10 Best Cruises For Families

I saw the following slide show on Travel + Leisure’s website and thought that it gave some great information for families looking to cruise.
http://www.travelandleisure.com/slideshows/10-best-cruises-for-families/1

I can personally vouch that cruising is a terrific family vacation option. My boys, at the ripe ages of 11 and 14, have been on 5 cruises. A friend recently asked how they like Walt Disney World compared to cruising? Although they really enjoyed their vacation at WDW, they still like cruising better. There’s just so many things to do on a cruise ship today, not to mention visiting and exploring all the different ports of call. Choosing a cruise as a family vacation not only benefits the kids. It’s one of the least stressful options to vacation with children and for multi-generational family vacations. When we took our boys on their first cruise, they were 5 and 8 years old. My parents and my grandma went along.
Even though we sailed on an older ship, we all had a great time. Everything was new to the kids and I recall being amazed how much they wanted to go to the children’s program onboard. My great grandma was 89 at the time and was a trooper. She went along on shore excursions and even went to the fitness facility to use the exercise bike. We all enjoyed dining together and going to the shows.
I don’t think that there was one disagreement or arguement the whole trip. The previous year, we rented a condo in Florida with my parents and let’s just say that I needed a vacation after that vacation. Anyway, my great grandma had such a wonderful time that she announced that she wanted to take our whole family (including her older sister and my brother’s family) on a cruise for her 90th birthday. Even with the addition on another senior and more kids (and cruising during Easter holiday) it was smooth sailing. A cruise vacation offers something for everyone…whether young or young at heart. And, you can do all or most of your planning before you travel. It’s also a very pampering vacation. The cooking, cleaning, driving, navigating and entertaining are all done for you. What other multi-destination vacation can you say that about?

To plan and reserve your next family vacation, contact Amy at A Room With A View - Cruise & Travel
800-571-3159

Royal Caribbean 2009-2010 Itineraries Released

Royal Caribbean International announced its short cruise program for 2009-10, offering 18 two- to five-night itineraries on 306 departures. Cruises are available from Tampa, Port Canaveral, Port Everglades and Miami aboard Navigator of the Seas, Enchantment of the Seas, Grandeur of the Seas, Majesty of the Seas and Monarch of the Seas. Bookings are open for these short cruises. Navigator of the Seas and Enchantment of the Seas offer year-round Caribbean cruises. From May 2009, Enchantment of the Seas will offer four- and five-night Western Caribbean itineraries for the summer season from Port Everglades, which include a call at Key West. From November 2009, Navigator will sail similar Western Caribbean itineraries from Miami.

Majesty of the Seas will operate three- and four-night Bahamas cruises from Miami. Monarch of the Seas will begin its first full-year deployment in 2009 at Port Canaveral. Grandeur of the Seas will sail from the Port of Tampa on four- and five-night Western Caribbean cruises to Belize City, Cozumel and Progreso. Grandeur also will return to Costa Maya, docking at the newly constructed pier, which replaced the one destroyed by Hurricane Dean in 2007.

Year round Caribbean product for 2009-2010 was released on 4/22/08. The Freedom of the Seas will sail from Port Canaveral, replacing the Mariner of the Seas, and continuing on with the alternating Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries. The Adventure of the Seas will continue to sail from San Juan and Liberty of the Seas from Miami.

For more information on other RCCL cruise itineraries and to make your reservation onboard a RCCL ship, contact Amy at A Room With A View - Cruise & Travel!
800-571-3159

Port of Costa Maya Reopens This Summer

Port of Costa Maya Reopens This Summer
Published on Modern Agent: April 22, 2008

Costa Maya, Mexico’s fastest growing cruise port, said it will re-open to cruise passengers starting July 2008, following its unexpected closing after Hurricane Dean’s direct hit in August 2007. The port’s cruise industry partners — including Cunard, Princess Cruises, Celebrity Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean International, Holland America, Carnival Cruise Lines, Regent Seven Seas Cruises, P&O Cruises, Disney Cruise Line, Windstar Cruises, MSC Cruises, and Ocean Village — have committed to return to its shores. Previously known for a wide range of unique excursions ranging from encounters with a true Mayan community to diving the world’s second largest barrier reef, Costa Maya has added more tour packages to its offerings. BioMaya Bacalar is a zip-lining adventure that transports guests through the jungle. A brand new boardwalk, the result of $15 million government investment following Hurricane Dean, will be ready for unveiling in time for the port’s reopening. By July 2008, the port’s first and second berthing positions will be fully operational and ready to receive cruise passengers. A third berth is expected to be completed by November 2008. Upon re-opening, Costa Maya also will offer fully-enhanced facilities, capable of serving NCL’s F3 and Royal Caribbean’s Genesis class to allow for newer, larger vessels.

