Test Your Vacation Smarts
1. Tours are mainly for old people.
False. Today’s tours come in many shapes and sizes for people of all ages. The traditional “fully escorted” tour, where a tour manager accompanies the group throughout, may attract older travelers. Locally guided/hosted tours--with local guides at specific destinations providing sightseeing and information --are for more independent travelers. There are family-friendly escorted tours, tours for 18-35 year-olds, for women, small group adventure tours, safaris, walking tours, cruise tours and more. Before you book a tour ask your tour operator or travel agent what the average age is likely to be. Find out the activity level...this can be a good indicator of a tour’s average age.
2. A vacation package is the same as a tour.
False. A vacation package is for independent travelers who want the savings and convenience of buying pre-packaged arrangements. A vacation package includes two or more travel services (e.g. hotel, air fare, car rental, sightseeing etc.) that are bundled together and offered at a "package price." Travelers can choose pre-existing packages or they can customize their own arrangements. On the other hand, a tour is a pre-planned itinerary, often including a tour escort and travel with a group.
3. Buying a vacation package or a tour is usually more expensive than putting your own vacation together.
False. Buying a vacation package or tour can save you up to 30%, depending on the time of year and where you are going, plus hours of work over putting the trip together yourself. Because tour operators and vacation packagers contract for hotel rooms, air fares and other travel services in bulk they are often able to negotiate better rates. These savings are passed on to the consumer.
4. A tour operator is the same as a travel agent.
False. A tour operator --or wholesaler -- puts the raw ingredients of your vacation together. The tour operator packages items like hotel accommodations, air fare, transfers, meals, and/or sightseeing. These packages or tours are sold by travel agents (retailers) or sometimes by the tour operator itself directly to the public. Think of clothing: the manufacturer (tour operator) produces the item that is sold in the store (travel agent) or directly (online).
5. You will pay more for a vacation if you use a travel agent.
False. While some travel agents charge service fees, the same vacation package will not cost more whether or not you buy it from a travel agent. In fact some tour operators and wholesalers only work through travel agents, so using a travel agent may give you a wider choice of vacation options. And because travel agents have insider information, they can often help you get better prices and access to travel arrangements.
6. There is no way to tell if a vacation company is legitimate.
False. Check for membership in the U.S. Tour Operators Association, the National Tour Association or the American Society of Travel Agents. The USTOA web site – www.ustoa.com -- contains a list of all USTOA members. USTOA members must meet the travel industry’s highest standards.
7. Buying travel through Internet travel agencies is always cheaper.
False. Internet travel agencies work with a limited number of suppliers and therefore do not necessarily have access to specials offered by other tour operators or travel agents. To find specials from USTOA member companies, for instance, visit the USTOA web site: www.ustoa.com. You can select USTOA member companies by destination and/or activity, then contact the company directly, or visit a travel agent. Keep in mind that sometimes travel agents also have specials otherwise unavailable to the public.
8. It’s always best to wait for last minute deals.
False. Don’t expect to find last minute deals if you’re traveling to a popular destination during high season. Oftentimes you’ll get the best deal by booking far in advance. Some tour operators and vacation packagers offer incentives for early bookings, and you can also benefit from advance air fare sales.
9. It’s more efficient to do your own vacation planning.
False. A trip – especially multi-destination – can take up to 18 hours worth of planning, factoring in research time and details such as reserving accommodations, transportation, local sightseeing arrangements and restaurant reservations in different cities. A one-week package could involve up to 19 different transactions, and an escorted tour an average of 28. By buying a vacation package or tour you benefit from one-stop shopping, saving the time and energy of doing everything yourself.
10. USTOA is an organization of top companies packaging tours and vacation packages.
True. To become a full member of USTOA a company must meet the travel industry’s toughest standards, including participating in the association’s Travelers Assistance Program. The program requires, among other things, that each USTOA member set aside $1 Million security to protect travelers’ payments and deposits in case the company goes out of business. USTOA is the only organization in the travel industry with such a program.
Monday, November 10, 2008
Monday, October 27, 2008
Airline Updates : Continental Reduces Size of Carry-on Bags
Continental Airlines has reduced the size of carry-on bags allowed on its planes from 51 linear inches to 45 linear inches or 115 cm (L + W + H) and 40 pounds or 18 kilos as of Nov. 1. In addition to the carry-on, passengers can bring one small personal article such as a briefcase, purse, day planner, small laptop computer, camera case, compact disk player or similar sized personal entertainment item; personal aid devices such as wheelchairs, braces, canes, crutches, prosthetic devices and walking sticks, provided passenger is dependent on them; one infant article such as a small collapsible stroller, a diaper bag or a government approved child seat (larger strollers can be checked in the jetway prior to boarding the aircraft); full-size video game consoles (for example Playstation, X-box or Nintendo), full-size DVD players, and video cameras that use video cassettes (must be removed from carrying cases and submitted separately for X-ray screening) or CPAP breathing machines (must be removed from carrying case and submitted separately for X-ray screening). Small and portable electronic items do not need to be removed from their carrying cases. For more information, visit www.continental.com/web/en-US/content/travel/baggage/carry-on.aspx.
Continental Adds Bag Fees, Trims Mileage Awards
Continental Airlines announced a $15 service fee for the first checked bag for certain customers who purchase economy-class tickets. The service fee will not apply to EliteAccess customers, including those seated in First or BusinessFirst, OnePass Elite and SkyTeam Elite members, customers traveling on full-fare economy (Y) class tickets, or military personnel and their families traveling on official orders. The policy will apply for tickets purchased on or after September 5 for destinations within the U.S., and between the U.S. and Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada for travel commencing on or after Oct. 7. Continental also announced changes to its OnePass Elite mileage bonus program where members earn bonus miles based on Elite status in addition to actual flight miles on each flight. Effective for travel on or after March 1, 2009, Platinum Elite members will earn a 100 percent mileage bonus (instead of 125 percent) and Silver Elite members will earn 25 percent (instead of 50 percent) for tickets purchased on or after Nov. 15, 2008. Bonus miles for Gold Elite members will remain unchanged at 100 percent. There is no charge for car seats, strollers and wheelchairs.
$25 Fee for Second Checked Bag
Continental has implemented a $25 fee for customers checking a second bag when traveling on Economy fare tickets purchased on or after April 5, 2008 for travel within the 50 U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. In addition, for travel on or after Jan. 1, 2009, Continental will discontinue awarding its OnePass members a minimum of 500 base miles and Elite qualifying miles on flights where the actual mileage between origin and destination is less than 500 miles. Instead, customers will earn the actual flight miles for tickets purchased on or after Nov. 15, 2008, for travel on or after Jan. 1, 2009. Also effective for reward travel booked on or after Jan. 1, 2009, travel reward mileage requirements will increase for travel between North America and Tel Aviv (Series 10B) and Hawaii and Tel Aviv (Series 10C). SaverPass rewards will increase by 20,000 miles for economy and First/BusinessFirst tickets, and EasyPass rewards will increase by 50,000 miles for First/BusinessFirst tickets. For more information, visit www.continental.com.
Continental Adds Bag Fees, Trims Mileage Awards
Continental Airlines announced a $15 service fee for the first checked bag for certain customers who purchase economy-class tickets. The service fee will not apply to EliteAccess customers, including those seated in First or BusinessFirst, OnePass Elite and SkyTeam Elite members, customers traveling on full-fare economy (Y) class tickets, or military personnel and their families traveling on official orders. The policy will apply for tickets purchased on or after September 5 for destinations within the U.S., and between the U.S. and Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada for travel commencing on or after Oct. 7. Continental also announced changes to its OnePass Elite mileage bonus program where members earn bonus miles based on Elite status in addition to actual flight miles on each flight. Effective for travel on or after March 1, 2009, Platinum Elite members will earn a 100 percent mileage bonus (instead of 125 percent) and Silver Elite members will earn 25 percent (instead of 50 percent) for tickets purchased on or after Nov. 15, 2008. Bonus miles for Gold Elite members will remain unchanged at 100 percent. There is no charge for car seats, strollers and wheelchairs.
$25 Fee for Second Checked Bag
Continental has implemented a $25 fee for customers checking a second bag when traveling on Economy fare tickets purchased on or after April 5, 2008 for travel within the 50 U.S., Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. In addition, for travel on or after Jan. 1, 2009, Continental will discontinue awarding its OnePass members a minimum of 500 base miles and Elite qualifying miles on flights where the actual mileage between origin and destination is less than 500 miles. Instead, customers will earn the actual flight miles for tickets purchased on or after Nov. 15, 2008, for travel on or after Jan. 1, 2009. Also effective for reward travel booked on or after Jan. 1, 2009, travel reward mileage requirements will increase for travel between North America and Tel Aviv (Series 10B) and Hawaii and Tel Aviv (Series 10C). SaverPass rewards will increase by 20,000 miles for economy and First/BusinessFirst tickets, and EasyPass rewards will increase by 50,000 miles for First/BusinessFirst tickets. For more information, visit www.continental.com.
