Book your next Royal Caribbean International cruise
on December 3rd or 4th and you'll get up to a
$200 Onboard Credit and 50% Reduced Deposit for all sailings from February 1, 2009 forward including cruisetours...WOW!!!
Contact me and experience
the Nation of Why Not with Royal Caribbean International!
Terms and conditions:
Offer applies to new individual bookings with deposit only. Not applicable to groups.
Offer applies to all categories available.
Onboard Credit offer is per stateroom, $50/$100/$200 depending on length of sailing.
All bookings must be made and the required deposit must be paid on December 3 and 4, 2008 by 11:59 p.m. Local Time to qualify for the promotion.
Bookings made on December 3 and 4, 2008 without deposit will not qualify for this offer.
Offer is not combinable with any other offer or promotion, including, but not limited to, Crown & Anchor, Shareholder Benefits, Future or NextCruise offers.
Offer is valid for Cruise Tour packages but not combinable with other Cruise Tours Onboard Credits.
The Oasis of the Seas sail dates do not qualify for this offer.
In the event that a guest has more than one applicable offer for the same sailing, guest can choose the offer he or she wishes to apply.
Any existing booking that is cancelled between November 26 - December 4, 2008 and is rebooked for the same sailing on December 3 or 4, 2008 will not be eligible to receive the offer.
Any eligible reservation that is cancelled after December 3 or 4, 2008 and is reinstated or the sailing is changed will not be eligible to receive the offer.
Onboard credit is in US dollars and will be applied to qualified booking by Royal Caribbean International within 3 weeks of the Sale.
The 50% reduced deposit and onboard credit offer is applicable to on-line bookings; however, the on-line booking confirmation will not reflect this reduced deposit or onboard credit.
The WOW Sale Onboard Credit and 50% Reduced Deposit offer is good until December 4, 2008, 11:59 pm, Local Time, based on availability and is subject to change without notice.
Great gift for: Parents, Relatives, Close Friends,
Business Acquaintances, Employees, Holiday Party
Giveaways or a Special Unexpected Holiday Surprise!
Starting at
$418*
For Two Guests!
Hurry! This Sale Ends December 31, 2008
*This price is for a 3 and 4 day cruise certificate on selected ships only, in an interior category 4A stateroom for Fall sailings only and does not include Government Fees, Taxes or gratuities. Ocean view certificates are available at an additional cost. Full payment is due at the time the certificate is sold. Certificates will be customized with the name of the person buying the gift. Recipient can pay to upgrade the certificate for higher cabin categories, additional days of cruising or for travel outside of the Fall travel period. No minimum purchase required. Certificate is valid for 18 months unless otherwise required by law.
Certificates are valid for a 3, 4, 5, 7, or 8 day Fall Cruise for Two
and most include all Government Taxes, Fees and Gratuities
For a Limited Time Only.
Travel Agents Choose Princess Cruises as “Best Cruise Line for Itineraries”
SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (October 30, 2008) – For the fifth year in a row, the travel agent readers of Recommend magazine have chosen Princess Cruises as the “Best Cruise Line – Itineraries.” The honor, part of the magazine’s 12th Annual Readers’ Choice Awards, recognizes Princess’ dedication to global cruising.
“Bringing passengers to fascinating destinations around the world has long been one of our hallmarks and we are committed to enabling our passengers to explore fascinating destinations around the globe,” said Jan Swartz, Princess senior vice president. “So, it’s wonderful to see that travel agents continue to think of Princess first when asked to pick their favorite line for itineraries.”
Princess Cruises sails to all seven continents, offering 115 itineraries encompassing 350 ports around the world. The company’s destinations include Alaska, Africa, Asia, Antarctica, Australia/New Zealand, Canada/New England, Caribbean, Europe, Hawaii/Tahiti, Mexico, Panama Canal, South Pacific, South America, and world cruises. In 2009-10 the line will introduce 23 new ports of call.
Recommend magazine is a leading travel industry publication that is distributed to travel agents in the U.S. and Canada. The magazine’s Readers’ Choice Awards survey was conducted electronically with more than 1,150 travel agents represented in the results.
Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com.
