30 October 2008 by Don.

For some, the question is To cruise or not to cruise? but for others, it’s To Suite or not to Suite?  To me the answer is always the former, but I recognize my prejudices - I’m a Travel Agent and I want to sell cruises and I want to sell the best cruise experience for my clients.

You’ve picked the cruise line, you’ve picked the itinerary, you’ve picked the ship, and you’ve picked the date.  It’s been decided, you’re going on a cruise!  However, you still need to pick the stateroom.

The cheapest price is an Inside cabin and the typical rationale is, I’m only going to sleep in the room.  Maybe that’s true, but think about your whole vacation in a small room without any daylight.  My ancestors immigrated across the ocean in steerage, but do you really want to vacation that way?  You might spend a night in a cramped, cheap hotel but would you want to spend you whole vacation there?   You don’t cruise every day, maybe not every year.  This will be something special if you make it special.

OK, you’ve moved up to an outside or Oceanview stateroom. At least you have some daylight and a stateroom you aren’t ashamed to tell your friends about.  But is it special enough?  Is it as special as this vacation should be?

Maybe you’ve dreamed of something a little better.  Something with a little more room, something with some fresh air, something more special. For a few dollars a day, you can upgrade to a Verandah stateroom.  The stateroom size typically increases as you upgrade from Inside to Oceanview to a Verandah. But, the square footage isn’t the only reason to upgrade.  Even if the rooms were the same size, the psychological factor of a window makes the Oceanview stateroom seem bigger, and the full wall of glass makes the Verandah stateroom seem even bigger yet.   In addition, the Verandah itself offers special benefits. It’s the perfect place to relax privately and enjoy the pleasure of cruising.  Maybe now you’ll do more than just sleep in your stateroom.  Maybe you’ll call room service and enjoy breakfast on the Verandah as you sail into harbor.  And, there’s nothing more romantic than dinner for two in the privacy of your Verandah as the sun sets over the ocean.

To Suite or not to Suite?  This cruise you’re celebrating a special anniversary, his big birthday, her promotion, or maybe it’s just a celebration of life. With a Suite, you get not only a larger stateroom but also higher quality furnishings, upgraded amenities, extra privileges, not to mention better service. Many cruise lines provide a concierge and butler service in addition to the normal cabin attendant. Suite guest often receive priority embarkation, tender service, shore excursion booking, and specialty restaurant reservations.  Other amenities such as personalized stationery, fresh flowers and fruit, a selection of pillows for the bed, free internet, and complimentary laundry service are standard in suites on some cruise lines.  You deserve something really special.  A Suite is the privilege of a select few.  If you ask a true friend if you deserve a Suite, be prepared for the answer, because they’ll always say YES!

Posted in How to Cruise | 1 Comment »

28 October 2008 by Don.

I’ll always remember that first time.

It was early on a Sunday morning when I finally arrived at the dock in Maui.  There she was, all decked out for a party, waiting for me.  Although I was late, the greeting was warm and welcoming.  Her classic figure aroused man’s second oldest passion within me, and it was love at first sight.

I was no youngster but was naïve and not sure what to expect.  She, though only a little younger than I, had been around.  She knew the facts of life and she knew how to please someone like me.

We cruised the Hawaiian Islands for a week and by the time it was over, I was hooked for life.  I’d been hooked on my wife for 26 years, this was a new affair.

–

I’ll always remember that first cruise with my wife.

It was early on a Sunday morning when we finally got to the dock in Maui.  There was the SS Independence, fresh and bright with flags flying from stem to stern.  Although we were late, the Second Officer, greeted us at the gangplank and escorted us aboard.  She was a classic ocean liner from the golden age of travel.  “Man’s Second Oldest Passion” has always been the sea and I knew that we were going to enjoy this vacation

This was our first cruise, purchased on a whim at the suggestion of good friends.  The SS Independence had just turned 50 years old.  The Indy, as she was lovingly referred to, had, for years, shown a good time to royalty, film stars, politicians, and common folks on transatlantic crossings between New York and Italy.  Now, after several other careers, she slow steamed around the Hawaiian Islands for the American Hawaii Cruise Line.