Friday, September 19, 2008
MSC Cruises orders two new ships
MSC Cruises recently announced in Milan, Italy, that it has ordered two new cruise ships from France's Aker Yards. The new 2,550-passenger ships will be called MSC Meraviglia and MSC Favolosa and are due to be delivered in 2011 and 2012. The ships will boost MSC's fleet total to 14. "The new orders are the result of a careful evaluation of trends in the cruise industry in recent years," said Domenico Pellegrino, MSC Cruises general manager.
Thursday, September 18, 2008
Cunard’s Queen Mary 2 Embarks on 100th Transatlantic Crossing
September 18, 2008 – As Queen Mary 2 prepares to sail her 100th Transatlantic Crossing, Cunard Line reveals the captivating statistics that illustrate the Line’s singular hold on the bygone glamour that defines their Transatlantic travel experience. The only company offering regularly scheduled Transatlantic service via flagship Queen Mary 2, Cunard Line continues a tradition that began 168 years ago. The iconic ocean liner will depart on her 100th Transatlantic voyage on September 21 from Southampton, England arriving in New York on September 27. On arrival, she will have logged 711,288 nautical miles since her debut with 316,729 nautical miles on Transatlantic voyages alone.
“Perhaps more than any other voyage, a Transatlantic Crossing captures the imagination of the most intrepid travelers,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. “A Transatlantic voyage recalls a bygone era of glamour and sophistication. For many, it is on par with the world’s most storied travel experiences.”
Queen Mary 2’s regularly scheduled Transatlantic service forms the cornerstone of her annual itineraries, which also includes her second World Cruise in 2009 and forays into the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Norway.
Since the ship entered service in 2004, Queen Mary 2 has made dozens of maiden calls around the world, including San Francisco - where thousands lined the shores of the City by the Bay to witness her sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and her overnight visit caused gridlock traffic on the Embarcadero; along with great port cities such as Boston and Ft. Lauderdale. She has provided a glamorous backdrop for a myriad of high-profile events, including The Britannia Ball (a charity gala benefitting the New York City Opera and Brooklyn Academy of Music) in 2007; the PBS TV Concert Special: Carly Simon: A Moonlight Serenade on the Queen Mary 2; an onboard event honouring George Lucas at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival; as well as several Cunard Royal Rendezvous events in New York, Ft. Lauderdale, Long Beach, California and Sydney, Australia with her sister ships, QE2 and Queen Victoria. Queen Mary 2 even played a role in literary history, transporting the first author-signed copy of the highly anticipated Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to its U.S. debut.
In addition to logging nearly three-quarters of a million miles, Queen Mary 2 will mark other milestones on her 100th Transatlantic voyage, including:
· More than 229,000 guests crossing the North Atlantic
· 450 pets crossing the North Atlantic
· 97,000 pounds of lobster served
· 2,700 pounds of caviar served
· 206,200 bottles of Champagne served
· Enough tea to fill nearly five Olympic-sized swimming pools
Queen Mary 2 has welcomed many notable guests, including Barbara Walters, Katie Couric, Uma Thurman, John Cleese, Richard Dreyfuss, Carly Simon, Rod Stewart, Tina Brown and Harold Evans, Terrance Howard, Donald Trump, and Dame Shirley Bassey. Her eminent visitors have included HRH Queen Elizabeth II, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Noor, Former President George Bush, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Senator Hillary Clinton.
In 2009, Queen Mary 2 marks her fifth year of service with an extended Transatlantic season of 6-, 8- and 9-day Crossings. In total, she will sail 25 Transatlantic Crossings, including classic six-day voyages between Southampton and New York, two eight-day voyages between Hamburg and New York, one eight-day voyage from Boston via New York to Southampton and one nine-day Crossing from Southampton via New York to Halifax and Boston.
“Perhaps more than any other voyage, a Transatlantic Crossing captures the imagination of the most intrepid travelers,” said Carol Marlow, president of Cunard Line. “A Transatlantic voyage recalls a bygone era of glamour and sophistication. For many, it is on par with the world’s most storied travel experiences.”
Queen Mary 2’s regularly scheduled Transatlantic service forms the cornerstone of her annual itineraries, which also includes her second World Cruise in 2009 and forays into the Caribbean, Mediterranean and Norway.
Since the ship entered service in 2004, Queen Mary 2 has made dozens of maiden calls around the world, including San Francisco - where thousands lined the shores of the City by the Bay to witness her sail beneath the Golden Gate Bridge and her overnight visit caused gridlock traffic on the Embarcadero; along with great port cities such as Boston and Ft. Lauderdale. She has provided a glamorous backdrop for a myriad of high-profile events, including The Britannia Ball (a charity gala benefitting the New York City Opera and Brooklyn Academy of Music) in 2007; the PBS TV Concert Special: Carly Simon: A Moonlight Serenade on the Queen Mary 2; an onboard event honouring George Lucas at the 2005 Cannes Film Festival; as well as several Cunard Royal Rendezvous events in New York, Ft. Lauderdale, Long Beach, California and Sydney, Australia with her sister ships, QE2 and Queen Victoria. Queen Mary 2 even played a role in literary history, transporting the first author-signed copy of the highly anticipated Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince to its U.S. debut.
In addition to logging nearly three-quarters of a million miles, Queen Mary 2 will mark other milestones on her 100th Transatlantic voyage, including:
· More than 229,000 guests crossing the North Atlantic
· 450 pets crossing the North Atlantic
· 97,000 pounds of lobster served
· 2,700 pounds of caviar served
· 206,200 bottles of Champagne served
· Enough tea to fill nearly five Olympic-sized swimming pools
Queen Mary 2 has welcomed many notable guests, including Barbara Walters, Katie Couric, Uma Thurman, John Cleese, Richard Dreyfuss, Carly Simon, Rod Stewart, Tina Brown and Harold Evans, Terrance Howard, Donald Trump, and Dame Shirley Bassey. Her eminent visitors have included HRH Queen Elizabeth II, HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Queen Noor, Former President George Bush, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and Senator Hillary Clinton.
In 2009, Queen Mary 2 marks her fifth year of service with an extended Transatlantic season of 6-, 8- and 9-day Crossings. In total, she will sail 25 Transatlantic Crossings, including classic six-day voyages between Southampton and New York, two eight-day voyages between Hamburg and New York, one eight-day voyage from Boston via New York to Southampton and one nine-day Crossing from Southampton via New York to Halifax and Boston.
Florida's Space Coast Plays Host to Elvis Impersonators & Bikers
from Space-Coast.com:
Florida's Space Coast and Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. are co-sponsoring the Southeast's first-ever Elvis-themed music festival, "Elvis Has Landed" on October 17-19!
This 3-day music festival will pay tribute to the King of Rock-N-Roll by featuring Elvis tribute artists from around the United States and Canada. Many of whom will perform in dozens of venues around the Florida's Space Coast and the festival's host hotel, Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, in preparation for the festival's grand finale competition and garner support for the coveted People's Choice Awards.
Besides the Tribute Artist competition, festival goers can also expect dozens of other events to keep them busy such as several main stage concerts, fashion shows, a Kidz Zone, and a vendor pavillion featuring long lost Elvis LPs to retrohome fixtures and furnishings.
The shake, rattle, & roll doesn't stop with Elvis Has Landed! On October 22-25, the 2008 Florida H.O.G Rally rolls into town bringing with them thousands of biking enthusiasts from all over the Southeast!
Rally organizers have four days of events which will months to recuperate from! Not only can you watch drill teams perform, but you can try your hand in the H.O.G roast poker run, or show off your skills at the Bike Games, enter your bike in the highly anticipated Bike Show to take place outside world-famous Ron Jon Surf Shop, show off your ink work in a "Tattoo" contest, or dance the night away at SunCruz Casino's cruise to no where!
Even though it's not too late to register or to find a reasonably priced room on the beach, you better get your motor running!
Florida's Space Coast and Elvis Presley Enterprises, Inc. are co-sponsoring the Southeast's first-ever Elvis-themed music festival, "Elvis Has Landed" on October 17-19!
This 3-day music festival will pay tribute to the King of Rock-N-Roll by featuring Elvis tribute artists from around the United States and Canada. Many of whom will perform in dozens of venues around the Florida's Space Coast and the festival's host hotel, Hilton Cocoa Beach Oceanfront, in preparation for the festival's grand finale competition and garner support for the coveted People's Choice Awards.
Besides the Tribute Artist competition, festival goers can also expect dozens of other events to keep them busy such as several main stage concerts, fashion shows, a Kidz Zone, and a vendor pavillion featuring long lost Elvis LPs to retrohome fixtures and furnishings.
The shake, rattle, & roll doesn't stop with Elvis Has Landed! On October 22-25, the 2008 Florida H.O.G Rally rolls into town bringing with them thousands of biking enthusiasts from all over the Southeast!
