How Does Cruise Planners Make Your Vacation Better?

When I decided to become a Cruise Planners franchisee, I was actually shopping around for a restaurant franchise.  I had been a Taco Mayo multi-unit operator before, but in the meantime had worked in sales at Haverty’s (until the bottom fell out of the furniture market in 2002 and all the manufacturers moved their operations to China), and then I went to work at a travel agency.

When I found Cruise Planners it seemed to be the perfect combination — a franchise and a travel agency! The “seal-the-deal” factor in moving forward was their affiliation with American Express. Cruise Planners is not a network marketing scheme — I don’t recruit other members, it’s not a travel club, and it’s not a “middle-man” type of company so we don’t “sell” anything except provide a service to customers.

I’m continually impressed with the quality of the management team and their marketing savvy. They produce the most beautiful and attention-grabbing mail pieces — they win advertising and industry awards all the time. Twice a year they put out a promotional magazine that highlights top deals from cruise and land tour companies and features a “win a free cruise” opportunity for customers and prospects.

I just love being able to give people a chance to win a free cruise! These campaigns are so much fun and I look forward to them every winter and summer — I just ordered the summer edition that will be delivered in July. As soon as I have all the details I’ll post the instructions in a blog post so you can participate! I keep hoping one of MY customers will win, so we’ll just keep trying!

Other programs that makes Cruise Planners stand out:

* Affiliation with American Express means lots of benefits not only to Amex card holders but to ALL of our customers — special “extras” on select cruises (like an onboard host,  free shore excursion, and onboard cocktail party!), and more “block-space” opportunities for us to offer reduced fares and shipboard credit for our customers.

* Partnership with Expedia for direct bookings from our independent-agent websites. This is a great tool for comparing hotel rates, car rentals, and package deals.

* Partnership with a wedding company so we can help brides and grooms put together the perfect wedding (and affordable!) before a honeymoon, during a cruise or tour, or as a destination wedding. Now a couple can get married anywhere they choose — a quiet beach, a boutique hotel, a quaint church — whatever they want, with an international expert who takes care of all the paperwork and arrangements for them.

* Exclusive package cruise deals. This is a program I haven’t seen anyone else come up with — an affordable and seamless way to extend a cruise vacation and take care of most or all of the travel logistics. For example, my favorite packages are with European cruises where you fly in to say, Barcelona for a 7-night Mediterranean cruise. Well, if you just fly in and out on the cruise dates you’ll never get to see the city — so we fix you up with a couple of extra days at a hotel in a central location plus transfers so you can explore fabulous Barcelona on your own with no worries about getting around. We have other really great plans in Hawaii, Alaska, Australia, and the Caribbean (and others in Europe, too).

* Outstanding supplier resources. We have connections! I have access to booking systems for hotels around the world, cruises, packages, tours, transfers and private cars with drivers, train tickets, excursions, air consolidators — anything you need to customize your vacation seamlessly.  These kinds of arrangements are important, because who really wants to get to a foreign city and fool around with expensive airport currency exchange then haggle with a taxi driver speaking a different language?!? This never makes sense to me when I can so easily set clients up with a van or private driver that they pay for in advance in American Dollars. Same with hotels and tours — travelers can waste a tremendous amount of their precious vacation time if they wait and try to arrange things when they get there.

* American Express travel insurance offers protection for everything. I cringe when people take just the cruise line insurance because the coverage is so weak (and doesn’t cover anything except the cruise) and they can’t get all their money back if they have to cancel their trip. With the company we use, travelers can cover EVERYTHING from air to transfers to hotels to shore excursions, etc., get much better protection, and get all their money back in the event of cancellation.

* Preferred-Agency status with all the cruise lines and major tour operators means we get all the deals and can customize our own deals. Also, we block lots of cabin space at introductory fares so we can offer customers the best prices and amenities. Another plus is that when upgrades become available our customers are the ones who get them!  And what if something goes wrong? We get top priority  with decision-makers to resolve problems.

Then, the other great thing is that you get me! If you could get a smart, experienced, attractive, enthusiastic, on-your-side diligent researcher to work for you for free wouldn’t you hire her right away?

Best Travel Articles of the Week

Click here for an update on construction of the new Norwegian Breakaway!

Another big, bold, beautiful new ship that will launch soon is the Carnival Breeze — see what’s going on with her progress here.

Is your Greek Isles cruise making a stop at Split, Croatia? Lucky you! Learn more about the fascinating Roman history of this very interesting port city here.

