Oasis of the Seas is here!

Oasis of the Seas is here!

Posted using ShareThis

Kid's Sail Free on Disney Cruise Line

Kid's Sail Free on Disney Cruise Line

Posted using ShareThis

Back from our Cruise

I just returned from my cruise aboard the Caribbean Princess. So now I'm back in the office answering emails, paying bills, and doing all the things, which make it necessary to take a vacation in the first place.

My wife, Jackie and I sailed from Brooklyn New York to Grand Turk, St. Thomas, San Juan and Bermuda. It was hot and humid, but lots of fun.

On the ship we enjoyed the entertainment, the service, and the food; probably too much food.

Everything was very relaxing until we had to get off the ship and wait on line to get through customs and immigration. I hate that part.

Below are a few of the pictures from the islands.

First stop, Grand Turk: What a fun filled island. From Jimmy Buffets to the Flowrider to the beach that was at your fingertips. This was a day to remenber. The party atmosphere was nonstop.

St. Thomas: What a beautiful island. We love going here, not only to visit our good friend Donna at Bernard Passman's, but to have what we feel is the best french onion soup at the Greenhouse restaurant, plus what view of the of the water you have. The people on the island are very friendly as well.

San Juan: What draws me here to this island are miles of smooth clean beaches, fabulous restaurants, and of course Old San Juan. Whose beautiful historic sites surrounded by cobblestone streets and crashing turquoise waters make you want to come back time after time.

The visit to El Morro is magnificant and very interesting to anyone wanting to know more about the spanish and the heritage of the island and it's people.A must see !

I personally go there everytime I visit the island. the ocean views are breath takeing. You can walk from the fort to old San Juan and to the capital steps.

The food of the island is wonderful and there are many fabulas resturants to choose from.

Bermuda: Tidy pastel cottages, pink-sand beaches and British traditions like cricket and afternoon tea. Not to mention the hospitality that the bermudian's show to the visitors.

I really enjoyed the Royal Naval Dockyard, there's plenty to do here you can shop, enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants, see the dolphins or just sit back and enjoy the view.

The trip from the dockyard to Hamilton was about an hour trip on the pink buses which we broke up by going to the Swizzle Inn and having lunch. The best monte cristo's ever...

I'm Cruising!

I just thought I'd keep you all up to date. On June 20th I'll be aboard the Caribbean Princess for a Seminar at Sea. This is not only a great way to keep up with the latest at Princess Cruise Lines, but it's fun! By the way, if your company has meetings or seminars that usually take place at hotels, you might want to consider having that meeting aboard a ship. It will almost certainly be less expensive.

When I return I'll post some pictures and my onboard experiences on my blog.

Princess Cruise lines Newest Commodore

I'm very proud to announce that I've have achieved prestigious Commodore status in Princess Cruises Academy training program being certified as an expert cruise professional. As a Commodore, I join an exclusive group of travel agents who are now recognized by Princess at the Academy's highest level for their unique qualifications and knowledge as a cruise planning professional. I earned this distinction after completing the minimum 25 courses necessary to graduate from the program.

To become a Commodore, travel agents must fulfill 25 required and elective classes, representing approximately 15 hours of total course work covering worldwide destinations, onboard programs, and customer service skills. As they complete courses, agents receive their “stripes” through four levels: First Officer, Staff Captain, Captain and finally Commodore. Agents can continue to take elective courses to expand their knowledge and keep their Commodore status current.

Princess Academy is the cruise industry’s most comprehensive online training program available to travel agents in the U.S. and Canada. Agents who complete the extensive coursework become experts on a wide range of topics, offering travelers full knowledge of important details about a Princess vacation such as the different passenger amenities on the line’s 17 ships, the company’s worldwide destinations and the many special programs available onboard.

