Saturday, November 15, 2008

High School Reunion Cruise

I just came back from our 45th High School Reunion. This time the class wanted a cruise. Last Saturday we had a get together at a hotel in Orlando for those that could not make the cruise. Then Sunday morning we headed to Port Caaveral to board the Carnival Sensation for our 4-Night Bahamas Cruise and Reunion.

This was one of the best reunions we have had. Instead of a Friday and or Saturday night get together and dinner we had 4 nights to visit our old classmates in a relaxed environment. At dinner we had tables close to each other, and some even switched tables each night to visit with others at dinner. Some went to the shows together, went on shore excursions together or whatever they wanted as we all knew we would see each other usually at breakfast, lunch and of course dinner or make arrangements to spend more time with each other as we wished.

A group cruise sure is the way to go today. Once the cruise is paid for the only out of pocket expenses are for gifts, drinks on board, sightseeing, etc. No meals to pay for, no shows to pay for, just a relaxed reunion. Already some have said they want the next one, our big '50th', to be on a cruise, and maybe even a longer cruise. We had some first time cruisers in the group and they are now sold on cruising. They just needed a push to get them on their first cruise and were very glad they did.

Saturday, October 11, 2008

Carnival to Remove Fuel Surcharges (Maybe)

Effective October 31, 2008, the multi-brand Carnival Corp. will be eliminating fuel surcharges on all new bookings for 2010 departures -- but only for the following lines: Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America, Seabourn and Princess Cruises. Surcharges for AIDA, P&O Cruises, P&O Cruises Australia, Ocean Village and Ibero Cruceros remain unchanged.

Additionally, the company has established specific guidelines under which the current fuel supplement could be reimbursed -- in the form of onboard credit -- to passengers sailing on 2008 and 2009 voyages.

This could mean savings for at least those looking to book a cruise in 2010 on or after October 31 -- but "price increase on all 2010 sailings" will go into place on October 31, 2008 ... the same day that surcharges are lifted on new bookings for those 2010 sailings.

Carnival cautioned that surcharges could be reinstated at any time, depending of course on the price of oil. Carnival's official statement reads: "For 2008 and 2009 departures, if the price of light sweet crude oil according to the New York Mercantile Exchange Index (NYMEX) is $70 per barrel or less at the 2:30 p.m. close of business as reported by Reuters on each of the 25
consecutive trading days ending five trading days prior to the guest's cruise departure date, the fuel supplement will be refunded in the form of a shipboard credit."

To clarify, this means that oil must trade below $70 per barrel for 25 straight trading days (every business day is not a trading day) until five trading days before your cruise.: "The process will be automatic and guests do not need to apply [for the credit] or track the price per barrel. The five days is to allow us the necessary time to get the refunds processed and communicate with the relevant vessels.

Still, with oil prices so volatile right now, it's almost impossible to predict whether anyone will actually receive a refund under these guidelines.

Friday, October 10, 2008

World's Largest Cruise Night


October is National Cruise Vacation Month and there are many specials and promotions coming up shortly in conjunction with CLIA's World's Largest Cruise Night on October 16th. I am featuring 5 different short cruise line video previews at

http://wlcn.cruising.org/mshepp.


A total of 21 cruise lines are taking part of this special. The promotions involve discounts, upgrades, reduced deposit amounts and/or on board credit. The "booking windows" vary but you will get to take advantage of these promotions between Oct 15th and 17th for sure and many will run through October and some even into November. Some of these promos are for select sailings or destinations, but many are simply for any ship in a specified date range well into 2009.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Waitlist for the new Oasis of the Seas

Be the First to Sail the New Royal Caribbean Lines Oasis of the Seas.

To see a video of The Oasis of the Seas Click Here.

To be added to the Waitlist Click Here.

Thursday, August 7, 2008

Celebrity Solstice Exclusive Cruise

Be the First to Sail on the Brand New Celebrity Solstice!

Cruises Inc. has chartered the first exclusive 2-Night sailing abord the brand new Celebrity Colstice. This extraordinary experience is only available through Cruises Inc. Be the first to discover an unparalleled class of ship with features you’ve only dreamed of. This weekend discovery cruise is the perfect way to experience all this new ship has to offer at an amazing
price.

