Australia Scrapbook cruise

We had a great time, everyone got on so well and the classes were fantastic, not to mention all the goodies that were given out. Most of the ladies had to either buy an extra bag or send some things home ahead, they had so much extra!!!

Will post more info and pictures soon.

Girlfriends Scrapbook Cruise CASH GIVEAWAY!!

We've been thinking of ways to promote our cruises and thought about some more magazine ads. The ads we have done over the last couple of years haven't been big ads, the advertising rates are so high!

So we decided, instead of spending a few hundred dollars on an ad and giving the money to the magazines, why not give it to someone who signs up for the cruise instead!
For anyone who signs up between November 12th to December 12th, you will automatically go into a drawing for a $250 prize of either money off your cruise or shipboard credit.

To find out more about the cruise and to sign up Girlfriends Scrapbook and Crop Cruise

Why not hint for a Christmas gift idea and get the deposit paid for!!

Mixed Media Cruise, ALL SUPPLIES INCLUDED!

I was just talking with Lauren Ferguson and all I can say is wow!!
She has lined up so many amazing prizes and giveaways, it's going to be amazing!
The Mixed Media cruise, our Artistic Voyage (and yes, we had that name way before the cruise that just sailed with a similar name!) yes our Arttistic Voyage-Mixed Media Cruise is now in October 3rd, 2010. So you have lots of time to save. I would suggest you get signed up quickly though and just make monthly payments. Why not hint for a payment for a Christmas gift!!!

So Lauren has lined up lots of big name companies to work with us and for some amazing gifts! Best part, you don't need to take anything! Yes that's right NOTHING, Lauren is supplying everything for you, so no need to pack all your supplies, it will all be there onboard for you. How great is that!!!

Lauren has some great work on her blog so check it out.

Will have more info in the next couple of days about the prizes and goodies for you all! Stay tuned

Bermuda Scrap and Stamp Cruise

We have some news!!
What was originally the Bermuda Scrapbook Cruise is now updated and we are doing a
Bermuda Scrap and Stamp Cruise

This is going to be amazing. You get to choose the cruise you want. Choose from a scrapbook class package or a stamping class package. So we have something for everyone!!

We're working on some ideas and I'll let you know tomorrow, but we have an amazing early bird sign up special. All I will tell you now is 'lots and lots of goodies'!!!!!

Girlfriends Scrapbook Cruise

Have added some cruise ship photos on the Mexican Cruises group on Facebook. If you're not a member, come join us and to hear updates and see some great pics of the ship

We will have some more info out about the cruise and some early bird sign up specials info I'll let you know about in a couple of days! stay tuned.

cooking and The Pioneer Woman

If only I had more time! How many times have you heard yourself say that?
How easy it is to just get lost in the millions of blogs, some good, some, well, let's just say not so good.
One I've just started visiting briefly is one my mother in law reads as she is very much into cooking. We love visiting her!!
This lady has a very big following and mainly I think, because she is so natural. She's very beautiful, a great cook, a special mother and admiring wife. The Pioneer Woman is inspiring women all over the country with her cook book. She's doing a national tour at the moment.

So okay, we do Crafting Cruises, but hey, cooking is definitely a craft right. I seriously would love to do a cooking cruise with her, I think she'd be such a fun person to be around. What do you think? I just may have to see about that one.

Bermuda Scrapbook Cruise

It just amazes me how fast this year has gone! I leave in 3 weeks time for our Australia Scrapbook Cruise

Then we have in April, which I know will be here before we know it, the Bermuda Scrapbook Cruise with the very lovely and talented Jen Starr. I love her work and she's just such a fun person. This is one cruise I'm really looking forward to. Of all the places I've cruised in the Caribbean, Bahamas and so on while working on ships, Bermuda was one I missed. Gotta love those men in Bermuda shorts right!!

If you haven't been, then this is the time, rates are great, Jen has some amazing classes planned and this is one Scrapbook retreat the whole family is welcome to come along!
Check out Jen's blog,she has some samples of her amazing work on there as well as her general chat. Even the blog style is creative! Jen Starr

Radiance of the Seas

Johanna has some amazing pictures of the Radiance of the Seas. This is the ship the Girlfriends scrapbook cruise is gong on in May 2010. She is an amazing photographer and makes it look so easy!!
click on the title to see her pics

Girlfriends Scrapbook Cruise sneak peak

Here's some great pictures of the Radiance of the Seas Johanna took when we toured the ship last month Girlfriends Cruise ship pictures

scrapbook and Mixed Media cruise date changes

So we have a few changes
The cruise with Vicki Boutin, is going to be later in the year.
Also, the Mixed Media cruise with Lauren Ferguson, will most likely be in September instead of February, so you have plenty of time to save, do monthly payments and, we have more sponsors lined up, great!!
Visit their websites for some inspiration. Vicki at http://vickiboutin.typepad.com/ and Lauren at http://www.everythingaltered.com/

Upcoming Cruises

Well, I really have let the blog world down haven't I. It's not that I haven't had anything to say, just trying to prioritize and sadly this was down low on the list.

