Royal Caribbean's Adventure of the Seas
When planning your vacation, a good travel consultant will meet with you to learn your travel preferences, what your best vacation was and your worst. Do you have kids? What ages? What activities do you enjoy doing? What types of music do you enjoy? Do you like sports? Do you want history and culture to play an important role in your travel experience? These are just some of the questions we ask. After all, we don’t want to put you in the wrong resort or cruise.
The Louvre Museum, Paris
If you have teenagers, some resorts and cruise lines offer more than others, so it’s important we know these things. There’s nothing worse than having bored teenagers on a vacation, right? Unless it’s being on the wrong vacation.
When we meet with you during our free consultation, we try to learn as much as we can about your preferences so you have a wonderful and memorable vacation. Contact us to see how we can help you create memories.
February 5, 2012
Discovery Cruises
So many cruise lines nowadays offer enrichment programs in addition to the standard inclusions for a cruise. A cruise includes your lodging of course, all your food (except in specialty restaurants) and on-board entertainment. Broadway-style shows are still fabulous for evening entertainment on most ocean going vessels; shows such as Chicago, Shampoo, The Blue Man Group, and other great production shows provide wonderful enjoyment and fun. On small ships and river cruises, local entertainment is yours to enjoy in the evening.
Relaxing by the pool, the library, on deck, or elsewhere on the ship is among the reasons some people cruise. However, many cruisers also want a learning experience. The enrichment programs are now becoming more and more popular. Whether on a big ship or a small river boat, lectures are now becoming a favorite activity. Culinary programs and wine tasting, spirits and food. Photography, star gazing, computers, learn a language, dancing, guest lecture series. These are just a few of the topics that may be offered on board.
On river cruises, learn more about your destination, the history and culture of Europe, Asia, Egypt, Russia. Cruise
to discovery and more.
Remarkable Africa
Oh, My. Did you see 60 Minutes Presents this evening. It discussed three distinct aspects of Africa, covering the amazing Great Migration in the Masai Mara, the forest elephants, and Jane Goodall’s chimps. Africa is truly a remarkable and intriguing continent, and one that facsinates me. It’s definitely on my bucket list. In order to assist any of our clients who are as captivated as I am, we are taking many on-line classes and webinars.
These segments this evening on 60 Minutes Presents were riveting and certainly gave me food for thought. If anyone wants to see the Great Migration in all its amazing spendor, it’s evident that we must do so soon, very likely with the next decade or so. We must also protect the forest elephant from poachers. Jane Goodall was certainly a woman before her time. She took (and takes) such wonderful care of her chimps and gave us great knowledge and respect for them
I really enjoyed the program tonight. It was a great eye-opener. Let’s go to Africa soon.
The Costa Cruise Ship Disaster
With all the news this week about the devastating accident of the Costa Concordia, we want to reassure you about the safety of cruising. Although this certainly is and was a horrendous and sad situation, we’d like to say that cruising is truly a safe industry. You may be interested to know that the US Coast Guard conducted a survey in 1996 and concluded that the cruise industry is the safest form of commercial transportation. There are 456 ships carrying over 425,000 passengers at any giving time. Well over 15 million passengers sailed last year alone. When a disaster happens, it of course gets a tremendous amount of coverage because of the number of people involved, and affected and the devastating nature of the accident.
Please be assured that cruising is safe even after this horrific accident. Let us know if you have any questions.
We Felt like VIPs in Riviera Maya
Riviera Maya is truly a magical place, with eautiful beaches and wonderful luxury resorts. The Mexican Caribbean has powder white sand and turquoise blue aters. One of my favorite places. We recently visited for a conference and stayed at three difference resorts.
When we arrived at Royal Hideaway Playacar, we were tired from traveling all day; but at check-in, we were greeted with a
cool towel and a glass of champagne. There is no registration desk. We simply were invited to sit on a comfortable couch, relax a bit, and enjoy our champagne, while the staff checked us in. They needed only our signature. I felt like a celebrity. And the
resort is beautiful with an outstanding pool and beach. Riviera Maya’s only adults only all inclusive Royal Hideaway
is AAA Five Diamond resort, promises and delivers an unforgettable experience.
