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You can look forward to winter and spring with this valuable offer from
Disney Cruise Line®! Kids age 17 and under can sail free* on
most 3-night cruises Jan. 7 — April 15, 2010, and most 4-night cruises
Jan. 10 — April 11, 2010, with two full-fare Guests in the same
stateroom.
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Why Sail? This week featuring:
Panama Canal,
Bermuda,
Europe,
Caribbean
Cruise Tip of the Week:
Last Minute Cruises
Last minute cruises have become the best deals afloat for savvy
travelers.
Last-minute cruise deals let you book a cabin on a
cruise that has not sold out around 60 days of sailing. Just
like the airlines who want to sell every seat, cruise lines
don't like to sail with a vacant cabin. Cruise lines make a lot
of more money than the cruise fare. Guests spend big money on
drinks, the spa, photos, gambling, on-board shopping and shore
excursions. Empty cabins mean less profit. Because all the
cabins need to be sold so the ship sails full,
last-minute cruises are deeply discounted. Travel agents
work with the cruise line to make these last minute cruises very
attractive. Big retail travel websites offer deals to cruise
destinations at prices as much as 80% off. Guests should visit
these websites often, as prices, availability and offers change
daily. Don't forget to sign up for e-mail alerts.
Who knows... a good
deal, priced right may come your way!
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Inside This Issue
Feature Story
Hey Can The
Caribou Come Out And Play?
Glacier Bay
National Park
Whale Watching
Alaska Glaciers
More than
100,000 glaciers in Alaska continue to shape
the landscape. |
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From planning to packing, from discount rates to
departure dates, everything you need to know before you
go. Such as our Ultimate Packing List. The definitive
guide to what to pack on your next cruise....read about
exciting locales in Destinations Uncovered...or read
about
readers favorite cruise lines for taking the kids and
teens.
All the Tips and tricks to have a successful
cruise vacation. |
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2009
Reader Survey
- Opinion polls
Readers Elect World's Best Cruises.
In their annual
readers' survey, readers
of three popular services rate the best experiences
cruising has to offer—from
70 -passenger adventure ships
to
mega-liners like Oasis of the
Seas that weighs in at
220,000 tons, and can carry
5,400 passengers!
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Cruise Ship of the Month.
This month we feature Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas. The
World's largest cruise ship! Read on. Then, let us know what you
think. We value your opinion.
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Largest Cruise
Terminal In The World Opens
Terminal to serve the two largest
and most revolutionary cruise ships in the world officially
opened at Port Everglades on Friday, November 6, one week prior
to the arrival of Royal Caribbean International’s
5,400-passenger Oasis of the Seas. |
|
Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas
is Officially The World's Largest Ocean Liner. Arrived in Ft.
Lauderdale Friday Morning.
Spanning 16 decks, 2,700 staterooms
including 28 duplex "New York-style
loft" suites and registered at 220,000
tons, Oasis can carry 5,400 passengers
and have seven distinct neighborhoods .
It has a rock climbing wall,
ice-skating rink, Flow rider surf simulators , a zip
line suspended 9 decks high and an aqua theater.
Showcasing seven entire neighborhoods, including a
Central Park and a Coney Island-style Boardwalk. |
By The Numbers: Oasis of the Seas
Staterooms:
2,700
Passenger capacity: 6,300
Number of employees: 2,100
Restaurants/snack bars: 24
Cost to build: $1.4 billion
Starting price cost for a
seven-night Caribbean cruise in
March: $1,250, plus taxes,
for an interior stateroom.
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pleased share our knowledge and point you in
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You And
Your Cruise -- Are you a good fit?
Match your
personal style and interests with
this sampling
of cruise options.
Read More |
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Cruise
Secrets Revealed...
Did you Know?
