Carol's Cruises

2010 Cruises Inc Conference!

2010-10-09T07:51:00.000-07:00

Next week I will be traveling with 800+ of my fellow Cruise One/Cruises Inc Agents for our National Conference! This is an opportunity for us to all learn new ideas, new concepts, meet our supplies and counterparts, while enjoying a 'relaxing' vacation!

Last year we were on the Carnival Pride out of Baltimore. This was a great experience for me and my sister, Peg Gould, who works with me. We drove over to Baltimore and stayed overnight at the Holiday Inn Express. While on the cruise we were in class from 8am to about 4:30 or 5PM and than in the evening we had activities with the group. While in port, we were treated to fabulous shore excursions and entertainment. It was a great time and I learned a lot.

This year we are traveling on Friday, October 15 to fly to Ft Lauderdale where we will spend the night in a hotel in Miami, get up on Saturday to board the wonderful new ship, the Norwegian Epic!

We will be cruising to Costa Maya, Cozumel, and Honduras. While on the ship we will be experiencing the classes that will help us be more efficient travel agents and be able to assist our clients better. We will also, have the opportunity to re-connect with our friends from lasts years conference and while also meeting new friends!

Onbord the Norwegian Epic we will partake in the entertainment like the Blue Man Group, Second City Comedy, and Legends in Concert! While we will not have a lot of free time, I do plan to explore the ship and visit the Epic Plunge!!!

But I will also be enjoying some wonderful Caribbean Sunsets from my balcony! One of the most beautiful sites in the world, in my opinion!

When we arrive back home we will be preparing for the Celebration of the new Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas, November 3rd at the Dayton Bridal Connection. If you are in the Dayton area, please RSVP for this exciting evening where we will be giving a informative talk on the new ship, fun, games, fabulous door prizes, and special discounts on upcoming Royal Caribbean cruises!!

http://cmontgomery.cruisesinc.com/travel/cruise.articles/CMSStandardPage.html?edOid=1611999143

Summer of 2010 - Cruising on both motorcycles and cruise ships!

2010-06-19T14:44:00.000-07:00

Can you believe that it is already the middle of June? Where is this year running off to? This year, along with all my fellow members of the class of 1978 turned 50! Boy, isn’t that a rude awakening? 50 years old! Well, I wanted to go on a cruise for my 50th, but that won’t happen until in October. So I’m doing the next best thing….I’m learning to ride a motorcycle!

You might ask me why I decided to learn to ride at 50, I actually have several reasons…and I think they are really good ones!

Several years ago at my old company, the owner of the company decided that if you were hurt while riding a motorcycle, you were not insured. That put the thought in my head.

My nephew bought a motorcycle and wouldn’t let me ride it. That made me decide I would need to get my own!

A friend at work purchased a scoter to ride to work. Even I should be able to ride a scoter.

If I don’t learn now, when will I learn?

My birthday was the beginning of April, so I decided to send a message to a couple of friends that ride asking how one would go about learning to ride a motorcycle. Both came back with the needed information and offered to help me learn to ride. I selected one to teach me the fundamentals of riding the motorcycle. I will also take a course offered by the State of Ohio for Motorcycle Safety. I purchased a very nice ‘starter’ bike; it is a 2000 Suzuki LS650 Savage. My little bike! Now I can go out and ride whenever I want, except, now it won’t start. I forgot to tell anyone, that I am the person that in the winter with 6 – 8 inches of snow, I can’t start the snow blower! Anyway, hopefully that will be resolved soon so I can get back to terrorizing the neighbors!

