Any Reason coverage is a good option for travelers to buy who want the ability to cancel their vacation when a hurricane is threatening, but not yet arrived, at their travel destination. It is also valuable for those who want the ability to cancel their travel in adverse weather conditions even when their common carrier is able to transport them to their destinations. These reasons, not covered within the standard Travel Insured policies, are covered with the Cancel for Any Reason option
Thought for the Month – Mary Engram is out of the Office
I will out of the office August 26 - September 6 doing a training seminar with Celebrity Cruises. So during that time I will only be checking emails twice a day. So even when I am on vacation, I am not on vacation because I have to attend mandatory training session to maintain by cruise certification.
Wishing you a great weekend
Mary Engram,
Your Personal Travel Consultant
Like my Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/MaryEngramTravelConsultant
Friday, August 19, 2011
August 19 - Cruise Note from Mary
Cruise Notes from Mary
Mary Engram, CTA/MCC Travel Consultant
August 19, 2011
Happy Friday Everyone
Mandatory Documents Needed to Go On a Cruise
Passport or
Original birth certificate or
Certified copy of birth certificate
Visa, if applicable
Failure to provide proper documentation may result in refusal of entry onto the ship. In addition, a valid passport must expire no less than 6 month from the date of debarkation
Visa for Panama Canal Cruise
U.S. citizens transiting the Panama Canal as passengers, regardless of their intention to disembark from the ship or not do not need to obtain visas, or pay any fees. For more information visit this website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_994.html
Ask me about the February 3, 2012 Panama Canal cruise sailing from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego. I have some great prices, but cabin availability is limited.
Effective Aug. 28, 2011 a Tourist Tax applies to all visitors staying in Venice.
Hotel guests are required to pay the tax directly to the hotel. The charges must be paid directly by the guest and cannot be "covered" or pre-paid by the tour operator.
The tax does not apply to children 9 and younger and the maximum number of taxed nights per stay is 5. Children 10 - 16 receive a 50% discount. The amount of tax varies according to the category of hotel along with some other parameters.
Cash Accounts on Cruise Ships
If you set up a cash account, it is your responsibility to monitor the remaining balance as the cruise line may not send you notification until the morning of debarkation. As a general rule, regardless of whether you set up a cash or credit card account, it is a good idea to check your account balance every couple of days to resolve errors when they occur.
12 days Europe Mediterranean cruise sailing Oct 15, 2012, $900 deposit
For full details on this vacation highlight the blue text, click Ctrl key, and re-click the blue text:
12 days Europe Mediterranean cruise sailing Oct 15, 2012.
UPDATE- The good cabins are beginning to sell out. Secure your space with a $900 per cabin deposit by September 9, 2011. In addition, ask me about cruise air from your particular airport.
January 15-22, 2012 – The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2012 ... Everyone Will Be There
Join Bill and I on this cruise. We went last year and in one word “FANTASTIC”. There is a reason why The Smooth Jazz Cruise has been dubbed "The Greatest Party at Sea."
Where else in this world can you see these stars, all on the same stage: Attached is a link (http://youtu.be/7naZfuzyMAo) to a video to give you an idea of the entertainment included.
David Sanborn Marcus Miller Jonathan Butler
Gerald Albright Candy Dulfer Boney James
Alonzo Bodden Larry Braggs Rick Braun
Brian Culbertson Eric Darius DW3
Jeff Golub Euge Groove Rahsaan Patterson
Patrice Rushen Joe Sample Brian Simpson
Kirk Whalum Peter White Ellis Hall
Chance Howard Tom Braxton Andre Berry
Randy Jacobs Nate Phillips Ron Reinhardt
Dwight Sills Patches Stewart Jay Williams
Ramon Yslas Selina Albright Jodie Butler
Randy Butler Dane Butcher Pat Prescott
This is an unprecedented list of A-list artists and top-drawer musicians and singers. And they are each on the ship for multiple performances, personal meet-and-greets and other activities! Hope you will join Bill and I onboard Holland America Ms. Westerdam
Thought for the Month
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." - Innocents Abroad
Wishing you a great weekend
Mary Engram,
Your Personal Travel Consultant
Like my Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/MaryEngramTravelConsultant
Mary Engram, CTA/MCC Travel Consultant
August 19, 2011
Happy Friday Everyone
Mandatory Documents Needed to Go On a Cruise
Passport or
Original birth certificate or
Certified copy of birth certificate
Visa, if applicable
Failure to provide proper documentation may result in refusal of entry onto the ship. In addition, a valid passport must expire no less than 6 month from the date of debarkation
Visa for Panama Canal Cruise
U.S. citizens transiting the Panama Canal as passengers, regardless of their intention to disembark from the ship or not do not need to obtain visas, or pay any fees. For more information visit this website: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_994.html
Ask me about the February 3, 2012 Panama Canal cruise sailing from Fort Lauderdale to San Diego. I have some great prices, but cabin availability is limited.
