Toni's Cruise Blog

Girl Friends Weekend Away!

2007-01-11T10:55:00.000-08:00

Have you thought about "getting away from it all" lately?

How many times have you thought about going away for the weekend with your best girlfriends? Just like back in college or after high school. How many times have we told our friends that we needed a best girlfriend weekend away?

Well, let us make this the year that happens!

A short getaway with your best girlfriends is always a good time waiting to happen! We all know you need some "Mommy Time".

Why not plan a weekend cruise? There are several 3 and 4 night cruises just waiting for you and your friends, and at some really great rates. We have them leaving from Tampa, Port Canaveral, and Miami.

Think of all the fabulous shopping in a great fun port. Relaxing on a pristine white sand beach. Maybe enjoy a wine tasting onboard the ship. Dancing in the disco until the wee hours of the morning. Playing hard in the casino. Enjoying a wonderful spa treatment. The Midnight Buffet and sweet desserts? Need I say more?

Give me a call today! Maybe we can get a group of our girlfriends so we can all go cruising, and make some new friends as well! Call me today at 800-562-0616 X251

Hope to see you on the high seas!

PS This also makes a great Bachelorette Party! Know anyone getting married this year? What a great way to celebrate!

New Year Resolutions

2007-01-05T12:29:00.000-08:00

Have you made any resolutions for the New Year?

Every year millions of Americans make a resolution that they end up not keeping. Some say they plan to loose weight, stop smoking, get a new job, the list is endless.

Some resolutions that you can make and actually make happen are:
1. I plan to make more time for myself
2. I will learn one new thing this year
3. I will relax on my vacation this year
4. I will try something new this year

And how will you be able to accomplish all of these things? Why taking your vacation on a cruise this year!

You will be able to do all of the above on a cruise.

You will be able to have time for yourself on the cruise, enjoy all that a cruise has to offer.

You can learn something new by taking a class onboard the ship, learn how to fold a napkin, take a computer class, do a wine tasting, take a tour of the ship and find out how they get that ship going.

You can relax on a private beach, or even on the deck, or a nice quiet place like the library on board.

Try something new! You can try climbing a wall, surfing, ice skating, rollerblading or even try a new food.

All of this can be done on a cruise ship this year.

This year let us help you make your resolutions come true! Give me a call so we can reserve your deck chair today!

All Inclusive Resorts

2006-12-26T07:34:00.000-08:00

One of my most favorite all inclusive resorts is Palace Resorts. They offer several properties in Mexico of different size and amenities. Some are family resorts and some are strictly adults.

There are 12 resorts in all. They are the Beach Palace, Cancun Palace, Sun Palace, Moon Palace Resort and Golf Club, Playacar Palace, Xpu-Ha Palace, Cozumel Palace, Vallarta Palace, Le Blanc Spa Resort and the Moon Palace Casino, Golf & Spa Resort to open soon in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic.

The Beach, Cancun, Sun and Moon are all located in the Cancun, Mexico area. Beach Palace, the all-inclusive resort that has welcomed families in Cancun’s hotel zone for over 20 years, is currently under construction and is expected to reopen with a fresh new modern look in April 2007. For those looking for a pampering experience, the new ultra-modern spa will offer exactly what you need: a combination of ancient spa therapies with new techniques and the know-how for a comprehensive spa experience.

The Cancun Palace is scheduled to reopen in December 2006. After a complete renovation, the property will have new facilities and guestrooms that speak of a sophisticated look and modern design. A fresh airconditioned lobby will welcome guests in a sleek and comfortable ambiance. A brand new amphitheater will be the perfect stage for evening entertainment and shows. Spa facilities will offer a gateway for relaxation and serenity. The beauty salon and the boutique will also boast a new look. For people who like to remain active during their vacation, you will be very pleased with the renovated gym, while a redesigned pool will certainly leave children and adults in awe. Four fine restaurants, one of them overlooking the beach and a "Kids Club", which results in more fun for the young, complete this transformation in grand scale.

The Moon Palace Resort and Golf Club is one of my favorite places to stay. This property is in a secluded location not too far from Cancun proper. There are so many things to do and experience here, you won't have a reason to leave! This property is great for families. It's also one of the best properties in Mexico for meetings and incentives. I have personally had about 3 or 4 groups at this property per year. The meeting space is wonderful, the staff very informative and friendly. The food is fabulous. I forgot to mention the golf course, which was designed by Jack Nicklaus. The spa is grand, the services are wonderful and priced reasonably.

Aventura Spa Palace is my most favorite of all the Palace Resorts. This property is an adult only spa resort located in the Mayan Riviera, which is approximately an hour south of Cancun and 15 minutes from Playa del Carmen. If you love to spa, this is the resort for you. There are many treatments to choose from, and the spa is a destination its self. This property is also great for meetings and incentives. I have had several groups here as well, and everyone has loved it.

The newest Palace Resort property is called Le Blanc Spa Resort. This property is located in Cancun and is considered 5 star. It is adult only. It only has 260 luxurious rooms with either an ocean or lagoon view. This property is an experience in sophisticated style, lavish personal attention and uncompromising attention to detail.