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINES RETURNS TO GALVESTON NOVEMBER 1
Carnival Ecstasy to Resume Four- and Five-Day Service Nov. 1;
Carnival Conquest to Begin Seven-Day Cruises Nov. 2
MIAMI (October 22, 2008) – Carnival Cruise Lines, the Port of Galveston’s only year-round cruise operator, announced today that it will resume service from the Texas port on November 1, 2008 following a temporary seize in cruise operations due to Hurricane Ike last month.
The 2,052-passenger Carnival Ecstasy will resume year-round four- and five-day cruises from Galveston with a five-day voyage departing on Saturday, Nov. 1. The 2,974-passenger Carnival Conquest will begin year-round seven-day service from Galveston Sunday, Nov. 2.
Up until that time, the ships will continue to operate round-trip from the Port of Houston’s Bayport Cruise Terminal where they were shifted temporarily following Hurricane Ike. The Carnival Ecstasy cruises on October 23 and October 27; and the Carnival Conquest cruise on October 26 will operate round-trip from Houston.
“We are extremely pleased to be resuming service from the Port of Galveston and extend our congratulations and appreciation to the port and the Galveston community as a whole for enabling us to return so quickly,” said Gerry Cahill, Carnival’s president and CEO.
“We would also like to express our gratitude to the Port of Houston for their tremendous efforts in accommodating our ships and being such exceptional partners. Their support enabled these ships to remain Texas based while Galveston worked through its recovery process,” Cahill noted.
Carnival launched the first year-round cruise program from Galveston in 2000 and has expanded its presence dramatically over the past eight years. With the return of its two year-round ships, Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Conquest, the line expects to carry an estimated 350,000 guests annually from Galveston.
According to Steve Cernak, director of the Port of Galveston, “We took a hit however we rapidly rebounded. We had our first cargo ship in nine days after the storm. Now, six weeks after Hurricane Ike, we are fully operational. The Port, as well as all of Galveston Island, is excited to welcome home both Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Conquest.
Carnival Ecstasy’s four- and five-day cruise schedule encompasses four-day voyages departing Thursdays to Cozumel, Mexico, and five-day cruises departing Mondays and Saturdays to Cozumel and Progreso, Mexico. Carnival Conquest’s seven-day western Caribbean cruise program includes week-long voyages departing every
Sunday to Montego Bay, Jamaica; Cozumel; and George Town, Grand Cayman as well as a new 2009 itinerary option that visits Key West, Freeport and Nassau.
Carnival Ecstasy and Carnival Conquest are part of Carnival Cruise Lines’ 22-vessel fleet which operates three- to 18-day voyages to The Bahamas, Caribbean, Mexican Riviera, Alaska, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Canada, New England, Bermuda, Europe and South America. The line currently has two new ships scheduled for delivery between now and 2011.
For additional information and reservations, contact Michelle or Viviane 512-388-6526 or www.explorevip.com
Call Now to secure these Great Rates - 512-388-6526
Spend the Holidays on a Royal Caribbean Cruise in 2008!
Vision of the Seas 7nt Mexican Riviera, round trip from Los Angeles, CA 11/23/08 prices from: $539 - Interior, Cat Z, cruise only guarantee $649 - Ocean View, Cat Y, cruise only guarantee $1469 - Balcony, Cat D1 Resident and Senior rates are also available
12/21/08 prices from: $879 - Interior, Cat M $1049 - Ocean View, Cat I $2589 - Balcony, Cat D1
12/28/08 prices from: $1209 - Interior, Cat L $1399 - Ocean View, Cat H $2799 - Balcony, Cat D2
Voyager of the Seas 7nt Western Caribbean round trip from Galveston, TX 12/21/08 prices from: $999 - Interior, Cat Z, cruise only guarantee - Reduced! $1099 - Ocean View, Cat Y,cruise only guarantee- Reduced! $1199 - Balcony, Cat X, cruise only guarantee - Reduced!