Rally organizers have four days of events which will months to recuperate from! Not only can you watch drill teams perform, but you can try your hand in the H.O.G roast poker run, or show off your skills at the Bike Games, enter your bike in the highly anticipated Bike Show to take place outside world-famous Ron Jon Surf Shop, show off your ink work in a "Tattoo" contest, or dance the night away at SunCruz Casino's cruise to no where!
Even though it's not too late to register or to find a reasonably priced room on the beach, you better get your motor running!
Tuesday, September 09, 2008
Hurricane Damages Grand Turk Cruise Terminal
Hurricane Ike in the Atlantic and Tropical Storm Lowell in the Pacific continue to wreak havoc on travel plans. Ike apparently caused major damage to the new Grand Turk cruise terminal in the Turks and Caicos. A spokesperson for Carnival Corp. (which owns the facility) told the Associated Press that it will take “some time” to repair and re-open the facility, though the pier itself apparently survived the storm relatively unscathed. Almost a dozen different cruise lines that have existing plans to call in Grand Turk this year and beyond – from Celebrity and Crystal to Princess and Royal Caribbean – will probably change their itineraries in the near future to replace Grand Turk.
Friday, September 05, 2008
Continental to Begin Charging for the First Checked Bag
Effective Oct. 7, 2008, customers will be charged $15 for their first checked bag when traveling on tickets purchased on or after Sept. 5, 2008, within the U.S., Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada. The service fee will not apply to EliteAccess® customers, including those seated in First or BusinessFirst®, OnePass Elite and SkyTeam® Elite members, customers traveling on full-fare economy (Y) class tickets, or military personnel and their families traveling on official orders.
Effective for travel on or after Jan. 1, 2009, OnePass members will earn the actual miles flown rather than a minimum of 500 miles per flight for tickets purchased on or after Nov. 15, 2008. This affects base miles and Elite Qualifying Miles on flights operated by Continental* and most OnePass airline partners**.
Also effective for reward travel booked on or after Jan.1, 2009,
reward travel mileage requirements will increase for customers traveling between North America and Tel Aviv (TLV) and between Hawaii and Tel Aviv. Effective for travel on or after March 1, 2009, Elite Mileage Bonuses will decrease for Platinum members from 125% to 100% and for Silver members from 50% to 25% for tickets purchased on or after Nov. 15, 2008. Gold members will continue to earn 100% mileage bonuses.
Full details of all changes can be found at continental.com.
Effective for travel on or after Jan. 1, 2009, OnePass members will earn the actual miles flown rather than a minimum of 500 miles per flight for tickets purchased on or after Nov. 15, 2008. This affects base miles and Elite Qualifying Miles on flights operated by Continental* and most OnePass airline partners**.
Also effective for reward travel booked on or after Jan.1, 2009,
reward travel mileage requirements will increase for customers traveling between North America and Tel Aviv (TLV) and between Hawaii and Tel Aviv. Effective for travel on or after March 1, 2009, Elite Mileage Bonuses will decrease for Platinum members from 125% to 100% and for Silver members from 50% to 25% for tickets purchased on or after Nov. 15, 2008. Gold members will continue to earn 100% mileage bonuses.
Full details of all changes can be found at continental.com.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Where Have All the Online Travelers Gone?
The number of travelers booking online is down. What's up?
This year US travel sales booked online will reach $105 billion, up 12% from 2007. eMarketer forecasts that US online leisure and unmanaged business travel sales (including airline, hotel, rental car, vacation package, intercity rail and cruise) will reach $105 billion. Furthermore, from 2007 to 2012, sales will increase at an 11.6% average annual rate. Even though online travel sales are growing, fewer travelers are booking their trips online.
"The fact that fewer travelers are booking online is not due to economic concerns-online travel bookers are an affluent demographic-it is caused by frustrations related to the planning and booking capabilities of online travel agencies," says Jeff Grau, senior analyst at eMarketer and author of the new report, US Online Travel: Planning and Booking. "This, in turn, is spurring a renewed appreciation for the expertise and personalized services offered by traditional travel agents." In other words, online travel sites are steering customers back to offline travel agents-a complete turnaround of what has been happening in the category for the last decade. "Not so long ago industry observers cast traditional travel agents as has-beens," says Mr. Grau. "Perhaps this has helped them to focus on what they do best: provide travel expertise and personalized service."
Customer dissatisfaction with online travel agencies (OTAs) stems specifically from unfriendly booking engines and navigation tools. With few points of differentiation, OTAs have a hard time building customer loyalty and have driven travelers right into the open arms of traditional travel agencies-and new online competitors. "Mired in old technology, the OTAs have failed to keep pace with a newer and more innovative breed of travel Websites built around user-generated content," says Mr. Grau. Online travel communities are emerging to carry the torch of innovation. "In addition, a new breed of matchmaking travel sites is bringing traditional travel agency talent online," says Mr. Grau. "Sites like Zicasso and Tripology help travelers to exotic locales find travel agents tailored to their interests and needs."
This article comes from Travel Industry Wirehttp://www.travelindustrywire.com The URL for this story is:http://www.travelindustrywire.com/article34298.html
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Jalousie Plantation and Cotton Bay Village, St Lucia
The Piton Mountains, Soufriere, St LuciaTommy and I went to St Lucia from July 27 - August 3, 2008. We spent 3 nights at Jalousie Plantation in Soufriere on the Caribbean Sea side followed by 3 more nights in Cotton Bay Village in Castries on the Atlantic side of the island.
Our trip got off to a shaky start. We had to leave very early to be at JFK airport by 7:30 am for our flight. After being delayed for an hour, we were finally ready for take off. Shortly after we took off a fire alarm went off on our plane, in one of the bathrooms. The flight attendant couldn't get the door open and started to panic a bit. The passengers near the bathroom said they could smell something like plastic burning, so we were forced to make an emergency landing in Dulles airport. We were told we would probably wait a short time while they checked the plane and then take off. We got off the plane and waited in the terminal. We ended up waiting four hours before American Airlines' personnel told us we were going to stay overnight. We were put up at a Sheraton for the night and buses picked us up at 4 am for a 6 am flight the next day. When we arrived at the airport the next day we had to wait on line again (40 minutes) to get new boarding passes for the flight. We boarded the plane at 6:15 and sat on the plane until we took off at 7:25 am. Now we're on our way! Without any food for a 4 1/2 hour flight...oh, they forgot to supply the plane with any food, whether free or for purchase.
Jalousie Plantation
Okay, so now for the good part. We took a taxi to the Jalousie Plantation resort which is located on the western side of the island. The ride was about an hour long and it was very scenic. Our check in was easy, we were welcomed with rum punch, then we were driven to our room, which was a mountain view suite.
Our trip got off to a shaky start. We had to leave very early to be at JFK airport by 7:30 am for our flight. After being delayed for an hour, we were finally ready for take off. Shortly after we took off a fire alarm went off on our plane, in one of the bathrooms. The flight attendant couldn't get the door open and started to panic a bit. The passengers near the bathroom said they could smell something like plastic burning, so we were forced to make an emergency landing in Dulles airport. We were told we would probably wait a short time while they checked the plane and then take off. We got off the plane and waited in the terminal. We ended up waiting four hours before American Airlines' personnel told us we were going to stay overnight. We were put up at a Sheraton for the night and buses picked us up at 4 am for a 6 am flight the next day. When we arrived at the airport the next day we had to wait on line again (40 minutes) to get new boarding passes for the flight. We boarded the plane at 6:15 and sat on the plane until we took off at 7:25 am. Now we're on our way! Without any food for a 4 1/2 hour flight...oh, they forgot to supply the plane with any food, whether free or for purchase.
Jalousie Plantation
Okay, so now for the good part. We took a taxi to the Jalousie Plantation resort which is located on the western side of the island. The ride was about an hour long and it was very scenic. Our check in was easy, we were welcomed with rum punch, then we were driven to our room, which was a mountain view suite.
1. our room 2. plunge pool 3. life-sized chess
We had a king size bed with a canopy, sitting area with sofa and coffee table, large bathroom with a separate dressing area, a porch with lounge chairs, and a private plunge pool.
The room had a tiled floor, fresh flowers which are grown on the property, small fridge, and very nice Neutrogena amenities in the bathroom. Our view was absolutely gorgeous - we looked out to the Caribbean Sea between the two Pitons. We were given a flashlight and a can of bug spray and, because the windows and doors don't make a tight seal, we needed the spray. Unfortunately the room's furnishings are outdated and worn. The property is converting to condo ownership and the area where we stayed has not been updated yet.
To go anywhere on the property, if you are not staying near the beach, you need to call for a ride and a van comes to pick you up. We didn't have to wait long at all for the van to come, although we were told that in season some people have to wait up to 40 minutes for the van to come. The beach was very nice, and there were plenty of lounge chairs and shade. The water was nice and calm, very clean, and there are designated swim, snorkel, and boating areas. There are kayaks and pedal boats to take out, although no mats for use except in the pool, and you can get a free dive lesson if you are on the all inclusive plan. There are water taxis that come to the beach area and some locals trying to sell shirts, etc. One man and his dog, Whitey, made the rounds each day, trying to sell coconuts he picked up from the beach.
