I can only begin this posting with a quick how too - "only post pictures of yourself on a blog that are memorable or flattering"! Like mirrors on the wall, cameras often are not forgiving, so for today's posting I am warming up the scanner and loading you up with memorable photos of good times no so long ago and not so different then current times.
This is me on my first ever cruise - 26 years ago! The ships have changed, the itineraries have changed - I've changed, only to find myself more aware of the times ahead are going to be a distant memory as this picture is. Hard time, good times, bad times, sad times and happy times - it's all time and the truth is enjoy it. I compare my past cruise and travel experiences to what I know now and find that things haven't changed but our expectations and life's challenges makes us want more as a natural process like aging. Okay, I'm the first to admit, this aging thing isn't all it's cracked up to be, but in my defense cameras often only produce a representation of the image and not the person. Sounds good?? I thought so!
Cruising 26 years ago was at best crude compared to today's standards unless you were in the 1% of the wealthiest or could afford a cruise on one of the "liners". My friends and I decided to enjoy the weekend getaway cruises to Mexico, fun, tasty and full of wonderful experiences (at that time it was quiet the thing) - yes we only had port holes and no suites, butlers but what we did see and experience is a tradition still on the high seas. Great service, secret staff members hiding in your cabins cleaning each time you left, retrieving the glass you took from the bar hoping to take them home, because the cruise lines name and ship were engraved on the glass and stemware. The cost back then, $65.00 a day plus tips, drinks and excursions. How much does it cost today? Seems to me we can still cruise for $65.00 a day, although limited number of options at this price, but still available. Let's put the numbers to work for us; if a cruise costs $65 a day in 1983 then what would the value be today, some say are conservative - for my subject I am going to us the 40% factor so in comparison you were sailing on a ship that should be selling for $90 a day - that seems to work out based on current amenities and rates for the mass market ships. You still get the shows, food, buffet and silly games all day and the rate is the same - so what has changed and why isn't everyone cruising?
Cruising 26 years ago was at best crude compared to today's standards unless you were in the 1% of the wealthiest or could afford a cruise on one of the "liners". My friends and I decided to enjoy the weekend getaway cruises to Mexico, fun, tasty and full of wonderful experiences (at that time it was quiet the thing) - yes we only had port holes and no suites, butlers but what we did see and experience is a tradition still on the high seas. Great service, secret staff members hiding in your cabins cleaning each time you left, retrieving the glass you took from the bar hoping to take them home, because the cruise lines name and ship were engraved on the glass and stemware. The cost back then, $65.00 a day plus tips, drinks and excursions. How much does it cost today? Seems to me we can still cruise for $65.00 a day, although limited number of options at this price, but still available. Let's put the numbers to work for us; if a cruise costs $65 a day in 1983 then what would the value be today, some say are conservative - for my subject I am going to us the 40% factor so in comparison you were sailing on a ship that should be selling for $90 a day - that seems to work out based on current amenities and rates for the mass market ships. You still get the shows, food, buffet and silly games all day and the rate is the same - so what has changed and why isn't everyone cruising?
The ships have changed, not the program - they are much larger, more sophisticated, multi generational passengers, life style cruising and most of all safer. In the past we didn't expect, nor did we get the nice touches that are readily available on today's ships. Today you can cruise at the level you are most comfortable, even cruise within a cruise is a new an upcoming trend - oh, isn't that like the original cruise liners? When the liners offered class segregation, yes I think so and yes it's returning, this time the average cruiser can afford to take advantage of the cruise that offers extra special amenities for the upper class on the same ship for us working, fun and vibrant cruisers. Cruising is still largely misunderstood in America, I'm telling you to get off the Internet and call you travel agent, book a cruise for you and your family or friends and hit the high seas. Especially in today's economic times, there is no better value for your money - you can't go on vacation with your hotel, 3 meals, entertainment, transportation, multi ports and exotic places to visit on a budget of $90 / $175 per day unless you cruise! Call your agent today he / she will proof it out for you. On a tighter budget, try staying home for $48 a day! I've seen some wonderful vacation opportunities on cruise ships out of US ports to some wonderful places all less then $48 a day - at home two prime rib dinners on a Friday night and a move will cost the two of you $125.00!
Okay you don't want to risk a cruise during these tough times, so here is another suggestion to demonstrate there are still grand values in travels and one place is at the best value in recent history. Yes, you know it's coming, what am I going to suggest: (does the picture help)
Not in Vegas, but on my way, 26 years ago after playing the horses in Del Mar - next stop Vegas Baby. In the 80's a quick flight or drive from San Diego was happening on any given afternoon. I can remember flying for $49 coach and $229 first class for the short hour and a half flight. Great hotel rates, $39 a night or higher if you want the Palace or big mega places, then you can expect to spend a minimum of $79 dollars, but the $1.99 prime rib special buffet made up for any overpayment on the rooms, right?
What is Vegas all about today, well over the past 26 years it has had a severe identity crisis one like no other resort or destination place in recent memory. From Porn to Strollers abound it's still having issues, now the over built area is suffering, even the gamblers have had enough. So why go to Vegas now - well here are a few of my favorite things:
Vegas rocks! You can get lost in a casino, book yourself or your clients in a resort that is attached to two or three biggies and they will never step outside or want too! Meals are no longer $1.99, what they're about now is nothing short of a culinary orgasm! Yes it's Vegas orgasm is okay to say, get over it! Bobby Flays new spot in the Palace, how can anyone go wrong there. I can't believe how mega happy the Vegas area is and it can be overwhelming to some and if you take it too serious, not fun at all to visit. Make Vegas special, prearrange a limo to your hotel with Ambassador Limousine, book at a nice resort, and play with the resorts players card, get you well deserved discounts, after all you did pay up front for the discounted rooms with you lost your last $200 in that slot machine.
An important thing to remember about Vegas, never drive, don't be in a hurry nothing closes, relax, swim, breath the wonderful dry desert air and take in the fantasy! Yes, fantasy - it's not real, as Disney land isn't real - but you love it don't you? Don't take your kids, go to Vegas to be your own adult and have an adult experience. The foods, beverages, entertainment and new shows are all the rage and shouldn't be missed. Blue Man Group - British dry humor (I love that part most of all), a little different and a million memories, Love by the Beatles - way cool!
An important thing to remember about Vegas, never drive, don't be in a hurry nothing closes, relax, swim, breath the wonderful dry desert air and take in the fantasy! Yes, fantasy - it's not real, as Disney land isn't real - but you love it don't you? Don't take your kids, go to Vegas to be your own adult and have an adult experience. The foods, beverages, entertainment and new shows are all the rage and shouldn't be missed. Blue Man Group - British dry humor (I love that part most of all), a little different and a million memories, Love by the Beatles - way cool!
Can you afford to go to Vegas, yes! How you might ask? Call your travel agent, book a week night experience, often more fun then the weekends due to the "weekend party clan" from Cali and other areas - they can be a little much when it comes to over indulgences, but hey it's Vegas, relax, ignore and pretend your a rock star, because in Vegas everyone is a star. Package travel is heavily discounted right now, there has never been a better time to try it once again - book it and play it - Vegas Baby! Booking a two night stay can be as valued priced as $219.00 per person for air, two nights hotel - hmm seems to me that is about the same price as '83? Times haven't changed, there are special affordable treats just waiting for you today!
Love Ya!
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