Grandeur of the Seas 10nt Eastern Caribbean, round trip from Tampa FL 11/24/08 prices from: $799 - Interior, Cat Z, cruise only guarantee $849 - Ocean View, Cat Y,cruise only guarantee - Reduced! $1799 - Balcony, Cat X,,cruise only guarantee $2099 - Deluxe Balcony, Cat W, cruise only guarantee
12/26/08 prices from: $1099 - Interior, Cat Z,cruise only guarantee $1349 - Ocean View, Cat Y, cruise only guarantee $2339 - Balcony, Cat X, cruise only guarantee
Freedom of the Seas 7nt Western Caribbean round trip from Miami, FL 11/23/08 prices from: $699 - Interior, Cat Z, cruise only guarantee $949 - Ocean View, Cat Y, cruise only guarantee $1299 - Balcony, Cat D2 - Reduced! Senior rates are also available
12/21/08 prices from: $1649 - Interior, Cat Q $1749 - Ocean View, Cat Y, cruise only guarantee $2649 - Balcony, Cat E2 Senior rates are also available
Freedom of the Seas 7nt Eastern Caribbean round trip from Miami, FL 12/28/08 prices from: $1799 - Interior, Cat N $3049 - Ocean View, Cat I $4049 - Balcony, Cat E2
Liberty of the Seas 7nt Eastern Caribbean round trip from Miami, FL 11/22/08 prices from: $549 - Interior, Cat Z, cruise only guarantee - Reduced! $699 - Ocean View, Cat Y, cruise only guarantee - Reduced! $849 - Balcony, Cat X, cruise only guarantee Resident, Military and Senior rates are also available
12/20/08 prices from: $1199 - Interior, Cat N $1599 - Ocean View, Cat I $1899 - Balcony, Cat E2 Resident, Military and Senior rates are also available
Liberty of the Seas 7nt Western Caribbean round trip from Miami, FL 12/27/08 prices from: $2069 - Interior, Cat N $2849 - Ocean View, Cat I $3389 - Balcony, Cat D2
Independence of the Seas 6nt Western Caribbean round trip from Ft Lauderdale, FL 11/23/08 prices from: $499 - Interior, Cat Z, cruise only guarantee - Reduced! $649 - Ocean View, Cat Y, cruise only guarantee - Reduced! $799 - Balcony, Cat X, cruise only guarantee - Reduced! Senior and Resident rates are also available
12/21/08 prices from: $1099 - Interior, Cat N - Reduced! $1399 - Ocean View, Cat I - Reduced! $1569 - Balcony, Cat D2 Senior and Resident rates are also available
Independence of the Seas 8nt Eastern Caribbean round trip from Ft Lauderdale, FL 12/27/08 prices from: $2349 - Interior, Cat Q $2849 - Ocean View, Cat I $3949 - Balcony, Cat E2
Jewel of the Seas 11nt Ultimate Caribbean & PanamaCanal round trip from Miami, FL 11/17/08 prices from: $999 - Interior, Cat Z, cruise only guarantee - Reduced! $1299 - Ocean view, Cat I $1449 - Balcony, Cat X, cruise only guarantee Senior and Resident rates are also available
12/29/08 prices from: $1399 - Interior, Cat Z, cruise only guarantee - Reduced! $1899 - Ocean view, Cat Y, cruise only guarantee $2399 - Balcony Cat X, cruise only guarante - Reduced! Senior and Resident rates are also available Jewel of the Seas 10nt Caribbean & PanamaCanal round trip from Miami, FL 12/19/08 prices from: $1199 - Cat Z, cruise only guarantee $1399 - Ocean view, Cat Y,cruise only guarantee $2049 - Balcony, Cat X,cruise only guarantee Senior, Military and Resident rates are also available
Mariner of the Seas 7nt Eastern Caribbean round trip from Pt Canaveral, FL 11/23/08 prices from: $499 - Interior, Cat Z, cruise only guarantee - BEST PRICE EVER! $669 - Ocean View, Cat Y cruise only guarantee - Reduced! $899 - Balcony, Cat X cruise only guarantee - Reduced! Senior and Resident rates are also available
12/21/08 prices from: $899 - Interior, Cat Z, cruise only guarantee - Reduced! $1449 - Ocean view, Cat Y, cruise only guarantee $1709 - Balcony, Cat D3
Mariner of the Seas 7nt Western Caribbean round trip from Pt Canaveral, FL 12/28/08 prices from: $1499 - Interior, Cat Z, cruise only guarantee $2299 - Ocean view, Cat I - Reduced! $2499 - Balcony, Cat E2 - Reduced!
