Royal Caribbean Dive Into Deals Sale!
Contact me to get onboard! Magical Vacation Planner is a Preferred Partner with Royal Caribbean!
Contact me to get onboard! Magical Vacation Planner is a Preferred Partner with Royal Caribbean!
Beginning October 1, 2020, every air traveler 18 years of age and older will need a REAL ID-compliant driver’s license, state-issued enhanced driver’s license, or another acceptable form of ID to fly within the United States.
REAL ID-compliant cards are marked with a star at the top of the card. If you’re not sure, contact your state driver’s license agency on how to obtain a REAL ID compliant card.
For info by state, including where to obtain a REAL ID, visit the DHS REAL ID website and click your state on the map.
Note: Legacy Ohio driver’s licenses have a gold star marking on the card, however REAL ID compliant Ohio driver’s licenses have a black cut-out star. If you are not sure whether your card is compliant, contact the Ohio driver’s license issuing agency.
Michigan, Vermont, Minnesota, and New York states issue REAL ID and state-issued enhanced driver’s licenses, both of which are acceptable. Washington state issues enhanced driver’s licenses only.
State-issued enhanced driver’s licenses are marked with a flag. These documents will be accepted at the airport security checkpoint when the REAL ID enforcement goes into effect.
Passed by Congress in 2005, the REAL ID Act enacted the 9/11 Commission’s recommendation that the federal government “set standards for the issuance of sources of identification, such as driver’s licenses.” The Act and implementing regulations establish minimum security standards for state-issued driver’s licenses and identification cards and prohibit federal agencies, like TSA, from accepting licenses and identification cards from states that do not meet these standards for official purposes, such as getting through the airport security checkpoint to board a plane.
New Information from Carnival:
Dear Travel Advisor,
Our highest responsibilities include the health and safety of our guests and crew. We continue to work closely with public health officials, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), as well as the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), to monitor, screen and implement best practices to protect the health of our guests and crew as it relates to COVID-19 (coronavirus). Our monitoring, screening and operational protocols are designed to be flexible so that we can effectively adapt to changes as they occur.
We are following industry and public health guidelines regarding embarkation restrictions. Guests meeting the following criteria will be unable to sail:
If your clients meet any of this criteria, please advise us as soon as possible by calling 1-800-CARNIVAL so we can discuss this matter before they travel to the terminal for embarkation.
There are also certain guests that will be subject to additional screening. Please be advised that guests who have visited or traveled through the countries below will receive medical screening including having their temperature checked prior to boarding. Guests will be required to provide travel documentation and are subject to passport verification:
Some destinations on your client’s itinerary may restrict or deny entry to ships carrying any person with symptoms of influenza and illness even if the symptoms do not meet the criteria set by world health experts including CDC and WHO – and would therefore not even be required to be evaluated or tested for the illness in the United States or most places around the world. While we will work to minimize these incidents, we do not have control over these decisions. Carnival will comply with all required guidelines that may be implemented by individual destinations that may require itinerary changes. We will make every effort to inform you of any new local policies as soon as the information is made available to us.
In addition to our usual procedures, we have implemented the following expanded protocols:
While your clients may see a few guests wearing masks, that is their choice, and it’s important for them to remember that culturally, some travelers wear masks as a routine matter. If your clients see a crew member wearing a mask, it is directly related to a task they are performing and it is an authorized piece of safety equipment.
We assure you we are actively managing health and safety related issues on our cruises and want you and your clients to be aware of the enhanced measures we are taking. You can also find more information on the industry’s response by visiting the CLIA or U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC web sites.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we aim to ensure a safe, fun and memorable cruise. We look forward to seeing your clients aboard.