This exclusive 2-night sailing will depart Fort Lauderdale on Friday, November 21st and return on Sunday, November 23rd. Prices start at $329 per person. Book by August 31, 2008 and receive an instant upgrade from an Inside stateroom to a Deluxe Veranda. You’ll also receive a free future cruise credit worth up to $300. Groups are welcome and will receive a special offer for ten or more staterooms.

To book this exclusive 2-night sailing on the brand new Celebrity Solstice please call Michael Shepp, your personal cruise specialist, at (813) 972-0121 or toll free 800-379-0370, or visit my website http://www.cruisesinc.com/mshepp.

Prices per person, double occupancy; Fuel surcharge, gov’t fees, taxes and gratuities are not included. Availability is limited. Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this ad. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply. Ships Registry: Bahamas. 2008 © Cruises Inc.

Wednesday, June 4, 2008

Cruise Line Fuel Supplement - Round 3

June 4, 2008

Because of the continued rapid escalation of fuel prices, six of Carnival orporation & plc’s brands - Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Lines, Princess Cruises, and The Yachts of Seabourn - will increase their current fuel supplement from $7 to $9 (USD) per person per day. The fuel supplement on third, fourth and fifth passengers will increase from $2 to $4 (USD) per person per day.

The new fuel supplements will apply to all new bookings effective June 12, 2008. The fuel supplements will not exceed $126 (USD) per person per voyage for the first and second guests and $56 (USD) per person per voyage for the third, fourth and fifth guests in a stateroom.

For bookings made from April 21, 2008 to June, 11, 2008, the fuel supplement of $7 (USD) per person per day for the first and second guests; and $2 (USD) per person per day for the third, fourth, and fifth guests will apply.

We regret having to take this action, but fuel price increases have continued, and we now find it necessary to implement a modest increase in the supplement.

Please remember that all of your bookings made on or before June 11, 2008 will not be subject to the supplement increase. Most importantly, we want to thank you for your business and continuing support for all our brands.

Thursday, May 15, 2008

What are you Spending Your Stimulus Check on?

It's May 2008 and you know what that means, it's tax stimulus time. This gift from the government is being provided to get consumers spending. There are a lot of places to spend the stimulus monies like on a new sofa, paying down some credit card bills, doing some home repairs or getting away on an exciting cruise vacation. But how about spending it on all or at least some of those things? We have some amazing getaways that won't deplete your whole stimulus check.

There are a ton of deals out there and as your Cruise Specialist I am just the person to find them for you. So when your stimulus check arrives, go ahead and use some of it to pay down your mortgage, or make a car payment, but be sure to keep just a little to spend on a holiday for yourself and your family. This might be the only time the government pays for your vacation.

Monday, April 28, 2008

Disney Cruise Line Fuel Surcharge Decision

I received the following email today from Disney. They were the only ones that did not add a fuel surcharge last Fall.

Due to continually rising fuel prices, Disney Cruise Line® is implementing a fuel surcharge.

The surcharge* is $8 per person, per day for the first two Guests in a stateroom and $3 per day for all other Guests. It is effective for new bookings only made on or after May 28, 2008. Additionally, the surcharge will be capped at $112 each for the first and second Guests in a stateroom and $42 each for all other Guests in the stateroom.

* U.S. Dollars

Monday, April 7, 2008

Cruise Line Fuel Supplement - Round 2

From Carnival Corporation & PLC - April 7, 2008

Because of the continued rapid escalation of fuel prices, six of Carnival Corporation & plc’s brands, including Carnival Cruise Line, Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Lines and the Yachts of Seabourn, will increase their current fuel supplement from $5 to $7 (USD) per person per day. These brands will also implement a fuel supplement on third, fourth and fifth passengers of $2 per person per day.

The new fuel supplements will apply to all new bookings effective April 21, 2008. The fuel supplements will not exceed $98 per person per voyage for the first and second passengers, and $28 per person per voyage for the third, fourth and fifth passengers in a stateroom.
For bookings made from November 7, 2007 to April, 20, 2008, the original fuel supplement of $5 per person per day will apply.

We regret having to take this action, but fuel price increases have continued, and we now find it necessary to implement a modest increase in the supplement.

Please remember that all of your bookings made on or before April 20, 2008 will not be subject to the supplement increase. Most importantly, we want to thank you for your business and continuing support for all our brands.

Sunday, March 30, 2008

New Carnival Dress Code Policy

The new Formal nights will be called Cruise Elegant.

