Thursday, August 1, 2013

10 Oddest Cruise Ship Innovations

In 2013, major cruise lines are expected to welcome 17.6 million passengers — or more than double the number from just around a decade ago, according to the Cruise Lines International Association. On top of that, the lines also introduced new ships — 13 in 2012 alone and 167 since 2000. All that spells serious competition, with ships trying to offer adventures and amenities that set them apart from the rest. The bottom line? “By creating these flashy experiences, they can draw passengers,” says Sherri Eisenberg, editor of Bon Voyage digital magazine, a publication for cruise fans. But what kind of experiences? Read on for 10 of the latest cruise innovations.

1.  Cruise lines are working to go beyond the typical tourist areas by providing their guests with a fun and exciting way to interact with locals.  At Aqua Expeditions, a small luxury cruise line that cruises the Amazon, the cruise company touts "Every dream of being a goalie in the middle of a dense jungle?  Here's your chance" as they offer a soccer game with the local kids.

2.  Celebrity Cruises has partnered recently with mixologist Josh Durr to create a menu of 30 craft cocktails, featuring "fresh ingredients, organic juices and the finest artisanal spirits".

3.  Cruise passengers have become accustomed to the Vegas-style shows onboard.  Norwegian Cruise Line's newest ship, the Breakaway, has turned to Broadway, with the Tony-nominated musical "Rock of Ages".  Other ships offer the Blue Man Group, Cirque du Soleil, Hairspray and Chicago.

4.  Going raw:  SeaDream Yacht Club guests can dine from a menu featuring organic and vegan ingredients, such as watercress tang and uncooked vegetable lasagna.  But don't worry, they will still be offering traditional (cooked) options.

5.  Disney Cruise Line has come up with a solution for those who don't want to spend the extra for an oceanview, but don't want a dark, windowless cabin.  On its Dream and Fantasy ship, interior staterooms have a "magical" porthole - a video screen with live images of the view at sea or in port.  Hmmm - I think I still want my balcony.

6.  Why not fly at sea?  Royal Caribbean's new Quantum of the Seas, setting sale next year, is offering RipCord by iFly - skydiving at sea.  The 23-foot high indoor wind tunnel will allow people to hover in the air and will cater to not only first-time flyers but also seasoned skydivers.

7.  Theme Cruises - These are becoming the new norm in the cruise industry.  From culinary to wine, computer technology to fitness, to craft cruises.  AmaWaterways is now offering a Knitting New Years Cruise.  Guests will travel along Europe's Danube while spending time with other knitters, learning new techniques and showing off their creativity.

8.  Walk the plank!  Princess Cruises' new ship, the Royal Princess, features a gangplank-like SeaWalk, which extends 28 feet beyond the side of the ship, with a glass bottom, so guests can look straight down at the ocean.  A SeaView Bar that "extends over the waves" is also a built-in option.

9.  The ship within the ship:  MSC Cruises has introduced its MSC Yacht Club on some of their ship.  This "oasis of tranquility" will feature a restaurant, bar, lounge, pool and concierge desk reserved for club members.  Holland America has a similar set up with the Neptune Lounge and Oceania Cruises has an Executive Lounge.

10.  Sail on the Titanic.  Amazingly, there is a Titanic II due to debut in 2016.  Australian billionaire, Clive Palmer, will recreate the voyage without the disaster, making the same trans-Attlantic voyage from Southampton to New York.  The developers have already received over 40,000 inquiries from potential passengers.

For a FREE cruise consultation, please contact me at mjackson@cruiseholidays.com

Monday, April 15, 2013

Singles Cruises - The most fun at sea!

One of my favorite country songs contains the lines,
"Without him in her life, she let herself go.
Let herself go - on a singles cruise,
To Vegas once, then to Honolulu,
Let herself go to New York City...
Drove down to the beach he always said was too far,
Sand sure felt good between her toes..."
 
