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!!!
Showing posts with label singles cruise. Show all posts
Showing posts with label singles cruise. Show all posts
Friday, August 14, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Carnival Freedom Ship
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.
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.
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!
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 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
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
Sunday, June 28, 2009
What is a Singles Cruise like?
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.
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.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Carnival Freedom - Spring Break Singles March 21 - 27, 2010
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
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
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Singles Spring Break - March 21 - 27, 2010
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
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
Sunday, March 29, 2009
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!
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!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