Please be aware that we have made a change in our Dress Code policy.Below you will find the new policy as it will be stated in our marketing materials:

What to wear?
Casual attire is the order of the day. We suggest shorts, sundresses, tank tops, etc. for the ladies, and for men; shorts, polo shirts, T-shirts, etc. will do. We suggest you wear rubber-soled, low heeled or flat shoes for extra traction while onboard. The use of any footwear with wheels, including but not limited, to Heelys© shoes, is prohibited on board our ships. For dining you may want to dress up a bit and/or bring along a light sports jacket or cardigan.

Most evenings we have a Cruise Casual dress code, but there are those Cruise Elegant evenings one or two nights throughout your "Fun Ship" voyage, where you will have the opportunity to showcase your more elegant attire. For those who want casual attire for dinner time, the Seaview Bistro on the Lido Deck is open nightly, and has a more relaxed theme. Both dress codes for the dining rooms are described below.

Cruise Casual Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts; Ladies - Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs). Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Casual dinner for ladies and gentlemen: gym shorts, basketball shorts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, cut-off jeans, and sleeveless shirts for men.

Cruise Elegant Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Dress slacks, dress shirts. We also suggest a sport coat. If you wish to wear suits and ties or tuxedos, by all means we invite you to do so. Ladies - Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; if you`d like to show off your evening gowns, that's great too! Not permitted in the dining room during the Cruise Elegant dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats.

Special Sailings
For Canada/New England / Alaska cruises: Sweaters, lightweight jackets and raincoats are suggested. Casual clothes that can be layered easily are highly recommended.
Bring a heavier sweater if you are traveling to the glaciers, along with a raincoat and umbrella, because it is often cold and windy in such areas.

For South America and Europe cruises: Comfortable shoes and a just-in-case raincoat. Bring a sweater if you are traveling to the glaciers, along with a raincoat and umbrella, because it is often cold and windy in such areas.Special note: It is essential that you wear the proper apparel when visiting the Vatican and other religious sites (no bare legs or shoulders).

The new policy will be enforced beginning with May 19th sailings.

Friday, March 28, 2008

US Issues Final Rule on Land, Sea Entry (Passport)

The Homeland Security (DHS) and State departments announced yesterday the final rule for the land and sea portion of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), requiring travelers to present a passport or other approved secure document denoting citizenship and identity for all land and sea travel into the US, effective June 1, 2009.

Air passengers already are required to present a WHTI-secure document on re-entry to the US. The rule announced today affects cruise passengers arriving at US ports, as well as those crossing the border from Canada and Mexico. The Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative was enacted by Congress as part of its response to the attacks of Sept. 11, 2001.

In addition to the release of the WHTI final rule, DHS is officially designating the Washington State Enhanced Driver's License (EDL) as a WHTI-compliant document. DHS, in an announcement, said that it is publishing the WHTI land and sea final rule more than a year in advance of its implementation to give the public ample notice and time to obtain the WHTI-compliant documents.

In addition to a valid US passport, WHTI-compliant documents include a Trusted Traveler Card (NEXUS, SENTRI and FAST), or a Washington State EDL. These are used by residents of areas on the Canadian border who frequently travel between the countries.

The State Dept. is accepting applications for the new Passport Cards and additional states and Canadian provinces will be issuing EDLs in the next several months - all of which are options specifically designed for land and sea border use, according to the Homeland Security department.

Beginning June 1, 2009, DHS will institute special provisions that allow school or other organized groups of children ages 18 and under who are US or Canadian citizens to enter the US with proof of citizenship alone.

Since Jan. 1, US and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older have been asked to present proof of identity and citizenship at land border crossings and arrivals by sea. Children ages 18 and under are currently asked only to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate.

U.S. citizens on cruise voyages that begin 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. (Note: it is still strongly urged for travelers to hold a current/valid passport in case of emergency situation that might make it necessary to debark in a foreign port)

*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.

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.

Visit http://www.dhs.gov/ or http://www.travel.state.gov/.

Thursday, March 6, 2008

High School Reunion Cruise

I am working on my high school 45th. class reunion. Since I am now selling cruises, I was contacted and asked to set up the reunion cruise. Instead of just a land based reunion as in the past, my classmates wanted a Reunion At Sea. The reunion won't be until November but sending out the information and hearing back from my classmate is great. Since my high school was in Orlando, Florida we picked the port closest to there, which is Port Canaveral. Some of the classmates still live in Orlando or have some family there.