If you are interested in any of these properties or would like more information please contact me. These properties are absolutely wonderful for groups, incentives, meetings and weddings! The staff at all of these properties are just wonderful to deal with. Every request is taken very seriously, no details left out.

If you are ready to book and spend your vacation at one of these fabulous spa resorts, call me today!

Single Parents and Cruising

2006-12-05T11:22:00.000-08:00

I have a friend that I have known since we were 6 years old. She finally went on her very first cruise this past summer. She has always wanted to take a cruise, but something in life has always prevented her from being able to take one.

My friend Cathy is recently divorced with a teenage daughter. She was looking for a vacation for her and her daughter so they could spend time together and relax, as well as not have to travel too far from her home. Cathy was a little nervous because this would be the first time that she would travel with her daughter as a single mom. She wanted to make sure there would be plenty of things for both of them to do. She was worried she was going to make a big vacation mistake.

Cathy lives in New Jersey, and the closest port to her home would be New York City. This past July they went on Carnival's Victory, which sailed from New York City to the ports of St. John New Brunswick and to Halifax Nova Scotia on a 5 day Canada itinerary.

She came back and said she just loved it! She was ready to go again the next day! Her fears passed as soon as they boarded the ship. For their dining, they were seated at a table with other single moms and their children. Instant friendships were made at that table. Cathy now had someone to chat with, and so did her daughter. Carnival has great programs for kids and teens. Her daughter made new friends and had a wonderful experience, and Cathy did not have to worry about her. Cathy made new friends as well, and had fun in the disco and on the shore excursions. She also experienced the great spa onboard. She had fun in the casino, and tried new foods and cocktails. Cathy is now keeping in touch with her new found friends, and they all plan to cruise again next summer on another ship and itinerary!

If you are a single parent and want a great vacation, then a cruise could work for you! Many cruise lines have parties and get togethers for single parents traveling alone with their children. Cruises are a great vacation value, which was another point that made Cathy very happy. She did not realize how inexpensive a cruise vacation was, as well as what was included until she actually experienced her cruise. People can tell you all about their cruise experiences, but you truly need to go and experience it yourself to get the whole picture.

Are you a single parent looking for a great experience for you and your child? Please give me a call and let me know your interests so we can get you on your next great vacation!
(Thanks Cathy for letting me write about your experience! I hope to get to go with you guys next summer!)

It's not always about being CHEAP!

2006-11-21T08:33:00.000-08:00

Have you ever gone out to dinner with a coupon because you wanted to save money? Did you ever do this and end up with the worst meal of your life? That for only a few dollars more you could have eaten at a better restaurant down the street?

Well, believe it or not, this same principal applies to cruises. As all restaurants are not the same, neither are all cruise lines.

Just because you find a "great price" on a ship, it may not be the one for you.

When deciding on a cruise itinerary and ship there are several factors that come into play. The main question is, what do you want out of your vacation? Do you want to relax or do you want to have a lot of activities? Do you want to eat gourmet meals or is a hamburger by the pool something that interests you? What islands or destinations interest you the most? Are you more interested in shopping or water sports? Are you interested in the history and culture of the island or do you just want to party at the hip spots?

These are some of the things that you should make note of before deciding on the ship and itinerary that you want to vacation on. Just because it is cheap, it may not be for you. And once you have gone, you will never get that time back.

Another question is what type of accommodations do you prefer? Some people will take an inside cabin. This is a cabin that is on the interior part of the ship that has no windows. When you are in your cabin, you don’t know what time of day it is because you have no daylight coming into the cabin. But possibly for a few dollars more, you could have a cabin with a window, these are called ocean view cabins.

The next type of cabin would be a cabin that has a balcony. Upgrading to a cabin with a balcony may only add a few dollars more to the cost of your trip. These choices depend on your personality and how you want your vacation to be.

We have clients that always take an inside cabin because they feel they hardly spend any time in it. We also have clients that love their balconies. You can have your morning coffee or your evening cocktail on your own private balcony.

Another "cheap" cruise option is if you decide to take a cabin at a "guaranteed" price. Usually the cruise line will offer a cabin on the ship, but it could be anywhere on the ship. It could be on the bottom deck, or on a higher deck with an ocean view, or a cabin with an obstructed view. You would not get your actual cabin number until a few weeks before you cruise, or you may not get your cabin number until the day that you sail. If it does not matter to you what type of cabin you are in, this could be a deal for you. But if you are the type of person that wants to be near an elevator, or near the dining room, this would not be a good choice for you.

So before you book that "Cheap Deal" on the internet, please contact one of our travel counselors. We have the knowledge on what the ships are all about and what they have to offer. Let us help you get the vacation that you deserve, at the price that is right for you!

European River Cruises

2006-11-13T10:42:00.000-08:00

Been there, Done that. Are you a seasoned cruiser? Have you been to the Caribbean more times than you can count? Do you love the experience of cruising, but are tired of going to the same old ports?

