Review of the Disney Magic

Disney Magic Cruise Review September 8 – 15, 2007

Tommy and I used our Disney Vacation Club points to go on a 7 day Western Caribbean cruise on the Disney Magic. This was our third Disney cruise – the second on the Disney Magic. We booked a balcony stateroom (deck 7; cabin 7076, mid-ship, port side).

We flew down from Newark to Orlando the evening of September 7th and stayed at the Hyatt Orlando Airport. This is so convenient because the hotel is right within the airport and you come off the plane and go directly to the desk to check-in. The hotel bellhop picks up your luggage for you and delivers it to your room. We had our dinner at the hotel restaurant and were able to sit in the lounge area while watching the Rutgers/Navy football game on the large screen. Our room was very comfortable and it was nice that we didn’t have to drive anywhere considering the time we arrived in Orlando.

The next morning we were picked up by Art’s Shuttle and our own private shuttle to Port Canaveral. The cost is $70 for the shuttle and it can accommodate 4 passengers. The other option is to take Disney’s shuttle, but then we would be on a bus with lots of other people and the cost is about the same.

Check in at the port was very smooth and when you check in you receive a number. They board the ship by group numbers which makes for an easy boarding experience. As soon as we dropped off our carry on luggage we went to see if we could change our dining reservations. We were hoping to get one of the waiters we have had in the past but the dining was full. We also had asked about getting reservations at Palo, the adult only restaurant, for either brunch or afternoon tea. They were all booked but we were high on the wait list. (Later on we decided to change to late dining and were able to do so by going to the restaurant at our designated time and having the head waiter change us to late dining. No problem because late dining still had some openings.)

Next we went to the Vista Spa to make reservations. We purchased a week pass for the Rainforest Room ($75 per person), which is a thermal suite with an Arabian theme. Inside are two steam rooms, one which incorporates aromatherapy; a sauna; tropical rain showers; and the best part of all, heated tile lounge chairs. There is a fountain in the center of the room and spa music plays softly in the background. We spent a lot of time in there! We also scheduled a “couples choice” massage in the Vista Spa Villas for the next day. The Vista Spa Villas are private villas overlooking the open water and they are exclusive to Disney. We first had a foot cleansing followed by 20 minutes in the outdoor Jacuzzi to which a milk bath and other soothing scents were added. Following this we had a 75 minute couple’s hot stone massage. Pure bliss!


Since we are members of the Castaway Club (having sailed Disney in the past) we had lots of goodies in our stateroom. We had a nice tote bag, two Castaway Club cups, two little flags, lanyards to carry our room cards, pins to keep and trade, a travel container of sani-wipes, and bracelets showing we are members. As Disney Vacation Club members we received more lanyards (these were a bit nicer), more pins, and a really nice Captain’s Log scrapbook. We also had a Castaway Club reception as well as a DVC member reception during the week.

Also located at the Vista Spa is the fitness center. The fitness center has been enlarged, but it is still small compared to other cruise lines. The nicest thing about Disney’s fitness center is that there is no charge for the classes. Classes included: yoga, spinning, pilates, yogalates, ab attack, stretch, yoga on the beach, and detox for weight loss as well as seminars on nutrition and skin therapy. The spa personnel were all wonderful, especially Lisa and Jennifer who were our massage therapists.

Dining: There are three early dining times (5:30, 5:45, and 6:00) and three late dining times (8:00, 8:15, and 8:30) and three restaurants through which you rotate during the week. We started at Lumiere’s restaurant which would be considered the fanciest of the three. On Monday we went on to Animator’s Palate and Tuesday we were at Parrot Cay, my favorite of the three. Animator’s Palate starts out in black and white and by the end of your dining time, the room is in full color. Color is “magically” added to the walls and to the waiter’s vests. There are tv screens on the walls and they first show the old black and white cartoons then the color cartoons. Parrot Cay has a colorful tropical theme to it. Your wait staff also follows you to the various restaurants throughout your week. The food was very good to excellent, especially when you ordered one of the waiter’s suggestions. There were various themes, such as Pirate’s night and International night. The lobster tail dinner at the Captain’s dinner was great.

We had birthday cake on the last night of the cruise to celebrate my birthday and the birthday of one of our tablemates, Laura, who came from Scotland. Our other tablemates were Laura’s two children, Kirstey and Robert, and Mary, who came from Reno, Nevada. On the two formal nights, Robert wore a kilt from Scotland, along with white vest and tails one night and a vest with a lace up shirt the second formal night. The Disney Cruise Line has to be the most vigilant about having clean hands and not spreading germs. Every time you enter and exit a dining room you are handed a sani-wipe to clean your hands. Our waiters, Melroy and Brendan, could have been a little more personable. Melroy kept forgetting to bring our drinks, coffee, etc. Brendan was also supposed to let us know about the late night buffet but neglected to do so. We found out when we saw people walking around with their plates. We also found that the restaurants were definitely understaffed. We have never seen a head waiter do so much work on a ship before.

We received a call Wednesday evening to let us know there was a reservation for Brunch at Palo’s the next day. We went to the brunch and had the best waiter, Sasha, from Croatia (fyi- Marco Polo was born and raised in Croatia until the age of 12 and Tessla was also a native of Croatia). The food is to die for and there is such a variety. You pay $10 per person and a glass of champagne or kir royale is included. Our brunch time was 10:30 and we only woke up at 10:05! What a day to sleep in, but we made it there on time.

Entertainment: Disney, as usual, had exceptional stage shows. There were themed Disney shows: The Golden Mickeys, which is a tribute to Disney’s classic movies; Twice Charmed, a twist to the Cinderella story; Disney Dreams (voted the best cruise ship show of all cruise lines by Cruise Critic and the Disney Magic was voted best in overall entertainment by Cruise Critic.), probably the best of the shows; and Remember the Magic, a final farewell. In addition there was Taylor Mason, a hilarious comic/ventriloquist; Randy Cabral, a juggler; and the comedy of Rich Purpura, who we happened to have seen on another cruise line, but still as funny as the first time we saw him. Disney has the day’s activities broken down into groups: family, adult only, and by age group for those under 18 (3-4 years, 5-7, 8-9, 10-12, and teens). They have improved on the activities available for teens.

There were the usual bingo games, music and dancing in Rockin’ Bar D, trivia games, etc. They could find a better place to have some of their trivia games. Some of us get very competitive and when you have trivia questions being asked, it doesn’t help when someone is walking by the lounge on their way back from dinner, and calls out the answers. We definitely did not do well with the tv tune trivia and with the Disney music trivia.

We enjoyed going to Rockin’ Bar D after the show for the evening. One night Tommy was asked to be part of the men vs women competition. He was outfitted in a blonde wig, black leather vest, and drumsticks. He was supposed to be part of Bon Jovi’s band, although I don’t know where they got the blonde hair from. 80’s night was fun also. We won the Pub Challenge trivia contest on Monday in Diversions (bar) which used to be the ESPN Club.


There were plenty of Disney characters on hand each evening outside the Lumiere’s. On Pirate Night there was a Pirates in the Caribbean party by the pool after dinner. One complaint though – we went to watch Pirates…Dead Man’s Chest and the band playing by the next pool was too loud. They played for about a half hour into the movie. Princess Cruise Lines gives you popcorn and blankets to watch the outdoor movies. I wish Disney had done so also. Mickey Mouse came down on a cable from the smoke stack to the party and there were fireworks set off over the ship.

Disney has added an outdoor movie screen like Princess has done. Being Disney they are able to show new releases while on the ship. Underdog was the current new movie, and they played lots of classics and the Pirate movies as well.

Our final night onboard we went to Diversions and watched the crew put on some funny farewell skits. Don’t miss this one.

Ports of Call: In Key West we decided to just go on our own and explore. We walked down by the boardwalk and watched a storm as it was approaching. We ducked into a bar right as the rain came and waited it out at the bar. After the rain let up we found Irish Kevin’s bar and went in to listen to the band. They were having a good old time there. We left and walked around some more, the headed back to the ship. We stopped across the street from Irish Kevin’s to listen to the band some more and they yelled over, “Hey, Kojak, come on in!” So we went in and listened a bit more before returning to the ship.


We took the island tour of Grand Cayman. It was okay – we visited the Turtle Farm, the Tortuga Rum Factory (but we couldn’t buy the alcohol because they won’t deliver it to the Disney ship), and Hell. We asked our driver if we could be dropped off at Seven Mile Beach on the way back. We went to the beach via the Marriott Courtyard. The beach is usually beautiful but this time the water was filled with little bits of floating algae which had been stirred up by Hurricane Dean that had hit the week before we were there. We ate lunch at the Sea Grill at the Marriott which is right on the beach. Lunch was great as was our waitress, Elizabeth. The beach has free access; it is $10 for chair rentals.

When we reached Cozumel we took the Xcaret Archaeological Tour which included lunch (our guide said that Disney is the only cruise line that includes a lunch ticket with the excursion). We went by ferry to the mainland of Mexico then took a short bus ride over to the park. Our driver was Jorge and Juan was our guide. Juan said this was the first time Disney was back to Xcaret since they had been hurricane Ivan. We swam in the underground river which was a lot of fun. If you go, remember to take the right side of the river. This side is the natural river, which has a current. The left side is man-made which means there is no current and the water is a bit stagnant. It took about an hour to get to the end. Then we went to the beach and sort of swam with the dolphins (okay, we were on the other side of the fence, but we had a great view of them).

On Castaway Cay we rented floats and took them to the adult only beach. We had taken a spin class that morning so we didn’t come off the ship until about 11:30. We had to walk quite a long way to get to the chairs, but we did move closer when people left after lunch. Disney provides a nice lunch at the beach – both at the adult and family beaches. We were the last ones to leave the island and get back on the ship.

