Vote Travel Today

Election Day is Finally Here 

According to Power of Travel Coalition
" Everyone loves travel - vacationing, reconnecting with family, attending a productive business meeting or event - but not everyone realizes travel’s significant economic impact. In 2015, travel generated $2.1 trillion for the U.S. economy, supporting 15.1 million American jobs that cannot be outsourced, which is why we need policies that allow the travel industry to thrive.

Travel is a bipartisan industry. In fact, passage of the Travel Promotion Act was among only a few items that both Democrats and Republicans supported. Vote Travel is not an endorsement of any political candidate or a political party; it’s a vote to get America moving."

Personal Benefits of Travel

What would you think if we told you that vacation travel could have a positive impact on your life?  Would you be more apt to take an annual vacation?

U.S. News & World Report has published an article, Why Travel Is Good For Your Health,which among other benefits, shows how your health can be positively impacted by a vacation.

Think about the last time you took a vacation...  

Before you left for vacation were you stressed over things going on at work, at home, or with the family?   After a couple days of rest and relaxation on the trip, did your stress level decrease?

Do you find yourself eating at irregular times at home because you have other commitments pulling you in different directions?   On your vacation, did you eat on a regular schedule?

Do you mean to exercise while at home, but just don't find the time?   Or are you a couch potato not getting any exercise at all simply because you are too tired to do anything when you get home from the office?   Did you get more exercise, on your trip - while having a good time exploring?

These are just a few items that are covered in this report.   We suggest you read the report to learn more about the personal benefits of vacation travel.

We have been a firm believer of taking time off every year for vacation.   While our son was growing up, we would take a vacation together with him and another one by ourselves each year.   This formula has worked well for us and perhaps it could work for you as well.

As We Head to the Polls Today

There may be local and national candidates that have a positive or negative view on the travel industry.  We encourage you to visit the  Congressional Scorecard  to learn more about the coalition's efforts to expand this industry which will help to Get America Moving again.

Save Time and Money in Zurich

ZürichCARD
Your City Travel Pass

Tip: With the ZürichCARD, you can enjoy Zurich in all its diversity – and save time and money too. 

We arrived in Zurich, Switzerland one day before our Avalon Waterways river cruise so that we could be accustomed to the time change and have some time to explore the area.

Since we planned to use public transportation, including trams, trains, and boat, plus we wanted to see at least one museum, it made sense to purchase the ZürichCARD.  We purchased it at the airport tourist information counter.  It can also be purchased at train stations and online on their website.

Validate Your Card

Prior to using your card for the first time, you must validate it at a machine in a train station. Since our hotel had a shuttle, we didn't need to use the card for transportation right away, but we decided to do the validation at the airport's train station. You can find an orange machine, like the one pictured, in the lower level of the train station across from the baggage claim (and tourist information counter).

 Purchasing at Train Station

We met another couple, who were also going on our cruise, when we checked in at the hotel.   We talked about sight-seeing together and we explained the benefits of purchasing the ZürichCARD.

They purchased the cards, using a credit card, from an automated touch-screen terminal by the train tracks.   The validation rule still applied - either insert in the orange validation machine (which might be on the opposite side of the tracks) or in the slot to the left of the screen.
(click on images above to enlarge)

Benefits of the ZürichCARD

• Unlimited 2nd class travel on all forms of public transportation in the city of Zurich and surrounding region
• Free or reduced admission to the majority of Zurich’s museums 
• 10 to 20% discount in various local stores 
• Culinary surprise in selected restaurants 
• 50% discount on public city tours organized by Zurich Tourism
• Many more discounts on a variety of cultural and leisure activities

^{Click on image to see additional Blog Posts}

You can purchase the card for 24 hour or 72 hour periods.  As of this writing, the price for Adults was CHF 24 (EUR 24) and CHF 48 (EUR 48) respectively.  We only needed 24 hour period in our case.

We'll tell you more about how we used the card in additional posts. 

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

Benefits of a Resort Vacation

Why would you select a resort vacation? 

 First of all, there's the view !!

Everyone loves to travel and we know you’re always on the lookout for new vacation options as well as special offers. As Vacation Specialists, we are dedicated to helping you plan the perfect vacation, whether it’s on a Mediterranean cruise through Europe or at an all-inclusive beach resort in the Caribbean. We work hard to provide our customers with as many options as possible. With this in mind, we are very excited to share that we have just added a huge selection of RESORT VACATION PACKAGES to our website. 

Resort vacations afford travelers many of the same benefits as cruise vacations plus plenty of unique ones as well. Most of the resort vacations that we now offer are all-inclusive, so your accommodations, meals, beverages, activities, and more are all included, just like a cruise. They may also be packaged with airfare, adding even more convenience and value, plus extra perks such as free and non-stop airport transfers, a free/extra night’s stay, or a free round of golf.

