My travel agency is an  Independent Travel Center which is one of the best travel and cruise agency in the U.S and I am proud to offer our products and services to my customers.

Below are some of the different cruise lines and tour operators that we offer and use to give you the most value for your money and best vacation ever.  My agency offers both the convenience of Internet booking for those who like to do themselves to one on one planning of your vacation.

You can click on any of the links below and check out money saving specials, departure dates, reviews of cruises lines and tours to see if it is the right fit for you and your family.

Need help planning a family reunion or that special anniversary, Honey Moon or a quick get-a-way?  Give us a try!

If you ever have questions you may call me at 1-360-687-9579 and I would be delighted to help you with your travel plans.

Capt Bob

Cruise Lines

Azamara Cruises | Carnival Cruises | Celebrity Cruises | Costa Cruise Line | Crystal Cruises | Cunard Cruises | Disney Cruises | Holland America | Hurtigruten | MSC Cruises | Norwegian Cruise Lines | Oceania Cruises | Princess Cruises | Regent Cruises | Royal Caribbean | Seabourn Cruises | SeaDream Yacht Club | Silversea Cruises | Uniworld River Cruises | Viking River Cruises | Windstar Cruises

Tour Operators

Abercrombie and Kent | African Travel | Brendan Tours | Brennan Vacations | Central Holidays | CIE Tours | Contiki | Cosmos | Globus | Insight Vacations | Key Tours | Monograms | Qantas Vacations | Smithsonian Journeys | Tauck Tours | Trafalgar Tours | Viking Tours

Destinations

Africa Cruises | Africa Tours | Alaska Cruises | Asia Cruises | Australia Tours | Bahamas Cruises | Bermuda Cruises | Caribbean Cruises | Europe Cruises | Europe Tours | Hawaii Cruises | Mediterranean Cruises | Mexico Cruises | Mexico Tours | New Zealand Tours | Panama Canal Cruises | South America Cruises | South America Tours | South Pacific Cruises | USA Tours

Why Take a Cruise Vacation ?

Have you ever considered taking a cruise vacation but just aren’t sure if it would be right for you? With all the cruise lines choices, all the different destinations, the range of prices, there is a cruise that is just right for you and your family! One of best ways to find if a cruise is the right vacation for you is to ask your friends, relatives and experienced travel professional that is versed in cruise travel.

Packing and Unpacking only Once!

Think about this, on a cruise you don’t drive anywhere for 7, 10, 14 days or more.  Now, even if you were on a bus tour with no driving yourself, you still have to haul your luggage or at least pack and unpack it at each stop. On a cruise, you check your luggage when you check in and it magically appears in your cabin, stateroom, or suite. You unpack once, feeling at home for the duration of the cruise. The cruise staff will tell you when to place your bags outside your accommodations at the end of the cruise and, just as magically, your luggage will be waiting for you on shore at a designated pick-up point. Taking a cruise vacation frees you from a lot of the hassles and headaches of traveling.

I am sure you have taken a driving vacation

There’s always the question of where and when to stop to eat when your driving.   All your meals and snacks are included in the price of your cruise and great food is one of the main attractions of taking a cruise.  Most contemporary cruises take into account the modern casual lifestyle and provide a variety of restaurants and snack bars on board. Typically, there is a varied and plentiful breakfast and lunch buffets similar to what you would find in any resort. You can eat breakfast, lunch or dinner in one of the ship’s restaurants, ordering exactly what you want from the ample menu, prepared fresh just for you. The ship’s restaurants are usually open for meals for extended hours and buffets are generally open all day and into the night.  They also have the comfort foods like hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza and ice cream for the kids and adults alike.  And there is always the midnight buffet available on most cruises?  Room service (free of charge) is available 24 hours a day.  Your choices are unlimited for your dining pleasures. Lobster dinner anyone! By the way you can have more than one!

Dining is an important event on a cruise ship

This is tradition dating back when cruises were for royalty and the wealthy, who expected elegant formal dinners. In today’s lifestyle, an elegant dinner is optional and for those who prefer to dine casually, the dinner buffet is available usually until 9 pm or later.  Most cruise ships offer excellent dining options, especially at dinner, in the main dining rooms (there are 2 or 3 dining rooms) or offer meals at upscale specialty restaurants at additional cover charge per person.  Cruise lines base much of their reputation on their food service and the terms such as “world class cuisine” and “gourmet meals” are combined with “impeccable service” to insure that the on-board dining experience is truly memorable one.  By the way, room service is free and available 24 hours a day, and you get the same great meals serve  on your balcony or in your  room.  For those who prefer a romantic quite dinner for two, all cruise lines  offer, for a nominal charge,  a romantic champagne dinner for 2, with all the trimmings, in your stateroom and you may add other favorites like flowers to surprise that special someone in your life.  Many cruises still offer one or more optional formal dinners where ladies wear long formal gowns or other evening dresses and gentlemen wear tuxedos or dark suits. Expect to see this offered at lease once on a seven day cruise to twice during longer cruises of 14 days or more.