Effective Aug. 28, 2011 a Tourist Tax applies to all visitors staying in Venice.
Hotel guests are required to pay the tax directly to the hotel. The charges must be paid directly by the guest and cannot be "covered" or pre-paid by the tour operator.
The tax does not apply to children 9 and younger and the maximum number of taxed nights per stay is 5. Children 10 - 16 receive a 50% discount. The amount of tax varies according to the category of hotel along with some other parameters.
Cash Accounts on Cruise Ships
If you set up a cash account, it is your responsibility to monitor the remaining balance as the cruise line may not send you notification until the morning of debarkation. As a general rule, regardless of whether you set up a cash or credit card account, it is a good idea to check your account balance every couple of days to resolve errors when they occur.
12 days Europe Mediterranean cruise sailing Oct 15, 2012, $900 deposit
For full details on this vacation highlight the blue text, click Ctrl key, and re-click the blue text:
12 days Europe Mediterranean cruise sailing Oct 15, 2012.
UPDATE- The good cabins are beginning to sell out. Secure your space with a $900 per cabin deposit by September 9, 2011. In addition, ask me about cruise air from your particular airport.
January 15-22, 2012 – The Smooth Jazz Cruise 2012 ... Everyone Will Be There
Join Bill and I on this cruise. We went last year and in one word “FANTASTIC”. There is a reason why The Smooth Jazz Cruise has been dubbed "The Greatest Party at Sea."
Where else in this world can you see these stars, all on the same stage: Attached is a link (http://youtu.be/7naZfuzyMAo) to a video to give you an idea of the entertainment included.
David Sanborn Marcus Miller Jonathan Butler
Gerald Albright Candy Dulfer Boney James
Alonzo Bodden Larry Braggs Rick Braun
Brian Culbertson Eric Darius DW3
Jeff Golub Euge Groove Rahsaan Patterson
Patrice Rushen Joe Sample Brian Simpson
Kirk Whalum Peter White Ellis Hall
Chance Howard Tom Braxton Andre Berry
Randy Jacobs Nate Phillips Ron Reinhardt
Dwight Sills Patches Stewart Jay Williams
Ramon Yslas Selina Albright Jodie Butler
Randy Butler Dane Butcher Pat Prescott
This is an unprecedented list of A-list artists and top-drawer musicians and singers. And they are each on the ship for multiple performances, personal meet-and-greets and other activities! Hope you will join Bill and I onboard Holland America Ms. Westerdam
Thought for the Month
"Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow-mindedness, and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts. Broad, wholesome, charitable views of men and things cannot be acquired by vegetating in one little corner of the earth all one's lifetime." - Innocents Abroad
Wishing you a great weekend
Mary Engram,
Your Personal Travel Consultant
Like my Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/MaryEngramTravelConsultant
Friday, August 12, 2011
Aug 12, 2012 Cruise Notes from Mary
Cruise Notes from Mary
Mary Engram, CTA/MCC Travel Consultant
August 12, 2011
Happy Friday Everyone
Crystal Cruises is pleased to announce our 2013 Winter/Spring sailings are open for sale!
Fares for January through May cruises are now available online along with itinerary details, savings and amenities. Choose from 19 diverse itineraries ranging from 7- to 24-days in length visiting 109 ports across 42 countries.
Explore the exotic Amazon, sultry Rio de Janeiro and the wilds of Patagonia. Delight in the tranquil temples of Bali, Singapore’s botanic gardens, or Sydney’s Opera House and world-class harbor. Treat yourself to the legendary Crystal Experience on world-wide journeys to Australia & New Zealand, the Caribbean, South America, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and the Pacific Coast and you’ll discover that with Crystal Cruises, you've made the perfect choice.