Yours in health,
Dr. Grant Tarling
Chief Medical Officer
Carnival Cruise Line
From Carnival Cruise Line |
Dear Travel Advisor, We want you to be fully aware of our efforts related to Coronavirus and sailing restrictions for guests who have recently traveled to China. We continue to closely monitor the latest information and our medical experts are coordinating closely with the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) to implement enhanced screening, prevention and control measures for our ships globally. In accordance with guidance from Cruise Lines International Association, cruise lines, including ours, are not allowing guests who have traveled to mainland China in the 14 days prior to their embarkation day to sail. |
Currently, the Bahamian government has also informed cruise lines that guests who have been to China in the last 20 days before their arrival date in The Bahamas, will not be allowed to disembark in a Bahamian port of call. If your clients have recently visited China and are potentially impacted by a travel restriction, please contact us by calling 1-800-CARNIVAL. In the event there are any other changes, we will promptly notify you of any new developments. Additionally, we have taken the following steps: Asking guests to comply with standard pre-boarding health reporting which reminds them of their obligation to report any illness symptoms at time of check-in Conducting additional pre-cruise and in-terminal screenings and questionnaires, as neededImplementing pre-boarding medical evaluations, including temperature checks, for persons with fever or respiratory symptomsDelaying the arrival of any crew members from China and not booking any crew members on flights connecting through ChinaImplementing onboard environmental disinfection measures, in addition to our regular stringent cleaning and sanitation protocols. |
All guests and travel advisors with impacted sailings have been advised, please see letters that have been distributed to guests with bookings on any Bahamian and non-Bahamian sailings from February 6th through February 10, 2020. We greatly appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we aim to ensure a safe, fun and memorable cruise. Our highest responsibilities include the health and safety of our guests and crew. We look forward to seeing you and your clients aboard. |
Sincerely, Carnival Cruise Line |
From Princess Cruise Lines: |
---|
Coronavirus Health Advisory Hi everyone,We know there is a great deal of media coverage and growing public concern about the Coronavirus. To ensure you are aware of what we are doing at Princess to protect the health and safety of your clients (our guests), we have activated updates in our website News Room to provide the latest information available.You’ll find the latest updates 24/7 on the Notices & Advisories page of princess.com. Be sure to bookmark this page so you can easily access as inquiries arise.We are closely monitoring the evolving situation with respect to Coronavirus originating in mainland China. We are working with international health authorities and have activated enhanced screening, prevention and control procedures for our ships to keep our guests and crew safe. As the situation continues to develop, any measures we may take (as well as any other requirements that may be imposed by local authorities), are subject to change. We encourage you to check back regularly to our Notices & Advisories page so you can advise your clients accordingly.More information can be found at:U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Website:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.htmlWorld Health Organization (WHO) Website: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 Thank you for your continued support. Update: Southeast Asia Itineraries & how to get information Hi everyone, The situation regarding Diamond Princess and COVID-19 (coronavirus), and subsequent voyage cancellations and modifications on other Southeast Asia itineraries have undoubtedly created a great deal of uncertainty and angst for your clients who have booked voyages to this region, as well as for you as their travel advisor. I want to assure you that each and every booked guest impacted has received (or will receive very soon) an Emergency Notification (EN – Click to see Sample EN), and this communication is also sent to the booking agent, as well as the primary agency. While you may receive many other ENs, please be mindful to watch for these communications as they contain critical information that will allow you to better serve your clients. As we work through all the travel changes and subsequent impacts on itineraries, your best resource is our Notices & Advisories page on princess.com, which includes a list of affected voyages, health advisories and FAQs on measures we have taken. Please minimize calling our Princess call center (800-PRINCESS) for itinerary change information, as long hold times will only result in increased frustration for you and your clients, and our call center will be referencing the same information you’ll find on Notices & Advisories page. We encourage you to bookmark this page and reach out to your guests who have impacted bookings, so you can answer any questions they have proactively, including advising them on compensation procedures, alleviating any travel concerns, and in the event that their voyage was cancelled, make every attempt to re-book them on another voyage. Please understand that every change we have made during this incredibly fluid situation has been done out of an abundance of caution considering the safety, health and well-being of our guests, and our team is working around the clock to support you and your clients. More information can be found at: • Princess Cruises Notices & Advisory page:https://www.princess.com/news/notices_and_advisories/ • U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Website:https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/index.html • World Health Organization (WHO) Website: https://www.who.int/emergencies/diseases/novel-coronavirus-2019 On behalf of all of us here at Princess, we thank you for your continued support. Best Regards. John Chernesky Senior Vice President North America Sales & Trade Marketing Princess Cruises |
From Royal Caribbean
We are closely monitoring global developments regarding the coronavirus and are fully focused on protecting the health and safety of our guests and crew.