One thing I noticed is that they take far fewer pictures at the tables than they used to. We didn’t want to wait on line to get pictures taken pre or post dinner. We thought we would have plenty of pictures to choose from when they took them at the table. Same goes for coming off the ship. In the past they were there to take your picture but not this time. We did get a picture taken with the captain, but we didn’t like how it turned out.

We had a nice time on the ship. The stateroom was very comfortable and our steward, Linden, was very helpful. There are not a lot of late night things to do even though the one bar stays open late. It seems that most people leave around midnight. The staff does a good job of getting people involved and dancing and just having a good time. One thing I miss is the casino. Disney does not have one onboard, even though they do have bingo. Who knows, maybe they will add them to their new ships they are going to build. It would also be nice to have some things like miniature golf onboard as well.

Overall, the Disney Magic is a great ship and I would recommend it to any age group.

Hey, kids! No birth certificate, no cruise

Here is a prime example of why consumers should be using travel agents, and why agents need to ensure they have notified their clients as to what documents they need to bring with them.

Hey, kids! No birth certificate, no cruise
written by Anita Dunham-Potter
September 24, 2007

The Mueller family, of Phoenix, was looking forward to a May cruise in Alaska aboard the Norwegian Star. Sue Mueller made a great booking for her family through Hotwire -- or so she thought.

Before the cruise, Mueller checked with Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) to make sure she had all the travel documents her family would need for the trip. She knew that passport rules were changing, but like many Americans, she was unsure exactly what paperwork she would need to cruise from Seattle to Alaska.

"I contacted NCL customer service the day before the cruise to verify that we had acceptable documents," recalls Mueller. She says the agent verified that the family's documents -- birth certificates and photo IDs -- were sufficient for the cruise; the agent went on to explain that new passport requirements, which have sent U.S. travelers scrambling over the past year, would not affect cruise passengers until 2008.

Cruiseless in Seattle
But the next day, when the Muellers tried to board the ship in Seattle, they got a terrible shock. Sue and her husband had their birth certificates, as required, but their 16- and 17-year-old sons did not, and the cruise line would not let them board. A staff member said that the cruise line required proof of citizenship for all U.S. citizens; justifying the application of that rule to minors, the agent said that without the birth certificates, "you could be kidnapping them."
Stunned by the development, the Muellers pleaded with the NCL staff and presented their sons' high school photo IDs, explaining that the boys had needed their birth certificates to get them.

No go.

The Muellers were escorted to a waiting area, where they found 20 other passengers with similar documentation issues, including some who had also booked their cruise through Hotwire. The Muellers called home and tried to have a neighbor fax the birth certificates to the pier, but the neighbor could not find them. The Muellers' cruise was dead in the water.

The family was now stranded in Seattle, Mueller says, and no one from NCL offered assistance. "We were crushed," she says. "This was to be our last family vacation before the boys went off to college, and it was especially meaningful because my husband's health is not good."

Instead of vacationing in Alaska, the Muellers spent the week at home. Mueller contacted NCL several times, but the cruise line refused to offer the family a refund or a credit to use toward another cruise. After getting nowhere, Mueller contacted Tripso for help.

A documented mess
I contacted NCL to see what the cruise line could do. AnneMarie Mathews, director of public relations for NCL, said she was sorry to hear about the family's trouble, but pointed out that the Muellers did receive information from the cruise line specifying what documentation they needed to bring.

"The cruise documents that the Muellers received from us had a link to our "Welcome Aboard" booklet that includes a paragraph on necessary documentation," Matthews says. "The requirements state that valid birth certificates are required for all U.S. citizens traveling on Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Alaska, Mexican Riviera, and Canada & New England cruises. We also suggest that travelers visit the U.S. State Department Web site for the latest requirements and overseas information before they sail."

NCL declined to give the Muellers any compensation, arguing that proper documentation is the passenger's responsibility. (All cruise lines take this position.) Furthermore, NCL says, if travelers show up at the pier without proper documentation, they are not entitled to a refund. Hotwire includes the same documentation information on its Web site.

Mueller did buy travel insurance through Travel Guard and she made a claim, but it was denied. None of the three big travel insurance companies (Travel Guard, Access America and CSA Travel) covers such claims. NCL's own travel insurance contains a cancel-for-any-reason clause, which would have resulted in a credit of 75 percent to 90 percent of the Muellers' cruise fare, but the Muellers did not purchase that NCL policy.

Don't miss the boat
Problems like the Muellers' will soon disappear -- not because cruise lines will become more tenderhearted, but because the days of anyone cruising with a U.S. birth certificate are numbered. Passports are already required for all U.S. citizens entering the country by air. Entry by land or by cruise ship is still exempted from the passport requirement, but the cutoff date for the exemption is January 1, 2009. According to the State Department, phase-in dates for the passport requirement have not yet been determined, but passports could be required for cruise travelers as early as the summer of 2008. So for the next year, documentation requirements will be in flux.

I've received many letters and phone calls from cruise travelers with documentation problems like the Muellers'. Every one of these cases came from travelers who had booked their own cruises. While doing it yourself can sometimes save you money, you can also lose all your vacation money if you do not have the right information about documentation.
My advice for travelers booking cruises over the next year is to work with a travel agent who can advise you on up-to-date documentation requirements. Yes, you will pay for the service, but it's money wisely invested.

As for Sue Mueller, she's learned her lesson. "Hindsight!" she sighs. "Now I wish I had done more. I hope no one else ever has a similar situation."

THE SEVEN LESSONS OF INSPIRATION

The following article can be applied to the enthusiasm we need to use when selling travel:

THE SEVEN LESSONS OF INSPIRATION - BY YEOH SIEW HOON

What do you get when you gather eight world leaders in branding – either as individuals or by association with the companies they represent – in one room over two days? Well, you get an instant combustion of inspiration, energy and thought. Karthik Siva, chairman of the Global Brand Forum, calls it "a brilliant alchemy". It is well-known why Siva started this event that has come to be known as the "Davos of branding". Says Siva, "Transformation is not possible without inspiration and the quickest way to get inspired is to be in the presence of inspired leaders. It's always worked for me."

Over the years, names like Anita Roddick, Francis Ford Coppola, Rudi Guiliani and Deepak Chopra have fired up the event with their passion, imagination, courage and wisdom. This year, Al Gore headlined the list which included John Quelch, senior dean, Harvard Business School; Kevin Roberts, Global CEO, Saatchi & Saatchi; Nigel Parsons, managing director, Al Jazeera International; Tapio Hedman, senior vice president, Multimedia Marketing, Nokia; Martin Roll, Asian brand guru; Tony Fernandes, Group CEO, AirAsia; and Richard Kimber, regional managing director of South Asia, Korea and Australia/New Zealand, Google.

As I sat through the two days of presentations and discussions, here's what I gleaned about inspiration, branding and leadership.
1. The people who inspire make it personal. Al Gore spoke about his emotional journey after he won, then lost, the US elections. He weaved his wife and family into his stories. ??Tony Fernandes shared his disillusionment with the corporate world when he told the story of how he moved from the music world to aviation. Nigel Parsons spoke about his "personal oddysey" in starting up Al Jazeera International and told the story of how he was offered the job of a lifetime "to make a difference".

2. The people who inspire tell stories. Al Gore, Tony Fernandes and Nigel Parsons all told stories to get their message across. Kevin Roberts, who punctuated his presentation with plenty of feel-good commercials, said, "The winners will be the ones who know how consumers feel. It's not to know more, but to feel more." (He was talking about brands by the way.)

3. The people who connect best use humour. Gore used it masterfully, Nigel Parsons charmed with his dry and ironic brand of wit, Tony Fernandes shoveled it out in spades, Tapio Hedman made an instant connection when he quipped that he didn't know why he had been given the honour of coming after Al Gore and speaking right after lunch.

4. The people who inspire are irreverent. Daring to poke fun at the establishment always works because that's naughty and people love being naughty.

5. The people who inspire combine substance with style. People love their steak but they also want the sizzle. Speakers who are too heavy on content and theories and light on personal touches tend to lose their audience.

6. The people who inspire walk the talk. Nokia's Taipo Hedman is a credible messenger of his company's brand values. Suave, sleek, personal – "human technology" at work. Google's Richard Kimber was not what you would expect of a Google-ite. He was more corporate-like than alternative-like. Perhaps that's what happens when an idea born in a garage becomes the world's biggest brand in eight years.

7. Inspiration is succinct. People who beat around the bush lose people in the bush. When was the last time you were inspired by someone who went and on about the same point? Think of quotes that inspire. "I have a dream." "Be the change you want to see." Kevin Roberts said, "For big decisions, follow your heart. For small decisions, follow your head." Karthik Siva, responding to criticisms that the GBF at S$3,500 per head was too expensive, said, "If you think knowledge is expensive, try ignorance."

Words. Stories. Humour. Emotion. Conviction. Brevity. The stuff of inspiration.

Note: Pop in for more doses of inspiration from Yeoh Siew Hoon over the next few weeks at the Transit Café - http://www.thetransitcafe.com/

New Celebrity Solstice

Celebrity Releases First Details of Solstice Class Ships

Celebrity Cruises has unveiled details of its new Solstice class ships, the first of which, the Celebrity Solstice, will make its maiden voyage in the Caribbean in December 2008. Last night in New York Celebrity made the first of a half-dozen announcements that the it plans about the new class of ships; the event focused specifically on the ship's staterooms. Dan Hanrahan, Celebrity's president and CEO, said research for the stateroom design began even before the cruise line cut steel for the ships. Recognizing that women are the decision-makers when it comes to cruising, Celebrity put together a panel of five women -- a frequent cruiser, a travel agent, a non-cruiser, a hotelier and a travel writer-to get their input on staterooms -- that spent four months helping Celebrity design the staterooms. The result: staterooms that are 15 percent larger than those in Celebrity's Millennium ships, and bathrooms that are 24 percent larger and have touches such as fog free mirrors and bars for women to rest their feet upon while shaving their legs. "The showers are the biggest you'll find at sea," said Hanrahan.

