 |
| CATEGORIES
|
 |
|
| TOUR OPERATOR
|
|
|
CRUISE LINES
|
|
|
|
 |
Posts Tagged ‘Cruises’
Tuesday, March 9th, 2010
 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.
Tags: Amp Experience, Atlas, Authentic Experiences, Barge, Burgundy, Cruise, cruise blog, Cruise Line, cruise lines, Cruise Reviews, Cruise Ship, cruise vacation, Cruises, cruising, Cuisine, galapagos cruise, Luxury Yachts, Majestic Glaciers, Mediterranean, Penguins, Penguins In Antarctica, Pleasure, river cruise, Travel Partners, Travel Specialists, Wine, Yacht
Posted in Cruises | No Comments »
Monday, January 4th, 2010
Never Cruised Before?
 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.
Other cruise vacation posts you may find helpful:
Cruise Versus Land Vacation package
Choosing the Right Cruise Ship
Cruise Money Saving Tips
Free Things to Do on A Cruise
Tags: about cruising, Cruise, cruise advice, cruise blog, cruise information, cruise lines, Cruise Reviews, cruise ships, cruise tips, cruise vacations, Cruises, first time cruise
Posted in Cruises | 3 Comments »
Sunday, December 27th, 2009
 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.
Tags: Cruise, cruise blog, cruise documents, cruise edocs, Cruises, travel blog, Travel Deals, travel tips
Posted in Cruise News | 2 Comments »
Thursday, December 17th, 2009
 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.
Tags: 10 Years, Adults, Apply For A Passport, Bremuda, Canada Mexico, Cards, Childen, Cruise, Cruises, Fly, International Air Travel, Mail Note, Money, Passport Book, passport card, passport cards, Passport Form, Passport Renewal Form, Passport Renewl, Passports, Travel Advice, travel blog, travel documents, travel requirments, travel tips, U S Passport, us passport card, us passport cards, Wallet Size
Posted in Travel Advice | 3 Comments »
Saturday, November 21st, 2009
 I just came back from sailing onboard the Oasis of the Seas today. I have been fortunate enough to preview a lot of ships over the years, but never have I seen so much media presence and excitement among those on-board. Crews and TV personalities from several shows including Good Morning America and Entertainment Tonight were there to capture the world’s largest cruise ship. Rihanna performed a live concert in the Opal Theater for VIP guests and contest winners.
In the coming weeks we will be writing several blogs – one for each of the seven neighborhoods onboard the ship, giving you important details about dining, entertainment and more, as well as providing you video of each neighborhood, so that you can see the ship first hand.
For today, I merely wanted to share my overall impression of the Oasis of the Seas. Although I realize that this size ship is not for everyone, Royal Caribbean achieved their vision of creating a personal experience for each cruiser. Guests can stroll bustling boulevards and entertainment districts, lounge around the pool or relax in a tree filled park. The ship is organized in such a way, that each neighborhood seems to transport you to a new destination. I applaud Royal Caribbean for their innovation!
Stay tuned to our blog, Flickr and the Altas Cruises & Tours Youtube channel, for more details on the Oasis of the Seas.
You can also start planning your Oasis of the Seas cruise vacation now ! Or Find amazing Cruise Deals !
Tags: Amp, Boulevards, Contest Winners, cruise deals, cruise vacation, Cruises, Dining Entertainment, Entertainment Districts, Entertainment Tonight, Excitement, Flickr, Good Morning America, Largest Cruise Ship, Media Presence, Neighborhood, New Destination, Oasis, Oasis of the Seas, oasis of the seas cruise ship, oasis of the seas itinerary, oasis of the seas pictures, oasis of the seas review, oasis of the seas reviews, oasis of the seas video, Personal Experience, Royal Caribbean, Ships, Tv Personalities, Vip Guests
Posted in Cruise News, Cruise Reviews, Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean | 3 Comments »
Tuesday, November 17th, 2009
 Zagat recently released result from their 1st cruise line survey to 2,379 cruise lovers that had taken an average of 9+ cruises each. The survey included question on more than 22 major cruise lines. We could fine no details on the average age of these cruisers, which could strongly influence their vote. Older cruises seem to want small ships and a more upscale experience.
The top cruise lines, based on overall scores were Cunard (large ship), Regent Seven Seas (mid-sized ships) and SeaDream Yacht Club (small ships.)
When asked for their personal favorites, the surveyors chose Royal Caribbean (large ship,) Crystal (mid-size) and Windstar (small ships.)
Setting Course: When choosing a cruise line, 88% of surveyors say that Ports of Call is their principal consideration, with Past Experience (81%) and Ticket Price (80%) following close behind. Other major issues are Cruise Duration (72%), Dates (69%) and Balcony/Deluxe Room Availability (64%). Departure Ports are cited by 61% of surveyors, with Ship Size and Activities tying at 58%.
Staying Afloat: As a result of the recession, many lines lowered their prices. The three named as “best for budget cruises” are Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises and Norwegian Cruise Line in that order. When asked how the economy has affected their cruising, 47% say they’re looking for better values, while 23% report cruising less. Surveyors report these alternate ways to be cost-conscious: 20% are limiting their excursions, 19% are choosing cruises that depart closer to home, 15% cut back on what’s included in their packages, 10% choose less expensive rooms and 5% take shorter cruises. A lucky 18% say the recession hasn’t affected their cruising habits, while an unlucky 19% say they “don’t cruise enough to have habits yet.”