Our second resort was Grand Velas Resort and Spa. Another AAA Five Diamond resort, this is a family all inclusive resort on 1.000 feet of pristine powder while sand beach. All rooms have a magnificent view of the Caribbean and/or the infinity pool. Our large room overlooked both, and we had a wonderful veranda and view of Cozumel. A truly luxury resort delivering a memorable. 
vacation.
Our third resort for our conference was the beautiful Excellence Riviera Cancun, an all-suite Mediterranean-style resort of stucco, tile and marble. Another champagne greeting at check-in is really a great touch and certainly creates a luxurious ambience. There are six building each of which has its own pool winding throughout the resort. The grounds are beautiful with yet another gorgeous view of the Caribbean.
We had a busy time at the conference but stayed at three awesome resorts each giving us wonderful memories and a great
experience. I would highly recommend each of these resorts!
New Ships Debut in 2012
| Cruise Line | Ship Name | Passengers | Launch Date |
| Uniworld Boutique River Cruises | River Saigon | 60 | January 2012 |
| Scenic Cruises | Scenic Crystal | 169 | March 2012 |
| Viking River Cruises | Viking Freya | 190 | March 2012 |
| Viking River Cruises | Viking Idun | 190 | March 2012 |
| Viking River Cruises | Viking Njord | 190 | March 2012 |
| Viking River Cruises | Viking Odin | 190 | March 2012 |
| Disney Cruise Line | Disney Fantasy | 4,000 | April 2012 |
| AmaWaterways | AmaCerto | 164 | April 2012 |
| Oceania Cruises | Riviera | 1,250 | April 2012 |
| Costa Cruise Lines | Costa Fascinosa | 3,000 | May 2012 |
| Avalon Waterways | Avalon Visionary | 128 | May 2012 |
| Avalon Waterways | Avalon Vista | 164 | May 2012 |
| MSC Cruises | MSC Divina | 3,959 | June 2012 |
| Carnival Cruise Lines | Carnival Breeze | 4,631 | June 2012 |
| Viking River Cruises | Viking Embla | 190 | July 2012 |
| Variety Cruises | Variety Voyager | 72 | July 2012 |
| American Cruise Lines | Queen of the Mississippi | 140 | August 2012 |
| Viking River Cruises | Viking Aegir | 190 | August 2012 |
| Avalon Waterways | Avalon Angkor | 32 | September 2012 |
| Celebrity Cruises | Celebrity Reflection | 2,850 | November 2012 |
December 19, 2011
Travel Conference in Cancun / Riviera Maya
When we arrived in Cancun for our travel conference, we spent the first two nights at the Royal Hideaway Playacar. An adults-onlyall-inclusive resort that has earned the prestigious AAA 5-Diamond Award, Royal Hideaway Playacar offers guests an unforgettable vacation experience with infinite opportunities for luxuriant indulgences.
Our initial experience at registration was awesome when we were greeted with a glass of champagne and a cool towel. During our one-on-one check-in process, we were treated like royalty. We sat on a comfortable couch while our registration agent checked us in. What a unforgettable experience!! Upon arriving in our room, a gift bag with two shirts was our bed, and more, we were amazed our toilet paper embossed in gold with our name, as well as a note pad with the same details. 
The conference resort was the exceptional Grand Velas Resort & Spa, a Leading Hotel of the World, which has its own convention center. Another AAA Five Diamond resort in the Riviera Maya, Velas is an all-inclusive luxury resort for families. Our room here was truly outstanding with a view of both the pool and the beach. And what a pool it was. Check out this photo.
Our post conference resort was Excellence Riviera Cancun, formerly Secrets Riviera Maya. Nine separate buldings each with its own meandering pool, plus the main pool and a fabulous beach. The view from our room.
There is truly nothing like the white powdery sands of the Riviera Maya. The beautiful grounds of this resort are romantic and luxurious.
Our conference was great with seminars and site inspections to give us the knowledge and expertise, as well as first-hand appreciation of these beautiful resorts, to give you the best experience in Riviera Maya.