Once on-board your cruise ship

There are activities 24 hours a day.  Modern cruise ships boast state-of-the-art 900 plus plus seat theaters for quality shows and entertainment, all  included in the cruise price. There is always unique entertainment in the theater every evening of the cruise and if you miss first show there is a second one that follows.  Most ships also have a number of themed bars, lounges, and discos with live entertainment that are open into the early morning hours. Most cruise lines will have different acts come on-board at each port of call and will sail and do their show until the next port of  call.  Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are seldom included in the cruise price. You may purchase coffee and soft drink cards on the first day of the cruise.  This will save you a lot of money because the card is good for the entire cruise.  All cruises  also provide a casino that is open while the ship is in international waters.  Don’t forget they also have a movie theater on- board just in case you missed that just released movie you planned to watch.  Not tickets required and snacks served during the showing.  Did I mention Movies Under the Stars!

If night life isn’t your style

You and your family can enjoy the on-board pool, shops,  spa’s, library, world class fitness centers and other amenities while on-board.  Many cruises now offer instructional classes on a variety of topics during each day of your cruise for adults and children. Each activity is posted daily to your room.  Many also offer special lectures with world famous speakers.  Every cruise line offers the art lovers venues because they offer art from all over the world to be auctioned off during the cruise, some are one of kind.  The casino’s are open only when a sea and offer a variety of poker to slots to Bingo tournaments  with cash awards to the winners!  Never gambled before but would like to learn, they have casino personnel to show you the ends and out of the games and no cost to you.  There is always something for the whole family to do while on-board ship!

Consider taking your Children on the cruise

The cruise lines provide specializes play areas and programs geared to different age groups, each with its own trained staff.  Some cruises lines offer “kids sail free” when staying in their parents staterooms others offer this as a promotion to get the whole family involved in cruising.  There are a few rules and you need to check with cruise lines to insure your children safety and your own peace of mind.  Don’t worry, your children will have plenty to do while board and they get their own ship daily program of events just for them delivered to your stateroom. Some ships have their own dinning areas just for kids.

Don’t forget about the cruise destinations itself

Cruises typically stop at a different port of call each day or every other day, depending upon distances and sailing time between points of interest. You have the option to stay on-aboard the ship all day or disembark at any stop. You are free to explore each destination on your own as long as you return to the ship by the designated time.  If there is place in the world you would like to explore, consider a cruise.  A cruise will give you a taste of each port so you can consider whether you would like to come back and stay for a longer vacation.  Remember, your hotel is in the harbor waiting for you when you return.

Cruise lines offer a variety of shore excursions at additional cost

You should  arrange your excursions prior to departure or while on-board.  Remember, one thing, the most popular excursion may not be available once the ship leave port.  Check with the excursion desk when you first arrive to check availability of the excursion you would like to take.  Ships excursions are geared toward the unique features of the destination. For example, Caribbean cruises offer snorkeling, diving or beach excursions while Alaskan cruises offer helicopter tours of the glaciers, dogsled trips to gold panning.  For the less adventuresome,  there are bus tours or supervised shopping excursions in the local port.  Everything, including meal stops, is prearranged. All you need to do is find the correct line on-shore and an experienced guide handles the rest of your tour.  But don’t worry the ships has plenty of people out there to help you find the excursion you paid for, normally the ship will have briefings on where to find your excursion before you leave the ship.

Don’t forget to Celebrate those Special Occasions

Anniversaries, Birthdays, Graduations, Weddings, Honeymoons are all special and a cruise is a great way to show how much you care.  The ships staff will make a fuss over your very special occasion from singing Happy Birthday to hanging an announcements outside your door telling the world you are special.  Make sure you let the cruise line know ahead of time, so they will be prepared to help you celebrate that all important occasion.

Types of Staterooms

What type of stateroom should you consider?  This is a question only you can answer.  It depends on many factors, cost, the number of guest that will be sharing a stateroom.  Normally, a cruise lines offers a variety of staterooms in the same category.  Your choices are an Inside stateroom, Outside View stateroom, Balconies staterooms and  Suites.

