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.
Thursday, May 15, 2008
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
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.
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.
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/.
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.
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.
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.
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