Guest currently sailing on the Allure of the Seas will have a chance to win free passes to the performance by participating in Taylor Swift themed events that will take place on the ship during the cruise. Some of the events will be Taylor Swift look-a-like contests, Taylor Swift Karaoke plus more to be announced.

Didn’t get to win any passes – no problem…for guest on the ship will be able to experience the concert from balconies and suites from around the AquaTheater.

Contact me today and book today to make sure there are cabins still available – space is limited. Make sure that you get to attend one of the most popular singer of our time, Taylor Swift, live in concert! Enjoy hearing her sing her biggest hits plus songs from her newest album Speak Now.

Please update your bookmarks and go now to http://blog.travelladycruises.com/ for all about travel and cruising!

Now, bear with us as we cruise to some new servers for a better product with a smoother sailing and then we’ll all be in ship shape!

Bon Voyage – sea you on our new server shore.

Terry and Taylor Sailor

Statistics agree with my personal feelings about cruising. Its a fact that cruising has a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience. There are over 150 distinctive ships available to cruise on and more being built with over 1800 ports around the world to explore.  There is a cruise ship and destination that can meet anyone and everyone needs and wants.

Chose to cruise for you.

You will have the vacation of a lifetime.

You will be able to see the world, completely unwind or find all the unique peccadilloes of any destination you choose.

Youcan dine on fabulous cuisines, you can dance the night away or you can spend hours being pampered in the spa.  

You can meet new friends and you can learn something new.

You can bond with your extended family or you can steal precious moments with your special someone.

Whatever your heart desires, you can find it when you cruise.

While visiting Rome, Italy my family and I learned some very valuable lessons about travel, about human nature and the goodness of people around the world.

While walking around Rome, we were on a fairly narrow sidewalk next to a busy street on our way to see the Forum. Since the sidewalk was narrow we were walking single file. As a kid I was oblivious to what was happening around me but my mother had heard a motorcycle behind us and she reached out her arm to protect me who was in front of her. Now this is a fairly typical motherly thing to do, and I am sure that the two men on the motorcycle were hoping on this fact. Because as soon as my Mom reached out her arm the man on the back of the motorcycle stole my Moms purse right off her arm. My Mom yelled out a shout and said he stole my purse. Hearing that my teen-aged brother at the time went off running to try to catch them. My Dad shouted for him to stop and went to aid my Mom and make sure she was OK. She was but very upset of all that was stolen in her purse which included some of our passports.

So the first lesson is when walking about anywhere, don’t bring your vital information such as passports. If you can lock them in a safe at wherever you are staying. If you must have them on your person get the holders that are hidden on your body. You can find these in any store that carries travel items such as passport holders, luggage locks etc.

The second lesson is do not pursue whomever stole your items. Contact the police and if traveling overseas contact the closest Embassy.

As for the rest of the story, we were all OK. My brother came back, upset that he could not catch the crooks (he used another word) for my Mom. My Mom hugged him because she was so scared for his safety. While we were all there making sure we were OK, my father was approached by a man who asked my Dad if he spoke Italian. He said yes, but very little. The gentleman then explained he was walking right behind us so he saw the whole thing happen and that he was an off duty member of the Rome police department. Out of the kindness of his heart this man brought us to a nearby bus stop, got us on the bus, paid for all of our passage, even though my Dad had offered, the police officer refused.

My memory sticks at times, so I wish I could thank this man using his name but I do not remember it now. He brought my whole family to the closest police station, found someone who spoke English so it was easier for my Mom and Dad to give their statements, gave us three kids snacks and checked up on us while we waited for our parents. He also called the American Embassy for us and had someone come over to the station to help us as well.

Though a scary thing happened, we joke about it as ’A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum’ because of the way we were helped by this very kind and understanding man. I remember him saying he had 3 children also. He could have stood on that street and told us where the closest police station was and then went on his way to his family, but he didn’t. He went out of his way to help us, he made sure we were taken care of by his peers and he made us 3 kids feel safe and protected in such a short period after such a terrible thing happened to us. I want to go to Rome again, because I don’t remember the bad thing that happen but the kindness afforded to my family.

So my third lesson learned was help others. No matter where you are, in your own back yard or around the world. If you can even offer a helping hand picking up some dropped packages, give directions or pass on a smile. Don’t put yourself in danger, but lend a helping hand if you can. There could be someone 35 years later still thanking a policeman in Rome, Italy for his kindnesses to you and your family. Even the smallest of acts can make a lasting impression.

Funny, I can’t even remember what the Forum looks like now but all that happened that fateful day I remember. Our trip to Ankara, Turkey was delayed because we had to get new passports but it was OK with us, for we had some extra time to spend in expoloring Rome.

So if you can be flexible. Business travel is needed – ask your clients for two or three date options so you can get all your travel needs aligned. Want to get points for your loyalty program – choose two and make sure they offer points from varying air,hotel and car vendors. Then when one is not available then you have another choice and you can still get your loyalty points.

Research where you are going. Ask co-workers, friends, family, search the Internet and research your loyalty programs. This way you will know more about where you are going. Ever get this response??

‘Where did you eat?’

‘I don’t know, that place around he corner.’

‘What was it’s name?’

‘I don’t know.’

‘Was it any good? How was the food.’

‘It was OK, I guess, I don’t remember.’

Do you really want to dine at someplace where someone can’t remember where they ate, what they ate or the name. Listen to the people who say things like ‘You know, XYZ Restaurant, they had the best shrimp and I don’t even like shrimp’.

Ask your front desk clerk, if they were going to go out to dinner where would they go? The locals ALWAYS know the best places to eat.

They also know the best places to visit also. You might have planned to go to museums for you vacations – ask about local art galleries as well. There are people in the world that have amazing talent but their name is not Monet. Local art galleries and museums often have more unique and affordable items for you to enjoy and buy. Let yourself be surprised at what you can find while wandering around.

Be flexible with your dates if you can, there are seasons in the travel industry and by leaving three days earlier or arriving two days later might mean a better air fare, an upgraded cabin on a cruise, a lower rate on a bigger car or a free breakfast at a hotel. Ask if there are any specials you can take advantage of if you were a bit flexible with your dates. Sign up for airlines last minute email deals, if you can take advantage of them they can add up to some nice savings. Also some airlines that don’t overbook give you better deals if you buy ahead and some airlines want to sell their last remain seats. Flexibility can make the difference.

Unless you always stay at the same place or same hotel chain – think outside the hotel room box and book into a boutique hotel, a Bed and Breakfast or look for last minute cancellations for vacation home rentals. You’ll be in your favorite vacation spot just not the same hotel location.

If you like doing what everyone else is doing then go on an escorted tour but remember if you want to see what is inside that little shop on the corner you might not have time to stop because your other 50 new friends need to leave right at 2:30pm not 2:36pm or 2:42pm but at 2:30pm! An escorted tour has allot of good benefits but can be restrictive. Go on a group tour but pick one that gives you some flexibility to investigate that small historical garden or book shop on your own.

