Thursday, August 27, 2009
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Herricane Season in the Carribean!
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
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
Friday, August 14, 2009
Starting full time in the business
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!!!
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!!!
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
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
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
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