Not only do we offer exclusive pricing, but most of our resort packages provide all-inclusive accommodations that include meals, beverages, tips and more. Some even include airfare and extra activities. Whether you travel as a couple or with a large family, there are no surprises when it comes to managing your vacation budget.

Whether you want to wake up to the sound of the ocean or be in walking distance to historical landmarks, a resort vacation can put you in the destination you’ve always dreamed of. We feature hundreds of resorts in the top 4 vacation destinations around the world: Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii and Florida.

Get all of the extra perks that are included in resort vacations, such as airport transfers, multiple restaurants, water sports, kids programs, entertainment and more. Resorts understand the need to provide you with an unforgettable vacation and they go the extra mile to ensure your stay is just that. And everyone gets to do what they want, when they want, at whatever pace works best for them.

 

We’re pleased to be able to enhance our vacation options to our customers.
 We hope you’ll contact us when it’s time to book that next getaway – by land or by sea!

Vote for Travel Today

Election Day is Finally Here 

According to votetravel.org:
" Everyone loves travel - vacationing, reconnecting with family, attending a productive business meeting or event - but not everyone realizes travel’s significant economic impact. Travel contributes $1.9 trillion to our economy and supports 14.4 million American jobs that cannot be outsourced, which is why we need policies that allow the travel industry to thrive.

Travel is a bipartisan industry. In fact, passage of the Travel Promotion Act was among only a few items that both Democrats and Republicans supported. Vote Travel is not an endorsement of any political candidate or a political party; it’s a vote to get America moving."

Personal Benefits of Travel

What would you think if we told you that vacation travel could have a positive impact on your life?  Would you be more apt to take an annual vacation?

U.S. Travel Association has published a report, The Benefits are Everywhere, The Personal Benefits of Travel and Taking a Vacation,which among other benefits, shows how your health can be positively impacted by a vacation.

Think about the last time you took a vacation...  

Before you left for vacation were you stressed over things going on at work, at home, or with the family?   After a couple days of rest and relaxation on the trip, did your stress level decrease?

Do you find yourself eating at irregular times at home because you have other commitments pulling you in different directions?   On your vacation, did you eat on a regular schedule?

Do you mean to exercise while at home, but just don't find the time?   Or are you a couch potato not getting any exercise at all simply because you are too tired to do anything when you get home from the office?   Did you get more exercise, on your trip - while having a good time exploring?

These are just a few items that are covered in this report.   We suggest you read the report to learn more about the personal benefits of vacation travel.

We have been a firm believer of taking time off every year for vacation.   While our son was growing up, we would take a vacation together with him and another one by ourselves each year.   This formula has worked well for us and perhaps it could work for you as well.

As We Head to the Polls Today

There may be local and national candidates that have a positive or negative view on the travel industry.  We encourage you to visit the Vote Travel.org website to learn more about their efforts to expand this industry which will help to Get America Moving again.

Revised Carnival Loyalty Program

On Carnival Cruises, you Become

A Very Important Fun Person 

Carnival Cruise Line has just announced a modification to their loyalty program, which takes effect this month. Depending on your current status with Carnival, you will like or dislike the program immediately - there is no in between. The big changes are the switch to nights at sea instead of number of cruises and the introduction of new tiers.

 Five VIFP Club Levels

If you’ve never cruised before, sign up now to hear about great members-only fares and promotions. If you’ve been on board before, you’re already a member. Just activate your profile to make sure all your information is up-to-date and to find out your VIFP Club membership level.  Read more ...

Blue (1st sailing): If you’ve never cruised with Carnival before, you can become a VIFP Club member even before you’ve booked to start taking advantage of members-only fares, specials and more.

Red (2nd sailing to 24 cruise days): Benefits include a complimentary alcoholic or specialty beverage at breakfast, lunch or the Punchliner Comedy Brunch (or main dining room if not available); a new e-newsletter; and members-only cruise specials and other offers.

Gold (25 to 74 cruise days): In addition to Red level benefits, members receive a Gold member pin; and access to a Gold, Platinum and Diamond members-only shipboard cocktail party with complimentary drinks and appetizers.

Platinum (75 to 199 cruise days): In addition to Gold level benefits, members receive priority embarkation, debarkation, tender service and dining times (including in main dining room and specialty restaurants, if applicable); an enhanced logo gift item, along with a ship- and year-specific pin each voyage that will be redesigned annually; a dedicated phone number and concierge desk on board; complimentary wash-and-fold laundry service; casino buy-one-get-one tournament entry; and complimentary arcade $5 play for guests under 18.