To go anywhere on the property, if you are not staying near the beach, you need to call for a ride and a van comes to pick you up. We didn't have to wait long at all for the van to come, although we were told that in season some people have to wait up to 40 minutes for the van to come. The beach was very nice, and there were plenty of lounge chairs and shade. The water was nice and calm, very clean, and there are designated swim, snorkel, and boating areas. There are kayaks and pedal boats to take out, although no mats for use except in the pool, and you can get a free dive lesson if you are on the all inclusive plan. There are water taxis that come to the beach area and some locals trying to sell shirts, etc. One man and his dog, Whitey, made the rounds each day, trying to sell coconuts he picked up from the beach.
1. Bayside Bar & Grill 2. Staff at The Plantation Room 3. Tommy and Me
There are four restaurants on the property. The Bayside Bar and Grill is open for lunch (buffet or off the menu) and dinner on some nights. There was a manager's cocktail party with a guest "meet and greet" on Monday night, followed by a dinner buffet. A big thank you to Sulsa who gave us great service at the Bayside. Tuesday night we had dinner at the Plantation Room an upscale restaurant which had excellent food and service. I need to mention all those we met at the Plantation Room: Charmaine (we are working on sending you the napkin folding book), Arthur (our head waiter), Cynthia, Kyria, Luke, and Wendy. You are all so welcoming and our service was wonderful. We also ate at the Pier which is located on the water and had a Caribbean menu with a beautiful setting. The Verandah Terrace is where you have breakfast and that is set up on the hillside with a nice view of the beach and the Pitons. The all inclusive meal plan includes breakfast, lunch, dinner and afternoon tea with premium brand drinks, wine and sparkling wine by the glass. You can also order food while on the beach. On our last night there, we went to the Bang, which is another restaurant, privately owned, and we saw a show put on by the Jalousie employees.
1. The Verandah 2. View from the Verandah 3. Walking down to the Beach
Up by the Verandah Terrace in the Great House, there is a room with two pool tables and a bar, and outside this room is a ping pong table. This is also where there are two computers available for guests' use, free of charge. There is a life sized chess table outside on the grounds. The spa is nice, could use a bit of a sprucing.
Available on property:
Complmentary Water Sports
• Watersport Lessons • Pedal Boats
Complimentary Land Sports • Tennis • Archery • Billiards • Beach Volleyball • Table Tennis
PADI Certificated Dive Centre
• Full PADI courses and certification: PADI Open Water, Adventure Dive and Rescue. Includes all equipment, air fills and boat.
• Full PADI courses and certification: PADI Open Water, Adventure Dive and Rescue. Includes all equipment, air fills and boat.
Complimentary Fitness Facilities • Weight Training • Multi-System Gym • Cardiovascular Equipment • Yoga & Pilates • Aerobics, Step, Aqua, Stretch and Dance Class
Off Site Activities
Jalousie Signature Tours – with a minimum of 4 adults
Soufriere Market Tour
Volcano & Diamond Falls Tour
Fond Doux Estate Tour
Anse La Raye Experience
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
Grand Bois Waterfall Tour
Cross Country Hike
Cotton Bay Village, Castries
We took a taxi from Jalousie to Cotton Bay Village, which brought us up the remainder of the "west" road to the Northeast tip of the island. Cotton Bay Village is a new ownership property which is also available for rent. Our taxi driver was Kevin, who was Sulsa's brother-in-law. He gave us a narrated tour as we drove along the mountainous road. We were greeted at Cotton Bay by Ginette and Ed. Ginette is the front desk manager and Ed is a butler on staff. I also have to mention Fabian, Sophia (who gave us a tour of the spa), and Aloyshia, our spa massage therapist. Please excuse me if I have misspelled your names!
The check in also went smoothly and the front desk area was beautiful. It is located at the spa and the workout facility is right across the driveway. There is a computer there that is available for a fee. It does amaze me that the computers available at both resorts were in very warm areas. I would be afraid they would overheat.
Our room was a two bedroom apartment with a living room, full kitchen, and two and a half baths. The master bedroom has a king bed and the second bedroom has two twins. The second bedroom is quite a tight fit for the two beds. The bedrooms are air conditioned but the rest of the apartment is not. There are televisions in both bedrooms as well as in the living room. The sliding doors lead out to the covered patio which has a table and chairs and beyond that is another patio area with two lounge chairs. The apartments surround a large pool and there is a bar located at the pool.
Off Site Activities
Jalousie Signature Tours – with a minimum of 4 adults
Soufriere Market Tour
Volcano & Diamond Falls Tour
Fond Doux Estate Tour
Anse La Raye Experience
Glass Bottom Boat Tour
Grand Bois Waterfall Tour
Cross Country Hike
Cotton Bay Village, Castries
We took a taxi from Jalousie to Cotton Bay Village, which brought us up the remainder of the "west" road to the Northeast tip of the island. Cotton Bay Village is a new ownership property which is also available for rent. Our taxi driver was Kevin, who was Sulsa's brother-in-law. He gave us a narrated tour as we drove along the mountainous road. We were greeted at Cotton Bay by Ginette and Ed. Ginette is the front desk manager and Ed is a butler on staff. I also have to mention Fabian, Sophia (who gave us a tour of the spa), and Aloyshia, our spa massage therapist. Please excuse me if I have misspelled your names!
The check in also went smoothly and the front desk area was beautiful. It is located at the spa and the workout facility is right across the driveway. There is a computer there that is available for a fee. It does amaze me that the computers available at both resorts were in very warm areas. I would be afraid they would overheat.
Our room was a two bedroom apartment with a living room, full kitchen, and two and a half baths. The master bedroom has a king bed and the second bedroom has two twins. The second bedroom is quite a tight fit for the two beds. The bedrooms are air conditioned but the rest of the apartment is not. There are televisions in both bedrooms as well as in the living room. The sliding doors lead out to the covered patio which has a table and chairs and beyond that is another patio area with two lounge chairs. The apartments surround a large pool and there is a bar located at the pool.
outside our room
It was a short walk to the beach and this is where the restaurant is located where you can have breakfast all day, as well as lunch and dinner. Many, many thanks to Sandy, Priscillia, Marge, Agathe, Mark at the bar, and Leroy who served us on the beach. The location of the restaurant right on the beach was perfect - there is such a breeze coming off the Atlantic and the sound of the ocean is so soothing.
We ate dinner one night at Piano, Piano which is an upscale restaurant on property. There is a nice piano bar there where we had a drink before dinner, and the restaurant has a very subdued, welcoming feel to it. Melissa, our waitress in training, did a great job. (I'm sorry - I don't have the other two names written down but there was the woman who was training Melissa and the woman who was in charge whose mother lives in NJ and sister lives in Delaware).
There is a deli and a gift shop near entrance to the resort. You can rent DVD's from the front desk and they will arrange for excursions off the property as well. We had a tour of a villa and townhouse.
Villas: An entrance lobby opens up to a grand sitting area and a teak dinning room with glazed vaulted ceilings. An open terrace, garden with dining gazebo and private pool. Guests who stay in a villa have butler service.
1. private pool 2. Villa living room
Townhouse: These have three bedrooms, kitchen and breakfast bar, a garden with a private pool and a rooftop sun terrace with a Jacuzzi.
1. Rooftop Jacuzzi 2. Private pool
The Casuarina Spa features Elemis spa products (seen on many cruise ships). After seeing what was available as far as spa treatments, Tommy and I each chose to have a Vichy Shower spa treatment. The Vichy Shower is an energizing and relaxing therapy using multi-jet warm and cool water massaging the body while the massage therapist also massages. This improves the blood and lymphatic system and leaves you feeling wonderful!
Land Sports •18-hole championship golf course nearby Beach Volleyball •Beach Horseback Riding
Water Sports • Tornado Kite Surfing and Windsurfing Centre •Swimming •Kayaking
Fitness Activities •Fitness Centre •Tai Chi – One-on-One Classes available •Yoga – One-on-One Classes available
Also available at Cotton Bay Village’s sister resort The Bodyholiday:
Tennis, Scuba Diving, Water-skiing and Sailing.
Some things I would suggest to make a guest's stay more comfortable are:
- a full length mirror in the apartment • an outlet near a mirror for drying your hair •better directions for operating the oven, washer, and safe •a lock with a key that matches the front door for the sliding door to the pool •directions for using the phone for outside lines
- a game room with a pool table, ping pong
We arranged for our taxi driver, Kevin, to pick us up at Cotton Bay to bring us back to the airport. This time we went along the "east" road and that was even more beautiful. We had great views of the Atlantic as well as of the banana plantations. We waited in a crowded airport because one of the planes scheduled to depart had been delayed. And when we got on our America Airlines plane, we taxied and then started to return to the gate because there was a red light that would not go out on the console. The pilot was in touch with Oklahoma City and they were able to fix it. Good thing because the pilot said there were no mechanics on the island and we would have been spending the night. I doubt it would have been back at Cotton Bay!