News!! Lots of cruises,
Vicki Boutin's Winter Escape on the Monarch of the Seas out of Port Canaveral on a 4 night Bahamas scrapbook cruise on February 8th, 2010

Lauren Ferguson's Mixed Media cruise on the Carnival Inspiration out of Tampa on a 5 night cruise on February 27th, 2010

Jen Starr's Bermuda cruise on Explorer of the Seas out of New Jersey on a 5 night Bermuda scrapbook cruise on May 10th, 2010

Johanna, Leah and Donna, the Girlfriends! Girlfriends scrapbook and crop cruise on the Radiance of the Seas out of San Diego on a 5 night Baja Mexico cruise on May 3rd, 2010

Jen Starr and Tracie Hudson on the Norwegian Gem Greek Isles scrapbook cruise out of Venice, Italy on a 7 night cruise June 5th, 2010

There will be more to come. Visit the "Upcoming Cruises" for info on each cruise. You will also soon be able to join us on Facebook and Twitter.

New way to fly!

I read this on a travel agent forum. It's well written, he has a good sense of humor and quite funny in parts and just outrageous in other parts, it's amazing what some company owners will do to make a buck!

By Blake
The airlines are getting very desperate ... charging more and more for
things that used to be free.
Qantas recently announced plans to start selling exit row seats on its
trans-Pacific flights for about $130 extra per seat -- $8.70 per hour for a
Sydney to Los Angeles flight.
Hey, if the plane is burning or sinking, you are sure to get out first.
In addition to the safety factor, the extra leg room alone, on a fifteen
hour flight, is well worth the additional 2 cents a mile. You also get to sit
with other "able bodied" -- not too old and not too young -- who are
willing to pay, and avoid being squished in between crying babies and overweight
gargancho space squatters oozing onto your seat.

Pretty soon, airlines will be charging for the privilege of getting any
seat at all. There have been recurring reports that two European airlines have
asked the airline manufacturers to come up with a plane with no seats --
all the better to stuff more people in.
They would have straps and harnesses on the walls. Michael Ryan, head of
Ryanair, one of Europe's biggest airlines -- which carried 5.84 million
passengers in June -- said recently,"This makes the idea of standing for an hour
or so on an airplane a workable one." Ryan said that many people stand for
over an hour on a train, so it should be no problem on an airplane.
Ryan has also been going back and forth about the idea of asking passengers
to pay one euro (around a dollar) to use the toilet. The logic: Ryan said
he could remove two toilets and put in extra seats. Furthermore, asking
passengers to pay would encourage them to use the toilets at the airports, or
hold it until they land.
Ryan even said he'd favor of a "fat tax" on overweight passengers.
Asian copy-cats are jumping on the standing room only bandwagon. Wang
Zhenghua, president of China's low-cost Spring Airlines, said he would like to
offer bar-stool type seating to pack more people onto its airplanes.
"For a lower price, passengers should be able to get on a plane like
catching a bus, with no seat, no luggage consignment, no food, no water...[it
will be] very convenient."
What could possibility be next? Why not go the whole way? Airlines could
start selling aisle seats for $50 and window seats for $40.
>From here the premiums multiply, seats in the front of the plane (you can
get off faster) could easily go for $20 extra, and seats at least two rows
away from the galley or flushing toilets would be an extra $15. Overhead
bins could go for $10 per bag.
Seats in an adult's only section -- over 30, guaranteed to be away from
screaming babies and babbling teens -- could easily fetch a $50 premium. And a
singles only section might fetch a cover charge of $25.
Airlines could hold some seats back for on-board auctions for already
seated travelers who wanted to move in the most desperate way -- body odor,
excessive talking, smelly food, or large-sized row mates.
Better yet. Why not take pre-boarding to a whole new level with
computer match making, so you could see in advance who you are going to be
seated next to... and the bidding could start on eBay.

Is your travel booking protected?

This is part of an article I read from the American Society of Travel Agents

ASTA is telling agents to be observant of suppliers and tour companies who may not be unable to meet short-term financial obligations. ASTA also urges agents to review consumer travel insurance products to understand coverage in the event of supplier default.

“With today's economic challenges and particularly the reduced availability of credit, some suppliers and tour companies may be unable to meet short-term financial obligations," ASTA said "That includes making deposits and final payments to hotels and other travel suppliers. These difficulties may be only temporary if the supplier is otherwise healthy, but extra care is required to protect agency clients in these economic conditions.

This article also made me think of agencies themselves. With the above issues, economy and credit availability issues, you need to be aware of who you book with. I, thankfully, can tell you I have all my registration and licenses required to sell travel in California and Florida, along with several other States that require licensing. But there are many travel agencies that are not licensed and still selling to the public.

