Cruise aboard Celebrity Equinox with Bob Eubanks, Host of The Newlywed Game! This fantastic cruise is a 10-night Eastern Med Cruise August 3-13th, 2012. This sailing offers up to $250 on board credit plus reduced depsoits. Sign up by December 1st to be entered in a drawing to win extra cruise bonuses.
The intinerary for this sailing is awesome:
Fri Aug 3 Rome (Civitavecchia) leave 5 pm
Sat Aug 4 Sicily (Messina) Italy docked 10 am - 7 pm
Sun Aug 5 Seminars@Sea
Mon Aug 6 Athens (Piraeus) docked 7 am - 6 pm
Tues Aug 7 Ephesus (Kusadasi), Turkey
Wed Aug 8 Rhodes Greece docked 7 am - 6 pm
Thur Aug 9 Santorini, Greece tendered 7 am - 6 pm
Fri Aug 10 Mykonos, Greece tendered 7 am - 6 pm
Sat Aug 11 Seminars@Sea
Sun Aug 12 Naples/Capri, Italy docked 7 am - 6:30 pm
Mon Aug 13 Rome (Civitavecchia), 4:30 am
Please let me know if you'd like more information or prices on cabins. The link below also has a little more info on the great events taking place on this sailing. Contact me at amy@luxeconcierge.net or 805-550-8932.
http://myemail.constantcontact.com/Join-Bob-Eubanks---space-going-fast-.html?soid=1102390974131&aid=sJP2stMXwcE
Let Luxe Personal Concierge make your free time free again. Here you will find tidbits on travel, interesting facts, and life lessons that will hopefully entertain and inform. Whether you need a personal assistant, travel or event planner, mobile notary, or something else, we put time back on your side. Turn over your to-do list and we get it done for you!
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Monday, October 3, 2011
How To Deal With Common Air Travel Snafus...
...and beat them! Part 8 of 8 in a series.YOU LOSE YOUR PASSPORT
Perhaps you got pickpocketed or lost your day pack. Either way, your passport has gone the way of your cash and credit cards. Talk about headaches.
Why it matters: Without a U.S. passport, you won't be able to return to the country. (Vacations are nice, but who wants to become an accidental expat?)
How to deal: Passports can often be issued at a U.S. embassy on the same day if you can prove your identity (the U.S. Department of State has a full list of embassies and consulate offices around the world). Of course, it's hard to prove your identity when your wallet—and everything in it—is MIA. The best first step in this situation is to go to a police station to get a statement declaring your situation. Take this statement to the embassy, and they should be able to retrieve your information in their system. You will need to pay a fee (around $135) to replace your passport.
Trick to avoid the problem: Stash your passport in a hotel safe or stuff it in a security pouch, such as the Rick Steves Silk Money Belt, which you can wear under your clothes (from $10, Amazon). Insider tip: Before you depart, sign up for the U.S. Department of State's free Smart Traveler Enrollment Program. Store your passport number and other details in its online database, making it easy for you to receive emergency assistance from a U.S. embassy or consulate during an emergency. Alternatively, e-mail a scan of your passport to yourself at a Web-based account, which you can access if you lose your passport and you need to look up its number and issue date to request a new one.
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
How To Deal With Common Air Travel Snafus...
...and how to beat them. Part 7 in a series of 8.YOUR LUGGAGE, OR SOMETHING INSIDE, IS DAMAGED
Your suitcase isn't insured by the airline for wear and tear. But if something inside your bag is damaged, it may be covered.
Why it matters: On domestic flights, a passenger can recover up to $3,300 for damaged or lost contents of luggage. Liability on most international flights is less, strangely enough, at about $1,500 a passenger.
How to deal: Report a claim within 24 hours, or else you may lose your chance to file for reimbursement. Be prepared to itemize your belongings.
Trick to avoid the problem: Never pack anything fragile or difficult to replace in your checked luggage. For instance, airlines almost never cover jewelry or electronics. Even breakable items such as musical instruments that aren't packed in hard-sided cases are usually not covered by U.S. airlines. Just ask Dave Carroll, the musician who made a famous YouTube video about how his guitar was damaged to the tune of $1,200 by United baggage handlers. Insider tip: If your bag's contents are critical, ship them by a service such as FedEx or UPS. Because of rising checked-baggage fees, major shipping services are increasingly competitive in their rates. Just be sure to call your hotel first to make sure it will accept your package for delivery without charging a fee.
Monday, September 5, 2011
How To Deal With Common Air Travel Snafus...
...and beat them! Part 6 in a series of 8.YOU DON'T FIT IN YOUR SEAT
If you're super tall or extremely overweight, you may not fit in the typical airplane seat.
Why it matters: Consider how flight attendants on a recent Horizon Air flight forced a six-foot-nine-inch-tall passenger to leave a plane because his legs were blocking the aisle. The airline later apologized, saying it should have instead had the flier trade seats with another passenger in the roomier exit row. Plus-size passengers have also been in the news in recent years: Airlines increasingly insist that passengers who can't fit in a seat with a seatbelt extender buy an additional seat.