To better accommodate luggage, beds are higher, so bags fit underneath, and there are additional nooks and crannies for storage. The ships have interconnecting stateroom, but since space that connects also conducts sound, each has a vestibule with a double set of doors to muffle sound. Triple and quad rooms all have trundle beds that extend from couches as well as Pullman beds, meaning parents can put smaller children in the lower trundles. Staterooms are roughly 295 to 300 square feet, not including balconies. The ship has WiFi, staterooms have 32-inch flat screen TVs, while suites have larger flat-screen TVs. There is also the new AquaClass, which is tied into the ship's spa. It includes 130 of the ship's 1,425 staterooms. Celebrity Solstice is the line's first in a class for four 2,850-passenger vessels. German shipbuilder Meyer Werft, which constructed the line's Century-class fleet, is building the 122,000-GRT ship. For more information, visit www.celebritycruises.com or www.cruisecelebritysolstice.com

Disney Review from Travel Editor

Disney First Timers
James Shillinglaw, Editor-in-Chief

James Shillinglaw, CTC, a veteran travel editor and journalist, Editor-in-Chief of ModernAgent's Travel Pulse and Agent@Home magazine.By James Shillinglaw
Published on April 11, 2007
After covering this business for nearly 17 years, I've seen my share of theme parks. Indeed, I've probably been to Walt Disney World alone nearly 20 times for various openings and industry conferences. My kids have been there roughly 15 times, so they are Disney veterans (they would say "experts").

So when I hear of someone who has never been to Disney, I always wonder what their reaction will be when they visit for the first time. That's why it was so interesting to me earlier this year when we traveled with another family from our hometown to Disney World for a crash course in theme parks (namely four parks in four days). There were eight of us in total (four parents, four kids). The other family's two kids are in their teens, as are mine, so this was a very different kind of Disney visit for both of us.

To be honest, I was never worried about the kids. I knew mine would show their two friends a good time, since they long ago figured out the rides and attractions they like. In fact, it was the adults that I was more worried about.

My friend Neal seemed to be convinced he wouldn't have a good time. In fact, he asked if I could reserve golf tee times three out of the four days we were down in Florida. I did that, but Neal called a few days before we left to tell me he had a bad back, so he couldn't golf. He seemed resigned to visiting the theme parks, though he vowed to return early each day for time at the pool and exercise.

Well, guess what! Our kids certainly enjoyed Disney World, but I suspect Neal and his wife Carol had an equally good time. Neal seemed a bit amazed by the whole experience – "I never knew what marketing really was until I came down here," he told me. He also marveled at the vaunted Disney efficiency as well as the cleanliness of the parks.

In the end, I'm not sure he bought into the whole Disney ethos, but he seemed eager to experience each individual theme park visit -- perhaps as much as his kids. The clincher for me was when we were in Epcot and our kids decided to go back to the room so they could change and go to Blizzard Beach for swim. Neal and I decided to stay in Epcot. We did a few more attractions and then had a pleasant Middle Eastern lunch at an outdoor café in the Morocco section of the park.

That said, Neal and his family agreed they liked Disney's Animal Kingdom the best, which was of interest to me, since I'd been at the opening of that park back in 1998. At the time, I felt the park needed a few more attractions to improve the overall experience. With the new Expedition Everest roller coaster and such shows as "Finding Nemo," Animal Kingdom now seems to hit its stride.

Indeed, a long line at Expedition Everest didn't even bother Neal, who enjoyed the whole lead-in to the heavily themed attraction. In the end, he went on nearly every Disney "thrill" ride along with me and our kids (although he opted for the "mild" experience on Mission Space at Epcot). His wife Carol even braved the Aerosmith Rock n' Roller Coaster at Disney MGM Studios, though she looked a little green at the end of the ride.

At night I think our friends were surprised by the quality of the dining experience. We had dinners at Todd English's bluezoo at the Dolphin Resort and Wolfgang Puck in Downtown Disney. Our accommodations at Disney's Coronado Springs Resorts were some of the best I've ever had for families at Disney World – two two-bedroom suites with giant living rooms, dining rooms and a full kitchen (not that we used it).

Neal was very happy with the fitness center, which had a full complement of exercise equipment, as well as the large pool complex at the resort. At night, our kids were able to return by themselves to the theme parks that were open late. We had no qualms about their safety (and we relished a bit more adult time, to be honest). Now that was a bit of a change from my family's previous visits!

Okay, so why relate this personal story about my family's winter break? The answer is because you never know what your potential customers have or haven't experienced in a vacation. In this case, here was a fairly affluent family (Neal is a lawyer) that had never even thought about going to Disney before. They just needed someone to be their guide to the parks – and that's a role you as travel agents can and do play!

There's a vast amount of business out there in nearly every community in America. With the web, we tend to think everyone knows everything there is to know about the vacation options out there. But that simply isn't true. Very often your clients will be surprised about the things you know about and the vacations you can book for them.



James Shillinglaw
Editor-in-Chief

Comparing the Explorer to the Azamara Journey

My clients, who are big fans of the RCI, just returned from the Azamara Journey to Bermuda. You can see the review below. I then asked her to compare the 2 experiences (since they sailed to Bermuda last year on the Explorer) and here was the response:

It's hard to compare them; they're both so different. It’s going to depend on what the person is looking for. The Journey is a much more intimate experience while the Explorer is a bigger, WOW kind of ship.

The biggest advantage of the Journey is that it gets into Hamilton and St. George. We were on deck when we were going through the cut into St. George and saw the cannon fired and heard the town crier. Being in town definitely has its advantages. Going from the dockyard to Hamilton takes about 45 minutes by ferry or bus and you have to wait for them. While we were in Hamilton, we sat out on the promenade and watched and listened to the street festival. I also loved the fact that we got to see so much of the cruise director and crew. On the Explorer, we rarely got to see any of the crew, let alone talk to them. The food might have been a tad better on Journey over the Explorer; but not significantly. As I mentioned earlier, we really liked having the table on the balcony for breakfasts in the cabin. The Explorer doesn't have this. I think the shows on the Explorer were better. The theatre on the Explorer class of ships is much more comfortable (seats and views). Big, extravagant stage shows vs. small, intimate, cabaret style shows. If you arrive late, you'll have a hard time finding a seat let alone seeing the show.

If someone is looking for more athletic activities, then the Explorer is the better way to go. There aren't many on Journey (shuffleboard, jogging track and gym) vs. Explorer (rock climbing wall, skating, miniature golf, in line skating, basketball, shuffleboard, jogging, gym). If you're looking for more group activities, I think the Explorer is better. There were lots of trivia contests on Journey; none of the hairy chest, Quest, etc. The Journey appears to be geared toward more mature adults (lecture series, computer classes, cooking demonstration, etc.). Since the Journey isn't geared toward children, there are no children's activities. Obviously, Explorer has Ocean Adventure Club.

Hope this helps.

Debbie

Client review of Azamara Journey

Please keep in mind that these clients love Royal Caribbean and have sailed the Voyager class series of ships many times. They are in their late 40's/ early 50's. This is a great review:

Embarkation– Went very smoothly. They changed the parking facilities at Port Bayonne and moved them away from the dry docks and construction of the new pier. Ron also heard that they were going to construct an indoor parking facility. I hope it’s in place for our February cruise! We arrived at 1:00, dropped off our luggage and utilized the handicapped parking section. We got one of the few spots left in that section. We went through security and made our way over to the counter. There were no lines and we breezed through registration since we had done the online check in. We had our picture taken and walked onto the ship. The staff greeted us with a choice of mimosa or a glass of champagne and we were in our cabin by 1:15! The muster drill was different than any other we’ve ever been through. Our muster station was the dining room. We went down there, listened to the instructions and were then led to the life boats.

Buffet Dining – The buffet area is small and congested. We generally had trouble finding a place to sit. We used the buffet for lunch the days we were in port and for breakfast the last morning. It was very crowded and we generally had a hard time finding a place to sit and eat. The buffet consisted of a salad bar and freshly made Caesar salads, a sandwich station, cold side dish station, a carving station (one item and it changed day to day), hot prepared main dishes and side dishes, dessert, fresh fruit and ice cream station. For breakfast, there was a station that had French toast, pancakes and waffles, and station for freshly made omelets, hot sides (bacon, sausage,
blintzes, etc), cereal, pastry and fresh fruit. I mostly had Caesar salad and cheese and crackers for lunch. They were very good. Ron said most of the hot foods were always cold. This is why I don’t like buffets!

Discoveries Dining Room – Breakfast was mediocre and the service wasn’t that great. I asked for Iced Tea one morning, never got it and when I asked one of the waiters about it, I was told “Ask your waiter”. I made the mistake of asking for scrambled eggs one morning and was very disappointed. I think they were made with powdered eggs; they had no taste. They also ran out of tomato juice by the end of the cruise. Lunch was better. I had seared tuna for lunch one day and it was fabulous! The lunch and dinner meals were generally very good. One of the assistant head waiters was very friendly. We were talking to him one day and I told him how much I had enjoyed the Goat Cheese and Potato Tart and he offered to have the chef make it for me another night. I took him up on it and he did! It was FABULOUS!!!

Specialty Dining – We went up to “Prime C” for reservations on Saturday after checking out the ship (3:00). We were able to get a reservation for Wednesday night at 6:00. Earlier nights we would have had to taken a 9:30 reservation and that was too late for us. My observation… it seems that the Captains Club members get two complementary evenings, they were able to make reservations earlier than the cruise and they took up most of the reservations. Our dinner and the service were both INCREDIBLE. We really enjoyed it overlooking Front Street in Hamilton.