Most
cruise lines do not allow travel agents to advertise
prices lower than the cruise lines offer to those who
book
directly with the cruise line. However, some do allow
travel agencies to discount by rebating part of the
commissions, when dealing directly with a potential
customer. If you are shopping the Internet for cruise
prices, you're most likely going to find many travel
sites quoting the same price. |
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But, the
price you're seeing on a travel agent's web site is not
necessarily the best price that travel agency is able to
offer you. To find out a travel agency's best price on a
particular cruise, you should call them, or e-mail
them a request for a price quote. Most travel agencies
have toll-free phone numbers. Don't
hesitate to call or email them-- you could save a lot!
|
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Cruise Reports
Compare
vital statistics, in-depth cruise reviews
and
ratings of hundreds of Cruise
Ships.
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Cruise Line Rankings
The scores
shown reflect average overall satisfaction ratings.
See Who's Number One!
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Regent Seven Seas Cruises
COFFEE BREAK
Are
you ready to explore Antarctica! In luxury?
We invite you to witness
Antarctica aboard Explorer II, one of the world's
top-rated expedition cruise ships.
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Raye & Marty
Trencher's
The Money Jar
Tips
to help you plan your next cruise. Save more.
Fill
your "cruise" money jar with dollars instead of
dimes! |
 |
|
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Never been on a cruise before? Check out a typical day
onboard. Look at video's of activities.
Check out this section for
First Time Cruisers |
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Ultimate Cruise Guide
A great source
of information about your cruise. It's free for the
reading! |
When times are good or not....
travel agents are your secret weapon!
When it comes
to ferreting out bargains for your next cruise, whether
to Alaska, the Caribbean, Canada, Europe or Mexico, or
wherever, did you know your travel agent can do
side-by-side cost and stateroom comparisons of over a
dozen cruise lines at one time .
Form a Group. Save BIG!
Did you know
the most overlooked way to stretch your
 dollar
is to form your own cruise group. Traveling with family
or friends, or both, can lower costs enough so you can
travel even when the economies not that good. Of course,
most of us don't have the time - or inclination - to
make the calls and do the research for an entire group.
It's a big job. On the other hand, booking a group
cruise is easy for a professional travel agent. Your
agent can create a package that works for you, while
your group will realize across-the-board savings from
group discounts that your agent discovers.
Find Out More
|
|
SPOTLIGHT
Alaska Cruise
Review of the Month
What we learned on
our first cruise aboard the Star Princess
sailing Alaska's Inside Passage. Read:
Denny Beck's Comments
and helpful tips. |
 |
Kids Sail Free
For a
limited time, Disney Cruise Line has a great
Kids Sail Free promotion.
Find Out More |
|
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Cruise
Line Web
Site of the Month
This month we've chosen
Carnival Cruise Line's Web Site as our
Best
for Family Values Category.
Carnival Cruise Lines
prides itself on delivering fun, memorable vacations to
their guests by offering a wide array of quality cruises
which present outstanding value for the money. Browse their web site and
you will see their commitment to quality and value,
offering cruise vacations that appeal to a wide range of
lifestyles and budgets and sailings to some of the
world's most exciting destinations.
|
 "Going
on the Internet can be time-consuming and terribly
confusing. Our
CruiseShoppes Cruise Experts have the resources
available so you don't have to search all over for the
answers.
We have
the ability to compete with mega-agencies and online
players, and our sales growth over time proves that we
can compete and provide better customer service." 
Whether you're researching your first cruise vacation,
or you're an experienced cruiser, our team of
professionally trained Cruise Specialists will ensure
you get the right cruise at the best possible price.
Contact a CruiseShoppes agent today and find out why we
are one of the best sellers of cruise vacations and why
so many satisfied customers choose CruiseShoppes.
"People
ask me, 'how'd you get that price?' With CruiseShoppes
customers
don't have to worry about
finding better prices elsewhere. I can say that
confidently. I can probably get you the best price 9 out
of 10 times—and give you better customer service."
—Raye
Trencher
A CruiseShoppes Cruise Expert
Jump
to more Blog entries below.