Wow — even more new ships! Avalon Waterways has 2 new river cruise ships — find out more about the “suite ships” the Vista and the Visionary  here.

If your Western Europe cruise is visiting the island of Madeira, then read this cruise port guide about how best to spend your time here.

YET ANOTHER new ship to explore — Oceania’s dazzling Riviera! Find out what distinguishes her from her sister ship the Marina here.

If you’re thinking of a Mediterranean cruise you might want to go ahead and do it this year — prices are way down, and as a result at least one cruise line is already cutting capacity in Europe in 2013. That will keep the fares up for next year. Get the inside scoop here.

 

 

 

New Oceania Cruise Ship Sets Sail!

BARCELONA, May 11, 2012 –Oceania Cruises christened Riviera, the newest entry in the upper-premium cruise ship market, during an invitation-only, gala ceremony in Barcelona today. The ship’s godmother, Chef Cat Cora, the restaurateur, humanitarian, author, and co-host of Bravo’s new “Around the World in 80 Plates,” named the ship, joined by Deacon Ricardo Rodriguez-Martos of the Barcelona’s Apostleship of the Sea, who bestowed the traditional blessings.

The national anthems of the U.S. and Spain, together with a Catalan flamenco performance and a duet of “Barcelona” performed by Soprano Alina Furman and Tenor Giorgio Olmo set a festive atmosphere for the ceremony.

Nearly 1,300 guests, including Xavier Trias, Mayor of Barcelona; Sixte Cambra, president of the Port of Barcelona and Jose Alberto Carbonell, director of the Port of Barcelona, were in attendance. Frank J. Del Rio, the line’s founder and chairman, and Kunal S. Kamlani, the line’s president, presided over festivities that concluded with a 15-liter Nebuchadnezzar of Champagne (weighing some 114 kilos), custom-made by Veuve Clicquot, commemoratively breaking against the ship’s hull.

“Today, the baton as the world’s premiere ship has passed to Riviera,” said Del Rio. “When asked, I’ve repeatedly said that it was going to be hard to improve on Marina’s perfection, but I didn’t say it would be impossible. And we have done just that – improved on perfection.”

In thanking the invited guests, local hosts and dignitaries in attendance, Kamlani noted that Barcelona, a city renowned for its charm, diversity of cultures, art and design, was the ideal setting for the christening as, “Riviera is a work of art herself, and designed to bring the beauty of the world to our guests.” Barcelona also holds a special significance for Oceania Cruises as the line’s first ship,Regatta, was named in Barcelona in 2003.

LikeMarina, her sister ship, Riviera also features a Bon Appétit Culinary Center, a Canyon Ranch SpaClub®, luxurious suites by Dakota Jackson, Ralph Lauren Home-furnished Owner’s Suites, and a grand Lalique staircase lit from above by a dazzling, custom-made chandelier. Her distinguishing features include a museum-worthy collection of fine art focusing on the works of some of Latin America’s most accomplished and admired contemporary artists and an Artist Loft with hands-on instruction.

Following the christening cruise,Riviera begins a 10-day maiden voyage from Venice to Athens, departing on May 16, 2011. From May 16 through November 29, 2012, she will offer a total of 20 Mediterranean voyages, calling at ports in France, Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal and Turkey as well as Israel, Croatia, Cyprus, Montenegro, Morocco and Monaco, with maiden calls in Cephalonia (Argostoli), Motril (Granada) and the Canary Islands.

 

Sorting out Cruise Line Quality and Price Value

When a cruise line describes itself as “luxury” what does that mean? What exactly is a “premium” line versus a “contemporary” line? It seems that the cruise industry is always confusing the issue of what you can expect when you choose a particular company or ship!

Well, that’s easy to understand, because of course everyone wants to present their product in the best possible terms. However, having a few basic guidelines would be helpful, so here is a quick outline of how I break down the major cruise lines and how they fit into each category:

Luxury All-inclusive: Crystal, Regent Seven Seas, Silversea, Seabourn, Paul Gauguin

You can expect the best in service and quality from these small-ship lines. Since they are all-inclusive, the up-front price can sometimes appear intimidating, but your overall value can be quite good, especially when there are extra inclusions such as air, gratuities, shore excursions, etc.

Premium: Holland America Line, Princess, Celebrity, Disney, Cunard

 Your drinks and gratuities are extra, but you can expect the best quality of food and service as is possible on a large cruise ship. An emphasis is placed on “the finer things in life” such as wine, spa experiences, classes-at-sea, and such. They are also generally family-friendly (esp. Disney).