Excursions – Since we’ve been to Bermuda several times and since my knees aren’t quite what they should be these days, we opted not to use any of the excursions. We asked about a taxi tour and rejected it when we were told it would be $108.00. Instead what we did was get a two day transportation pass and tour the island by bus and ferry following the maps. We were able to see most of the sites and talk to some of the Bermudians. One of them was telling us that there is an average of one fatality each month on the scooters. While walking down Front Street, we passed by the scooter rentals and noticed most them had bald tires. I wouldn’t recommend them to anyone.

Entertainment – The Cabaret singers performed twice during the cruise. They had okay voices on their own, but had very good harmony and sounded good when they sang together. This is a good example of “the sum of the parts being greater than the parts themselves”. The magician/musician (Bob Brizendine) was hysterical and we enjoyed his shows the most. The lounge singer (Geoffrey Tozer) was mediocre. It was like watching karaoke. The last performer was a comedian/musician (Bill Mulligan) who took peoples names and made up songs about where they were from and what they did. He was quite good.

Cruise Director – Andrea is from Italy and was a Chemical Engineer before getting his MBA from a California university. How he ended up as a cruise director is still a question, but I’m glad he did. He was delightful and was the most approachable cruise director we’ve ever run into. His passion is astronomy and he gave a lecture on it during the cruise. He also did three “star gazing” sessions and they were great. We went up to deck 11, the lights were turned off and he pointed out the stars, planets and constellations by laser pointer. He was actually at the end of ramp when we got off the ship shaking hands and saying goodbye to everyone.

Enrichment Series – Dr. Joel Klass (physician and psychotherapist) gave three lectures during the week on Hired Guns (How experts can influence juries), Stress (How to eliminate it from your life) and Dreams (How to interpret them). He was very informative and easy to listen to. He has a very dry sense of humor and it was peppered throughout his lectures and the conversations we had with him. He sat with us at dinner one night and I laughed throughout dinner.

Aquaspa – This was one of the highlights of my cruise. I ended up having three massages and a facial. Long story, short… but one of the massage therapists was the best I ever used. I had two deep tissue massages and she was extremely thorough and used techniques other than traditional massage. (I offered to bring her home.) The aesthetician who did my facial was very friendly and very gentle. I felt great when it was over. As usual, there is always a hard sell for products at the end of each session, but I’ve been able to fend them off by saying I have tons of product (which I do). Ron took advantage of the Thalassotherapy pool every day and enjoyed it.

Cabin – The cabin was a bit smaller than what we’re used to. We had a queen sized bed (no rounded corners as on the RCL beds), down comforter and pillows. The bathroom was much smaller than I expected. The shower was TINY!!! However, the Elemis products (soap, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion) were a welcome addition.

We asked the “butler”/cabin steward to remove the contents of the mini fridge and replace it with Diet Coke. On past cruises, at the end of the cruise, they counted up how many were consumed and charged us based on that. On Azamara, they charged the full amount to our bill right away. It wasn’t until we questioned an item on our statement that we found out that we prepaid for all of it.

There was fresh fruit in our cabin every day and the fresh flowers in our cabin lasted all week. One of the nicer attributes of the cabin was the balcony. It had a dining table and two chairs. We took advantage of it and had breakfast on our balcony the mornings we were in port. Breakfast was delivered on time, was hot and they called right before delivery. We did order canapés one day and they were good. Instead of the traditional piece of chocolate on our pillow each night we received a variety of treats (a miniature rose, cookies, chocolate covered strawberries, chocolates, cookies, etc.).

General Comments – We were probably some of the youngest couples on the ship. Many of the passengers were 70+. We enjoyed being on a smaller ship. It’s very tastefully decorated; lots of wood paneling and moulding. I don’t recall seeing any handicapped bathrooms. Everyone we met was very friendly. There was no problem getting lounge chairs at any time and they were very comfortable. Many of the public areas are much smaller than on the other ships we’ve been on (elevators, hallways, stairwells, etc.). However, we missed the walk-around promenade. The cabaret lounge furniture was not the most comfortable.

We’ve heard lots of rumors about them not allowing cruise ships in to Hamilton next year. Not sure if it’s true or not. If true, it will be a shame. We also heard that most of the Celebrity crew will be leaving before the ship goes to Orient. They will be filling the staff with their own staff. If I think of anything else, I’ll send it along.

Regards,

Debbie

Passport Update - from Marie Harris

Current Passport RequirementsAir TravelSource: US Department of State, http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

The U.S. Departments of State and Homeland Security announced Friday, June 8, that U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean region, who have applied for, but not yet received passports, can re-enter the United States by air. This accommodation does not mean that Americans are exempt from meeting the entry requirements of Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean region, some of which require a passport, certified birth certificate, or other evidence of citizenship for entry. U.S. citizens traveling to Canada, Mexico, Bermuda or countries in the Caribbean region who have applied for, but not yet received passports, can re-enter the United States by air by presentation of a government issued photo identification and Department of State official proof of application for a passport through September 30, 2007.

The federal government is making this accommodation for air travel due to longer than expected processing times for passport applications in the face of record-breaking demand. Adults who have applied for but not yet received a passport should present government-issued photo identification and an official proof of application from the U.S. Department of State. Children under the age of 16 traveling with their parents or legal guardian will be permitted to travel with the child's proof of application status. Children traveling alone should carry a copy of their birth certificate, baptismal record or a hospital record of birth in the United States in addition to their passport application status documentation. This accommodation applies to all American citizens who apply for passports, until September 30, when this accommodation period ends. U.S. citizens with pending passport applications can obtain proof of application at: http://travel.state.gov/passport/get/status/status_2567.html.

Sea TravelSource: Celebrity Cruise Lines, http://www.celebritycruises.com/beforeyourcruise/heroSingleTxt.do?pagename=immigration&cS=SIDENAVFor domestic travel which includes: the Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, the Caribbean and Mexico, a passport (valid or expired) is highly recommended.

In the absence of a passport, a birth certificate (original or certified copy), plus laminated picture ID card issued by a federal, state, or local government agency is required.

Note: Baptismal papers and hospital certificates of birth (except for new borns) are not acceptable.

For U.S. Naturalized citizens, in the absence of a passport, Naturalization papers (either original or notarized copy) plus a picture ID card issued by a federal, state, or local government agency is required.

A voter registration card or Social Security Card are not considered to be proof of citizenship. Children under 16 years of age do not require a picture ID.

Some DisneyWorld tips

Disney’s Magical Express:

How Disney's Magical Express ARRIVAL service works:
* Disney's Magical Express must be booked at least 10 days prior to arrival through disneyworld.com, Disney Reservation Center by calling 407-W-DISNEY or a travel agent. Be sure to have your Arriving Flight Number and time into the Orlando International Airport as well as your Departing Flight Number and time out of the Orlando International Airport as well as the name of the airlines you are flying.
* Approximately 21 days before you arrive, you will receive in the mail an Airport Transportation Booklet containing general information and special Disney's Magical Express luggage tags for your bags.
* Check your specially tagged luggage at your departure airport.
* Upon arrival in Orlando, bypass airport baggage claim and go directly to the Disney Airport Welcome Center (Level 1, "B" Side).
* You will board state-of-the-art motor coaches that will take you to your Disney hotel. A video is shown during the ride. Your motor coach may make up to FOUR different stops at various Disney resorts.
* A team of Disney representatives at the airport will pick up your luggage and transport it to your Disney hotel room.

How Disney's Magical Express DEPARTURE service works (from your Disney hotel):
* You will be notified of your motorcoach pick-up time and location the day prior to checkout.
* Motorcoach pickup time is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes prior to your flight departure.
* The motorcoach has 4 drop-off locations in all four quadrants of the airport (Gates 1-29, 30-59, 60-99, and 100-129).
* The service also assists you when it's time to depart. If you are flying one of the participating airlines, you can avoid airport check-in lines by checking your luggage and receiving your boarding pass before you leave your Disney hotel as described in the Resort Airline Check-In Service section below.

Resort Airline Check-In Service
* Resort Airline Check-In Service at your Disney resort is only available if you are flying domestically (includes Puerto Rico) on the following airlines: Alaska Airlines, American, Continental, Delta, JetBlue, Northwest, and United (including TED). It is a complimentary (free) service.
* This service allows you to check your luggage and receive your airline boarding passes right at your resort on the day of your departure.
* This service is separate from Magical Express. You do not have to participate in Magical Express to utilize the Resort Airline Check-in Service.
* Each Disney resort has a dedicated Check-In Desk located in or near the Lobby or near the outside entrance to the resort. If you can't locate the Resort Airline Check-in Desk, ask at the Front Desk.

Some examples:
The Polynesian's check-in desk is outside just pass the valet stand on the right as you exit the hotel.
The Port Orleans Riverside check-in desk.
The Port Orleans French Quarter check-in desk.

* The desks are open every day from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can check in no more than 12 hours and no less than 3 hours prior to your scheduled flight departure time.
* To check in, your entire party must be present with your government issued photo I.D. (e.g., driver's license, passport, Military ID) and your Key to the World card to verify that you are a guest of a Disney hotel
* The Resort Airline Check-In desks can provide some of the same services and information as the airline ticket counters at the airport, including checking seat assignments, and verifying flight information and status. The Resort Airline Check-In Desks cannot make any changes to flight arrangements or make new flight reservations.
* This service is not provided by Disney. A third-party company approved by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operates the Resort Airline Check-In on behalf of the participating airlines.
* Some persons have reported a wait of over 30 minutes at the Resort Airline check-in desk during peak times. If you are within 3 hours of your departure time, you should bypass this service and get your boarding passes at the airport.
Exceptions:
* This service is also not offered for the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin, Shades of Green, or Downtown Disney Area resorts.
* It is not valid for Disney's Vero Beach Resort and Disney's Hilton Head Island Resort.