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Cruise Shopping?:
Click on a Region
to find all the cruises that go there |
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SPECIAL ADVERTISEMENT SECTION
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More Blog Comments
Cruise
Tips: How to find the
right travel agent
1. You
can find a travel agent through the
American Society of Travel Agents
(ASTA), the
Cruise Lines International
Association
(CLIA) and
CruiseShoppes.
With CruiseShoppes Travel Agents all
over the country, you can walk in,
develop a relationship with a local
agent, and know you have found
someone who knows what they're
talking about.
2. When choosing an agent, Look to
see if the agent has CLIA
accreditation or is a
Travel Institute
destination specialist, proving he
or she has taken courses in selling
cruises and travel to specific
locations. You can also ask if the
agency is a member of a travel
consortium or is a key account with
any of the cruise lines — those
relationships not only prove the
dedication of the agency, but its
ability to get extra deals for you.
Finally, with a consortium like
CruiseShoppes.
you don't just get a single
dedicated cruise person, you get the
total expertise of an agency that
specializes in cruises and has many
years of experience working with all
the major brand cruise lines.
3.Above
all, you want to look for an agent
that is interested in building a
relationship with you. The agent
should spend some time asking you
about your interests in order to
find the best fit for your cruise
vacation. He or she should return
your calls or emails promptly and
stay in regular communication with
you between cruises.
Find
A CruiseShoppes Agent - A Real
Expert
Cruise Tip:
Speaking to a CruiseShoppes agent
doesn't commit you to booking with
them. Consider it another step in
your research plan — one that might
net you better deals and service
than you can find elsewhere.
Why Use A CruiseShoppes Cruise Expert?
Our people travel "round the world",
visiting ports of call, inspecting ships, go
on cruises, sample and critique shore
excursions... They are constantly
communicating, learning and passing on that
knowledge and information to you.
-
They understand your needs
-
They give you good solid advice you can
count on.
-
They are knowledgeable of what's on
offer.
-
They are able to get you exceptional
value for your cruise
Your CruiseShoppes Cruise Expert once
engaged when you book a cruise with us:
-
May be able to offer you group rates(
without joining a group! ), free
upgrades, shipboard credits and other
amenities or discounts. We receive
daily faxes from the cruise lines
offering special promotions so be sure
to ask if there are any special offers
available.
-
Will offer the best possible cruise
options based on your lifestyle,
interests, budget, travel experience,
etc.
-
Will review the proper
immigration/passport/birth certificate
documentation necessary for your cruise.
-
Arrange any special needs -- such as a
handicap-designed stateroom, or a
special diet.
-
Inform you of your dining choices and
ask if you prefer early or late seating
, or "freestyle" dining where you can
dine with whom you want, when you
want... and arrange for any special
occasions you might be celebrating like
a birthday or anniversary.
-
Explain the importance of travel
insurance to cover the unexpected such
as trip delays, missed cruise
connections and lost or delayed baggage.
-
Give you General Information materials
that cover over 18 "Things to Know
Before You Go".
-
Point out your stateroom on the deck
plan ( select deck plans available
online ).
-
Inform you when final payment is due and
the deadline to request air deviations
and arrange pre-or-post cruise land
packages.
-
Advise you about tipping; packing;
clothing; flights and schedule options;
shore excursions, etc.
"We want you to feel confident- and excited-
about the choices you have, no matter if
this is your first cruise or simply seeking
a new adventure. We'll help you choose the
cruise that's right for you--whether you're
traveling alone, with children, or with a
group of relatives or friends."
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Why Sail?
This week featuring: Panama Canal, Bermuda, Europe, Caribbean
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Why Sail The Panama
Canal?
One Canal, Two Oceans, and Unlimited Possibilities
It's not often that the scenic route is also the shortcut. But
that's exactly what you'll find on Celebrity's Panama Canal
itineraries -- the shortest distance between the East and
West coasts of the U.S. and some of the most scenic cruising
anywhere in the world. This represents not just an
opportunity to travel right to through the heart of the
rainforest, but to visit an exciting collection of ports on
either side, including the Yucatán Peninsula, the Mexican
Riviera, and cosmopolitan cities from San Diego, California to
Miami, Florida.
