Come aboard and sail away on a ship, barge or yacht. At sea, on a canal or river cruise, Atlas has hand picked travel partners for you to enjoy the best value & experience. Our travel specialists arrange adventures such as luxurious canal cruising sipping wine and savoring the cuisine in Burgundy, to world-class programs onboard luxury yachts and award winning cruise lines. Search for penguins in Antarctica, see majestic glaciers in Alaska, explore wildlife on a Galapagos cruise, or embrace the pleasure of sailing the Mediterranean or the Baltic. Refined & relaxing, the world of cruising offers authentic experiences onboard & ashore.
Call 800-942-3301 to begin planning a cruise vacation.
You may have heard the great benefit of taking a cruise is that you unpack once, & move from destination to destination. While that is REALLY convenient, there are some other benefits to cruising you may not know.
Ease. Not having to pack and unpack is only part of it….It is fantastic to wake up every morning in an exciting new port without having to get on buses, planes or trains to get there. Each day brings a new adventure. You can enjoy ship activities, dining, and spectacular views in transit to the next destination.
Value. Cruising is a great value. You pay one price and your room, dining and entertainment are included in that price. You will find cruise ships offer great cuisine as part of your cruise price.
Variety. There are so many new cruise ships with all different kind of activities and styles. Anyone can find a cruise that fits their dreams and their wallets. Cruise destinations vary from sun and fun, to educational, to wildlife and adventure and to everything in-between.
Entertainment. There is no end to the entertainment on cruise ships. You could keep yourself busy all day everyday with the different shows and activities. Families traveling together have all kinds of options. Many ships have children’s “camps” that entertain the kids and let parents enjoy some time on their own. Many of the ships also offer lecture series that allow passengers valuable insight and history about different destinations or other exciting topics.
Social. For outgoing people and even some shy people, cruising has an opportunity to meet some fascinating people. Many people have found great friends on board that they remain in touch with for years after. Some people have even been known to cruise again with their new friends they met on a cruise.
Whatever vacation and destination dreams you have, there is a cruise that will meet your needs.
For months now we have seen the trend of cruise lines “going green,” eliminating paper documents and going to E-docs only. Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean were the latest to announce the change.
I certainly don’t have an issue with going green, but some of our local clients do not have access to computers. What then? The cruise lines want between $25 and $35 to print and ship documents. Clients are upset and I don’t blame them. Why not include the documents in the price? What about luggage tags? Clients are supposed to print them out on a sheet of paper, cut it to size and tape the ends together until they get to the pier. Really?
Clearly clients should be given a choice. If they have cruised often and only want their boarding passing, then let them elect E-docs, but for clients that have no computer, printer or prefer written materials, there should be no additional charge.
When asked for comments at the end of your next cruise, make sure and mention this document issue, or if you have time, write a letter to the cruise lines you frequent, as this policy will not change unless they are aware how unhappy the public is about it.
Perhaps a better way to go green is for cruise lines not to print so many cruise brochures. You can always visit a travel agent or even a library to obtain inital cruise information online, but once booked, you should receive detailed documents from the cruise line.
We still have clients that are traveling without passports. Although this is okay on cruises that start and end in the same port for now, you have to take into consideration that should you need to fly home in the middle of the cruise from one of the islands due to an emergency, you would need a passport.
If you don’t want to spend the money on a traditional passport, we suggest the U.S. Passport Card. It is wallet size, and will allow you to enter the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Cairbbean and Bremuda. International air travel would still require a passport. The passport card is convenient, and costs less than the passport book.
The U.S. Passport Card is good for 10 years for adults and 5 years for childen under the age of 16. The card costs $45 for the first application for adtuls and $35 for children. Adults who already have a passport book may apply for the card as a passport renewl by mail and pay only $20.
How to apply:
If you currently have or previously had a U.S. passport book, you might be able to apply for a passport card by mail. Note that in this scenario you will use a passport renewal form (DS-82) even if you’re applying for your first passport card.
If you have never had a passport book, or you do not meet the requirements to apply by mail using Form DS-82, you may apply for a passport card in person using Form DS-11.