Instead of the normal Friday night get together and the Saturday night dinner we will all be together the length of the cruise. It will give us plenty of time to get with our classmates and see what everyone has been up to, are they retired yet, how many grandchildren do they have and just enjoy ourselves. In the past we could move from table to table and quickly talk to our friends and then move on to the next table. Having it all on a cruise will give us plenty of time to really get to renew friendships with our classmates. Reunions are always nice and I am really looking forward to this Reunion At Sea.

Friday, February 1, 2008

New Passport Fees starting February 1, 2008

A passport fee change will take effect February 1, 2008.

Routine Service (Form DS-11)
Age 16 and older:
Old fee - The passport application fee was $67. The execution fee was $30. The total was $97.
New fee - The passport application fee is $75. The execution fee is $25. The total is $100.

Under Age 16:
Old fee - The passport application fee was $52. The execution fee was $30. The total was $82.
New fee - The passport application fee is $60. The execution fee is $25. The total is $85.

Passport Renewal (Form DS-82)
Old fee - The passport renewal application fee was $67.
New Fee - The passport renewal application fee is $75.

Expedited Service - Add $60 for each application, for any service - e.g., first-time application, renewal, additional pages, name change. Additionally, to receive your passport as soon as ossible, we strongly suggest that you arrange overnight delivery service for sending your passport application and returnin your passport to you.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

International Land and Sea Travel Documents

Effective January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizens ages 19 and older should no longer expect that they will be able to prove identity and citizenship by relying on an oral declaration alone. Instead, travelers will be asked to present documents from one of the options below when entering the United States at land or sea ports of entry. Travelers who do not present one of the documents listed below may be delayed as U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers attempt to verify their identity and citizenship.

U.S. and Canadian Citizens – Single Document Option

One of the following documents should be presented to prove both identity and citizenship.
Acceptable Documents as of January 31:

U.S. or Canadian Passport
U.S. Passport Card (Available spring 2008)*
Trusted Traveler Cards (NEXUS, SENTRI, or FAST)*
State or Provincial Issued Enhanced Driver’s License (when available – this secure driver’s license will denote identity and citizenship.)*
Enhanced Tribal Cards (when available)*
U.S. Military Identification with Military Travel Orders
U.S. Merchant Mariner Document
Native American Tribal Photo Identification Card
Form I-872 American Indian Card
Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) Card

* Frequent Land Border Crossers — to expedite processing into the United States, U.S. Customs and Border Protection recommends using one of the above asterisked documents.

U.S. and Canadian Citizens – Two Document Option

All U.S. and Canadian citizens who do not have one of the documents from the list above must present BOTH an identification and citizenship document from each of the columns below.

Identification Documents*

Driver’s license or identification card issued by a federal, state, provincial, county, territory, or municipal authority
U.S. or Canadian military identification card

* All identification documents must have a photo, name and date of birth.

Citizenship Documents

U.S. or Canadian birth certificate issued by a federal, state, provincial, county, territory or municipal authority
U.S. Consular report of birth abroad
U.S. Certificate of Naturalization
U.S. Certificate of Citizenship
U.S. Citizen Identification Card
Canadian Citizenship Card
Canadian certificate of citizenship without photo

U.S. and Canadian Citizens – Procedures for Children

Effective January 31, 2008, U.S. and Canadian citizen children ages 18 and under will be expected to present a birth certificate issued by a federal, state, provincial, county or municipal authority.

For Travelers Other than U.S. and Canadian Citizens

All existing nonimmigrant visa and passport requirements will remain in effect and will not be altered by the changes that are implemented on January 31, 2008.

U.S. Lawful Permanent ResidentsPermanent Resident Card (I-551) or other valid evidence of lawful permanent residence is required.

Mexican Citizens

Mexican citizens, including children, must present a valid passport and a B-1/B-2 nonimmigrant visa or a Border Crossing Card.

Know Your Destination Country Document Requirements

It is strongly recommended that all travelers leaving the U.S. verify the specific documentary requirements for their destination country. This information is available through the Department of State website or by consulting with the Embassy of the country you are visiting to determine what documents are needed to meet the entry requirements of that country. These requirements could include a birth certificate, passport, or passport and visa for entry into that country.