Even for business travel going with a group could be beneficial. You might have been to London 12 times already but have never seen any of London, so book with a group. Take advantage of the air and hotel discounts just go to your meetings and enjoy an extra day before or after them to see the sights.  

Can you imagine cruising through Glacier Bay and spotting a moose or seeing a small heard of mountain goats? It is experiences like these that the reason the camera was invented, so we can all capture these magnificent moments of time and brag to our friends and family about them and show off our pictures.

He is excited about attending this event and hope to meet lots of new friends as well. Since he works for Terry at Cruises, Inc.,  he can’t enter to win one of her great door prizes but hopes that all who attend make sure they fill out an entry form. If you are in the area come join us all are welcome. See Terry’s web site for more details. www.TravelLadyCruises.com

First of all, not all cruise ships have laundry facilities. So it is best not to plan on doing you laundry on board your cruise. To every rule there is an exception…of late many cruise lines are now offering laundry or dry cleaning services. They can be costly, so if you don’t mind paying for the services, then take advantage of them. Otherwise I would suggest to wait till you get off the ship to do your laundry. Again another exception to that rule is that on many cruise lines, if you have purchased a suite, then often laundry is a free service provided by the cruise line, so take advantage of this if you can because it is so nice to come home from a weeks vacation with clean clothes!

Secondly, when planning your first, or next cruise, try to not get your cabin assigned too close to the laundry room. First of all, it is a very popular room, as anyone can imagine. Plus there is the likelihood you will often find allot of traffic by your cabin, so a higher likelihood of more than normal hallway noise is to be expected. Many times I have seen lines for passengers to use the laundry. With the door often open the smell of the water, soap and steam will seep down the hallway and into the surrounding cabins as well.

There is usually laundry soap available on the ship as well, but if you decide to bring your own from home. Pack it well in your bags to ensure it doesn’t get all over your clothes before your vacation even begins. I suggest to pack small sample sizes in a zip lock bag inside your luggage. If there is any spillage then it is contained to the zip lock bag only.

I myself tend to advise people to pack lightly, but bring enough changes of clothes to last the week. Of course my favorite tip is… if you forget something at home you can buy it for yourself while you are on vacation like a new shirt, sandals or light jacket. Then you will enjoy it right away, you have space for it in your luggage and it will aways be a reminder of that wonderful vacation you had. But please don’t tell my hubby THIS is why I can always pack light when I travel on vacation!  

Imagine yourself on a private yacht sailing the most beautiful parts of the Caribbean…what could  be more wonderful? There are only 55 cabins on this ship so these prices will NOT last long. Call today to reserve your luxurious cabin today for this very unique cruise.

5 Star Service with All Inclusive Cruising
Date                            Ports of Call                                         Arrive       Depart

23-MAR-2008, Sun       St. John’s, Antigua (Embarkation)       2:00 PM    11:59 PM  

24-MAR-2008, Mon      Gustavia, St. Barthelemy                      Morning    Evening 

25-MAR-2008, Tues     Jost van Dyke, BVI                                 Morning    Evening 

26-MAR-2008, Wed    Charlotte Amalie, St. Thomas                 8:00 AM    10:00 AM
                                         (Debarkation)

5-Star Service – Only 55 couples are pampered by an award-winning crew of 95.

SeaDream’s award-winning 5-star service is second to none. From the moment you are welcomed aboard by the Captain it feels as if you are being welcomed onto your own private yacht. With only 55 couples and an award-winning crew of 95, the 1 to 1 crew to guest ratio provides each guest with SeaDream’s incomparable style and the oh, so important attention to detail. The service aboard either of SeaDream’s twin mega yachts is comfortably transparent, like the way the bartender knows your name and what you would like to drink, or how the waiter knows how to surprise you with your favorite dessert.Once you experience SeaDream’s inimitable service, you will be, “Splendidly Spoiled.”

If you wanted to warm up and thaw out, you could be on a cruise in these wonderfully warm places and enjoying yourself emensely!

The Pride of Aloha sails the Hawaiian Island – today’s temperature in Honolulu, Hawaii was 80 degrees

San Juan, PR has several cruise ships that depart from this southern Caribbean port – Today’s temperature was 78 degrees 

You have your choice of nine cruise lines that sail the Eastern, Western or Southern Caribbean. Today’s weather in some of these ports of calls are as follows:

Grand Cayman Island – 81 degrees

Puerto Vallerta, Mexico – 75 degrees

Kingston, Jamaica – 79 degrees

Cozumel, Mexico – 72 degrees

St. Thomas,VI – 76 degrees

So run away from the cold, snow and ice. Warm up and thaw out. There are some really hot deals right now in places allot warmer that over 1/2 of the United States. I’d be happy to help you not just imagine that warm Paradise but cruise to it as well.

If you want to join Taylor Sailor in his pursuit to win this contest go to  http://www.usatoday.com/travel/cruises/namethatship.aspx

Have fun with this and good luck to all of you with this Royal Caribbean International event!

AIR TRAVEL: If you are traveling by plane to Mexico or Canada, please keep in mind that all travelers, including U.S. and Canadian citizens, are required to have a passport or other accepted form of documentation to enter or depart the United States. Also be aware of the fact that if you have a DWI on your driving record Canadian Border Security can and will deny you entrance into Canada.Canadian Border Regulations state any persons with a felony may be denied entrance into Canada. If you have been convicted of a crime in the United States it may be considered a felony in Canada. A Driving While Intoxicated conviction (D.W.I.) is considered a felony in Canada.Per the US Department of State ( http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html ) these following regulations were implemented on January 23, 2007, that ALL PERSONS traveling by air between the United States and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda, and the Caribbean region are required to present a passport or other valid travel document to enter or re-enter the United States.

LAND TRAVEL: There are no requirements for all modes of travel by land within the US borders, be it by bus, train, car or foot. But it is always safe to carry some sort of identification with you no matter where you travel.

SEA TRAVEL: Borders also exist on the seas. Make sure you are prepared for a no-hassle trip before you cruise the seas, by cruise ship, ferry or pleasure boat. All Americans traveling to and from the United States by air must have a passport valid passport that does not expire within 6 months after the scheduled return date. The passport requirement will be extended to sea travel, except on cruises originating and ending at the same point in the United States, as early as summer 2008.   Further information on upcoming changes to U.S. passport policy can be found on the State Department web site. The State Department is strongly encouraging all American citizen travelers to apply for a U.S. passport well in advance of anticipated travel.

