Fall in Love With Cruising

(Updated 10/2/2021)

Why Cruise...now more than ever?

Cruising has been suspended for most of 2020 and 2021, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Cruisers are ready to go.  According to a Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) survey, as of June 2020, one out of three cruisers likely to cruise again, was willing to cruise within six months, thus the end of year, another 46% within a year.

There has been a misperception that incidence of COVID-19 is higher on cruise travel than other sectors and industries.  We will take a look at Cruise Industry COVID-19 facts and present highlights of the plan to resume cruise travel with additional measures in place.

Cruising has it all and then some

You can expect an all-inclusive experience on a cruise vacation. This means that almost everything is included at a fixed price that you are aware of in advance. Below is a list of amenities that are typically included in the cost of your cruise:

1. Full meals per day (breakfast, lunch and dinner). Special children's menus are also available.
   
2. Full buffet meals per day (breakfast, lunch and midnight)
   
3. 24-hour room service on many ships.
   
4. Access to all shipboard facilities, including casino, pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, gym, on-board lectures, card rooms, and an extensive array of interactive games, contests and more...
   
5. Supervised children's activities offered on a daily basis.
   
6. Spectacular entertainment including Broadway and Las Vegas-style shows, lounges, nightclubs, movies, dancing and so much more...
7. Up close and personal visits to some of the world's most amazing destinations
   
8. Unpack once - visit multiple countries on most cruises

On most cruise lines, gratuities (a suggested amount is $13.50 - $15.50 per day per person, or $94.50 -$108.50 per passenger per week for a 7-day cruise, paid at the end of the cruise) are not included. Additionally, port charges and government fees and shore excursions on a few ships require an additional cost.  

What's in Store for YOU from Cruise Lines this Month?

Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) member lines have pulled out all the stops this month to introduce you to cruising.  Working with your CLIA certified travel professional (I'm a certified) Master Cruise Counselor) you can take advantage of the right offer for you and your traveling companions from among the 26+ member lines.

Watch this video to learn more about cruising.   Next we suggest that you explore our First Time Cruisers page to get answers to some of your burning questions.  We'd be happy to have a lengthy conversation with you as well.  We'd love to see you Fall in Love with Cruising. 

 

Click the banner above for the latest cruise promotions

 

Cruise lines are offering special promotions and pricing on popular cruises to encourage consumers to plan their next cruise vacation now. We'll be featuring promotions on our website and social media.

Choose Cruise Month (click for mini-series)

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Hurricane Season Approaching

The Atlantic Hurricane Season officially starts on June 1st and runs through November. We updated our Hurricane Preparedness Series last year with additional guidance due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Click Image for Mini-Series

Hurricanes & Covid-19

Planning for hurricane season and other potential disasters can be stressful, and during the COVID-19 pandemic, it may be especially so. Public health and emergency response professionals have advice to help you safely prepare, evacuate, and shelter for severe storms while protecting yourself and others from COVID-19. Here are some tips to help you and your family stay safe during hurricane season this year.  

• Give yourself more time to prepare

  

  click image to enlarge

  
  
• Supplies may be in limited supply or unavailable
• Keep yourself safe while shopping for supplies
• Know about changes regarding local shelters
• Follow local recommendations for social distancing and mask usage
• Have a "go" kit prepared
• Be sure to plan for anyone at high risk or in need of extra assistance
• Stay safe after the hurricane

Read CDC's article  (here) for more information.

Recipe for a Hurricane

You already know that hurricanes are one of the most destructive forces on earth, but did you even wonder why they form? Three requirements are needed to create a hurricane: warm ocean waters (80 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer), moist air, and converging winds. Watch this video to learn more about how they form. 

 
Learn more from National Ocean Service · NOAA · Department of Commerce · USA.gov (click here for more videos).

If you live in an area that is susceptible to hurricanes, or if you plan to travel to one, please take the time to read our mini-series and get prepared. While hurricanes usually give advance warning of impending approach, finding supplies or shelter may be harder during a pandemic. Stay #HurricaneStrong and prepared.

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I recently completed extensive training and have become Travel Safety Verified. As your dedicated Travel Advisor, your safety is our priority, and it's our job to ensure you have the necessary information you need to give you confidence and peace of mind when making your future travel plans. Click the link to review our Travel Safety program with valuable resources that will answer many of your questions.

Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday night for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat

Hurricane Preparedness - After the Storm

Recovering from Disaster

Final In the Series

Updated: June 2024

Rebuilding After the Storm


We conclude our coverage of  2024 Hurricane Preparedness Week by looking at recovering from the storm.  Three organizations come to mind when you think about the aftermath of a hurricane or other natural disaster:  FEMA, Red Cross, and the National Guard.  There are many other organizations and individuals that also play a key role in providing immediate and long-term assistance to those impacted by the hazards of hurricanes and other natural disasters.


Recovering from a disaster is usually a gradual process with the first concern being immediate search and recovery while keeping safety in mind.   After the area has been made safe, the recovery process can begin.  Here are some resources that are helpful after the storm:

• Health and Safety Guidelines

  

  click image to enlarge graphic  (Courtesy CPHC)

• Returning Home
• Seeking Disaster Assistance
• Coping with Disaster
• Helping Others
• Returning Home (NHSI) 
• Recovering from Disaster

Even with all the scientific advances in recent years, it is still impossible to predict how many storms will occur in a given year and what communities lie in their path.   Just like in sports, the best defense is a good offense.

NOW is the TIME to PREPARE

Not the storm you are looking for?  Click Image or Here

Hurricane Preparedness - Evacuation Plan

In this case, Hurricane Preparedness is that secret play that can make the difference in loss of property and lives.  It is for that reason that we have participated with NOAA, FEMA and other organizations in sharing these public service announcements.   We have been covering hurricane preparedness for years, so if you still need more information, you can check out some of our other articles which can be found via links in our Hurricane Zone page.

Read entire series (click here)

More links and information about tropical storms and other weather conditions can be found in the Weather & Hurricane Zone tabs above.


If you live in, or plan to vacation in, an area where hurricanes are prevalent, please prepare in advance by reading our series.

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I recently completed extensive training and have become Travel Safety Verified. As your dedicated Travel Advisor, your safety is our priority, and it's our job to ensure you have the necessary information you need to give you confidence and peace of mind when making your future travel plans. Click the link to review our Travel Safety program with valuable resources that will answer many of your questions.

Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat

Hurricane Preparedness - Written Plan

click image to enlarge

Updated: June 2024

Hurricane Planning

The time to prepare for a hurricane is before the season begins, when you have the time and are not under pressure. If you wait until a hurricane is on your doorstep, the odds are that you will be under duress and will make the wrong decisions. Take the time now to write down your hurricane plan. Know where you will ride out the storm and  get your supplies now. You don’t want to be standing in long lines when a Hurricane Watch is issued. Those supplies that you need will probably be sold out by the time you reach the front of the line. Being prepared, before a hurricane threatens, makes you resilient to the hurricane impacts of wind and water. It will mean the difference between your being a hurricane victim and a hurricane survivor.

• FEMA Make a Plan
• Understand Forecast Information
• Get Moving When a Storm Threatens
• Stay Protected During Storm
• Prepare Before Hurricane Season

The time to prepare for a hurricane is before the season begins, when you have the time and are not under pressure. If you wait until a hurricane is on your doorstep, the odds are that you will be under duress and will make the wrong decisions. Take the time now to write down your hurricane plan. Know who issues evacuation orders for your area, determine locations on where you will ride out the storm, and start to get your supplies now.  Being prepared before a hurricane threatens makes you resilient to the hurricane impacts of wind and water. It will mean the difference between being a hurricane victim or a hurricane survivor.

Click on this interactive image to learn more about being prepared for Hurricanes and other Disasters

Inside the Eye: Day 7: Complete Your Written Hurricane Plan

Hurricane Preparedness - Evacuation Plan

NOW is the TIME to PREPARE

There's still time before the official start of Hurricane Season 2024 in the Atlantic Basin.   Hopefully this series of articles and the resources that we've shared will assist you in keeping your family and property safe this season.   Regardless of the season forecast, it only takes one storm....

Our final article will take a look at what to do after the storm.  Thank you for taking this seriously.

Read entire series (click here)

More links and information about tropical storms and other weather conditions can be found in the Weather & Hurricane Zone tabs above.


If you live in, or plan to vacation in, an area where hurricanes are prevalent, please prepare in advance by reading our series.

Connect With Us On

    

    

Sign-up for Exclusive Email Offers

I recently completed extensive training and have become Travel Safety Verified. As your dedicated Travel Advisor, your safety is our priority, and it's our job to ensure you have the necessary information you need to give you confidence and peace of mind when making your future travel plans. Click the link to review our Travel Safety program with valuable resources that will answer many of your questions.

Where have you explored? 

Gather your travel and food pics and join us every Wednesday for the latest installment of #FoodTravelChat