Travelers who do not present one of the documents listed may be delayed as U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers attempt to verify their citizenship and identity.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection will begin the transition to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative secure document requirement over the next 18 months, with implementation as early as June 1, 2009.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

U.S. Passport Card

U.S. citizens may begin applying for the new U.S. Passport Card beginning Feburary 1, 2008. This card will only be valid for land and sea ports-of-entry when arriving from Canada, Mexico the Caribbean and Bermuda. The card may not be used for travel by air. It will otherwise carry the rights and privileges of the U.S.Passport Book, and it looks like the original Passport is now called a Passport Book.

This card is being issued in response to the needs of border resident communities for a less expensive and more portable alternative to the traditional passport book. The card will have the same validity period as a passport book, 10 years for adults and 5 years for children 15 and younger. For adults who already have a passport book, they may apply for the card as a passport renewal and will pay only $20. First time applicants will pay $45 for adult and $35 for children.

If you live in a Southern State bordering Mexico, or a Northern State bordering Canada and travel to and from Mexico or Canada ofter this may be what you want. For cruising I still recommend the Passport Book, as the Passport Card is not valid for air travel back into the United States. If for some reason while you are on a cruise and need to return to the U.S. before the cruise is over, either because of a accident, injury, sickness, or problem at home you will not be able to fly back to the U.S. with the Passport Card as you can with the Passport Book. If you are going on a Alaska Cruise out of Canada and are flying to the cruise port only a Passport Book will allow you to fly to the port.

If you already have a passport book, I would recomment renewing it with another passport book, not the new passport card. If you don't have either and are planning on cruising I would recommend the Passport Book.

Tuesday, January 8, 2008

New Final Boarding Time Policy

This New Policy comes as a result of a new rule mandated by the US Customs and Border Protection. Beginning February 19, 2008, they are requiring all cruise lines to send an electronic transmission of their passenger and crew manifests no later than 60 minutes prior to departure.

NCL is implementing the policy a little early, starting 1/1/08, but all cruise lines will need to comply by February 19…so I wouldn’t be surprised if all of the other cruise lines come out with revised policies shortly.

Royal Caribbean and Celebrity requirements are you are requested to complete the Online Check-In no later than 3 days prior to the cruise. If you do not complete the Online Check-In 3 days prior, you will be required to complete this process at the pier at least two hours prior to the published sailing time. All guest must be checked-in and onboard the ship no later than 90 minutes prior to the published sailing time or you will not be permitted to sail.

Airlines have said to check-in two hours early, now the cruise lines are saying the same thing, all because of extra security.

Guests will not be allowed to board after check-in has been closed. Late arriving guests may join the ship at an approved port of call in the scheduled cruise itineary. Travel to that subsequent port of call will be at the guests' expense.

Friday, January 4, 2008

Security when traveling.

Be very careful when traveling, especially to places you have never been to before. You may not know which areas of your destenation you should avoid.

Some places are especially prone to pickpockets. Use security wallets inside your clothes, and before you leave home make a copy of your license, credit cards, etc. both front and back. You will know what you had in your wallet and all of the account numbers and phone numbers to call to cancel. Take the copy with you on your trip.

When you leave your hotel or cruise ship don't carry every credit card you own, leave all but one card locked in the hotel or ship safe. If something happens and you are robbed, you stil will have backup cards to use. Don't take your debit cards, use only your credit cards.

If your wallet or credit card is stolen You should cancel your credit cards immediately, and the key is having the toll free numbers and your card numbers handy so you know whom to call. Keep those copies where you can access them on your trip. Call the 3 national credit reporting organizations immediately to place a fraud alert on your name and Social Security number. File a police report immediately in the jurisdiction where your credit cards, etc., were stolen. This proves to credit providers you were diligent, and this is a first step toward an investigation (if there ever is one).

Here are the numbers to the 3 national credit crporting organizations you will need to contact about your wallet, credit cards, etc, if it has been stolen:
1.) Equifax: 1-800-525-6285
2.) Experian (formerly TRW): 1-888-397-3742
3.) Trans Union: 1-800-680-7289
4.) Social Security Administration (fraud line): 1-800-269-0271

If you are traveling with your passport, you should have a copy of it also and put it with the copy of the license, credit card, etc.