Inside stateroom

Are generally about 160 to 180 square foot, comes with 2 standard beds (converts to a queen) with a small closet, luggage storage is under the bed, a vanity with bathroom with shower,telephone and television and is generally the least expensive way to cruise.  Inside staterooms with accommodate  up to four depending on the size and number of beds.  Some cruise ships offer inside staterooms that rival the best balcony in square footage but with out a view.  Some of the bigger Cruise  ships now offer solo passenger staterooms overlooking the promenade at a reasonable price.

Outside stateroom

Are generally about 180 to 220 square feet and comes with 2 standard beds (convert to a queen) with a average size closet, luggage storage is under the bed, a vanity with bathroom and shower, telephone,television and generally either comes with a full size floor to ceiling window that opens to allow fresh air to enter the room. These rooms can accommodate up to 3 or 4 depending on size and number of beds in the room.  Some of these outside  stateroom are offered in obstructed view (means outside view may be blocked by life boats or other objects) which is usually cheaper on the wallet but offers less privacy.

Balcony Staterooms

Are generally about 220 to 350 square feet which includes the balcony and comes with 2 standard or 2 queens size beds that convert to either a queen or king.  It has a walk-in bath area with vanity, larger closet that will accommodate some luggage with luggage storage under the bed, telephone, television and mini-bar plus frig.  These staterooms will accommodate 3 or 4 people depending on size and beds.  Advantage to a balcony verses an outside or inside stateroom is privacy.  Your room opens to a balcony that has chairs and a table so you can relax after a hard day of exploring.  Watching an early morning sun rise with your morning coffee or a late night sail-a-way with your favorite beverage  is worth the price.

Mini-Suites

Are generally between 250 to 350 square feet and comes with a balcony.  They come with 2 standard or queen beds that convert to either a queen or king with a separate living room area.  Also included is a bar area, a walk in bath with vanity, luggage storage in over size closets, telephones, one or two televisions.  Mini-suites can accommodate up to 4 again depending on location and size.

Suites

Are generally between 350 to 14000 square feet and come in different categories.  They come with all the amenities of the mini-suite but with two to three or more bedrooms with children’s room adjoining.  Additional things found in suites are DVD players with movies on demand, IPOD docks, and computer terminals.  Bathrooms generally are a separate area with walk in jacuzzi type tubs and separate showers with large dressing rooms and separate walk-in closets. Suites have a separate living area and butler service area. All  suites (except Mini’s) have a full time butler and concierge which they will take care of all your request and needs (from arranging excursion to dining arrangements with one simple telephone call)  from the time to check-in until you depart the ship.  Another advantage to taking a suite is you are given preference when checking in or off the ship.

Consider upgrading!

It never hurts to ask the for a cost comparison between stateroom categories.  You might be surprised to find for less that $100 per person you can be in a balcony or suite.  Always ask your travel agent about special cruise offers and last minute deals.  You can save hundreds of dollars my working closely with your travel agent.  With all these great services available at a reasonable cost, why not take a cruise vacation? Follow the link below to my cruise site.

CruisesbyCaptBob

Travel Smart Travel News

January 2011
When it comes to your vacation plans the most important person should be your Travel Planner. An expert travel planner is a person who is well traveled, knowledgeable and trained to meet your travel and vacation needs. Not only will they find you the best value for your travel dollar, they will be the go to person if things go wrong. With new rules and travel restrictions coming out daily, by our government, you need a Travel Agent to keep you informed and safe during your travel. I am proud to announce I have expanded Travel Smart to include  America’s Vacation Center and American Express to serve you in all your travel need. To view the most up to date information please go to my website: www.CruisesbyCaptBob.com .

Featured Section:

Fishing and Cruising :it can’t get better than that.

12/1/2010

Princess Cruises Creates New Alaska Cruise tour Just for Fishing Fans in 2011

14-Day Cruise Vacation Package Includes Excursions to Some of State’s Most Famous Fishing Grounds

Battle Ground, Washington  (December 1, 2010) — Princess Cruises has introduced a new Alaska cruisetour option just for fishermen (and women) as part of the 2011 season. This new 14-day land/sea vacation includes special excursions just for anglers, with opportunities to cast their lines in some of the state’s premiere fishing spots.

Participants on the new tour can try their hand at salmon fishing in the Inside Passage from Ketchikan, bottom fishing for halibut near Juneau, and river fishing on two Alaskan rivers — the Kenai and Talkeetna — on excursions from Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge and Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge.

“Fishing is such an iconic part of the Alaska experience, that it made sense to offer a special tour especially for those who want to focus their time on the sport,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “We include a variety of fishing experiences so our passengers can get a taste of the array of fishing opportunities found throughout the state.”

