TOP 10 REASONS TO SAIL REGENT SEVEN SEAS IN 2010

1. 2-for-1 Fares on most voyages PLUS additional bonus savings of up to $1,000 per person on select voyages.
2. FREE air from 22 U.S. gateway cities on ALL voyages. FREE Business Class Air on European voyages for guests sailing in a category C and above.
3. FREE unlimited shore excursions on ALL voyages.
4. A true, ALL-INCLUSIVE luxury product. FREE beverages including fine wines, beer and premium spirits. All open-seating dining, at NO ADDITIONAL charge. All staff gratuities included.
5. FREE in-suite mini-bar replenished daily with soft drinks, beer and bottled water.
6. Butler service EXPANDED to include suite category C on all ships.
7. NEWLY REFURBISHED fleet featuring the most talked about restaurant at sea, the iconic steakhouse “Prime 7”, at NO ADDITIONAL charge.
8. ALL suites, minimum size 301 sq. ft., ALL with WALK-IN closets. Plus, the highest percentage of balconies of ANY cruise line — 97%.
9. World-renowned Canyon Ranch SpaClub® with specially-designed menu selections available in Compass Rose, Room Service and the casual Pool Grill.
10. Wireless Internet access throughout the ship.
    

2010 is Regent Seven Seas Cruises most inclusive year ever—the list above shows just how many valuable amenities are included on all their sailings. Combined with their award-winning product and stellar guest satisfaction levels, Regent truly has a winning combination of both quality and value.
It’s not all about price—it is also about the experience. With Regent Seven Seas Cruises, you are assured a wonderful and relaxing hassle-free luxury cruise vacation on medium-sized ships that carry just hundreds, not thousands of guests.
There has never been a better time to upgrade to a luxury cruise experience!

A Completely New Concept for Solo Travelers!

I recently had the opportunity to meet with representatives and executives of Norwegian Cruise Line to learn more about their new ship, the EPIC! Here is a brand new concept, and wonderful idea for the solo travelers out there!

The Studios aboard Norwegian "Epic" make solo travel both comfortable and affordable, and include all the amenities you'd find in a traditional stateroom. A full size bed, clean lines and a contemporary decor help create a relaxing atmosphere. And, by separating the sink and shower, the unique bathroom layout provides more personal space. It's thoughtfully designed living space, all in just 100 sqft. Plus you'll also have private access to the exclusive Studio Lounge. It's the perfect spot to grab a cup of coffee and plan your day, get together with new friends for a cocktail, or enjoy a nightcap before heading to bed.

AND, there's also plenty to see and to when you're ready to explore the ship. Enjoy 20 unique dining options. Live it up with 20 bars and lounges, including the only true ice bar at sea. Or hit the spa, the casino, or one of the two three-lane bowling alleys. Take in world-class entertainment from Cirque Dreams and Dinner, The Second City, Howl at the Moon and Legends in Concert. And for the first time at sea, Blue Man Group perform their exhilarating fusion of comedy, theatrics, percussion and paint... exclusively on Norwegian Epic. OH, and what about the water park on the back of the ship??? Are you ready to see see the Epic? Contact us today for more information.

Time to Try Holland America Line

If you haven't cruised on Holland America before, now is the time to try them out. Explore everything from the tropical wonders of the Caribbean to the awe-inspiring glaciers of Alaska with some fantastic prices! Call us to find the best cruise that fits your schedule and budget!

On Holland America Line, you'll find yourself surrounded by elegance wherever you turn. As you dine in one of many exquisite restaurants. As you stroll solid teak decks capped by hand-polished brass railings. As you retire to a spacious stateroom where every need has been anticipated. With one of the highest crew-to-guest ratios in the industry, service is always at hand but never intrusive.

It's everything you expect from a premium vacation, without the premium price!

AND, with itineraries from 7 to 21 days visiting popular resort towns (as well as out-of-the-way islands), the hardest part will be choosing which one!

Happy Holidays!

Hope those of you that celebrate had a very Merry Christmas yesterday!! We've been in Arizona spending time in the sun for the holidays... although it is a bit chilly here now... has been in the 40's - 50's. Almost like Seattle except no rain!

We're getting ready for the upcoming new year and looking forward to a great 2010!

Linda and Dorsey are leaving for their Vietnam/Cambodia river cruise on AMA Waterways in about 2 weeks, it's been a long anticipated trip for them and am sure they are going to have a fabulous time! I can't wait for the pictures and stories when they return at the end of January... and I'll be sure to post them for you to see!

We also have our 9th annual Great Girls Getaway coming up in April, a few months away still but know it will be here fast. We'll be cruising up the Pacific Coast from San Diego to Vancouver BC, and stopping in some great places! There is still room onboard the ship if you'd like to join in on the fun! Bring your mom, daughter, sister, friend... whoever! It's 6 days full of laughter and fun!