It may not seem like such a big deal, but when you consider the fact that your deposits, fully paid trip or part paid, may not be covered, you could lose all your money, along with the trip you booked!!
Whether you book through us (I do hope so!), online or another agency, if you are booking a cruise for example, with one of the major companies (Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Princess, Crystal etc), you want to make sure your cruise portion (not any event fee as that is separate to the actual cruise booking) is paid directly to the cruise line via the booking agent, not direct to them! If you pay say $1500 and your credit card statement says "ABC Travel" not "Princess Cruise Line" for example, if that small agency goes under, you could very likely lose all that money. By making sure the agency pays your booking directly to the cruise line, you have a lot more security.
Also, if an agency is licensed, for example, we have a California license and pay into a security fund which is a protection fund for Californians, you are protected. If the agency is not licensed, you are on your own! License numbers are listed on websites and any marketing ads as a rule. So if you don't see any numbers such as CST #22085607-40, then that agency CANNOT sell to anyone located in California. This applies to other States such as Florida, Washington and several others, but California and Florida are the most strict on this licensing.

So do some homework before you throw away your hard earned money, it's hard enough to come by and you want to make sure you are protected.
Feel free to email me if you want more information.

Travel to Mexico

Some good news for those already booked and planning travel to Mexico soon.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has downgraded its previous “Travel Alert” regarding travel to Mexico to a “Travel Health Precaution for Mexico.” All cruises will resume their regular sailings.

cruises and swine flu

This information just in from Carnival. Also note, many other cruise lines are also changing itineraries for the next couple of weeks.
I know many of you who are traveling soon, are getting nervous. But the good thing is, the travel industry is doing a really great job at accommodating people by offering to reschedule without any penalties and so on. This is great news.

Carnival Cruise Lines has decided to cancel all calls at Mexican ports for all current sailings and all voyages departing on Thursday, April 30th through Monday, May 4th. In many cases, we will be able to substitute the cancelled call with an alternative port. Additionally, we are working on alternatives for those itineraries impacted by this decision. Full details will be available by 5pm Wednesday, April 29th. Once final details are confirmed for these itinerary changes, we will send you an automated message listing your impacted bookings for each affected voyage.

In the unlikely event that our new itinerary options are not to your clients liking, we will give them the opportunity to reschedule their cruise at a later date. Those details will also be made available tomorrow.

Our primary concern is your client’s safety. We will continue to monitor the situation and will keep you updated if and when changes are made. The best place to get up to the minute information about these and any further changes is at our web sites, www.BookCCL.com and www.carnival.com.

We thank you very much for your understanding and want to make sure safety is the number one priority.

Thankfully we do not have any cruises to Mexico scheduled until October, in which time, we can reschedule or change itinerary if necessary. As many have noted, it's not just Mexico anymore, so you do need to be careful where ever you are, just make sure you're doing the right things, washing hands, trying not to touch anything without a tissue (think of when you get a shopping trolley and how many have used them before you!) and avoiding being around anyone who has recently come back from Mexico if you can.

Will keep you updated.

Flying to Mexico

Yes it is a worry and anyone who is planning a trip for fun or a work trip, do have some options for canceling.

Though the US has not issued any travel warnings related to the swine flu outbreak in Mexico, several of the major legacy airline carriers are responding to customer worries by waiving fees for passengers who want to change their tickets to Mexico.

Continental Airlines said it will allow passengers to reschedule or reroute their travel, without penalty, if they are scheduled to fly to Mexico through May 6.

American Airlines also is allowing customers to change their flights without penalty if they are flying to Mexico through May 6.

United Airlines is issuing a travel waiver to customers traveling to, from or through Mexico through May 6. The waiver allows travelers to make one change to their travel plans without change fees.

Delta Air Lines is waiving the change fee for customers traveling to Mexico through May 4. New travel must originate on or before May 12.

US Airways will waive the standard change fee, advance reservation and ticketing requirements for customers traveling to Mexico through April 30. Customers can move their itinerary up to seven days before or after the scheduled origination date, or apply the full value of the wholly unused tickets toward the purchase of a ticket to an alternate destination (new travel must originate within seven days of scheduled origination date).

This is actually quite incredible, the cruise lines helping people out and waiving the fees! Finally something positive from the airlines!! Yeah.

Keep safe and do follow all the necessary precautions if you are planning a trip to Mexico in the next week or so.

Disney ship from Los Angeles

Here's some encouraging news for Disney fans as well as employment opportunities for Californians!

Disney Wonder to Base in Port of Los Angeles

Disney Cruise Lines recently announced plans to base a Disney cruise ship, the Disney Wonder, in the World Cruise Center at the Port of Los Angeles. The 964-foot-long ship, currently based in Port Canaveral, Fla., will move to San Pedro in 2011. The Disney Magic cruise ship was tested for a limited time from the Los Angeles port in summer 2005 and in summer 2008. The Disney Wonder will operate out of the port for two years with a three-year extension option. If the Disney Wonder remains at the Port of Los Angeles for five years, the cruise line could create as many as 2,600 jobs, mostly in the hospitality businesses around the port, potentially generate as much as $7 million in state and local taxes and serve as many as 250,000 passengers. The Disney line would become the fourth cruise line to launch from the Port of Los Angeles, joining the Royal Caribbean, Princess and Norwegian cruise lines. The Disney Wonder can hold as many as 2,700 passengers and 1,000 crew members.

