I have decided to take a cruise vacation with my 13 year old daughter, Elizabeth.  At first I was having servious doubts about traveling alone with her.  Let’s face it, a 13 year old doesn’t want to hang out with their mom.     She’ll maybe have dinner with me but that’s about it.  She’ll be in the teenage hang outs.  Then I’ll be forced to be by myself, do things alone.  This can be a little intimidating. Like everyone else, I like staying in my comfort zone, Thank you very much!    Why is it so easy for the younger ones to make new friends or venture out on their own?  They love the adventure of it all.

Then I read an article in Cruise Magazine’s Port Hole. The article was entitled “Table for One” by Janet Groene.  The article is about how going on a cruise alone is an adventure in self discovery.  Getting to really enjoy you trip, learning and discovering your destinations without having to consult others, learning about yourself and the things you love about traveling.  I thought “maybe that’s just what I need”.  I can relax and enjoying just being alive.  Think of it as an adventure, not… (dum dum dum) I’m traveling alone.

Dinner each evening will be a great time to meet new and interesting people that are also on the cruise.  Should always sit next to someone new each night so you get to know different people.  You never know who you will have something in common.

I want to do alot of journaling and taking pictures of the destintions that we’ll be seeing.  Take in some shows alone…THAT is really stepping outside my comfort zone for sure.    I want to see what makes others love these destinations and discover what I love about the destinations.  Most of all I want to relax and enjoy being with my daughter, even if it is just at dinner, and come away with an even closer relationship.

What a great view from the Hard Rock Hotel.  Had meetings there for two days.  Was so beautiful.

This past weekend the U.S. Coast Guard rescued four passengers from a small, capsized boat off the coast of Miami. MSC Poesia was the first point of contact in assisting.

Captain Giacomo Romano of the MSC Poesia alerted the Coast Guard at 9 p.m., two hours after departing Fort Lauderdale on February 6. The four passengers spent 12 hours in the water and all survived.

The MSC Poesia continued on to Key West, her next port-of-call on its seven-night cruise. No further delays were made.

Visit www.msccruiseusa.com.

Article by Meagan Drillinger for Travel Agent Central

With the National Football League playoffs underway and the Super Bowl approaching, sports fans around the country will be looking for travel bargains and packages for the big game. ASTA offers some recommendations for fans evaluating travel packages, including use of a travel agent. ASTA also warns that sporting events present an opportunity for disreputable tour operators and travel scam artists to defraud sports fans of millions of dollars each year. 

“Every year, we hear reports of sports fans whose travel plans were ruined by a questionable organization with an offer that sounded too good to be true,” said ASTA President and Chair Chris Russo . “Following some simple advice and asking a few questions can help ensure that fans’ Super Bowl dreams won’t end in heartache.”

ASTA offers the following guidelines – one of a series of consumer information releases sent to national media – to help consumers minimize risks when booking tours in conjunction with special events:

*    Check the tickets. Make sure when booking a sports package that the arrangements include tickets to the desired sporting event. The U.S. government’s ‘Truth in Ticketing’ rules, require that a tour operator advertising a Super Bowl travel package that includes a flight and game tickets must have the game tickets in hand or have a written contract for the tickets before they can even advertise.
*    Plan wisely. Book tour packages through a travel agent or tour operator affiliated with a professional organization, such as ASTA. For example, ASTA is the only travel trade association with a Consumer Affairs function that can mediate some disputes for consumers and ASTA member travel agents.
*    Protect yourself. Make sure the tour operator participates in a consumer protection plan. ASTA’s Tour Operator Program (TOP) helps travel agents and consumers identify ASTA tour operators that meet certain standards. The criteria require that the tour operator be in the business of operating tours for the past three years; have a $1 million Errors & Omissions (E&O) policy naming travel agents as additional insured; and adhere to the ASTA and TOP code of ethics.
*    Read the fine print. Get information about the tour package and tour operator in writing. Read the information carefully and ask your travel agent to explain all the details.

ASTA also offers the following suggestions when evaluating any travel offer to help avoid being a victim of a travel scam.