Enjoy the rest of 2009 and have a very Happy New Years!

Azamara Cruises

Azamara Cruises was ranked among the world's top 10 cruises lines in 2009 by Travel and Leisure Magazine and was the Cruise Critic Editors Pick for being Best for Couples in 2009.

Loosely defined, travel means to go from one place to another. But at Azamara Cruises, they believe travel is more than just the voyage. Instead, travel is about taking in all that the world has to offer. It's about discovering that what's new is somehow familiar, thousands of miles from home.

On an Azamara vacation, you won't just sail from one unique destination to the next, but instead develop a new and richer experience of place. From multiple overnight stays in port and exclusive activities in cities large and small, an Azamara vacation offers endless opportunities to not only observe the local fabric of a destination, but also to become part of it, if only for a little while.

And as you discover the world, taste by taste, color by color, city by city, you will also discover a newly enriched sense of self... because at Azamara, travel is not only about where you go, it's also about how you get there. From extraordinary personalized service to an array of healthy-lifestyle options, Azamara puts all of its focus on its guests and your well-being.

Let Azamara redefine travel for you!

Cruise News!!

Princess Cruise Ship Receives New Name...

Princess Cruises is celebrating the new name of its ship "Ocean Princess" (formerly Tahitian Princess) by extending an open invitation to anyone wishing to become an honorary godparent for the vessel, with the first-ever virtual christening.

In a new twist on the time-honored tradition, the naming ceremony will occur completely online, at www.princess.com/oceanvirtualchristening. Each new godparent will trigger a $1 donation from Princess to the New England Aquarium, a global leader in ocean exploration and marine conservation, up to $25,000.

One of the small ships of Princess, Ocean Princess - fresh out of drydock - departed Singapore December 2nd on the first voyage with her new name. The virtual christening will run through the ship's 16-day Southeast Asia cruise, ending on Dec. 18th.

In addition to virtually christening the ship and becoming an honorary godparent, participants will be able to explore many areas of the ship online!

Following its inaugural Treasures of the Southeast Asia cruise from Singapore to Shanghai, Ocean Princess will offer a season of unique Asia, India and Africa sailings, followed by a summer of European voyages. Princess's small ships offer a classic and intimate cruise experience, and carry around 680 passengers. They travel to more remote destinations around the world!

Celebrity Solstice Special Rates

Celebrity "Solstice", departing 9/12/10

As you stroll among the expansive decks, you'll experience the rich color palettes illuminated by beautiful natural light, and revel in the extensive amenities - all delivered with the attentive service for which Celebrity Cruises in renowned. Celebrity Solstice is built around you and the way you long to travel. Voyage with Celebrity, on the newest of their Solstice-Class of ships, and discover a refined level of elegance - an unrivaled experience making a distinctive statement of style and design!

Experience the Solstice in a balcony stateroom for the same rate as an interior and ocean view while availability lasts!! Interior, Ocean View AND Balcony staterooms for $956.00 per person. OR try the Aqua Class for $1305.00 per person.

For those who have entered a spa and never wanted to leave, the Solstice offers the new Aqua Class stateroom. Sharing a deck with the AquaSpa relaxation room, it incorporates select spa elements into the staterooms, allows for specialized access to spa amenities, and features assigned seating at the healthfully delicious Blu restaurant.

And don't forget to visit the Lawn Club onboard! There's absolutely nothing like it! A freshly manicured lawn on the highest deck of the ship. Enjoy casual outdoor activities in a decidedly Country Club atmosphere, and let the grass between your toes take you places no cruise has gone before.

This is truly a unique experience and one you don't want to miss out on, especially for such a good deal! Contact us to put your name on a door!

New "Fun Ship" Just Announced

It was just officially announced that Carnival will be adding a third Dream class "Fun Ship" to the fleet in the spring of 2012!!

This new 3690-passenger vessel will offer many of the same innovations featured on the recently launched Carnival Dream, as well as some exciting new elements to be announced at a later date.

Like Carnival Dream, which has earned accolades for its creative design and onboard amenities, the new 130,000-ton ship will include a WaterWorks aqua park with a 300-foot-long corkscrew water slide, a stunning indoor/outdoor cafe and live entertainment venue called Ocean Plaza, and a wide range of staterooms including deluxe ocean views with two-bathrooms, some of which feature five beds... a great option for families!

Expansive modern facilities for children and teens, a 23, 750-square-foot Cloud 9 Spa, and The Lanai, an outdoor promenade featuring cantilevered whirlpools that extend over the ship's sides, will be included as well.

