Never Cruised Before?

Here is a few excerpts from an email that we recently sent our clients.

I thought it may be helpful   Matt

Never Cruised Before?

You may have heard the great benefit of taking a cruise is that you unpack once in your room, and your whole room moves from destination to destination.  While that is REALLY convenient, there are some other benefits to cruising you may not know.

Ease.  Not having to pack and unpack is only part of it….It is fantastic to wake up every morning in an exciting new port without having to get on buses, planes or trains to get there.  Each day brings a new adventure. You can enjoy ship activities, dining, and spectacular views in transit to the next destination.

Value. Cruising is a great value. You pay one price and your room, dining and entertainment are included in that price. You will find cruise ships offer great cuisine as part of your cruise price.

Variety. There are so many new cruise ships with all different kind of activities and styles. Anyone can find a cruise that fits their dreams and their wallets. Cruise destinations vary from sun and fun, to educational, to wildlife and adventure and to everything in-between.

Entertainment. There is no end to the entertainment on cruise ships. You could keep yourself busy all day everyday with the different shows and activities. Families traveling together have all kinds of options. Many ships have children’s “camps” that entertain the kids and let parents enjoy some time on their own. Many of the ships also offer lecture series that allow passengers valuable insight and history about different destinations or other exciting topics.

Social. For outgoing people and even some shy people, cruising has an opportunity to meet some fascinating people. Many people have found great friends on board that they remain in touch with for years after. Some people have even been known to cruise again with their new friends they met on a cruise.

Whatever vacation and destination dreams you have, there is a cruise that will meet your needs.

Sincerely,

Matt Cervone
Chief Escape Officer
Just Cruises & Vacations

Why Holiday Cruising ???

Why cruise during the Holidays?  The better question is, why not cruise during the Holidays?

During  “Travel Talk with the Escape Artists” episode #1, we discuss, along with Royal Caribbean Representative Marianne Hessler, the benefits of cruising during the holidays.

We discuss that “someone” we all know who says they “love to cook” for the holidays.   Can this really be?  I can’t imagine that after whipping up the first batch of cookies, that “someone” actually loves to slave in the kitchen for an entire week,  not to mention the hundreds of dollars spent doing it.  We challenge you to think about this:  Is it the actual cooking they say they love to do, or, do they  just love getting the family together for the holiday?

Imagine Mom, or Grandma, enjoying being served  a nine course meal onboard a ship, that they did not have to prepare? Do you think they may be able to have their own fond memories with their family if they did not have to cook for a week?  Or, do you think that they could enjoy a REAL conversation with their kids, whatever age they may be?  Do you think that all of this may be the REAL reason to consider being on a ship together for a week….with time to appreciate one another and create lifetime memories?

The next time you think there is “no way” you could go away over the Holiday’s, you may want to stop again and think about the real reason for the holidays.  Think about it this way, 10 years from now, will your kids remember that shirt, doll,  or game they wanted, or, will they remember all the fun they had together with their family cruising during their Holiday vacation?

I’ll let you be the judge.

Wherever you end up, we wish you a great holiday season!

Matt Cervone
President & CEO, Chief Escape Officer
Just Cruises & Vacations

Should I Stay or Should I Go Now?

This is always the big question “Should I book  my vacation now, or, wait and see if the rate will go down?”

First of all, I am a consumer, too.  I believe in getting the best value for my discretionary dollar. Some say the cheapest price. I look for the best overall value or deal. I look at the whole package when I buy. The product, the quality, the people I buy from, the value and the price.  That’s what I define as the whole package.

So, getting back to the question, “Should I book my vacation now or, wait?”.

As an industry insider, my suggestion is to book and deposit on your trip the moment that you are satisfied with your vacation choice, your destination or ship,  your accommodations, and of course price. One typically comes to this conclusion after a few phone calls and/or visits with a travel professional (we call ourselves Escape Artists).  A true travel professional knows where to look, what to recommend, and can gauge how long a promotional price will be available in order to take advantage of it.  (FYI - the tables have turned a bit, suppliers are actually giving travel professionals pricing advantages vs the internet )

Have you ever attempted online booking yourself?   You can expect that the average person visits between 15-50 different websites over a two  to three week period. This can spell C-O-N-F-U-S-I-O-N.  I suggest incorporating a travel pro who can collaborate  with you and cut your research time down significantly.