*    Be extremely skeptical about postcard and phone solicitations saying you’ve been selected to receive a fabulous vacation.
*    Never give out your credit card number unless you initiate the transaction and you are confident about the company with which you are doing business.
*    You should receive complete details in writing about any trip prior to payment. These details should include the total price; cancellation and change penalties, if any; and specific information about all components of the package.
*    If you insist on calling a 900-number in response to a travel solicitation, understand the charges and know the risks.
*    Walk away from high-pressure sales presentations which don’t allow you time to evaluate the offer, or which require that you disclose your income.
*    Be suspicious of companies requiring that you wait at least 60 days to take your trip.
*    Properly vet any tour operator by checking its Better Business Bureau record and by checking to see if the company’s name surfaces on any scam websites.

If you think you’ve been scammed, contact your local Better Business Bureau, your local or state Consumer Affairs Office, state attorney general’s office, or e-mail ASTA’s Consumer Affairs department at consumeraffairs@asta.org for information and assistance.

Visit www.TravelSense.org.

Article written by George Dooley for Travel Agent Central

If you are woman working your own Party Plan Business and you have not contacted Party Plan Divas, you are REALLY missing out.  Lynsey Jones is a passionate woman and loves to teach women how to balance your family and your party plan business.  She will give you daily tips and inspiration.  Check out her website at http://thepartyplancoach.com/. 

2010 is the first annual Party Plan Diva’s Cruise ~ Go All in 2010    We are really excited about this cruise and I’m so happy to be a part of it.

Are You Ready To “Go All In”

for 2010?

Come Aboard for Party Plan Divas Seminar at Sea

Join us for four days of training, team

building, and tanning aboard Carnival

Cruise Lines!

THE DETAILS

Carnival Triumph October 7-11, 2010 from New Orleans

Cruising Into Success Seminar Sample Itinerary

Thursday: Depart New Orleans – Cocktail Hour Meet & Greet

Friday: Fun Day at Sea – Cruising Into Success Seminar Part I

Saturday: Day of Excursions and Shopping in Cozumel, Mexico

Sunday: Fun Day At Sea – Cruising Into Success Seminar Part II

Monday: Arrive in New Orleans

Seminar Fee – Early Bird Special only $75! Will be $125 after February 1, 2010! Save $50!!

INTERIOR CABINS

1st & 2nd Passengers pay $370.08 3rd & 4th Passengers pay $175.08

Total cabin cost for party of two: $740.16 Total cabin cost for party of four: $1,090.32

SUGGESTION: Share a cabin with 3 others and split cost for a total of $272.58 each

Oceanview Cabins available for a nominal fee

For payment schedule contact Donna Conley at www.CruisingWithMsD.com

*Price includes cruise transportation, cabin accommodations, all food, juice, tea, and coffee, taxes and port charges. Carnival Cruises provides entertainment, shows, dancing, music, swimming pools, fitness center, mini golf, youth/child care.

** Not included are gratuities (suggested $10 per person per day) alcoholic beverages, soda, and land excursions. Carnival may add fuel charge to the taxes if fuel price increases.

*** Prices above are subject to change if there is a need to rebook or add additional cabins.

EARN YOUR TRIP FREE

One lucky Diva will earn her Cruise Fair FREE simply by referring new Members to Party Plan Divas.com!

The Diva with the most amount of New Member Referrals will be awarded with a refund check for the entire amount of her cruise the day we set sail from New Orleans!

Sign up to be an Affiliate today and start spreading the word about Party Plan Divas.

Contest runs from December 7th, 2009 to October 1, 2010. Winner must have a minumum of 20 new paid Member Referrals. Refund check is not transferrable and will be endorsed to the Affiliate. Winner must be present on cruise to be elligible to win.

If you have any questions regarding the cruise, please contact me.  If you have questions regarding Party Plan Divas, please feel free to contact Lynsey Jones.

A common concern for travelers is not how much they bring with them, but how much they bring back…on the hips and thighs. To help keep away the extra weight that comes with luxury vacation splurges, Crystal Cruises has come up with 10 ways to stay fit aboard Crystal Serenity and Crystal Symphony.