Explorer of the Seas 9nt Eastern Caribbean round trip from Cape Liberty, NJ 11/21/08 prices from: $899 - Interior, Cat Z, cruise only guarantee $1349 - Ocean View, Cat I $1499 - Balcony, Cat X, cruise only guarantee
Explorer of the Seas 12nt Southern Caribbean round trip from Cape Liberty, NJ 12/21/08 prices from: $1999 - Interior, Cat Z, cruise only guarantee $3099 - Ocean view, Cat I $3499 - Balcony, Cat E2
Navigator of the Seas 4nt Western Caribbean round trip from Ft Lauderdale, FL 11/27/08 prices from: $499 - Interior, Cat Q $599 - Ocean view, Cat Y,cruise only guarantee $799 - Balcony, Cat E2 Senior and Resident rates are also available
Navigator of the Seas 10nt Eastern Caribbean round trip from Ft Lauderdale, FL 12/24/08 prices from: $1499 - Interior, Cat Z, cruise only guarantee $2299 - Ocean view, Cat Y, cruise only guarantee $2499 - Balcony, Cat X, cruise only guarantee Resident, Senior and Military rates are also available
Enchantment of the Seas 5nt Western Caribbean round trip from Ft Lauderdale, FL 11/24/08 prices from: $449 - Interior, Cat Z, cruise only guarantee $549 - Ocean view, Cat Y,cruise only guarantee $1049 - Balcony, Cat X,cruise only guarantee Resident and Senior rates are also available
Majesty of the Seas 4night Bahamas round trip from Miami, FL 11/24/08 prices from: $219 - Interior, Cat Z, cruise only guarantee $299 - Ocean View, Cat I $1099 - Junior Suite, Cat JS Resident and Senior rates are also available
12/22/08 prices from: $349 - Interior, Cat Q $409 - Ocean View, Cat H $1189 - Junior Suite, Cat JS FLA Resident rates are also available
Monarch of the Seas 4night Bahamas round trip from Pt Canaveral, FL 11/24/08 prices from: $229 - Interior, Cat Q - Reduced! $269 - Ocean View, Cat Y, cruise only gurantee $969 - Junior Suite, Cat JS Resident and Senior rates are also available
Round Rock, TX– On October 16, 2008 Vacations In Paradise will join thousands of cruise-selling travel agents in the World’s Largest Cruise Night, an exciting event in which travel agencies across North America band together to provide consumers with a world of information on cruise vacations.
If they choose, prospective cruise guests don’t even have to leave the comforts of home to participate! New this year, Vacations In Paradise travel and cruise center is hosting a “Virtual” World’s Largest Cruise Night. By entering the Web page http://wlcn.cruising.org/vacationsinparadise , consumers can learn about cruising online. Vacations In Paradise travel and cruise center has chosen several short videos showcasing the exciting offerings and destinations from participating CLIA member lines. For convenience, the Web page will be live until the end of the month.
World’s Largest Cruise Night (WLCN) is the highlight of October’s National Cruise Vacation Month, the once-a-year period during which travel agencies across North America sponsor exciting events and promotions all focused on cruising – the most enjoyable, satisfying and value-oriented vacation option available in today’s marketplace.
WLCN 2008 will feature simultaneous celebrations occurring around the U.S. and Canada to share the good news of the cruise vacation lifestyle with millions of vacationers.
Vacations In Paradise travel and cruise center is one of over 15,000 North American travel agency members of CLIA, Who’s 24 member lines represent 97% of the cruise berths marketed in North America. According to CLIA statistics, the wide majority of travelers - about 90% - book cruises through travel agencies, and for good reason: agents excel at finding the perfect cruise to match their clients’ vacation needs, lifestyle and budget. CLIA’s certified cruise counselors are the cruise industry’s premiere professionals, providing the best service and value for your vacation dollar.