The new fishing cruisetour includes a seven-day Voyage of the Glaciers cruise through the Gulf of Alaska featuring scenic cruising in Glacier Bay National Park, plus two nights at the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge, two nights at the Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge, two nights at the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and one night in Anchorage. Participants will not only enjoy fishing tours throughout their vacation but also scenic travel via Princess Rail and a Natural History Tour in Denali National Park.

Fishing excursions include:

Alaska Sportfishing Expedition (Ketchikan) Participants can experience the thrill of fishing in the “Salmon Capital of the World” in the calm, protected waters of the Inside Passage. Passengers will travel in a large, heated cabin cruiser and can test their salmon sportfishing skills on a five-hour expedition to troll for king salmon, pink salmon, chum salmon, and silver salmon, depending on the season.

Halibut/Bottom Sportfishing Adventure (Juneau) This excursion takes a small group on a journey to experience bottom fishing for halibut, Pacific cod, arrow-tooth flounder and nearly a dozen species of rockfish, depending on the season. The five-hour experience includes fishing in 180 to 350 feet of water with bait or plastic lures near the ocean’s bottom. Bottom fishing appeals to anglers of all experience levels, as fish are easy to hook and usually very abundant. During the trip to the fishing grounds, participants may also spot some of the region’s other wildlife, including whales and sea lions.

Kenai Upper River Sportfishing (Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge) Famed for its trophy-sized fish, the beautiful upper Kenai River is one of the finest recreational areas in Alaska. Tour participants can experience world-class fishing surrounded by dazzling mountain scenery aboard a non-motorized drift boat or raft. Anglers will be catching either sockeye salmon, Dolly Varden or rainbow trout, according to the season.

Alaska Sport fishing (Mt. McKinley Princess Wilderness Lodge) Both experienced and novice fishing fans will enjoy testing their luck on the Talkeetna River. Anglers will travel by boat to a secluded fishing spot in the shadow of Mt. McKinley, where they will cast for king, silver or red salmon, rainbow trout, grayling and Dolly Varden, depending on the season. An experienced guide will steer the group to the area’s optimum fishing holes.

All tours follow fishing seasons and regulations as determined by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADF&G). Fishing licenses are not included in the package price; participants can purchase appropriate licenses at each location or directly from the ADF&G. Passengers must be at least 12 years old to participate in the cruisetour.

Fares for the new fishing cruisetours begin at $3,248 per person, based on double occupancy.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent at 1-800-308-3077 or , by calling 1-800-PRINCESS, or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

If Golf is your Game

Hawaii is scattered with some of the best and undoubtedly beautiful golf courses in the world. Being that courses are playable year-round, Hawaii is host to many golf tournaments throughout the year. January kicks off 2011 with some of the most prominent tournaments in the PGA tour circuit.

The Hyundai Tournament of Champions takes place at Maui’s Kapalua Resort, on the Plantation Course from January 3 thru January 9, 2011 with a kick-off event on January 2, 2011. The event is free and open to the public. The 2011 tournament will feature a number of new activities that include Hawaiian cultural activities, trick shot exhibition, swing analysis, and entertainment. A Pro/Celebrity shootout will also feature Hawaii State Junior Golf Association participants. The Hyundai Tournament of Champions features the winners from the prior year’s season competing for $5.6 million. Don’t miss out on Hawaii’s premier sporting event.

For more information on the Hyundai Tournament Championship, please click here.

The Sony Open in Hawaii is a “Friends of Hawaii” Charities event that is the first full field event of the 2011 PGA TOUR. It takes place on the island of Oahu at the Waialae Country Club. Past champions include Vijay Singh, Ernie Els and Jerry Kelly. The event raises money for local Hawaiian charities. Since 1999, over $5 million has been raised. The 2011 Sony Open in Hawaii will be held from January 10 thru January 16, 2011 from 12:00 noon daily.

For more information on the 2011 Sony Open in Hawaii, please visit: sonyopeninhawaii.com

On Hawaii’s Big Island, the 2011 Mitsubishi Electric Championship at Hualalai, a PGA TOUR Champions Tour tournament competition among all official money-event champions of the 2009 and 2010 seasons, winners of the majors since 2005 and eight professionals by invitation with 15 or more career victories, including one major, will be held January 18-23, 2011 at the Hualalai Resort. The golf competition will be held on the Hualalai Golf Course, designed by Jack Nicklaus, and tournament guests will be able to enjoy the beautiful Four Seasons Resort Hualalai at Historic Kaupulehu.

For more information on the 2011 Mitsubishi Electric Championship, please click here.

Huge cruise ship favorites are making a big splash this year!

With tons of at-sea firsts in dining, entertainment, activities, and more, you’ll come across endless excitement onboard some of the top big cruise ships of 2010. For an unforgettable cruise vacation to favorite destinations, now’s the time to set sail on some of the world’s most groundbreaking cruise ships currently at sea!