1. If you’re not busy practicing your golf swing, walk or jog around the 360-degree promenade deck.
2. Opt for fresh fruit or salads at the Trident Grill. Keep in mind that all dining options are trans fat-free.
3. Instead of heavier dinner foods, dine at Nobu for light and healthy sushi or sashimi.
4. Book time with a private trainer.
5. Take advantage of the complimentary bottles of water.
6. Try an aerobics or yoga class.
7. Pamper yourself with detoxifying body wraps at the Crystal Spa.
8. When the ships dock engage in physical activity like kayaking, hiking or snorkeling.
9. Swim laps in the pool.
10. Rejuvenate your body with onboard acupuncture and shiatsu massages.

Article written by Meagan Drillinger for Travel Agent Central

Representatives for Honduras tourism have announced that the U.S. canceled all pending travel alerts to Honduras. The Department of State issued a travel alert in July, stating “The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the current unstable political and security situation in Honduras, and recommends that American citizens defer all non-essential travel to Honduras until further notice.”

The alert was issued shortly after Honduran military ousted President Manuel Zelaya and sent him out of the country. However, on November 29, the Honduran people peacefully elected their new president – Porfirio “Pepe” Lobo, who will take office on January 27. The United States and other countries have already expressed their recognition of President-Elect Lobo. Wholesalers have looked to the elections as a positive sign and are once again aggressively selling the destination.

Tourism sales have already seen a dramatic increase as the Canadian charter season begins in mid-December, and the country’s high season is around the corner with discounted rates. Throughout the summer, airlines and cruise ships continued to operate their services as normal. In fact, some airlines added service and cruise arrivals increased over the same period in 2008. Just last month, the new $62 million Mahogany Bay cruise terminal in Roatán, owned by Carnival Cruise Lines, welcomed its first passengers to the unique facility that incorporates 20 acres of waterfront property and includes a two-berth cruise terminal which can accommodate up to 8,000 passengers daily.

Visit www.letsgohonduras.com.

Article written by Joe Pike for Travel Agent Central, published on 12/09/09

Women are about relationships: relationship with our spouse, relationships with co-workers, relationship with hairdresser, I think you get the idea.  Then we have those very special relationships with our girlfriends. 

 Our girlfriends are a very important part of our lives.  We lean on each other, take care of each other.  We tell each other things about ourselves that no one else knows, and our “best” girlfriends with take those things to the grave.    Since our girlfriends are so important, we need to make sure to nurture and keep those relationships alive.  Don’t let those friendships fade, life is too short. 

 A cruise vacation is a great way to spend time together and to make sure to take time to keep those relationships strong.  You unpack only once and let someone else do the cooking and driving.  All you have to do is relax and enjoy yourself.  So I’ve put together some tips on taking a cruise with your girlfriends.  These tips are to remind you to include everyone in the planning process and enjoy each other and also give you information that you may not have thought about.

•        Start planning a year in advance ~ Smaller payments can be made thru out the year.  Also write it on your calendar.  If it isn’t written down it doesn’t exist.
•       Be flexible when booking ~ Cruises are less expensive at certain times of the year.
•       Cruise to your favorite destination ~ Caribbean is a popular destination for getaways.  On a cruise rooms and meals, excluding specialty restaurants, are included, can even pre-pay for tips.
•       Get T-shirts for everyone to wear ~ Put a picture of the group along with date and destination.
•       Have a kitty ~ to pay for coffee, taxi, etc.  If anyone mentions family or work they have to add $1 to the kitty.
•       Put each member of the group in charge of an activity ~ Shore excursions, sightseeing, shows, etc.
•       Compromise ~ everyone in the group is important and should get a turn in doing something that they like to do.  Be patient ~ you will have a turn.  This is your vacation ~ relax and have fun.
•       Allow alone time ~ It’s ok to do nothing.  On a cruise there is so much to do you can plan a couple of hours of alone time.
•       Have each person bring one toiletry item to share i.e. Hair dryer, shampoo, conditioner, etc.  This will save space in your luggage.
•       Keep prescriptions and change of clothes ~ Make sure to have these items are in your carryon luggage.  Sometimes your luggage does not get to your stateroom until later that evening.
•       Keep passport, other ID and tickets with you ~ do not pack them in your luggage.
•       Your first day at sea ~ You and your girlfriends will want to be on deck with the “action” is ~ do not try to get a tan ~ you do not want to spend the whole time recovering from sunburn.  Take plenty of sun block.
•       The first night at dinner is usually casual dining ~ be a few minutes last to dinner the first night but on time from then on.  Everyone will be trying to find their tables all at once.
•       You and your girlfriends will be having dinner with other guest ~ Change seats at the table every night so that you have conversation with everyone.
•       Have a spa day ~ everyone in the group schedule a massage.  What a GREAT way to relax!
•       Get pictures made the night of the Captain’s Dinner ~ these are professional pictures.  You will love them.
•       Everyone buy something special that will remind you of the cruise with your awesome girlfriends.
•       Bring your own bottle of wine or purchase one while on board the ship ~ enjoy a glass with your girlfriends at the end of the day.  Sit on deck and talk about what you did or saw ~ laugh and have fun.  If you bring a bottle of wine with you on board the ship, you will be charged a “cork” charge, usually about $10 but ask your agent for details.
•       Take lots of pictures of each other ~ when returning home, make an online album.  Twitter your girlfriends cruise while on vacation.  People love to read what others are doing.