After consultation with the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), The World Health Organization (WHO) and other public health authorities, we are implementing several measures to protect our guests and crew.
Until further notice, all ships in the Royal Caribbean International fleet will adopt these health screening protocols:
We have rigorous medical protocols in place to help passengers and crew members who feel unwell while sailing. Our protocols include professional medical treatment, quarantine of unwell individuals from the general ship population, and intensified ship cleaning, air filtration, and sanitization procedures detailed below:
We are assessing developments constantly and will update these measures, as needed.
From Holland America
We are closely monitoring the evolving situation with respect to coronavirus that originated in mainland China and our medical experts are coordinating closely with global health authorities to implement enhanced screening, prevention and control measures for our ships globally.
Measures we are implementing include:
Updated: 2/12/2020
The safety, security and well-being of our guests and crew is our number one priority. We have proactively implemented several preventative measures outlined below due to growing concerns regarding Coronavirus infections in China. We will continue to consult with The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and take appropriate additional action as needed.
Policies currently in place include:
The above measures will remain in effect until further notice and are subject to change at any time as we evaluate the situation and continue to consult with local health authorities as well as the WHO and U.S. CDC.
At this time, we have made a number of itinerary changes and none of our vessels are currently calling to ports in mainland China. We also have the flexibility to alter our itineraries as needed to avoid areas of concern. All itineraries that call in mainland China for the next six months are currently under review and we will communicate any itinerary revisions as soon as possible. As always, we will closely monitor the situation and take appropriate action as necessary.
We apologize for the inconvenience to any guests affected by these measures put in place to ensure the safety and well-being of all our guests and crew.
For frequently asked questions and information regarding the coronavirus, please visit the following websites:
World Health Organization (WHO)
WHO Travel Advice
United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (U.S. CDC)
European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)
CLIA Coronavirus FAQs
CLIA Public Health and Medical Policy
From CLIA
PRESS RELEASE | FEBRUARY 13, 2020
WASHINGTON, DC (13 FEB 2020)—Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the leading voice of the global cruise industry, issued today the following statement in response to recent developments concerning COVID-19 and its impact on the global cruise industry.
“The health and safety of cruise passengers and crew is and remains the number one priority of CLIA and its member lines, which make up over 90% of ocean-going cruise capacity worldwide.
Given the evolving nature of the ongoing COVID-19—and based upon prevailing guidance from global health authorities, including the World Health Organization (WHO)—CLIA Members have adopted the following enhanced protocols for ocean-going guests and crew who have recently traveled from or through China, including Hong Kong and Macau. These enhanced policies, which are in effect as of 7 February 2020, build upon those which were implemented on 31 January 2020 and continue to allow for informed decisions on a case-by-case basis whether a guest or crewmember will be permitted to board.
In coordination with cruise lines, medical experts and regulators around the world, CLIA and its member lines will continue to closely monitor for new developments related to the coronavirus and will modify these policies as necessary with the utmost consideration for the health and safety of passengers and crew. With strict measures in place, as guided by national and international health authorities, CLIA and its member lines do not believe restrictions on the movement of ships are justified.
Importantly, the cruise industry is one of the most well-equipped and experienced when it comes to managing and monitoring health conditions of those onboard, with outbreak prevention and response measures in place year-round. Furthermore, ships must be fitted with onboard medical facilities, with shipboard medical professionals available around the clock, 24/7, to provide initial medical care in the event of illness and help prevent disease transmission.”
