Happy Thanksgiving 2014

Where is Chris?

HAPPY
THANKSGIVING

Allure of the Seas & Regal Princess in St. Maarten

It's hard to believe that Thanksgiving is here already. Where did 2014 go? As has become my tradition, I'd like to share with you some of the things that I'm thankful for and highlight some of my adventures this year.

I hope that you, your family, and friends have plenty to be thankful for this holiday season. I know that I have plenty of things to be thankful for, including my health, family, and friends and the ability to share my love of cruising with all of you. I’m grateful that I’ve been able to explore new worlds with family and friends again this year.

While this has been another tough economic year, it appears that the cruise industry has weathered the storm once again.

The value of cruising has never been stronger. Even in these tough times, more and more families have taken to the seas.  Indications are that the record discounts offered the past two years will be coming to an end.  In the meantime those discounts have made cruising an even better value, and consequently we have seen a surge in first-time cruisers.

Thankful for ... 
Sailing on Brand New Ships

Cruises Inc. and Cruise One held the 2014 National Conference on Regal Princess  which just started its inaugural season sailing to the Eastern Caribbean. Regal Princess met up with Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas in St. Maarten. The two ships side by side make an amazing photo. We've been fortunate to sail on both of these ships during their inaugural years.

This year I was privileged to be recognized among the "Best of the Best" awards at the conference. I was presented with the Cruises Inc. Best of Overall Marketing Award. What that means to you is that I'm constantly bringing the best values to my guests via the various marketing programs. Sometimes offers that cross my desk are short-lived, so it is best to subscribe to my eNewsletter and various social media sites.

We wonder what the Pilgrims, who came to the New World in Tall Ships, would think about the Allure of the Seas.  Their ships measured 110 feet, held 150 passengers at most, and took months to cross the Atlantic.  The Allure is more than 10 times that length (1182 feet), holds almost 8000 passengers and crew, and took just a couple weeks to cross the Atlantic.

Thank you for making our blog column a part of your lives in 2014.   I hope that the information we share helps you to dream about future cruises of your own. I'd be honored to help you plan those trips. I have the best job in the world - helping make dreams come true. For that, I'm truly thankful.

Happy Thanksgiving to All

Natiional Conference 2014 in Review

Can You Find Me?

We've just returned from a very successful CruiseOne Cruises Inc. National Conference on board the new Regal Princess.  Our sailing was the inaugural North American sailing to the Eastern Caribbean.

This was our largest conference ever with more than 900 franchise owners, agents, and families attending.

Pre-Cruise (Ft. Lauderdale)

Water Taxi Tour

Shortly after arriving in Ft. Lauderdale, Saturday November 7th, we boarded a Water Taxi for a private tour of the yachts and mansions along the Ft. Lauderdale canal system.

Our guide provided background information about the properties and boats we saw along the way.   The tour is very informative and a good way to pass the time before your cruise.

Renaissance Hotel Ft. Lauderdale

Our pre-conference activities were based out of the Marriott Renaissance Hotel Cruise Port which was walking distance to the water taxi.

Following the water taxi tour, we had time to freshen up and then had a welcome cocktail party which was hosted by Crystal Cruises. 

Several of us went to dinner at Bimini Boatyard Bar & Grill which was just across from the hotel.   Despite having tables empty, we had to wait to be seated.   The food was fantastic, but we weren't crazy about the wait since we were hungry after traveling earlier that day.  

Our day had actually begun at 4:00 AM so we were really starting to drag.  Following dinner, we went back to our hotel room and went to bed.

We had prearranged transfers from the hotel to the pier, so after some breakfast, we boarded a shuttle to the port.

Welcome to Port Everglades

The town rolled out the red carpet for us with this sign at the entrance to Port Everglades cruise terminal.  As you can see, there is a lot of traffic entering the port.  Make sure you allow enough time when embarking from here.

It wasn't long after this photo was taken that we got our first glimpse of Regal Princess which would be our home for the next 7 nights.

We will update this article with links to additional stories and photos about our National Conference Cruise on board the beautiful Regal Princess.  Be sure to visit again or better you follow us here and our other social media sites to stay up to date on the latest cruise industry news and reviews.