Book by February 28, 2012 and you’ll receive up to $1,000 per person additional savings on every voyage! Enjoy World's Best combination of all-inclusive value and award-winning luxury:
• 2-for-1 Fares
• Free Air
• Free fine wines, premium spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
• Gratuities for housekeeping, bar, dining and Penthouse butler staff and so much more.
I just want to be sure you are aware of the Crystal cruises currently ON $ALE!
Caribbean - 10/25/2011 - 12 days - New York to Miami $2,995
Mediterranean - 10/17/2011 - 7 days - Monte Carlo to Athens $2,750
Mediterranean - 11/10/2011 - 6 days - Athens to Venice $2,195
Mediterranean - 11/16/2011 - 7 days - Venice to Rome $2,400
Holiday Pacific Coast - 11/20/2011 - 7 days - Round-trip Los Angeles $2,000
Pacific Coast - 12/4/2011 – 7 days - Round-trip Los Angeles $2,000
Mexican Riviera & Sea of Cortez - 12/11/2011 - 10 days - Round-trip Los Angeles $1,995* (FLAT RATE)
Holiday Hawaiian Islands - 12/21/2011 - 14 days - Round-trip Los Angeles $ 6,650
Azamara Club Cruises 50% off Land Discoveries in 2012
50% savings on 2012 Land Discoveries (LDS) is valid for full fare bookings on all 2012 voyages if pre-booked online at AzamaraClubCruises.com/LandDiscoveries, and is not available once onboard ship. LDS offers 50% savings on most Azamara Land Discoveries; but excludes tours including a flight and/or hotel, special ticketed events such as the Monaco Grand Prix, Rio Carnival, concerts and other ticketed performances, as well as private arrangements. Once guests have made at least one payment toward their voyage, Land Discoveries tours can be booked online beginning four months prior to each season. Booking number, ship name and sail date are required when booking online, and bookings can be made until 4 days prior to sailing date. LDS reservations accepted on a first come, first served basis, and are subject to availability. LDS is not available for chartered voyages . Cancellation penalties apply to Land Discoveries reservations cancelled less than 24 hours prior to day of shore excursion. This program is subject to change, and may be withdrawn at any time without prior written notice.
Celebrity raises prices for alternate dining
Celebrity Cruises is raising cover charges for dining in specialty restaurants, starting Sept. 1. The per-person price will rise from $35 to $40 at Murano, Qsine, and the Lawn Club Grill. According to Celebrity, any dining reservations made prior to Sept. 1 will remain at the current rate, unless changes to the reservations are made, in which case the new rates will apply.
Carnival Holiday Cash Back Sale
Carnival will be hosting a Holiday sale starting on August 8th thru August 21st, 2011 featuring up to $150 cash back per stateroom. Below please find additional details for the offer and advise if you have any questions or comments.
Offer: Up to $150 per stateroom cash back
3 & 4 day sailings: $25 per person, up to $50 per stateroom
5 day sailings: $50 per person, up to $100 per stateroom
6, 7, 8 & 9 day sailings: $75 per person, up to $150 per stateroom
Booking window: 8/8/11-8/21/11
Applicable Sailings: 12/18/11 – 12/31/11
Terms & Conditions
Cruise rates are in U.S. dollars, per person and based on double occupancy. No name changes allowed. Onboard credit offer is non-transferable. Onboard credit is provided as a refundable credit to your Sail & Sign account of $25 per person up to a maximum of $50 per stateroom for 3 and 4 day sailings, $50 per person up to a maximum of $100 per stateroom for 5 day sailings and $75 per person up to a maximum of $150 per stateroom for 6, 7, 8, and 9 day sailings. If your Sail & Sign account has a cash balance at the end of the cruise after all authorized purchases have been applied to the account, any remaining unused portion of the onboard credit will be delivered in check form to your stateroom on the morning of debarkation with your final Sail & Sign statement. Onboard credit may not be applied to cruise fare or government taxes and fees. Offer is capacity controlled and is not combinable with any other discount or promotional offer. Combinable with Fun Select rates only. Government taxes and fees are additional for all guests. Rates are subject to change at any time without prior notice. Category restrictions and exclusions apply. Minimum purchase of category 4A is required. Valid on new bookings. Offer is applicable to sailings between 12/18/11- 12/31/11. Must book between 8/8/11 and 8/21/11. Please request fare code OCB. Ships’ Registry: Panama
4 Things you might not have known about your Cell Phone
For all the folks with cell phones. One of my clients shared this with me and I got her permission to share it with you. I am not endorsing anything nor do I guarantee that it will work. Just sharing information so please take it as such.
