Making $ense out of Cruise Pricing

Let's face it, cruise pricing can be confusing and downright overwhelming.  Everyone is looking for the best bang for the buck these days.  Cruise lines are doing their best to fill their ships.

Free upgrades, on board credits, etc. all sound wonderful.  But, are they really free?

Here is a quick lesson in Cruise pricing 101.

First, the cruise lines break out the prices.  They advertise the "Cruise Fare".  This is the amount they charge that does not include the taxes.

Not all cruise fares are created equal.  For example, a cruise may be advertise a specific type of cabin for one low rate.  They may also have a special offer for an on board credit.  When the cruise line adds an offer of an on board credit, the rate for that same room will be higher.

This is not to say that the cruise lines are being dishonest.  It also does not mean that the offers are not valuable.  It just means that one needs to look at the differences in pricing and see what is most beneficial to their individual needs.  There have been times that a quick calculation has shown the "higher" cruise fare with an offer has been a lower per diem and better value for the guest.

When shopping around for cruise pricing, one needs to decide if they want to pay the least out of pocket or get the best value.  There can be a difference.  A cruise specialist can guide you through making the right decision.

Carnival Magic FUN!

We just returned from the Carnival Magic Inaugural event in Galveston on Sunday, November 13, 2011.  What an amazing ship!  There are many words to describe the Carnival Magic, but we decided to go with three:

• Fabulous
• Ultra
• Natty

The ship is truly Fabulous.  All of the favorite features from other Carnival ships have been improved or expanded.  One example of this is the new Lanai area which offers an outdoor area to the Promenade.

The new features added make the Carnival Magic the Ultra Carnival ship.  One of the most popular new features is the Red Frog Pub.  It even has its own beer (Thirsty Frog) brewed exclusively for Carnival.

The layout of the public areas have been improved and create a Natty flow.  No longer do crowds have to make their way through the folks enjoying a beverage in the Promenade or diners in the Pool area.  A great improvement.

The ship definitely offers Fun for All and All for Fun!

Vacation Time for Your Pet too!

When planning a vacation, it is important to make arrangements for pets that will not be making the trip.  Nowadays, there are options other than the standard crate at the local vet.  A house/pet sitter is a great answer.  However, that is not always an option.   Many areas now offer pet hotels and resorts that are very reasonably priced.

Early planning is essential.  Take the time to research the facilities and even visit ahead of time if able.  Things to consider when choosing a place for your four-legged family member include:

• Type of accommodations - some offer indoor/outdoor "suites"
• How much playtime will be included - you may be able to purchase additional time 
• What other amenities are included - treats, one-on-one time, etc.

Different facilities and areas have various requirements for boarding.  Be sure to keep your pet up on current vaccinations as most will require to see the records.  

If time allows, schedule a day trip or short stay for your pet.  They get to become familiar with the staff and you get to feel at ease knowing how they are cared for in a short stay.

Think of it as planning a vacation for your pet and it will lessen the anxiety for both of you.

Exercise - Take it or Leave it when on Vacation?

Many folks have regular or semi- regular exercise schedules.  Do you think about your exercise regime when planning a vacation?  Nowadays, there is no reason to leave it all behind.  Unless, of course, that is one of the reasons for getting away.

Today, most hotels and resorts offer exercise rooms with the standard equipment.  Many of the moderate to upscale resorts even have personal trainers available for assistance.

The cruise lines also offer ships with a wide variety of workout options.  Some of the top of the line equipment can be found at sea.  If you prefer to have an instructor, be sure to visit the spa or watch the daily newsletter to see what days and times your class will be offered.  Note, some of the classes are an additional fee.

What is your preference?  Will you take your workout or leave it when you travel?  If it is a must go, a travel professional can assist in finding the best  resort/ship that will fit your exercise needs.

Relax, you're on vacation!

Connie Sims
Sims Family Tours & Travel
www.simsfamtrav.com
info@simsfamtrav.com

Traveling with a Passion

Everyone loves a vacation!  Time to get away from everyday schedules and chores.  Time to do something fun.  Doing something fun can have several meanings.  Some prefer to hang by the pool or beach.  Others like to do extensive shopping trips.  Some enjoy visiting historic places and museums.  There are vacations for all of these and more.

Some vacations can even take on a theme.  For example, Jimmy Buffett fans may enjoy visiting all the various Margaritaville Cafe locations.  While the trip itself may not have been designed specifically for that, it is fun to include these stops along the way.  Kind of like collecting sea shells from different beaches.