 To help anyone applying for a passport or other travel documents such as visa’s may I suggest A Briggs. For 20 years, A Briggs Passport & Visa Expeditor’s, Inc, has specialized exclusively in helping U.S. citizens obtain rush passports and international travel visas. They have processed over one million international travel documents for U.S. citizens and legal residents.The A Briggs website provides complete instructions and forms for obtaining US passports, UK passports and visas to all countries of the world. Their website is an excellent tool for all of my Cruises Inc. clients to use for their international traveler. Updated regularly, their web site has helpful and practical information to make the passport and visa application process as easy for you as possible. Their USApassport and travel visa on-line order form is second to none and all transactions on this site are protected by VeriSign Security to protect the privacy and security of our clients and Hacker Safe to insure that their website and database are protected from unauthorized intrusions. A Briggs is a member of the National Business Travel Association, the American Society of Travel Agents, and the U.S. Tour Operators Association. Their national offices are located in Georgetown in downtown Washington, DC at 1054 31st Street, just a few minutes from the Washington Passport Agency and all foreign embassies. A Briggs also operates fully staffed public offices in seven other U.S. cities at which they can assist you with passport renewals, new passports, passport amendments, duplicate passports, and travel visas to all other countries.

A Briggs offers competitive rates and they will gladly match any published rate for their services. A Briggs also offers special rates to active duty military personnel, families, adopting parents, and full-time college students.  If you go to my website www.TravelLadyCruises.com and click on KNOW BEFORE YOU GO you will see the link for the A Briggs website. By using this website link you will be provided with the pricing set for Cruises Inc. customers.

I hope this information has helped clear up some of the confusion and offered a safe reliable comapny to help all travelers with their travel documents needs.

Just like any motel, hotel or resort each cruise ship has its own flavor and signature decor. When I think of Carnival Cruise Lines Ships I think of Las Vegas or the Moulin Rouge in Paris France. Bold, brassy, fun, bright with allot of flash and bling.

When I think of Royal Caribbean I think of adventure and my favorite down town city locations. Their decor is eclectic, fun, exciting, beautiful and inspiring and they target the adventurous side inside all of us.

With Celebrity I feel the awe of being someplace special with rich colors and enjoyable atmosphere. Their ships feel like you could be someone special escaping the everyday and seeking a wonderful respite. 

Holland America conjures up the simply elegant and stylish. Every-time I cruise on them I feel pampered and taken care of…my every wish and whim is granted. 

Disney makes me feel like a kid again and recaptures memories from my own childhood and stories I can share with my own children and retell with my sisters and brothers.

On Cunard, I can Imagine being on a transatlantic crossing and meeting my Cary Grant and falling in love all over again with elegant surrounding and decadent atmosphere. 

On Windstar, I am sailing away into the sunset with my one true love with the sails unfurled, champagne being served and the sea breeze invigorating my spirit and tossing my worries to the wind.

So think about what hotel you like to stay when you are traveling and how that makes you feel and where you wish you could stay. Would it be a favorite Hilton Hotel? A four star Marriott Vacation Club? A beach house in the Outer Banks or your own private villa on your own private island in the middle of the bluest ocean you could ever imagine?

Many cruise lines have re-registration available via their web site to help passengers get through the customs and security process faster and more efficient. If you have not completed this process 3 day prior to your sailing, a passenger must complete these forms at the pier terminal and must be checked in at least 2 hours prior to the published sailing time. If guest have not completed these required forms the cruise lines will now deny boarding the ship to these guest. 

I personally would recommend anyone traveling via air arrive VERY early day of departure or even better yet I always plan on arriving the day before and stay at hotel. Then the day of your cruise departure get on board early, unpack, enjoy lunch, get comfortable with the cruise ship, enjoy some of the ships activities like rock climbing, putt putt golf  or a swim in the pool. This way you make the first day of your cruise a whole day of activities on board the ship a part of your trip not just the first evening.

Many people who are uncertain about their first cruise like to attend a theme cruise because they know that they are looking forward to the highlighted entertainment. Many times theme cruises are set up for shorter 3, 4, 5, 7 day cruises depending on the events planned.

If you belong to an organization that would like to host an event like this also a great place to start is with a Travel Agent who has groups experience such as myself, to guide you through the process.  Themed cruises can be for BIG family reunions or High School or College Alumni groups. Theme cruises are allot of fun and since the subject matter is near and dear to your heart, it will also make your first cruise even more memorable.  

These three cruise lines offer smaller, more intimate, more luxurious and purely romantic indulgences when it comes to cruising. Because their ships are smaller, there is more personal attention given to detail, lots of space per passenger, exceptional service by the ships crew members, larger beds with specialty bedding, flexible intimate dining for two or in cabin room service.

SeaDream Yacht Club operates two all-inclusive yacht-like ships for 55 couples. SeaDream yachting is different from the bigger ship cruising, it excels at their attention to detail unlike cruising on a larger ship, you will be pampered with exceptional service and cuisine. These ships visit the intimate yachting playgrounds, harbors and ports where large cruise ships can not go. You can be as active or as relaxed as you want to be while experiencing the ultimate in luxury, privacy and romance.

These ships don’t have balconies, but they do have wonderfully romantic Balinese dream beds outside on the deck so you can snuggle under the stars. The SeaDream ships have resort casual dress and a fun water sports marina. The ships are well suited for warm weather cruising, and the ambiance is intimate and relaxed.

One specialty I really want to experience on of SeaDream is their Champagne and Caviar Splash™  it is a true yachting celebration. It is accompanied by a special barbecue served on china and enjoyed on a white sandy beach, it is a wonderful blend of the complete yachting experience in one deliciously decadent bite. 

Windstar Cruises operates three romantic sailing ships that sail the Caribbean in the winter and the Mediterranean in the summer. Carrying just 148 to 312 guests, Windstar ships exude a private-yacht-like atmosphere creating pure decadence as passengers are cradled in comfort. All staterooms and suites offer ocean views with a sitting area and large bathrooms with luxurious pampering toiletries. Every day aboard Windstar brings the promise of new horizons with unique worldwide harbors to explore.

The cabins do not have balconies, but they do have wonderful beds and terrific service.  The ships do have some entertainment, but who needs it when you have the “love of your life” along?

When my hubby and I want to have fun in the sun and sea? We can along with all the other guests enjoy complimentary water-skiing, windsurfing, snorkeling, and kayaking from the ship’s Water Sports Platform  – it drops down onto the water from the back of the ship. isn’t that cool?!

Regent Seven Seas has four small to mid-size luxury cruise ships in Regent Seven Seas Cruises’ six-star fleet include: the newest all-suite, all-balcony Seven Seas Voyager, her sister ship the Seven Seas Mariner, the all-suite Seven Seas Navigator and the French Polynesian Paul Gauguin.

The cabins are spacious and perfect for hiding away for a romantic cruise. The smaller Seven Seas Navigator and smaller yet Paul Gauguin also deliver the same high quality and excellent service. Although the Regent Seven Seas Cruise ships are larger than the other “top romantic” cruise lines, the spaciousness and quiet atmosphere are very conducive to romantic cruising.

The emphasis of Regent Seven Seas crew is t0 provide all guests a memorable experience, aboard and ashore, for those who appreciate unsurpassed service, attention to detail and elegant, relaxed surroundings that includes an all inclusive beverage program. Their itineraries highlight many ports worldwide and offer special cruise concierge service. 