IMPORTANT NOTES
Travelers in wheelchairs can be accommodated. You must ask for wheelchair transport when you make your Magical Express Reservation.

Service animals are allowed on the motor coach to and from the airport as long as they are accompanied by the owner.

You don't have to book Magical Express Round Trip; you can book one way, either to or from your Disney hotel.

You can not book luggage transfer only. You must be on the motorcoach to have your luggage transported.

Your luggage will not be transferred separately to the airport as it is on the inbound service from the airport to the resort. However, you may request Bell Services or Luggage Assistance to help with your luggage.

If you do not have your flight information and wish to make a Magical Express reservation, you may do so. Don't forget to let them know your flight information once it is confirmed!

If your flight information changes, call Disney to make sure they have the correct info. Or you may do it online at www.disneyworld.com/mydisneyvacation

If you miss your flight or it is significantly delayed TO Orlando, call Disney's Magical Express Guest Services. Disney Representatives will retrieve your luggage and confirm your arrival before transferring it to your resort.

You may be able to use the service upon arrival at the Orlando International Airport if it's possible to accommodate you. If you decide to do this be sure and PICK UP your luggage from baggage claim yourself!

Resort Guests should contact Disney's Magical Express Guest Services at (866) 599-0951.

Dining:

Restaurants – you can read the menus of the restaurants here http://www.allearsnet.com/menu/menus.htm
reservations http://www.allearsnet.com/din/reserv.htm

In Epcot, I really like the restaurant in Italy. France is good, but you pay a lot for little. If you like fish, the Norway restaurant is good. The dinner/show in Germany is just okay. Japan is hibachi style and the chef puts on a good show. I also like to eat in Mexico and if you do, ask for a table by the water. But by far the best for steak is Le Cellier in Canada.

At MGM it’s fun to eat at the SciFi Drive In.

Magic Kingdom: the Liberty Tree Tavern isn’t bad

Animal Kingdom: I have not eaten here

Resorts:
Boardwalk – Big River Grille and Brewery is good, especially if you like beer. They have a sampler that is good.

Contemporary Resort –
California Grill is good – go at night when it is time for the fireworks display and ask for a good table
Chef Mickey’s is good for the character breakfast

Fort Wilderness: the Hoop de Doo is a lot of fun

Grand Floridian - Citricos and Narcoossee’s are both good

Old Key West – Olivias is good

Polynesian – the luau is a good show; you can catch the fireworks afterwards on the beach

Wilderness Lodge – Artist Point is good - different


This site also has just about everything you need to know about Disney http://www.allearsnet.com/
This is where I copied the information for the Magical Express as well.


Waterparks:

My favorite is still Typhoon Lagoon.
________________________________________________________________________
Tips for getting on the rides:

If you don’t mind missing the parade (at whatever park you are at) this is the best time to get on rides. At the Magic Kingdom, walk through the stores on Main Street to avoid the crowds.

Also get a FastPass whenever you can. You can only get one at a time. If you don’t mind going on as a single, you can often get on rides more quickly this way.

When they have the late nights at the parks, you will have to get a wristband that shows you are allowed to stay beyond closing. They will give you the information for that. You will have a schedule of what is going on when you are there.

Suggested rides and attractions:

Magic Kingdom:

Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin – (for some reason, I love this one!)
Be a junior Space Ranger and pilot your Star Cruiser through imaginative, immersive worlds. You are the pilot as you careen through a comical cosmos! Go on a daring space mission to save the toy universe from the sinister Emperor Zurg. Spin and fire your personal laser cannon to score points. Good luck, Space Rangers!Location: Tommorowland®This attraction has FASTPASS

Big Thunder Mountain Railroad
Hop on this rollicking mine train through an Old West mining town for a rip-roarin', rootin'-tootin' thrill-a-minute ride. If you're "mining" for a good time consider the "prospects" as you're warned: "Hang on to your hats and glasses 'cause this here's the wildest ride in the wilderness."Location: Frontierland®Height Requirement: 40" or tallerThis attraction has FASTPASS

Pirates of the Caribbean
Yo ho, yo ho! A pirate's life for me! Take a wild voyage through secret caverns and fierce sea battles as you join the rowdiest rogues and rapscallions that ever sacked the Spanish Main. It's a boat ride through classic Disney swashbuckling adventures. And now, Captain Jack's joined the crew! Discover Captain Jack and his nemesis Barbossa interacting with some of your favorite Audio-Animatronics® buccaneers and adding a terrific twist to the classic adventure — along with new special effects. Plus, join Captain Jack Sparrow's Pirate Tutorial in Adventureland®, where kids enjoy fun, interactive hi-jinks throughout the day.Location: Adventureland®

Jungle Cruise
Travel on the rivers of three different continents. See exotic animals, zany explorers and ancient ruins as your skipper leads you deep into the jungle. Be prepared for surprises along the way; your skipper's sure to regale you with humorous tales of danger.Location: Adventureland®This attraction has FASTPASS

The Haunted Mansion – always a favorite
Make yourself at "tomb sweet tomb" in the home of 999 happy haunts, where there's "always room for one more." Inside, hop on a Doom Buggy to get in the "spirit" of things. Experience the stretching room, the séance and hitchhiking ghosts in this Disney classic.Location: Liberty SquareThis attraction has FASTPASS

Epcot:
The countries open later than the rest of the park; take advantage of the early admission.

Mission: SPACE – NOT for the faint of heart!
This ultimate interactive thrill-packed adventure is as close as you can get to blasting off into space without leaving Earth. Each member of your astronaut team has a challenging role in a dynamic and daring cosmic mission dodging meteors and navigating nebula. Feel the force of lift-off and have an exhilarating, mystical rendezvous on another planet. It's out of this world!Location: Future World®Height Requirement: 44" or tallerThis attraction has FASTPASS

Soarin'
Take a free-flying adventure across the natural wonders of the Golden State aboard this thrilling Disney's California Adventure® Park attraction. With the wind in your hair, glide 40 feet in the air as you look down upon the breathtaking vistas of Yosemite and redwood forests. Soar as high as your imagination over a world of wonders.Location: The Land PavillionHeight Requirement: 40" or tallerThis attraction has FASTPASS

Test Track
Enter the hair-raising world of auto testing on one of the longest, fastest rides in Disney history! Strap yourself in to race up bumpy terrain, roar through hair-pin turns, speed into freezing cold chambers, and rush on to 50-degree banked curves at 60 miles an hour.Location: Future World®Height Requirement: 40" or tallerThis attraction has FASTPASS


Turtle Talk with Crush
Yo, Dude, come check out this totally cool interactive show. Go under the sea and have a conversation with Crush in his digital underwater world. The 152-year-old sea turtle from the Disney presentation of Pixar's "Finding Nemo" chats, jokes and even recognizes Guests. This is a first-of-its-kind live, real-time animated show you have to see to believe. It's soooo awesome!Location: The Living Seas Pavilion

Spaceship Earth – always a relaxing ride, especially if you need to take a rest!

Body Wars (Futureworld) go here as soon as the park opens and get on first.

Maelstrom
Tricky trolls are out to befuddle you as you explore the heritage of Norway in this adventure-packed boat ride.
Location: Norway PavilionThis attraction has FASTPASS

El Rio del Tiempo – another one I always love – very relaxing
Take a joyful boat ride on the wondrous "River of Time," sailing into a colorful, festive world. Explore Mexico's engaging past and present, sailing past a smoking volcano into an Audio-Animatronics® world of singing and dancing, fireworks and carousels, Mayan high priests and modern-day merchants.Location: Mexico Pavilion

Ellen's Energy Adventure – another one that hasn’t changed, but still as good
Get a burst of energy on this fun-filled ride starring Ellen DeGeneres. Move through the creation of the universe and see...and hear...the Big Bang. Ride around, between and under dinosaurs. Float far above Earth with satellites and atoms. See what brain power can really accomplish - only on Ellen's Energy Adventure!Location: Future World

Disney-MGM Studios:

Rock 'n' Roller Coaster Starring Aerosmith – one of my favorites
Aerosmith's having a backstage party across town and you're invited. Ready to brave the LA freeways? Zoom from 0-60 mph with the force of a supersonic F-14, take in high-speed loops and turns synchronized to a specially recorded Aerosmith soundtrack and zip through Tinseltown in the biggest, loudest limo you've ever seen.Location: Sunset BoulevardHeight Requirement: 48" (122 cm) or tallerThis attraction has FASTPASS

Star Tours – another classic
Board an intergalactic simulator for a turbulent trip through outer space. With an absent-minded droid in the cockpit, you're in for warp-speed near-misses, collisions with comets and high-flying excitement - not to mention a wrong turn into a combat zone, right into the path of the Death Star.Location: BacklotHeight Requirement: 40" (102 cm) or tallerThis attraction has FASTPASS

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror – probably my #1 ride
Brave the creepy facade of a once-glorious hotel for a jolt back in time. Board a phantom elevator, shoot up 13 stories and brace yourself for a thrilling plummet... but beware! The experience just got scarier. You rocket back up, only to plummet down yet again. You dare to ride once more, but wait! That's not what happened before. That's right, now the Tower is in control, so it's never the same fear twice!Location: Hollywood Tower HotelHeight Requirement: 40" (122 cm) or tallerThis attraction has FASTPASS