 Your girlfriend cruise is a fun pajama party where you stay up late talking, laughing and dancing.  No need to get up early to go to work.  So enjoy your time together and keep those friendships strong.

Royal Caribbean International

is putting its own twist on a long-standing tradition. It is bestowing the honor of “godmother” of its newest cruise ship, Oasis of the Seas, on seven different women, rather than the traditional one. These seven individuals will be honored at the official naming ceremony on Monday, November 30.

Why the number seven? Each woman was selected to represent one of the seven signature neighborhoods aboard the ship. They are:

Gloria Estefan – singer, songwriter, actor and author. She is also godmother of Royal Caribbean’s Empress of the Seas

Michelle Kwan – Olympic figure skating medalist

Jane Seymour – actress and recipient of multiple Emmy’s and Golden Globes, as well as an Officer of the British Empire

Dara Torres – swimmer and 12-time Olympic medalist

Keshia Knight Pulliam – film and television actress known for her role as Rudy Huxtable on “The Cosby Show”

Shawn Johnson – gymnast and four-time medalist at the 2008 Olympic games. She will also be granting wishes onboard as part of Make-A-Wish Foundation

Daisy Fuentes – TV personality, producer, beauty and fitness expert

Tickets to the event begin at $500 per person. Guests who wish to continue onboard after the ceremony will receive a discount price, beginning at $650 for a four-night cruise to Royal Caribbean’s private beach, Labadee.

Article written by Meagan Drillinger for Travel Agent Central November 19, 2009

Ship Facts

Guest Capacity: 5,400 double occupancy
Gross Tonnage: 222,900

Staterooms: 2,700
Decks:  16 high
Length: 1,184 feet
Max Beam: 154 feet
Draft: 30 feet
Cruising Speed: 22 knots
Ship’s Registry: Bahamas

Ship Features Highlights 7 distinctly designed neighborhoods including:BoardwalkSM featuring AquaTheater:  AquaTheater outdoor theater will feature water shows, a comedy dive show and dancing fountains. World’s first onboard, handcrafted Carousel. The first ever Zip Line at sea. Two rock-climbing walls Madame Zamara’s Psychic and Tattoo parlor. Dedicated kids and teen shopping spaces. Casual food including the Seafood Shack, Johnny Rockets and The Donut Shop. Central ParkSM - bringing the outdoors, indoors:  Open to the sky, with winding paths of quiet reading corners and other hidden surprises. Canopy Bar Parkside Gallery & Picture This photo studio. Park Café & Vintages. 150 Central Park -upscale dining. Antonio’s Table & Chops Grille. 334 overlooking the park, 254 with balconies. Royal Promenade - bigger than ever, introducing a mezzanine level with more shopping, cafés and entertainment: 3-level escalating – Rising Tide Bar. Sorrento’s Pizzeria, Mondo Café, Café Promenade. Boleros Latin Lounge. Schooner Bar & Champagne Bar. On-Air Club. The Diamond Club: A special lounge for our Diamond Crown and Anchor members. 28 two-level contemporary loft suites. State of the Art Vitality Spa and Fitness Center. Expansive pool deck with 4 unique pools. Sports deck including 2 FlowRiders®. A Youth Area including a nursery, Family Theater, art room, as well as age-segmented activity spaces.