Building Incredible In Every Aspect

We have been talking quite a bit on our escape artist radio show about the all-new Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas. The Oasis is set to sail in December and already creating a buzz among the cruise industry.

But believe it or not, some of the behind the scenes plans are worth highlighting.  Most passengers don’t realize how all the little details are completely thought out and planned in order to make someone’s cruise experience positive.

Take for example, the all-new terminal, Terminal 18 that Royal Caribbean has built in order to accommodate the Oasis of the Seas. The terminal is located in Port Everglades in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, and is incredible. Royal Caribbean has invested $40 million in order to build this brand new terminal. “With a ship this size you have to make sure the infrastructure is in place in order to accommodate the flow of the ship as well as guest capacity” says Royal Caribbean Representative, Marianne Hessler.  Further more, with this new terminal in place, Royal Caribbean’s goal is to shorten the wait time for customers waiting to embark pier side to only 15 minutes. 15 minutes? That is incredible.

Royal Caribbean just knows how to do things right. This all started with Voyager class of ships. They have done a great job of creating a great embarkation experience for our customers. Years ago, there was no such thing as a streamlined process and the embarkation/debarkation processes were know for being chaotic. When I started in the business, I remember the days when it often took hours to get off the ship. Not anymore.

Thanks to the well-thought out plans and the investment Royal Caribbean makes to streamline this process, it adds a very positive start, and finish, to the whole cruising experience for our clients.

Royal Caribbean really does build incredible – in every aspect.

Happy Cruising!

Sincerely,

Matt Cervone
Chief Escape Officer
Just Cruises & Vacations

To hear more about the all-new anticipated Oasis of the Seas, tune in to Escape Artist Radio Show every Tuesday @ 3:00 pm est / Noon pacific

Escape Artists Travel Tips

Hello – I was reviewing some tips included in the travel documents for a group trip going to Mexico that one of our Escape Artists had prepared…I thought they were excellent, so I thought I would share them with you. There are many more, so I will be sure to share them with you more often.  If you have any that you would like me to post, please comment below or send me an email.  Matt.

1. Bring $1 bills for tipping maids, bellman, and bartenders as getting change in U.S. dollars for larger bills may be difficult there. The tips are included at most all-inclusive resorts but you tend to get outstanding service for the duration of your vacation when you give the wait staff and bartenders extra tips early on and throughout your stay.

2. Bring a photocopy of your passport (and keep it separate from your

passport) in the unfortunate event your passport is lost or stolen.

3. If you are worried about Montezuma’s Revenge, eat yogurt every day for a week before you go and while on vacation. The cultures and enzymes strengthen the digestive system. Taking 2 Pepto-Bismol tablets each morning can also help ward off stomach problems.

4. Reapply sunscreen often! — It doesn’t work if you just put sunscreen on in the morning. You need to reapply every few hours especially if you go into the water. For those who live in the north, the sun is a lot stronger in Mexico.

5. Hydrate throughout the day! — If you spend all day in the sun, and partake in a few adult beverages at night, you need to get some water into your system. And the ice in piña coladas counts.

6. Don’t fall for the timeshare talk. When most people go on vacation, they want to spend every minute of it doing something that’s enjoyable, rather than sitting in a room and having someone trying to sell them a timeshare property. Remember, nothing is for free.

7. You will receive a form to fill out before you can enter Mexico that is your temporary visa. It will get stamped when you go through customs. Stash this away with your passport in a safe place, as you will need it in order to exit the country!

8. If you like to read, bring plenty of magazines and books. Sure, you can buy them at the hotel gift shop, but they’ll be triple the price. And if you finish your book early on in the trip, check to see if your hotel has a book exchange where you can trade your book for one that someone else has already finished.

Enjoy Your Escape!

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

What is "On Stage Alaska"?

When was the last time you experienced something so beautiful that your breath was taken away?  I remember.  For me it was during our trip to Alaska.  Everyone should experience the beauty of Alaska at least once in their lives.

And now we are bringing Alaska directly to our customers with an upcoming “On Stage Alaska” performance .  If you have ever thought about a trip to Alaska, you don’t want to miss this exclusive (and best of all free) evening performance on November 4, 2009,  presented by Holland America line.

“On Stage Alaska” is an exhilarating live performance and film presentation.  We’ll show you all the Great Land has to offer like towering mountains, Ice Age glaciers, abundant wildlife, dog sledding, gold panning and so much more, all in the hands of Holland America Line, Alaska’s oldest and most respected Cruisetour company.

The “On Stage Alaska” event is being held on November 4, 2009 at 6:30 pm at the Italian American Cultural Society – Partridge Creek Banquet Center, 43843 Romeo Plank, Clinton Twp, Michigan.

Please join us for a refreshingly different travel show.  Space is limited.  RSVP to hold your spot at rsvp@justcruises.com.

For a sneek peek, check out a unique Holland America Line 10 minute video on the beauty of Alaska.

Come escape with us for at least one night!

Sincerely,

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

Vacation – A Necessity or a Luxury?

Which is it for you?

Growing up in my era…a vacation was considered a luxury. No question. The best we had was an overnight trip to my grandparents cottage.