Lights, Motors, Action! Extreme Stunt Show
Get ready for extreme thrills as this full-throttle, high-octane live stunt spectacular comes roaring in from Walt Disney Studios Paris as part of the Happiest Celebration On Earth. Engines rev, tires screech and adrenaline kicks into overdrive as a series of highly orchestrated stunts, specially designed cars, motorcycles and jet skis and amazing pyrotechnics give you a behind-the-scenes look at how action stunts are created for the movies.Location: BacklotThis attraction has FASTPASS

The Disney-MGM Studios Backlot Tour
Brace yourself for an all-out special effects encounter with a water tank in "Harbor Attack," then board a guided tram ride for a look at life-like façades used in exterior shots from familiar television shows and movies. Wind past soundstages, peek inside the Disney-MGM Studios camera, props and lighting departments, face nature's fury during an exhilarating detour through Catastrophe Canyon and more!Location: Mickey Avenue

The Great Movie Ride – another one to rest you feet!
Go behind the silver screen to witness great movie moments captured in time with thrilling film clips and lifelike Audio-Animatronics® figures. Board a vehicle to ride through unforgettable scenes featuring legends of motion picture history.Location: Hollywood Boulevard

Disney's Animal Kingdom:

Expedition Everest – Legend of the Forbidden Mountain – brand new and fun
Through the mists of Asia, a colossal new adventure rises. Expedition Everest™! Hop on a high-speed train through the Himalayas for treacherous chasms and hair-pin turns which are just the start of the action. But beware, screams get the attention of the mountain’s guardian – the dreaded Yeti. In an instant, frigid winds blast and icy tracks hurl the train forward, then backward into the abyss on a spiraling drop into the mountain. You see the beast. Trouble is, he sees you too.Location: AsiaHeight Requirement: 44" (113 cm) or tallerThis attraction has FASTPASS

DINOSAUR – this ride is bumpy and fun!
Whoosh back to primeval times for a wild ride of an expedition to complete your dangerous mission. The clock is ticking on your Time Rover and you have mere minutes to rescue a stray dinosaur. Beware the hungry clutches of one large meat-eating predator and the devastating power of an impending asteroid! It's fast. It's a blast! It's in the past!Location: DinoLand U.S.A.®Height Requirement: 40" (102 cm) or tallerThis attraction has FASTPASS

Festival of the Lion King – great stage show
Plunge right into the middle of the action in this cleverly staged in-the-round production featuring songs from the film and a cast of familiar faces, including Simba, Timon and Pumbaa. Combining the pageantry of a parade with all the excitement of a tribal celebration, this is a lavish, high energy spectacle created through song, dance and specialty performances.Location: Camp Minnie-Mickey

Kali River Rapids – you will get wet!
Raft down the turbulent waters of the Chakranadi River aboard a 12-passenger raft through an enchanting Asian rain forest. A blazing inferno rushes toward you! Escape down a rushing waterfall! Beware of gushing geysers! Get set to get wet!Location: AsiaHeight Requirement: 38" (95 cm) or tallerThis attraction has FASTPASS

Kilimanjaro Safaris – do this first thing when the park opens, then on to the Kali River Rapids (use your map and get there right away – you may get one twice if you are one of the first ones there; most people go to the big tree in the center of the park first and see the next attraction I listed)
Climb aboard your open-sided safari vehicle for an exciting expedition for the entire family. Animals from Africa freely roam through 110 acres of savannah, rivers and rocky hills. Look out for giraffes, hippos, elephants, rhinos, and lions!Location: AfricaThis attraction has FASTPASS

It's Tough to be a Bug! – cute
See the world through a bug's eyes as you peek into the hilarious and dazzling 3-D world of amazing and amusing insects as they astound you with a one-of-a-kind stage show. Laugh at the fun and startling in-theater effects like overhead giant spiders! The only thing that will "bug" you is if you miss it!Location: Discovery Island®This attraction has FASTPASS

Antigua and Barbuda cocktail seminar

Antigua and Barbuda cocktail seminar

September 18

6-9 pm

Varka Restaurant, Ramsey, NJ

RSVP to 212-541-4118

Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau

COME OUT AND PLAY WITH GREATER MIAMI AND THE BEACHES!

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and select Miami hotels cordially invite you to join us for a table top trade show and dinner with round table presentations.
Join us for a fun and educational evening with lots of great prizes.

Please select the show you will attend, complete the form below and fax to: 1-877-278-3838

Wednesday, September 12
SHERATON SUITES
500 Harbor Boulevard
Weehawken, NJ
□

6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Invitation is limited to two agents per office – wait list is available if space allows.
If you have any questions, contact Linda Stilmann at Linda@gmcvb.com.


AGENCY: PHONE: ___________________________

ADDRESS: FAX: ______________________________

CITY: STATE: ____ZIP:___________________________

AGENT NAME/TITLE:___________________________IATA/CLIA NO:________________

AGENT NAME/TITLE:___________________________IATA/CLIA NO:________________


AGENT WAIT LIST

AGENT NAME/TITLE:___________________________IATA/CLIA NO:________________

AGENT NAME/TITLE:___________________________IATA/CLIA NO:________________



For additional information contact us at:
Fax: 1-877-278-3838 or;
Phone: 1-800-278-3838


For Miami information visit: www.miamiandbeaches.com

Spirit Airlines Complaint

From Gerrie Quade - this was taken from a blog written about Spirit Airlines. It is worth reading. To read the comments posted following the blog, click the title above.

I booked a flight on Spirit Airlines about a week ago out of Orlando to Las Vegas for tomorrow, August 5th. This morning, the 4th, I get a call from Spirit Airlines telling me that my flight was canceled and I needed to call an 800 number to make a new reservation. That's sucks, but hey, that's the reality of the god awful air industry here in the States (Dear Uncle Sam, please stop giving them money and let the free market work. K, thx, bye.)I call the number, go through all the motions hitting the menu items, and then get a message telling me that due to high volume, I should use SpiritAir.com instead. The 800# then hangs up on me. I call back, hitting 0 to talk to an operator, same message, hangs up on me. I try all the appropriate sounding options on their voice mail, and get hung up on every single time. Thanks, Spirit Air! What went from a somewhat understandable situation (relativity is a bitch), now has me pissy. Finally, I try "book new flight" to speak to a spirit airlines sales agent. Sure enough, that one (the option where they take the money) works fine. I get entered into the normal "too many calls" queue and patiently wait my turn.After a long and annoying wait, a young lady answers the phone and starts trying to help me figure out what's up. There's no reason for canceling the flight, there's only one other option -- putting me in Vegas 5 hours past my intended arrival.. The reason I chose Spirit Airlines to begin with. To add to my frustration, it's a flight that I purposely paid more money to avoid (bigger layover, late time, etc). There's no upgrades or anything like that, no option for a partner airline or a transfer, no real attempt at anything. Here's the kicker. They make you pay extra to bring a bag. They refused to even refund this $5 each way fee, not even for one the of ways.So, instead of losing $5 on a customer who has every right to be angry, I'll write this blog post and tell all my traveling buddies to add Spirit Airlines to their growing list of airlines to avoid.

If Google works their magic like they usually do, at least one of the 4,931 daily searches for "Spirit Airlines" will turn up this result and save someone the headache (and hopefully end up costing Spirit Airlines $6 or more). Yay, cluetrain! Seriously, if you are considering saving money by flying Spirit Air, pay the extra $20 and use someone else. It's not worth it.Spirit Airlines can't be counted on, they'll nickel and dime you on things like baggage (seriously.. WTF), and they will make zero effort what so ever to rectify any situation that they create. I'm totally expecting tomorrow to be a complete debacle, and will arrive at the airport extra early. Possibly with boxing gloves (and sadly, $5 for my baggage)Will someone, anyone, please fix air travel?August 5th, 2007 UpdateI arrived at MCO a couple hours early to find a really approachable ticket counter (no line, etc). The young lady at the desk was very helpful. I explained to her that every two years, some college buddies and I get together for a reunion of sorts, and Spirit Airlines was causing me to miss the big first-night get together. She offered to get me a free round trip travel voucher. After going into the back for a few minutes, she returned to inform me that she could not in fact give me a voucher, because the problem originated in Detroit, not Orlando (cue Celly's told-you-so laughter here). She suggested that I try calling the corporate number (where this all started), and trying to complain again (as my buddy Mike suggested to me on Facebook). Breezing through security (Orlando's got it down to a Science), I found myself with a couple hours to kill. Evidently, Spirit Airlines phone system is just as slammed packed at noon on Sunday as it is on a late Saturday afternoon -- I was hung up on with the "We're to busy to give a shit" message once again. I knew that'd be the case, I just felt obligated to try ;). Speaking with a sales agent, I was unable to get a round trip voucher, but I was able to get a $100 credit towards my next Spirit Airlines flight from one of the supervisors. Total time of call was about 35 minutes, once you skip all the fake options and go straight for the sales desk.$100 means that if I have am ever forced to fly Spirit, I can check 5 bags on the day of my flight! ($20/bag day of, $10 in advance). I say that in jest, but I am pleased that if you do complain repeatedly and persistently, they will at least give in somewhere.