Follow us on Twitter: @ChrisPappinMCC  Pinterest: CruiseWithChris Pappin and Facebook: CruiseWithChris Pappin Cruises Inc

Princess Announces 2010-2011 Caribbean & Mexican Riviera Program

Announcing the Fall 2010 - Spring 2011

Caribbean & Mexican Riviera Program

Princess® - Escape to sunny isles in 2010 - 2011

Nothing says escape like the warm, welcoming islands and colorful cultures of the turquoise Caribbean. Princess® has a variety of festive voyages sailing eastern, southern or western Caribbean on six of their grandest ships in 2010 and 2011, visiting over 25 of the region’s very best ports. Frolic on white sand beaches and swim above reefs teeming with colorful sea life on islands such as St. Thomas, Antigua, Tortola, Barbados, Grenada and more.

The convenience of Ft. Lauderdale, New York and San Juan.

Princess sails year-round in the Caribbean and departs from a variety of convenient ports including Ft. Lauderdale, New York and San Juan. Choose from easy week-long sailings to a relaxing 14-day itinerary. For an extensive Southern Caribbean exploration, departures from Barbados are also available.

Six spectacular ships.

The Princess Caribbean fleet includes some of the best ships in the region. The magnificent Ruby Princess® sails 7-day Eastern Caribbean voyages from Ft. Lauderdale. Caribbean Princess® sails two alternating 7-day port-intensive Southern Caribbean itineraries from San Juan. Crown Princess® sails a week-long Western Caribbean itinerary, Emerald Princess® sails on two alternating 10-day itineraries to the Eastern and Southern Caribbean, Sea Princess® a range of 14-day Eastern and Southern voyages from Barbados and Grand Princess® the immersive 14-day Caribbean Collection from Ft. Lauderdale among other options. Whichever ship you sail, you’ll enjoy warm, welcoming Princess service and wonderful amenities including Movies Under the Stars,® the adults-only retreat, The Sanctuary, the freedom of Anytime DiningSM and more.

Princess Cays® — a private paradise in the Bahamas.

All 7- and 10-day sailings from Ft. Lauderdale feature a call at Princess Cays,® Princess own Bahamian paradise where the relaxing options range from sunbathing and shopping for crafts to volleyball and snorkeling.

Warm Sandy Beaches are Calling You!

Why not grab a group of your friends and plan a Caribbean vacation for next winter. There are special offers for early booking and groups. For more details, visit me on Facebook and my website.

Mexican Riviera Program (information on my Facebook page)

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Princess Cruises - Summer Caribbean in 2010

2010 Summer Caribbean

Now Open for Booking!

Emerald Princess® joins Caribbean Princess® for Summer 2010 Roundtrip sailings from Ft. Lauderdale and New York

Emerald Princess features alternating 7-day Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries roundtrip from Ft. Lauderdale throughout the summer. Both itineraries visit Princess Cays®, an exclusive island experience in the Bahamas.

Caribbean Princess returns with 9-day itineraries roundtrip from New York featuring visits to Bermuda and a special 7-day Eastern Caribbean sailing from San Juan to New York.

Emerald Princess® – Sail to sunny shores on alternating 7-day sailings

In Summer 2010, you can enjoy voyages to Eastern or Western Caribbean islands on this exquisite vessel. Spend a week sailing our popular sailings of the region, visiting Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Jamaica – all featuring Princess Cays®.

Caribbean Princess® – More time to explore at sea and ashore on9-day sailings

Relish more leisurely days at sea while you visit the irresistible islands of Bermuda, St. Thomas, Grand Turk and beyond. Sail during the months of May to July with departures from New York, making your Caribbean adventure as carefree as it is unforgettable.

A Bahamian island reserved just for Princess® guests

A delightful island retreat awaits your discovery on sun-drenched Princess Cays, featured on all 7-day Emerald Princess® Eastern or Western Caribbean voyages from Ft. Lauderdale. From snorkeling and kayaking to island cuisine and drink, there's something to do for the entire family.

Are you a past guest on Princess Cruises?

Princess Captain's Circle® Launch Savings Exclusive

$50 per person discount for past passengers on 2010 Summer Caribbean voyages. Expires 12/31/09. Call or email me for more details about any of these summer cruise vacations.