How to deal: When you have trouble fitting in your seat, ask a flight attendant if he or she could arrange for a swap between you and another passenger who may have more legroom or free space on either side.
Trick to avoid the problem: Check in online 24 hours prior to departure and select a seat assignment in the roomy exit row. If that's not possible, call the airline, explain your problem, and buy an adjacent seat. Insider tip: If you do buy a second ticket, ask the gate agent what your airline's policy is on refunding the price of the spare seat if it turns out that you can sit comfortably without it—some airlines will reimburse the cost if they have made a note ahead of time in the reservations system.
Saturday, August 27, 2011
How To Deal With Common Air Travel Snafus...
...and beat them! Part 5 of 8 in a series.YOU MISS YOUR FLIGHT
Sometimes travelers show up too late for their flight because of traffic or other snafus.
Why it matters: Booking a new, eleventh-hour plane ticket can be costly.
How to deal: Whatever the reason, if you miss your flight on a nonrefundable ticket, you can usually pay a change fee—typically between $150 and $200 on a domestic flight—and be rebooked on a new one. You generally also have to pay for the difference between your new ticket's price and the original fare. Policies on overseas airlines may vary, but expect to pay in the ballpark of $250.
Trick to avoid the problem: Your mother was right: Showing up early is the smart thing to do. Other tricks can give you an edge when life doesn't cooperate: Don't bring bags to check, so that it'll be much faster for agents to allow you to board—even if you've missed the check-in cut-off time (see below). Insider tip: Find out in advance the airline's cut-off time for checking in by going to seatguru.com picking your airline, and clicking on the "Check-in" tab. For example, Continental's policies at Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson airport requires check-in to be completed 45 minutes before departure or else you may be denied boarding. If you're en route to the airport and realize you're going to miss your flight, look up alternative flight times (and seat availability) via an app like TripCase, which is free for devices such as the Android, iPhone, and BlackBerry.
Sunday, August 21, 2011
How To Deal With Common Air Travel Snafus...
...and how to beat them! Part 4 of 8 in a series.
YOU'RE BUMPED FROM A FLIGHT
Last year, airlines bumped 681,105 passengers from flights in this country (8.7 percent of these individuals were bumped against their will). Overbooking is to blame.
Why it matters: If you volunteer to give up your seat, you'll be rebooked and usually rewarded with a free flight pass to use at another time. But if you're unlucky enough to be kicked off a domestic flight against your will, you're at the mercy of the airline's schedule. With planes often flying at capacity today, it could be a long while before you reach your destination.
How to deal: If you're bumped involuntarily, know your legal rights: Being placed on another flight within an hour scores you no compensation. Yet when it takes up to two hours on a domestic flight (or four hours for international travel), the airline must pay you double the value of your one-way fare, up to a maximum of $650. If you're more than two hours delayed, you'll be reimbursed four times the value of your one-way ticket, up to $1,300 max. Flying in Europe? Rules are similar, with possible compensation up to $874.
Trick for avoiding the problem: Check in via the airline's website as soon as you're allowed—usually 24 hours before departure. Early check-in may boost the chance that you'll make it onto a flight. Insider tip: When it comes to reimbursement, federal law entitles you to cash for being bumped against your will. The airline may try to give you a voucher for a free future flight instead. Insist on the cash, which is obviously less restrictive than a voucher. But if you're volunteering to give up your seat, don't be pushy about receiving cash. In that case, airlines aren't required to give you anything, so a gracious "thank you" is all that's called for.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
How To Deal With Common Air Travel Snafus...
...and how to beat them! Part 3 of 8...
YOUR FLIGHT GETS CANCELED
Your aircraft has to be taken out of service because it needs maintenance—or a snowstorm keeps it grounded.
Why it matters: If you need to cancel, an airline will usually allow you to use the value of your "nonrefundable" ticket on another flight within a year (while also charging you a change fee, of course). But when the airline is the one doing the canceling, it will most likely rebook you on a later one, which could leave you stranded at the airport for hours—or even days.
How to deal: In the U.S., if your flight is canceled for a cause that's within the airline's control, such as a mechanical failure on the aircraft, some airlines will provide modest compensation, like vouchers for meals. But when it comes to weather cancellation, and you're a coach-class passenger, you're on your own until they can rebook you on the next flight, which means you'll be paying for all of your meals and your hotel room. If you're flying from or within Europe, the airline may owe you compensation for cancellations (ask an agent about EU rule 261).
Trick to avoid the problem: Try to book early morning flights, when there's a full day ahead for airlines to recover from any weather or operational delays. Insider tip: Before you book, check to see a flight's statistical average for cancellations at flightstats.com (listed under the on-time performance rating). Consider that it may be worth peace of mind to book an alternate flight that has a lower historical average of cancellations, even if that option costs a bit more.Wednesday, August 10, 2011
How To Deal With Common Air Travel Snafus...