“I'm thrilled to be a Princess Commodore and expand my expertise about cruising. The knowledge I've gained makes me a more valuable resource for my clients, and enables me to recommend the very best vacation which matches all of their needs,”

For more information on Princess Cruises going out of your area call your newest Princess Commodore today at 888-452-9805 or visit our website at www.jhammond.cruiseone.com

Passport Needed

On June 1, 2009, the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), was fully implemented (parts have been in effect for a couple of years - flying in or out of the US to foreign countries.) This final phase deals with land border crossings between the US and Mexico and the US and Canada but also cruises which is what we are about.

There is something called a "closed loop exemption" specifically for cruise passengers. In short, if your cruise begins and ends at the same US port, passengers will still be able to use a certified copy of a birth certificate and a gov't issued ID photo ID such as a driver's license (proof of citizenship and a photo to show you are who you say you are.) But it also depends on where the cruise goes.

If you are sailing a typical Caribbean cruise, for example - departing and returning to the same Florida port - this is a "closed loop." But if you were sailing a repositioning cruise from Boston to Miami for example, with several ports on the trip - Bermuda, Nassau, etc - this is not a "closed loop" and you would actually need a passport to board the ship. Another example is an Alaska Cruise North or South bound (Anchorage to Vancouver), again a passport will be required. Even Anchorage to Seattle does not fall into a "closed loop" by definition.

The place to read "the rules and requirements" is http://www.travel.state.gov/. Yes, your agent should advise you properly but it is ultimately up to the traveler to present the proper documentation when checking in to board the ship.

Our best advise - "BITE THE BULLET" and get a passport. They are good for 10 years so it is a one-time expense for that time period (about $100), and then you do not have to worry about which cruise does or does not require one.

Enhanced Health Screening Guidlines

Released from the Cruise Lines International Association, Inc.:
To continue ensuring the healthiest environment for all cruise passengers, the cruise industry is taking these proactive steps out of an abundance of caution to identify, isolate and treat any suspect cases of the H1N1 virus as appropriate.Under new CLIA member cruise line health screening procedures, all passengers scheduled to board CLIA member line cruise ships will be required to complete the new public health questionnaire prior to boarding at any port. Under the enhanced screening protocols, CLIA member lines will perform a secondary screening if a passenger reports on the questionnaire flu-like symptoms, including fever, cough, runny nose or sore throat, or contact with a confirmed Influenza A (H1N1) case. Medical personnel at each cruise line will make case by case decisions regarding the boarding of these passengers. Passengers will not be permitted to travel if they exhibit influenza-like-illness or meet the suspect case conditions for swine flu as defined by CDC (http://www.cdc.gov/swineflu/casedef_swineflu.htm). All other passengers will be permitted to travel.

Cash On Hand When Cruising

In speaking to a client this morning who is planning their first cruise they did asked a question that has been asked before so a good one to put on here today.

The question was "How much cash should we bring on board?" Needless to say there is no definitive answer for this. The ships themselves are basically cashless and upon checking in you set up an onboard account with credit card or cash and then sign for drinks, purchases, etc on board during the cruise.

The casinos will take cash (and take and take and take if you don't watch out) so I guess you need to figure how much you need for that if planning on spending time in the casino. Of course you can also charge money to your onboard account (there is a service fee in some casinos to do this) if you run out of cash. Again - caution and don't overdo it.

When in port you do need some cash for those "island nick knacks" drinks, etc. but we also recommend for anything purchased over $40-50, use a credit card. That is for your protection.

So how much cash does one need? Only you can figure it out. You should not carry a lot of cash in port anyway (safety) but only what you might need. You do have a safe in the stateroom to keep your money secure. Never flash money in port or even on the ship for that matter for your own safety. There are also ATM machines on the ship (fee usually $5.50 unless it is your bank and then a fee from your bank too. We normally see Bank Atlantic on ships).

You need some cash but cash is available if you need more. Traveler Checks can also be cashed on board and of course that is another safe way to carry money.


We normally take $100 or less into port with us and of course have our budget for the casino but then we only take so much with us and leave the rest in the room safe each day. If we win (and we do on occasion) we just add that to the "stash".

So thanks to our clients for giving us a topic for today Smooth Seas and Blue Skies to you all.

