Which Cruise is the Best Cruise? Whatever Floats Your Boat - Choose by Itinerary and Countries

Which Cruise is the Best Cruise? Whatever Floats Your Boat  - Choose by Itinerary and Countries

 Value is important when picking out a cruise, but destination is just as important when making your final decision on YOUR NEXT CRUISE.

 

TRAVEL TIP:  When clients ask me "WHICH CRUISE SHOULD WE BOOK", My answer is the one with the best itinerary.  The more stops a cruise ship makes give a person more options to evaluate different Islands or destination and determine which ones they would like to return for a longer or extended stay.  That is my story and I am sticking to it.

I have clients always ask which cruise lines or length of time on board makes the best Cruise.  Stop right there- this decision is best answered by what countries you desire to see or if you are exploring new destinations for the first time.   Personally I encourage lots of stops and less days at sea to be the Best Option.  I am finding that when exploring the Mediterranean it gives more opportunity to really enjoy the location when you can see more of what Greece, Turkey or Croatia has to offer. 

Happy Travels

Jeanne Felix, Travel Agent
Hearts on the Go Travel
Division of Cordially Yours Travel
California Seller of Travel CST-1013939-40
Destination  Specialist and
Princess and Royal Caribbean Cruise Specialist

GOING CRUISING? - PACKING IDEAS FOR YOUR NEXT CRUISE VACATION

If you have never cruised don't worry.   Here are some great helpful Packing Ideas for your Next Cruise Vacation.  I hope these Travel Tips are helpful  for your planning stage.  There is plenty of time to prepare for that wonderful cruise that you have planned or thinking about booking.  There are many Cruise Lines and Ships to choose from and I tell people check out the itinerary that you want and then let's go from there.  Let me take the stress out of planning your next vacation is what I as a Travel Agent can do for you.  Jeanne Felix, Travel Agent  http://www.travelatheart.com

First Figure What Itinerary You Are Traveling To, then the fun begins.  Purchasing travel books, reading on line all the attractions or excursions that you want to see and just plan for a little relaxation are things that are important when preparing for this Cruise Vacation.








AIRLINE REQUIREMENTS:   Need to know what the Airline Restrictions are regarding baggage on the airline that you are traveling on.  I encourage you to get about a 27" bag that is sturdy and light.  Remember they weigh your bags for the airline and you will be charged extra for extra weight or over
sized baggage.

PACKING:  Remember if you are going to Beach Regions or Islands you will need lots of shorts and tops, sandals and cool clothing. You can usually get by with lots less clothing that going to a cold destination.  Always pack layer type clothing.  A wind Breaker is a great idea for traveling on the high seas.  If you a going to Alaska, I recommend a heavy coat as you never know what weather you will run into when you book the cruise in May or September Months.

MAKE A LIST of things that you want to take.  Example 2 pair of long pants, 10 tops, undergarments, socks and exercise type of clothes.  You will really be glad that you had some active wear with you.  Shorts are a must.  WEAR YOUR HEAVY THINGS ON THE PLANE INCLUDING YOUR BIGGEST SHOES.  Make sure that you have extra pairs of shoes for climbing, beach shoes or special need

Roll your clothes and don't fold them.  You will realize when you start packing your suitcase that you will get more in.  Carry an Extra fold up Carry On Collapsible Nylon BAG stuffed into your main Suitcase.  It can act as the holder of your souvenirs until time to come home.  NEVER CHECK IN YOUR ESSENTIAL OR NECESSARY ITEMS LIKE MEDICATION.  Bring your medication with you in you carry on.  I have seen people show up for their cruise and their luggage never showed up until coming home.  If you have you swimming suit as your carry on you will be able to enjoy the pools until your bags show up.

MY PERSONAL SUGGESTION IS:  Get a Good Size Back Pack and bring your computer and cables, camera, medication, swimming suit, shorts, Athletic Wear Outfit, change of clothes and night wear.  If you have these essential items you will be able to go on the cruise and not have to be stressed out with at least enough to get you by if your luggage get separated from you.


LET ME HELP YOU GET THERE!