Diamond (200-plus cruise days): In addition to Plantinum level benefits, members receive guaranteed dining times and specialty restaurant reservations; acknowledgement from the captain at the Gold, Platinum, and Diamond Party; unlimited wash-and-fold service; complimentary dinner for two in the specialty restaurant of their choice, if applicable; complimentary luggage tag and passport holder; a one-time complimentary upgrade or a third or fourth guest sail free offer; and a $100 per member contribution to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Milestone Cruises

VIFP Club members sailing on their 25^th, 50^th and 75^th cruise   will receive a shipboard credit equal to 25, 50 or 75 percent of their cruise fare, respectively, for that voyage. Members sailing on their 100^th cruise earn a complimentary Caribbean, Mexican Riviera or Alaska voyage of up to eight days in length.

The new program takes effect on sailings on or after June 25, 2012 (on Carnival Breeze it starts July 9th).

Seek Help From Travel Professional For Cruise

One of the most frequently asked questions that I get is  

Why should I book my cruise vacation with you?   

Also, along the same lines, there is a belief that 

it will cost more to book your cruise through a travel professional, like myself.

I could address the question and correct the myth about costing more to use a travel professional  myself, but I came across this video in one of my travel industry emails, and thought I'd share it with you so that you can hear the answer from someone other than myself.

In this video ....

Mark Murphy speaks with WGN Chicago’s Steve Sanders about the benefits of using a travel agent

Mark Murphy talks to Steve Sanders of WGN Chicago about using a travel professional versus online booking. Mark discusses how in most circumstances using a travel agent costs no money and some of the benefits of seeking help from a travel professional.

I've also posted another video from the same email about River Cruising on my Facebook Fan Page.  Become a fan to stay updated about industry news and special offers.

Hopefully this video has helped to clear up some of the myths about using a travel professional to plan your cruise vacation.    As they say in the video, a cruise vacation, like any other major purchase, should involve seeking the help from a professional so that you can make an informed decision about your purchase.  You can Meet your Cruise Specialist on my website and Facebook page.   Click the contact tab.

Celebrity Cruises Revamps Captain's Club

Celebrity Cruises

"Become the Center of Our Attention"

Loyalty has its rewards. I'm sure you've heard that from many of the businesses you frequent. Whether it's the local grocery store, restaurant, airline, or other business, you are rewarded for repeat business in various ways. The same holds true in the cruise line industry.

Celebrity Cruises has launched the new Captain’s Club, a redesigned recognition and rewards program that delivers brand new benefits and an unparalleled cruise experience to their most loyal guests. Celebrity indicated that joining the new Captain’s Club will "make you the center of our attention".

Celebrity believes that their most loyal guests deserve more. More recognition, more service, more benefits and, quite simply, more reasons to cruise with them. They have added several exciting new features and benefits to everything members have come to expect from the existing program.

The Captain's Club is made up of three tiers currently: Classic (1-4 tier credits), Select (5-9), and Elite (10+). Celebrity plans to add an additional higher tier with additional benefits.
Depending on your tier, the following benefits have been added:

• Invitation to the all new Captain’s Club Celebration event (All)
• Upgraded benefits for onboard internet usage (Select, Elite)
• Upgraded onboard laundry service benefits (Select, Elite)
• Access to the Captain’s Club Lounge at Michael’s Club (Elite)
  

It's Easy to Earn Tier Credits
Unlike other cruise loyalty programs, the Captain's Club uses their tier credits rather than cruises to determine your benefits. Celebrity currently offers up to three ways to earn tier credits on a single cruise. This makes it easier for members to qualify for higher tiers and receive more exclusive benefits quickly. Earn 1 tier credit for each of the following (up to a maximum of 3 tier credits per cruise):

• Sailing with Celebrity or Azamara Cruises®
• Sailing on an itinerary of 12 nights or more
• Sailing in a Concierge Class, AquaClass SM, or Suite Stateroom

Of the added benefits, the premier change is the Captains' Club Lounge:

For those interested in a quiet haven of their own, Celebrity introduced the Captain's Club Lounge at Michael's Club, exclusively for Elite members and their stateroom/suite companions each morning and early evening. This new lounge will offer a casual coffeehouse-style experience from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., with complimentary espressos, teas and other menu items, a variety of reading materials and, on Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Equinox, wi-fi access. Every evening from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., Captain's Club Elite members and their stateroom/suite companions can return to the Lounge to enjoy socializing with fellow members, participate in a wine tasting event, or simply relax and enjoy a quiet, complimentary drink before dinner.

Celebrity plans to expand the program throughout 2009, adding additional benefits and a new tier. If you haven't tried Celebrity Cruises before, now is the time to start. Celebrity has always provided exceptional service, food, and entertainment to all guests, with rewards for their loyal customers. This revamped program leverages their award-winning ships, dining, and service to set a new standard for the industry for loyalty programs.

More information about Celebrity Cruises and itineraries

More information about Azamara Cruises and itineraries

Celebrity Cruises is one of my favorite cruise lines. I'm an Elite member so I am definitely excited about the expanded program. I highly recommend you include Celebrity or Azamara Cruises in your future travel plans. I'll be happy to discuss the additional benefits or provide any information about upcoming cruises. Call or email me today for more information.