Already under construction is the second sister ship to the Carnival Dream, the Carnival Magic, which is scheduled to enter service in May 2011.

The Dream class of ships embodies the evolution of Carnival's brand by providing the type of fun and affordable cruise vacations that we are all seeking today!

P.S. Stay tuned for more news on her name, itinerary and unique features!!

A New Twist in River Cruising

River cruising has always been a predominately adult experience, with couples, singles and mature ladies boarding riverboats to sail the world's scenic waterways. Increasingly, though, this is becoming a family affair - although not in the way you might think! More and more families are going - like the mother and father who are retired and have sons and daughters in their early 40's. And grown children that want to take their parents to see where their roots are. It's becoming a great way for families to spend quality time together! (If small children are part of the picture, though, be sure to check with us. Most river lines lack kids' facilities and don't cater to families with children. Riverboats may also be too staid for many teens).

Are you an empty-nester? Do you have any adult siblings in a similar situation? Do you have elderly parents who enjoy travel? If so, you may want to think about giving a holiday gift of a 2010 "adult family cruise" through the rivers of Europe. Besides paying in dollars rather than Euros, you can also benefit from current deals such as two-for-one offers, free airfare, and onboard credits.

Passengers will float comfortably from destination to destination - dining, relaxing and sightseeing from the comfort of your own stateroom or on deck as the riverboat sails by castles, cathedrals, historic sites, vineyards and charming villages. When the boat docks in the heart of great cities, quaint towns and small villages, you simply walk off and start exploring or join a guided tour! Meals and entertainment are included in every river cruise, and some lines even include air, gratuities, sightseeing and wine with dinner.

SO, if you have a passion for art, history, architecture, music and culture... you will want to give river cruising a try! This is a great new way to cruise!

Don't Forget... Princess 3-Day Sale

Don't forget...

Princess Cruises is having a 3-day sale starting this Wednesday November 18th.

Sale includes select 2010 Alaska, Europe, and summer Caribbean cruises and cruisetours, and the following:

1. Fare from less than $90 per day
2. Up to $100 cash back per stateroom
3. Free upgrades on all sailings

Just a reminder to all those out there that love sailing Princess and love a great deal!

More Advise Worth Knowing

Question: What is a repositioning cruise?

Answer:
A repositioning cruise is simply that... a chance to reposition a ship from one area of the world to another. Many ships spend their summers in Alaska or Europe with winters in the Caribbean. Shouldn't we all be so lucky!
Repositioning cruises bridge the gap between the seasons and the two different regions of a ship's residence. Personally, I love these long, relaxing itineraries! Typically, a repositioning voyage lasts 8-21 days and only involves one air segment. For example, a client recently sailed from Florida (their hometown) on a Transatlantic voyage to Southampton (England). They enjoyed six straight days at sea where they got to take in every possible aspect of the ship without having to hop on and hop off in various ports of call. Another client also sailed from Vancouver at the end of an Alaskan season on an 18-night voyage all the way back to Florida. Along the way back, they transited the Panama Canal and visited the Mexican Riviera.
Either way you go, it is a great way to experience cruising!

Advice Worth Knowing

Question: Why should I pay extra for an outside stateroom?

Answer:
Before deciding which cabin category works best for you, ask yourself:
Do I like sleeping in a closet without windows?
Does darkness make me happy?
Some inside cabins are similar in size to their ocean view counterparts, so size isn't an issue. The view on the other hand, is. Notice I said "ocean view", because that's what you get with any outside stateroom. My personal favorite is a balcony cabin. There is no experience like a breakfast whale-watch on your own private balcony!

Your vacation is an investment and the nominal charge of an upgrade will vastly improve your experience. In many cases, you can upgrade to an oceanview cabin for a little as $20 per day! So in my opinion, the questions is not "why pay extra for an outside stateroom?" The question is, "why not?"

How To Pack A Suitcase

Extra luggage weight can cost you. Learn how to pack efficiently with the help of a smart step-by-step video!

www.realsimple.com/suitcase

It Pays To Book Early

Did you know that it pays to book your cruise early?

Not only do you get a better choice of cabin selection, but once you have booked and deposited your cruise with us, we will continue to offer you the lowest price available. If the rate for your cruise is reduced by the cruise line before final payment, we pass that price reduction back to you! So there is no need to "wait" for a lower rate before you book!

Azamara Cruises - 3-Days Only

Make your cruise all the more memorable...

Azamara Cruises is offering a limited time offer of up to $500 onboard credit on select sailings to Europe! If you book and deposit a 2010 European cruise October 14th-16th, Azamara is offering $300 onboard credit for verandah staterooms and $500 onboard credit for suites.

Let's find the itinerary that works best for you and take advantage of this deal!