Contact Amy at A Room With A View - Cruise & Travel to reserve your cruise to Costa Maya!
800-571-3159

Celebrity Summit Southern Caribbean Cruise Review Part 2

The Ports of Call: St. Maarten, Dominica, Grenada, Bonaire and Aruba.

I have to say that the uniqueness of this itinerary for a 7 night cruise was the first thing that lured me. I have been to St. Maarten quite a few times on cruises and have stayed on the island for a week. St. Maarten is part French and part Dutch.
The cruise pier is located on the Dutch side of the island. St. Maarten is a foodie’s and a shopaholic’s dream destination.
From the cruise pier, one can easily take a taxi or the water taxi downtown shopping. Jewelry stores galore! Go to the French side of the island and you’ll find epicurean delights at lovely french restaurants and beautiful beaches. Orient Beach is the most commonly known and rightly so. A mile long white sand beach with many colorful little beach bars and restaurants. Each restaurant or bar rents chairs and umbrellas for the day. Most rentals come with use of the facilities. Take a little stroll along the beach to choose your spot (hint: check the prices, they are not all the same.) Watersport huts are also available on Orient.
It’s really a fun way to spend an afternoon. Important to note is that there is a Clothing Optional resort on one of the beach.
Be prepared for toplessness and nudity.

Dominica. Green, mountainous, lush, pristine, volcanic, rustic Dominica. After much research, I arranged for our group to do a tour with a local tour guide that I had read many positive reviews on. Half of our group (including myself and my husband) decided that they were up for the “extreme” hiking adventure with Levi, our guide. The rest of the group wanted to see some of the sites, but did not want the hiking element. Levi led the hike to Middleham Falls and arranged for one of his other guides to take the rest of the group to the Emerald Pool. How do I begin to describe the hike to Middleham? I can honestly say that in all of my cruise excursions and travel, I have never done a excursion like this. The trails leading up to Middleham were narrow, muddy, slippery, rocky, covered with twisted vines and logs. The scenery was amazing, green and “jungle-y.” We climbed up hills, stepped over slippery rocks, tried not to get stuck in gushy mud, did the balance beam walk over more mud or water, crossed creeks. Essentially, we concentrated on not wiping out or twisting an ankle while taking in the rustic beauty of Dominica.
After about an hour we asked Levi how much longer it would be to Middleham. His answer, “Oh, just another 5 minutes.” Apparently, we were on island time as it took another 45 minutes to get to our first destination. The prize at the end was worth every pain and ache to get there. Middleham Falls is approximately 300 ft. high. Truly breathtaking. We awed over it, took photos with it and some even ventured down to swim into the pool at the bottom. And then…we hiked back from whence we came. Luckily the hike back was a little easier. Perhaps, the decline helped or maybe after a couple hours, we were just used to it? At any rate, we felt quite the accomplishment after completing it. We were rewarded with a local beer (or water) when we returned to the van. Our next stop was my personal favorite….Titou Gorge. If you are a Pirates of the Caribbean fan, the second movie was filmed in Dominica with scenes shot in Titou Gorge. From the entrance, I was a little concerned that I might get claustrophobic swimming through the rock formations. However, once in, I was completely entranced. Swimming through the blue water surrounded by smooth rock walls, with just a peek of sky above was just darn cool. At the end was a small waterfall that we were able to swim into. I’m a water lover and enjoy swimming and could have stayed there longer, but we had places to go! Trafalagar Falls was beautiful as well and is more commonly found on other excursions. There were quite a few tourists there when we arrived, but it wasn’t crowded. Did a short hike closer to the Falls for viewing and photos. Then it was time for snorkeling at Champagne Reef. The fish and coral at Champagne Reef are not remarkable, however it’s totally worth donning the mask and fins just to see the little “champagne bubbles” caused by the volcanic action below the surface.
After a very full and active day, we were ready to head back to the comfort of our ship. But, as we sailed away, we all agreed that we’d be back again some day. We hope that Dominica can hold on to it’s rustic beauty and steer clear from the commercialism that has encompassed other Caribbean islands.