...and how to beat them! Part 2 of 8:
YOU'RE NOT FLYING THE AIRLINE YOU EXPECTED
Two airlines may sell seats on the same flight through a sales strategy called code sharing. This means that you may book your ticket with one airline, but you'll be flying one of its partners.
Why it matters: This sleight of hand can make it confusing to know which airline's customer-service office you should call for help when a problem crops up. For instance, one airline may allow you to check a bag for free, while the other may charge a fee. Whose rules apply on your code-share flight?
How to deal: First, it's important to understand that the flight rules that apply are the ones of the company whose logo is on the plane flying you. But when it comes to re-ticketing, you usually need to talk to the airline that took your money. For instance, if you miss your connecting flight and need to rebook, the gate agent is likely to refer you to the airline you originally bought the ticket from.
Trick to avoid the problem: Keep your eye out for code-share flights so you're prepared. Some travel websites, like Expedia, point out which airline you're truly flying on under the flight details section in their search results. In other cases, you have to call an airline to find out. Insider tip: If you're in need of help at the airport, ask to be pointed to the customer-service counter for the airline that took your money in the first place. If there isn't such a counter at the terminal, ask to speak on a phone to the "duty airport manager" for the airline that sold you the ticket, says David Rowell, publisher of The Travel Insider. This is the person who manages the day-to-day operations of the airline at that particular airport and who can usually help you resolve your issue.
...next installment is Canceled Flights...
Sunday, August 7, 2011
How To Deal With Common Air Travel Snafus..
... and how to beat them!
This blog series will be about 8 common air travel snafus and how you can beat them. Below is the first of 8 to help you navigate all the troubles with air travel.
YOU FACE A SURPRISE LAYOVER
Airlines can cancel your nonstop flight without much warning and rebook you on a flight with connections.
Why it matters: Nonstop flights usually cost top dollar, but an airline can make such a change without reimbursing you for the premium you paid. That means a financial loss—not to mention an inconvenience.
How to deal: When you learn about the change (usually via text or e-mail notification from the airline, see below), check online to see if there's another nonstop flight available. If there is, call the airline and politely ask to be put on that flight at no additional cost. If your airline has no nonstop flights (even though it sold you one), ask for a refund. Major airlines will comply without charging any change fees if you refuse to accept a new, multistop flight that arrives at your destination more than two hours later than originally scheduled, says Brett Snyder, former airline pricing analyst and current aviation blogger at the Cranky Flier.
Trick to avoid the problem: At the end of the month, many cancellations on U.S. carriers may be due to flight crews reaching caps on the number of hours they're allowed to work, or so we've heard anecdotally through airline employees. Logic holds that, by adding a layover to a flight, airlines can swap out a fresh crew to fly the final leg of a journey. The lesson: When possible, fly early in the month to reduce the chance of a nonstop switcheroo. Insider tip: Sign up to receive text or e-mail notifications about delays and other flight changes when you buy your ticket.
Stay tuned for tip 2 of 8 about not flying on the airline you expected.
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
Chance To Earn $250!!!
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Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Win the unexpected and extraordinary in Las Vegas!
Venetian and Palazzo in Las Vegas are now an Alliance Resort with InterContinental. This means you can earn points and stays by staying at the Venetian and Palazzo. I don't know about you but I've been waiting for some sort of affiliation to earn rewards for these hotels!
Win the unexpected and extraordinary in Las Vegas!: "Win a VIP experience at The Venetian® and The Palazzo®, the first InterContinental® Alliance Resort, and one of eight other prizes in Las Vegas!"
Win the unexpected and extraordinary in Las Vegas!: "Win a VIP experience at The Venetian® and The Palazzo®, the first InterContinental® Alliance Resort, and one of eight other prizes in Las Vegas!"
InterContinental® Alliance Resorts
InterContinental Alliance Resorts bring amazing resorts to landmark locations where there currently isn't an InterContinental Resort. These resorts enable you to experience these magnificent destinations while enjoying all the rewards of being an InterContinental guest. Although not owned, operated or managed by InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), these resorts are aligned with the spirit of InterContinental Hotels & Resorts and complement the InterContinental portfolio. In addition, members of Priority Club Rewards and InterContinental Ambassador can also earn and redeem Priority Club points at each InterContinental Alliance Resort.
The Venetian
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InterContinental Resorts
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The Palazzo
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| The Palazzo® welcomes visitors to a world where impeccable service and unforgettable ambiance are at every turn. Recently ranked first among Las Vegas Hotels in Travel + Leisure's World’s Best Awards, The Palazzo, the world’s largest five-diamond, all-suite resort, offers the best in dining, shopping, and entertainment. |
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
YES! It Is Worth It To Treat Yourself!
I had the wonderful opportunity to spend a glorious night at The Fairmont San Francisco recently. My husband and I were celebrating our 2nd wedding anniversary and wanted something very special, and we also needed a true get away. Being a travel agent has its perks and I was able to book a room at The Fairmont for a very reasonable price. I've always wanted to stay at this grand, world-famous hotel, and this was my chance.