Disney Names Their Two New Cruise Ships

The two newest ships soon to be released by Disney Cruise Line have just been named... Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy.The Disney Dream is scheduled to set sail in 2011, with the Disney Fantasy to be released in 2012. Like the current ships, the Disney Magic and the Disney Wonder, the names of the two new ships were chosen to celebrate Disney’s unique ability to create incredible worlds of fantasy where dreams really do come true.

For more information on Disney Cruise Lines and planning your next Disney vacation contact us at 302-266-7910 / 888-452-9805 or visit us on line at
www.jhammond.cruiseone.com

Back from Our Cruise

We just returned from our cruise aboard the Disney Magic sailing to Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and yes Disney’s private island Castaway Cay. So now I'm back in the office answering emails, paying bills, and doing all the things, which make it necessary to take a vacation in the first place. The following posting is our journey.


Arriving in Orlando

What a day it was!

We had set-up to take the Disney express to the ship, and upon arrival we were greeted with open arms from Disney. Arriving at the Orlando airport and getting checked in with Disney was a breeze. They have you go down to the lower level where Disney has an area for the parks and an area for the cruise line. We had been advised while checking in for the shuttle that you can now check in for the cruise line, so it is easier when you get to the ship and you don’t have stand in any lines to check in (very nice).

Welcome Aboard!

After getting onboard we walked the ship and looked at and admired all the Disney memorabilia that was onboard, boy what a walk down memory lane.

My wife, Jackie, and I were lucky enough to be seated at dinner with two great couples George and Barbara from Georgia and Angel and Toni from Miami. What a surprise it was to find out George and Barb were on the ship visiting their son Brandon, who is one of the cast members. What a day it was ending it with a great show in the Walt Disney theatre. Everywhere you went onboard you could always run into the characters. They were around every corner,in the elevators (don't blink) you might miss one of them.

Key West

First order of the day is having breakfast in Parrot Cay with Mickey and friends. While eating breakfast we had been surprised by Brandon who had all the characters come to our table and pose for photos with Jackie and me. (how cool is that?)

Time to tour!

Touring around in Key West is like walking into a mesh of festive,
innovative and artistic individuals living amidst a fairy tale land of colorful ginger bread style homes, eclectic shops, and an ever-present lively 24-hour “night life.” Shopping was like no other shopping in the world. If you think you have everything, you are in for a big surprise!

Key West has something for everyone from diamond stores, artist markets, butterfly art, key lime treats, color changing souvenirs and plenty of watering holes, not to mention spending time in the southern most point in the United States.

Grand Cayman

A five-minute tender boat ride from the ship, Grand Cayman Widely known as “Brand Cayman” thanks to its stellar duty-free buys on just about any name brand merchandise. You can get everything here from china to watches to jewelry and not to mention some of the finest design houses in a very small area. The island is also known for its pirate past-treasures coins and other artifacts. Caymanian rum and rum cakes are also some of my favorites to bring home for family and friends.


Cozumel

The history of Cozumel is linked to the Mayan civilization. Cozumel was a sacred Mayan shrine referred to as Ah-Cuzamil-Peten, or “Island of the Swallows.”

Cozumel’s famed Avenida Rafael Melgar and the connecting streets are filled with what I think is some of the world’s best shopping. The streets flower with Mexican arts and crafts, the finest sterling silver, onyx carving, and leather goods from around the world, and locally cultivated tequilas and vanillas.

A walk down main street is made all the more pleasant by sampling the exotic drinks and tastes in the local shops along the way. My favorite place to eat while in Cozumel is Ponchos Backyard great Mexican food and music to enjoy while you eat. Also don’t forget to do some shopping there when you are done, as they have a wide variety of Mexican arts and crafts.


Castaway Cay

WOW!