One thing that concerns me is all the building that is going on. St Lucia exports bananas which is creates income to the country. But the biggest provider of income is tourism. There are so many construction projects going on that I am afraid that it is "too much, too soon". The Four Seasons had a resort planned, but there is a delay in that and the Westin delayed building as well.
Lastly, I was very annoyed with Verizon Wireless. I had called prior to our trip to ask if we would have service and was assured that we would. Well, guess what...it cost me $42 to make a phone call and charge it to my credit card (and I made two calls home). Thanks, Verizon.
Friday, June 20, 2008
Fairmont Mayakoba
Fairmont Mayakoba, Riviera Maya, Mexico
Tommy and I stayed at the Fairmont Mayakoba from May 12 - 17th (2008). When we arrived we were given a beach bag filled with two large beach towels, sunscreen, and a one time use digital cameras. We were escorted to our casita suite which has large sliding doors which open to a corner balcony overlooking the swim-up pool bar. Room amenities include comfortable Fairmont beds and expansive bathrooms, each with a soaker tub, double sinks, and a separate glass-walled shower stall. There were robes and slippers for our use, and a refrigerator in the room.
Our bathroom
There was a hospitality suite set up and if there was anything we needed, all we had to do was ask.
The property is beautiful with the buildings set amidst the lush greenery with winding pathways throughout. To get to the beach guests can take a ride in one of the golf carts that services the resort, ride a bike provided by the Fairmont, or walk, however, the walk was about 25 minutes from our room. There is also boat service on the resort property.
One of the walkways on the property
This trip was a company trip for Tommy, so we were with 100 other sales reps and their guests. The first night we had dinner on the open grounds, buffet style, with a band playing in the background. The next morning's breakfast was at the same place. We each had a stone massage at the Willow Stream Spa. The spa is 37,000 square feet and features 20 treatment rooms including a unique couple's suite in the treetops, plus two mineral pools and steam rooms. There is also a full-service fitness center, complete with classes, and a beauty salon. The spa was beautiful, with a separate men's and women's area, as well as a co-ed area. Our massages were great, very relaxing, and afterwards we had some tea while relaxing by the large picture window overlooking the outdoor area to the spa. Remember to get your massage early in your stay before getting sunburned!
There is an 18 hole par 72 golf course on site as well.
Tuesday evening we all went to the awards dinner held in a cave at Xcaret Eco Park. When we arrived we were greeted with mango cosmos, beer, or soda, and hors d'oeuvres. We were treated to a Mayan ceremony complete with the Mayan costumes and body painting. Then we made our way down to the cave which is just above the underground river. Dinner and the awards were very nice, and there was also a band that played for the evening. We were bussed back to the resort afterwards.
Flamingos and Parrots at Xcaret
Wednesday we spent most of the day at the beach after breakfast. There are four restaurants on the property as well as a lounge in the main building and a small cafe where you can get a sandwich or a snack. The property is not an all inclusive like most of the resorts in the Riviera Maya. Breakfast was wonderful each day. You had a choice of the breakfast buffet or ordering off the menu. The buffet included an omelet station, made to order waffles, and many Mexican specialties as well as the traditional breakfast fare Americans are used to eating. The wait staff are very eager to learn your name and very pleasant to get to know. The entire hotel staff couldn't have done more for us. One woman who ran one of the restaurants made reservations for us in Playa del Carmen.
1 & 2: at the beach 3. Where we had breakfast ~ you could eat indoors or outdoors
The beach is very large; the Fairmont owns acres and acres of property and the beach is very private. The sand was soft and very white, not hot at all although it was about 93 degrees each day. The staff comes around to you while you are on the beach and sets up chairs, brings you drinks and food. The water was a bit rough most of the week. We went in the water but not too far. There is an infinity pool right by the beach as well. Along the beach there are large villas with their own plunge pools. The villas are larger than our house!
One of the pools by the restaurant
Wednesday evening we took a catamaran sunset sail followed by dinner when we returned. The boat was nice, and it was a fun ride with the water as choppy as it was. We had drinks on the boat with some small snacks. Two mackerels were caught while we were out to sea. The crew cooked dinner on the grill when we returned.
pictures taken on our catamaran ride
Thursday we spent the day back at Xcaret Park. This was our second time there during the day and we still haven't seen it all. You can swim with the dolphins there as well as visit the butterfly farm, tour the graveyard, see a show during the day and at night, swim in the underground river, visit the aquarium, see the animals (tapirs, jaguars, deer), snorkel and snuba, or just relax and enjoy! There are several restaurants and entertainment while dining. In the evening, we all went to the beach dinner where we were served traditional Mexican cuisine.
At Xcaret: 1. on the beach 2. at the Butterfly Farm 3. In a cave
Friday we went to the beach again and in the evening ten of us went in to Playa del Carmen for dinner and to just walk around. It was about a 15 minute ride from our hotel. This was our last night there and we were so sorry to see it end.
In Playa del Carmen
There was a photographer named Ken who spent the week with us taking pictures. Each night when we returned to our room we had some sort of treat: chocolate tower; margarita mix and chips with salsa and guacamole, and two souvenir margarita glasses; a shirt for Tommy and a pareo for me. The last night we came in to our room and there was, already set up, a digital picture frame showing all the pictures of us that had been taken during the week.
Good thing there was a scale in the bathroom because we weighed our luggage and had to rearrange a couple of times so we would not be over the 50 lb limit.
I would highly recommend this property. It is not for someone who wants an all inclusive. It is for someone who wants to get away from all the hustle and bustle of daily life, who wants to be treated like royalty. There were children there, but I would not really consider this a resort for children. Children might be bored because there weren't many others to play with and there is no formal kids club. This is a great resort for couples, honeymooners, those who like privacy and luxurious accommodations.
Saturday, March 29, 2008
Delta Airlines Now Charging for Curbside Check-in
Delta to charge for bags at curb
By Steve Huettel, St Petersburg Times Staff Writer
Published Friday, March 28, 2008 10:29 PM
Three more days, and Delta Air Lines customers will start paying for the convenience of curbside check-in service.The airline will charge $3 per bag to check luggage at curbside, Delta said Friday in a story first reported on the St. Petersburg Times' Web site, www.tampabay.com. The fee goes into effect Tuesday at Tampa International and 10 other major airports, then rolls out at 75 more cities nationwide April 15."It's a business decision that reflects today's competitive landscape and cost pressures," said Delta spokeswoman Susan Elliott. "In many cases, it will make us more competitive."Delta and Continental Airlines are the only major network carriers that don't charge for curbside check-in. Delta's new fee will be $1 per bag higher than those charged by American Airlines, United Airlines, Northwest Airlines and US Airways.
The fee will be waived for Delta's most prized customers: elite Medallion-level fliers, first-class and business-class travelers. Passengers who check in online also won't be charged.Will the fee drive regular curbside customers to the ticket counter, where checking one standard-size bag is still free?
"With the baby, probably not," said Peggy Braitsch, flying home to Cincinnati from Tampa on Friday with her granddaughter, Mary, 1, in a stroller. "For me (alone)? It probably would have."Record prices for oil and refined jet fuel are forcing airlines to find more ways raise revenue. Fare increases haven't been enough to cover the bills, they say, and don't stick if a competitor refuses to match them. More carriers are turning to higher luggage fees.Northwest said Friday it would start charging customers $25 each way to check a second bag, following the lead of United, US Airways and Delta. The airline also boosted fees from $80 to $100 for three or more checked bags and from $25 to $50 for luggage more than 50 pounds.
One group certainly won't like Delta's new curbside fee: Prospect of Tampa skycaps working for Delta. Like other airlines, Delta will pocket what it's calling an "administration fee'' on signs posted at curbside counters. Signs will note that tips aren't included in the $3 charge.Skycaps, who make most of their money on tips, say the disclaimers don't help. Many travelers still refuse to pay a tip in addition to the fee.
A group of skycaps recently sued American Airlines, seeking restitution for lost tips since the fee began three years ago."We are looking for fairness for the hardworking employees who every day help passengers,'' said Shannon Liss-Riordan, an attorney representing the skycaps."Some of the guys have worked 20, 30, 40 years as skycaps. This is their profession. These guys' lives have been devastated by this.''
By Steve Huettel, St Petersburg Times Staff Writer
Published Friday, March 28, 2008 10:29 PM
Three more days, and Delta Air Lines customers will start paying for the convenience of curbside check-in service.The airline will charge $3 per bag to check luggage at curbside, Delta said Friday in a story first reported on the St. Petersburg Times' Web site, www.tampabay.com. The fee goes into effect Tuesday at Tampa International and 10 other major airports, then rolls out at 75 more cities nationwide April 15."It's a business decision that reflects today's competitive landscape and cost pressures," said Delta spokeswoman Susan Elliott. "In many cases, it will make us more competitive."Delta and Continental Airlines are the only major network carriers that don't charge for curbside check-in. Delta's new fee will be $1 per bag higher than those charged by American Airlines, United Airlines, Northwest Airlines and US Airways.
