Why aren't you cruising? Historic values on every line!

My inbox and fax machine can't handle the large volume of specials that are coming in for 2009 and 2010 - so don't let these historic value priced cruises go unused. There are fares on some of the luxury and ultra luxury lines that are better then the fares on the mega ships.

Are you kidding me, why are you calling right now! I see some are offering not only historic markdowns but include the taxes, airfare and port charges. I'm even seeing complimentary non-alcoholic beverages on some.

Here are some sample fares, keep in mind each promotion ends at different times and it would be impossible for me to list each one here, I will tell you that if you're planning or even remotely planning a cruise in '09 or '10 you had better book now and take advantage, you can upgrade yourself to a line that you would of never taken in the past. This gives you a rare opportunity to test the waters of lines that you might not have thought about.

Samples:

Oceania (country club casual - no formal wear)
$2000 off each stateroom, free air, 2 for one cruise and complimentary soft drinks.
2010 European Collection fares from $2699 - for land locked - includes taxes! Air tax additional
2010 European Collection fares from $1499 - for transcontinental - includes taxes! Air tax add.
Then there are incentives and other perks - only way to find out, call - book and explore!

THESE FARES WILL NOT WAIT - CALL TODAY, THE BEST SELLS FIRST, NEXT THE LOWEST FARES THEN ALL THE MIDDLE GO LAST - IN THIS CASE QUICKLY!

Celebrity (luxury without going over the top)
30% to 51% discounts on most 2009 including Alaska, Asia, Europe and the Exotics. Booking gifts, on board perks and other specials available.
Alaska from $369 plus taxes and port charges
Europe from $2099
You will never get the value that is available.

Azamara (country club casual)
Lowest fares offered - 2 for 1 2009 European Collection
Rates starting from $1899 - many other on board incentives. You can't miss it, I sailed this line this year and it so rocks!

Crystal! Yes I said it, Crystal - luxury, all ocean view, teak decks, one of the finest lines.
Here goes some crazy pricing and offers, look and read carefully, you might find this cruise offer is better then the other lines that aren't luxury.
2010 Voyages 2 for 1!
Additional 3.5% savings if paid 180 days prior to departure
Society Savings on ALL SAILINGS in addition to the reduced rates and incentives
12 Days - Rome to London from $3745
11 Days - London to Stockholm $4295
15 Days - Copenhagen to Stockholm $6340
These are incredible rates, inclusive of the ocean view cabins, selected sailings.
HERE'S MORE
7 days - Athens to Rome $2650
7 Days - Round trip London $3280
7 Days - Rome to Athens $3090
RATES EXPIRE WHEN SOLD OUT OR DECEMBER 31, 2009! BOOK IT NOW!

Now if that wasn't enough here are some more offerings from Crystal:
2010 All-Inclusive "As You Wish" shipboard credits up to $2000.00 on select sailings:
Call me for these select sailings, can you imagine, $2000 ship board credits and one of the most luxurious cruise experiences on the high seas.

Let's look at Mexico on the Royal Caribbean Line, departures from California! 2009 / 2010
4 night - Mexican Rivera $449 plus taxes
5 night - Mexican Rivera $329 plus taxes
9 night - Mexican Rivera $629 plus taxes
many more options, these are just samples that are available until April 30, 2009!

Let's go local in the Seattle area:
Cruise West - small ship cruising is offering some great ship board credits and fares:
25% off Alaska Sailings in 2009
$500 instant savings plus $250 ship board credit per person on Spirit of Oceanus (I've been on this one too -- she rocks, 54 cabins 108 passengers - sexy small ship with closets bigger then most in my condo!)
Cruise fares from $2999 on 2009 7 night Snake and Columbia River Cruise departures.

You need to book, I'm not a discounter as most of you know, but this isn't discounting this is taking advantage of the soft market at this time - if you wait for sure you will loose out on some incredible rates and fares.


Do it now! Love ya!

Times have changed or have they?

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?

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!

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!