Disney really outdid themselves on this island. There is something for everyone to do here. You can snorkel and swim in the lagoon, whale dig in Monstro point, rent bikes to ride around the island, visit the sports beach where you can get in a game of volleyball, tetherball, or soccer. The island also has a boating harbor; children program area, a family beach, and serenity beach (for adult only) where they have cabanas so they can indulge in a relaxing massage. I will definitely go back to Disney’s private island again and again.

For more information on Disney Cruise Lines and planning your next Disney vacation contact us at 302-266-7910 / 888-452-9805 or visit us on line at
www.jhammond.cruiseone.com

CruiseOne Steps up to Help In this Challenging Economy

Consumers nationwide might be concerned about losing their jobs, but our clients no longer need to worry about a pink slip ruining their vacation plans. CruiseOne, the nation’s largest cruise retail agency, today announced the first-ever comprehensive job loss travel insurance policy covering travel on all cruise lines. The new “CruiseAssurance” initiative is an exclusive benefit to consumers booking through CruiseOne, even if they have to cancel their trip at the last minute because of an unexpected layoff.

The best part? We are picking up the tab for “CruiseAssurance” for consumers purchasing basic travel insurance. Combined with lower-than-ever prices, cruising is now the most affordable and worry-free vacation option.

Under the “CruiseAssurance” policy, passengers can cancel their trip up to the day of departure, or even during the vacation. The only requirements are that travelers purchase an entry-level travel insurance plan – administered by Travel Guard – and present their termination letter. One year of employment is required. “CruiseAssurance” applies to bookings made March 1 through May 2, 2009 and is offered in addition to an already comprehensive travel protection policy.

What are you waiting for? Call Jackie now! 302-266-7910

Princess Cruises continues to expand complimentary onboard offerings

Princess Cruises continues to expand complimentary onboard offerings to give passengers even more to enjoy on their cruise!

During a time when many businesses and travel providers are cutting back services and adding charges, Princess continues to develop innovative programs that provide their guests with added value - at no additional charge!

These enhancements include the Pub Lunch, exclusive Sabatini's breakfast for suite passengers, thoughtful details, ArtHistory@Sea and our new production shows on Ruby Princess. Here is some more information about these innovative additions now available to Princess passengers!

Pub Lunch

This new lunch option has been wildly successful during its first few months. On sea days, Wheelhouse Bar is transformed into an authentic English-style pub, serving a selection of traditional fare. A menu of British favorites, including bangers & mash, fish & chips, ploughman's lunch and cottage pie, complements a selection of traditional pub brews such as Stella Artois, Bass Ale or Guinness. Pub lunch meal service is free of charge and runs from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. First introduced on Ruby Princess, and now available on Crown Princess and Emerald Princess, plans have been made to expand the offering to our other Grand Class ships.

Sabatini's Breakfast for Suite Passengers

Suite passengers have the opportunity to enjoy an exclusive breakfast in Sabatini's. Beginning with a "Good Morning Mimosa," the menu features a variety of breakfast favorites, plus specialty items such as brioche French toast with apple & cinnamon compote, yogurt and super granola parfait with raspberry swirl, soft-poached egg over roasted potatoes with hollandaise sauce, and freshly made Belgian waffles. This exclusive amenity offers added value to our suite passengers and has now been expanded to our entire fleet.

Thoughtful Details

It is often the small, thoughtful touches that truly create a memorable service experience for their guests. Along these lines they have added several special details that are being implemented fleet wide.

• Chilled face cloths when guests return from shore in warm climates (now available fleet wide)


• Waffle Stations in the buffet (now available fleet wide)

• Lemonade in the buffet (available on most ships currently)

Art History@sea

The popular Scholarship@Sea program offers an array of engaging opportunities on every Princess voyage, from classes in digital photography to ceramics and even wine tasting. Now our Entertainment Department is pleased to introduce a new element of Scholarship@Sea entitled "Art History@Sea - Botticelli to Warhol: The Evolution of Art." Developed in conjunction with the Global Fine Arts team and Dr. Thomai Serdari (Professor of Art History and Director of Research and Collections for New York University), the Art History@Sea program was recently launched aboard Ruby Princess with great success. As a result, the new one-hour program will be implemented fleet wide. Hosted by each ship's Art Director, the goal of the program is to raise the awareness of art onboard by providing an educational and entertaining look back at the last 500 years of art history.