Choppy Water: Although cruising is all about feeling good and relaxing, we asked surveyors about their top complaints: crowds/lines (23%), embarking/disembarking (15%), other passengers’ behavior (12%), bad food (11%), poor service (11%), room sizes (5%), smoking (4%) and extra charges (3%). Surprisingly, bad weather, motion sickness, ship size and fixed dining times were not serious concerns.
Other things surveyed ranged from top live entertainment, top fitness centers, top nightlife and top spa services. Here is a quick over view of some of these interesting results:
Best for Families: #1 Disney, #2 Royal Caribbean & #3 Carnival Cruise Line
Best for Seniors: #1 Holland America, #2 Cunard Line & #3 Celebrity Cruises
Best for Expedition Cruises: #1 Celebrity Cruises, #2 Princess Cruises & #3 Holland America Line
Top Itinerary Choice: #1 Cunard Line, #2 Holland America & #3 Celebrity Cruises
Top Nightlife: #1 Disney Cruise Line, #2 Royal Caribbean & #3 Cunard
Best for Romantic/Honeymoon: #1 Cunard Line, #2 Celebrity Cruises & #3 Princess Cruises
I found the nightlife results quiet interesting, as Disney does not offer a casino, so what type of nightlife were those surveyed talking about? Cunard also seems more “stuffy” if you will, so again I am curious as to what nightlife people were referring to.
About Zagat Survey, LLC
Zagat Survey is the world’s most trusted source for information about where to eat, drink, stay and play around the globe, and as such has become a symbol of quality. Zagat Survey rates and reviews airlines, restaurants, hotels, nightlife, movies, music, golf, resorts, shopping, spas and a range of other entertainment categories in more than 100 countries and has been lauded as the “most up-to-date, comprehensive and reliable guides ever published” and as “a necessity second only to a valid credit card.” Zagat content is available in print, on the web, on the mobile web, iPhones, BlackBerry and on TV.
Tags: best cruise line, best cruises, cruise advice, cruise agency, cruise agent, cruise blog, cruise deals, Cruise Line, Cruise News, cruise survey, cruise tips, Cruises, zagat cruise survey
Posted in Cruise News | 2 Comments »
Sunday, November 1st, 2009
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.
Compare the costs and benefits of a Cruise Vacation to those of a typical land vacation package.
| |
CRUISE VACATION |
TYPICAL LAND VACATION |
| Room |
Included |
Additional Cost |
| Port to Port Transportation |
Included |
Additional Cost |
| Breakfast |
Included |
Additional Cost |
| Lunch |
Included |
Additional Cost |
| Dinner |
Included |
Additional Cost |
| 24 Hour Dining |
Included |
Additional Cost |
| Parties |
Included |
Additional Cost |
| Entertainment |
Included |
Additional Cost |
| Dancing |
Included |
Additional Cost |
| Nightclub Shows |
Included |
Additional Cost |
Make cruising your next vacation!
Tags: Cruise, cruise advice, cruise information, cruise tips, Cruises, cruising, first time cruisers, whats included in a cruise
Posted in Cruises, Travel Attic | 1 Comment »
Friday, September 11th, 2009
Disney Cruise Line Sets Sail for Alaska
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.
Call 1-800-942-3301 for more information or http://www.atlastravelweb.com/disneycruiseline.shtml
Tags: alaska cruise disney, alaska disney cruise, alaska disney cruise line, Cruise, Cruise Line, Cruise Ship, cruise ships, Cruises, disney, disney alaska, disney cruise, disney cruise alaska, disney cruise line, disney cruise line alaska, disney cruise line review, disney cruise lines, disney cruise lines cruise reviews, disney cruise review, disney cruise reviews, disney cruise ships, Disney Cruises
Posted in Cruise News, Disney Cruises | No Comments »
Friday, August 21st, 2009
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.
Tags: choosing a cruise, choosing a cruise ship, Cruise, Cruise Line, Cruises, picking a cruise
Posted in Cruises, Travel Advice | 1 Comment »
Friday, July 17th, 2009
With NCL’s Pity the Procrastinator Sales Event, you can get great low rates on the best available Inside, Oceanview, or Balcony Staterooms. The faster you book, the better the stateroom they get, and the better the value. It’s that simple.
You can receive up to a 6-category upgrade FREE on virtually all destinations if you book during this Sales Event. (That’s right, FREE)
Plus, 3rd and 4th guests sail from $99 per person. Hurry, book now before the chance passes you by.
Offer available on all 2010 & 2011 cruises.
Tags: Amp, Balcony, cruise deals, Cruises, Hurry, ncl cruise, ncl cruise deals, ncl cruises 2009, ncl pity the procrasinator sale, norwegian cruise deals, norwegian cruise line deals, norwegian cruise line deals 2009, norwegian cruises 2009, Oceanview, Pity the Procrastinator Sale, Stateroom
Posted in Cruise Specials, Cruises, Norwegian | No Comments »
|