We arrived on a Friday evening and were treated like royalty from the beginning. We were offered a triple room upgrade at check in which we happily accepted. We were also given an anniversary card and staff throughout the hotel somehow knew we were celebrating an anniversary and wished us well. I felt very at home in this historical hotel. I won't go into the minute details of the entire stay, but our room was very cushy and the bathroom was huge with marble everywhere and a separate shower and tub. The bed was very comfy. We enjoyed having cocktails in the recently opened Laurel Court and it is a fabulous place for people watching. We also enjoyed a shared giant cocktail downstairs in the Tonga Room. There are a few restaurants and bars within a few walks distance, and both Union Square and Fisherman's Wharf are just a few blocks away.
While we were here only one night, the hotel (the history and personality of this great building) and the staff, impressed me so much that I cannot wait to go back. While I know this hotel may be out of the budget of some, it is WELL WORTH any price paid for the service you receive. Next time you need to treat yourself and be pampered, the San Francisco Fairmont won't let you down.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Guide Dogs Now Allowed On Princess Cruises
News Article
5/27/2011
Princess Welcomes Guide Dogs for the Blind Group
Potential Passengers and Their Canine Companions Tour Sea Princess
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (May 27, 2011) -- Sea Princess recently hosted a group of 25 new graduates from Guide Dogs for the Blind and their owners for the day in San Francisco, to familiarize them with how Princess Cruises can accommodate visually impaired travelers and their canine companions.
The group was able to enjoy a tour of the ship and lunch in the dining room, while learning how Princess can provide for their needs and those of their dogs. The event was hosted in association with Dimensions in Travel, a travel agency that regularly organizes travel for Guide Dogs for the Blind clients, to give new guide dog users a feel for what to expect if they join one of the agency's group cruises, or travel independently. Since 2004, Princess has hosted 11 Guide Dogs for the Blind groups on cruises to destinations such as Mexico and Alaska.
"Working with these clients has changed the way we travel," said Diana Saint James, owner of Dimensions in Travel. "It's not all about what we see when we travel anymore -- it's all of our senses. That's what our relationship with our blind travelers has taught us. It's a different way to see the world."
Aboard Sea Princess guests were able to test out many of the special features offered for visually impaired travelers and their dogs. For the dogs, the ships provide special life jackets, bowls of water in the dining room, and relieving boxes with favored cedar chips. Passengers also have specially translated menus and can enjoy reserved seating in the Princess Theater with room for their dogs. During a cruise, passengers and crew are also invited to meet the dogs during a designated play time.
"These dogs are canine heroes," said Brian Rademacher, Princess Cruises district sales manager. "It's truly a labor of love for us to work with this wonderful organization."
A more detailed video of this guide dog familiarization day is available on YouTube at: http://youtu.be/tHm3CpXc1wg. A photo album is also available on Flickr at: http://www.flickr.com/photos/princesscruises/sets/72157626819027374/.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, like Luxe Personal Concierge. You can contact Amy at Luxe at 805-550-8932 or info@Luxeconcierge.netWednesday, April 20, 2011
I Like To Sleep
Do you? Uh huh... it's ok to admit it. Sleep is good for us. It has so many health benefits but far too many adults do not get enough sleep. And then why is it that when we do attempt to get enough sleep, we are criticized (yet secretly relished) by others? I know our days are so busy... work, family, fitness, hobbies, chores, the list goes on and on BUT we still need to recharge. Sleep should be right at the top of that list as something to take care of ourselves every single night. Sleep impacts our lives in so many ways:
The Prevention and Cure of Disease - The importance of sleep for health is mainly that it helps the body recuperate and recharge from the day. The insistence on rest when you suffer from even a minor headache, is not without reason. It is only while you are asleep that your body gets a chance to repair it's damaged cells and related functions, and strengthen the immune system, thereby preventing the onset of other health problems. Also, sleeping well can help you deal better, with the physical and mental stress that your body and mind are subjected to on a daily basis. The Enhancement of Memory - Studies show that those who sleep well, and for the required number of hours have better memory function than those who don't get the required hours of sleep. As memory is affected by the sleep pattern, so is learning. Proper sleep makes the body and mind alert, and ready to receive and learn new information. The Effect of Sleep on your Mood - You are bound to be irritable, and distracted while trying to function on very little sleep, conversely, notice your mood on a day when you have had the necessary amount of sleep. You are going to be perky, ready to face the day and generally in a good mood.
The Relation Between Weight and Sleep - Lack of sleep causes the body to preserve carbohydrates and fats, in an attempt to use them to deal with the prolonged physical and mental stress on the body. As such, your metabolism is adversely affected. Sleep deprivation also leads to hormonal changes that may affect your appetite. The Onset of Sleep Disorders - Lack of sleep can lead to increased hypertension, the risk of stroke and heart disease, and a lack of ability to deal with stressful situations. Sleep and General Safety - Since proper sleep is known to make the body and mind alert, it helps in preventing a lot of mishaps and accidents that may occur due to a lack of sleep.