Beyond the Panama Canal
While the highlight of any Panama Canal voyage is the day-long
navigation through the Canal itself, what makes this such an
enriching experience is the vast number of shore
excursions we offer at every port. Working with the most
reliable English-speaking guides, we've assembled a collection
of adventures that cater to every interest and every level of
stamina. Best of all, we handle all the details for you so that
all you have to do is choose your shore excursions and enjoy
your day.
Why Sail To Bermuda?
Sands of a Different Color
Each of our Bermuda itineraries offers at least one overnight in
King's Wharf, providing you an ample opportunity to experience a
phenomenon found in few other places - beaches with pink sand.
Add in the proximity to the East Coast of the U.S., and you have
a destination where you can truly escape from it all without
having to venture too far. This is Bermuda - so close to home
yet so different from any other place.
New Shore Excursions Not to Miss
On Bermuda's Premier Glass Bottom Boat Tour, you'll travel on an
air-conditioned luxury cruiser, floating over coral reefs and an
18thcenturysunken ship, where fish will rise from the depths for
a feeding. Enjoy a clear view of the world's most vibrant
ecosystems on this exciting adventure. On Hartley's Helmet Dive,
you'll be taken out to a dive site on a glass-bottomed boat,
where you'll don a diving mask with an integrated air supply and
descent into the sea with a guide, who will point out all kinds
of different marine life, some of which you can hold or feed by
hand.
Why Sail Europe?
Experience a Contemporary Cultural Odyssey
Gaze at a map of Europe and allow each point to works its magic
on you. Venice, Santorini, Istanbul, St. Petersburg or Berlin.
Each city evokes a deep sense of wonder and intrigue. But a
carefully designed European cruise is not just a visit to places
on a map, it's an adventure that brings you face to face with
every nuance of the European experience.
Go Beyond the Coastline with a Cruise tour
Because Europe is a region of such depth and discovery, we offer
several ways for you to experience everything that lies beyond
the coastline. On a Cruise tour - one of which travels through
Italy, one that travels through Spain, and two that travel
through Northern Europe - you'll see Europe at its finest, as we
seamlessly combine a cruise itinerary with a multi-night,
escorted land journey that transports you deep into everything
this magical continent has to offer. These longer, more
comprehensive vacations, which travel by train car and deluxe
motor coach, as well as magnificent ship, allow you to become
better acquainted with cities like Paris, London, Florence, and
Venice.
Why Sail The Caribbean?
A Caribbean itinerary for everyone
Whether you're looking for a seven-night adventure or a 14-night
exploration that extends as far as Mexico and South America,
cruise lines offer many exciting ways to discover the Caribbean.
Over 100 new
shore excursions
The enchantment of the Caribbean extends far beyond these
island's pristine beaches. Discover an exhilarating collection
of tantalizing sights, sounds, tastes and textures, with shore
excursions for every age traveler and every interest.
. Treat yourself to a champagne and lobster cruise setting sail
from St George's, Grenada.
. Experience the islands as the explorers did, on a tall ship
adventure out of Philipsburg, St. Maarten.
. Uncover the legends of region's original inhabitants, the
Carib Indians on Roseau, Dominica. |
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Travel Direct is pleased to provide this opportunity to share
information, experiences and observations about cruising. Some
of the comments may be reprinted elsewhere on this site or in
our online Cruise Traveler Magazine. We encourage lively, open
debate on the issues of the day, and ask that you refrain from
profanity, hate speech, personal comments and remarks that are
off point. In order to post comments, you must be a registered
Member. Your username will show along with the comments you
post. Your private information is never shown. Thank you for
taking the time to contribute. |
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Celebrity • Cruise West • Crystal • Cunard • Disney • Avalon
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