Well, why not try one of the European river cruises? These cruises offer the same amenities as the larger ships, but in a more intimate setting. The river cruises offer 4 and 5 star ships and dining. They also stop at some really quaint and beautiful villages. The ships silently float along the rivers and come to stop at the center of towns. You dont even feel or hear the ship moving.

I recently had the opportunity to sail on the MV Mozart, which sails from Passau, Germany along the Danube River. The ports are fabulous and great fun. The crew treated everyone like royalty. On this sailing the crew is mostly German and Hungarian.

We flew into Munich Germany and headed down to Passau to board our ship. The town of Passau is very charming.

Our first stop was Durnstein, Austria. We did the walking tour of the town, visited a beautiful Baroque church, and stop at one of the local wine sellers for a taste of their famous Apricot Brandy. There is also the opportunity to visit a castle, which is where British King Richard the Lionhearted was held captive after returning from a crusade. When you reach the top you have a beautiful view of the Danube River Valley and the Wachau region. This is where your Reisling and Veltiner vines grow.

An interesting aspect is going through the Locks of the river. They are not as grand as the Panama Canal, but very interesting just the same.

Our next stop was Vienna, Austria, what more can I say? Vienna is a wonderful city. Vienna is very easy to get around. Their subway system is easy to use. I recommend visiting Schonbrunn Palace, former residence of the Hapsburgs. In the evening you can take in an Opera or a music recital featuring one of Viennas most famous residents, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. There is plenty of time to see almost everything, as you are in Vienna for a day and a half. Dont forget to stop and eat some regional food in their wonderful cafes!

Next stop is Esztergom, Hungary. Here we had a few hours to wander around. It is also a stop for a shore excursion that goes to Szentendre and where you end up in Budapest back to the ship. If you stay on board instead of taking the shore excursion, this is where the river bends, and you have some more wonderful scenery along the Danube Valley.

Budapest is the next stop. Here you also have a day and a half to explore this beautiful city. The ship parks 2 blocks away from the famous Vaci Utca. This street has sidewalk cafes and wonderful shopping. Budapest is very much a café society city. Make sure to stop and have a cup of coffee and a policsinta, which is very similar to a crepe filled with your choice of fillings. Definitely take one of the many excursions offered here. You will have great views from the Fishermans Bastion and Castle Hill. Dont forget the Herend China!

Next stop, Bratislava, Slovakia. This is another great city to visit. We walked through the old town. We also went to the top of the hill where the castle Hrad is located. The view from here is tremendous! There are quaint shops that have some amazing prices. There are shops that sell Czech glass and porcelain at better than reasonable prices. I wish I had brought a larger suitcase, there is so much here that I wanted. And as always, make sure you stop and have a bite of the local cuisine.

Our final stop was Melk, Austria. Home to a famous Benedictine Abbey, which is built in the Baroque style. We walked around the small town, another postcard perfect village. Make sure to check out the tavern near the river edge. There are markings on the building that goes back to the 1700s of when the river overflowed, and how high it got that year.

After Melk we returned to Passau and for our flight out of Munich and our return trip home.

Do not feel that there will be a language barrier. Everyone on board the ship speaks English very well. Everyone in all of the cities that we went to and came in contact with also spoke English. The people of these cultures are very kind and enjoy speaking English with Americans. They are also very proud of their culture and more than willing to tell you all about their country.

The river cruises are seasonal and do sell out quickly. Please contact me for more information on how you, too, can enjoy this adventure. They also offer trips along the Elbe, Rhine, Rhone, Saone, Main, Moselle, Havel, Moldau, Oder and the Seine rivers. If you feel you have "Been there, done that", a European River Cruise Experience is something that you will be talking about for a long time after you get home.

*** This trip is a fabulous prize for your President's Club Incentive! Ask me how we can make this happen for your company as well as some fantastic add ons!

Come Sail Away...

2006-11-10T12:34:00.000-08:00

Come Sail Away …
Do you remember that song from Styx, "Come Sail Away, Come Sail Away, Come Sail Away With Me … yeah "

Have you seen the latest "Pirates of the Caribbean " movie? Very flashy with some pretty cool effects.

Don’t you wish you could have your own "Pirate Experience "? Did you dress like a Pirate for Halloween? Do you live in Tampa and go to Gasparilla every year?

Well you and your family can kind of sort of have that Pirate Experience!

Disney Cruise Lines makes a stop at their private island called "Castaway Cay ".
You can have a conversation with the Captain himself, Jack Sparrow. (Well, it’s not Johnny Depp, but it’s a good resemblance!)

The ship in the movie, the "Flying Dutchman " is anchored just off shore. What a great photo op, you, Jack Sparrow and the "Flying Dutchman ".

They also have some great things for the kids to do on the island. Their own private treasure hunt is just one of them. There’s even a bicycle path through the mangrove swamp and they have just upgraded their stingray adventure. They also have all kinds of water sports as well, and if you don’t want to do anything but sit, you can do that too!

Disney Cruise Lines is fabulous for families. They treat your kids just like little princes and princesses. Disney does everything just a little extra special.

Why not give your family a cruise vacation for the Holidays? Tell the family they are going to have their own Pirate Adventure!