Ten Reasons to Book a Cruise Now!

Are you dreaming of fantastic dream vacation - Ten reasons why now is the right time. (1) Unprecedented Low Pricing - major cruise lines have slashed prices. 20 to 50% off 2009 or early 2010 cruises.MSC Cruises offers 'Kids Sail Free'. (2) Cruise Vacation Inclusivity - cruise fares include accommodations, dining, entertainment,special experiences such as the Captain's Cocktail Reception for all inclusive price. Some luxury lines include extra perks, complimentary alcoholic beverages such a mini-bar in your cabin, wine with dinner, pre-paid gratuities & complimentary shore outings. (3) Airfare Inclusions or Assistance - either low fares or free air - depends on the special. (4) Special Programs - if you have a hobby or special interest,likely there is a cruse to match- ballroom dancing, quilting, music festivals, NASCAR. (5) Cash Back and/or Large Ship Board Credits - extra cash credited to your on board account is very handy when buying items in the gift shop or pay for a shore excursion. (6) Affordable Cruise Vacations to Europe! - traveling to Europe can be pricey because of the exchange rate for EUROS. Consider a European Cruise on a major cruise line and pay in US dollars. (7) Many Cruise Lines offering Advance Discounts by booking 6 months or more in advance. Avalon Waterways is offering $1000 per couple of 2010 cruises if booked by June 30, 2009. (8) High Customer Satisfaction - a survey conducted by CLIA (www.cruising.org) reports customers returning from their cruise with 95% satisfaction rate. (9) Job Loss Guarantees are included within travel insurance options (10) Book Your Next Cruise and Earn a Free Cruise when you have 7 other couples join you!

Are You License To Sail?

If you are cruising after June 1, 2009, you may meet the new requirements without a US Passport. How so? US Passport Card. This might just be your ticket for cruising when you have not desire to cruise. It's because of WHTI. What's that you say? It's the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative which is a result of the Intelligence Regorm & Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. The goal is to help facilitate entry of US citizens and legitimate foreign visitors by providing a standardized document allowing Department of Homeland Security to quickly identify you. Click on the link I've added to this blog. If you need assistance with getting this US Passport Card for your next trip, let me know.

US Air Raises Baggage Fees!

In July US Airways will start charging $20 for the first checked bag under 50 pounds, $5 more than the current $15 charge. The fee for a second checked bag will rise from $25 to $30.
Fees for luggage weighing between 51 and 70 pounds will now be $70 for the first bag and $80 for the second bag. Baggage checked online will cost $15 for the first bag and $25 for the second bag.

According to US Airways the new fees mirror changes announced by United Airlines.

Celebrity's $10M Refreshment for the Millennium!

Celebrity Cruises is rolling out a series of new design schemes on Celebrity Millennium during a $10-million "refresh" this year.
The ship will emerge from a 12-day drydock on May 22 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada, with new carpeting throughout the entire ship, and new upholstery in every stateroom, on the Lido deck, in the Celebrity Theatre and in the main dining room.

Additionally, all marble and stone floors and counter areas will be renewed, and all wood hand rails on the ship's verandas and pool deck areas will be newly varnished. New decking also is being installed across the pool deck, outdoor stage, dance floor and jogging track.

When the Millennium emerges from drydock every suite will be equipped with 32-inch LED flat-panel TVs, while Concierge-class staterooms will boast 26-inch versions of the TVs. Also, all drapes, bed skirts and bed throws will be replaced in every suite and stateroom.

By October, new upholstery will adorn furnishings in the ship's retail areas, the Grand Foyer and every lounge, and the 26-inch LED flat-panel TVs will be added to all staterooms.

The "refreshed" Celebrity Millennium, which was inaugurated at the turn of the 21st century, will sail in Alaska beginning May 22 on a series of seven-night cruises roundtrip from Vancouver. The ship will then sail a series of seven-night Southbound Alaska sailings to and from Vancouver and Seward through September.

Cruising from the port of San Juan, Puerto Rico?

I love cruising from this port. Why? Because one it's a commonwealth of the United States. Second, it is amazing to see the San Felipe del Morro when cruising out of or into Old San Juan. Old San Juan has cobbled streets where you can explore shops, restaurants as well as walk to the El Morro fort. Here you can picnic, fly kites or just contemplate life. You'll need good stable walking shoes. I've added a link to this post so you can take a look at some video tours. Royal Caribbean, Carnival as well as few other cruise lines sail from this port. This allows you to explore the Southern Caribbean which includes Barbados, Antigua, Dominican Republic, Aruba & Curacao. If possible try to stay an extra day or two to enjoy the beautiful white sand beach in the Isla Verde area or check out El Yunque National Forest - a beautiful tropical rain forest. Low cruise rates are available for the fall 2009! Use my Cruise Finder to explore current rates. Don't forget to register to Win A Free Cruise!

Beautiful Pink Beaches in Bermuda!

This magnificent stretch of beach lives up to its name as it is close to half a mile of Bermuda’s famous pink sand and dunes. It’s a favorite location for early morning swimmers, joggers and the occasional horseback riders. The steep cliffs and shrubbery that cover the hills offer some privacy to sun bathers, and a nearby playground is a must for children as a substitute for the heavy surf. Bay Grape and Cedar trees make up the main vegetation a haven for bird life, so it is a wonderful bird watching area. Snorkel equipment is available to rent from Warwick Long Bay Beach Rentals from May 1 - October 30.

Titanic Exhibit Opens In Bermuda

I thought you might enjoy this tidbit of information. Did you know Bermuda is celebrating their 400th Anniversary?
If you are interested in the Titanic and perhaps loves history and geography like me, you may be interested in checking out the Bermuda Underwater Exploration Institute.

Check it out: http://www.buei.org/