Happy and Safe Travels

JEANNE FELIX, Travel Agent
http://www.travelatheart.com
Division of Cordially Yours Travel
 California Seller of Travel CST-1013939-40
http://www.facebook.com/travelagentjeannefelix

Where to Next - Your Next #Vacation

Where do YOU want to go for your next #Vacation.  It is always a question we need to ask ourselves.  I have clients that ask me to help them with this decision.  

There are always a few questions you can start with in your search for your next Vacation;

1.  What destination is on the top of my bucket list?

2.  Is a specific time you have to take your vacation or can you be flexible with the dates

3.  If you can't afford to go to your first choice of destinations, is there a second choice that will work?

4.  If there is a really good special going on are you maybe willing to discover a new location with many

     discounts?

5.  Who will you be traveling with on this next vacation?  Family Travel or Adults only All Inclusive.  

When you go through this list and start your search for YOUR NEXT VACATION you can eliminate some frustration in the planning process.  I recommend consulting a Travel Agent to help you narrow down your choices and let them do the research for you.  Some Travel Agencies will charge you for the research, but I don't think there is a price that you should pay for this information.  By Traveling the World, it allows me to obtain first hand knowledge to assist clients with Live and Accurate Information,

When there is a good deal, your Travel Agent can let you know that it is a good deal. If Clients have access to Frequent Flyer Mileage and discounted Flights it will help them afford to spend their money on better accommodations.   

If you own a time share,  you are on your way to affording a very discounted vacation.  The Time Share companies regulate the availability of their inventory so I suggest checking when you can get the resort booked.  Once your resort is booked with the Time Share Company then is the time to start looking for your airfares.  Booking Air Line Tickets with a Rental Car can offer best rates possible.  Working with a Travel Agent can help you with this search.  

If you will be Cruising or Going on an Escorted Tour you will benefit by traveling on Great Discounts in the Off Season or Shoulder Season.  When you travel during High Season you pay top dollar for the same accommodations you get must less during the off season.  

It is YOUR VACATION so don't let anyone make this important decision for you, allow people to give you input but make you own decision.  Vacation is an important time and you need to be assured that you get the best vacation and so a destination you want to see. 

If you are traveling Internationally, be sure to have a current passport.   Be sure to check out the following Website for Passport information.   http://travel.state.gov/passport/passport_1738.html

If you are camping this year I suggest checking out the National Parks as they offer wonderful experiences for your entire family.   http://www.nps.gov/index.htm

If you would like some help discovering some Vacation Ideas check out my website http://www.travelatheart.com    Facebook site is http://facebook.com/travelagentjeannefelix         Hope your Next Vacation is Truly Where You Want to GO.

Happy Travels

Cruise Reviews of Cruising on the Disney Magic November 2012

We just decided to try out the Disney Magic Cruise Lines one month ago.  What a fun experience for the entire family.  If you are not a Disney Enthusiast before you left on the cruise, you might be after you return from your week long cruise from Galviston, Texas round trip.  Ports of call are Grand Cayman, Costa Maya and Cozumel.  The cruise line has been doing this itinerary for 6 weeks and they are working out the fine tuning. 

Welcomed on board the ship you are welcomed by a few staff members announcing your name and family.  We were shown where our cabins were and that is where we called home for a week.  I recommend Deck 6 (Balcony Cabins) as you will be see pulling in and out of ports. 

The week was filled with lots of ventures and new experiences for kids from ages 2 months up to age 17.  The cruise is truly set up for young families and have kids clubs everywhere to help out with the next week of entertaining your kids.  Kids actually were crying after having to leave the Kids Clubs and Adventure Clubs.  I interviewed several families and they wanted to share their experiences openly.  One family with 3 kids under 5 years old LOVED this cruise, but said that they didn't want the experience to become overwhelming doing a cruise every year.  The Mom thought that the kid activities, entertainment, Disney Characters were well displayed and acessible. 

I personally enjoyed the cruise, but disappointed that there wasn't lots of adult events planned.  There were plenty of pubs and get away spots, but I just thought that there could be more planned activities for Adults Only.  I do like that there is a section designated to Adults Only for Swimming and Night Clubs.  The Family Feel was all over the ship and the staff were very welcoming and polite.

Itinerary was lacking in the Ports of Call.  The Ship stopped in Grand Caymen and this island is full of ideas, activities, and beach time that can be spent all day long.  Great Shopping and a 1 1/2 hour tour around the island was $10.00 per person. Great Deal as you get out of the main town and can see some of the local flavor by a short taxi or van ride into the country side.