New Ruby Princess Production Show’s

Two new production shows have debuted onboard Ruby Princess, enchanting audiences during their Western Caribbean cruises. The first, "Broadway Ballroom," presents the music of the Great White Way, a name for the area near Times Square that houses many of Broadway's famous theatres, with a ballroom flair, pairing the songs of hit musicals with dance numbers ranging from foxtrot to rumba. The show also features the talents of a costume designer and choreographer from the popular television show, "Dancing with the Stars."
The second new Princess-produced production show, "Once Upon a Dream," uses unique multidimensional cinematic projection to follow a dreamscape unlike anything seen at sea. The audience will accompany a young woman's journey as she dreams of everything from a tea party in an English garden, to singing camels in the desert, to even a trip through a waterfall and a brief nightmare before waking to a new day.
Constantly striving to add value for their passengers is a continuing process.

Call us now to speak with a cruise specialist to plan your next princess cruise. Call (302) 266-7910 (888) 452-9805 to discover the savings available to you.

Onboard activities

What’s your favorite? Rock- climbing, Ice-skating, Basketball? Believe it or not, these are just some of the exciting new onboard activities being offered on the high seas. Many cruise ships are offering an array of activities for the active, less active and just interested in learning cruiser! These diverse activities are sure to delight everyone from children to seniors. There is literally something for everyone.

Whether you want to enjoy these exciting activities or partake in a more sedentary form of entertainment, many fun and interesting options are available. Cruisers can participate in cooking sessions with some of the finest chefs in the world, wine-tasting, floral design, French table settings, computer courses and much more!

Fun activities -- and a great way to bring home a special souvenir -- are the popular art auctions. It is a way to experience a real auction and fun for all. Always popular are the guest lecturers. These experts speak on anything from the history and culture of a particular port to astronomy to wildlife! For the more active, there are often decks for joggers, roller-blade tracks and high-tech fitness centers. After your workout, you can now head to a spa on most ships. They offer a bevy of services that will rival the finest land-based spas.

Families can also take advantage of the programs for "toddlers to teens" available on most cruises. There are special activities geared to the various age groups, so you will never hear the kids say, "I’m bored!" Computers, virtual reality and even video arcades will delight kids of all ages. Of course, you don’t have to wait to get to port to find some of the best shopping there is!

On some cruises, novice cooks and experienced chefs alike will be able to partake in the unique opportunity of taking cooking classes from some of the finest chefs in the world! Wine-tasting classes are also available.

Of course, you can just relax and enjoy books and music in the library or play cards with new friends. Whatever you are looking for, you will find it on a cruise!

For more onboard activities information contact Jackie Hammond at (888) 452-9805 or visit our website http://jhammond.cruiseone.com/ or email jhammond@cruiseone.com, today!

Firefighters, Police & Active Military Personel

Did you know from time to time, one or more cruise lines will offer special discounts on select sailings to CruiseOne customers who are active police officers, firefighters and military personel?

Because of your dedication and loyalty to our great nation we would like to offer you specials on select cruises.

Thank you for serving!

• Holland America offers CruiseOne customers who are active police officers or firefighters special prices on select sailings. Police officers and firefighters must present a copy of their official Union ID, and a driver’s license, at the time of booking.
  
  


• Norwegian Firefighters and Police (active and retired) will receive a minimum of 5% discount on all sailings. Save up to 30% on select sailings! Visit www.aflcio.org/aboutus/unions for a list of other participating unions. Active, Retired, Honorably Discharged Military qualify for reduced rates on all sailings.
  
  


• Disney offers CruiseOne customers who are active military a reduced rate on select 3-, 4- and 7-night sailings. Active Military ID and activation papers required.
  
  


• Carnival offers Active Military and their families (up to 3 staterooms)special prices on select sailings. Retired personnel may book one stateroom. Proof of military ID required.
  