We all go through heartbreak and hard times in our lives.  Rather than sitting and feeling sorry for ourselves, wouldn't it be better to let ourselves go and do all those things we have always wanted to?  We all have that bucket list of things that we hope or plan to do "someday".
Make your "someday" - Today!
 
 
 
"Traveling is an ideal way to reboot and refresh after a divorce because it gives you a chance to physically and mentally get some distance from your ex, and look at things in a whole new light," says Karen Schaler, author of "Travel Therapy:  Where do you need to go?"  Schaler says that taking the right trip is all about inspiration and having the power to make a fresh start "so that you're looking forward, not backwards."
 
A cruise vacation is a great way to feel better and the newly single crowd finds cruising a great choice, because you won't be traveling alone - you will be with myriads of people in different stages of their lives.  Cruises offer many activities that appeal to all interests, activity levels, and budgets.  You even have the option to stowaway in your cabin for a little peace and quiet.

 
 



 
One of our preferred providers, SinglesCruise.com is the largest singles cruise operator in the United States and has been booking singles cruises since 1991.  Offering exclusive events hosted by professional cruise directors, Singles Cruise provides a unique and memorable experience for singles looking for fun and adventure with new travel companions. 
 
Singles Cruise offers guests private meet and greet singles events, cocktail mixers, lectures, theme parties, a separate dining area for the group and ongoing activities organized by dedicated cruise directors.  Singles who book with SinglesCruise.com can choose from a variety of cruises and itineraries planned throughout the year with anywhere from 30 to over 600 singles onboard.  Their singles are not necessarily looking for love - some are simply looking for new friends to travel with.
 
SinglesCruise offers roommate matching, and Single Supplement booking options.  Roommates are matched by gender and by age.  Packages are "fully loaded" - they include the cruise fare, government fees and taxes, and in some cases they may include the gratuities.
 
If you are ready to make new friends, travel to fabulous destinations, and enjoy a wonderful vacation with other singles, please contact me.  Here are some upcoming SinglesCruise.com vacations:
 

August 10 - 17, 2013:  7 night Summer Oasis Caribbean Cruise

September 6 - 18, 2013:  12 night Hawaii Dream Singles Cruise

January 18 - 26, 2014:  8 night Eastern Caribbean Spring Break Cruise

February 16 - 23, 2014:  7 night 30s and 40s Social Singles Cruise

April 5 - 12, 2014:  7 night over 40 Eastern Caribbean Shuffle Cruise

Wednesday, April 3, 2013

Top 10 Reasons to Use a Travel Agent


Some of us remember walking down the street and seeing one or two travel agencies on Main Street.  We would drop in to pick up brochures, ask questions, and to have airline tickets printed for our upcoming vacation.  Well, travel agents are still out there, but they're not all working in an office on Main Street anymore.

Many, like me, work from a home office, where customers don't drop in anymore.  They find us on the internet, or through referrals from friends and family.  The best travel agents get new customers because of word of mouth.  I work very hard to ensure that my clients trips are amazing and that the process is effortless for them.  Here are some things you can do to make sure you are getting the most of your travel agent:

1.  Communicate:  Tell the agent all about yourself - your likes, dislikes, preferences, hobbies.  If I don't have a good idea of  who you really are, I can't put together recommendations that will truly fit your lifestyle. 
2.  Answer all of our questions:  Don't skimp on the details.  I need to know about your past vacations - both good and bad.  This will help me to narrow down the millions of choices that are out there. 
3.  Be up front about budget:  Don't pretend you have no limit if you truly do.  There are many itineraries out there that will fit for many budgets, but I have to know what you are expecting in order to give you achievable options.
4.  Don't forget the details:  Airlines, resorts, and cruise lines all have cancellation penalties.  It's best to know up front all of the logistics in order to make sure all of the details are correct.
5.  Doublecheck the pricing but don't overdo it:  You will most likely want to do some of your own research.  Go ahead and do this, but realize that you may not be comparing apples to apples.  That price you see online will most likely be the very least expensive option available, but usually does not include some additional hidden costs (such as taxes, insurance, etc).  In addition, working with a travel agent can sometimes earn you some perks, as well as personal assistance when you need it.
6.  When something goes wrong, who you gonna call:  Call me right when you see something has gone awry.  I may be able to help you fix the problem right away.  Waiting until you return home and then having to go back to work it out is not always successful. 
7.  Don't assume anything:  Ask questions and make sure that everything you want is included in the package you ultimately purchase.  Don't assume that just because you said you want a nice place with a beach for some R&R, tha tyou are going to a remote destination that's deadly quiet 24/7.  This goes back to the initial consultation and making sure that your agent understands exactly what you are looking for.
8.  Value their knowledge:  A good travel agent has either visited the place you want to go to or has associates that have.  I have a great network of agents with 1st person knowledge about hotels and destinations than you could ever find (or trust) on the internet.
9.  Give feedback:  When you return from your trip, send me an honest and detailed description of your trip.  Tell me what went right, but also what went wrong.  This will allow me to know what to watch for as I am planning your next trip.
10.  Find a good travel agent:  Understand that I have been trained in my field, and that I am consistently taking continuing education classes, online research and familiarization trips to stay on top of the travel industry news.

Call me at 210-858-6399 or email me at mjackson@cruiseholidays.com for your FREE consultation.

Saturday, March 23, 2013

My latest escorted group - Quilt Cruise

I enjoy organizing group cruises and escorting them to their destinations. Obviously, I don't escort every group, as I'm pretty sure I'm not invited on honeymoons, family reunions, etc. But, for those groups that require onboard management, I enjoy meeting all of the guests that I've worked with for several months and being on hand to make sure that everything goes smoothly for everyone involved.
This group was a quilting cruise (I do alot of these every year). The cruise was a 9 night Eastern Caribbean cruise, departing from Baltimore. Since my daughter was out of school for Spring Break, I brought her along to assist me, which meant I saw her a couple of times a day and she made many new friends. But, I always enjoy visiting our departure cities a day or two prior to each cruise and with Washington DC so close by, we thought it would be great to head over for the day.
It was cold and windy in the city, but we pushed on through and did as much as we could in the few short hours we were there. We visited the Holocaust Museum and were lucky enough to receive tickets to view the Special Exhibit which took us on a journey through the years of the Holocaust. It was a very emotional experience and I would recommend it to everyone who is able to visit the area.

Rachel signed a pledge to always stand up for the rights of those who are looked down upon. She said this was the highlight of her day in DC. But, we weren't done yet. We visited the Museum of American History where we enjoyed seeing mementos of past Presidents, movies, etc. We enjoyed our lunch there more than ever before - maybe because our 2 salads and sodas were $26.00. We wanted to finish every last bite. After this, we walked past the Washington Monument, past the Reflecting Pool to the Lincoln Memorial, the Vietnam Wall and then up to the White House. We wanted to see the front of it, since everyone sees the back. Then, on to the train to head back to Baltimore. We sat up and watched movies in our hotel and enjoyed relaxing.

The work begins! Boarding our ship with all of our boxes of supplies and goodies for our cruise guests is always an adventure as we wait to make sure everything arrives in one piece, which it did. We then caught up with Scott, our machine provider, who set up all of the machines and taped down extension cords. We busied ourselves setting up water bottles, tote bags and agendas for everyone.

With all of the machines set up, the room was ready for these ladies and one man to start their quilting classes. Our fabulous teachers, Christine and Susan, were a lot of fun and it was fun seeing the project they had designed specifically for this cruise. We spent the first 2 days at sea in the quilting room where the projects went from large pieces of fabric to strips, circles and eventually parts of a quilted piece. We looked forward at this point to seeing the finished product.