What does my motorcycle have to do with going on a Caribbean vacation? I have swam with the stingrays at Stingray City, swam with the dolphins in the Bahamas, snorkeled with the moray eel (that wasn’t part of the tour, it was just present!), been whale watching in Alaska, and rode the dune buggy in Cozumel! But, I haven’t taken a tour on a Harley Davidson! Like this tour offered while I’m on the new Norwegian Epic in Cozumel –

Hog Motorcycle Safari –
Head south on your Harley-Davidson® Sportster and experience the ancient Mayan town of Cedral then continue south to Punta Celarain. After a brief photo stop, head north along the east side of the island to Coconuts Restaurant and Bar and enjoy the surroundings while being served ice-cold drinks and dine on Mexican cuisine. The journey continues north along the scenic coastline passing several beach resorts and pristine white-sand beaches. Negotiating the turn at Mezcalitos you'll head west back to the main town of San Miguel. Margaritaville will be the final destination. Those who wish to return to the ship at a later time will not be provided transportation.

How much fun would that be for a motorcycle enthusiast to be able to explore the island on a Harley? I may not be ready for this year to do the Harley tour…but look out next year! Vacationers have so many options to choose from, surely something will fit your personality. On one of my cruises I didn’t even get off at one port, I chose that day to be my spa day – facial, massage, mud wrap! It was a wonderful day on the ship while most passengers were off exploring Belize.

With the size and amenities onboard the Norwegian Epic, I may once again be pressed to stay onboard! I am doing the Western Caribbean with my ports of call being Honduras, Cozumel, and Costa Maya. I have previously cruised to Honduras and Cozumel so I may select one of these days to explore the ship! The Norwegian Epic weighs in at 153,000 Gross Tons, 1,080 feet long and 19 decks high. With activities that include –
• Aqua Park
• Sports Complex
• Headliners Comedy Club
• Epic Casino
• Epic Theater
• Fat Cats
• Recess Kid’s Crew
• Mandara Spa
• Entourage Teen’s Club
• Bowling
• Click Photo Shop
• The Collection Art Gallery
• WNCL Broadcast Room
• Pulse Fitness Center
• Splash Kid’s Pool
• The Marketplace
• I-connect Internet Café

The ship was released from the shipyards this month to NCL and will be the host location for the Macy 4th of July Fireworks display. It is quite the impressive ship! My cruise on this marvelous wonder is not until October, who knows, by then I may get my nerve up to take the Hog Motorcycle Safari! I was just speaking with my friend that was with me last time on the dune buggy excursion told me that she just purchased a dune buggy to fix up. Hum, maybe I can steal the buggy and find the sand dunes in Ohio to fly across!

What special occasion are you celebrating this year? That special birthday, Anniversary, Family reunion, Girlfriend trip, destination wedding, or honeymoon?

I may have turned 50 this year, but I still have a lot to do!

Check out the special deals that we have on cruises and all inclusive vacation packages. If you are going with a couple, a family, or a group we can help you with your special vacation as well!
http://www.flyawaycruises.com/

Cruise expenses

2009-11-18T20:35:00.000-08:00

I went to the Post Office last night to mail out some beautiful 2010 wall cruise calendars and the postal attendant asked me about the wonderful cruise specials. After talking with her for a minute she said, ‘I heard that getting on the boat is cheap, it is what you spend while on vacation that is expensive.’ ‘Well, yes,’ I told her, ‘that is totally up to you and how much you want to spend.’
Is it true? Will you go broke while on a cruise ship? I hope not! While I will admit that I do spend money while on my vacation, it is totally at my discretion as to how much I spend. What are some of the cost that you might encounter?
· Beverages, do you drink alcoholic beverages? Yes they are an additional charge. If you drink wine with dinner or a lot of Strawberry Daiquiris it adds up. Cola’s – if you drink a lot I suggest the soda card! They are wonderful; you can always stop at any bar and get a soda without charge.
· Shore excursions – can range from $20 all the way to several hundred dollars. It depends on where you are and what you are doing. The shore excursions that I have been on were wonderful! I don’t think that I took any that I did not believe were worth the cost. The experience is outstanding! Again, this cost is up to you and your budget, I have stopped at some ports where I simply got off the ship and walked around the town or rented a car. Shore excursions in Alaska tend to be expensive, while I was on my cruise I took 2 excursions that were about $150 each at my other 2 stops I walked the town and did things on my own in one and rented a car and visited the country side in another.
· Shopping – again what is your budget? My last cruise I did not purchase anything. On other trips I purchased a diamond ring.
· Onboard gambling – need I say more? I love the casino, but keep to a budget. Same with bingo.
· Specialty restaurants – you do not need to go to the specialty restaurant. I have been on 6 cruises and I have only dined in a specialty restaurant one time. That being said, if you want to partake in the optional restaurant experience, than know that you will have to pay. Fees typically range from $10 - $50 per person.
· Miscellaneous charges – at your discretion.