Second Stop Costa Maya is just a tourist trap as far as I am concerned.  Short stay will allow you to rent a golf cart for $40.00 total and we crammed onto this little golf cart.  Best Part is that you will be gifted a free drinkat Senor Frog's upon arrival into the old city.  You can spend all day eat and drink for $45.00 per person if you choose to get your beach day in.

Third Stop was in Cozumel which is an island off the cost of Mexico.  This island is heavily populated with vendors and high priced items on the main Avenue.  Just by shopping off the main streets you can find some local charm and Mexican Flavor.  Great stop and very popular with the Cruise Lines.

Days at Sea.  Lots of time to swim, take a hot tub dip, walking the decks, relaxing with your family, or find a little get away to read that book you have brought with you from home. 

Great Staff, Lots of Restaurants that you will get to experience as you are on a revolving restaurant schedule.  Your waiters and wait staff follow you around to the different restaurants.  Great idea and makes it a rememberable experience. Food Variety for every taste buds.

On a scale of one to 10 being the best, I rate the Disney Magic about an 8.    Happy Travels and Hope you find my personal review helpful when choosing a cruise for your entire family.  http://www.travelatheart.com or http://facebook.com/travelagentjeannefelix

Disney has done a wonderful job with the detail that they paid attention to everyone's likes and dislikes.  Job Well Done Disney.  You created MAGIC for the ENTIRE FAMILY.  
  

Transfers and Transportation for Cruise Vacation

Getting You to Your Cruise Line and making sure your vacation is a memoriable experience is our goal in the Travel Industry.  .

Transportation to and from the cruise lines is an important function for the Travel Industry.  I know people who have had a perfect experience and some that were horror stories.

Some of the horror stories have been people not making their  LAX Departure in time for their cruise down to Mexico.  The couple were in the 80’s and they had to be carted to the first port, and because of weather they were shipped to port number 2.  The couple were out of 3 days of their cruise and the cruise line spent lots of time trying to get them re-accommodated.  Lesson learned that they had to book a pre hotel stay prior to departure.

When planning on boarding a ship I always try to talk our clients into at least adding one day (Pre Stay) so that they will not run into problems.  May flights have been cancelled before the customers begin their trip and then the anxiety begins.  Travel should be hassle free and when preparing ahead of time you can make sure that you allow lots of free time prior to your cruise departure. 

 Travel is Fun is you are prepared ahead of time for your Vacation and Family Get Away.  Be sure to purchase insurance on your trip as there are natural disasters  (acts of God) that can happen and make travel impossible.  Look at the recent devastation on the East Coast during Hurricane Sandy.  You just never know what to expect every day of the week.

Happy Travels and may your #Vacation be and Magical Experience for the entire family. 

Blogging above the earth during a Flight on Vacation

Blogging above the earth above about 30,000 feet Is a great thing.  Unfortunately not every flight is equipped with the WIFI options.  I am flying to meet up with a Disney Cruise Experience .  Never have had the situation where I couldn’t be connected on our flight.

It is hard to imagine that you can actually communicate with people at a high altitude, but yes it is possible when you have the right flight and just pay a small fee to sign up.  There are times when you can continue to do business on your flight.  I have sat next to editors, publishers, attorney’s, moms, vacationers and many other business travelers.  When you have some time to actually sit down of a flight is a perfect time to be productive and connected with your public. 

I can say being a Travel Agent and being connected on a flight is really not necessary but something I enjoy.  When I experience something first handed,  it makes me want to write and tell you all about it.  Good experiences are things that should be shared.  

Crying children is a thing of the past.  Most parents are well equipped with the newest electronic gadgets and they sure keep the kids busy.  I believe that this technical world we live in has helped the travelling parents.  I feel the Adult Kids are just as entertained as the Kids with all the Ipad, Ipods,  electronic books, movies and games available.  Personally speaking, I am pre-writing my blog, my husband is watching 3 movies, my brother is listening to some great music and mom is just visiting with her neighbors. 

The Flights are perfect on Southwest and I have to take my hat off as the customer service and smiles are well received by all passengers.