Onboard a huge cruise ship, you’ll encounter many larger-than-life experiences that will make you feel like you’re sailing on a magnificent floating resort! Boasting spectacular innovations such as thrilling sky-high waterslides, zip-lines, and more, these record-breaking mega ships offer guests countless options for an amazing cruise vacation.

Royal Caribbean’s World’s Largest Cruise Ships

On 7-night sailings onboard the Oasis of the Seas and the upcoming Allure of the Seas, you can experience Royal Caribbean’s record-breaking twin mega ships. Onboard the largest ships in the world, every day of your cruise vacation will be filled with awe-inspiring adventures! Featuring many at-sea firsts such as an open-air Central Park neighborhood, a spine-tingling zip-line over the ship’s Boardwalk, and a breathtaking AquaTheater that showcases high-diving aerial acrobats and spectacular water shows all in front of an ocean backdrop, your sailing will truly be exceptional onboard Royal Caribbean’s newest ships. And, with the Allure of the Seas making its debut in December 2010, you can enjoy Royal Caribbean’s highly anticipated DreamWorks Animation programming that will feature character parades, 3D movies, and more. With exclusive pricing and amenities valued at up to $100, America’s Vacation Center / Avoya Travel guests can enjoy the magnificence of Royal Caribbean’s largest cruise ships!

Big Splendors with Carnival Cruises

Sail on 7-night Carnival Splendor cruises to experience Carnival Cruises’ dazzling huge cruise ship! From the port city of Los Angeles, sail to Mexico while experiencing spectacular mega ship features that will make you feel like you’re in a city of your own at sea. From taking a swing at the 9-hole mini-golf course, enjoying a rejuvenating spa treatment in the 21,000-square-foot two-level spa and gym facility, relaxing with ocean views in the private Serenity Adult-Only oasis while the kids are having a blast in the 5,500 square-foot children’s playroom, and much more, there’s something new to do every day onboard the Carnival Splendor! To chill out under the sun, slide down the three-deck high Twister Waterslide or watch movies, concerts, sporting events, and more in front of the poolside jumbo-sized Seaside Theater screen. And, America’s Vacation Center / Avoya Travel guests can experience the big splendors of this ship with incredible reduced pricing!

An Epic, Huge Cruise Ship from Norwegian Cruise Line

During 7-night Norwegian Epic sailings, you’ll encounter a truly ‘epic’ huge cruise ship experience! Onboard, choose from up to 21 different dining options that include the Argentinian-inspired Churrascaria, enjoy a day of relaxation at the largest-ever spa at sea, or take a thrilling drop down the 200-foot long Epic Plunge water tube! Also featuring incredible firsts such as an Ice Bar inspired by the original ice hotels in Scandinavia, vibrant entertainment from the Blue Man Group, and unique ‘New Wave’ accommodations complete with modern curved architecture and domed ceilings, you’ll discover many astonishing features onboard this incredible mega ship. With exclusive pricing and amenities valued at up to $137 on Norwegian Epic sailings, you can experience an unforgettable cruise vacation!

A New Era of Large Ships from Celebrity Cruises

On 7-night Celebrity Cruises Solstice class sailings, you can experience some of Celebrity Cruises newest, largest, and most innovative ships. Exclusive to Celebrity Cruises’ Solstice class, you can enjoy a picnic or round of bocce ball on a real half-acre grass lawn at the first-ever Lawn Club. Also featuring the Celebrity Life series of programming, you can taste specialty wines from Celebrity Cruises’ sommeliers, learn one of 13 languages during Rosetta Stone courses, witness professionals from the Corning Museum of Glass create incredible pieces of art during the interactive Hot Glass Show, and beyond.

Huge cruise ships have introduced many groundbreaking features in 2010, and now’s the time to end this year with a big splash onboard these amazing mega ships. To begin your huge cruise ship vacation, contact your America’s Vacation Center / Avoya Travel Personal Vacation Planner today!

For more information, call 800-308-3077 and mention Discount Code 9094# to speak with an AVC Personal Vacation Planner today!

Capt Bob

Travel Smart and Cruise By Capt Bob is an Independent Affiliate of Avoya Travel-American Express. An Authorized Independent Affiliate of America’s Vacation Center.

Getting the Best Air Fares:

There is a wide variety of air fares available to travelers. This fact sheet will help you choose the one that’s best for you.