See what can happen without adequate sleep? Make sure you get GOOD sleep tonight and every night!
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Ship Tour: Carnival Splendor
Well, I finally decided it was time to check out a Carnival Cruise ship and see if the rumors of them hold true. Since I am a pretty loyal Royal Caribbean and Princess cruiser, but I do sell Carnival, I needed to know more about Carnival. I was able to tour Carnival Splendor while she was in port one fine Sunday afternoon in Long Beach. And, yes, this was the ship that had caught fire and stranded an entire ship of people at sea for a couple of days, but the damage is all repaired now and the ship is sailing just fine.
The ship tour was for travel agents was supposed to star at 11:30am but we were not allowed on the ship until nearly 1pm due to customs clearing debarking passengers. I was told by other travel agents who have done Carnival ship tours in the past that this seems to be a frequent problem with Carnival tours in Long Beach. While my feet and back might have been aching after standing around for over 2 hours in moderately high heels, I feel awful for the passengers waiting to embark, standing in the hot sun with luggage and small children and elderly parents. Even a wedding party was delayed for hours trying to get board the ship and have their ceremony and reception so those not sailing could leave before sail away.
Anyway, we finally made it on the ship a little before 1pm and had about 45 minutes to tour the ship before we were to gather for a luncheon in the main dining room. During this time I was able to view about half the public areas and most of the categories of cabins. One rumor seemed to hold true - cabins are a bit larger than standard cabins on Royal Caribbean or Princess. However, I noticed that the decor and materials used in the cabins were very, ummm, how do I say this nicely, cheap. Fabrics for chairs and headboards were that icky vinyl naugahide type stuff and the bedding did not seem as inviting as other cruise lines, and the faux walnut cabinets just looked like plastic. And the colors and patterns seemed awfully outdated for a ship that has been sailing only since 2008. The only cabins that seemed to have any sort of decent decor were the more expensive suites with granite counter tops, dual sinks in the bathroom, twice the closet size, etc. But not everyone can afford these, so they get stuck with the lesser, unappealing decor, which I think is a shame when other cruise lines can make their least expensive cabin feel just as luxurious as a suite.
And while we are on the topic of decor, I was not impressed with the overall decor of this ship. I'd like to sum it up in
two words - Pink Zebra! No, I am not kidding, many public areas seemed to have a sort of pinkish zebra print on the walls that I found quite gaudy. I found most everything inside the ship was of a pink hue and not well done. I've heard Carnival ships have a reputation for garish decor and know I know why. In my opinion they tried for a feel of art deco but it was not executed well. Hallways between staterooms seemed awfully busy with terrible murals of art deco people that I found somewhat scary to look at. The other public rooms I checked out, shopping areas, bars, dance clubs, etc. seemed to carry the gaudy pink theme throughout. If you've been to the Madonna Inn you understand that pink and gaudy can be done in a manner that is not awful but rather amusing. Unfortunately this was not the case with the decor on this ship, it was just plain awful. I'd like to say the decor might be where strip club meets 70's disco.On a bright note, I found every single ship crew person I came across to be extremely friendly and helpful. They work very hard to keep everyone happy and safe and I commend them on that. Also, the luncheon we were served was amazing! The quality of the food was very good and fresh and tasty. Presentation of the food was also very good. From what heard from other travel agents was that their food had come a long way. We had a starter of stuffed mushrooms but since I do not like mushrooms I did not try them but others said they were excellent. Next up was a Caesar salad that was wonderful in presentation and taste, then for the main course I had Giant Prawns and they were delicious. Finally we had a medley of strawberry items for dessert, a strawberry shortcake, strawberry sorbet, and a strawberry jelly thing. It was all excellent.
My intention was to view a few last public areas like the pool deck but after lunch, we were to be escorted off the ship since sail away was approaching. It's too bad it took so long to get on the ship and we lost precious time in viewing the entire ship, but I made the best of and was glad to see cabins first, since clients want to know about cabins. Debarking the ship was no easy task as we wound our way backwards through lines of passengers the Carnival personnel were trying to board. The backlog of passengers were those who had been waiting for hours to get on and the lines were out of control with tired and frustrated people. I honesty have never ever experienced a ship boarding so out of control and mishandled. It did not make for a good impression on someone trying to sell Carnival cruise lines. However, since Carnival is the only year-round cruise line on the west coast, we don't have much choice if we don't want to have to fly to another port.
Final word, if you are looking for a cruise and not expecting a 4* or 5* experience, you will have a great time once you get past the decor. This is a good option if you do not want to fly to another port, but be careful the time of year you cruise since prices nearly double in summer and triple over holidays. Having the monopoly year round gives Carnival the reins. Would I cruise on this ship? Sure, but the price would have to be right and I *would* expect to see jeans, shorts, and flip flops in the dining room on formal night.
