Worldwide Travel Alert August 2013

August 02, 2013

The Department of State alerts U.S. citizens to the continued potential for terrorist attacks, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa, and possibly occurring in or emanating from the Arabian Peninsula.  Current information suggests that al-Qa’ida and affiliated organizations continue to plan terrorist attacks both in the region and beyond, and that they may focus efforts to conduct attacks in the period between now and the end of August.  This Travel Alert expires on August 31, 2013. 

Full Text of Alert

It is important to note that the alert doesn't make any reference to a specific threat, but rather just encourages American citizens to be vigilant and stay informed of current news as they travel.   This is common sense which should be exercised regardless of whether or not an alert has been issued.

Temporary Post Closures and Worldwide Travel Alert

One of the more important ways that U.S. Citizens can keep informed while traveling abroad is by  enrolling in the U.S. Department of State's STEP service.

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) is a free service provided by the U.S. Government to U.S. citizens who are traveling to, or living in, a foreign country.

STEP allows you to enter information about your upcoming trip abroad so that the Department of State can better assist you in an emergency.

Additional travel information can be found on International Travel (static tab on blog) and Travel Tools (on our website). Topics include: Tips for Traveling Abroad, Travel Warnings, Country Specific Information & Travel Alerts 

We encourage all cruise passengers to be familiar with travel alerts, warnings, tips, and country specific requirements before leaving home.  Make sure that you leave your itinerary with someone at home and that you are adequately protected by travel insurance.

Welcome to New Readers

Streamwood Summer Celebration

Princess Cruise Sale Thru August 1st

The Streamwood Summer Celebration is now over and I'm happy to report that we met with many people at the Business Expo that are interested in a cruise vacation. We really enjoy talking with new cruisers. With over 25 years of cruise industry experince we are able to answer just about any question a first-timer or even the seasoned-cruiser can think up.

Don't forget, the Princess Cruise Sale continues through the end of this week. Receive a reduced deposit of $100 per person and a coupon book valued at $325. That can be combined with most other offers to provide you with even more value. This is an exclusive cruise sale, so take advantage of it now.

I'd like to welcome new readers, many of which we met at the expo. Think of this blog as your source of information about cruise vacations. If you utilize all the information provided in this column, on our websites, and on our Facebook page, you will have a good foundation for keeping up to date on offers, changes in the industry, and reviews from our personal experiences.

The discussions during the expo weren't much different than those we have all the time. We share our personal experiences and knowledge of the various cruise lines that sail to the destinations that interest you. Since we represent all cruise lines, we can compare the various cruises and offer suggestions based on your requirements and interests. We take all the worry out of planning by being your interface with the cruise companies, sorting out all the requirements and finding the best available fare for the cruise you select.

Some questions that help us find the right cruise for you: What do you like to do when on vacation? What sort of accommodation are you looking for (inside, outside, balcony, suite, multiple cabins, handicap cabin, etc)? Do you want to fly or drive to the embarkation port? Where do you want to go and begin your cruise vacation from? When do you want to go and how long do you want to be on vacation?

These are just a few questions that help us to assist you in planning the perfect cruise vacation. Our value goes beyond booking your reservation. What's more important is finding the right cruise for you that will provide good value and a great vacation.

I've been writing this blog now for a couple years and there is quite a lot of content. To make it easier to find that tidbit of information from one of my past blog posts, I've added Blogger's Search capability to the right-hand navigation. You don't even have to leave the blog to narrow your search.

For the first-time readers, I'd suggest you take a look at the Archive to see some of my past posts. One of the most popular topics are my reviews of the various dining options onboard the ships. I've talked about our past trips to places like the Galapagos, Caribbean, Europe, Canada, Mexico, Hawaii, and many other destinations. I've talked about new ships like the Norwegian Epic, Royal Caribbean Oasis of the Seas, and Celebrity Solstice.

Visit my website to sign up for my weekly eSavers newsletter (you can also sign up right here on the blog). I list Hot deals here and on my website. You can learn about what's new in the industry here and also on the front page of my website. If you want to see pictures from our cruises, I often have links in the blog posts, but you can also visit Our Shutterfly Page .

Become a Fan on my Facebook Page

NCL’s Pity the Procrastinator Sales Event - On Now

Norwegian Cruise Line

Pity the Procrastinator

Sales Event: 7/6/09 - 8/2/09

Offer available on all 2010 & 2011 cruises

Good things come to those

that don't wait !

It's all about fast thinking with Norwegian Cruise Line's Pity the Procrastinator Sales Event. NCL will reward you with instant gratification when you snap up these deals immediately.

You can receive a free up-to-6-category upgrade, big discounts, and more when you book today. What's the catch? The best available staterooms and suites will go first, so if you snooze, you lose.

Don't procrastinate and you could get a 6-category upgrade today. Wait until tomorrow, and it could be a 4-category upgrade. By next week, it may be gone. Staterooms will go fast. Pity the procrastinator who waits because he or she will lose out on the best deals.

Don't procrastinate, Book Now.

Sale ends 8/2/2009

For information about NCL itineraries, CLICK HERE. Better yet, give me a call today so that you don't miss out. I will be able to give you up to the minute availability.