Few vacations offer a greater value than a cruise+ vacation. You don’t have to worry about packing and unpacking, booking a hotel or wandering around an unfamiliar city in search of a restaurant or things to do. Cruises provide it all: meals, accommodations and entertainment. Sail into new ports of call while you sit back, relax and get pampered, all at an affordable price.
It’s a Disney Cruise Line® first! The Disney Wonder® Cruise Ship is sailing to Alaska for a four-month season of 7-night cruises in 2011. Departing out of Vancouver, B.C., the ship will call on popular ports such as Juneau, Ketchikan and Skagway.
The first Alaskan cruise sets sail on May 3, 2011, with the last cruise of the season scheduled for Aug. 30, 2011.
Bookings open to the general public on Sept. 28, 2009. If you are Castaway Club members who’ve completed five or more sailings with Disney Cruise Line, you can book as early as Sept. 21, 2009. Early bookings are available by phone only. Bookings open to the general public on Sept. 28, 2009, so let us know if you would like to be placed on a wait-list.
Before and after the 2011 summer season in Alaska, the Disney Wonder will sail seven-night Mexican Riviera cruises from the Port of Los Angeles to Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlan and Puerto Vallarta.
In response to guest demand, the Disney Magic will once again return to the Mediterranean in 2011 with 10- and 11-night cruises sailing out of Barcelona. In addition to popular ports in Italy, France and Spain, the Disney Magic will visit Tunis in northern Africa and the island nation of Malta.
“We’re excited to offer this incredible choice of itineraries for 2011, with cruise vacation options for every family – whether that’s outdoor adventure in Alaska, the beauty and culture of Europe, folklore and pageantry of Mexico or tropical fun in the Caribbean,” said Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz. “The unique advantage of Disney Cruise Line is that we offer a customized ship experience that brings families together, while still catering to the personalized vacation needs of every guest who sails with us.”
Disney Cruise Line also will offer a number of repositioning cruises and special sailings in 2011, including a 15-night Panama Canal crossing, two 14-night transatlantic voyages, a five- and six-night cruise from Los Angeles to Vancouver, and Vancouver to Los Angeles, with first-ever stops in San Francisco and Victoria, B.C., and 10- and 11-night holiday sailings to the Mexican Riviera and the eastern Caribbean.
Departing out of Vancouver, the Disney Wonder will sail a total of 18 seven-night cruises to Alaska for the 2011 summer season, calling on Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan.
As part of the new Alaska itinerary, Disney Cruise Line guests will be able to experience breathtaking natural vistas, an abundance of wildlife and the rich history and customs of Alaska’s native culture. On their Alaskan adventure, guests may catch a glimpse of a brown bear, bald eagle or humpback whale, and explore magnificent glaciers and fjords in Juneau. In Ketchikan, guests can fish for some of the largest wild salmon in the world and learn about local culture through hand-carved totem poles. In Skagway, Disney Cruise Line guests can traverse panoramic landscapes by railway, or pan for gold like miners from the famous Klondike gold rush.
The first-ever Disney cruise to Alaska will depart on May 3 with the last cruise of the season scheduled for Aug. 30. Rates for the seven-night Alaskan itinerary start at $939 per person for a standard inside stateroom, based on double occupancy.
To prepare for the Alaska sailings, a brand-new venue called Outlook Cafe will be added to the Disney Wonder during dry dock in October. Located high atop deck 10, the 2,500-square-foot Outlook Cafe is a stylish retreat for guests to relax and enjoy a beverage or cocktail as they peer out through floor-to-ceiling, curved glass windows at breathtaking vistas. The design of Outlook Cafe is sophisticated with contemporary Art Deco inspiration. An elegant spiral staircase connects Outlook Cafe with the existing Cove Cafe one deck below. The 65-seat lounge has a granite-topped cocktail bar with comfortable seating throughout the space, all providing picture-perfect views of the surrounding landscapes.
There are so many different cruise lines, ships and destinations, that choosing the right cruise can be confusing. Year after year, it amazes me how some clients love a particular ship, and another will take the same cruise a few weeks later, and not like it at all. It is a reminder that although you may get opinions from your family and friends, you should also seek the knowledge of a cruise expert who can give you the hard facts about each cruise line and ship to determine if you are making the right choice for your individual wants and needs.