A number of people sent me some links involving Spirit's consistently bad customer service though, and I figure I'll share them here:
Woman Sues Spirit Airlines in Small Claims Court and Wins
Read Before You Click
Why Spirit Airlines Sucks (Still Sucking) (Update on Spirit's Suckability)There seems to be a decent amount searching around, but.. whatever. Also, Randall points out that JetBlue and Virgin already fixed air travel... I guess that rules out my hope for Steve Job's iPlane. Anyway, I'm about to board my flight for Vegas by way of Atlantic City. Talk about an itinerary of sin... I wonder if we refuel at a New Orleans whore house? hah! If Spirit loses my baggage, and I have to buy clothes, will I have to pay for the required new baggage on the way home? So many questions.. At least I have $100 in baggage credits now.August 9th, 2007 UpdateThanks to all the folks who left comments sharing their experiences with Spirit. I arrived back this morning after a brutal red eye (all vegas redeyes are). I wanted to chime in and mention my experience with the cramped seating some people have mentioned.If you are over, I donno, 5'10 (I'm about 6 or 6'1), you will feel like a giant on this airline. The seat in front of me came up to about my armpit area. The seats have a pretty cool neck-holder-rest thing that adjusts and confirms like a neck pillow. The problem I ran into was that I couldn't get it to move up, so it just dug into my upper back the whole time. It was a red eye though, so I pretty much slept the whole time anyway. If you are expecting a pillow and or blanket though, bring one yourself, as Spirit doesn't have any (..about right).Summary / ConclusionYes, I did buy the cheapest ticket. No, I did not save any money (add in the baggage fees, and it was actually more expensive). Yes, I got burnt and lost a day of my trip. Yes, I will avoid Spirit Airlines as much as I humanly can. Yes, I will continue to share my experience with friends through conversations, both online and off. If you've had a bad encounter with this airline, I encourage you to join our conversation down in the comments or on your own blog. The only way to improve a business's customer service is to complain about it. Viva la internet.

Good News for Single Travelers

This was taken from the online service of Travel Agent Magazine from 7/31/07.

GOGO For Solo Travelers

Jul 30, 2007
Travel Agent


GOGO Worldwide Vacations on Friday announced packages tailored specifically for the single traveler. The trips feature the Caribbean, Mexico, the United States and Canada and give solo travelers up to 30 percent off single rates, as well as their own hotel room. A host of activities also are available for booking, including snorkeling, wine tasting and dancing. The impetus for the launch was a noticeable increase in travel agents planning vacations for single travelers, said Tom Hayden, vice president of sales for the company. "[Single travelers] are always looking for a destination that offers a wide variety of activities such as nightlife, entertainment, recreational and experiential activities," he said. Departure dates begin in September.

Marketing Tips from Holland America

This was on MailPound today. If you haven't already signed up, it is a free daily email service that provides specials from vendors and other info. www.mailpound.com

"Marketing Tips
5 Tips to Create a Stronger Database and Drive More Business

You don’t need to be a "techno-wizard" to develop a robust and highly targeted database; just know a few common-sense rules. Here are 5 tips to consider to creating an even more effective database:

Make sure you’ve got the most up-to-date information on your clients. Check the accuracy of each client’s name (first and last), address, e-address and phone number. This may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many databases are out of date, especially with e-addresses.

Look at the RFM (Recency, Frequency and Monetary) behaviors of your current clients. You’ll get the biggest bang for your marketing dollars by staying in touch with those customers who have used your services within the past 12 months rather than those whom you have not heard from within the past 24 months or longer. Consider segmenting customers into how frequently they have used your services and how much revenue they have contributed to your bottom line. Don’t ignore your other clients. Just don’t spend a great deal of time and money sending them direct mail or e-mail as often as your "goldens".

Have a file that tells you what each customer’s travel interest is. Are they "coastal cruisers"…7-day cruisers…10+ -day cruisers? Do they prefer relaxing days at sea…a blend of active and relaxation? Do they want exotic locations…warm climates…historical locales? The more information you have the more targeted your messages can become, and the more you increase your opportunities to build a database of extremely loyal customers who will return to you time after time.

Treat your current customers differently than your prospects. Think of prospects as "window shoppers." You want to provide them with messages that spark their interests, but don’t assume that they are in the same "buying frame" as your current customers. You need to woo prospects. Get them intrigued about your unique selling points, customer service and brand. Again, the more data you have on your prospects (interests, when they are thinking of cruising with Holland America Line, which destination captures their fancy the most) — the more likely they’ll select you as their preferred travel professional.

Make a note on your database as to how your customers wish to be contacted. Do they prefer mail…e-mail…a telephone call…a combination of all three? Do they want to be notified of special events? How often do they want to hear from you?

Remember, you can wow people with great design, catchy and clever headlines and stellar images, but if you are targeting the wrong people, or the right people with the wrong message, your communications will more than likely end up in the round file. Think strategically. Collect pertinent and useful information. You’ll be much more assured of generating more revenue and building a more loyal base of satisfied customers."

Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau

COME OUT AND PLAY WITH GREATER MIAMI AND THE BEACHES!

The Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau and select Miami hotels cordially invite you to join us for a table top trade show and dinner with round table presentations.
Join us for a fun and educational evening with lots of great prizes.

Please select the show you will attend, complete the form below and fax to: 1-877-278-3838

Monday, September 10 Tuesday, September 11 Wednesday, September 12
SHERATON NEWTON GARDEN CITY HOTEL SHERATON SUITES
320 Washington Street 45 Seventh Street 500 Harbor Boulevard
Newton, MA Garden City, NY Weehawken, NJ
□ □ □

6:00 PM - 9:30 PM

Invitation is limited to two agents per office – wait list is available if space allows.
If you have any questions, contact Linda Stilmann at Linda@gmcvb.com.


AGENCY: _________________ PHONE: ___________________________

ADDRESS: ________________ FAX:______________CITY: _______STATE:____ZIP:___________________________


AGENT NAME/TITLE:_________________IATA/CLIA NO:________________

AGENT NAME/TITLE:_________________IATA/CLIA NO:________________


AGENT WAIT LIST

AGENT NAME/TITLE:_________________IATA/CLIA NO:________________

AGENT NAME/TITLE:_________________IATA/CLIA NO:________________



For additional information contact us at:
Fax: 1-877-278-3838 or;
Phone: 1-800-278-3838


For Miami information visit: www.miamiandbeaches.com

Taking the kids -- on a Disney European cruise (CNN)

(Tribune Media Services) -- It's grown-up time.

Disney Magic in the Mediterranean
By Eileen OgintzTribune Media Services

But this is no movie-and-dinner night.

We're in Monaco people-watching and gambling. A member of our group won more than 900 euros at the famous Grand Casino in Monte Carlo. As we sip our pricey drinks at a postcard-perfect outdoor cafe, we expect James Bond, or at least a movie star, to stroll by any minute.

This fantasy-come-true (or at least this very pleasant evening out in a world-famous locale) has been brought to us courtesy of Disney Cruise Line, though Mickey isn't anywhere in the vicinity. We're all passengers aboard the Disney Magic, anchored about a half-hour away, where our kids (at least those under 18 who couldn't come along) are happily ensconced onboard, in supervised activities or, if they're teens, simply hanging with their friends in the ship's teen area, the Stack, complete with smoothie bar, overstuffed couches, music and movies.

We're at the tail end of an 11-day cruise that has taken us from Barcelona through some of Italy and now the French Riviera (there is still limited availability the rest of this summer). Many cruise lines report a growing number of families on their European cruises, but on our ship there are 2,480 passengers, more than 900 of them children -- triple the number on other cruise lines. Well over half of the passengers have cruised Disney before, though the majority have not been to Europe.

"When they get tired, they have their own space and when the kids aren't tired they have their own space," says Julie Levi, cruising from San Diego with her husband, two kids and her parents. "This is such a great way to see places they've read about and to decide where we might want to go back to later. We just want to show the kids the world so they realize the United States isn't the center of the universe."

After 10 days aboard this ship, I can't think of a better way to do exactly that -- and get a little rest and relaxation in the process, thanks to the organized programs for kids. How about creating a wall of art in Italy or making crepes in France? Each child gets a journal packed with fun facts and games. Did you know St. Peter's of Rome is almost as long as two football fields? New pages for that day's port are delivered the night before, complete with words in Italian or French for your kids to learn.

"My kids love it," said Julie Levi, whose daughters are 9 and 11. "They like the idea of reading about something and then going to find it."
And, of course, Minnie Mouse is there to greet you when you get back to the ship. There's also a fireworks display, a Pirates of the Caribbean party, ice cream and chicken fingers all day long and always-smiling waiters who move with you as you move from each of the three restaurants aboard ship.

Sure you only get to spend one (exhausting) day in Rome or Florence, but realistically, how much culture can the kids take at one time? Anchorage, Alaska architect Jeff Koonce originally mapped out a more than two-week trip to Europe that would have taken his wife and two teens from city to city via train. "They would have died on that itinerary," he laughs. "The history is incredible, but they need their sleep."

He also figures that he saved some money because with the dollar so weak against the euro, a trip paid in American dollars that includes transportation, food, lodging and onboard entertainment (yes, there are plenty of Broadway-quality Disney shows) is a good deal. (Disney, www.adventuresbydisney.com, also has land-based European adventures for families with availability this summer, complete with kids' and adult guides.)

Just as important, rather than navigating unfamiliar roads (or train schedules) checking in and out of hotels, seeking restaurants, The Mouse does all the work for you, even organizing your forays into foreign cities, as long as you're willing to tool around with 50 other people. Though some of us opted for private guides (in Tuscany, we had a great time with American Donna Scharnagl from www.discovertuscany.biz), and also enlisted help from www.onestepcloser.net, many are more comfortable letting The Mouse lead the way.

"I know if anything happens -- even a flat tire -- that the ship won't leave without us," said Patricia Pasechnick, a hairdresser from Teaneck, New Jersey, who traveled with her mom and her daughter. "I feel safe."

And that's no small thing for families traveling abroad, especially for the first time.
Just as important to moms, smiling stewards will make your bed, leave animals fashioned out of towels for the kids (yes, there are lessons in this art, too) and serve your meals. Does your teen want three servings of beef tenderloin, or will your 4-year-old eat only plain pasta? No problem.
In fact, if parents have any complaint at all, it's that the tours sometimes are too all encompassing. I discovered that firsthand in Rome with my 13-year-old niece, Erica Fieldman. The trip was her Bat Mitzvah present, but I learned very quickly that if an excursion didn't involve shopping or ice cream, she wasn't interested.