Our first group cocktail party was a lot of fun. Everyone enjoyed all they could drink in an hour and just had a good time visiting and talking with those they already knew as well as new friends they had made during the first 2 days of quilting classes. We had a few toasts to everyone enjoying the week.
Our first port of call was to San Juan, Puerto Rico. Because of some rough seas, our ship was about 2 hours late getting into port, so we arrived at 5pm. The ship had cancelled all of its tours, but because I rarely book ship tours, I had booked all of my groups tours through my own company. They were very surprised and happy when their tours were still operating and their tour guides were waiting for them happily at the port. Rachel, Scott and I headed out to do a quick walking tour of the area. Unfortunately, the forts were already closed for the day, but we walked around the streets and just had a good night exploring. Rachel tried a Piragua (shaved ice) and even met a friend from home who happened to be in Puerto Rico with his family on a Spring Break vacation - small world!


They who quilt together, stay together. We love it when our quilting classes include husbands and wives. It's so fun to see how they work together and complement one another. These two just were so friendly and nice and it was a lot of fun getting to know them.

Our second stop was St. Thomas. Rachel and I, along with 3 others in our group, did a snorkeling tour. We boarded our beautiful yacht with Captain Mike and the first mate, a girl (can't remember her name). We sailed out towards Turtle Cove, where we received a briefing of snorkeling and how to act around the turtles. We then were in the water and off to see what we could find. We only found one sea turtle on the bottom, eating sea grass. He came up for air one time and so we got to see him up close. Others in our group saw 3 or 4 turtles (lucky). We also saw many beautiful fish as well as coral. We even could see many huge conch shells lying on the bottom (about 20-30 feet down).

Rachel, Me and 3 others in our group as we get ready to leave Turtle Cove.


This is our Captain, 1st mate and Rachel
2 of our guests from the cruise - such nice people

Our 3rd port was Samana, Dominican Republic. We had to tender into this city. There is really nothing to do in this port city unless you take a tour. We decided to do a Ziplining tour. We took a bus up into the hills (about a 30 minute ride), where we were able to view a bit of the region. It's beautiful country once you get out of the downtown area, where the poverty is unimaginable and sad. Upon arrival at the Ziplining area, we were fitted with our gear and given a quick briefing of how to slow down, speed up, and stop. Then, it was off to begin our adventure.

This is Rachel on one of the lines. We did a total of 10 zips, some very long and steep. We screamed, laughed, and enjoyed the beautiful scenery as we went along.

Just before leaving Samana, Rachel attracted 3 4-legged friends. They were loving the attention she provided them. I joked that as she was talking to them, that they didn't speak English.

Back on the ship, Rachel was named Captain of her team in a tournament of Pool Volleyball (Officers vs Guests). The Guests beat the Officers in 2 games, and her team was awarded the Gold medals. She had a great time and everyone on the ship knew her (she was involved in everything).

Our final port of call was in Labadee, Haiti. This was a private area leased by Royal Caribbean. We were looking forward to our day on the beach and after taking a ride on the "Conch Train", we immediately set out to find our beach chairs and enjoy the sun and water. Mother Nature had other plans as we experienced several showers - some just a drizzle, others a bit of a downpour. We still managed to enjoy it as much as we could. We then headed over to lunch on the island, a BBQ lunch put on by Royal Caribbean. After lunch, the wind was really picking up, so we decided to head back to the ship and relax.

We headed for the Jacuzzi and really enjoyed the hot water soaking us for about a half hour. We even ran into one of our guests reading and having a nice nap, until he sensed Rachel photo bombing him. We then headed back to our room for a shower and to get dressed for dinner.

Our t-shirts say it all. We all wore our shirts for a group photo taken by the Royal Caribbean photographers, which were for sale the next day. There were about 50 of us in this group, so we took up quite a bit of the Centrum staircase. The picture came out great.

Rachel reminded us all week that her birthday was coming up, so on the last night, we asked them to sing Happy Birthday (in 12 days) to her. She loved it and was excited to be the center of attention.