My wife and I cruised around the islands on Indy and by the time the week was over, we were hooked on a love affair with cruising.

Posted in Past Cruises, About Me | 1 Comment »

19 October 2008 by Don.

It was almost a year ago that my wife and I had the privilege of experiencing Crystal Cruise lines for the first time as we sailed on the Crystal Symphony.

The relaxed pace of the cruise was set by a late evening departure out of Miami.  Somehow, the 9 pm sailing time made the first afternoon aboard much more meaningful with extra time to explore the ship, dress for dinner, and have a glass of wine in the lounge before dinner.

As I look back at pictures of the cruise, I am surprised (but I shouldn’t be) at the number that center about meals on board.  In total, the food and service provided by Crystal surpassed our other cruise experiences and expectations.  From the quiet breakfast on the verandah (the first picture I took) to dinner in the Crystal Dining Room (subject of numerous pictures), the presentation and quality of food was superb.

We were treated to a Deluxe Stateroom with verandah and were impressed with the size and luxury of the accommodations.  As pleased as we were, a peak at a Penthouse Suite gave us ideas for our next Crystal Cruise.

The Itinerary was a standard Western Caribbean (Progresso, Cozumel, Belize, Key West) that lacked excitement.  However, I was seeking relaxation, so I was fully satisfied.  The sail-away from Key West was spectacular but sad with the knowledge of what was to come.

As all good things must end, so did this cruise the next morning in Miami.  As the first day had been enhanced by the late departure, so was the last morning with an early arrival but an unhurried disembarkation at our own pace.

Though we haven’t booked another Crystal cruise yet, we will before long.

Posted in Past Cruises | No Comments »

16 October 2008 by Don.

The Distinguished Cruiser hasn’t been off on a cruise.  It’s just that other things have kept me from the keyboard.

I’m back now and it’s the WLCN (World’s Largest Cruise Night).  This event is put on each year by CLIA and all the cruise lines are making great deals on selected cruises.  Most of the sales run through October 17th.  If you know what you want and can make decisions this week, you should take advantage of the special pricing and on-board credits.

Go to WLCN.cruising.org/davore to see some great video’s of several the cruise lines that I recommend, then call or email me - I’ll be around all evening (and tomorrow too).

Posted in Viking River Cruise 30 Nov - 7 Dec, Specials | No Comments »

10 October 2008 by Don.

I was asked a couple of questions as I met with some friends this morning.  In light of how the stock market has been going, the first question was about the cruise business.  Simply, it’s cruising right along.  That’s the answer I’ve overused but it’s an accurate description form my point of view.  The Cruise industry, like everyone else in the country, is working hard.  They are doing what they do best - make their guest smile.  People are still need vacations and they are still taking cruises.

The second totally unrelated question concerned the age of the average passenger on a cruise.  The questioner’s perception was that everyone on a cruise ship is over 70.  Today, that’s far from the truth.  Recent studies show that the average of cruise passengers has come down.  While cruises were exclusive luxury of the wealthy retired class 30 to 40 years ago, that’s changed.  In recent years, the younger generations and families have come to enjoy cruise vacations.   Now, no matter how old or young you are, you’ll have fellow passengers your age on the cruise with you.  Your age is no reason not to cruise.

I love talking about cruises and answering questions so if you know anyone who has questions, have them talk to me.