When you look at the cost of the cruise versus the cost of a land vacation, the cruise is normally less expensive. Remember your cruise cost includes your – room, meals, entertainment, transportation between islands, and a whole lot of wonderful memories.

I have experienced – snorkeling with the stingrays at Sting Ray City, swimming with the dolphins, taking a dune buggy on the back roads of Cozumel and on the beach, and my all time favorite – being in the middle of a pod of whales while on a catamaran!

The choice is yours, while on a cruise you can spend as much or little money as you want. While you may want to participate in all the activities, verify your budget and what your vacation dollars can afford.
If you haven’t tried cruising yet, check out our specials and give us a call! I think that once you try a cruise you will be hooked. I know I was!

Carnival Pride Cruise

2009-10-22T14:13:00.000-07:00

I recently went on our companies Conference aboard the Carnival Pride cruise ship departing from Baltimore, MD. The ship was fabulous! Many of you may be like me and think that a 7 night Bahamas cruise is a bit much, but oh what a joy! I have never had the opportunity to drive to my cruise.
Since I live in the Dayton, Ohio area the drive is only about 8 hours, so we decided to drive instead of fly to the cruise. With the airlines now charging for baggage, you defiantly have a advantage by driving. When I cruise I have to change clothes at least 2 to 3 times per day I have no option but to take at least 2 suitcases for myself, plus my carryon bag. Anyway, we left Dayton Saturday around 3pm to drive to Baltimore and arrived at the hotel at a little after midnight. After checking into the Holiday Inn Express and arranging for our transfer to the pier, it was off to bed.
Sunday morning we went down to the breakfast bar, which is included in the cost of the room and had breakfast. We took the complimentary 11am shuttle to the port and checked in for our cruise. We were in group 13 for boarding. The seating area at the port was very packed; it seemed that we were sitting on top of each other. Carnival put the beach balls out and most people enjoyed hitting the beach balls around. Time passed quickly and we were invited to board the vessel! Oh I love this part, the first impression of your home for the next 7 days!
The Carnival Pride is a lovely ship, she is a ‘Spirit Class’ ship and is not a huge ‘mega’ ship by any stretch of the imagination. This was great because getting around was not difficult. The décor of the Pride is Renaissance with a lot of art work. Ok, nudes so don’t be surprised when you see a naked statue of David or a naked lady painted on the wall. It is tactfully done and I found the décor pleasing. We took a quick ship tour and then it was off to our cabin. Oh yes, I was ready to sail!
For those of you who are concerned about sea sickness, yes, I am ALWAYS concerned about that! I was worried about going down the east coast since the seas can be rough. I put the patch on Sunday morning, changed it on Wednesday evening and I was fine the entire cruise! I did not get seasick at all. The ship, the food, the entertainment, the crew, and the itinerary were wonderful! I would recommend the Carnival Pride to anyone looking for a good vacation from a port that is close to home!
While on the cruise it was announced that next year’s conference will be on the Norwegian Epic, that is going to be another wonderful trip. I have a entire year to wait!!!
October is Cruise month and the cruise lines are offering some fabulous deals, drop me a note and I will get your trip booked! If you are looking to hold a family gathering or a class reunion we can help! Contact Carol or Peg at 800-479-0906 or cmontgomery@cruisesinc.com Check out our website at www.flyawaycruises.com

2009-08-27T18:44:00.001-07:00

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2009-08-27T17:21:00.001-07:00

Getting ready for the Carnival Dream? First cruise coming up Sept. 19!