There are many factors to consider when selecting a trip. What you need to determine is what is most important to you. Here is a useful list of some of the things you should consider before making your decision:
How much time do you have?
Are you trying to stay within a certain budget?
Are you willing to fly, or do you want the port to be driving distance from your home?
Are there particular places that you want to visit?
Do you enjoy certain activities such as scuba diving, hiking or shopping that you want to be able to do while on your trip?
Are you looking to experience history or another culture?
Do you have a particular interest or passion in something such as art, architecture, wildlife or cuisine?
Do you have children traveling with you, where you would be looking for family friendly activities?
What type of accommodations are you accustomed to? Do you normally stay in a W or Four Seasons, or a Marriott or Hilton, or perhaps a Comfort Suites or Residence Inn? When you stay at these hotels do you normally book a regular room, or do you book a suite with concierge services?
Are you looking for a large ship that has a variety of onboard activities, or are you looking for a smaller, more intimate experience?
Once you have answered these questions, then you should consider which are your top priorities. I had clients recently who wanted an upscale cabin for their 10th anniversary. A suite on a 7 day cruise exceeded their budget, so they booked a suite on a 4 night cruise instead. They were not willing to compromise the accommodations for a longer trip on this special occasion. Many senior citizens in our area have been to the Caribbean 10+ times on various different ships. They want inexpensive to be able to go and gamble, play bridge and spend time with friends. The cheapest inside cabins are usually fine. They also usually travel in groups, so they say they spend little time in their cabins, where the anniversary couple clearly wanted time alone and to be pampered. So you see how everyone’s idea of a perfect cruise is quite different.
This list is a great place to start, and then consult an experienced travel agent. Cruising has always provided a great value, and I have found in the past year that many premium and upscale cruise lines have dropped prices to stimulate business, so you may be able to enjoy a cruise line or an upgraded cabin you normally wouldn’t even consider, since the prices are much more reasonable than in years past. A cruise specialist can present you with the latest promotions and give you everything you need to compare your options, and pick the right cruise.
Cruises are an excellent value. Food, entertainment and many onboard activities are included in the price of the trip. Still, it is easy to overspend if you’re not careful.
Where can the spending add up? Watch the beverages, shore excursions, spa treatments and items ship sell onboard. Many are over priced.
Talk to your travel agent about the port you are visiting and read online blogs. In many islands you can just walk off the ship for shopping and beaches, where on others you will want to buy an excursion or take a cab.
Spa: Want a relaxing massage or facial? Regular prices are about 20 to 30% higher than you would pay at a local spa. The best time for a Spa treatment is the days you are in port, where they will run $20 to $60 off per treatment. Keep in mind even if you have an excursion planned for the day, the spa is open until 10 p.m. Try to avoid getting your hair & nails done onboard. They are expensive and usually do not offer any specials on these services. Also, they will try to sell you products at the end of your treatment. Ask questions and write the name of the items down but purchase it when you get home. You can usually find cheaper price on the internet. Elemis for example often offers 10% off on online purchases.
Consider purchasing packages, such as the soda, wine, beer, coffee or ice cream programs. I was recently on a 7 day cruise where it cost $29 per person. When you consider that each soda costs $3, and my husband usually drinks a minimum of 5 per day, he easily would have spent $80 or $90 on soda versus the $29. Tea, coffee, milk & juice is free onboard, but name brand coffee such as Seattle Best or specialty coffee drinks, there is an additional charge. Ice cream can be ordered each night in the dining room with your choice of topping and whip cream, so perhaps pass on the $3.50 ice cream sundae and wait for dessert. You can always order 2 desserts if something else on the menu interest you. Chocolate cake with a side of vanilla ice cream perhaps?
Internet: Wifi connections are great on the newer ships, but again this can get expensive. Purchase a package prior to using the internet. Minutes can go for over .70 if you do not purchase a package, but drop down to .30 to .50 on average depending on usage if you buy one of their packages. Some ships run specials the first day of the cruise where you get 10 to 30 minutes free if you sign up for a package that day so check your cruise bulletin.