FINAL Passport Rule Issued for Land and Sea Borders
Yesterday, the Departments of Homeland Security and of State issued the final rulemaking concerning the requirements of passports for land and sea border crossings under the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. After years of development following 9/11, this ruling is the end of the process and can be considered FINAL when helping your clients ensure they have the proper identification when traveling.
Effective June 1, 2009, the following rules take effect for cruise passengers:
U.S. citizenson cruise voyages thatbegin and end at the same U.S. port (closed-loop itineraries) must show proof of citizenship* and government-issued photo ID (such as a driver’s license). A passport will not be required for passengers that fall into this category.
*Documents include: Original or certified copy of birth certificate; Naturalization papers; Consular Report of Birth Abroad issued by Department of State
All other passengers and/or itineraries (such as cruises which begin in one U.S. port and return to a different U.S. port or any cruise that begins or ends in a foreign port) will require a passport or other recognized document. For a list of accepted documents, see www.travel.state.gov.
The good news for a majority of cruise passengers – American citizens that leave and return on their cruise from the same U.S. port – is that the travel document requirements will remain largely unchanged from how the industry is operating today.
CLIA continues to encourage travelers to obtain passports to allow the broadest travel opportunities. Your clients can visit www.travel.state.gov to obtain information on how to apply at more than 9,000 passport acceptance facilities in the United States.
Vacations In Paradise agent earns Accredited Cruise Counsellor Certification
Local Travel Agent Completes Cruise Industry Training Program
Hutto,TX – Local travel professional from Vacations In Paradise Travel and Cruise Center has recently completed the Accredited Cruise Counsellor program with Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA), the official trade organization of the North American cruise industry.
This comprehensive program provides agents with essential cruise product knowledge and sales skills. Agents earn credits upon completion of course exams, ship inspections and cruise experience.
“In addition to learning how to manage our business more effectively,” said Michell B. of Vacations In Paradise, “training programs such as those offered by CLIA bring us up to date with the cruise industry which, in turn, allows us to serve our clients better. After all, our customers are our most valuable asset, and with so many choices available, we want to be sure to match vacationers with the right cruise.”
“This involves understanding the customer’s needs, being knowledgeable of cruise products and being able to convey the exceptional value of cruise vacations.” Michelle B. added, “We want travelers to feel confident – and excited – about the choices they make, particularly if they are first-time cruisers or simply seeking a new adventure.”
Vacations In Paradise is one of over 16,000 travel agencies affiliated with CLIA, which provides high-quality cruise sales and marketing related educational programs to its affiliates, and keeps travel agents informed of the latest information about the cruise industry.
For more information about cruise lines, ships, itineraries and worldwide cruise destinations, Call Vacations In Paradise at 512-388-6526 to speak with any of our cruise vacation experts.
Review of the upgrades to the Carnival Inspiration from an agent's recent trip
"I just returned from a great 4 night cruise on the Inspiration. This was my first Carnival cruise & I went with an open mind on how it would all go. At the end of the 4 nights it was difficult to find any real negatives. I actually mentioned to my husband after the cruise; we never heard one complaint by any passengers on board the ship!.that is so unusual!! I generally do not write reviews but I felt that my experience may be helpful. TAMPA PORT: Flawless; never a line at the airport or the port; we boarded the ship immediately. A taxi ride from TPA to the port is $22 one way; very convenient. The airport employee at the taxi stand actually said to us, "welcome to Tampa International, least busiest airport in the world". INSPIRATION: The ship was recently refurbished; you would never know this ship was built over 10 years ago. The new water slides toward the aft of the ship were a huge hit for all ages!! The cabins were spacious (ocean view), clean and the beds very comfortable. The pool area had all new lounge chairs & a covered stage. The pool never seemed too crowded, pool & deck chairs were always available. FOOD: The food was the best I have had on a cruise in a few years; not only in the dining rooms but also at the buffet. SERVICE: From the cabin steward to the shore excursion desk and all in between, the service was impeccable. ENTERTAINMENT: We saw a few shows and they were very entertaining and enjoyable. The singers/dancers were great! If I had to find any thing negative it would be-.the cruise lines have improved the "layout" of the newer ships. The Inspiration at times was a little difficult to get around; I would have to change elevators to get to different decks. The life boats were an obstruction to your ocean view by the pool area"
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