Premium Plus (small ships): Azamara Club, Oceania, Princess, Holland America

You get a more intimate feel aboard these ships, personalized service, and attention to detail (particularly in fine dining) than you can on a large ship. The emphasis is on the itineraries, which can be quite unique and typically have fewer sea days.

Contemporary: Royal Caribbean, Costa, MSC, Norwegian, Carnival

Think of these for fun, family experiences, and all-purpose get-aways! The ships are big, beautiful, and always “pushing the envelope” for entertainment and onboard features.

Expedition ships, river cruises, yachts, clipper ships

Each of these  has its own “personality” with emphasis on the destination. These are very small ships and accommodation can range from basic to luxurious. The dining can be quite excellent, but don’t expect the lavish entertainment and non-stop fun of other types of cruises. Many are all-inclusive.

Cross-overs. What if you love luxury but want to take the kids? Crystal is a family-friendly luxury line, and Norwegian offers an exclusive area on their ships called “The Haven” where the cabins come complete with butlers! A large suite on one of the premium lines or Royal Caribbean might work, too.

Best Travel Articles of the Week

This would make an interesting tour of Paris — the literary landmarks of the city. Read here for some great ideas on sites to visit.

Visiting Germany or taking a Baltic cruise this summer? Find out how best to spend your time in Berlin here.

While you’re on your Baltic cruise you’ll visit St. Petersburg, too — so discover her best attractions here.

Oh this sounds fun — the new Royal Princess is going to have a real television studio onboard! See what’s going on here.

 

 

The Essence of Meaningful Travel

Are you a travel photographer like me? Then you know the experience of trying to “capture” an ephemeral atmosphere or elusive landscape. Have you seen that “Visit Utah” magazine ad? It’s the one with a smart-phone silhouette outlined against a larger canyon scene, and it demonstrates the limitations of photography in conveying the “big picture” that we so fervently seek to snare.

The caption reads, “A picture is worth a thousand words? See it for REAL.”  And that, I believe, is the essence of meaningful travel — getting beyond the picture and capturing a place, a moment, as an experience.

Now what do I mean by “meaningful travel?” I think it’s a level of depth — when you see, feel, smell, and hear, and gain an understanding of a place — whether it’s a manifestation of the power of nature, a spiritual connection, or simply a feeling that you just belong there. It’s that moment, that thrill, the “thing” that means something to your soul.

And you’re addicted! You find that you must move on to the next “picture,” the next thrill, the next place, the next moment. Of course you want the photographs — because every photo that brings you back to that place, that moment also brings back a little bit of the exhilaration you felt when you were really there. That is the meaning, and that is why we travel and why we take the pictures…

Lonely beach chairs at the end of the day…

The Hagia Sophia and Cherry Blossoms

The Mykonos Cat

 

 

Best Travel Articles of the Week

I came across a list of “dos and don’ts” for Hawaii — looks like sensible advice — read it here.

Who doesn’t love a soothing spa treatment on a lazy day at sea while on a cruise? Click here for a slideshow of “Spas on the World’s Best Cruise Ships.”

Australia is the world’s fastest-growing cruise market. Find out what’s going on here.

Regent Seven Seas is refurbishing their oldest ship the Navigator. Learn more about all-inclusive luxury cruising here.

Princess Cruises will base the ever-elegant Grand Princess in glamorous San Francisco! She’ll move to her new home port in May, 2013. Read all about it here.

Seoul, South Korea is emerging as a popular port on Asian cruise itineraries. Find out how best to spend your time here.

Janet’s Top Ten Bucket-List Cruises of 2013

Advance planners — this list of beautiful “bucket list” cruises is just for you!  I have selected them for you to consider because of the opportunities they present for life-enriching experiences. They go to places you might not otherwise get to visit, or that would probably be very expensive to travel to as independent destinations.

Here they are in chronological order:

January 31: Carnival in Rio! aboard the Azamara Quest. The experience of a lifetime! Sail from cosmopolitan Buenos Aires to Rio de Janeiro where you’ll spend 2 full days enjoying “la vida loca” in luxurious Azamara Club style. Find out more about this special cruise here.

February 18: Hong Kong to Kobe, Japan with Holland America Line’s Volendam. I love this elegant, comfy little ship and you will, too! Gorgeous itinerary with ample opportunity to experience many exotic Asian cultures. Get all the details here.