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
Cruise and Booze: All-You-Can-Drink Packages Coming From Royal Caribbean
Taking a page from sister cruise line Celebrity Cruises, whose all-you-can-drink cocktail and wine packages have clearly been appealing, Royal Caribbean confirmed that it too will offer the program onboard some ships. This new addition includes three possible packages to purchase once onboard:
For $29, the beer and wine package includes all brews, house wine by the glass and a 25 percent discount on other liquors and wines. The "classic," which costs $39, expands on that to include all cocktails and premium and specialty liquor. And for connoisseurs, the $49 Premium Package builds on the classic, but also offers wines by the glass up to $10, and more premium liquors.Note that these prices are per person, per day.
Just as notable as the package itself are the three ships chosen to offer the program -- all of which cater predominantly to non-U.S. cruisers. The three-option program was made available from March 13 on Grandeur of the Seas, and from March 14 on Independence of the Seas and Legend of the Seas. Independence is based year-round in the United Kingdom and sails out of Southampton. Grandeur divides its time between South America (cruises from Colon, Panama, and Cartagena, Columbia) and the Mediterranean (from Palma De Mallorca, Spain). Legend is Royal Caribbean's year-round Asia-based vessel.
The big question: Will Royal Caribbean roll the package out fleetwide? According to spokesman Harry Liu, there are currently no plans for the all-you-can-drink program to be available on any of RCI's other 19 ships. Liu did, however, note that, "Royal Caribbean may consider deploying the program to other ships in the fleet if it is successful." (Interestingly, RCI's U.S.-based customer service department said they had never heard of the packages.)
There are some differences to Royal Caribbean's offerings. For instance, on Celebrity, the premium package includes $12 glasses of wine rather than $10, which can make a difference if you are a connoisseur of wine. I guess we will have to wait for the true review and experience until clients and friends cruise these ships.... who's ready to book?
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Fuel Surcharges Weaseling Their Way Back
They're baaaaack... fuel surcharges. You remember them from not so long ago when you had the "privilege" of paying that extra fee for higher fuel charges. Cruise lines charged up to $12 per person per day, airlines charged $10-$25 per ticket, even taxis got on board and charged a flat rate fuel surcharge added to the base fare. No one was immune. Then the price of oil dropped and thankfully so did the fuel surcharge.
Alas, here we are again... the price of oil increasing and so are the incidents of fuel surcharges. Many international air carriers have started adding fuel surcharges ranging from $10-$15 per ticket, and some are even gouging those flying on miles (it was rumored that British Airways charged a passenger flying on miles $500 for the fuel surcharge!). I'm sure the fuel surcharges are not far behind for American carriers, perhaps some have already started charging.
Cruise lines have not formally announced fuel surcharges but they are gearing up for it and no one will be immune, not even those who have booked a future cruise. Warnings of fuel surcharges have ranged from $9 per person per day to $12 per person per day. They do, fortunatley, cap the fuel surcharge to a maximum of double occupancy for 7 nights. Third and fourth passengers in a cabin do not pay the surcharge either.
Some travel vendors who sell package vacations and tours are holding tight on their air prices, provided you book sooner than later. They can guarantee flight prices packaged in their tours only so long, but if you are thinking of traveling, a package or tour is your best value at this time.
With gas at $4.09 per gallon in my area, it will be short time before airlines and cruise lines burn through their oil futures and pass on surcharges. It's bad enough we are paying fees up the, wel, you know... baggage fees, seat selection fees, paper ticket fees, etc. The only advice I can give my clients is it's a cost that you have to build in to your vacation, just like spending money, or meal allowances, and don't stress over it. Yeah, it stinks, but your alternative is to not travel? I think not!
Sunday, March 6, 2011
I Have the Vacation You Need
I've got just the perfect get-away for you with plenty of time to save your pennies and your vacation days. Check out these fantastic cruises and come join in the fun...
March 12-17, 2012 Sail aboard Royal Caribbean’s Liberty of the Seas
- Prices starting at $519 CAD pp (based on double occupancy) for an inside cabin and $709 CAD pp (based on double occupancy) for a balcony cabin
- Ports include Labadee, Haiti and Ocho Rios, Jamaica
- Shipboard credit of $50 CAD per cabin
- Deposit to book the cruise will be $105 CAD pp before May 10, 2011 with final payment due prior to December 20,2011
March 18-26, 2012 Sail aboard Royal Caribbean’s Allure of the Seas
- Prices starting at $899 CAD pp (based on double occupancy) for inside cabin and $1,369 CAD pp (based on double occ
upancy) for a balcony cabin - Ports include Nassau, Bahamas, Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas and Philipsburg, St. Maarten
- Shipboard credit of $75 CAD per cabin
- Deposit to book the cruise will be $265 CAD pp before May 10, 2011 with final payment due prior to December 20, 2011
Both cruises depart out of Fort Lauderdale, Florida. You may choose one cruise or the other or both! For those choosing to sail aboard both sailings, Royal Caribbean will pay for your hotel night between cruises (the evening of March 17th). The hotel will be Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Marina Hotel.
Flights are not included in this pricing and if you need assistance in booking flights, Amy at Luxe Personal Concierge will be more than happy to assist you.