P&O ships verses Royal Caribbean

Our Australia cruise.
I've had a few people ask me what the difference is with the Rhapsody of the Seas, to the P&O ships. So I'll go through a few things to give you a better idea. The P&O Dawn and Royal's Rhapsody are similar ships in size and have some similar features.

P&O Dawn Stats: - 2,050 passengers,11 decks, 811ft/245 mtrs in length, 70,000 tons, Built 1991, Max Speed: 22.5 knot
Royal Caribbean Rhapsody Stats - 11 decks, 915ft in length, 78,491 tons, Built 1997, Cruising Speed: 22 knots

Passenger facilities: P&O Dawn - Three-storey atrium foyer, casino, jogging track, pizzeria, 9 bars and lounges, five restaurants, internet access, whirlpool spas, library, showlounge, duty-free shopping, medical centre, gym and health spa.
Royal Rhapsody -Royals signature Rock Climbing Wall, outdoor pool, 6 whirlpools, indoor/outdoor pool in solarium with sliding roof canopy, Centrum and open atrium, duty free shopping,8 bars and lounges, adventure oceans youth facilities for 6 months - 17 years old, video arcade, day spa and fitness centre, jogging track, casino, 2 level seating show lounge, medical centre, internet cafe, main dining room, pizzeria, windjammer cafe.

Here's just a couple of observations.

Dawn - Room service
Complimentary continental breakfast delivered to your cabin. A nominal delivery charge applies to all in-cabin meals. The 24-hour room service menu is priced per item. Rhapsody - Room service All meals (including coffee, tea, water, iced tea or lemonade) delivered by room service are included in the price of your cruise (however a late night service charge applies, approx $5).
P&O gym is on the bottom pasenger deck, no windows, Royal is on the deck 10 with oceanviews (much nicer if you really must work out!).

Scrapbooking and classes: Dawn - doe not have any dedicated conference rooms. For any classes you would be using a lounge or dining room outside of meal times. You would be slotted a time frame, 2 -3 hours and then would have to pack up your things. Rhapsody - dedicated conference room which we have Private use for 24 hours a day of fun and crop til you drop time!!,

Now the money matters. Yes you do need to pay gratuities onboard which they suggest $10 per person a day. But you have the option to alter that if you feel someone did not give services to your standard, usually not the case though, they literally wait on you hand and foot! P&O have a $7.50 per person a day gratuity

Comparing rates: - Is hard when they do different itineraries. But working on a 9 night cruise on P&O Dawn in November, the rate for the lowest category inside twin share is $1949.00 AU dollars plus taxes. Following are cruise only rates (scrapbook event fee is extra)
Rhapsody: we have the high deck cabins in our group, but to compare with the Dawn from rate, I'll price the lower deck. The Rhapsody for a 10 night cruise is $1020.31 US dollars includes all taxes. So comparing the two, $1020.31 in AU dollars is $1425.13 a difference of almost $525 AU dollars. Big Difference!! With that sort of saving, that's some fun shipboard money to spend!!

So I hope that's convinced you you've made a great choice. The price is fantastic, the ship is beautiful and the classes will be great, plus the little extras we have in store for you?? If you have freinds or family who would like to go, bring them along, the more the merrier!!

Carnival Ecstasy refurbished

For those booked on the Scrapbook Haus Western Caribbean Cruise, this is going to be the new Carnival Ecstasy!! This is the press release from Carnival


WATER PARK, ADULTS-ONLY RETREAT, RESORT-STYLE POOL, 98 BALCONIES HIGHLIGHT CARNIVAL ECSTASY'S REFURBISHMENT THIS FALL

Multi-Million-Dollar Renovation to Take Place During 28-Day Dry Dock;
Continues Line's Extensive Upgrade for Fantasy-Class Vessels


The 2,052-passenger Carnival Ecstasy will undergo an extensive, multi-million-dollar refurbishment this fall that will include the addition of an expansive new water park, an exclusive adults-only retreat, a Circle "C" facility for 12- to 14-year olds, and a redesigned resort-style main pool area. Additionally, 98 balconies will be added to existing ocean view staterooms. The refurbishment, which will take place during a 28-day dry dock from September 19 to October 17, 2009, continues a series of major upgrades to the line's eight Fantasy-class vessels. Carnival Ecstasy will be the second ship to have additional balconies added following the success of a similar implementation on the Carnival Sensation earlier this year. Carnival Ecstasy operates year-round four- and five-day western Caribbean cruises from the Port of Galveston. On this route, four-day cruises depart Thursdays and visit Cozumel while five-day voyages depart Mondays and Saturdays and call at Cozumel and Progreso. "With a host of new open deck attractions and 98 new balcony staterooms, we're providing Carnival Ecstasy guests with opportunities for even more memorable vacation experiences," said Roberta Jacoby, Carnival's senior vice president of hotel operations. "Plus with today's consumers seeking more affordable, close-to-home vacations, adding these exciting new features makes a four- and five-day cruise on Carnival Ecstasy from Galveston an even greater value," she added.