This is Rachel and I on our formal night. We loved dressing up, especially since Rachel will soon be off to college and we won't have many opportunities to do things like this again, at least for awhile.
I love escorting my groups and enjoy getting to know people from all over the country, and even the world. You know the phrase from the movie, Field of Dreams - if you build it, they will come? My motto is - if you bring them, I will build it! I'm just looking for my next adventure! Will it be with you? If you have a group that would be interested in a cruise or land vacation, I am here to help.
Michelle Jackson, Cruise Holidays
Personal Cruise and Land Vacation Expert

Saturday, March 2, 2013

River Cruising - a new way to Explore!

RIVER CRUISING
A better way to explore!
River cruising is, quite simply, the best way to travel through many of the world's most fascinating places. Comfortable, convenient and safe, it offers a greater variety of destinations than you could not encounter any other way - and lets you get in-depth exposure to the culture and history of each region. Both experienced and first time travelers have discovered the joys of river cruising, making it the fastest growing segment of the cruising industry.
The new "cool" in cruising
AKA "Boutique Cruising"
Our River Cruising Partners
Ama Waterways
Avalon (Globus Family)
Uniworld

A More Intimate Experience
Because River ships are designed to accommodate between 150 and 300 guests, it is easy to make new friends, share a drink with the couple you met on the day's tour, or dine with interesting people in the open seating restaurant. And you can forget about waiting in long lines.
Imagine! stepping off your floating hotel into town/cities like Amsterdam, Budapest, Cairo or Beijing. Enjoy the local culture and history by exploring on your own or taking one of the included walking tours with an English speaking guide.
THE JOYS OF RIVER CRUISING...
  • A river cruise brings you to the heart of the destination
  • Historic cities and towns like Amsterdam, Budapest, Vienna and Moscow
  • Exotic destinations throughout Europe, Russia, Asia, Egypt & Africa to name a few
  • Local culture and history within a stones throw
Cultural Enrichment
  • Onboard presentations and demonstrations tha tentertain as well as inform
  • Evening entertainment, local or onboard musicians
  • Immersive shore excursions - included with English speaking guides
  • Optional (extra cost) excursions available
  • Most river cruises now have personal head-sets for excursions
  • Some River cruises also offer bicycles for your pleasure in port
New Scenery - All Day, Every Day
Enjoy breathtaking scenery from just about everywhere on the ship - in the bar, restaurant or lounge (all with panoramic views), on the sun deck with fresh air or from the privacy of your stateroom. And, river cruise vessels keep moving, so you see new vistas and explore new destinations throughout the day, every day. River cruises often travel at night, so you can wake up in an exciting new place each morning, with no effort on your part.
EUROPE
Experienced travelers agree that a European river cruise is one of the most enjoyable and hassle-free ways to explore Europe's castles, cathedrals and picturesque villages. And with River Cruising, your opportunities to discover the very best these destinations have to offer are endless. Travel along the famous rivers of Europe with a Rhine and Danube river cruise and discover fascinating history and authentic experiences with comprehensive sightseeing plus your own exploration. It's a simple way to travel and you're in the middle of the action, not seeing it from afar. Plus there's plenty of time to unwind. Think of this as your own personal journey of discovery through Europe.
ASIA
The Mekong River winds its way from the Tibetan plateaus of China's Yunnan province, through the rainforests, plains and rice fields of 5 Southeast Asian countries before meeting the South China Sea. In terms of length, it's the 12th largest river in the world, but in terms of historic, cultural and ecological richness - the Mekong has no equal. The sagas of ancient empires, colonial powers and modern conflicts have unfolded along her banks. And, through it all, the Mekong remains first and foremost a lifeline. Temples, trade routes and fishing villages in the river's path are today untouched by time, just as the way of life they represent. And nowhere are the river's riches more apparent than in the neighboring - but distinct countries of Vietnam and Cambodia.
EGYPT
"Egypt is the gift of the Nile." So wrote the Greek scholar, Herodotus. From the cities to rural villages, where life goes on as it did thousands of years ago, a cruise along the Nile is like watching 5,000 years of culture unfold before your eyes. Marvel at the contrasts as you sail past simple villages surrounded by luxuriant palm groves, fertile plantations, romantic desert hills, lush oases, modern cities and ancient colonnaded temples and pyramids.
Big-Cat-safari
AFRICA
With its incredible natural beauty, fascinating wildlife and diverse cultures, this continent is becoming an increasingly popular destination among North American travelers.
FEATURES OF RIVER CRUISING
  • Easy embarkation/disembarkation
  • Unpack only once
  • Children are not encouraged/no children's programs onboard
  • Transfers on arrival and departure included with supplier's air
  • Intimate ships
  • Spacious staterooms, most with French balconies or windows that open
  • English speaking crew
  • English speaking tour guides
  • Gratuities may be prepaid or paid at the end of the cruise
  • Classic, gourmet cuisine - regional specialties and American fare
SO, WHEN IS THE BEST TIME FOR A RIVER CRUISE?
Spring..................................Summer.....................................Fall
Spring and fall are the most popular times to travel due to the pleasant weather. Summer can be quite warm and also the regions are more crowded.
River cruises are perfect for group travel. Seniors, music and art groups, garden or bridge clubs, church groups, Alumni and Wine afficionados would love River cruising.
As always, I am here to assist you with planning, organizing and managing your next adventure...why not make it a River Cruise?
Imagine...Oh the places you can go!
Click on the link below and like my Cruise Holidays business page on Facebook and enter to WIN a Cruise for 2 on AmaWaterways!