There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies. Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival.
FIRST (Emergency)
The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an Emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked.
SECOND (Hidden Battery Power)
Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.
THIRD (How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone? )
To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following Digits on your phone: *#06#.
A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset.
If your phone is stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either.
FOURTH (Free Directory Service for Cells)
Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial:
(800) FREE411 or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all.
12 days Europe Mediterranean cruise sailing Oct 15, 2012, $900 deposit
Itinerary:Barcelona, Spain - Cannes, France - Livorno, Italy - Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy - Salerno, Italy - At Sea - Venice, Italy - Venice, Italy - Ravenna, Italy - Split, Croatia - At Sea - At Sea - Barcelona, Spain.
For full details on this vacation highlight the blue text, click Ctrl key, and re-click the blue text:
12 days Europe Mediterranean cruise sailing Oct 15, 2012.
UPDATE- The good cabins are beginning to sell out so need a deposit as soon as possible. In addition, ask me about cruise air from your particular airport.
February 3-6, 2012 – Super Bowl Cruise - Carnival Inspiration, roundtrip Long Beach
Arrive Depart
Friday, Feb 03 Los Angeles (Long Beach), CA 5:30pm
Saturday, Feb 04 Ensenada, Mexico 9:00am 6:00pm
Sunday, Feb 05 Fun Day at Sea
Monday, Feb 06 Los Angeles (Long Beach), CA 8:00am
UPDATE: Availability is very limited for the least expensive cabins. Also please remember that the Early Saver Rate is non-refundable and non-transferable rate and may no longer be available as the cruise is 6 months away. Also remember that the least expensive cabins sell out first and there is currently limited availability. I would recommend securing your cabin with a $100 per person deposit as soon as possible.
Hotel Pick of the Week: Marriott unveils plan to build tallest hotel in NYC
Marriott International and Granite Broadway Development have signed a franchise deal to build a 68-story hotel with more than 600 rooms in New York City. The hotel project, which will be managed by Interstate Hotels and Resorts, will include Courtyard by Marriott and Residence Inn by Marriott hotels.
Dancing With the Stars' pros to sail on Freedom of the Seas
Professional dancers from ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" will sail aboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas for a seven-day Caribbean cruise departing Jan. 15.
Dancers Tony Dovolani, Chelsie Hightower and Elena Grinenko will dance with passengers on the cruise, which sails from Port Canaveral, Fla. The ship will call at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean private Bahamaian island; St. Thomas; and St. Maarten.
Thought for the Month
"I have found out there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them." - Tom Sawyer Abroad
Wishing you a great weekend
Mary Engram,
Your Personal Travel Consultant
Like my Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/MaryEngramTravelConsultant
Mary Engram, CTA/MCC Travel Consultant
August 12, 2011
Happy Friday Everyone
Crystal Cruises is pleased to announce our 2013 Winter/Spring sailings are open for sale!
Fares for January through May cruises are now available online along with itinerary details, savings and amenities. Choose from 19 diverse itineraries ranging from 7- to 24-days in length visiting 109 ports across 42 countries.
Explore the exotic Amazon, sultry Rio de Janeiro and the wilds of Patagonia. Delight in the tranquil temples of Bali, Singapore’s botanic gardens, or Sydney’s Opera House and world-class harbor. Treat yourself to the legendary Crystal Experience on world-wide journeys to Australia & New Zealand, the Caribbean, South America, Southeast Asia, China, Japan, and the Pacific Coast and you’ll discover that with Crystal Cruises, you've made the perfect choice.