Exciting Open Deck Features
A signature element of the Fantasy-class upgrades is Carnival WaterWorks, a fun-filled aqua park located on Verandah Deck. Designed with an all-ages appeal, WaterWorks encompasses a 300-foot-long twisting, turning water slide - the longest and most elaborate at sea - along with dual-lane 82-foot-long racing slides, and a wide variety of water spray toys.
In addition, Carnival Ecstasy's main pool on Lido Deck - which includes a swimming pool and two large whirlpools - will be totally transformed to feature a distinct resort-style ambiance. Vibrant oversized umbrellas, thatched roofing and colorful tile work will create a decidedly tropical feel.

Exclusive Adults-Only Retreat
Another new feature on the Carnival Ecstasy will be Serenity, the line's popular adults-only retreat located aft on Promenade Deck. With design elements that include teak decking, large umbrellas and thatched roofing, Serenity provides an ocean-going oasis for relaxation and comfort. Guests can enjoy icy cocktails and frozen drinks while relaxing in plush chaise lounges and chairs. Food service is available in the casual Panorama Bar & Grill located nearby.

Ninety-Eight More Balconies
Private balconies will be added to 98 existing ocean view staterooms on the Carnival Ecstasy to create spacious new 230-square-foot accommodations. Sixty-two of the staterooms will be located aft - with several of these featuring extended balconies - while 24 others will be located mid-ship and 12 near the stern. Several of the Carnival Ecstasy's suites will be modified to feature larger, extended balconies.

Other Enhancements
Also included in the Carnival Ecstasy's refurbishment will be the addition of a new Circle "C" center aimed at the 12- to 14-year-old set. Located on Atlantic Deck 8, the facility will include plasma screen televisions displaying movies and music videos, a high-tech sound and lighting system, gaming consoles and a touch-screen jukebox. Additionally, all of the ship's 1,026 staterooms will be upgraded with new plasma screen TVs as well as updated wall coverings, tile work, carpeting and light fixtures. Extensive cosmetic enhancements will be made to virtually all public rooms and areas, with new upholstery, furniture, and wall coverings incorporated into the Blue Sapphire main show lounge, Neon Bar piano bar, Stripes dance club, the poolside Panorama Bar & Grill and Wind Song and Wind Star main dining rooms. In addition to refurbished elevators and elevator lobbies as well as new lighting and carpeting in the atrium, Carnival Ecstasy's Internet café will be relocated to Empress Deck and new workstations will be included. Public restrooms and guest corridors will be renovated, as well.

Big or Small

I know what you're thinking, size matters, well it sure does! With so many mega cruise ships coming out now, it's interested to read on some of the forums, the people who have been cruising for years, who feel they are getting left out.

One of the best ships I worked on was a small 28,000 tons ship. A small ship yes, compared to 110,000 average size now. But the small ships had such character and looked, well, like a real ship. Now with the new Oasis of the Seas, the 220,000 tons mega city, with 5,400 passengers onboard, it easy to see why the people who love small intimate ships are feeling lost in the crowd!

I know the Oasis is stirring up a lot of talk around the industry and is booking up quite fast for the first few sailings. But I personally feel, well, I'll leave the big city to you guys and take the smaller intimate ships for my fun and friendly cruises thanks.

Ways to make the most of your travel agent

Travel agents aren’t what they were twenty years ago. Back then, a travel agency was literally the only place where one could effectively comparison shop for airfares. Now, with online booking websites, and commission-less airfares, many think travel agents are part of a dying profession. It’s actually quite the opposite.

Twenty years ago, agents sold tickets, earned commissions, dabbled in cruises, car rentals, hotels, and the like. But everyone knew the big money was in plane tickets, and making money to a travel agency basically meant nothing more than getting people in the front door. There was a time when it was the travel agents who held the airline revenue purse strings.

Enter the internet. With most bookings now migrated to the web, and airfares now as easy to buy as a gallon of milk, airlines got wise and reduced agency commissions to zero. Deprived of their main source of revenue, modern travel agents are forced to charge service fees to issue air tickets, car rentals, hotels, and cruises. The fee-based compensation for system arguably works in favor of the consumer. With the passenger, rather than the airline, paying for the agents services, consumers can be assured their travel agent will work as an advocate for them, rather than the airline with the most attractive compensation structure.

Here are a few tips on how to work well with a travel agent;

1. Leave comparison shopping to the internet. If you’re looking for a quick and dirty roundtrip domestic airfare, take what you see online at face value. In most cases, an agent won’t be able to dig up any significant savings, and if they do, it’ll usually disappear by the time they contact you to tell you about it.

2. Speaking of service fees, ask about them up front. Some agents don't add service fees for things like cruises or tour packages. By all means ask if they’re included with the quotes you receive, and don’t complain about the fee. Without them, your agent is working for free. If your trip is long, complex, and detailed, many agents will ask for their fee up front, to avoid doing the research, only to have you book the itinerary directly with the suppliers they recommend. However, if the fee seems excessive, ask the agent for clarification.

