Sunday, July 19, 2009

What type of Cabin should I book on the Cruise?

When you are planning your cruise cabin assignments are important! Where do you want to stay? Do you want inside, outside, balcony, or a suite? That mainly depends on your budget and what you feel comfortable with!

Last year we went to Alaska with a small group. We had people staying in inside, outside, and a mini suite cabins. While out and about on the cruise all get the same service for dinning, entertainment, shore excursions, etc. (well if you book a true suite, you would get added benefits) So it comes down to choices. If the choice is I can go on the trip and have a great time in a inside cabin, or I cannot afford to go on the trip, the inside cabin may be satisfactory to you.

Most cruisers will tell you that you will not spend much time in the cabin, that is true. So if you don't mind having no windows, this is a wonderful solution. Our folks in the inside cabin had just as wonderful experience in the cabin as we did! Some of the newer ships, like Royal Caribbean offer a inside window to the Promenade so you can see what is going on inside the ship!

The outside cabin is a viable option as well. From this type of cabin you will be able to look out your window and see the ocean or port. My first 3 cruises all had outside cabins and I was so excited and had a wonderful time! I remember the old 'Big Red Boat' the cabin had a window seat type of port hole. I would sit up in the little window seat to enjoy the ocean. But for the most part, I was out on deck enjoying the activities!

My last 2 cruises, and hopefully all my future cruises will have a balcony cabin! I admit, I am a balcony fanatic! I love going out onto my balcony and sitting watching the ocean. In the morning, before everyone gets up, I am on the balcony with my Diet Pepsi enjoying the peacefulness and the sunrise! During the day if I have a down moment, out on the balcony I go. When preparing for dinner, I am on the balcony waiting on my turn for the shower.

But my favorite quite time is at the end of the day, after spending time in the Disco or Casino, stopping by the Poolside Cafe and getting a slice of Pepperoni Pizza, bringing it back to my cabin and going out on the balcony to eat my pizza and enjoy the quite spray / mist of the ocean at night. Relaxing prior to retiring for the night, to get up in the morning so that I can enjoy the ocean again!

While I was in Alaska, I will admit that I did not get to spend the time on the balcony that I wanted, we had the mini suite! But I did go out and enjoy myself when the breeze wasn't too cold. I enjoy the balcony talk with the neighbors, the family on one side was from Hawaii and they were enjoying Alaska. During our trip to the glacier, 9 of us were on my balcony enjoying the scenery.

In October I will be on the Carnival Pride from Baltimore, out on my balcony enjoying myself and talking to the neighbors. In March I will be cruising with my group - Singles Spring Break - March 21 - 27, 2010 on the Carnival Freedom, yep you guessed it, on my balcony!

Friday, July 10, 2009

Traveling with a food allergy.

A very good friend of mine will be traveling with us on the Singles Spring Break – 2010 cruise aboard the Carnival Freedom, she asked me; ‘Will I be able to eat while on the cruise?’ To most of this, we do not understand the concern; however, if you have a friend or family member with a gluten allergy, the question is highly logical. I have been out to eat with her at many restaurants where it becomes an issue finding something on the menu that she can eat. We went to a steak house one night and they told us that they did not have anything on the menu she could eat. (Very depressing!)
I started looking into what could she eat on the Carnival Freedom and would she have a issue. The answer in this case to this cruise is….I DON’T THINK SO!! Carnival works with passengers who have food allergies each and every week. While it is best for you to have your Travel Agent inform them in the prior to traveling to ensure that the chefs are prepared for the allergy.
Each cruise lines handles the request differently, but on Carnival they request that you inform your MaĆ®tre Dee on the first day so that they can make a note of the needs. Each evening you will be shown the menu for the next day’s meals and you will make your selections at that time. This will give the galley time to prepare your meals and ensure that you will have the same wonderful meals that your table mates are enjoying. Some of the items that you will be able to enjoy are Eggs Benedict, pasta dishes, bread, pizza, and molten chocolate cake! (Of course they are modified for your needs.)
Passengers who have provided a review based on their experience with these meals have said that they are very delicious and that they enjoyed them tremendously. So if you have a food allergy or some other medical concern that will need to be addressed so that you too can have a fabulous trip, make sure you let your travel agent know ahead of time.
I hope you are looking forward to traveling with us on our Singles Spring Break – March 21 – 27, 2010 aboard the Carnival Freedom. Visit our web site at http://www.flyawaycruises.com/ or drop me a email at cmontgomery@cruisesinc.com we are currently holding space for 50 of your close friends and would enjoy your company on the trip!
Carol

Thursday, July 2, 2009

Escort group cruise

Have you ever thought that you would like to plan a family reunion, girls get away, school reunion, destination wedding, or just a friends’ get away? While working with Carol & Peg's Cruises Inc. the groups host gets to travel with the group with a discount or free based on how many people are traveling with you.

Currently we are planning a Singles Spring Break March 2010 which Peg and I will be escorting. This trip will be available to you to join us and have a wonderful time. If you would like to have the opportunity to host a group, give us a call and we will help you plan your trip. You need a minimum of 16 guest or 8 cabins to be eligible for a discount. Based on how many total cabins you have for every 8 cabins you will get more of a discount.

If you would like to talk about your upcoming trip, give us a call and we will help you with ideas and planning your upcoming vacation!

Carol Montgomery