The fee will be waived for Delta's most prized customers: elite Medallion-level fliers, first-class and business-class travelers. Passengers who check in online also won't be charged.Will the fee drive regular curbside customers to the ticket counter, where checking one standard-size bag is still free?
"With the baby, probably not," said Peggy Braitsch, flying home to Cincinnati from Tampa on Friday with her granddaughter, Mary, 1, in a stroller. "For me (alone)? It probably would have."Record prices for oil and refined jet fuel are forcing airlines to find more ways raise revenue. Fare increases haven't been enough to cover the bills, they say, and don't stick if a competitor refuses to match them. More carriers are turning to higher luggage fees.Northwest said Friday it would start charging customers $25 each way to check a second bag, following the lead of United, US Airways and Delta. The airline also boosted fees from $80 to $100 for three or more checked bags and from $25 to $50 for luggage more than 50 pounds.
One group certainly won't like Delta's new curbside fee: Prospect of Tampa skycaps working for Delta. Like other airlines, Delta will pocket what it's calling an "administration fee'' on signs posted at curbside counters. Signs will note that tips aren't included in the $3 charge.Skycaps, who make most of their money on tips, say the disclaimers don't help. Many travelers still refuse to pay a tip in addition to the fee.
A group of skycaps recently sued American Airlines, seeking restitution for lost tips since the fee began three years ago."We are looking for fairness for the hardworking employees who every day help passengers,'' said Shannon Liss-Riordan, an attorney representing the skycaps."Some of the guys have worked 20, 30, 40 years as skycaps. This is their profession. These guys' lives have been devastated by this.''
Monday, March 03, 2008
The 12th Annual HARBOR HOUSE 400 Ride For New Beginnings
The 12th AnnualHARBOR HOUSE 400 Ride For New Beginnings
July 9~13, 2008
This dynamic bicycle ride takes cyclists and support team members on a scenic journey to raise critical funds for Ocean’s Harbor House. This is the only agency of its kind in Ocean and Monmouth County which helps homeless, abused, and runaway children and youth. This charity ride is the primary fundraiser for Ocean’s Harbor House which assists over 8,000 local youth and families annually. This year promises to be the best ride yet. The ride offers something for riders of all experience levels, from the novice to the seasoned veteran.
For more information on how you can support or participate please call 732-929-9096.
July 9~13, 2008
This dynamic bicycle ride takes cyclists and support team members on a scenic journey to raise critical funds for Ocean’s Harbor House. This is the only agency of its kind in Ocean and Monmouth County which helps homeless, abused, and runaway children and youth. This charity ride is the primary fundraiser for Ocean’s Harbor House which assists over 8,000 local youth and families annually. This year promises to be the best ride yet. The ride offers something for riders of all experience levels, from the novice to the seasoned veteran.
For more information on how you can support or participate please call 732-929-9096.
Monday, February 18, 2008
February 2008 Tips and Trips Newsletter
Cruise News
Royal Caribbean Savings**
Savings valid for Ocean View & above staterooms
Booking through March 31, 2008
Save $50 per stateroom on the following ship & sail dates:
Majesty of the Seas- 4-Night Bahamas From Miami - 8/11, 8/18, 8/25/2008
Enchantment of the Seas- 5-Night Western Caribbean From Fort Lauderdale - 8/18, 9/6, 9/15/2008
Save $100 per stateroom on the following ship & sail dates:
Adventure of the Seas- 7-Night Southern Caribbean From San Juan - 8/31, 9/14, 10/5/2008
Explorer of the Seas- 9-Night Atlantic Canada & Quebec From Cape Liberty Cruise Port, NJ- 8/28, 10/9/2008
Freedom of the Seas- 7-Night Eastern Caribbean From Miami - 9/7, 9/21, 10/5/2008
Liberty of the Seas- 7-Night Eastern Caribbean From Miami - 9/13, 9/27/2008
Liberty of the Seas- 7-Night Western Caribbean From Miami - 9/6/08
Mariner of the Seas- 7-Night Western Caribbean From Port Canaveral - 9/21, 10/5/2008
Mariner of the Seas- 7-Night Eastern Caribbean From Port Canaveral - 9/28/08
Splendour of the Seas- 7-Night Greek Isles/Dalmatian Coast From Venice - 8/30, 9/27/2008 Splendour of the Seas- 7-Night Greek Isles From Venice - 10/4/2008
Voyager of the Seas- 7-Night Classic Mediterranean From Barcelona - 8/16, 8/23, 8/30, 9/6, 10/4/2008
Save $200 per stateroom on the following ship & sail dates:
Brilliance of the Seas- 12-Night Mediterranean Greek Isles From Barcelona - 8/21/2008
Brilliance of the Seas - 12-Night Mediterranean Venice From Barcelona - 10/20/2008 Legend of the Seas- 13-Night Italy & Croatia From Rome - 8/16, 9/10, 10/5/2008
Navigator of the Seas - 12-Night Eastern Mediterranean From Rome - 9/7/2008
Navigator of the Seas - 10-Night Greece & Turkey From Barcelona - 9/19/2008
Navigator of the Seas - 11-Night Eastern Mediterranean From Barcelona - 9/29/2008
** Term and conditions: Valid for OCEAN VIEW or above staterooms booked between through March 31, 2008 on the itineraries mentioned above. Offer is based on when the stateroom is booked, not deposited or date of final payment. This offer is not transferable. Savings are in U.S. dollars and are not redeemable for cash. This offer is valid for NEW individual bookings only. Offer not applicable to Groups. THE OFFER CANNOT BE USED WITH CERTAIN FARES. This offer cannot be combined with any coupon on the same sailing. Offer is not combinable with any other promotion or offer unless expressly stated therein. Not combinable with any other National Account offer. Subject to availability. Offer can be withdrawn at any time. Singles paying 200% are entitled to full face value. Discount applies on a per stateroom basis, double occupancy. Prices vary by ship and sailing date and space is subject to availability at time of booking. Deposits must be made in order for savings to be applied.
Princess Chef's Table
Princess Cruises plans to implement its nascent Chef's Table experience aboard most of its ships by early this year.
Designed for foodies, the Chef's Table offers an evening that begins with a welcoming of hors d'oeuvres and cocktails in the ship's galley with the executive chef, followed by a multi-course tasting dinner in the main dining room.
The Chef's Table is currently available on Emerald Princess, Crown Princess and Caribbean Princess. Princess' smaller ships, Tahitian Princess, Pacific Princess and Royal Princess, are not included in the initial rollout, but may be at a later date.
The special dinner can be reserved for up to 10 passengers at a cost of $75 per person. Reservations can be made onboard through the ship's DINE telephone line or in person the first day of the cruise at the dining reservations table.
Smoking Ban Expanded
Crystal Cruises is imposing a stricter smoking policy, banning smoking on all stateroom and suite verandas on its two ships beginning in May.
New Cruise Boarding Rules Start Feb. 18
New cruise boarding rules go into effect on Feb. 18. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) advises that, starting that date, passengers must board at U.S. ports at least one hour prior to the ship's scheduled departure. CLIA also recommends that passengers use any online check-in systems offered by cruise lines to submit their information as soon as possible before arriving at the departure port. Another good idea is arriving into the departure port the night before the sailing date, to avoid any problems with flight delays on the date of departure. If passengers fail to make it to the ship by the hour-before-departure deadline, they may be denied boarding without any refund of their cruise payments.
Note that companies like Royal Caribbean will ask passengers to arrive even earlier for check-ins. For Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Azamara sailings, passengers must complete their online check-ins no later than three days prior to the cruise departure. If they don't, they will be required to complete the process at the pier at least two hours prior to the published sailing time. If passengers are not checked in and onboard the ship at least 90 minutes prior to that time, they will not be permitted to sail.
Another reminder: Starting Jan. 31, cruise passengers can no longer orally declare their citizenship to customs officials. Instead, they must carry proof of citizenship - such as a passport, a birth certificate, or naturalization papers - and a government-issued ID such as a drivers license. However, I recommend that all those who are traveling out of the country on a cruise have their passports. The passport requirements are constantly being revised and you don't want to be denied boarding.
Hotel and Resort News
Wyndham's "Pure Rooms"
Wyndham hotels have started to make environmentally friendly accommodations for guests who suffer from allergies. Pure Rooms, which use a special process to disinfect rooms, are available at 34 hotels nationwide, with Wyndham Hotels being the biggest chain to use to Pure Rooms. "We received favorable comments when we test-marketed the rooms so we decided to roll it out for all our properties, about 10% of the rooms as well as conference rooms," said Faith Taylor, Wyndham's vice president of product development and innovation. Read the entire article Chicago Tribune
Religious Travel
Religius travel has become increasingly popular. Several travel suppliers have put together packages that will take you to places like Lourdes (France), Fatima (Portugal), Knock (Ireland), Israel, and of course, the many sites of Rome and the surrounding area. Read a recent article in USA Today.