All of these ships offer the ultimate in spa facilities, exceptional shore excursions, small fun casinos and the finest cuisine. Just add the gentle sway of the ship, spectacular sunrises, awe inspiring sunsets, offering cruises to the most beautiful locations around the world and refreshing sea breezes.

When you combine these special ammenities plus the one you love, dreams come true while creating memories to last a lifetime.

Most ships have some kind of Internet Computer Cafes with e-mail  and Internet capability (they have packages that range from just-like-home to basic service provisions ).  I have been on several ships now that have wireless access as well in each stateroom for a charge. You go to the Internet Cafe and rent their computer cable for a minimum charge based on usage purchased and you can be accessible 24/7 if you need to be always available. With safes provided in cabin staterooms bringing your own personal laptop is now a common occurrence.

So staying in touch while on a cruise is very easy now … but you might want to turn off the cell phone and computer once in awhile if you are on cruise vacation. Go to the spa have them work out those kinks in your neck and shoulders from being in front of a computer all day and ask for some extra pampering to your hand with the carpal tunnel – it is well worth the computer down time – trust me!

There is still the midnight chocolate buffet on NCL but it is just one night per cruise.  If you do actually eat too much during one meal, take the stairs to and from your cabin if you can, visit the steam room in the spa, use the gym on board, take a dance lesson, take a walk along the cruise ships decks (they post how many times around equals 1 mile).

On any vacation, when not eating at home, we will all tend to eat what we might skip at home. But isn’t that what a vacation is for, to enjoy and be pampered? Just be careful and then burn off anything extra while having fun at the same time.   

Scientific studies have shown that some folks become seasick by suggestion. They simply convince themselves that being on a ship will make them ill. On the other hand, for those who can forget about it, it’s often smooth sailing. Some people are more prone to motion sickness and will undoubtedly suffer more during rough seas. Medical professionals state that seasickness is more prevalent in children and women. On the other hand, children under 2 seem to be immune. Elderly people it seems are less susceptible to motion sickness. If you fear you might be prone to motion sickness or are concerned that you might develop symptoms, take some measures before hand to ensure you don’t and then enjoy your cruise thoroughly.

There are different medical and non medical items you can try. There are patches which a doctor can prescribe, or use a 12 or 24 hr over the counter decongestant to open up your inner ears Eustachian tubes. Some people swear by applying a Sea-Band wristband the minute you embark. They are an easy to wear, acupressure inspired product that has a plastic bead that presses against the Nei-Kuan pressure point located on the palm side of the wrist.  

Other tips to consider are the following:

To acclimate yourself to shipboard life, it is good and enjoyable to spend as much time on the deck, using the horizon as a point to maintain your equilibrium.

Booking an oceanview cabin centered in the middle of the ship — the natural balance point — is another option. Having a window will also give you consistent view of the horizon point .

It is also not a bad idea to take port intensive cruises. These have fewer days on the open seas and try to avoid itineraries where the ocean is bound to be rough such as North Atlantic crossings or the Caribbean during hurricane season.

Another suggestion enjoy your cruise on board a large, modern ships — not a difficult proposition with the cruise industry trends of building larger and large ships. Anyone who’s sailed on a relatively new mega-ship, perhaps of 100,000-tons or more, knows that stabilizers are used when needed to provide the smoothest ride possible.

It is not a given that anyone will get sea sick on a cruise. What some people might call sea sickness may be a virus they might have caught before their cruise vacation started. So take precaution, but most of all take a cruise and relax and rejuvenate yourself for the rest of the time when you can’t be on a cruise getting pampered and having fun.

My first 12 years of life I lived in the United States, then my father was offered a position overseas at the American Embassy in New Delhi, India. Dad had to meet some people before we moved there so that is when I really started traveling, first stop was Rome, Italy. My family flew non- stop on TWA from Dulles Airport in Virginia to Rome. It was my older brothers, mine and my little sisters first airplane ride. While growing up in the sixties when we took a trip we always went by car, so taking a plane ride was a big event to us.

My parents made sure we had our books from school with us and she home schooled us while we traveled but most of our education on these first trips were world history, geography, current events and world politics. Before we started our travels, while we waited for our household goods to be packed up, my parents put up a HUGE world map on the dining room wall. This was for us to chart where we were to be traveling to before we settled in New Delhi for my fathers assignment there at the American Embassy.  

My father loved languages, he used to say a novice at many lanuages but a master of none. This wasn’t entirely true,  so he taught us how to say simple phrases to people while we were traveling, such as hello, good bye, thank you, please, how are you and to ask someone if they spoke English.  Over the years I still find these simple phrases very useful even here in my own hometown now that our communities are filled with neighbors from around the globe.

In Rome, we lived in a huge apartment. At least to me at 12 years old it seemed huge. The ceilings were probably only 12- 14 feet tall but they seemed 30 feet tall. There were two bedrooms a living room, large bathrooms and small eating area. There were the tallest  windows there, that even today, 30 plus years later I would say were the most wonderful windows to look out of. They were tall and thin and had wooden shutters to cover them. There was a ledge that was wide enough for me to stand on and they opened out to street below. We were on one of the top floors of the building and yet not far from the street below – maybe one or two stories. It was from those large windows I would see my very first palm tree and watch all the small Italian cars go around and around their traffic circles. It was from those windows we heard our neighbors call out to each other and watched many sunsets over such a beautiful European city.

There was even a small car parked up the front steps entering our building one night, because there was no more street parking available. People walking by would always shout out a friendly hello and send a wave of their hand as well. The warmth and friendliness always struck me as though I was a part of this city.

My mom wanted to see so many sights while we were in Rome and so we tromped about the city at times while my father was in meetings. We saw the Trevi Fountain ( and threw in coins), the Spanish Steps and went shopping. Then we explored with him to see the Coliseum , the Forum, the Pantheon and Vatican City and other sights, which was good because he could understand and speak to the people around us.

I don’t know if it is just my memory or not, but I don’t ever remember going out to eat for dinner anywhere else but this one restaurant in particular. I remember getting small snacks and breakfasts at different places but dinner was always at the same restaurant. I asked my Dad years ago for the name of the resturant again and I wrote it down, just in case I ever went back to Rome. I am not sure I would ever be able to find the name or the restaurant but it was an adventure all in it’s own. We would walk down, what would now be categorized as an alley and the door would be missed, if you were not looking for it carefully. When you walked in the walls were thick with wood beams and there were alcoves for diners. The tables were set up for family style and the plates and pictures and items decorating the walls were from generations and generations of families. I felt like every night was a celebration with family even though we could only say please and thank you in Italian!  The food was magnificent, and nothing like the Italian dishes my Irish mother served at home. We gathered there night after night and got to learn a few more phrases and got to know some very wonderful people. They treated us like family. They teased us, they laughed with us and for a short time made us a part of their family. These people told us where to see the real Rome and not just where the tourists went. They told us stories of their families and showed us where their children were baptised and where their families were buried.