Book by February 28, 2012 and you’ll receive up to $1,000 per person additional savings on every voyage! Enjoy World's Best combination of all-inclusive value and award-winning luxury:
• 2-for-1 Fares
• Free Air
• Free fine wines, premium spirits and non-alcoholic beverages
• Gratuities for housekeeping, bar, dining and Penthouse butler staff and so much more.
I just want to be sure you are aware of the Crystal cruises currently ON $ALE!
Caribbean - 10/25/2011 - 12 days - New York to Miami $2,995
Mediterranean - 10/17/2011 - 7 days - Monte Carlo to Athens $2,750
Mediterranean - 11/10/2011 - 6 days - Athens to Venice $2,195
Mediterranean - 11/16/2011 - 7 days - Venice to Rome $2,400
Holiday Pacific Coast - 11/20/2011 - 7 days - Round-trip Los Angeles $2,000
Pacific Coast - 12/4/2011 – 7 days - Round-trip Los Angeles $2,000
Mexican Riviera & Sea of Cortez - 12/11/2011 - 10 days - Round-trip Los Angeles $1,995* (FLAT RATE)
Holiday Hawaiian Islands - 12/21/2011 - 14 days - Round-trip Los Angeles $ 6,650
Azamara Club Cruises 50% off Land Discoveries in 2012
50% savings on 2012 Land Discoveries (LDS) is valid for full fare bookings on all 2012 voyages if pre-booked online at AzamaraClubCruises.com/LandDiscoveries, and is not available once onboard ship. LDS offers 50% savings on most Azamara Land Discoveries; but excludes tours including a flight and/or hotel, special ticketed events such as the Monaco Grand Prix, Rio Carnival, concerts and other ticketed performances, as well as private arrangements. Once guests have made at least one payment toward their voyage, Land Discoveries tours can be booked online beginning four months prior to each season. Booking number, ship name and sail date are required when booking online, and bookings can be made until 4 days prior to sailing date. LDS reservations accepted on a first come, first served basis, and are subject to availability. LDS is not available for chartered voyages . Cancellation penalties apply to Land Discoveries reservations cancelled less than 24 hours prior to day of shore excursion. This program is subject to change, and may be withdrawn at any time without prior written notice.
Celebrity raises prices for alternate dining
Celebrity Cruises is raising cover charges for dining in specialty restaurants, starting Sept. 1. The per-person price will rise from $35 to $40 at Murano, Qsine, and the Lawn Club Grill. According to Celebrity, any dining reservations made prior to Sept. 1 will remain at the current rate, unless changes to the reservations are made, in which case the new rates will apply.
Carnival Holiday Cash Back Sale
Carnival will be hosting a Holiday sale starting on August 8th thru August 21st, 2011 featuring up to $150 cash back per stateroom. Below please find additional details for the offer and advise if you have any questions or comments.
Offer: Up to $150 per stateroom cash back
3 & 4 day sailings: $25 per person, up to $50 per stateroom
5 day sailings: $50 per person, up to $100 per stateroom
6, 7, 8 & 9 day sailings: $75 per person, up to $150 per stateroom
Booking window: 8/8/11-8/21/11
Applicable Sailings: 12/18/11 – 12/31/11
Terms & Conditions
Cruise rates are in U.S. dollars, per person and based on double occupancy. No name changes allowed. Onboard credit offer is non-transferable. Onboard credit is provided as a refundable credit to your Sail & Sign account of $25 per person up to a maximum of $50 per stateroom for 3 and 4 day sailings, $50 per person up to a maximum of $100 per stateroom for 5 day sailings and $75 per person up to a maximum of $150 per stateroom for 6, 7, 8, and 9 day sailings. If your Sail & Sign account has a cash balance at the end of the cruise after all authorized purchases have been applied to the account, any remaining unused portion of the onboard credit will be delivered in check form to your stateroom on the morning of debarkation with your final Sail & Sign statement. Onboard credit may not be applied to cruise fare or government taxes and fees. Offer is capacity controlled and is not combinable with any other discount or promotional offer. Combinable with Fun Select rates only. Government taxes and fees are additional for all guests. Rates are subject to change at any time without prior notice. Category restrictions and exclusions apply. Minimum purchase of category 4A is required. Valid on new bookings. Offer is applicable to sailings between 12/18/11- 12/31/11. Must book between 8/8/11 and 8/21/11. Please request fare code OCB. Ships’ Registry: Panama
4 Things you might not have known about your Cell Phone
For all the folks with cell phones. One of my clients shared this with me and I got her permission to share it with you. I am not endorsing anything nor do I guarantee that it will work. Just sharing information so please take it as such.