Then, when I was 9 years old, we took a trip to Miami.  We only went to Miami because my parents had friends there and we could conveniently stay at their home.  That was a luxury.

Then, I  felt like I hit it big when our 8th grade class trip  went to Washington DC.  I thought that was so cool.

Oh, and then there were a few overnight trips to Toronto for hockey when we were supposed to stay with host family.   Instead, I pretended to be sick so I could stay with my parents at the hotel and swim.  Much more fun then staying at a strange house.  This was a luxury!

Today, the standards for a vacation have changed.  Kids have “grown up” on cruise ships. We have clients whose children have been on 10+ cruises…before they graduated from high school.  These kids feel it is an entitlement (Until they have to pay for it!).

Nowadays,  we have been conditioned to believe it is a necessity.  No question. With all the technology, music, TV, e-books, etc most folks, whether they realize it or not, simply need to “unplug” and “decompress” from all the daily requirements of our time and attention.

A true vacation will do that for you.  With all the daily chaos in our world and around us, vacations have become a necessity. There are all kinds of studies and reports to confirm that vacations are actually “healthy.” It is a fact that when you are on vacation for 7-14 days, you “relax” or, get into “vacation mode”, as some travelers say.  I can always spot the people who  have just arrived on a vacation.  They are typically the uptight folks, bickering over every little thing!  After 4-5 days, they tend to unwind, stop their whining, become more social and begin having fun!  Most of the time, by the end of our vacation, we notice how wonderful it is to just relax and enjoy life.

Now, if we can just get a doctor to prescribe a vacation and get it covered in the new healthcare program. Any supporters?

Sincerely,

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

We call our team "Escape Artists"

As Just Cruises & Vacations we don’t call our team travel agents, we call ourselves “Escape Artists”.

Just for fun we looked up the meaning of an escape artist:

es·cape art·ist

1.      a performer who is skilled at escaping from restraints or confinement.
Also called escapologist
2.      somebody who is skilled at getting out of difficulties or
apparently very dangerous or compromising situations

Encarta® World English Dictionary © 1999 Microsoft Corporation. All
rights reserved. Developed for Microsoft by Bloomsbury Publishing Plc.

The title “Escape Artist” fits our team perfectly.   The definition describes our skills at providing blueprints to escape from everyday confinements.  That is what we do.

Since we are travel people, let us provide you with a blueprint for your escape.

Sincerely,

Matt Cervone
President & CEO, 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

Should I Staycation or Vacation?

If you are contemplating this thought, you are normal. At this time of year, if you have not planned to go somewhere, or have not gone at all, it is normal to want to get away.  With economics playing a factor in our decisions today, we quite often have conversations with folks contemplating a “staycation” or vacation?

I can’t decide for you, but I can give you something to think about.

A staycation can be fun and exciting for families in the summer. Jump in the car and drive to a hotel or cottage on a lake. Family walks, swims, bar-b-que’ for dinner and roasting marshmallows at night around the fire. Great memories. Kids never forget it. Nowadays, we even have dual DVD players to keep everyone entertained for the drive. My kids love Mackinaw Island, here in Michigan. Usually economical, particularly if you have complimentary accommodations. If you do not, my experience says that it may be fun, but not always cheap.

With the economy challenging the travel industry, both cruise & land vacation package deals are better than ever. They need people to sleep in their cabins and rooms. I still surprised at the consistency of great offers that come across my email & desk, daily.  That’s why I recommend you check with us, or your personal travel professional before you commit to the staycation. A week or two on a luxury cruise, visiting various islands, or an all-inclusive resort and beach (sometimes they even have casinos) are surprisingly comparable to the stayacations folks are taking.

I am not here to tell you what to do, just to enlighten you of some great options that you are now empowered with. Most people need to getaway. If you plan slipping one in, you owe it to yourself to consider the options.

Most importantly, wherever you go, whatever you do, I am sure you will get a great deal.  Be sure to make it a fun and memorable experience.

You’ll be glad you did.

Sincerely,

Matt Cervone
Chief Escape Officer
Just Cruises & Vacations

What is a Gourmet Inclusive Vacation?

It’s not all about the cuisine. It’s about the experience.  That’s what the travel bug is…adventure and experiences.

So what is this Gourmet Inclusive Vacation? Quite frankly, the ultimate in All-Inclusive vacationing.

The experience starts the moment you walk in the resort. The Staff  greet you with a smile, a refreshing towel and a welcome cocktail. A nice touch. The overall atmosphere of the resorts exudes a relaxed, yet upscale environment. The decor is indicative of this. The landscaping reminds you of a tropical garden. The multiple pools ands swim up bars are along the white sand beaches, which feature beach beds. Nice. You are pampered with remarkable services and amenities such as beach butlers, concierge, turn-down, 24-hour room service. The bars serve premium beverages, gourmet appetizers and cuisine. The bartenders quickly learn your favorite drink. It’s ready for you the next time you return. The spa is simply “amazing,” making you feel like a new person.  No more stress.

The cuisine is spectacular. It is also been described as “Exquisite”and “Decadent.”

You get the picture ?

Gourmet is not stuffy. It is simply a new description of exceptional  hospitality.

In my opinion, it’s the way travel should be.

See you on the Beach!

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%.