Theme Parks to Implement Specialized Training to Better Serve Guests
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation (NYSE:SIX), the world’s largest regional theme park company and the largest operator of waterparks in North America, today announced that each of its 26 parks will earn the Certified Autism Center™ (CAC) designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This initiative will mark the first-ever family of parks to earn the designation at all locations.
“We are proud to partner with IBCCES to ensure that guests on the autism spectrum have the best possible experience when visiting our parks,” said Six Flags Vice President of Safety Jason Freeman. “The certification process will equip our team members with the tools and training needed to better serve guests with special needs. We want them to know Six Flags stands ready to welcome them with open arms.”
Many individuals and families with children on the autism spectrum or with sensory sensitivities find it challenging when visiting new places or planning family trips. The potential for sensory overload combined with a lack of understanding and awareness at parks and other recreational venues can often be overwhelming.
The CAC designation from IBCCES, the only credentialing board providing these services for the amusement and attractions industry, requires that at least 80% of guest-facing staff at each park complete a training and certification program through IBCCES as well as complete onsite audits and make a commitment to ongoing training. The staff training focuses on understanding the autism spectrum and strategies for communication, guest experience, and safety, while the onsite audit will give each park techniques and guidance on additional updates. All Six Flags parks will be certified in Spring of 2020.
As a Certified Autism Center, Six Flags parks will provide:
“IBCCES is extremely excited to work with a family of parks with this level of commitment,” said Myron Pincomb, IBCCES Board Chairman. “So many families just need more communication and understanding from parks and other attractions, so they can make those memories together that we all cherish. In some cases, small changes can make a huge impact, and our certification program ensures each park is committed to long-term growth and understanding, not just a one-time training.”
“As a person on the spectrum, it is exciting to see more parks taking the extra steps to accommodate all guests,” said Dr. Stephen Shore. “The commitment Six Flags is making to a true certification process is impressive and means so much to millions of individuals and families. Creating family memories and recreation are essential for both individuals with ASD and their families as a whole.”
For almost 20 years, IBCCES has been the industry leader in cognitive disorder training and certification for healthcare, education and corporate professionals around the globe. IBCCES recognized that many families with children who have special needs have limited travel options. In response to this need, IBCCES created training and certification programs specifically for the attractions and travel industry. While many destinations tout “autism-friendly” options, this phrase means something different to everyone and does not necessarily indicate a true understanding or commitment to serving these guests.
Six Flags will also be the first network of parks to implement IBCCES’ Accessibility Card. The cards may be used during all Six Flag park visits. For more information on the Accessibility Card registration visit www.accessibilitycard.org.
About Six Flags Entertainment Corporation
Six Flags Entertainment Corporation is the world’s largest regional theme park company and the largest operator of waterparks in North America, with $1.5 billion in revenue and 26 parks across the United States, Mexico and Canada. For 59 years, Six Flags has entertained millions of families with world-class coasters, themed rides, thrilling water parks and unique attractions. For more information, visit www.sixflags.com.
Busy travelers embarking on journeys this year will have the opportunity to encounter fun surprises waiting for them at the airport. Beginning on Feb. 13, at select major airports across the U.S., Nintendo will be providing Nintendo Switch™ On The Go pop-up airport lounges featuring Nintendo products and opportunities for hands-on time with the Nintendo Switchand Nintendo Switch Lite systems.
With comfortable seating, charging ports and Nintendo Switch game demos playable in both Handheld mode and TV mode, these lounges demonstrate the convenience and joy that the Nintendo Switch family of systems can add to everyone’s on-the-go adventures. Some of the games that will be featured at the demo areas include popular titles such as The Legend of Zelda™: Breath of the Wild, Mario Kart™ 8 Deluxe, Super Mario Odyssey™, Super Mario Party™ and Tetris® 99, among others.
“With a vast library of exciting entertainment to launch into, we hope travelers discover that Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite make great companions for their trips,” said Nick Chavez, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “Spending time with Nintendo games at our On The Go lounges will give people the opportunity to begin or end their journeys with a smile.”