Be flexible in your travel plans in order to get the lowest fare. The best deals may be limited to travel on certain days of the week (often Tuesday through Thursday, or Friday night through Sunday morning) or particular hours of the day (e.g., late-night departures). This applies to each of your flights, not just the first flight in your itinerary. After you get a fare quote, ask the reservations agent if you could save even more by flying a day earlier or later, or by taking a different flight on the same day. Or simply ask the agent what the lowest fare is, and what you need to do to qualify for it.

Discount seats are usually “blacked out” during holiday periods. However, you might be able to get a discount fare if you fly on the holiday itself (e.g., New Year’s day).

Plan as far ahead as you can. Most airlines set aside only a few seats on many desirable flights at the lower rates. The real best bargains often sell out very quickly. On the other hand, if a particular flight is not selling as well as expected, air carriers sometimes make more discount seats available for a particular flight just before the advance-purchase deadline expires. For example, if the lowest fare has a 21-day advance-purchase requirement but is sold out for most dates, and you can go any time, ask about fare availability on flights 21 or 22 days from when you call.

While planning ahead is a good general rule, if you can bide your time you might encounter a “fare sale.” Many airlines put seats on sale for brief periods several times a year (although you usually can purchase tickets for flights weeks or months after the end of the sale period). It is difficult to predict when these sales will occur, although they often fall during times when people are less likely to buy airline tickets (e.g. early autumn or right immediately after New Years).

In a large metropolitan area, the fare could depend on which airport you use. For example, if you are going to Southeast Florida and plan to rent a car, it might not make much difference if you fly to Miami or Ft. Lauderdale, except for ticket price. Also, a connection (change of planes) or a one-stop flight is sometimes cheaper than a nonstop. Always check on alternate airports and routings when pricing a ticket.

Look into all airlines that serve the market you are interested in, including low-cost carriers that offer low fares. Many times the major carriers will match the fares of a low-cost airline between the same cities; but often this will only be for a certain limited number of seats on each flight. On a low-cost carrier, find out what you get for your money: baggage transfers from one carrier to another, meals, advance seat assignments, etc. Note that small airlines sometimes have only one flight per day in many markets, and they frequently will not reroute you on another airline if your flight is canceled or delayed. In such cases you may have to wait until the next day to fly.

Ask about all restrictions on your fare. Typical requirements for discount fares include purchasing a round-trip ticket, buying the ticket a certain number of days before departure (e.g., for many fares, at least 14 or 21 days before you leave), purchasing the ticket within 24 hours of making a reservation, staying over a Saturday night, traveling during a certain time of the year, staying no more than 30 days, and, as discussed below, refund/change restrictions.

Ask about your ability to change or cancel your flight if you need to. Even if you get sick, you cannot assume you will get a refund. In fact, most discount tickets now are non-refundable, but can be applied toward the purchase of other tickets on the same carrier. You must usually pay an administrative charge and any difference between the fares for the old and new flights when you do this.

Consider using a travel agent. Agents usually do not charge a fee (they get a commission from the airline), and they can tell you about “consolidators” and other sources of discounted seats that are not available directly from the airline. However, consolidator seats can have even more severe restrictions than the airlines’ own deep-discount fares, particularly if the flight is delayed or canceled. A few travel agents sometimes have access to special deals with a particular airline (either discounts or extra services). If you are flying to a popular foreign destination, or to Las Vegas or Hawaii, ask the travel agent about Public Charters. These charters sometimes offer lower fares, but again with significant restrictions that are spelled out in an operator/participant contract that you should review carefully.

Ask the travel agent if the city where you live or the city where you are going is an airline “hub.” If it is, fares may be higher than for flights to other nearby cities because of reduced competition. Someone who lives at a hub might save money by leaving from another nearby city, even if they end up connecting through the hub to get to their destination.

A number of airlines send e-mail messages every week to receive notification of last-minute fare specials for departures within the next few days. See the airlines’ World Wide Web sites for information about these programs, or call their reservations line. For a list of airline web sites, go to http://www.airlines.com (Do not assume that an airline reservation agent or travel agent will be aware of the fares offered to e-mail subscribers.)

Many airlines offer a seniors discount off any fare to travelers over a certain age. In addition, some carriers offer bereavement and emergency illness fares with varying documentation requirements and discounts.

If you are a member of an airline’s frequent-flyer program and you are considering buying a promotional or deep-discount fare, ask if that fare will earn frequent-flyer miles.

After you buy your ticket, you may wish to call the airline or travel agent once or twice before departure to confirm your reservations and check the fare. Fares change all the time, and if that same fare goes down before you fly, some airlines will refund the difference. But you have to ask.

American Express Business Travel says its figures show improving demand for business travel, which is giving some pricing power back to suppliers, particularly airlines. Airfare rates are holding steady and business travelers are trickling back to the front of the plane. The hotel sector still lags in pricing power, but demand will continue to better position its rebound, while simultaneously going through a shift in destination trends — signaling the on-going transition and staying power of the “new normal” in business travel.