Booking for these cruises will be through Amy at Luxe Personal Concierge. Please contact her with any questions or when you are ready to book. Here is Amy’s contact information:
Amy Olson, Luxe Personal Concierge, 805-550-8932, amy@luxeconcierge.net
Who's ready to cruise?
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Vacation is an Essential Element of Any Job - Do You Get Enough?
Most people would agree that hard work, dedication and motivation are important elements that factor into being a success in corporate America. But what about vacation time? Is taking time off just as important when it comes to building successful careers? Some people think so, and believe that Americans have gone too far when it comes to putting in the time at the office, leading to a firestorm of negative consequences.
According to an Expedia.com survey, 63 percent of Americans work more than 40 hours per week and hand back more than $21 billion dollars in unused vacation days each year. The survey found that Americans took less vacation time this year than last, and feel guilty about taking time off. Joe Robinson, author of Work to Live: The Guide to Getting a Life and founder of the Work to Live movement, monitors this phenomenon and is working hard to change the tide. According to the movement’s Web site (www.worktolive.info), Americans put in two to three times more months in total hours on the job each year than Europeans and two and a half weeks more than the Japanese. There are other troubling facts listed on the site. For example, the average middle income family now works four months more in total hours than they did in 1979 (according to economists Barry Bluestone and Stephen Rose) and 26 percent of Americans take no vacation at all (Boston College survey).
What many people might not know is that America is the only industrialized nation that has no minimum paid leave law. Robinson is leading the Work to Live Vacation Campaign, to push for nationwide change. The organization’s proposal calls for a mandatory three weeks of vacation for anyone who has worked at a job for a year, increasing to four weeks after three years. While this amount of time will sound excessive to some Americans, several weeks of vacation is standard in the rest of the world. In Australia, employers are required to provide 20 days off per year. France requires a minimum of 25 days, Germany mandates 24 days and the United Kingdom requires 20 days. Even China requires a minimum vacation time of 15 days.
"In America, people struggle and are faced with a lot of guilt when it comes to taking vacation time because vacations are not legitimate in this country," says Robinson. "Because there is no law that regulates vacation time, American workers feel like they have to beg for time off."
So why do we have such a hard time taking our vacations and what are the consequences of this "overwork culture," as Robinson puts it? "We have been programmed to be workaholics," says Robinson. "For many people, their identity is 100 percent what they do for a living - it’s their job title. People mistake their identity for their jobs." He says this mistaken identity is causing major problems in our country, both for individuals and for businesses.
Not taking vacation time leads to a series of health hazards, including higher stress, burnout, sleeplessness, heart disease and more. Working too much can also negatively affect your relationships with family and friends. From a business perspective, there are many benefits of giving employees time off.
"Employees’ performance actually goes up after taking vacation and after breaks," says Robinson. “Several companies in my book found that when they increased the vacation time they offered to employees, the overall business productivity increased and company morale soared." Expedia.com’s survey found similar results. Eighty-four percent of survey respondents reported feeling rejuvenated and reconnected with family and friends after a vacation, and 80 percent reported having a more positive outlook about their jobs when they take time away.
It’s clear that taking time off is important. But what can you do if your company has a culture that does not support time off? Robinson says you have to put your foot down. "You have to set boundaries, just like in any relationship," he says. "If you don’t, you will get walked on." He suggests using the "what’s in it for them," strategy when asking for time off or negotiating for more vacation time. “You can prove that your productivity will go up after taking a break," he says.
If your supervisor still won’t give in and give you more paid vacation time, Robinson suggests asking to take unpaid leave, which is usually doable. He believes that taking vacation is important enough to warrant taking such a measure. "Leisure time is important. It’s exploring all that life has to offer, and it is during our leisure time that we really learn and grow,” he says. “You can be productive and have a life," he says. There's no better time than now to make a commitment to getting reconnected with your life - you and your employer will reap the benefits!
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
A Special Message from Captain Stubing (Yes, the Love Boat lives on)
The following article is #18 Essential Experience from Princess cruises. If you are looking for a dream vacation, Tahiti is it and there is no better way to see much of French Polynesia than a cruise. I did the 10-day French Polynesia cruise with Princess a few years back and it is truly a dream vacation. I highly recommend this trip for anyone looking for something off the beaten track. You sail on a smaller, more intimate ship, you visit many islands, interact with locals, and enjoy the most beautiful beaches anywhere. I cannot wait to take more friends and family on this very cruise in the future. This cruise is not easy on your pocketbook, but oh so worth it. And to make it more worthwhile, plan a couple days before and/or after the cruise to take advantage of the region. Don't know where to start booking a trip of a lifetime like this? I can help you get this vacation booked with ease! Read on and find yourself dreaming of French Polynesia and planning your trip there...
From Tahiti with Love 
The beautiful turquoise waters of Moorea. 