Next up….Grenada, Bonaire and Aruba!

Sick of Christmas carols?

Now that the holidays are over, I’m ready to move on! Time to start the countdown for my upcoming cruise in February. It’s bitter cold here and the snow is knee deep. Needed a “change in attitude” and music usually helps. Thought you might enjoy this too. Turn up the volume (and the heat if need be) and pretend you are on a lovely beach. Or, give me a call and I’ll help you plan a real vacation to the islands!

Happy Travels,

Amy

A Room With A View - Cruise & Travel
amy@aroomwithaviewtravel.com
800-571-3159

Merry Christmas from A Room With A View!

Season’s Greetings and Warm Wishes for a Joyous Holiday Season from Amy at A Room With A View - Cruise & Travel!

Only 3 More Shopping Days To Christmas!

We’ve all seen the ads on t.v. or delivered to our inbox…”Only x more shopping days until Christmas!” Truly, I can’t believe it’s the 22nd of December already. Where has this month gone? I’m sure I’m not the only one that feels this way. We all have plans, schedules and “honey-do lists” that somehow get placed to the wayside these last few hectic days of “the season.” Some of those plans may include planning a vacation. If you, like many others, find the task of planning your family vacation daunting, never fear, A Room With A View is here! (ok, that was corny!) Seriously, there is still time to plan that warm weather getaway this spring, or the family vacation for the summer months. So, don’t fret! Go enjoy the holidays with your family and then give me a call after you can’t stand another bite of Aunt Mabel’s famous fruitcake (you probably couldn’t stand the first bite, but that’s another story.) And, if you still can’t think of what to get dear Aunt Mabel, why not give a gift certificate towards a vacation? Woah, calm down there…it does not have to be for the full amount of the vacation! There are ways to give a set amount that can be applied towards a vacation. Or, even better yet…give the gift of travel to your family. Fougettabout the Wii’s and the Xbox 360’s! Don’t stand in line at the store. Just tell your family you are giving them white sand and sun or (insert other travel destination description here) as their present this year.

Only 3 More Shopping Days To Christmas! Call A Room With A View - Cruise & Travel soon!
Toll Free: 800-571-3159
amy@aroomwithaviewtravel.com
www.aroomwithaviewtravel.com

ResortQuest Offers Free Camera for Ski Vacation Bookings

ResortQuest Offers Free Camera for Ski Vacation Bookings
Published on modern agent: December 17, 2007

ResortQuest is offering free cameras for Colorado ski vacation bookings. For a limited time, guests who book four or more nights at any ResortQuest ski property will receive a free digital camera, which will be provided at check-in. The offer is valid through May 1, 2008, on new reservations only. A four-night minimum stay required. The offer may not be combined with any other promotional offer. It is subject to availability, and blackout dates apply and vary per destination. ResortQuest offers properties in Aspen, Snowmass, Breckenridge, Keystone, Steamboat and Telluride, Colo.; Park City, Deer Valley and The Canyons, Utah; and Sun Valley, Idaho.

Contact A Room With A View - Cruise & Travel to make your reservation soon!

‘Tis The Season…For A Vacation!

Christmas Island
(Jimmy Buffett’s version)

Let’s get away from sleigh bells
Let’s get away from snow
Let’s make or break some Christmas ? dear
I know the place to go
How’d you like to spend Christmas on Christmas Island?
How’d you like to spend the holiday away across the sea?
How’d you like to spend Christmas on Christmas Island?
How’d you like to hang a stocking on a great big coconut tree?

Chorus:
How’d you like to stay up late like the islanders do?
Wait for Santa to sail in with your presents in a canoe
If you ever spend Christmas on Christmas Island
You will never stray for everyday your Christmas dreams come true

Bridge

Chorus:
How’d you like to stay up late like the islanders do?
Wait for Santa to sail in with your presents in a canoe
If you ever spend Christmas on Christmas Island
You will never stray for everyday your Christmas dreams come true

Need I say more???

Tell Santa to contact A Room With A View - Cruise & Travel to book your trip to “Christmas Island!”