Posted in Why Cruise | No Comments »

7 October 2008 by Don.

If you say you don’t, talk to me - I know a good Mental Health therapist who can help

The good news is that you have choices when it comes to a vacation:

• You and the family can drive to Yellowstone and get to stay in a half dozen hotels along the way,
  • or,  you can take a cruise vacation and only have to pack and unpack once.
• You can endure 80 hours behind the wheel of your ‘trusted’ car,
  • or, you can relax on a Cruise ship.
• You can eat at any of 3000 McDonald’s along the way,
  • or, you can Cruise and enjoy gourmet dining on fine china in a comfortable atmosphere.
• You can watch reruns of mindless TV programs after driving all day,
  • or,  you can Cruise and enjoy lavish professional production shows.
• You can sit around the motel pool,
  • or, you can enjoy a number of beautiful Caribbean beaches.
• When you finally get to Yellowstone, you can pitch a tent and make all you meals over a campfire,
  • or, you can be pampered with exceptional service aboard a cruise ship.

The choice is yours.

Block out time on your busy calendar for that vacation and come talk with me.

Posted in Why Cruise | No Comments »

7 October 2008 by Don.

If you say you don’t, talk to me - I know a good Mental Health therapist who can help

The good news is that you have choices when it comes to a vacation:

• You and the family can drive to Yellowstone and get to stay in a half dozen hotels along the way,
  • or,  you can take a cruise vacation and only have to pack and unpack once.
• You can endure 80 hours behind the wheel of your ‘trusted’ car,
  • or, you can relax on a Cruise ship.
• You can eat at any of 3000 McDonald’s along the way,
  • or, you can Cruise and enjoy gourmet dining on fine china in a comfortable atmosphere.
• You can watch reruns of mindless TV programs after driving all day,
  • or,  you can Cruise and enjoy lavish professional production shows.
• You can sit around the motel pool,
  • or, you can enjoy a number of beautiful Caribbean beaches.
• When you finally get to Yellowstone, you can pitch a tent and make all you meals over a campfire,
  • or, you can be pampered with exceptional service aboard a cruise ship.

The choice is yours.

Block out time on your busy calendar for that vacation and come talk with me.

Posted in Why Cruise | No Comments »

6 October 2008 by Don.

“I refuse to participate in a recession.”  I don’t know where the quote originated, but I first heard it at a BNI (Business Networking International) meeting.  Think about what that phrase really means.  A Recession isn’t like a football game where, if you don’t want to play, you can go over and sit on the bench.  If you’re sitting on the sideline right now, you’re participating in the recession.

What does this have to do with cruising?  Well maybe nothing but I’m glad to say that my clients aren’t participating in a recession.  There’re not warming the bench while the country moans over the state of the economy.  They’re out there working hard, but they are also taking time off for a much needed vacation.

‘All work and no play‘ not only ‘makes Jack a dull boy‘ but it also isn’t fair to the rest of the family and it isn’t good for your physical and mental health.  Every one needs to get away from the stress of work (especially in an economy like this) and take time to relax.

Posted in Why Cruise | No Comments »

4 October 2008 by Don.

I sell cruise vacations.

No, that’s not exactly true - Cruise Vacations sell themselves.  That’s why people try to buy them from the internet.

I have to admit, I did exactly that for my first cruise but I learned very quickly that the best way to buy a cruise (for the best vacation experience and the best prices) is by working with a Cruise Specialist at a Travel Agency.

I have the training, knowledge, and experience to help individuals and groups search through the dozens of cruise lines, hundreds of ships, and thousands of itineraries to select the cruise that’s right for them.  And I find prices that make a cruise the best value for their vacation dollar.

Posted in About Me | No Comments »

2 October 2008 by Don.

“… and you get free cruises!”  No, I don’t get free cruises.  Realtors have to buy their houses, Insurance agents have to buy their car insurance, and Travel Agents have to pay for their cruises.  There’s no free lunch.

They aren’t free but I do need to take cruises.  When it comes to selling cruise vacations, I’m not just an order taker.  I work with my clients to find the right cruise line, the right cruise ship, the right kind of stateroom, and the right itinerary.  Although I’ve seen it done, it’s difficult to recommend something you know nothing about.

With that, I’m counting the weeks to my next cruise - the Viking Spirit up the Danube from Vienna to Nuremberg.  More about this coming soon.

Posted in Future Cruises | No Comments »