International airfares increased 3 percent year over year, while domestic fares were up 6 percent. Historically there has been close to an even split of passengers flying businesses class versus economy for international travel. However, during the heart of the recession last year — particularly in the second quarter of 2009 — the percentage of tickets booked in business class hit its lowest rate at 36 percent. As the trend now shows, percentage rates are on the rise, indicating business travelers are moving back to the front of the plane.

American Express said that despite the modest return in business travel, hotel prices are still lagging because unlike the airlines where planes could be grounded to accommodate change in demand, the same cannot be said for a hotel. Because of this, hotel suppliers are lacking pricing power even as travelers return to the road – keeping rates low. But as the recovery continually gains momentum, higher occupancy levels will position suppliers to begin demanding premium pricing again – and buyers should work to cultivate supplier relationships now to mitigate future price increases.

London, Paris, Frankfurt, Dubai and Amsterdam were the top cities for business travelers in 2009. While the destinations have remained the same in the first quarter of 2010, ranking has not. In 2010, London remained in the top spot, with Frankfurt pushing into the number two spot, seeing a growth of 28 percent more trips, while Paris fell to number three. Amsterdam surpassed Dubai to take the fourth spot, with Dubai seeing 21 percent fewer trips this year. In Asia, the top three business travel destinations remain the same for the first quarter of 2010 compared with the first quarter 2009: Tokyo, Shanghai and Singapore. Hong Kong, however, was pushed out by Beijing as the fourth most popular business travel hot spot in 2010. For more information, visit www.americanexpress.com.

For more  information please contact me at TravelSmart@WildBlue.net or call at 1-800-308-3077.

AMA Waterways has expanded its fleet of vessels to 12 with the launch of the 162-passenger Amabella, which will be marketed primarily in the Australian market. The Amabella’s features include staterooms averaging 214 square feet and double balconies. Amabella also has a chef’s table restaurant that seats 24 and has a private chef, a library with fireplace and a swimming pool.
The vessel also features AMA Waterways’ newly-upgraded infotainment system, offering complimentary high-speed Internet access, complimentary first-run movies, classic films and computing options for those maintaining email contact or blogging during their holiday. The entire vessel has complimentary Wi-Fi as do all the AMA Waterways vessels on the Danube, Rhine, Main and Mosel rivers.
Amabella joins Amadolce (2009), Amalyra (2009), Amadante (2008), Amacello (2008), Amalegro (2007) and Amadagio (2006), ships with French balconies, complimentary wine, beer and soft drinks with dinner, and a fleet of bicycles for passenger use. In 2011 the line will launch Amaverde in Europe, a sister ship to Amabella.
In Southeast Asia, the new Amalotus will join La Marguerite, which debuted on the Mekong River in autumn 2009 as part of the new “Vietnam, Cambodia and the Riches of the Mekong” itinerary. The company said it is building a new Mekong ship because of the “tremendous success” of the inaugural season of the program. The 124-passenger Amalotus will feature 226-square-foot deluxe staterooms, with more than 82 percent featuring balconies. Junior suites are 290 square feet and suites are 452 square feet. Like La Marguerite, Amalotus will sail seven-night Mekong River between from Siem Reap, Cambodia, and Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.
In Russia, the refurbished Amakatarina will launch in the spring on the Volga-Baltic Waterway between Moscow and St. Petersburg. The vessel will have 10 stateroom categories, including four suite categories and accommodations up to 432 square feet. Seventy-six staterooms have balconies, and the vessel will include an alternative restaurant, conference hall, sauna and solarium. AMA Waterways also continues to offer its “Provence & Spain” program featuring a seven-night cruise from Lyon to Arles on the Swiss Pearl. For more information, call 800-626-0126 or visit www.amawaterways.com.