In addition to spending time enjoying the latest Nintendo games, while visiting the Nintendo Switch On The Go experience, travelers can order Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite systems and receive a free carrying case with their order. Travelers can also order select Nintendo Switch games and Nintendo merchandise.* Just for stopping by, visitors will also receive a free Nintendo Switch branded luggage handle wrap and a $10 coupon from Target to use on any Nintendo purchase of $75 or more (available while supplies last, terms apply).
The Nintendo Switch pop-up lounges and gateway experiences are currently scheduled to appear at the following airports, located beyond passenger screening:
Airport | Location | Date |
Dulles International Airport Washington, D.C. | Concourse B near west entrance/exit, next to Gate B62 | Feb. 17 – March 29 |
Seattle – Tacoma International Airport Seattle, WA | Concourse C, next to Gate C10 | Feb. 17 – March 29th |
O’Hare International Airport Chicago, IL | Terminal 1, Concourse B, between Gates B12 and B14 | Feb. 17 – March 29th |
Dallas Love Field Airport Dallas, TX | West Terminal, near Gates 14 and 16 | Feb. 13 – March 29th |
Passengers with flights booked at these airports are encouraged to swing by after passing TSA security to spend some time enjoying Nintendo Switch games while waiting for their flights. They’re also encouraged to wave hello if they spot Lakitu above the clouds!
Remember that Nintendo Switch and Nintendo Switch Lite systems feature parental controls that let adults manage some of the content their children can access. For more information about this and other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/switch.
By: Disney Destinations
February 17, 2020
Big news from Walt Disney World Resort – Cinderella Castle is about to get even more magical!
Just like how Cinderella herself transformed into a princess when the animated classic was released 70 years ago this week, her namesake castle at the heart of Walt Disney World Resort will soon be made over with bold, shimmering and regal enhancements befitting the park so many hold so near and dear to their hearts. We are so excited to also share this beautiful concept image with you which shows the castle featuring a brand-new color scheme created by Walt Disney Imagineering for Cinderella Castle.
Above is an incredible concept image of what the newly enhanced Cinderella Castle will look like when work is completed.
Starting today and continuing through summer, you may notice this exciting work taking place as these stunning enhancements begin. But don’t worry! You’ll still get to catch all of the castle favorites like Mickey’s Royal Friendship Faire and Happily Ever After.
100 Reasons to Use a Travel Advisor
1. It’s FREE! Yes, you read that right; it is FREE!! Using the services of a travel advisor is free! We earn commissions from hotels, airlines and other vendors.
2. Your vacation and travel experience package is more personalized.
3. It will never cost even a penny more than if you book the package yourself. So, you can book it yourself and do all the work and give the vendor the same amount of money, or support a small business and pay the same amount and do less work!!
4. We have access to find deals and special offers that are not visible to the average person.
5. Travel Advisor’s have more flexibility to put together complicated itineraries
6. We can handle large groups with a variety of needs and special requests.
7. We will make sure you are aware of all fees and other charges that may show up later.
8. Excellent Customer Service!!
9. We are your single point of contact for anything you need from the time you start planning until after you return home from your trip.
10. We will find the best possible options for your budget and time.
11. We can easily tell you if a package is a good deal or not.
12. We rely on repeat business and referrals so we want to do the best job for you. We LOVE referrals!!
13. We can leverage relationships with vendors and partners to get you additional perks when available.
14. Your Travel Advisor will make sure you are aware about any complimentary offers or specials you are entitled to which your trip is eligible.
15. We will see that all your special needs and or special request are met whenever possible.
16. Travel Advisors will do all the work from research to booking…we LOVE to plan!
17. Travel Advisors are trained in how to creatively build travel itineraries and vacation packages.
18. We have access to information that regular travelers do not
19. You are less likely to run into surprises when you show up at a resort.
20. The online options can be overwhelming and very time consuming. Using a Travel Advisor saves you time and headache.
21. Review websites are not very credible and more than half the reviews on these websites are fake…shocker!
22. You are not an expert of a product or a destination after reading biased online reviews, fancy website write-ups and looking at Photoshop enhanced pictures for two days. Your Travel Advisor speaks from real knowledge and experience.