November 22, 2011
What to do in Case of Airline Delays
Thanksgiving is this week, so is the biggest travel day of the year. Certain things can occur to
delay your trip to “Grandma’s house,” but American Airlines has some helpful tips to assist you through this maze of cancellations or delays, and we want to share these with you.
The airlines have a contractual obligation to get you to your destination in a timely and safe manner.
Should your flight be cancelled, your carrier will protect you on another flight. To check the status of
your flight, call your travel agent, or see the airline representative at the ticket counter or customer service desk. You can also check the app on your Smartphone for any other options.
Unfortunately, the flights on which you have been re-booked have other passengers with confirmed reservations. Therefore a standby list is created and 15 minutes prior to flight time names are called. Those that cannot be accommodated will be posted to a new standby list on the next flight.
You may elect to completely cancel or postpone your trip to a later date. If your original flight
was cancelled and you decide not to travel, you will receive a full refund. If you do opt to postpone your
trip, you will have a year in which to use the ticket and penalties plus any additional air fare may apply.
When there are weather delays—such as the storms this week, the airline may help with any hotel and meal charges with discounted rates at some hotels; however, these charges are the responsibility of the passenger and not the airline.
In any case, whether your flight is cancelled or delayed, it is important that you have trip protection or travel insurance. Most additional charges will be covered by this insurance and may make the difference between a spoiled trip or a happy one.
Remember, call your travel consultant for any travel needs.
Mazatlan, the Pearl of the Pacific
November 13,2011
We recently returned from Mazatlan where we had a wonderful time. The weather was perfect, our resort was beautiful, everyone was 
very friendly, and most importantly the city is very safe. We in no way felt threatened or insecure; in fact, just the opposite,
Our resort pool was truly an oasis and a wonderful place to relax and to swim. The beach too was a great place to bask in the sun although the surf was usually too rough for swimming.
We took a tour, described in the brochure as a city and country tour with a visit to a cheese factory and a candy factory in the country. However, this tour did not show any hig hlights of this old colonial city such as the large cathedral, any of the restored 19th century buildings, thehistoric city center, or even a market. The cheese factory consisted of 
one small room—perhaps 10 x 10—in which three women packed cheese curds into small bowls, which they then would sell to the local village residents. Very, very disappointing.
We finally visited the old 19th century cathedral on our own, the colonial city center of Mazatlan, and toured on the Malecon, a 17 km boardwalk.
Mazatlan is a beautiful clean city, Mexico’s only colonial city on the Pacific Coast, the largest port city from LA to Panama, and the shrimp capital of the world. Its historical and multi-cultural richness is evidenced in its many restored 19th century buildings which sets this city apart from all other Mexican coastal cities. Call us to arrange your own trip to Mazatlan.
October, 2011
FLYING ETIQUETE
A friend of mine teaches business etiqutte. Jodi brings out the best in all of us as we put our best foot forward while relating to the public. Her thoughts on travel etiquette are “right on.”
Carry-on luggage: Space is limited and most airlines are cracking down. Don’t think “Oh, I’ll be able to slip this through”; there are at least 20 other people thinking the exact same thing. Carry your bag in front of you as you walk down the aisle — over-the-shoulder luggage has a tendency to knock heads of those already seated. Your bag either goes under the seat in front of you or in the overhead
bin adjacent to your seat (not the first bin you come across as you board.)
Armrests: The person in the aisle seat gets the one on their right, the person in the window seat gets the one on their left; the person in the middle seat typically gets both armrests to help make up for that horrible seat. An alternative would be to share a middle seat armrest but this should be discussed before staking claim. Don’t assume that because the person removes his arm for a moment that the
armrest is now yours for the taking.
Personal Space: While it is not much, it does belong to the person in the seat. Keep your laptop and papers on your own tray. Your music should be heard only by you (no singing along). Keep your shoes and socks on because smells count. This also goes for any food you bring on board, cologne, and the need for deodorant – be considerate and think of everyone else on the plane.
Seats: Be considerate when reclining your seat back. Do so slowly, and refrain from fully reclining. Yes, you paid for your seat and have the right to do so, but the person behind you also paid for her seat, which includes the space in front of her. It’s about consideration and cooperation in small spaces. Use your arm rests to get up and avoid grabbing the back of the seat in front of you.