March 1: Hawaii and Tahiti aboard the Ocean Princess. The  ever-elegant Princess Small Ships are so delightful — and you’ll delight in getting 2-cruises-in-one by visiting both island groups in one trip (think of the savings in airfare alone!). Click here for complete details.

May 6: West Coast Wine Cruise of the Celebrity Solstice. Are you a foodie? Wine enthusiast? Devotee of the good life? This elegant, thoroughly enjoyable cruise is for you! Coastal cruises are so much fun — visit all of your favorite cities in one lovely vacation with no driving, no plane-hopping, no worries at all.  Check out the itinerary and prices here.  (PS: don’t worry about getting to Ensenada — what you do is fly into San Diego then take the Celebrity transfer to the Mexican port)

July 1: Norwegian Fjords cruise of the Queen Elizabeth. Unique opportunity for focus on one incredible area! And you’ll feel like royalty by the time Cunard finishes pampering you. Click here for all the details.

August 19: Baltic Sea cruise of the Emerald Princess. Fantastic “bucket-list” buster — visit 7 countries in 11 days! Check out all the details here. Other dates are available – I listed this one because it’s the cruise I’m sailing on (thank you, Delta Sky Miles…)!

August 28: Transatlantic via Iceland and Greenland aboard the Caribbean Princess. Another amazing 7-country itinerary! Come on, how else are you ever going to get to Iceland and Greenland? Check out the details of this wonderful 17-night voyage here.

September 12: Northern Pacific cruise of Silversea’s Silver Shadow. She begins this unique 18-night voyage in Vancouver and ends in Tokyo, so it’s an excellent opportunity to visit Canada, Alaska, Russia, and Japan. Experience the all-inclusive luxury style of Silversea! Get all the details here.

September 27: Coastal Wine Cruise from London to Barcelona aboard the Oceania Mariner. Wonderful cruise with concentration on the most premiere wine regions of France, Portugal, and Spain — wine lovers won’t want to miss this very special voyage. Find out more here.

November 23: Voyager of the Seas Australia-New Zealand. Conveniently sailing round-trip from Sydney. You could add on a journey to The Outback, or venture up to the Great Barrier Reef — talk about an experience of a lifetime! See why this is such a great cruise here.

This Week’s Best Travel Articles

Amsterdam — what to see and do in the summer — read all about it here.

Ooooh…another great area of Istanbul to explore! Find out more here.

Hahahaha! I love these articles about “hidden” and “secret” places — so ridiculous (hey if it’s in Travel and Leisure magazine it’s can’t be too much of a secret, right?). Still — these are usually fun to read and this one is pretty good — discover some “secret beaches” of the world here.

Mmmm…top chefs to sail on Oceania food and wine-themed cruises. Sounds great to me! See what’s going on here.

Caribbean cruisers looking for new experiences on their favorite islands can pick up some nice tips here.

 

 

 

Celebrity Cruises to Air Olympic Games Aboard Cruise Ships

It’s estimated that more than one-billion people will tune in for this year’s Olympic Games in the host city of London, and Celebrity Cruises has arranged the rare opportunity for guests sailing on its modern luxury fleet to be among them.
From the eagerly anticipated Opening Ceremony July 27 to the celebratory Closing Ceremony August 12, Celebrity will broadcast ‘live’ via satellite the swimming, diving, gymnastics, rowing, cycling, athletics, and basketball events, in addition to airing daily compilations of highlights from all 26 sports featured in the Games of the XXX Olympiad. On Celebrity ships sailing in North America, the events initially airing live also will be re-broadcast during more convenient times of day for guests to enjoy.
Whether sailing on Celebrity Constellation in Scandinavia and Russia; in Iceland and the Fjords on Celebrity Eclipse; in the Eastern Mediterranean on Celebrity Equinox; in the Adriatic on Celebrity Silhouette; in the Mediterranean from Venice on Celebrity Solstice; in Bermuda on Celebrity Summit; or in Alaska on Celebrity Millennium, Celebrity Infinity and Celebrity Century, Celebrity’s guests can stay on top of the Games while vacationing.
Celebrity’s guests will be able to view the Olympic Games within the comfort of their stylish staterooms and suites, or in several hip bars and lounges on every Celebrity ship (with the exception of Celebrity Xpedition, which sails year-round in the Galapagos Islands). The specific locations and event times will be listed within each Celebrity ship’s daily newsletter