23. People who use Travel Advisors most times end up with a more complete travel experience than those that booked online on their own.
24. Travel Advisors do not give feedback based on emotions or personal preference. They deliver the facts and allow you to make an educated decision.
25. Most five star accommodations you see online are not really 5 star. Your Travel Advisor will help you accurately rate hotels and experiences.
26. We will guide you to understand the best times are to travel to your desired destinations, based on your budget or local conditions.
27. We are working for you – You are the boss – and are less likely to be biased.
28. When you are not sure what you are looking for, they will work with you to come up with good ideas. Give us your vision and let us come up with options!
29. Your Travel Advisor is your advocate in case something goes wrong on your trip and you need someone to go to bat for you to ensure you get compensated.
30. Online booking engines do not update their photographs so it is likely the images you see online do not accurately represent the hotels.
31. Most Travel Advisors have personally visited the destinations they sell and have personally experienced the products they sell.
32. Travel Advisors will bring up all the small important details that you are unaware of or may be overlooking.
33. Travel Advisors will do extra research to give you the most up-to-date information about a hotel or any other product you are looking to book or purchase.
34.We will suggest awesome ideas you probably would never have thought of on your own.
35. We can help you with budget for your trip.
36. We can negotiate on your behalf.
37. As a traveler, you are more likely to make all better choices for your travel plans, when guided by a trained expert, like us!
38. Your Travel Advisor will be there for you in times of emergency, such as wanting to change a flight last minute, name change or emergency cancellations.
39. You get to have one person handle your reservation file and do not need to explain everything over to a different customer service rep every time you have a question or need an update.
40. Hotels favor small Travel Advisors and agencies over the big online booking engines that normally demand higher commissions.
41. Your Travel Advisor can help you in situations where hotel and airlines overbook and customers have to get bumped.
42. They will find the right answers for all your questions
43. Your Travel Advisor cares about the type of experience you have
44. Your Travel Advisor is your safety net incase of emergency or misfortune.
45. We can help you with the extras like filling out visa and passport applications
46. We can ensure that you have all the right documentations in order to travel to your desired destination.
47. We are a one-stop-shop for all the things you need to book to complete your travel itinerary.
48. We appreciate your business way more than the massive billion dollar travel companies. Shop small!
49. We will be patient with you, so you can take the time you need to make the right decision.
50. We can put resort and hotel reservations on hold for you for up to 48 hours.
51. You have a go-to-source anytime you need any information travel related
52. You get to share the wealth. The big online agencies do not need any more money.
53. Travel Advisors will let you know if there is any reason you should not travel to your destination of choice.
54. We can give you all the tips and tricks you need to learn to make sure your travel and vacation goes smoothly.
55. We will check on you close to your travel date to make sure everything is going as planned.
56. We will check on you after your trip to ask if everything went well.
57. Your certified Travel Advisors are insured by governing bodies and have insurance through their host agencies.
58. Your Travel Advisor will work extremely hard for you with no guarantee of your business.
59. Your Travel Advisor will use favors to have hotel do something special for you for special occasions like anniversaries, birthdays etc.
60. Sometimes Travel Advisors are able to offer free gifts and other incentives for you to book with them.
61. Travel Advisors are better at planning vacations than the Internet. We LOVE to plan!
62. Big online booking engines are ran by massive corporations that deal with millions of customers annually. They will never remember who you are.
63. Your Travel Advisor will remember you and your family, friends and other travel parties by name and preferred room category.
64. We will not fill your inbox with unlimited junk mail
65. You feel way more important when you have someone else taking care of all your travel details for you.
66. We will respond to urgent matters URGENTLY.
67. When you are well educated and fully prepared, you travel with more peace-of-mind.
68. Hotel owners will give you preferential treatment when you are a client of one of their top Travel Advisors.
69. There are way more important things you could be doing than wasting time comparing prices on 10 different websites.
70. Your Travel Advisor is your optimized search engine that will only send you a limited number of options based only on your personal preference, budget and specific instructions.