That first trip to Rome and meeting those people formed what is now my tendacies to want to learn about the places I travel to from the people who live and work there. To hear their stories and learn about the rich histories of the places I have the grace to visit. I have not yet returned to Rome in all these years, but it is on my list. I want to once again capture the wide eyed innocence and experiance the warmth of the open arms of the people of Italy.   

I don’t know if my brother and sister have these same memories of Rome or if over the years I have romanticised this some. I do know that when I help people book their travel to new places, I hope I have started them on the road to many, many wonderful memories to cherish.

You may need a GPS or map to navigate around some of today’s mega ships since they are basically floating resorts. There is something to do in nearly every nook and cranny or just around the next corner. There are also smaller ships that offer just as many activities as the larger ships but they are often more port intensive because of their size and capability to get into small ports.

If you are looking for intellectual stimulation you can listen to guest speakers, investigate the many books in the ships library, participate in a Bridge or other  game tournaments, attend a wine lecture or attend a martini tasting event. To keep your heart pumping, play some hoops, visit the ship’s gym, climb the rock wall, go ice skating, practice your golf swing or surf on board the ships flow rider. For those who would rather watch sports that participate, there are sports bars that are always broadcasting some sporting event or take your turn at a Wii game.  There are pools for sunning, soaking and swimming, ship boutiques for shopping and spas for 100% pure pampering. You can join in on a contest, learn a craft, sing karaoke, take dancing lessons or watch a movie in your cabin or under the stars on a huge movie screen. Or simply grab a book, find a relaxing nook and nap…I mean read.

Every night a newsletter is left in your cabin listing all the highlights for the next days activities on board the ship. These newsletters include all the live entertainment you can enjoy, including the nightly shows that could be a Broadway revue to jugglers to headline comedian acts. In the smaller bars and lounges are often other musical or comedy entertainment to be enjoyed. And this is just what is available o the ship itself. When in the many port around the world cruise lines offer shore excursions and tours or take off by yourself if you are a self proclaimed explorer – just don’t miss the ship when it leaves that port! 

Even on small ships there’s plenty to do during times when these ships are at sea; most notably, these tend to offer strong enrichment-oriented activities. Plus, remember you’re not on the ship all the time — most itineraries include a variety of different ports of call.

A cruise be boring? If you decide to sit back and watch the world float away around you it can be very relaxing and rejuvenating. But get bored? Even with all the kids programs I have never heard any child on a cruise ship say “I’m bored…there’s nothing to do around here!”

If you were to take this same trip via a plane, you have to pay for each plane trip, each hotel night, each meal, each new car rental, each show you want to see but on a cruise these costs are all covered for you when you pay up front for your cruise vacation.

There are some cruise lines that do have all inclusive cruise packages, and you do pay more for those as well.

For a normal, average 7 day cruise you have paid and saved in advance when compared to a land vacation. There are some additional cost, which you would have to pay on a land vacation as well. Such as if you order wine with your dinner, or have cocktails on deck at sunset. If you want to buy souvenirs for your family and friends on the ship you can shop in their on board boutiques. If you treat yourself to a hot rock massage or take a special shore excursion. These are items you have to pay for above the cost of your cruise just as you would have to pay for these items on a land vacation. Many times these items have discounted rates if you sign up in advance or take advantage of in port specials. So even while you are on the ship you can get a sale while you sail!

These are items that you would have had to pay for as well if you were on a land vacation.  There are so many things to do while on a cruise you can be budget conscious or you can shop till you drop, pamper yourself to no end and experience all the wonderful adventures the world has to offer while traveling.

I have heard the phrase the cruise lines nickle and dime you while on a cruise but I tend to disagree. If I was in Italy and I wanted a gelato in the middle of the afternoon as a treat, I would have to pay for it from a vendor. Ice cream, snacks and all other kids of food is available 24 hours a day all over the ship or brought to you in your cabin.

Every cruise I take, I order a caraff of coffee to be delivered to my cabin with a glass of orange juice each and everyday in the morning so I have my coffee as I dress for the day and take my vitamins with my juice.

After returning from a day at shore, I often will order a snack to be delivered to my cabin to snack on while I dress for late dinner. If I napped during lunch, no problem I can go to many different locations and find a light and refreshing salad or burger when I wake up.  No matter where I eat on the ship, the cost is already been covered (except in a few specialty restaurants on board now where there is a minimum $20 or so per person charge).  Still worth the cost – if i were to go to a 5 star restaurant I would expect to pay $300.00 for a romantic dinner with my husband $40.00 is well worth it. But even so, all the cruise lines main dining rooms offer wonderful cuisine and you don’t have to pay extra.

I don’t gamble, but if you do, the cruise lines ask that you use your own money when in their casinos BUT if you win – their money is your money!

I have been traveling all my life, so I don’t usually take the shore excursions offered by the cruise lines. I like to get out and explore, get the look and feel of the local neighborhoods. I seek out the hidden, often little know historical sites in different places. If I find someplace I love and want to spend 2 hours there I can or if I think YUK, then I can leave when I want to leave and not have to wait for other people in a tour I am on. No all people are like me, some people need and want to be around others to have fun with while on a tour of an island. To each their own, there is no right or wrong. If you take a cruise lines excursion then you pay for the tour. If I take a rental car or scooter and visit a 300 year old church, I still am paying for my tour as well.

Be sensible, if you are on vacation you are going to spend money. Plan on the extras, know you just are going to have to buy that leather purse near the Trevi Fountain in Rome and know that nobody in your town will ever see one just like it at the mall!

Yes a cruise does have added costs, but stop and think of what you would be paying for to see a Broadway show in London vs. a Broadway revue on a cruise ship. Cruising is still a very economical way to see the world and you only have to unpack once!   

So plan on having fun and plan on the extras, for they can make a cruise vacation one you’ll remember for the rest of your life!

This is the first cruise line to announce this change – I am sure others will follow. I will update this information as changes are made to these customs regulations. 

One way to be sure to be covered for anything like this from happening to you, is to make sure when planning your cruise that you purchase travel insurance. Not all insurance are the same, so buyer beware.

Cruises, Inc. travel companion will cover your trip from when you leave your door to start your trip to when you get back home – including flight delays. Most cruise companies sell cruise only insurance. Cruises Inc. Travel Companion can cover rental cars, airlines flights, hotel stays and your cruise! To read the details of this insurance go to my cruise website www.travelladycruises.com and look at the button on top that says BEFORE YOU GO. Click on insurance and see what our Travel Companion includes in its coverage.

With any and all types of travel today – delays are inevitable, so protect yourself and protect your cruise vacation. It is more than just for peace of mind any more!

One winner will be selected each quarter to receive a complimentary cruise. All shipboard accommodations, meals, and onboard entertainment are included.  Port Charges, Taxes* and Airfare to and from the ship are the responsibility of the winner.*Government taxes, Port Charges, meals while ashore and airfare is additional and not included. Your selection of ship/sailing date is restricted to the specific ships/sailing dates.