  


• Celebrity offers Active Military and Federal Government Employees who are employed on military bases a reduced rate on select sailings. Military ID required.
  



• Royal Caribbean offers Active Military and Federal Government Employees who are employed on military bases a reduced rate on select sailings. Military ID required.

Call us now to speak with a cruise specialist. Call (302) 266-7910 (888) 452-9805 to discover the savings available to you.

*Must present proper documentation at the time of booking to qualify for the special rates.

Single and Cruising

Cruising is a wonderful experience and it can be especially rewarding for singles! There is no reason to stay home just because you are not traveling with anybody. Cruising is a great opportunity to travel to places you’ve always wanted to see in the utmost of comfort.

In fact, a cruise is a relaxed, comfortable way to meet new people, including other passengers who are also sailing by themselves. In addition to the several onboard activities, cruising offers the single passenger an increasing number of onboard activities, planned shore excursions (a great place to meet people) as well as nightly entertainment, where one does not have to feel uncomfortable attending alone. Additionally, there are interesting guest lecturers, computer centers, art auctions, cooking classes and wine-tasting and much more that can also be enjoyed onboard as well. Most cruise ships also now boast high-tech fitness centers as well as the finest spas!

Cruising lends an intimate and comfortable feeling, despite the size of the ship, and offers a camaraderie not found in land-based resorts. The cruise director will also have functions such as singles’ cocktail parties, group games, bridge tournaments and other social gatherings to make sure everyone gets to meet each other. At dinner, if you like, you can also be seated whenever possible, with other singles. For those interested, many lines offer a "Gentleman Host" program, to assure you have a dance partner.

However, one can always seek solitary pursuits as well. There are wonderful libraries onboard and many nooks and crannies if you just want to relax and be by yourself. This is your cruise vacation to do whatever you please.

So, if you would like to travel to wonderful ports and dine on fine cuisine and enjoy top-rate entertainment and maybe even meet some new friends, try a cruise vacation, you won’t regret it!

Got Vacation?

Have you thought of how you will use your vacation days yet?

Have you thought about using some days for yourself on a cruise? A cruise is the perfect place to escape from the rigors of your everyday life.

Whether you are considering high-tailing it out of town by yourself or getting together with a group of family and friends, we can find the perfect solution for you.

So hang up your suit, put down your briefcase and head out to sea before your vacation days expire.

There are great deals to be had on many itineraries, from short 3- and 4-night cruises to the Bahamas to longer cruises in South America, Europe and beyond. We have many fantastic offers for you on your favorite cruise lines. Call today for a 2009 sail away!

Cruising For Deals

Warm up this winter season with hot prices, discounts, on-board credits, reduced deposits and more with our Exclusive January Cruise Sale. Deals this great haven't been around in years and are ONLY available for a LIMITED TIME. Enjoy the sunny and warm beaches of the Caribbean or explore different cultures along the Mediterranean sea. Cruising is the best way to see Europe with pricing in US dollars and all your meals included on the ship.

Today's modern cruise ships are also a destination in themselves. Between the world-class spas, dining on gourmet cuisine, spacious accommodations and fun activities you may never want to leave the ship. Where else can you purchase an inclusive vacation for less then $50 per day, which includes fabulous meals, Las Vegas-style entertainment and a community of excitement? We are cruise experts, have access to exclusive offers, best pricing and will personally guide you every step of the way so call us today!

Special Needs

Cruise Line guests with special needs are more comfortable on a cruise than on most other vacations.

Cruisers enjoy a very high level of service and accessible accommodations not found in many other destinations.

Many of today’s modern ships feature :

• Staterooms with 32- to 34-inch doors, ramped bathrooms, roll-in showers, grab bars, raised toilet seats, lowered sinks and vanity areas, and a five- foot turning radius in sleeping areas, bathrooms and sitting areas.



• Spacious corridors, special pool lifts and ramps in terraced public areas.