71. You are less likely to get caught by the “Fine print”
72. What better way to plan surprise trip for your love one than let your travel agent secretly arrange everything for you.
73. If your vacation is special to you, then it deserves special attention.
74. Real Travel Advisors have a genuine passion for creating amazing experiences for their clients. They truly care about your vacation.
75. Airline lost your luggage… well you can make matters even worse by wasting the first two days of your trip trying to track it down yourself, or you can let your Travel Advisor handle it for you.
76. That online booking engine did not tell you that the hotel is an hour from the airport so you are now in a foreign country negotiating what the correct cost should be to get to your hotel. Your Travel Advisor would make sure your airport transfers is covered so you would never have that problem.
77. We will make you look really good by taking care of your referrals the just as good as they took care of you. We LOVE referrals!
78. We can compensate you for referrals you send to them. We LOVE referrals!
79. We will work extremely hard most times for very little.
80. Your Travel Advisor is normally a family friend, a friend of a friend or someone you know personally.
81. We know about all the really cool and unique travel ideas that are not heavily marketed.
82. We can help get you out of penalty situations.
83. If you are a business traveller, they become your personal travel concierge service that manages and organizes your entire travel schedule.
84. Looking for a family vacation? Not all resorts that allow kids are ideal for a vacation with the kids. Your Travel Advisor knows the difference between a resort that allows kids and a resort that is ideal for kids.
85. Do you or anyone you are travelling with have special needs? Your Travel Advisor will make sure that your hotel of choice is appropriately setup to accommodate those needs.
86. What currency should I travel with? Do you need to buy local currency or will they accept my native currency? Ask your Travel Advisor. We will either already know this or find you the best answer.
87. To TIP or not to TIP? When should I TIP? What is an appropriate amount? Let your Travel Advisor help you find the right answers for your tip Dilemma.
88. Travel Advisors are extremely resourceful and creative in last minute travel booking situations.
89. Most Travel Advisors work for host agencies that offer a 24-hour emergency line that you can call in times of desperation.
90. When you pick up the phone to call, you will never have to talk to a machine or an outsourced customer service that hardly speaks your language.
91. Most online travel booking sites require you to pay your entire trip cost up front, regardless of when you book. We can get you setup on a payment plans to make smaller incremental payments especially when you are booking early.
92. We can offer you a wider variety of payment options.
93. Luggage fees are very expensive. Sometimes asking someone with experience and knowledge what to pack and what not to pack can save you on paying unnecessary luggage fees. We call that person a Travel Advisor.
94. Your Travel Advisor will remember all the important details about your travel needs and preferences, which makes planning future trips even easier.
95. Your personal Travel Advisor will send you a thank you card or invite you to a customer appreciation event.
96. Do you own a business? Your Travel Advisor will support your business just like you support them.
97. Many Travel Advisors are people working part time for extra income. When you support a travel agent, you could actually be making a real difference in someone’s life.
98. You do not need the Internet or need to remember your booking reference number and password to access your Travel Advisor
99. Planning a vacation is not just about money; it’s also about time. You may be able to get a refund for a bad experience, but you will never get back your time. You will be doing yourself a huge favor by seeking expert help from a trained Travel Advisor.
100. I just gave you 99 good reasons!! Make Time to Make Memories! Call ME!
There are a few things that only you know you need to bring, but let’s discuss some things you might not have thought about.
Pick up one of these for you to mount your phone safely to navigate while traveling.
Power Strip or Charging Hub
We have 2 teenagers and us, between us we have 8 to 10 devices we will be taking besides cameras and camcorders, GoPro, etc. Most cabins have two US outlets and one European. You can also pack a European adapter to give you an extra plug. But you will definitely need one of these! (You can not have a power strip with a surge protector – word of caution – it will be confiscated.)