Click on the link under Sweepstakes here on my blog or visit my web site, enroll in my E-Savers Newsletter and then click the button on the bottom of the page to cruise along to the sweepstakes entry page. Don’t forget to read the Official Rules for complete sweepstakes rules.

So visit www.TravelLadyCruises.com for your chance to win a free cruise!

Bon Voyage!

If you think of a hotel room type and a cabin on a cruise ship you are going to be able to relate to what type of accommodations you would prefer. 

As with many hotels and resorts now around the world, they now have signature bedding. The same goes for cruise lines. So if you prefer a softer bed or a bed of rock you can be accommodated for your personal choice – all you have to do is ask.  The cruise line can not know before hand of your bed type unless they are told before hand.  Two friends traveling together and need two twin beds – ask.  Want a queen or king bed – ask. 

As well as bedding room types vary as well. If when you travel you just want a place to put down your head at night and don’t want to pay more for allot of extras – get an inside cabin. These are always the least expensive cabins on a cruise ship.

You are a bit claustrophobic and need some light in your cabin  – get an ocean view cabin or a cabin with a balcony to be able to open the door and get some fresh air.

Want a bit of privacy when sun bathing or relax alone – get a balcony cabin or a suite with a balcony.

When you travel you only get the very best with all the luxury you deserve there are large suites with private balconies, living rooms, dining rooms and private butler service. There are even some ships that offer private villas with their own jacuzzi and pool areas. 

So when choosing your cabin needs think of what your preferred room type and bedding type as well. Each cabin has plenty of storage space and offers the basic amenities. As you add extra amenities the cost goes up a bit. There are private bathrooms with showers in each cabin with a good size closet space, small desk/vanity, beds, mirrors, towels and complimentary bath and shower products that varies from cruise line to cruise line.

As you move to a larger more expensive cabin type more amenities will be available to each passenger. The cost from one cabin type to another is sometimes less than $100.00 per person and is worth the extra space and amenities.

Each cruise ship is compliant to the American Disabilities Act and has cabins specially designed for wheelchairs, if this is needed.  These cabins are usually larger overall, so if you are booking a cruise for a last minute get-a-way ask if there are any of these cabins still available for sale. They are often held aside for special requests for people with special needs. If they are not sold they can be requested.

So think about your own bedroom when picking a cabin on your first cruise – decide if you want to just have a basic cabin or are you going to treat yourself to a bit of pampering for some really sweet dreams.  

Then dream a bit! This will help determine the best place for you to take your first cruise.

Are you dreaming of warm, sunny sparkling white beaches? This could be you imaging yourself in Hawaii, the Caribbean or in the Mexican Rivera. 

Historical sightseeing? Do you want to see the New England States and places of interest from the Revolutionary War or how about a river cruise on a steamboat cruising to Civil War sites while passing historical Antebellum mansions. Then there is the rich history of our ancestors from Europe touring Gothic cathedrals, medieval palaces and exploring ruins while walking down cobbled streets. 

A romantic getaway? Run away and pamper yourself on a cruise to no where or a coastal cruise during a long weekend.

Never taken 7-10 days away from the office for vacation? Then plan on your first cruise to be a 3-5 day cruise. You can still visit the places you dream of,  just for a shorter time period. If you fall in love with cruising (as most people do), then plan a longer cruise vacation next time. Many people worry about being stuck on a cruise ship if they don’t like it. There are many 3-5 day options from cruise ports all over the United States.   

So go ahead and dream and then plan on making your dream cruise vacation come true.

Now it’s time to tuck this beary unique cruising bear into bed, to dream of sugar plums and cruises ahead.

We wish you all peace, health and happiness tonight and “Have A VERY Merry Christmas To All” Taylor Sailor said.

The stockings were hung from the balcony chairs
With hope that St. Nicholas would find them out there

The children were nestled all snug in their uppers
Having just settled down from a Christmas Eve supper

And ma and myself, we were covered in aloe
A bit too much sun, in a pool, warm and shallow

When up in the sky, there arose such a clatter
I leapt from my bed to see what was the matter

To the sliding glass door, I flew like a flash
Well, more like a saunter, and less like a dash

And what to my skeptical eyes should appear
But a great shiny sleigh, and eight flying reindeer

They circled our ship, from starboard to port
As the moon lit the driver, a jolly old sort

Who called to his team, in a happy retort
“Now Dasher, now Dancer,” so on and so forth

We raced through our cabin and into the hall
To the very top deck, in time for us all

To be awed by the sight of Old Santa’s sleigh
As he lightly touched down, by the midnight buffet

With a bundle of goodies thrown over his back
He rose in the air and dropped down the smokestack

Santa went straight to work, and later we learned
He found every child’s cabin, from the bow to the stern

Insides and oceanviews, balconies and suites
Santa filled every stocking, with toys and with treats

Until all his deliveries had been handled with care
Then he noted he still had a minute to spare

So he surfed the wave rider, with nary a fall
While Dasher and Dancer scaled the rock-climbing wall

And Prancer, who had always been fond of the cold
Tried the ice-skating rink, a sight to behold

And then with a whistle, Santa summoned his team
And he bade us farewell, silent nights and sweet dreams

And I heard him exclaim, as he flew out of view
Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good cruise.

By Alan Fox, with appreciation and apologies to Clement Clarke Moore,
author of ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas.

This December Princess Cruises’ passengers are finding themselves in a winter wonderland, as faux snow falls in the ship’s atrium. This is a new holiday feature on Princess ships with multi-story atrium’s. The daily forecasts predict snow flurries which are adding to the holiday atmosphere on December sailings and making sure everyone has a white Christmas. It adds to all  the wonder and joy of the season as perfect as a Christmas card. The the snow-making process creates falling flakes that vanish on contact. The ships have been trimmed from stem to stern in bright festive holiday décor and children have been seen chasing sugar plum faires . 

I wonder if strains of “I’m dreaming of a White Christmas” plays in the background and can reindeer hoofs be heard on Christmas eve on the upper decks?

It is towel art and it literally takes all shapes! Plus creativity. Not all cabin stewards do towel art and so it is not a standard but it is so much fun to await and then be surprised. Towel art very simply is to take a hand towel or two and mold them into shapes. They can come in all shapes and sizes and even when you are expecting it or not they are always a treat to behold. Some are simple, cute, complex and always a surprise.

I have had created for me swans, octopus, snakes, monkeys hanging from the ceiling, rabbits and elephants. Once I came back to my cabin after formal night to change into some casual cloths to go out dancing to find the jeans, t-shirt and sneakers I had set out in a chair had been created into a towel person! My cloths had been stuffed with towel to look as if someone was sitting in a chair with my hat and sunglasses on on a towel head. First reaction was we thought someone was in our cabin – then we got the worst case of giggles anyone can imagine.