There are a variety of passions or hobbies that can add a little fun and playfulness.  Start a new trend on your next trip.

Full service vs. Self service - Makes Travel $ense

With everyone's busy schedules nowadays, it just makes sense to do things that help to free up time.  The current economy also makes it important to find the best value.

Planning a vacation is one of the activities that can take up a lot of time.  Especially when research is involved for new destinations and types of vacations.

This is where a Travel Agent/Consultant or whatever other term may be used to describe them comes in as a valuable time saving tool.  The education and day to day experience that agents have afford them the ability to offer suggestions on the type of vacation that is being considered.

We often hear "but that is the same price as the website".  Here is where the added value comes in.  Does the website personally respond to emails, answer the phone, return calls?  Will the website offer unbiased opinions and alternative suggestions?  Will the website be there after the deposit is made to answer questions?   Try getting the website to file a complaint after travel on something that may have gone wrong.

Think of it this way.  When driving down the road and the full service gas station is offering the same price as the self service station, which would you prefer?

Sims Family Tours & Travel - Cruise Specialists

We often get asked how we got started in the business as cruise specialists.  We have been in the cruise business for over 8 years.  Bob and I are ACC (Accredited Cruise Counselor) and MCC (Master Cruise Counselor) certified by the Cruise Lines International Association.  We have also completed Carnival Cruise Lines University and Royal Caribbean's University of WOW programs.  In order to stay on top of the latest trends and changes in the industry, we are continually attending webinars and seminars that are offered by the cruise lines.  Along with our ongoing education, we have personally been on over 20 cruises on multiple cruise lines.  Nothing compares to actually being there. 

As cruise specialists, we are able to offer our unbiased opinion and suggestions to our clients in order to ensure they are cruising on the ship and itinerary that will make for a great vacation.

If you are considering a cruise vacation, please feel free to email us to discuss your plans.

Connie
cruises@simsfamtrav.com
Cruise Specialist
http://cruises.simsfamtrav.com

A few Romantic Aspects of Cruising for Valentines Day

Ever since the Love Boat days, cruising has had romantic appeal.  Some folks would lead you to believe that there cannot possibly be any romantic time when cruising on some of the larger ships.  However, if you know your way around, there is always a "private" spot that can be found.  Many times when cruising with my husband, we have been amazed at how often we are actually the only two people in the public area.  Some other romantic aspects of cruising are:

1.  Private islands - Many of the cruise lines today have their own private island that they call on.  While you will still be visiting the island with the other cruisers, you will still be able to enjoy the less crowded and unspoiled beauty of the beaches.

2.  Balcony accommodations - Nothing quite like breakfast for two on your own private balcony.  So relaxing and romantic overlooking the water.  And, depending upon the location of your balcony, you may also enjoy a private viewing of a sunset.  Does it get more romantic than that?

3.  Specialty Dining Venues - Many of the larger ships now have specialty restaurants on board.  These offer a more upscale and romantic dining experience that are very popular for special occasions.

4.  Weddings and Vow Renewals - Once again, most of the cruise lines have programs in place where you can get married on board or at one of the ports.  Have a special anniversary?  You can also book a romantic vow renewal ceremony.

These are just a few of the many romantic aspects of cruising.  Consult your travel professional for more details.

See you on board!

Connie
Sims Family Tours & Travel
"Where Vacations are Waiting to Happen!"
http://cruises.simsfamtrav.com 

Fun Cozumel Shore Excursion - Dune Buggy Exploration

Recently, while cruising on the Carnival Glory, we decided to look for a different Cozumel shore excursion.  Most of our previous visits had been to head to town for usual shopping visit and stop at Senor Frogs.  We found a favorite with the Dune Buggy tour.  This Cozumel shore excursion took us to parts of the island we had never seen before.  The beaches we saw were so uncrowded and absolutely beautiful.  We thought we were in our own Corona commercial! 

I would highly recommend this for a truly fun and unique way to see Cozumel.  Another Cozumel shore excursions that you may want to consider would be one of the many snorkeling options available.  Or, if time allows, hop the ferry and head to Playa del Carmen for the afternoon.

There are many Cozumel shore excursions to choose from.  We recommend checking out Shore Trips when looking at your options.  They offer professional service and a variety of trips.

See you on board!
Connie, MCC
Sims Family Tours & Travel - "Where Vacations are Waiting to Happen!"