Cruise Lines Implement Fuel Surcharges

Skyrocketing fuel prices have caused numerous cruise lines to institute fuel surcharges. Carnival Corp. started the ball rolling.

Carnival Corp.has stated that due to rapidly increasing fuel prices, they have now implemented a fuel supplement fee to all voyages departing on, or after 2/1/08. The fuel surcharge will be instituted on all six brands within Carnival Corp: Carnival Cruise Line, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and Seabourn Cruises.

The fuel surcharge of $5 per person, per day, will not exceed $70 per passenger, per sailing (and will be applied to the first and second passengers in a cabin.) The fuel surcharge will be collected at the time of the final payment. Cruises that have been already paid in full will also have the fuel surcharge applied.

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NCL Corp. will begin levying a fuel supplement fee effective on all new NCL and NCL America bookings made on or after Dec. 1. The additional fee will be $7 per person, per day, for the first and second guests in a stateroom and $3 per person, per day, for any additional guests in the same stateroom. “With oil prices skyrocketing, the fuel supplement is a necessary step for us,” said Colin Veitch, NCL’s president and CEO.

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Oceania Cruises is implementing a fuel surcharge of $7 per guest, per day, for all reservations that are not paid in full by Dec. 1, 2007. The surcharge applies to all currently published sailings through April 2009. “At the time that we set our current pricing, oil was trading at approximately $60 per barrel and it is now quickly approaching $100 per barrel,” said Bob Binder, president of Oceania Cruises. “This is the first time we have implemented a surcharge and I hope our guests will understand the root cause of this necessary action.” The fuel supplement is effective on Dec. 1 for all new reservations and existing reservations that have not applied final payment. Guests choosing to pay in full prior to Dec. 1 will be exempt from this surcharge.

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Royal Caribbean International (Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises) announced the implementation of a fuel supplement fee of $5 per person, per day on sailings for departures on 2/1/08 or after. The fuel surcharge will only apply to the 1st and 2nd passengers sailing in a cabin, and will not exceed $70 per person, per sailing. The fuel supplement fee will be due at the time of final payment. RCI will not apply the supplemental fuel fee to bookings already paid in full prior to 11/16.

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Sister companies Windstar and Majestic America also announced fuel surcharges of $8.50 per person, per day. The surcharge applies to all currently published sailings through March 2009 that have not been paid in full by Dec. 15. Majestic America said the surcharge applies to new bookings made after Dec. 15 and to existing bookings that are not paid in full by the same date.

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Crystal’s fuel surcharge is $7 per guest per day for all 2008 reservations that are not paid in full by Jan. 1. “Escalating fuel costs continue to affect virtually everyone, and the impact on Crystal Cruises’ daily operations is no exception,” said Crystal President Gregg Michel. “We set our 2008 cruise fares in late 2006, yet the price of fuel rose 66 to 70 percent from February to November 2007.” Crystal is protecting 2008 bookings that are made and paid in full prior to Jan. 1 and the current fare, without the fuel surcharge. There will be no change to the current fuel surcharge of $5 per person, per day that is currently in effect for all 2007 voyages.

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Viking River Cruises is adding a fuel surcharge of $7 per guest, per cruise night for all reservations that are not paid in full by Dec. 19. The surcharge will apply to all currently published sailings through December 2008.

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Uniworld Grand River Cruises and Fred. Olsen Cruise Lines said they will implement cruise fuel surcharge. Uniworld will charge $7 per guest, per cruise night, on 2008 Europe cruise programs and $10 per guest, per cruise night, on Russia and Ukraine programs. It will waive the fuel surcharge for all existing and new bookings if paid in full by Dec. 31. “The cruise fuel surcharge has become necessary due to the rise in fuel prices, which has had a significant impact on our operation,” said Guy Young, CEO and president of Uniworld. “The implementation of the cruise fuel surcharge was a difficult decision, and we hope all our valued customers will understand the need for this increase in light of today’s global economic environment.”

Fred. Olsen will implement a fuel supplement on all cruises, effective Dec. 21. The charge will be £2.50 (approximately $5.05) per person, per day, and will apply to all new bookings made on or after Dec. 21. There will be no additional charge for passengers booked in upper berths, and there will be a cap of £50 (approximately $101) per person for long cruise itineraries.