Travel professionals usually have access to hundreds of promo codes, only available to the industry, that are not accessible to the average person booking online.  The best part,  a travel professional can create clarity for you and can save you money!

So,  the bottom line is…book it when it all comes together. If the rate is affordable and falls within your vacation budget – book it! I have noticed that the most popular vacations prices are on the rise. Occasionally, the price does goes down. But why gamble with your vacation?  For those who choose to wait, we observe the price actually goes up and one of a few things happen; One, they either do not go on their vacation (UGH!) or Two, they end up taken lesser accommodations or Three, they end up staying fewer days. (UGH!)  None of these are appealing options.

We do have a few suppliers who have a best price guarantee for a vacation. This means if you pay for the trip protection along with the price protection at the time of booking…if the price of your trip goes down, they will adjust your price before your final payment.  This gives clients the comfort to “book early” and not worry about the price going lower.  Some cruise lines will adjust pricing as well. It can get confusing, so again, I suggest you save yourself the grief and work with one of our Escape Artists to relieve the potential anxiety so you can stay focused on what you need to do to have a great vacation!

One last note – travel prices are reflected by supply and demand. At the moment, demand for 2010 is rising, which means that the prices will soon climb as well.  So, if you are thinking about going on a vacation next year, now is a good time to start looking to ensure you get what you want and the best values available.

Bon Voyage – have a great trip!

Sincerely,

Matt Cervone
Chief Escape Officer
Just Cruises & Vacations

Is This A Sports Complex or a Ship?

So you thought you would be bored on  a ship? How about your kids, or teens?

Did you see the photo of the pool and sports zone aboard the all-new Oasis of the Seas (& Allure of the Seas)?

I have seen it and I am still amazed.  There is an entire deck filled with more sports activities than you can imagine.

Choose from multiple pools:  the H2O Zone which is set up like a waterpark, complete with spraying water and wading pool (great for infants and toddlers); the sports pool, great for swimming laps, all-new beach pool, designed to simulate wading in the ocean; or the traditional pool, dedicated for sun lounging.

Or, relax and unwind in one of 10 whirlpools and enjoy the tranquil environment of the adult Solarium area, complete with super plush lounge chairs.

In need of more action?  Don’t miss the opportunity to be the first to ride the zip line aboard a ship.  Enjoy the ultimate rush of zooming nine decks above the open air atrium.

After that, scale the two rock climbing walls, play a ping pong match, complete a round of  miniature golf, and then take on your kids during a friendly basketball (or volleyball) game on the full size court.

At some point you will want to cool off and catch a wave on one of the two Flow Rider surf simulator available.

And then, when you have worked up a thirst, catch a cool one at one of the four bars nearby.

Did somebody say something about being bored?

Whether you are inspired to be active or not,  when I sail, I still notice the smiles and laughs of the people who are just observing. This is something that I enjoy – watching eevryone of all ages having a good time on their cruise. Sounds corny, but true.

Here are some passengers onboard the Liberty of the Seas. See what they think of cruising.  

Our Escape Artists would love to help plan your escape. 

Why Not?

Sincerely,

Matt Cervone
Chief Escape Officer
Just Cruises & Vacations

Enjoying a Spa Getaway

Planning a weekend escape that includes a day at the spa? First time to a spa? Not sure of the proper etiquette? Follow these guidelines and you are sure to enjoy your visit:

1. Pack a small bag and bring with you your make-up, brush, deodorant, and any other toiletries to prepare you once you leave the spa. Towels and washcloths will be provided and most spas will supply shampoo, conditioner, and hair dryer.
2. If you are going to a full service spa, arrive at least 30 minutes early. You will then be directed to the locker room where you will be given a personal locker. Inside the locker you will find a bathrobe and slippers.
3. You should shower before your first treatment. If time allows you may then proceed to the sauna or steam room.
4. During your treatment it is up to you if you prefer to be chatty Cathy or enjoy complete silence.
5. After each treatment, you should be offered a bottle of water and if not, feel free to ask for water, tea, or juice. If you have multiple treatments, you should be offered light snacks.
6. When you leave, ask the receptionist if the gratuity is included and if not, at your discretion it is suggested to tip 10%-15%.