Safety Tips for Parents
When you are on vacation with your children, use your camera in your cell phone to take a picture of each of your children each day. This way if you become separated from your child, you will have an exact description of what he or she is wearing that day. Use your digital camera if you don't have a camera on your phone.
Safety While Traveling Abroad
Travel safety tips for travel safety tips from the U.S. State Department.
Airline News
JetBlue will begin offering passengers free e-mail access on one of its airplanes next week.
A new automated baggage screening system at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport can screen 5,000 checked bags each hour. The system will first operate within Northwest Airlines' baggage system, and eventually all carriers at the airport will use it.
United Airlines announced a new checked bag policy for customers who purchase nonrefundable domestic economy tickets. Customers purchasing nonrefundable domestic economy tickets who do not have status in Mileage Plus or Star Alliance may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 service fee.
This policy is for travel exclusively within the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada and applies to tickets purchased on or after February 4, 2008 for travel on or after May 5, 2008. Read more...
I hope you have enjoyed reading this newsletter. The goal of The Travel Bug Vacation Planners is to remove the stress from your vacation planning and allow you to relax, knowing that the details of your trip have been arranged for you.
We also provide concierge service including itinerary planning, show and concert tickets, dinner reservations, sporting events, and private transportation.
Please contact me at 732-747-8187 for your personalized vacation planning.
Happy travels,
Mary McGrath
Your Personal Vacation Planner
The Travel Bug Vacation Planners, LLC
Personal Planning, Lasting Memories
Royal Caribbean Savings**
Savings valid for Ocean View & above staterooms
Booking through March 31, 2008
Save $50 per stateroom on the following ship & sail dates:
Majesty of the Seas- 4-Night Bahamas From Miami - 8/11, 8/18, 8/25/2008
Enchantment of the Seas- 5-Night Western Caribbean From Fort Lauderdale - 8/18, 9/6, 9/15/2008
Save $100 per stateroom on the following ship & sail dates:
Adventure of the Seas- 7-Night Southern Caribbean From San Juan - 8/31, 9/14, 10/5/2008
Explorer of the Seas- 9-Night Atlantic Canada & Quebec From Cape Liberty Cruise Port, NJ- 8/28, 10/9/2008
Freedom of the Seas- 7-Night Eastern Caribbean From Miami - 9/7, 9/21, 10/5/2008
Liberty of the Seas- 7-Night Eastern Caribbean From Miami - 9/13, 9/27/2008
Liberty of the Seas- 7-Night Western Caribbean From Miami - 9/6/08
Mariner of the Seas- 7-Night Western Caribbean From Port Canaveral - 9/21, 10/5/2008
Mariner of the Seas- 7-Night Eastern Caribbean From Port Canaveral - 9/28/08
Splendour of the Seas- 7-Night Greek Isles/Dalmatian Coast From Venice - 8/30, 9/27/2008 Splendour of the Seas- 7-Night Greek Isles From Venice - 10/4/2008
Voyager of the Seas- 7-Night Classic Mediterranean From Barcelona - 8/16, 8/23, 8/30, 9/6, 10/4/2008
Save $200 per stateroom on the following ship & sail dates:
Brilliance of the Seas- 12-Night Mediterranean Greek Isles From Barcelona - 8/21/2008
Brilliance of the Seas - 12-Night Mediterranean Venice From Barcelona - 10/20/2008 Legend of the Seas- 13-Night Italy & Croatia From Rome - 8/16, 9/10, 10/5/2008
Navigator of the Seas - 12-Night Eastern Mediterranean From Rome - 9/7/2008
Navigator of the Seas - 10-Night Greece & Turkey From Barcelona - 9/19/2008
Navigator of the Seas - 11-Night Eastern Mediterranean From Barcelona - 9/29/2008
** Term and conditions: Valid for OCEAN VIEW or above staterooms booked between through March 31, 2008 on the itineraries mentioned above. Offer is based on when the stateroom is booked, not deposited or date of final payment. This offer is not transferable. Savings are in U.S. dollars and are not redeemable for cash. This offer is valid for NEW individual bookings only. Offer not applicable to Groups. THE OFFER CANNOT BE USED WITH CERTAIN FARES. This offer cannot be combined with any coupon on the same sailing. Offer is not combinable with any other promotion or offer unless expressly stated therein. Not combinable with any other National Account offer. Subject to availability. Offer can be withdrawn at any time. Singles paying 200% are entitled to full face value. Discount applies on a per stateroom basis, double occupancy. Prices vary by ship and sailing date and space is subject to availability at time of booking. Deposits must be made in order for savings to be applied.
Princess Chef's Table
Princess Cruises plans to implement its nascent Chef's Table experience aboard most of its ships by early this year.
Designed for foodies, the Chef's Table offers an evening that begins with a welcoming of hors d'oeuvres and cocktails in the ship's galley with the executive chef, followed by a multi-course tasting dinner in the main dining room.
The Chef's Table is currently available on Emerald Princess, Crown Princess and Caribbean Princess. Princess' smaller ships, Tahitian Princess, Pacific Princess and Royal Princess, are not included in the initial rollout, but may be at a later date.
The special dinner can be reserved for up to 10 passengers at a cost of $75 per person. Reservations can be made onboard through the ship's DINE telephone line or in person the first day of the cruise at the dining reservations table.
Smoking Ban Expanded
Crystal Cruises is imposing a stricter smoking policy, banning smoking on all stateroom and suite verandas on its two ships beginning in May.
New Cruise Boarding Rules Start Feb. 18
New cruise boarding rules go into effect on Feb. 18. The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) advises that, starting that date, passengers must board at U.S. ports at least one hour prior to the ship's scheduled departure. CLIA also recommends that passengers use any online check-in systems offered by cruise lines to submit their information as soon as possible before arriving at the departure port. Another good idea is arriving into the departure port the night before the sailing date, to avoid any problems with flight delays on the date of departure. If passengers fail to make it to the ship by the hour-before-departure deadline, they may be denied boarding without any refund of their cruise payments.
Note that companies like Royal Caribbean will ask passengers to arrive even earlier for check-ins. For Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, and Azamara sailings, passengers must complete their online check-ins no later than three days prior to the cruise departure. If they don't, they will be required to complete the process at the pier at least two hours prior to the published sailing time. If passengers are not checked in and onboard the ship at least 90 minutes prior to that time, they will not be permitted to sail.
Another reminder: Starting Jan. 31, cruise passengers can no longer orally declare their citizenship to customs officials. Instead, they must carry proof of citizenship - such as a passport, a birth certificate, or naturalization papers - and a government-issued ID such as a drivers license. However, I recommend that all those who are traveling out of the country on a cruise have their passports. The passport requirements are constantly being revised and you don't want to be denied boarding.
Hotel and Resort News
Wyndham's "Pure Rooms"
Wyndham hotels have started to make environmentally friendly accommodations for guests who suffer from allergies. Pure Rooms, which use a special process to disinfect rooms, are available at 34 hotels nationwide, with Wyndham Hotels being the biggest chain to use to Pure Rooms. "We received favorable comments when we test-marketed the rooms so we decided to roll it out for all our properties, about 10% of the rooms as well as conference rooms," said Faith Taylor, Wyndham's vice president of product development and innovation. Read the entire article Chicago Tribune
Religious Travel
Religius travel has become increasingly popular. Several travel suppliers have put together packages that will take you to places like Lourdes (France), Fatima (Portugal), Knock (Ireland), Israel, and of course, the many sites of Rome and the surrounding area. Read a recent article in USA Today.
Safety Tips for Parents
When you are on vacation with your children, use your camera in your cell phone to take a picture of each of your children each day. This way if you become separated from your child, you will have an exact description of what he or she is wearing that day. Use your digital camera if you don't have a camera on your phone.
Safety While Traveling Abroad
Travel safety tips for travel safety tips from the U.S. State Department.
Airline News
JetBlue will begin offering passengers free e-mail access on one of its airplanes next week.
A new automated baggage screening system at Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport can screen 5,000 checked bags each hour. The system will first operate within Northwest Airlines' baggage system, and eventually all carriers at the airport will use it.
United Airlines announced a new checked bag policy for customers who purchase nonrefundable domestic economy tickets. Customers purchasing nonrefundable domestic economy tickets who do not have status in Mileage Plus or Star Alliance may check one bag for free and a second bag for a $25 service fee.
This policy is for travel exclusively within the 50 United States, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands and Canada and applies to tickets purchased on or after February 4, 2008 for travel on or after May 5, 2008. Read more...
I hope you have enjoyed reading this newsletter. The goal of The Travel Bug Vacation Planners is to remove the stress from your vacation planning and allow you to relax, knowing that the details of your trip have been arranged for you.
We also provide concierge service including itinerary planning, show and concert tickets, dinner reservations, sporting events, and private transportation.
Please contact me at 732-747-8187 for your personalized vacation planning.