Specialty dining: In recent years ships have now offer restaurants that have a cover charge. The food & service in these venues are usually top notch, but if you are on a budget, you can skip it without being cheated. It’s not that $20 or $25 is not worth it for Brazilian Lobster or Kobe beef, but depending on the ship you are on, there is usually a great selection in the regular dining room without paying additional. The menu’s are posted early each day outside of the dining room, so take a look and see what interests you. If you don’t feel like dressing up, then the buffet usually has the same items being offered in the formal dining room.
Gratuities: Your bar bill include 15% tip each time you order. There is no need to tip additional money, unless you feel the service is “above and beyond.”
Watch the casino! Cruise lines are making it easier for you to spend your money. On many ships, In the slot machines, you just insert your room key and you can deduct the amount you’d like right from your account. It is harder to keep track of how much you are spending versus using cash, since no receipt prints out. Best bet is to have a budget in mind for each night, take cash and walk out when it’s gone.
Last but not least shopping. Although items onboard are duty free, chances are you can purchase the items cheaper in port. You can “negotiate” with local vendors most of the time to get the price down, where on the ship it is a fixed price. Also be aware of the shopping allowance per person. When visiting the Caribbean, you are eligible for a $800 pp exemption. You may also bring back 1 liter of alcohol, up to 200 cigarettes and up to 100 non-Cuban cigars. You will be asked to complete a form prior to disembarking the ship that explains all of these exemptions. Keep all of your receipts handy just in case you are questioned by customs.
Children can spend hours in the kids club, and adults can spend an entire cruise vacation, reading, watching movies, swimming, watching live entertainment and eating, at no additional cost.
Royal Caribbean Cruises Launches New Ad Campaign…cruise line will phase their “Get Out There” slogan in exchange for “The Nation of Why Not?” The company launched print advertising on November 10th, and will be followed by TV ads as well as a web site: www.nationofwhynot.com The tv commercials are meant to highlight all the different places in the world you can visit on a Royal Caribbean cruise & also pointing out that the ships are a destination as well with surfing, rock climbing, ice skating & more. So RCCL is asking the question “Why Not” climb a glacier in Alaska or “Why Not” rock climb while in the middle of the Pacific ocean? “Why Not” stroll along the Boardwalk or Central Park aboard the new Oasis of the Seas coming out late 2009?
Royal Caribbean offers vacations in the Caribbean, Bermuda, Canada, Alaska, Asia, South America, Europe, Australia & New Zealand. Atlas offers exclusive amenities on most RCCL cruises.
As of October 1st, 2008, Celebrity Cruises smoking policy does not permit smoking in staterooms, corridors or on stateroom verandas. The policy also reduced the number of public areas in which guests can smoke. Each ship will offer a few specific lounges & outdoor areas. Cigar smokers will only have one designated area, which will be outdoors. Those caught violating the policy will be charged $250.
Celebrity made this decision after surveying previous guests & feel this will result in a cleaner, fresher & healthier environment on their ships. Do you agree with this policy?
Come aboard and sail away on a ship, barge or yacht. At sea, on a canal or river cruise, Atlas has hand picked travel partners for you to enjoy the best value & experience. Our travel specialists arrange adventures such as luxurious canal cruising sipping wine and savoring the cuisine in Burgundy, to world-class programs onboard luxury yachts and award winning cruise lines. Search for penguins in Antarctica, see majestic glaciers in Alaska, explore wildlife on a Galapagos cruise, or embrace the pleasure of sailing the Mediterranean or the Baltic. Refined & relaxing, the world of cruising offers authentic experiences onboard & ashore.
You may have heard the great benefit of taking a cruise is that you unpack once, & move from destination to destination. While that is REALLY convenient, there are some other benefits to cruising you may not know.
For months now we have seen the trend of cruise lines “going green,” eliminating paper documents and going to E-docs only. Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean were the latest to announce the change.
We still have clients that are traveling without passports. Although this is okay on 
Children can spend hours in the kids club, and adults can spend an entire cruise vacation, reading, watching movies, swimming, watching live entertainment and eating, at no additional cost.
As of October 1st, 2008, Celebrity Cruises smoking policy does not permit smoking in staterooms, corridors or on stateroom verandas. The policy also reduced the number of public areas in which guests can smoke. Each ship will offer a few specific lounges & outdoor areas. Cigar smokers will only have one designated area, which will be outdoors. Those caught violating the policy will be charged $250.