Monday, February 11, 2013

Disney goes to Alaska

In the past, Alaskan cruises were typically sailed by the retired, older generation.  But, times have changed.  Alaska is now catering to a younger crowd, offering tours that are of interest to kids, teens, young couples as well as still to the more mature.  Disney has now stuck their toe in the water with activities both onboard and ashore that will appeal to the kids.  With a successful first year under their belt, they are heading back to Alaska again this year.

Check out this video series to see what awaits your family in Alaska.

Family Time
 
Kid Time
 
Adult Time
 
Port Adventures
 
To book your family adventure to Alaska, give me a call. 
 
Michelle Jackson, Cruise Holidays
Land and Cruise Vacation Specialist
(210) 858-6399

Friday, February 8, 2013

Romance at Sea

Valentines Day is almost here, and what better way to spend it than on board the Queen Mary 2.  There are so many romantic things to do; it's the perfect way to spend a special day.  While it may be too late for this year, start planning today for next Valentines Day. 
 
According to Cunard, here are the top 5 things to do at sea on Valentine's Day... 
 
1.  Take a walk around the deck before enjoying afternoon tea in the Queens Room.
2.  Indulge in one of Cunard's signature Canyon Ranch massages for a relaxing and pampering afternoon.
3.  Dress up for a black tie candle-lit dinner for two in the evening.
4.  After a romantic meal, head to the magnificent Royal Court Theatre to watch a musical, or watch a movie in Illuminations.
5.  Finish the night ballroom dancing in the Queens Room or dancing in our nightclub, G32.
 
 
As well as all of that, why not treat your loved one to some flowers or a bottle of wine, delivered to their stateroom?  Nothing says 'I love you' more than a dozen red roses.
 
If you're getting married, there's also nothing more romantic than holding your ceremony on board Queen Mary 2 on her Transatlantic Crossing to New York.  The Transatlantic Crossing is the perfect combination of marrying Mid-Atlantic and then honeymooning in the most exciting city in the world, New York.  While you're there, take in all there is to see and do in New York - watch a show on Broadway, marvel at the Statue of Liberty and take in the breathtaking panoramic views from the top of the Empire State Building, which has to be one of the most popular places to propose.

 
There are fewer places that compare to one of Cunard's Queens for timeless romance, so getting married on board is one way of making your day memorable.  If you're already married, you can also renew your vows on board, or celebrate your anniversary in style.
 
Cunard's three Queens are currently on their world voyages, making Valentine's Day even more special.  We wonder whether there will be any romantic Valentine's Day proposals inspired by last year's proposal on board:


This article was written by Laura from the Cunard Team.