Costa Cruises’ newest ship, the Costa Favolosa, took to the sea for the first time on Friday, Aug. 6, at a ceremony held at Fincantieri’s Marghera shipyard. The 114,500-ton, 3,000-passenger Favolosa will sail on its first cruise in July 2011. It is the fourth of five ships delivered or set to be delivered between 2009 and 2012 for Costa. The total investment in the five new ships is worth 2.4 billion euros. In spring 2012, the Costa Fascinosa, a sister ship to Favolosa, will complete Costa’s fleet expansion program.
“The launch of the Costa Favolosa confirms the strength and leadership of our company,” said Gianni Onorato, president of Costa Crociere S.p.A. “Despite the ongoing effects of the economic downturn in 2010 and the uncertain outlook for global tourism, our fleet expansion program has continued uninterrupted. The strength of our brand, which comes with a guarantee of over 60 years of experience, and the quality of our product have proved to be winning assets, highly appreciated by our customers. That is confirmed also by the positive results in terms of bookings achieved this summer and forecasts suggest we will end 2010 with 2.1 million total guests for the group as a whole, which works out to an increase of around 17 percent compared to last year.”
The construction of each newbuild involves the labor of around 3,000 people, comprising Fincantieri’s own employees and those of about 500 contracted suppliers, most of which are Italian firms. In overall terms, the fleet investment program launched in 2000 by Costa Crociere S.p.A. Group (comprising Costa Cruises as well as the German AIDA Cruises and Iberocruceros, which operates mainly for the Spanish- and Portuguese-speaking markets) is worth some 9.3 billion euros.
The ceremony for the launch of the Costa Favolosa observed the protocol laid down for such occasions by seafaring tradition. The director of the shipyard invited the godmother, Beatrice Siri, to cut the ribbon, sending a bottle of champagne against the bow of the ship. Siri, new building and special projects deputy of Costa Cruises, has been directly involved in the construction of the fleet’s last six ships, including the Costa Favolosa. On March 8, she received the Order of Merit of the Italian Republic from the president of the republic, Giorgio Napolitano. After the opening of the valves and the gradual flooding of the slipway where the ship has taken shape over the last few months, the hull of the Costa Favolosa was transferred for the first time to the sea. The launch was preceded by the welding of a coin to the base of what used to be the mainmast in a ceremony traditionally considered to augur well.
As the name suggests (Favola is Italian for “fairy tale”), the Costa Favolosa is intended to interpret the excitement and emotion of people who view the cruise as a magical voyage in a contemporary enchanted castle. The main innovations onboard include six suites with private verandas and Jacuzzis; a new entertainment area for teenagers, comprising 4D Cinema, PlayStation World, a bar with ice cream, drinks and popcorn, and a dance floor; a children’s game room; and a new open-air water playground with a pirate galleon. Facilities will include the Samsara Spa; a large lido extending over two decks, with a sliding glass roof and giant movie screen; a Grand Prix driving simulator; and a golf simulator.
The Costa Favolosa will be equipped for “cold ironing,” a system whereby the ship is plugged into shoreside electrical power, enabling generators to be shut down during stopovers in port.
The Costa Favolosa is set to debut on a three-day cruise departing from Venice on July 4, 2011, and calling at Dubrovnik, Croatia, and Koper, Slovenia. This will be followed by a grand inaugural cruise, which leaves Venice on July 7. This 10-day cruise will visit Israel, Greece and Turkey with stopovers in Bari, Corfu, Haifa, Izmir and Dubrovnik. Throughout the 2011 summer season, the Costa Favolosa will offer seven-day cruises from Venice and Bari, Italy, to Olympia, Greece; Izmir and Istanbul, Turkey; and Dubrovnik, Croatia. For more information, call 800-308-3077 or visit www.costacruises.com.

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Cruise lines head back to Alaska

After sailing a-way from the State of Alaska, which seemed hell-bended to tax cruise ships out of their coastal waters, many cruise lines are now heading back to the ports of the land of the midnight sun with more ships, more sailings and more capacity.

Earlier this year, the Alaska legislature, on the heels of a terrible revenue and low-capacity season, voted to lower the previously raised head tax on cruise passengers. With the news of a new lower head tax , Princess Cruises announced it will be adding a fourth ship to it’s popular Voyage of the Glaciers run after two years of running at reduced capacity.

“We are particularly appreciative of the efforts of Governor Sean Parnell and the Alaska state legislature that have resulted in meaningful progress toward resolving the challenges facing Alaska’s recovery as a cruise destination,” said Princess President and CEO Alan Bucklew.

Today’s announcement by Norwegian Cruise Lines to position it ship, the Norwegian Jewel, on an inside passage itinerary from Seattle is the latest in a string of “Thanks for reducing the head tax” moves by the cruise lines. This year, joining the Norwegian Pearl , the Norwegian Jewel will sail Alaska’s inside passage, sailing to Glacier Bay from Seattle, replacing Norwegian Star that will sail to Bermuda for the first time from her new home in New York City.

As some cruise lines head back to Alaska, first timers are throwing in their lot by adding capacity to Alaska Cruise Market.
Disney Cruise Line is sailing North with Disney Wonder as the line doubles its size by adding Disney Dream debuting in January and Disney Fantasy in 2012. Another first-timer, Oceania Cruises will send their Regatta on a series of departures from San Francisco, Vancouver or Anchorage.  Alaska is second most popular cruise destination in the world