We peeled off from our tour group in Rome at The Forum -- to the guide's consternation -- and did our own mini-tour of the Trevi Fountain and the Spanish Steps -- lots of shopping and ice cream, of course. Then we met up again with the group for the special after-hours tour of the Sistine Chapel and Vatican museums that Disney had been able to arrange. Amazing can't begin to describe Michelangelo's ceiling, the centuries-old tapestries and other artwork in the museums. The other teens in the group were busy snapping photos. Erica didn't seem impressed.

Maybe she's too young. Maybe it's because she lives in Las Vegas. Maybe she'll laugh about this "boring " trip to Rome with her aunt when she returns with her own kids.
"The memories won't go away," Jeff Koonce promises.
I can only hope.

(For more Taking the Kids, visit www.takingthekids.com, where Eileen Ogintz welcomes your questions and comments.)

Article from CNN - Travel Troubleshooter: The reservation that wasn't

Yet another reason to use a travel agent! Read on...

By Christopher ElliottTribune Media Services



(Tribune Media Services) -- Beth Zukowski books six airline tickets on AirTran Airways through Expedia. The online agency charges her a booking fee and bills her for flight protection insurance, but fails to buy her tickets. The reason? Her credit card was declined, it says. But her credit card company disputes the story. Now AirTran wants her to pay more than $200 extra to buy new tickets. What should she do?

Q: I bought six airline tickets on AirTran Airways through Expedia. When I got my credit card statement about a month later, I found charges for the Expedia booking fees and the flight protection insurance, but not for the tickets.

It turns out the tickets hadn't been booked. I spent almost four hours on the phone with the online agency trying to find out why there were no tickets. I had to stay on hold because there are no outbound lines at the call center.

AirTran claims my credit card was declined and that they tried to call me. I never received a call or a message, and there is no record of an AirTran call on my caller ID log. I then contacted my bank to see if there were any declines on my credit card. There were none.

The airline offered to rebook at a cost of more than $500 per ticket -- more than $200 more than I originally paid. Or should have paid.

Expedia won't help me either. Is there anything you can do?
-- Beth Zukowski, Glenwood Springs, Colorado

A: Expedia should have booked your tickets, of course. And when it didn't, the online agency should have immediately fixed the problem -- not kept you on hold for hours on end.
Don't Miss

One reason you buy tickets through a site like Expedia instead of directly through an airline is that the online agency will be there to help you when something goes wrong. The company's highly-publicized "Expedia Promise" guarantees, among other things, that you can "count on us to provide support throughout your trip" adding that, "whether you have questions about your itinerary, have a change in travel plans, or need help resolving a problem with the trip you booked, we're here to help 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our job is to satisfy you!"
OK, then.

The implication is that Expedia is as good as -- if not better than -- the travel agent around the corner. But what kind of travel agent charges you a booking fee, plus insurance, but neglects to buy a ticket? What kind of agent puts you on hold for four hours because there are no outbound phone lines?

When Expedia didn't book your tickets, it should have notified you immediately, offering you the option of using a different credit card or canceling the entire transaction. I find it odd, and a little suspicious, that the booking fee and insurance charges showed up on your card without the tickets. To me, that suggests something might have gone wrong with either Expedia or with AirTran, not with your card.

Your case brings up a question that's often raised by readers of this column: What's the value of a reservation? Is it worth the paper it's printed on?

For you, the answers were: not much -- and no.

Based on Expedia's "promise" I think you should have reasonably expected the online agency to fix your booking problem. Your mistake was to stay on the phone with the agency for hours at a time and then allowing it to pass you off to AirTran. Instead, you should have politely but firmly asked for a supervisor when it became apparent that the phone agent you were dealing with didn't have a clue about how to solve your problem.

Better yet, instead of letting Expedia string you along on the phone, you might have considered sending a short, polite e-mail to the online agency explaining your situation and telling it what you think it needed to do in order to resolve your complaint. (I list the e-mail addresses of key Expedia executives on my site at csr.elliott.org.)

I contacted Expedia on your behalf, and it agreed to honor the original ticket price.

Christopher Elliott is the ombudsman for National Geographic Traveler magazine. E-mail him at celliott@ngs.org

Why Sell Groups part 1 - from Travel Trade

Why Sell Groups?
By Doris and Phil Davidoff
This is the first in a series of six articles providing in-depth analysis and practical information for travel agents on the importance of group sales and how to find potential groups, develop programs to meet their needs and operate group trips effectively and profitably.

Future articles will focus on where to find groups, packaging and pricing groups, promoting groups, group operations — handling bookings and operating group tours and cruises, and selling unique groups.

Together, the articles serve as a primer for agents with little or no group sales experience, and also reinforce current skills of experienced agents while providing some new ideas.
•
Generating profits in the travel agency industry has become more and more difficult with each passing year. Travel agents are caught between heavy pressures from suppliers who want to control their costs (our commissions) and clients seeking the lowest possible prices.

It has been more than 12 years since airlines instituted commission cuts that have led to the elimination of most air commissions.

As a result, most small and medium-size travel agencies and virtually all Home Based travel agents are focusing their efforts on leisure travel — cruises, tours and resort vacations.

Travel agents who focus their marketing efforts on the vacation needs of specific target market segments have been able to maintain profitability in the face of pricing pressures from suppliers that are limiting profits. For example, non-commissionable fees (NCFs) of $20 per day or more are now a standard part of cruise pricing.

It’s Hard To Make Money on Ones and Twos
The well-managed leisure-oriented travel agent focuses on cruises and tours. However, a large volume of transactions is necessary to produce profits, unless the agent is selling primarily deluxe cruises and tours at $5,000 to $10,000 or more per couple.

With agency costs constantly increasing while income per transaction is not, it is difficult to make a profit on ones and twos.

For example, a couple purchases a one-week cruise on a contemporary (mass market) cruise ship. They pay a cruise fare of $680 per person and NCFs and taxes of $175 per person. Because of NCFs of $350, travel agent commission is based on the cruise fare of $1,360.
If the agency sells a sufficient number of cruises or meets a specific yearly dollar volume of sales, it will earn 15% of $1,360 — or $204 for selling this cruise. If the agency was only an occasional seller of the cruise line, it would only earn a 10% commission ($136).

Because of the $175 per person NCF charge, the client paid $855 per person ($1,710 total), so the $204 is actually 11.9%, not 15% and the $136 is less than 8% instead of 10%.

If over time, the travel agency sells 15 separate cruises on the same cruise line at the 15% level, total commission is $3,060. To earn this, agents must spend time with 15 couples and process 15 transactions.

Many readers will remember at least hearing about Willie Sutton, one of the most notorious bank robbers of the mid-20th century. After he was arrested, a newspaper reporter asked him, “Why do you rob banks?” His answer was a simple one: “Because that’s where the money is!”

Where the Money Is
Ask experienced group sales agents why they sell groups and they will give you the same answer: “Because that’s where the money is.”

Selling groups will increase agency income. If the same 15 cabins the agency sold individually are sold as a group (15 cabins on the same ship on the same date), the agency earns substantially more than the same $3,060 base commission.

Most cruise lines and many escorted tour operations provide one free cabin or room for every 15 sold. The value in this case is the base fare of $1,360.

Cruise lines offer amenity points that can be used for a variety of extra benefits for group passengers or income for the travel agency. Points can be used, for example, for complimentary cocktail parties, photographs, wine and logo items. They can also be used for bonus commissions, onboard credit, cabin upgrades and reduced free cabin ratios — for example, one free for 10 instead on one free for 15. Higher point levels are provided for low and shoulder season sailings.

If the cruise line provides a $50 bonus per cabin, this will add $750 to your income. Adding this bonus, plus the $1,360 value of the free cabins adds $2,110 to the original $3,060. The actual commission level on the sale is now a healthy 20% on the $25,650 paid by the 15 couples.

Other Benefits to Agents
Increasing agency profit is the major reason for focusing on groups, but there are several other important advantages as well.

Traveling in a group with common interests is a growing trend, especially among baby boomers. Like-minded people like to travel with like-minded people, especially to places of common interest.

The market is huge and growing larger every day. Groups are everywhere and many don’t yet know that they are potential travel groups. They are just waiting for an enthusiastic, innovative agent to get them moving.

Groups rarely “price-shop” a trip after they agree to promote a program with you. Individuals who want to travel with others who have booked your program have no choice. They must book your program to travel with the group. There may be some shopping before agreeing to your program, but there will be little or none once the group “signs” with you, especially if there are cancellation penalties.

An Efficient Sale
Selling groups is a time saver. While it will take more time to develop a group trip for an organization than to work with one client, once the program is accepted, very little time is spent with a single participant. The booking and transaction processing can be accomplished very efficiently.

Groups often travel together every year. Once you have sold a group tour or cruise and operated it successfully, the group will look forward to working with you on their next trip. Since you have already earned their trust, your time invested per participant will be even less on future programs.

Suppliers provide higher levels of service to travel agents who produce groups. Many supplier sales representatives receive significantly higher incentives for group sales than for an equivalent amount of individual sales. Suppliers often provide more support because of the larger amount of business represented by a group.

In general, group sales provide a higher level of professional satisfaction to agents than individual travel sales, and your clients will enjoy themselves traveling with other people who share common interests.

Doris and Phil Davidoff, veteran travel agents, are specialists in groups and have developed GroupTrac, a computer database for processing and controlling all aspects of group travel arrangements. The Davidoffs operate a Home Based niche agency, Fan Club Cruises, and formerly were the co-owners of Belair Travel Consultants in Maryland since 1969. Phil Davidoff is a past president of ASTA.