Herricane Season in the Carribean!

2009-08-16T17:15:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, Aug. 16 - 3 named storms were named! So far been a very quite Hurricane season, but that is getting ready to change! Tropical Storm Claudette is still out headed towards the Florida Panhandle. Several Cruise ships had to change their itinerary this past weekend and some will be changing itineraries this week.
You need to make sure that your travel agent is watching your itinerary and lets you know what changes will affect you and your cruise. On my cruise aboard the Carnival Valor during the storm surge resulting from Katrina, our itinerary was not affected. However, that was not the case for the Carnival Victory! She had to change itinerary and could not return to Galveston for a extra 2 days!
Make sure that you are aware of the hurricane season and know the possibilities of a storm hitting during your cruise. One of the most wonderful facts of a cruise ship is the fact that it is mobile. Unlike your island vacation that cannot move out of the path of the hurricane, a ship has the ability to miss a port and replace it with a different port if possible! Normally, your vacation will not be drastically impacted by the impending storm, but you may stop at a new destination that you did not have plans to see!
So, go plan your cruise vacation and expect to still have a wonderful time. We can help you plan that trip for your family, friends, or group cruise. Currently the prices that the cruise lines are offering are at a all time low, but that will change when the economy changes. Now is the time to book your 2010 vacation while you can still take advantage of the remarkable prices being offered.
Some of the specials that we have this week include –
· 4-Night Baja Mexico Cruise from $159
· 4-Night Bahamas Cruise from $175
· 5-Night Western Caribbean Cruise from $249
· 7-Night Greek Isles and Turkey Cruise from $499
· 7-Night Western Mediterranean Cruise from $516
· 7-Night Bermuda from $549
We are also hosting a group cruise aboard the Carnival Freedom for a Singles Spring Break Cruise – March 21 – 27, 2010! This cruise will include group activities as well as a onboard raffle for future cruise travel! Prices are – Inside $561, Outside $661 and Balcony $811 including port taxes on the ship!
Check out our website at www.flyawaycruises.com or email me at cmontgomery@cruisesinc.com
Carol

Starting full time in the business

2009-08-14T21:44:00.000-07:00

Now is an extremely nerve-racking and exhilarating time for me. While I started in travel in 1978 and worked as a travel agent for 16 years from 1978 to 1994, I left travel at that time to pursue other options. During that period I worked in the banking, medical, and automotive industries as a teller, medical records analyzer, computer operator, customer service representative, and a technical trainer. I also completed my Associates Degree in Computer Information Systems, Bachelors Degree in Business Management, Masters Degree in Business / Human Resources, and almost completed a second Masters Degree in Business Management.
In 2007 after much deliberation and soul searching, I decided to start back in travel with my own agency. This has been such an exciting time for me working on travel arrangements for friends, associates, clients, and groups! I have even had the opportunity to escort one group to Alaska with another group coming up in March. That is so exciting going out with others and having a group of friends / clients traveling together experiencing the wonderful excitement of cruising. During this time I have worked my agency in my spare time while working at a full time employment. This has been difficult with trying to spend as much time as I wanted dealing with learning new travel destinations and gaining new clients.
Beginning October 1, 2009, I will be working my travel agency on a full time basis! Very scary and very exciting! I will finally be able to spend the time that I want dealing with my customers and learning about new destinations. I have one client looking for a destination wedding, so I will be able to gather information about that. Was this my choice to take this route? No, I did not plan on leaving my employment at this time, but my contract is ending, so I will take the opportunity!
The timing is wonderful since my home office is hosting a corporate convention leaving on October 4, 2009 on the Carnival Pride from Baltimore, which I will be attending learning new methods of promoting my business and exciting industry changes. So many new ships are coming out in the next couple of years, constant changes are occurring.
As I stated earlier, I love hosting groups. My first experience hosting was back in the 80’s with a group to Acapulco. Last year I had a small group of family and friends who traveled with me to Alaska on the Norwegian Star. That was so wonderful having so many people to experience the beautiful sights of Alaska with me. By traveling in a group everyone always had someone to do an excursion with. Then, at the end of the day, we were all able to share our experiences about the excursions.
In March I will be hosting a Singles Spring Break Cruise – March 21 – 27, 2010 aboard the Carnival Freedom. This week, I had an article published in the Dayton Single Source News Magazine talking about cruising and the group. I am hoping that the trip sells out! We have room for a total of 52 passengers so it will not be a large group. The cruise will be going to Key West, Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios, Jamaica! We will also have 2 days at sea to enjoy the ship.
The Carnival Freedom is a huge ship that offers, pools, spa, casino, several lounges and bars, nightly entertainment, and a huge movie screen so that we can have movie night out by the pool enjoying movie and pop corn! The ship will offer many activities throughout the cruise, in fact when you travel on a ship and look at the daily activities, it is sometimes difficult to decide what you ‘have to do’ and what you will not have time for! We will also be offering group activities so that our traveling companions will have the opportunity to get acquainted with their fellow group members.
Some of the activities that we are planning include – a meet and greet pool party, a hosted cocktail reception, friendly sporting competition on the miniature golf course, movie night under the stars – I’ll even provide the pop corn! We will also be able to offer you the chance to do excursions as a group. That does not mean that you ‘have’ to travel with us at all times, but if you want we will have that available to you for a group excursion!
So drop me an email and plan to travel with us on this trip to the exciting Carnival Freedom! Future groups will be offered and announcements will be forthcoming.
Contact – Carol or Peg at cmontgomery@cruisesinc.com or check out our web site at www.flyawaycruises.com
Oh my, I almost forgot, my companies 2 year anniversary was on Aug 1st! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO ME!!!