• Braille on menus, cabin doors, service directories and elevators buttons.



• Portable kits for the hearing impaired including TTY (Text Telephone)/TDD (Telecommunication Device for the Deaf), Alertmaster and a strobe alarm.



• Closed-captioned televisions, amplified telephones in staterooms and public areas and infrared systems.
  

Several cruise lines assist in providing accessible buses for transfers between airports and the pier, and one cruise company recently introduced accessible railcars for their Alaska cruise-tours. Arrangements can be made for early boarding and even medical services on-board.

Cruise lines also do an outstanding job of providing menus that meet special dietary needs. Kosher, diabetic, low sodium, low cholesterol and even gluten-free dining options are all catered to by various cruise lines.

Your cruise specialist can direct you to the cruise line and ship that best meet your special needs. Be sure to advise your cruise specialist of your specific needs prior to making a booking.

For more information on cruising with special needs call us at (302) 266-7910 or (888) 452-9805 or visit us at http://jhammond.cruiseone.com

Itroducing Our New Travel Store

We've added a new special feature to our site to help you be more prepared for your travels, whether it's a cruise or otherwise. On the left of this page, you'll see a window with a few available items, but if you click on the title, it will take you to our new store, powered by Amazon. We've included some handy items that you don't want to forget when you're packing, and there are also links to the best travel and cruise industry magazines.

One of the best items one of my clients discovered is the Kindle, a wireless reading device that lets you download over 100 complete books for later reading on its "electronic paper". Cut down on that luggage weight! It's an amazing invention and has been called "the future of book reading".

I've also included in my store a library of travel-related books, from guides to destinations. I hope you find this area useful, and if you discover an item that should be included in the store, just let me know! Keep checking back for updates!

What does a Guaranteed cabin mean on a cruise ship?

A guaranteed cabin could be the best cruise deal out there! Depending on the destination I probably would jump on the opportunity of a "guaranteed" cabin.

When a cruise line offers you a "guaranteed" cabin it guarantees you will be in the category cabin you pay for, but may upgrade you at no additional cost to the best available cabin on that sailing and ship.

An example of what could happen would be, say you buy a inside cabin (often the lowest priced category of cabins) with two beds on the guaranteed basis. The cruise line will place you in that cabin at minimum, you could be upgraded to a better category of an inside cabin or even get a windowed ocean view cabin or even a balcony stateroom or suite.

Yes, it is a gamble that you will get upgraded, but in some cases it is worth the chance. If you have any questions feel free to give us a call.

Need a vacation but short on money?

During these turbulent times, do you find that you want and need a break from the stress, but aren’t ready, willing, and/or able to commit to a full blown vacation? The solution - take a short cruise for a fabulous quick getaway that won’t break the bank.

Where can I go? There are 3 & 4 day Baja, Mexico cruises from Southern California; 3, 4 & 5 day Bahamas and Caribbean sailings from Florida, New Orleans, and Texas; and Pacific West Coast cruises that sail between Southern and Northern California and Canada during the spring and fall. Starting in the spring, there are also 5-day Bermuda cruises departing from Mid-Atlantic ports.

How much does it cost? 3-day (really 3 night) sailings start at $199 per person double occupancy, and that includes the cabin, meals, and onboard entertainment. That is incredible! Check out the rock-bottom prices for these weekend Mexico and Bahamas cruises.


YOU CAN ALSO DRIVE-TO PORTS: $$$ SAVINGS - NO AIR TRAVEL!

You’ll find more ships sailing year-round from the nation’s most popular drive-to ports of call including Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Galveston, Mobile, Charleston, Baltimore, Norfolk, Cape Liberty/Bayonne New Jersey, New Orleans, Philadelphia, Miami, and more. Homeporting is a huge savings when traveling with a family because you don’t have to buy multiple airline tickets.

Dates available throughout 2009. Call today!

For more information contact Jackie Hammond at (888) 452-9805 or visit our website http://jhammond.cruiseone.com/ or email jhammond@cruiseone.com, today!