From Tahiti with Love
Tahiti, French Polynesia
Posted by Gavin MacLeod
Princess Cruises Ambassador (and “Captain Merrill Stubing” on “The Love Boat”)
Princess Cruises Ambassador (and “Captain Merrill Stubing” on “The Love Boat”)
February 14, 2011
But most of all, when I think of Tahiti I think of romance. Maybe it’s all those years on a show that focused on love and happy endings.
The beautiful turquoise waters of Moorea. After 10 seasons portraying Captain Stubing on “The Love Boat,” actor Gavin MacLeod became an iconic symbol of cruising and romance. Since the show ended in 1986 Gavin has also been our ambassador at events around the world. We consider him part of the Princess family. So for the week of Valentine’s Day we’ve asked him to share his own essential experience … and could you guess it’s a travel adventure filled with romance?
The deep blue waters of Tahiti are a long way from the world I knew as a child. I had a modest upbringing in upstate New York, and then cruises were a luxury I couldn’t even dream of. It wasn’t until years later that I set foot on my very first cruise ship – and amusingly, I was instantly the captain! I’m pretty sure I’m the only “captain” who can say that.
I was lucky. I spent 10 memorable years playing “Captain Stubing” on “The Love Boat” – what a dream job! Every week I got to act in stories about love and romance … and I had the chance to meet some incredible guest stars. I couldn’t believe I was actually working alongside these amazing actors I had admired since my childhood – like Lana Turner and Ginger Rogers. Some were interesting folks, like Andy Warhol, and others were up and comers just starting out, such as Tom Hanks. It was an unforgettable experience.
We didn’t just shoot “The Love Boat” in our Los Angeles soundstage. Several times a year we actually boarded a Princess ship and shot scenes on an actual cruise. We sailed to Mexico, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia and Alaska. But one place we never got to on the show was Tahiti.
Tahiti! Doesn’t it sound magical? I envision Mitzi Gaynor “washing that man right out of her hair” in “South Pacific.” The wonderful tales of James Michener, who I had the great fortune to sail with aboard a Princess cruise years later. And, the colorful art of Paul Gauguin.
But most of all, when I think of Tahiti I think of romance. Maybe it’s all those years on a show that focused on love and happy endings. However, when I did finally get to Tahiti I was very glad my wonderful wife, Patti, was by my side.
We flew out a few days ahead of our cruise aboard Tahitian Princess along with my manager and good friend, Lee. Appropriately, Patti and I would be performing the two-person play “Love Letters” on the ship, so it was something of a working vacation. But really what this trip became was discovering one of the world’s most romantic places.
Our first glimpse of Tahiti from the air was one of vast expanses of turquoise water, punctuated with the occasional island. We were all seasoned travelers, but the excitement of descending closer and closer to this lush paradise felt like a new experience. The colors popped out even from the air – bright greens and blues as far as the eye could see.
Tahiti is famous for its beaches, and that was where we spent the bulk of our time before the cruise. Years before, I had travelled to Hawaii to shoot an episode of Hawaii 5-0, and thought the waters around those islands were amazingly beautiful. And yet I now discovered that they had serious competition with Tahiti’s sparkling blue seas.
That, to me, is Tahiti. Sparkling white or black sands. Water as clear and placid as a sheet of glass. And nothing and no one else for as far as the eye could see. Those picturesque overwater bungalows. No commotion or craziness. No worries except maybe when to go to dinner or which beach to try next. Just this tremendously lush landscape and the feeling of total relaxation and time to focus on your loved one.
A breathtaking Polynesian vista.
There’s something about the mystique of Tahiti that brings out the romantic in all of us. Surrounded by this tranquil atmosphere with nothing to disturb us but the lapping of the waves and the scent of tropical flowers in the air, Patti and I were able to relax, talk and really connect.
We did leave our reverie to visit some of the island’s sights. We saw historic Matavai Bay, where many early European navigators anchored, including the HMS Bounty – of “Mutiny on the Bounty” fame – and Captain Cook. We met warm, wonderful people speaking French, Tahitian and, thankfully, some English. We saw the open air Le Truck buses that run around the island and the Les Roulottes mobile restaurants serving movable feasts along the waterfront. But mostly we enjoyed time together marveling at the stunning vistas everywhere.
This peaceful feeling continued once we set sail on Tahitian Princess to tour the other islands of French Polynesia. We were in awe of the towering pinnacles and spectacular waterfalls of Moorea, we learned about the fascinating Polynesian culture in Raiatea, and we felt we had surely found the mythical “Bali Hai” when we first glimpsed the shimmering lagoon and lush greenery of Bora Bora. Every island seemed as if it was painted by an artist using the brightest palette of colors.
One day onboard, I joined my wife who was standing on our balcony, looking out at the sun setting just beyond jagged peaks of the islands. It was a picture postcard moment if ever you saw one. As I approached she mused, “Do you think heaven’s as beautiful as this?”
Well, I don’t know if heaven could be any lovelier than these stunning islands, but I do know I was lucky to share this little bit of heaven on earth with someone I love so dearly. It was our own personal “Love Boat.”
Gavin with his wife, Patti.
Gavin and Patti in a 1978 episode of "The Love Boat."
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