Carnival Freedom Ship

2009-08-05T17:39:00.000-07:00

Have you ever been on a cruise ship? If not you may be concerned about what to do while on board during sea days. Our Singles Spring Break Cruise offers sea days for our enjoyment! (Well they are actually for everyone who is on the cruise, but we can enjoy them!!!)

Catch some rays by the pool, participate in some friendly competition with activities in -miniature golf, corn hole, big chess set, jogging track, game room, trivia, participate in the walk for a cure. Enjoy a trip down the water slide, play roulette in the casino, bingo, read a book, catch some rays, or nap on your private balcony. The options are endless!

The abundance of duty-free shops, delicious dining options, bars, clubs, on board activities and the addition of the Carnival Seaside Theatre – a 12-foot-high by 22-foot-wide LED screen located poolside on Carnival Freedom’s Lido deck showing movies, sporting events, concerts, and various other programming -- make the Carnival Freedom as much an attraction as the destinations themselves.

What type of Cabin should I book on the Cruise?

2009-07-19T07:32:00.000-07:00

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!

Traveling with a food allergy.

2009-07-10T20:41:00.000-07:00

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 Maître 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

Escort group cruise

2009-07-02T19:06:00.000-07:00

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

What is a Singles Cruise like?

2009-06-28T15:49:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was talking with a friend who went on a Singles Cruise a few months ago. She said that she had a good time on the trip. According to Stacie, she went with the attitude that she would have a great time on this trip! She was concerned about her roommate, would they get along? Would her roommate snore; making it difficult to sleep? Stacie investigated the cruse, looked at what the ship had to offer, and what activities the ports had to offer. Stacie, also, decided to bring ear plugs with her, that way if her roommate snored, Stacie would be ok! Actually, like a well prepared traveler, she decided to bring 2 pair of earplugs and one of the other travelers was extremely happy that she did!

Go on the trip looking for friendships with others who have similar vacation dreams! While you might find love on the trip, that is not necessarily going to happen. Go on the trip looking to have a great time and with an open mind. If you have a friend to come on the trip with you, that is great. If not, that is good as well. We will be able to offer companionship that will make the trip eventful!

Check out the website today and reserve your space while there is still time. The trip is on the Carnival Freedom, March 21 – 27, 2010. Visit www.flyawaycruises.com for more details. Or contact Carol or Peg at 800-479-0906.