Restrooms: They are not there to be used as a make-up table, dressing room, or, um, anything else. Lingering is disrespectful of other passengers; be quick and tidy up after yourself.
Chatty Seatmates: If you aren’t interested in conversation (or someone is driving you nuts with their life story) it is ok to say you are too tired, busy, sick, what have you, to talk. Always remember to be courteous and use a smile – you never know who you may be seated with.
Oh, those kids: Yes, they may cry, kick seats, and have you wish you could book a “No Kids” flight. Keep in mind that for babies and small children the pressure differences in their ears can be very painful. Try to have a little patience, especially if the parents are obviously trying; they usually want their child to stop crying even more than you do. Earplugs are inexpensive, very small, and easy to keep in your bag if this is a real issue for you.
Flight Attendants: First and foremost, they are there for your safety. They have no control over the weather, delayed flights, canceled flights, or your bad day. Be courteous and respectful of them. Follow their instructions; allow them to offer beverage and food service uninterrupted. Don’t make them babysit you — they have many passengers to watch over and assist.
Disembarking: Please, make it easier on everyone and wait your turn. (If you are desperate to make a connecting flight, alert a flight attendant ahead of time for assistance.) If someone is having trouble getting an item out of the overhead compartment, offer to help — you may prevent an accident. Items can and do shift during the flight. Refrain from clogging the jetway waiting for colleagues; you can meet up at the gate, allowing everyone to exit quicklyand easily.
It all comes down to courtesy and consideration of others, using the magic words, and remembering that everyone needs to do their part, starting with you.
Thank you, Jodi, for sharing these great truths and allowing me to post these here.
9/11 Honored
The anniversary of 9/11 this weekend actually coincides with our own ten year anniversary of being travel consultants. As horrible, horrendous and devastating as that event was, we must remember that we are a resilient people. “They” didn’t win. We stood tall throughout that terrible time and beyond, and we continue to rebuild. The memorial being dedicated this day pays special homage to all those who did not survive.
Several weeks after that terrible day, 100 people from Portland, Oregon, including Portland’s mayor, flew to New York to show support and solidarity, as well as to show that no one can destroy the spirit of our citizens or to keep us from traveling.
We remember all those who died that day, all the heroes and the innocent. And perhaps most importantly, we honor those who have fought since that day; those who gave their all and those who survive. May God bless our military men and women and all who serve.
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Post-Irene Resorts
Quick update: SuperClubs Resorts in Bahamas is closed for two months to repair damage from Irene.
Hurricane Irene hit many Caribbean Islands including the Bahamas and Turks and Caicos. Although some resorts had considerable damage,
many others suffered only minor damage or none at all.
Beaches Turks and Caicos had slight damage and is closed to new bookings through September. Also Sandals Royal Bahamian Spa Resort & Offshore Island remains closed as landscaping debris is cleared and the resort prepares to reopen. However, we are delighted to report that Sandals Grande Emerald Bay in Great Exumas, Bahamas came out unscathed and is open and accepting guests.
In Turks and Caicos, sunny skies returned over Providenciales and within 24 hours, the Regent Palms was up and running. With no significant structural damage, everything was back to “business as usual.”
As with all resorts and cruise lines throughout the area, the comfort and safety of their guests is of primary importance; and all guests were very well taken care of.
8/22/11
Stormy Seas
Many cruisers are concerned about sailing in the Caribbean during hurricane season. May through November can be a crazy time for weather, that’s for sure. Rest assured, however, that all cruise lines and ships stay well away for any storm. These ships have state-of-the-art weather forcasting equipment so are excellent in predicting weather patterns, wind speed, strength, and direction. You may miss a port of call or two but you will never be put in harms way. Persoanlly, I have missed some ports due to hurricanes and other stroms, but I’d rather that than be caught in a storm. In spite of these precautions, though, it is essential that you purchase trip protection insurance. You could expect delays or outright cancellation, so insurance is a must. In any case, you need not be apprehensive; you can be sure that safety of passengers is the prime concern of any cruise line.
nice post,thanks for share.