I never tell people about the towel art before they cruise, it is just to much of a fun surprise to ruin. Unfortunately, not all cabin stewards make towel art. I tell you though, besides for my sitting towel cabin mate, the best reaction to any towel art has to be from my sister when we took a “spa” cruise together. It was her first cruise and the night we walked in our cabin after dinner and she found an elephant on her bed she screeched out loud! Giggled, OMG’d a lot then ran out of the cabin and gave our cabin steward a big hug. Yes, my sister is a bit LA LA about elephants, but it was so worth keeping this secret and seeing her happy surprise.

There is actually a book about how to create towel art called “The Lost Art of Towel Origami” by Allison Jenkins. If you like surprises this is a fun book to give as a gift to someone. Make it special for a visiting friend or family from out of town…make a simple towel art on their bed and have the book on their night stand. Just tell your guests that you left the bath towels on their bed and listen and wait to hear their surprise squeals when they have found the treat you have created just for them.

I have added some pictures of towel art to my flicker pictures for you all to enjoy. I found all of these on the web, except the one with Taylor Sailor, I took that one myself. The one with Taylor Sailor and a new friend on taken on his first cruise. He was really taken with this fun art. Just don’t tell anyone who is going to be taking a cruise soon… let it be a surprise.  

Sing to Let it Snow:

Oh, the weather outside is frightful
but the Caribbean is so delightful
and since we can cruise with no snow
Let us go, Let us go Let us go!

It’s so cold and shows no signs of slacking
and I’ve got the suitcases for packing
and since we can cruise with no snow
Let us go, Let us go, Let us go!

The security line is finally dying
and my dear the cold we are say good-bye’ng
and since we can cruise with no snow
Let us go, Let us go, LET US GO!

Renting a larger car makes sense. You have your family plus all the luggage, the kids toys, and all those extras like blankets, pillows, and don’t forget the gifts. We often will schedule another one of our own cars to go in for its annual maintenance while we are traveling, so we won’t be without our normal car plus we then have the extra space.

Car rental companies also have special equipment you can request that your own personal car may not be equipped with such as GPS or satellite radio. But also ski racks and extra luggage racks – Hide those Santa toys up there away from prying eyes!

So next time you are traveling over the river and through the woods to Grandma’s rent a car and enjoy the extra space, the free DVD player and the MP3 jacks so it is a ride free of hassle or at least less screeching from the peanut gallery …. but you still might want to plans plenty of bathroom stops – kids and pit stops just go hand in hand.

What I glimpsed at quickly, before he stuffed it into the envelope, so the postman could have it today. I think I can get Tahiti into his stocking, since it is such a small island but, what  I am trying to figure out is how to wrap up the Greek Islands, and the Panama Canal to put under the Christmas tree! He is spoiled but good bear, and since he is my beary unique cruise specialist I guess I’ll figure out the wrapping paper situation later.

Taylor Sailor also asked me to wish all of our Cruises, Inc. Friends a very Merry Christmas and a joyous Holiday Season.

Before you even travel, you can search the web for free wifi locations at your destination. The Washington Post recommends www.Jiwire.com. They list places that have wifi available in your own backyard, while visiting family or friends, while on business travel or in many places around the world, no matter how remote. Jiwire provides a wifi hot spot directory for your wireless internet access. So if you need to stay connected while on vacation or on business travel, keep signing onto the web and avoid any power surges!

Here is an idea – if you work remotely for your company anyway…take a world cruise and stay connected. Don’t forget to email all your friends back home those “wish you were here” emails!

With a cruise a couple does not have to decide on just one destination. Such as in the Caribbean 7-10 cruises are available and so you can visit 5-8 different Caribbean Islands during that time. With a cruise all your meals are included and you don’t have to unpack but once when traveling from place to place. The ship itself has pages and pages of activities a newly married couple can enjoy or retreat to their own cabin and order in your meals.

Imagine touring Europe with over 1/3 savings due to the exchange rate because you are buying in US Dollars. Enjoy being served coffee and danish on your balcony as you cruise into the harbor in Rome, Italy.  Or watching the sun set over Barcelona sipping champagne.  Can you imagine taking a bike ride thru small towns after you dock in Nice, France for the day?

Don’t need allot of gifts for your wedding? You can resister for FREE your honeymoon cruise when booked through Cruises, Inc. and have your family and friends contribute to your honeymoon cruise. This makes it particularly easy for out of town family who don’t know what to get you! Another toaster or a donation to your honeymoon cruise?

It is the start of your life together, planning the wedding will be stressful - a memorable honeymoon cruise with be spectacular and will melt that stress away.

Oh and after 27 years of marriage I know it is a lovely state of union, so congratulations on your engagement!    

Even if you are on the east coast, like myself, you might want to explore a west coast cruise departure to the west coast regions of Mexico. Believe it or not low airfare can be found from east to west coast or west to east coast.  Going from one coast to another too far you to fly?  There are 23 cruise ports in the USA alone to cruise from including some from Galveston Texas, Mobile Alabama, or New Orleans Louisiana.

So check out out winter blues cruise deals available and see where you could be thawing out for awhile this coming winter, even if it is only for a long weekend.

I am still able to get you a suite onboard  with our spacial Cruises Inc. rates, so you can enjoy the mouthwatering fine dining cuisine of Bobby Flay and enjoy his company while you dine with him on board the Norwegian Gem.  By booking a select suite on either one of these 2 dates, each is a one night cruises from New York City, you can have a culinary dream come true.  This is a unique and special opportunity for any real foodies but also any die hard fans of Bobby Flay.  

After dinner enjoy a live concert on board by John Legend. That is way more fun than a simple after dinner mint! So come enjoy the food and fun, it will be a “Gem” of a cruise. 

There are also tour guides on all the trains and they are required to be born and raised in Alaska, so you won’t find a 48 stater or a Hawaiian  islander telling you about Alaska history or what you are seeing outside your large train window. They also give you interesting, often comical antidotes about Alaska heritage, history and they have never been accused of being boring like our 5th grade history classes were! These trains are able to go to areas where there are no other vehicles because there are no roads! The Alaskan Railroad tour guides must also complete a 10 week training course and are required to be able to share stories about what it is like to live in Alaska.  

So enjoy a trip into the wilderness – it is sure to be one leisurely ride you’ll never forget, for the amazing memories will have you daydreaming about the time you road the rails in Alaska!

Wait – over there is that a moose ?!

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Never miss a new posting or interesting update in the future. It’s a free and helpful item being offered by Google for all of us computer junkies who need reminding every once in awhile.  

Basically this brings up two thoughts in my mind – Always buy insurance and always use a professional travel agent. With 18 years in the travel industry, I can tell you that these two things will save any trip from turning into a nightmare.

Customer Service in all aspects of consumer goods is at an all time low but this is one thing I myself take very personally. The Golden Rule – treat others as you would want them to treat you.

Travel now a days is hard on anyone, but to be taking a trip of a lifetime should bring about only good memories not horrible nightmares.  The Internet is a great thing, but if you have any issues with a company you have nobody working on your side. I have helped hundreds of people over the years and will continue to do so when they are having trouble during their travels. I go the extra mile for all of my customers. Why? Because it is good business, but most of all it is just plain good common decency. Treat each person special and you shall reap many rewards not only in your business but in your personal life as well.

