There is a lot of conversation lately about whether to use a travel agent or book your own travel online.
According to travel columnist, Christopher Fletcher, the number one kind of trip you should not book online is cruising. He maintains that travel agents are your best bet for booking a cruise for two main reasons:
- Travel agencies have access to exclusive special deals for a cruise. My agency often blocks group space on particular sailings that gives the cruiser a discounted rate, shipboard credit, prepaid gratuities or more.
- Booking a cruise can get complicated when you consider the air, getting to the cruise pier, booking a hotel before or after the cruise and so much more.
In addition, most travel agents don’t charge a fee to book your cruise. You’ll get expert advice while still getting a great deal on your cruise.
You’ve saved up, researched and planned, in order to take your dream cruise. Why would you put your dreams at risk by doing it all yourself when you can get free help? Is it worth it?
For the full article, ’7 trips you should never book online’, click here.
If you want help in booking that special cruise, call Margaret, your experienced cruise expert.
We got up about 6:30am for breakfast at 7:30am and then left for an excursion at 8am. The cruise director spotted what he thought might be whales so when we boarded the zodiac Manuel had our driver take us way out from the land to search for them. We didn’t find any whales but we did see about 6-10 dolphins. One even swam directly in front of our boat—like a leader for us.
Then we went to the beach at Mystery Bay (Floreana Island) for a ‘wet’ landing—the water was about 6-12 inches deep. There were a couple of sea lions on the beach. One of them was a young male who was very aggressive—coming right up to some of the people. Then we walked a path toward the other side of the island. Along the way we saw flamingoes, flycatcher birds.
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I hope you read parts 1 and 2 regarding my Galapagos Islands cruise. So, we just arrived at the Baltra airport. We were given a short shuttle ride to a dock where there was a awning with a couple benches which had been overtaken by sea lions. There was even a baby one lying on the ground!
We donned our lifejackets and embarked on a zodiac for the first of many rides to and from our ship, the Celebrity Xpedition.
Upon arrival at the ship, we were given cold washcloths to freshen up. Then we walked upstairs to the Discovery Lounge where we were welcomed with champagne and orange juice.
River cruises are becoming more popular each year. Why?
- It’s a slower, more relaxed experience
- Scenery and culture are the attractions
- River ships provide an intimate atmosphere
- Fewer passengers…less than 200
- River ships dock right in the city centers
- Shore excursions are included
- and more
For the full article from USA Today, check here.
Another great reason to take a European river cruise is the opportunity to check out your ancestral home in a leisurely, relaxed atmosphere.
Based on an overwhelming response to its first Hawaiian itinerary, Disney Cruise Line® is adding a second Hawaiian cruise to its 2012 schedule.
The new 14-night itinerary departs Oct. 14, 2012, from Los Angeles. It includes stops at Kahului, Maui; Nawiliwili, Kauai; Honolulu, O’ahu; and Hilo, Hawai‘i; plus Ensenada, Mexico. In addition, there are eight relaxing days at sea.
Bookings open today for Platinum and Gold Castaway Club Members. Silver Castaway Club Members and first-time Guests can book beginning Monday, Sept. 26.
The addition of a second Hawaiian voyage complements a diverse array of 2012 itineraries departing from the West Coast, including cruises to the Mexican Riviera, Pacific Coast and Alaska.
If you’d like more info or don’t want to miss out on the fun, give Margaret a call or email.
Margaret Owen, Master Cruise Counsellor
(510) 582-0540 margaret@owentravel.com
As I mentioned in Galapagos Islands Cruise – Part 1, my current favorite cruse is to the Galapagos Islands on the Celebrity Xpedition.
So after our first night at the Marriott Hotel in Quito, Ecuador, we were given breakfast at the hotel before leaving for an all day tour of Quito and the surrounding area. This included a walking tour of the main plaza where the Presidential residence is located.
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It’s always a possibility when you take your next trip and check your luggage that it might not make it to your destination. Keith Mulvihill from Budget Travel has a very informative article about luggage.
Here are 8 steps you can take to reduce the risk of losing your luggage:
- Double-check the tag the airline personnel have attached to your luggage for the correct destination.
- Indentify your bag in multiple places inside and outside your luggage.
- Pack a copy of your itinerary so that airline workers will know where to route your bag.
- Take a picture or video of what’s inside your bag as you pack.
- Before checking your bag, take off any removable straps.
- Allow time to check in for your flight.
- Use the airline’s counter to check your bags, not the curbside.
- Differentiate your bag with colorful duct tape or use a suitcase that isn’t black or navy.
For the full article, check here.
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If you want more info: Margaret’s Travel Info
Margaret Owen, Master Cruise Counsellor
(510) 582-0540 margaret@owentravel.com
While I have been on many cruises–to the Caribbean, Tahiti, Mediterranean and more, my current favorite is to the Galapagos Islands on the Celebrity Xpedition.
I am not an outdoorsy type–I don’t like ‘dirt’ and I’m not a huge animal lover. In fact, I think puppies and kittens are very cute but prefer that other people have dogs and cats, although we’ve had more than our share of the latter over the last 40 years.
Well, I have to say I thoroughly enjoyed the Galapagos Islands of Ecuador. And Celebrity offered a great vacation and a fantastic experience.
Welcome to my new blog. I am very excited to begin sharing information with you that I have learned from my 21 years as a travel agent. I’ve had a blog on my travel website for a few years but I haven’t posted much. I want you to get to know me and I’d like to get to know you, too. I’ll add very informative posts that will benefit you with great travel information, including my favorite trips. I hope you enjoy the info and welcome your comments.
If you want more info: Margaret’s Travel Info
Margaret Owen, Master Cruise Counsellor
(510) 582-0540 margaret@owentravel.com
I have two funny stories…from one cruise that I took with my husband. He doesn’t like me to tell these stories, but I think they’re too funny to keep to myself…
We were on the Club Med 2 cruise around Tahiti and French Polynesia.
It was the first morning of the cruise and my husband took a shower. Later, he suggested I don’t want to use the soap, it was no good–it didn’t lather.
So, I went to take my shower and thought I’d check out this terrible soap.
Well, it turns out there was a clear cellophane wrapper on it!!!
Yep, the soap was no good. Continue reading »