There are a few things that can be done in times of grave emergencies. Your mobile phone can actually be a life saver or an emergency tool for survival.
FIRST (Emergency)
The Emergency Number worldwide for Mobile is 112. If you find yourself out of the coverage area of your mobile network and there is an Emergency, dial 112 and the mobile will search any existing network to establish the emergency number for you, and interestingly, this number 112 can be dialed even if the keypad is locked.
SECOND (Hidden Battery Power)
Imagine your cell battery is very low. To activate, press the keys *3370#. Your cell phone will restart with this reserve and the instrument will show a 50% increase in battery. This reserve will get charged when you charge your cell phone next time.
THIRD (How to disable a STOLEN mobile phone? )
To check your Mobile phone's serial number, key in the following Digits on your phone: *#06#.
A 15-digit code will appear on the screen. This number is unique to your handset.
If your phone is stolen, you can phone your service provider and give them this code. They will be able to block your handset so even if the thief changes the SIM card, your phone will be totally useless. You probably won't get your phone back, but at least you know that whoever stole it can't use/sell it either.
FOURTH (Free Directory Service for Cells)
Cell phone companies are charging us $1.00 to $1.75 or more for 411 information calls when they don't have to. When you need to use the 411 information option, simply dial:
(800) FREE411 or (800) 373-3411 without incurring any charge at all.
12 days Europe Mediterranean cruise sailing Oct 15, 2012, $900 deposit
Itinerary:Barcelona, Spain - Cannes, France - Livorno, Italy - Civitavecchia (Rome), Italy - Salerno, Italy - At Sea - Venice, Italy - Venice, Italy - Ravenna, Italy - Split, Croatia - At Sea - At Sea - Barcelona, Spain.
For full details on this vacation highlight the blue text, click Ctrl key, and re-click the blue text:
12 days Europe Mediterranean cruise sailing Oct 15, 2012.
UPDATE- The good cabins are beginning to sell out so need a deposit as soon as possible. In addition, ask me about cruise air from your particular airport.
February 3-6, 2012 – Super Bowl Cruise - Carnival Inspiration, roundtrip Long Beach
Arrive Depart
Friday, Feb 03 Los Angeles (Long Beach), CA 5:30pm
Saturday, Feb 04 Ensenada, Mexico 9:00am 6:00pm
Sunday, Feb 05 Fun Day at Sea
Monday, Feb 06 Los Angeles (Long Beach), CA 8:00am
UPDATE: Availability is very limited for the least expensive cabins. Also please remember that the Early Saver Rate is non-refundable and non-transferable rate and may no longer be available as the cruise is 6 months away. Also remember that the least expensive cabins sell out first and there is currently limited availability. I would recommend securing your cabin with a $100 per person deposit as soon as possible.
Hotel Pick of the Week: Marriott unveils plan to build tallest hotel in NYC
Marriott International and Granite Broadway Development have signed a franchise deal to build a 68-story hotel with more than 600 rooms in New York City. The hotel project, which will be managed by Interstate Hotels and Resorts, will include Courtyard by Marriott and Residence Inn by Marriott hotels.
Dancing With the Stars' pros to sail on Freedom of the Seas
Professional dancers from ABC's "Dancing With the Stars" will sail aboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas for a seven-day Caribbean cruise departing Jan. 15.
Dancers Tony Dovolani, Chelsie Hightower and Elena Grinenko will dance with passengers on the cruise, which sails from Port Canaveral, Fla. The ship will call at CocoCay, Royal Caribbean private Bahamaian island; St. Thomas; and St. Maarten.
Thought for the Month
"I have found out there ain't no surer way to find out whether you like people or hate them than to travel with them." - Tom Sawyer Abroad
Wishing you a great weekend
Mary Engram,
Your Personal Travel Consultant
Like my Facebook Fan Page at http://www.facebook.com/MaryEngramTravelConsultant
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