3. Ask about consolidator fares. There are several consolidators, which buy seats in bulk from airlines and resell them at often deep discounts. These consolidators often work only through travel agents. If an agent does offer you a consolidator fare, ask for a copy of the consolidators rules and restrictions for the fare; they’re often much more strict than those imposed by the carriers on non-consolidated fares. Many times the change fees are higher, or they can’t be changed at all.

4. Don’t hold an itinerary with multiple agents for the same carrier. Most airlines send agents a message through the reservations system when their reservation has been duplicated by another agent. If you’re not sure you’ve gotten the best service or fare from your agent, be sure to call them and cancel before rebooking elsewhere. It will save confusion for the agent, the airline, and yourself.

5. Doctors charge for a second opinion; so should travel agents. I’ve spoken with passengers who have booked cruises with other agencies or directly with the cruise line, and then called for my opinion on staterooms, shore excursions and so on. Would you expect your doctor to give out medical advice for free, or your lawyer?

6. “Extras” are precisely what they sound like. Travel agents can add them to existing bookings, but don’t visit a travel agent for an English-speaking guide in Vietnam or a private guided tour of the Vatican if you’ve booked the majority of your vacation yourself. Travel agents tie up loose ends on their own packages, not yours.

7. Trust them. Travel agents aren’t perfect, but they do make a living off being an expert in their field. If they recommend an alternative to the hotel you saw at that incredible rate, don't imediately think it's because they want to make more commission. If the hotel you saw is not what the agent feels as suitable for you, there may be a good reason or they know first hand of the condition of the hotel. If the agent books the hotel you requested, against their advice, don't blame them for a bad experience!

8. Never say money isn’t an object, because it is. The worst thing you can do to a travel agent is to not set a budget. Unless you’re independently wealthy, don’t assume you can afford whatever your agent offers – the sky really is the limit when it comes to travel expenses. Give a dollar amount, how negotiable it is, and for what reasons (Would you shorten your vacation for a more luxurious experience within budget, or do you want the full two weeks? Would you consider another more affordable destination, or will you wiggle with your budget a bit to stick with the original plan?) It will save you both a bit of time and awkward price haggling if the budget is set up front.

9. Don’t be afraid to contact the suppliers directly, but only for clarification. Sometimes you just have to hear it from the horse’s mouth. So if you want direct information from a cruise line on how thin their cabin walls are or whether they use hypoallergenic bath soap, it’s sometimes best to get that directly from the source, especially if it's something you need to explain where interpretations could get mixed up, such as describing your medical equipment or specific food allergy.

10. Manage your relationship well. Travel agents cultivate relationships with airlines and other suppliers based on volume and traveler profiles. Listen to an agent’s suggestions – they’ll usually offer a supplier they have a good relationship with first. That way, if anything goes wrong while you’re still new to their agency, they’ll be assured they can most likely get an easy fix. With new customers, agents take a “This client is important to me, and I’m important to you” approach to negotiating with suppliers. With more mature agent/client relationships, the approach is more of a “This customer is important to you”. The more an agent is able to cultivate your relationship with their suppliers, the less they’ll have to use their own to call in waivers and favors if things go awry, and with the state of the industry, suppliers give travel agents less and less wiggle room with waivers, so they’re apt to use them more sparingly.

Bottom Line: A good travel agent works as an extension of the travel supplier, filtering multiple suppliers and offers based on your working relationship and their understanding of your needs. To the travel supplier, they are an advocate for you, the consumer.

Canada and Alsaka cruise travel

I've had a few people ask about some 'interesting' issues in regards to travel in and to Canada. Here's some information from the state website. PLEASE NOTE the last paragraph. If you're planning a cruise or land trip to Alaska, you will go through Canada and these rules apply!

ENTRY/EXIT REQUIREMENTS Canadian law requires that all persons entering Canada carry both proof of citizenship and proof of identity. A valid U.S. passport, passport card or NEXUS card satisfies these requirements for U.S. citizens. If U.S. citizen travelers to Canada do not have a passport, passport card or approved alternate document such as a NEXUS card, they must show a government-issued photo ID (e.g. Driver’s License) and proof of U.S. citizenship such as a U.S. birth certificate, naturalization certificate, or expired U.S. passport. Children under sixteen need only present proof of U.S. citizenship.

It is very important to note that all Americans traveling to the U.S. by air, including from Canada, must present a valid U.S. passport to enter or re-enter the U.S. Effective June 1, 2009, a similar requirement goes into effect for entry into the U.S. via land and sea borders. All Americans will need to present a U.S. passport, passport card, NEXUS card, Enhanced Drivers License or other Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI)-compliant document in order to enter the U.S. by land or sea. American travelers are urged to obtain WHTI-compliant documents before entering Canada well in advance of their planned travel. For the most recent information on WHTI and WHTI-compliant documents , please see our web site.

Both the U.S. and Canadian governments urge frequent travelers to join the NEXUS trusted traveler program. NEXUS members receive a special travel card that allows expedited border crossings for both private and commercial travelers through both U.S. and Canadian border controls very quickly. The CBP has detailed information about the NEXUS program .