Happy travels,
Mary McGrath
Your Personal Vacation Planner
The Travel Bug Vacation Planners, LLC
Personal Planning, Lasting Memories
Saratoga Springs Resort at Disney World
Tommy and I spent a long weekend at the new Saratoga Springs Resort at Disney World. Saratoga Springs is the newest of the Disney Vacation Club Resorts, although you don't have to be a vacation club member to stay at any of these resorts.
Since we were only staying from Friday to Monday (2/1 - 2/4) we decided to stay in a studio. The studio is large - it has a queen bed, a queen sleeper sofa, table with two chairs, kitchenette, and a balcony. Our view from the balcony was great. We overlooked the lake which has a geiser in the middle of it. There were swans that stayed in the area during the day. Very peaceful. We were close to the bus stop (we didn't rent a car) and to the check-in area which houses the restaurants and store and the main pool. The only complaint was that the mirror which hung by the table and chairs was so dusty that a prior "tenant" had drawn a heart in the dust. A little bit of dusting on housekeeping's part would help.
Since we arrived in the afternoon so we chose not to go to the parks that day. We had the Disney Dining Plan which we had never tried before. We took a ferry over to Downtown Disney and had dinner at the new Irish pub, Raglan Road Irish Pub. The food was great as was the atmosphere. We had a table pretty much in the middle of the room and the Irish band played. Every once in a while the Irish dancer stepped up on to the platform and danced a jig. I would highly recommend this restaurant.
After dinner we walked around Pleasure Island and Downtown Disney. We went in to the new magic store, Magic Masters, and were quite entertained by the magician. We ended up buying two magic tricks, one for each of us, and when you buy something they bring you into a hidden room to show you how to perform the trick. New career? I think we need a little practice yet!
Saturday we spent in Epcot. We thought we would split the day between parks but we had so much fun there we decided to stay. We had fun at "Honey I Shrunk the Audience" and at "Soarin'". "Maelstrom" is always fun (at the Norway Pavilion) and we also went on the refurbished and renamed ride in Mexico (it used to be El Rio del Tiempo but it is now the Gran Fiesta ride with the Three Caballeros). But the best part of Epcot was our dinner. We went to the Living Seas Pavilion where the Coral Reef restaurant is and put our names on the list for dinner. We didn't have to wait more than a few minutes because we got there when they opened. We had the best food, the best view (the aquarium wall is right there), and the very best service. Blanca was our server and she always had a smile on her face. She was so friendly as was her daughter, Jasmine. Tommy asked for the manager so he could compliment Blanca. There were some diners that were celebrating their anniversary and for a fee, you can request a banner to be held up by the divers. The diver went over to where their table was and held it up for them. We also saw the divers who were guests spending their time in the aquarium. This is one restaurant we had never been to before but we will definitely come back. I'm glad that the Le Cellier restaurant in Canada had no openings for us or we wouldn't have had the chance to eat at the Coral Reef.
We stayed in Epcot to see the fireworks show, Illuminations, then went back to our room. We used the bus system to get around the resorts and parks. Each park has an area for the buses and you just go to the waiting area designated for your particular resort.
On Sunday we went to Disney's Hollywood Studios (name changed from Disney MGM). The first thing we did was go on The Great Movie Ride which is one of the rides we always go on. Then on to the Rock 'n Roller Coaster followed by the Tower of Terror. I went on the Tower twice (by myself - Tommy doesn't like this one) and I have to say the elevator on the right is better than the one on the left. Just my opinion.
After we left this park we went on to the Magic Kingdom. We went on the newly refurbished Haunted Mansion and the Pirates of the Caribbean. Both were even better than before! Unfortunately Splash Mountain was closed for refurbishing. We ended with the Hall of Presidents then made our long trek back to our room. Long because we had cancelled our dinner reservations (we were going to have dinner back at the resort and watch the Super Bowl there) and decided to eat in the park. No luck. Then we tried the Contemporary restaurants and again, no luck. So we went to wait for the bus, but when the bus came we had to take the Old Key West people because their bus hadn't shown up. Instead of bringing us back first, we had to go all the way through Old Key West to all of its stops first, the go on to Saratoga Springs. We were hungry, missed a lot of the game, and a little annoyed. But we ended up getting food at the take out area of our resort and brought it back to the room to see the rest of the game.
A word of advice: if you purchase the dining plan (which is well worth it and less expensive than buying all the food on your own) make sure you make your reservations prior to arriving at Disney World. Guests can reserve 180 days in advance and the more popular restaurants sell out. If there is a particular restaurant you really want to go to, don't disappoint yourself. Make the reservations. They can always be cancelled or changed (make sure you find out the cancellation policy of each restaurant you reserve). You can also use the dining plan for dinner shows such as the Hoop de Doo and the luau. Two dinner points are used for these specialty restaurants.
Since we were only staying from Friday to Monday (2/1 - 2/4) we decided to stay in a studio. The studio is large - it has a queen bed, a queen sleeper sofa, table with two chairs, kitchenette, and a balcony. Our view from the balcony was great. We overlooked the lake which has a geiser in the middle of it. There were swans that stayed in the area during the day. Very peaceful. We were close to the bus stop (we didn't rent a car) and to the check-in area which houses the restaurants and store and the main pool. The only complaint was that the mirror which hung by the table and chairs was so dusty that a prior "tenant" had drawn a heart in the dust. A little bit of dusting on housekeeping's part would help.
Since we arrived in the afternoon so we chose not to go to the parks that day. We had the Disney Dining Plan which we had never tried before. We took a ferry over to Downtown Disney and had dinner at the new Irish pub, Raglan Road Irish Pub. The food was great as was the atmosphere. We had a table pretty much in the middle of the room and the Irish band played. Every once in a while the Irish dancer stepped up on to the platform and danced a jig. I would highly recommend this restaurant.
After dinner we walked around Pleasure Island and Downtown Disney. We went in to the new magic store, Magic Masters, and were quite entertained by the magician. We ended up buying two magic tricks, one for each of us, and when you buy something they bring you into a hidden room to show you how to perform the trick. New career? I think we need a little practice yet!
Saturday we spent in Epcot. We thought we would split the day between parks but we had so much fun there we decided to stay. We had fun at "Honey I Shrunk the Audience" and at "Soarin'". "Maelstrom" is always fun (at the Norway Pavilion) and we also went on the refurbished and renamed ride in Mexico (it used to be El Rio del Tiempo but it is now the Gran Fiesta ride with the Three Caballeros). But the best part of Epcot was our dinner. We went to the Living Seas Pavilion where the Coral Reef restaurant is and put our names on the list for dinner. We didn't have to wait more than a few minutes because we got there when they opened. We had the best food, the best view (the aquarium wall is right there), and the very best service. Blanca was our server and she always had a smile on her face. She was so friendly as was her daughter, Jasmine. Tommy asked for the manager so he could compliment Blanca. There were some diners that were celebrating their anniversary and for a fee, you can request a banner to be held up by the divers. The diver went over to where their table was and held it up for them. We also saw the divers who were guests spending their time in the aquarium. This is one restaurant we had never been to before but we will definitely come back. I'm glad that the Le Cellier restaurant in Canada had no openings for us or we wouldn't have had the chance to eat at the Coral Reef.
We stayed in Epcot to see the fireworks show, Illuminations, then went back to our room. We used the bus system to get around the resorts and parks. Each park has an area for the buses and you just go to the waiting area designated for your particular resort.
On Sunday we went to Disney's Hollywood Studios (name changed from Disney MGM). The first thing we did was go on The Great Movie Ride which is one of the rides we always go on. Then on to the Rock 'n Roller Coaster followed by the Tower of Terror. I went on the Tower twice (by myself - Tommy doesn't like this one) and I have to say the elevator on the right is better than the one on the left. Just my opinion.
After we left this park we went on to the Magic Kingdom. We went on the newly refurbished Haunted Mansion and the Pirates of the Caribbean. Both were even better than before! Unfortunately Splash Mountain was closed for refurbishing. We ended with the Hall of Presidents then made our long trek back to our room. Long because we had cancelled our dinner reservations (we were going to have dinner back at the resort and watch the Super Bowl there) and decided to eat in the park. No luck. Then we tried the Contemporary restaurants and again, no luck. So we went to wait for the bus, but when the bus came we had to take the Old Key West people because their bus hadn't shown up. Instead of bringing us back first, we had to go all the way through Old Key West to all of its stops first, the go on to Saratoga Springs. We were hungry, missed a lot of the game, and a little annoyed. But we ended up getting food at the take out area of our resort and brought it back to the room to see the rest of the game.
A word of advice: if you purchase the dining plan (which is well worth it and less expensive than buying all the food on your own) make sure you make your reservations prior to arriving at Disney World. Guests can reserve 180 days in advance and the more popular restaurants sell out. If there is a particular restaurant you really want to go to, don't disappoint yourself. Make the reservations. They can always be cancelled or changed (make sure you find out the cancellation policy of each restaurant you reserve). You can also use the dining plan for dinner shows such as the Hoop de Doo and the luau. Two dinner points are used for these specialty restaurants.
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