Catch Up on the Latest Travel Industry News

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  • Crystal Cruises is offering a wellness cruise in on September 5th onboard the Crystal Symphony.   Leading experts and instructors from The Mayo Clinic, Tai Chi Cultural Center, and even the world of professional baseball are on the roster.  Double occupancy promotional cruise fares for the 14-day cruise – including free air from 20 cities and the $1,000 bonus spending credit – start at $5,710 per person.
  • After torrential rains caused extensive damage to the train route to Machu Picchu, Perurail hopes to restart operations on April 1st.
  • Yellowstone National Park turns 138…March 1st, 1872, was the day that the U.S. Congress made Yellowstone America’s 1st national park.
  • Tauck Tours adds exclusive Ferragamo experience to select Classic Italy departures. Experience includes private wine tasting, tour of Salvatore Ferragamo Museum to be hosted by famed fashion designer’s grandson.
  • Celebrity Eclipse made her debut this past Sunday in Papenburg, Germany. The ship will sail in Europe until November where it will sail out of Miami on Caribbean cruises. The Eclipse is the sister to the Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox.  A new feature onboard will be the iLounge.  The area will have 3 areas – one are will have workstations for passengers to use, another will be a retail store selling Apple products including Mac computers and Ipods, while the 3rd area will have certified staff that will offer tips and advice on how to use Apple products.
  • The National Cherry Blossom Festival, DC’s and the nation’s greatest springtime celebration, is quickly approaching, running over three weekends from March 27 through April 11.  National Park Service predicts Bloom dates of March 31-April 11 with flowers hitting their peak April 3-8.
  • SunFest, South Florida’s largest waterfront music and art festival is scheduled for April 28th-May 2, 2010.  2010 lineup to include Weezer, ZZ Top, Patti LaBell, the Charlie Daniels Band, Sister Hazel, Ben Harper and B-52’s.
  • Louis Cruise Line’s ship, the Majesty, was hit by waves over three stories high in the Mediterranean. Two passengers were killed and 14 injured after the incident.
  • Continental Airlines joins several other airlines in charging additional money for exit row seats.  The cost will vary depending on flight time and date of travel.
  • It may soon cost more to apply for a passport.  The State Department is considering a 35% rate hike to $135 (up from $100) Also, if you currently want to add more pages to your passport book, it’s currently free, but if the new rate passed, you would have to pay an additional $82. Renewals would go up from $75 to $100.
  • Celebrity Cruises offers 7 day Caribbean cruises for as low as $599 pp. While several cruise lines including Carnival and Azamara are rasing rates, we find these cruises to be one of the best values currently available.
  • President Obama signs bill to boost U.S. Tourism.  It is hoped the new law will attract over 1.5 million new visitors to the U.S.
  • Princess Cruises ordered two new ships – the first ship will debut in the spring of 2013 and the other in 2014.  The ships will be 139,000 tons – the largest ever for Princess Cruises.
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Sue Lobo
Sue, our esteemed Operations Manager, has been honored as a Top Travel Specialist by Condé Nast Traveler for 2023 and 2024. With over 25 years of experience in the travel industry, Sue brings a wealth of expertise to our company, particularly in the areas of group travel, event planning, and blogging. As a passionate traveler herself, Sue has explored more than 20 countries across three continents, including captivating destinations such as Cuba, Egypt, and the United Arab Emirates. Her firsthand experiences allow her to provide invaluable insights and recommendations to our clients, ensuring that their travel dreams become a reality. Sue's dedication to the travel industry extends beyond her role as Operations Manager. She has successfully coordinated over 200 travel groups, meticulously planning and executing each trip to perfection. Her attention to detail and commitment to excellence have earned her a reputation as a trusted and reliable travel professional. In addition to her operational expertise, Sue is a gifted writer at heart. She leverages her writing skills to share her love of travel and provide consumers with essential industry-related news and updates. Her engaging blog posts offer a unique perspective on the world of travel, inspiring others to embark on their own adventures. When she's not planning extraordinary trips or writing captivating travel content, Sue indulges in her passion for cooking, exploring the diverse flavors and culinary traditions of the places she visits. With her unwavering enthusiasm and extensive knowledge, Sue continues to be an integral part of our team, ensuring that every traveler's experience is truly unforgettable.