Anyone with a criminal record (including misdemeanors or Driving While Impaired (DWI) charges may be barred from entering Canada and must obtain a special waiver well in advance of any planned travel. To determine whether you may be inadmissible and how to overcome this finding , refer to the Canadian citizenship and immigration web site.
Forfurther information on entry requirements , travelers may contact the Canadian Embassy at 501 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington DC 20001, tel. (202) 682-1740; or the Canadian consulates in Atlanta, Boston, Buffalo, Chicago, Dallas, Detroit, Los Angeles, Miami, Minneapolis, New York, San Juan or Seattle.

What do you read

You think it would be easy to keep a blog up right, well, maybe for some. I guess you really need motivation and inspiration, not to mention a lot to talk about! It also helps to know someone is actually reading what you're writing.

How often, come on be honest, how often have you wasted hours reading blogs or flipping from a blog to a forum and chatting on there. I can sadly say, I certainly have and too many times when I should be working but just can't get motivated.

What amazes me is how many bloggers seem to spend hours writing and reading other peoples blogs and that some can actually make it a profession!
So what am I rambling on about you ask. Well, I just wonder, what are you reading? What draws you to a blog, what makes you return to it and what is it that you like on a blog? Do you want to read day to day life stuff, how I had a bad nights sleep! Do you want to read what we are doing, for instance, what new cruises we have coming up. Or would you like to read travel news, maybe industry information you wouldn't read in the news?

I'd like to see how many people are reading this blog, I hope it's not an embarrassing tiny number of people.
So hello out there, what do you like to read?

Booking on your own

These are just some funny situations I thought you may like to read.
There was a discussion on a travel forum on the reasons why people use travel consultants for their travel plans. Of course the obvious answer is because it saves you time and most of the time, money.
Many people, especially the young, computer savvy, feel they can just as easily do it themselves. Sure if you have the time to spend looking at literally thousands of sites and options.
One thing an agent can do, is find the necessary information a lot faster and knows the reputable suppliers to deal with. They also have an agent community to get suggestions and tips from other agents personal travels and their clients experiences.
MYTH:
Some people are under the impression that booking through a travel consultant for something they can easily book themselves, say a flight and hotel, will be cheaper booking direct because of the agents commission. Not true. The price will be exactly the same whether you buy direct or with an agent as the supplier gives the agents commission (as slim and dwindling as that may be now) out of the same fare price. The agent though, can often find discounts that you may not be aware of.

Saying that, here are some quite amusing stories I read from other agents, of people who thought they had the answers and refused help.
This first one was helping a family member, so she was a little cheeky to him, but in a loving way I'm sure.
I am booking my nephew's honeymoon in Greece- so he tells me he found airfare for $500.00 per person with taxes! I'm not sure what he found or where he went to find this fare. So I check all airfare websites like cheapoair and cheapticket etc-still not seeing anything close to his fare-now being the wise guy he is-his comment to me (his aunt) is "well I guess I should book my own airfare because I found it $500 cheaper then you-maybe I should be a travel agent!" Wanting to be sure, I tell him to send me the flights he has found, I'll admit, I had a little giggle to myself. I sent him back an email and said "Mr travel agent I hope you have fun in Athens GEORGIA!!!"
He had the wrong city code! and that's one of those reasons why you need a travel agent!!

The next one is from another agent who mentioned similar situations happening before, but no one went as far as this man did. I think his bride may have taken over here.
I also have a relative that felt it wasn't worth me helping and just wanted to save some money. He not only booked himself to Rochester, New York instead of Rochester, Minnesota, but he actually FLEW there! It was only when he landed and asked how to get to the Mayo Clinic that he was told he's in the wrong place. He ended up driving to New York and trying again.

Yellow Bird Scrapbook Cruise

So here are a few photos I have. Notice none of any ports, boy did I work hard or what!!!
This is what we started out with
This is how we managed to make it look just like home!








Here's Leah and Pam having fun putting together our goodie bags







Once we settled in, it was time to have a few cocktails!!
















Just a few of the creative work on the doors How do you get in???
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Dinner, fun and PJ night!



Wow, looooovvvvveeee those slippers!!






Yeah I guess you can say we had a pretty good time!!! Can't wait to see the new outfits on the next cruise! Well ladies, until next time.

Mexico travel warning

Many of you travel to Mexico on a regular basis and have never had any trouble at all. This warning has just been issued due to the escalated violence from drug gangs towards the Mexican police. But there are others who have been targeted, so do take this warning seriously when you next travel to Mexico and remember to travel wisely.

A string of brutal murders of local police officials earlier this month along with other ongoing violence in Mexico has prompted the U.S. Department of State (DOS) to issue an official travel alert for all Americans planning to travel to Mexico.

The alert says, “While millions of U.S. citizens safely visit Mexico each year (including thousands who cross the land border every day for study, tourism or business), violence in the country has increased recently.”

According to the DOS, the greatest increase in violence has occurred near the U.S. border, which is where Mexican drug gangs were breaking into police radio frequencies to issue death threats to police officers, which they then carried out earlier this month, according to a Reuters report.