Lanyards
I know you might be thinking this isn’t fashionable, but they are so handy! You will be issued a cruise card when you board. You will use this for your muster station drill, dining, activities, disembarking at ports, embarking at ports, purchases, beverages, kids will use it in the arcad – it will be used…A LOT! And if you put it in your pocket you may lose it as you put in or pull it out. So, we use lanyards – and once onboard, you will be seeing a lot of these – you will not be alone! Check them out here.
Magnetic Hooks
The walls in your cabin will be metal! Yep, metal! So, use this space to keep yourself organized. Use hooks like these on your walls. You can see your lanyards hanging there and know where they are. You can hang small bags, cameras, hats, itinerary, etc.
Luggage Tags
Luggage tags are essential. The cruise line provides you with luggage tags you must use. You print these yourself and so they are just paper. They are labeled with how to fold them and how to tape or staple them so they are visible on your luggage. Problem is, obviously, paper will tear. This allows your luggage a chance to be lost. Using these luggage tag holders, available on Amazon, will keep your tags on your luggage, which ensures your luggage will arrive at your cabin.
Alarm Clock
Cruise cabins do not have a clock. I wake up A LOT in the night and I need to know what time it is. If your phone is on charge, it isn’t to see or utilize. I am also a traveler…I don’t vacation, I travel…so, I actually want to get up early to get going and “Seas” the day 🙂 So, you might want an alarm clock like this.
Pool Towel Clips
If you are going to be on the deck much or on your balcony, you will want to clip your towel to the chair…it will blow away. They are also useful to clip your swim suit to your balcony chair for it dry. Something like this works great!
Bag for Excursions
I could, and might do another post on just what to put in this bag. But, you will want a bag to carry essentials to the ports you are visiting. Something obviously smaller than your suitcase. So pack an extra tote bag or backpack like this.
.
Night Light
I don’t like it completely dark, and maybe your kids don’t either. I like a small light to see around the cabin the middle of the night. Shed some light in the cabin with something like this.
.
Sunscreen
Unlike the rest of my family, I have two shades, WHITE and RED. So, pack the sunscreen for the deck and excursions. I recommend SPF 100 like this.
.
Room Spray
Cabins are small…enough said 🙂
Camera
If you pack nothing else, pack your camera. Make Time to Make Memories…and record them! This is the camera I use. I will write another post sometime on what other lens to take and the best bag to take with you on vacation, but check out this camera for a great multi-purpose camera to travel and make memories with.
Sea Sick?
Grab some Sea Bands if you are prone to motion sickness. My daughter wears these every cruise and has no issues anymore!
What else do you pack? I pack all my clothes in Space Bags inside the suitcase so I don’t end up doing this…
Let me know what else you can think of! And remember – Make Time to Make Memories!
Thanks for stopping by. I have been wanting to do this for a while now. So, this is a work in progress.
I hope you will stop by regularly. Maybe you will learn something new, or maybe find something to make you smile and inspire you to travel.
A little about me, I am Ann Brown. I am married to Carlton, an amazing Jamaican man. We have been blessed with 3 beautiful children, Krisjo, Jakob and Jessyka. Carlton and I met when he was on leave from working, ironically enough, on a cruise ship. He worked for Norwegian Cruise Line for 8 years.
In 2017, I finally got Carlton to agree to taking the kids – and me – on our first cruise. We LOVED it! I have always wanted to travel, but as a child, my parents never seemed to have the money or the desire to vacation. So, now, I don’t vacation, I travel! I have to see everything I can while I am wherever, in case I never get there again!
I love Disney, I love cruising, I love New York, LA, Chicago, Gettysburg, Hershey, St. Louis, Columbus – Ohio, Michigan, and then there is the Caribbean – I love Jamaica – and I love a Jamaican! I love the Caribbean. The people, the culture…and the best way to visit the Caribbean is by cruise ship.
We will be leaving on our second cruise in about 20 days. I will be posting more from that trip in hopes of bringing you a glimpse of what it is like to live on the sea for a week.
For now, remember to Make Time to Make Memories!