And for all those things I can’t help control, I always suggest taking the travel insurance. It covers the traveler for all those things that could happen but it also create a peace of mind in case Murphy’s Law rears it’s ugly head.

In this case, a 78 year old woman was put on 3, yes THREE flights, to meet up with her cruise ship. As a Cruise Specialist and 18 years in the industry, I would have never put myself on 3 flights, so why was this 78 year old woman put on three flights? Even as a cost saving option I would have advised against it.  I am appalled also by what was reported as a acute case of airlines employees treating this woman rudely and inconsiderate behavior for a fellow human being.  

As a travel professional, I can only hope that the cruise line takes a second look at this situation and reconsider their decision. Having a travel professional like myself working for you and taking care of your cruise travel, I know I could help if a situation arose again because I know all the ins & outs and loop holes of the travel industry. I would provide good customer service before, during and after travel.

The cruise lines, airlines, car companies etc. don’t earn anything really when they sell travel insurance, neither do I. But I do know from experience that things can happen and they do at the worst possible time. Having travel insurance can at least offset any loss that may have occurred during your travel.

So work with a cruise specialist or travel agent like myself next time you travel, and spend the few extra dollars for the peace of mind – for these two items together can help ensure you do get to have the trip of a lifetime.

But it gets even better – there are 3 guest chefs on this cruise as well, and they are Floyd Cardoz, Michael Anthony and Bobby Flay (of Food Network fame)! Book a selected suite and you can not only see John Legend in concert, but you can meet him in person as well. Then enjoy a dinner especially prepared by Bobby Flay and then enjoy your dinner in his company!

Surprise someone you love before Christmas with this awesome gift! Contact me today to make all your cruise arrangement for this spectacular cruise. 

But you can also earn mileage points while shopping at FTD.com, at Netflix or at your local Safeway store. Each airline offers many varied partners deals that everyone can earn points by using these vendors.  Here is a list of a few Airlines and their partner vendors to earn extra miles.

United – FTD.com, Netflix, Safeway

Delta – Teleflora, Samsonite and Vinesse Wine Clubs

Southwest - Diners Club credit card, Earthlink, Sprint

Jet Blue –  American Express Gift Cards or Traveler Cheques

US Airways – Local Restaurants in your own area or USA Today Newspaper

So don’t forget to check out all the ways you can earn extra miles from your frequent flier airline some by doing ordinary every day chores like grocery shopping! Check out the airlines web sites for all their mileage partners.

Yes, a cruise line has installed the Nintendo Wii game and holds Wii tournaments for people to play while cruising. It was very popular, especially on the days at sea AND allot of fun to watch but even more fun to play!

Check out the pictures of Taylor Sailor watching some cruise guest play tennis on the Wii – he could have stayed there for hours watching all the cruise guest play different Wii games and having fun.

Terry tried her hand at the Wii bowling but she giggled more than actually getting any of the bowling pins down – but shhhhh, don’t tell anyone she might get embarrassed about that, since she bowls and is pretty good (just not at Wii bowling – it was funny watching her play!)

So if you already have a Wii at home and are totally hooked, don’t fret you can still play on vacation, it is even more fun on a cruise ship!

We wanted to also say to all those who are traveling this Thanksgiving – that we wish you safe and happy travel.

We also ask that when you bow your head in prayer this Thanksgiving, that you remember all those in the military who can’t be with their families this year, and pray that they will be safe, healthy and at home next year.

Below is a poem sent to Terry that we both wanted to share with you all.

 May your stuffing be tasty,

May your turkey be plump,

May your potatoes and gravy,

Have never a lump

May your yams be delicious

And your pies take the prize

And may your Thanksgiving dinner

Stay off your thighs!

Happy Thanksgiving ! 

In simple terms, if an airline cancels a flight because of mechanical reasons etc., you do not have to wait for the next flight they have (lets say 6 hours later) you can ask to be protected by Rule 240 and they have to protect you on the next available flight to the same destination, even if it is on another airline carrier.

You must have a confirmed, paid ticket and this is not available for any weather issues. Weather issues are an act of GOD and they have no control of that! This Rule 240 also applies to schedule changes and mis-connections of flights as well.

If you go to any major airline web site, such as United Airlines and type in TERMS OF CARRIAGE, you will find this information in detail. This is also listed on your e-tickets, if you print out the entire paperwork.  The Rule 240 information starts on page 31 of United Airlines TERMS OF CARRIAGE document that they have posted on their website.

So, Know Before You Go, and if you travel often via air knowing and understanding Rule 240 can help you continue your travel instead of stopping you in your tracks.  

1. Whales – 5 types: Beluga, Humpback, Grey, Orca and Minke

2. Moose

3. Bears – most common are the black bear and the grizzly bear

4. Bald Eagles

5. Dall sheep

6. Caribu 

7. Sea Lions

8. Puffin

9. Sea otters

10. Mountain Goats

Here is a wonderful calendar of what animals you’ll likely see on a cruise in Alaska  http://www.wildlife.alaska.gov/viewing/southcoastal.pdf

My first visits to Alaska was in the early 1980′s when I visited via air plane the intriguing city of Anchorage. I now have the chance to learn even more about the great unspoiled territory we call Alaska. So I am hitting the textbooks, the Internet and learning all I call. Come along with me on this ride while I share some of the adventures you and I can expect while taking a cruise to Alaska.

So far I have 3 things I want to check out while I visit Alaska…

         1. Watch a totem pole artist create one of their masterpeieces 

         2. Go dog sledding on a glacier – I will be the passenger snuggled up and not the driver!

         3. Visit the Alaska Raptor Center in Sitka, where they rescue and rehabilitate birds such as bald eagles – to see our national symbol live and in it’s true splendor is something not many people can say they have ever done up close like you can experience here. 

So think about your top three items that you would want to see if you would cruise to Alaska and see if I add them to my list.  I am sure my list will be growing very long and I’ll share with you tidbits that might make them interesting to you also.

The FAA website is instantly being updated as changes occur. So as the Holidays come upon us, remember to contact your airlines before leaving the house for any flight specific delays and check the FAA website for any and all airport delays. Many airline websites also have systems set up that you can check your flight before you leave for the airport as well. But remember flight statuses change constantly for the good and the bad, so leave plenty of time in your schedule for any changes that may occur.

Fly smart, stay informed – it will make your travels go much more smoothly.

Just in case you don’t live in the Herndon area then we’ll try to treat you all to a preview also in the future. When we do just sit back and relax and enjoy. You can much on some popcorn while viewing this – it’s OK with us.

Please take a moment today and bow your head and say THANK YOU to those serving now and those who have served in the military in the past.  

Both Taylor Sailor and I send out our sincerest Thanks to each and every person who has been a part of our military forces over the years.