Carnival Freedom - Spring Break Singles March 21 - 27, 2010

2009-06-21T18:18:00.000-07:00

When you think about a cruise, some of you might not think they have much to offer while at sea. That is truly not the case on the Carnival Freedom. For our singles cruise we will have the following itinerary –

Sunday – Depart Ft Lauderdale
Monday – Key West
Tuesday – FUN DAY AT SEA!
Wednesday – Grand Cayman
Thursday – Ocho Rios, Jamaica
Friday – FUN DAY AT SEA!
Saturday – Arrive Ft. Lauderdale

We will actually have 2 full days at sea, just what is there to do on a ship for a entire day? Well, my answer to that is, ‘what do you like to do?’ This ship offers food 24 hours a day, Bars and Lounges, Library, Internet Center, Casino, Disco, Movies, Card Room, Game Arcade, Fitness Center, Full Service Spa, Sauna/Steam Room, Beauty Salon, Outdoor Pool, Basketball, Miniature Golf, Volleyball, Shuffleboard, Ping Pong, Jogging/Walking track, Water Slide, Water Wars, and Shopping.

You have the ability to participate in the activities with your friends or enjoy some of the games that the cruise lines have planed for your entertainment.

When the ship returns to Ft. Lauderdale on Saturday, you might be like me and say…’where did the time go? I will have to come back to try everything!’
If you would prefer quite time, that is available as well. I’m not sure what movies are playing while we will be out to sea, but we will plan to have a ‘Movie and Popcorn’ night on deck! Not to mention visiting with all your new friends

http://cmontgomery.cruisesinc.com/travel/cruise_articles/display_editorial.do?TemplateOid=1611710226

Singles Spring Break - March 21 - 27, 2010

2009-06-16T18:33:00.000-07:00

Are you a single person who would like to go on a cruise, but don't have a roommate to travel with? Or, do you have a traveling companion, but want to have a group to interact with on the trip? We have just the trip for you!

We will be traveling on the wonderful Carnival Freedom cruise ship for 6 glorious nights traveling from Ft. Lauderdale going to Key West, Grand Cayman, and Ocho Rios, Jamaica! We are going to offer group shore excursions for those that would like to go with friends!

Last weekend the Travel Channel showed Samantha Brown on the Carnival Freedom ship, not the same itinerary, but check it out to see the ship!

In the next few months I will be posting information about the ship, ports, and activities.

Check out our web site for more information and pricing on the trip. www.flyawaycruises.com

Easter!

2009-04-11T20:16:00.000-07:00

I hope that everyone is enjoying the Easter holiday! I always love this time of year with all the weather changes and the promise of a new beginning. Today we went to the casino to celebrate my birthday. We did not do so well. Jazzi, my schnauzer, went to doggy daycamp to play while we were gone. She is so funny, loving the time she gets to play with the other dogs, tonight she can hardly move! What did I ever do before finding doggie daycamp?

I am looking forward to next years cruise aboard the Norwegian Star.

I love the current deals that the cruise lines are offering, when you think about traveling for less than $50 per day including your hotel, meals, and entertainment!! This is such a wonderful time to travel. Hopefully these deals will not last long, while we all love a great deal, as long as the prices are so low, we know the economy is still low. Hopefully, by the time we are ready to go on our trip next year, the prices have all increased!

New ships!

2009-04-01T18:38:00.000-07:00

This is an exciting time for cruise fans. We all have the opportunity to not only travel with some extremely terrific sales, new ships are constantly being built with exciting new enhancements on the cruise and exciting new itineraries!