The DOS suggests travelers take “common-sense precautions,” which includes “visiting only legitimate business and tourist areas during daylight hours, and avoiding areas where prostitution and drug dealing might occur.” For the full travel alert, visit http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/pa/pa_3028.html.

Australia and Great Barrier Reef Cruise

Australia and Great Barrier Reef Cruise





As many of you have noticed, Royal Caribbean have yet again, put prices down, which makes this very good value cruise, even better! go to the Upcoming Cruises to check out the new rates.
Also, more good news, the flights over have gone down too! When we first checked, rates were up to $1900 per person, ouch! Well now that we have Virgin as competition for Qantas and Air New Zealand, the rates are down to $1200. Well there are a few less, such as United Airlines at $1080, but unless you wanted United, I would prefer to get Qantas (better amenities onboard for a long flight).

So now is the time to go and stop saying what I always hear, "Oh Australia, I'd love to go there one day" why not go now! Who knows what prices will be like in 2 years or even a year from now. It really will be a fantastic trip.

Yellow Bird Scrapbook Cruise

Yellow Bird Cruise

Well, it started out a little rough, weather wise and cruise wise, but we worked it out and things went well.
The weather, well it wasn't a great day to join the ship, very rainy and stormy day to start out, so sail away pictures were pretty dull looking.
Our first class was with Johanna, a photography class. I didn't get a chance to hear it all unfortunately, but what I did hear was great, so many good tips for even the novice photographer like myself. Now I guess we all have no excuses for bad pictures right!

The next was a class with Leah, again, another wonderful class and such beautiful work. Leah really knows her craft. Those boxes turned out great, good thing our goodies bags are big bags for this project to fit in! We also had a few make and takes which turned out so lovely. A very creative bunch of ladies in our group I must say.
We did have a fun night at our cocktail party, yes there were a few who really let their hair down on that night! But I won't give away too much, let's just say, we had fun.

Dinners were of course, a great social event. I had the pleasure of sitting with a few of the ladies who are all close family and friends with a couple of husbands to entertain us. The shows as usual, definitely well worth seeing and plenty of places to continue the party into the wee hours.

I enjoyed meeting all our ladies onboard and look forward to our next Yellow bird cruise to be announced soon. Will try to post some pictures and I promise ladies, they will not be any you wouldn't show your friends and family. No, I've kept those hidden (just kidding).

Have been lucky enough to get the dreaded cold that's going around, yuk. So when I'm feeling human again, I'll post an update on our last cruise, Yellow Bird Scrapbook cruise.

An online scam to watch out for

This was listed on a recent agent site, something I think you may find rather interesting!

Guests of top hotel chains targets of new Internet scam

A well-organized online fraud is scamming over 71,000 travelers each month as
they book rooms online at some of America's best known hotel chains,
including Hyatt, Clarion, TraveLodge, Comfort Inn, Red Roof, EconoLodge, Super 8,
Ramada, Days Inn, and Wyndham, according to an exclusive report by
fraudtip.com.
Findings released for the first time this morning show that the Internet scam
combines advanced online advertising, bogus hotel locators, third-party
reservation systems, and an Internet browser virus to redirect hotel guest
traffic to fake versions of well-known hotel chain websites.
The scam casts a big net and is evolving daily, reports FraudTip.com.
Affected properties include hotels and suites, budget motels, airport hotels,
luxury hotels, resorts, and casinos.
Hardest hit are Super 8 Motels, Days Inn, and Ramada, which are owned by
Wyndham Worldwide in Parsippany, New Jersey, the world's largest hotel chain. A
total of over 50,000 travelers seeking out these hotels are redirected to the
bogus sites each month.
Another 15,862 prospective guests are redirected from Comfort Inn, the chain
owned by Choice Hotels International located in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Econo Lodge and Clarion Hotels & Resorts, also owned by Choice Hotels, are
targets as well.
Red Roof Inn, headquartered in Kalamazoo, Michigan, is currently losing an
average of 4,441 visitors per month. In addition, Hyatt Hotels, headquartered
in Chicago, has fallen prey to the same fraud network.
FraudTip.com's preliminary findings show that the fraudulent sites are
attracting a higher-than-average percentage of female visitors, teens, as well as
adults 50+. The scam has also attracted a higher-than-average percentage of
African American visitors, and has proven effective in attracting an affluent
audience, and a high index of graduates and post graduates.

Back to the blog

Hi Everyone
well we decided it was time to start up the blog again. We used to have one on our other website for The Cruise Crew and thought we'd just do the forum on this site, which is going great. Love to read and chat with you all on the forum, it's a lot of fun.

But I will try, I will I promise, to keep you up with other things, information on the ships, any travel news you may want to know and news of our groups.
I do hope you will leave a comment once in a while, it helps to know some of you are reading it and I'd love to hear any of your thoughts and suggestions on what you may like to read on the blog. Feel free to email me too if you have any ideas you'd like to share.

Come chat with us on the forums too, we'd love to have you. The more the merrier!