Some of the new ships that have recently joined the fleets are -

In 2008 -
Carnival - Splender
Royal Caribbean - Independence of the Seas
MSC - Poesia and Fanasia
Holland America - Eurodam
Princess - Ruby Princess
Celebrity - Celebrity Solstice

In 2009 -
MSC - Splendida
Costa - Costa Luminosa and Costa Pacifica
Seabourn - Seabourn Odyssey
Celebrity - Celebrity Equinox
Royal Caribbean - Oasis of the Seas
Carnival - Carnival Dream
NCL - F3 Type
Silver Seas - Silver Spirit

With more ships coming out in 2010. Disney has 2 new ships on the horizon. With the new ships they will be moving the Disney Wonder to Los Angeles. This will bring a new market to Disney and the ability of new passengers to experience the Disney brand.

This is truly a exciting time to be a cruise connoisseur, all the new and exciting ships and itineraries. Even with the economy, the time is right for a cruise vacation.

Balcony cabins

2009-03-29T15:36:00.000-07:00

I absolutely love to cruise and I think that currently if you are looking to take a vacation, the prices are out of this world!!! Currently I have over 50 cruises offered for less than $50 per person / per day! That includes your hotel, meals, and entertainment for less than $50 per day. Where can you possibly go on a lavish vacation for that type of money? Yes, we do have to get you to the port. Yes, this is for a inside cabin. But, YES you will be on the cruise ship having the time of your life!

Now for me, I have became spoiled and do not know if I can go back to anything but a balcony cabin. The first time I experienced a balcony cabin was on the Carnival Valor and found that to be the most relaxing trip ever! At night prior to going to bed to be able to sit on the balcony and relax listening to the water. In the morning prior to starting my day sitting out on the balcony watching the sun rise. In the middle of the day going back to the cabin and sitting on my own balcony without all the other passengers, watching the water go by. I was hooked!

Last year we went on the Norwegian Star to Alaska in September. Yes, I had a mini suite with a balcony. No, I didn't spend a lot of time on the balcony. But, the time that I did spend was wonderful!

2009-03-29T15:28:00.000-07:00

Recently, I was told ‘start a blog,’ so here is my NEW blog!

First let me introduce myself, I’m Carol Montgomery from Bellbrook, Ohio and I love to travel. Well, yes I love to travel, but mainly I love to cruise! When I was a senior in High School way back in 1978 at Bellbrook Sr. High, I decided to be an Account. Already enrolled at Bowling Green University, my mother saw an advertisement in a magazine for Southeastern Academy and without asking anyone, sent off the form.

I was a little surprised with the recruiter called to set up an appointment, but decided to talk to the man. The recruiter came to our house to talk about this wonderful travel school in Kissimmee Florida. Thinking that it sounded like a lot of fun, I decided to attend Southeastern Academy! Upon graduation from Bellbrook Sr. High in June, I was packed up and on the plane to Florida. Oh the fun we had….but that is a totally different story!

After graduation from Southeastern Academy, it was off to work as a travel agent! That was a field I was in from 1978 to 1999. The trips I not only arranged for business, vacation, and group travelers were so exciting and I was even able to escort a few of my groups! Talk about exhilarating!!

The travels that I was able to take were so much fun and I always held a special place for the cruises! Oh, the first time that I stepped onto Norwegian Cruise Lines Starward I was hooked for life! Currently I have traveled on 5 cruises with 2 more scheduled in the next year! Stepping onto the ship still brings back that excitement and offers so much to the traveler!

But, I haven’t finished my story…after high school; I did not attend college, but instead went to ‘Trade School.’ Don’t get me wrong, without that trade school; I would not have had the opportunities that I took by being a travel agent. Deciding that I wanted to go back to school, I am now happy to say a college graduate, not one time…but, 3 times soon to have my 4th degree! I have an Associates from Sinclair Community College, a Bachelors from Urbana University, my 1st Masters from Central Michagan University, almost completed my 2nd Masters from Keller University, and I’m contemplating going on for my PHD! In my opinion, it was a great idea for me not to attend college straight out of high school.

In 2007, I decided that I missed the travel industry. Not wanting to go back to work for a agency and not wanting to quit my ‘day job’ I started a home based agency! Oh how the industry has changed since 1999! My business is called Fly Away Cruises.

This is so exciting to me, to actually be a member of such a wonderful organization!