Cruise for YOU

You can have the vacation of a lifetime, see the world, completely unwind, take a walk on the wild side, dance the night away, feast on fabulous cuisine, learn something new, make friends, bond with your family, steal quiet moments with your spouse and children. Whatever your heart desires, is yours, when you choose to cruise.

Here are 10 Reasons* of Why you should take a Cruise:

1. Choose to cruise for VALUE. One price buys your cabin, dining, entertainment and more.
2. Choose to cruise for ROMANCE. Secluded beaches, en suite dining on a balcony overlooking the ocean and spa services for two are just some of the romantic pursuits available.

3. 

   Courtesy of NCL Rights Reserved

   Choose to cruise for CUISINE. Tantalize your taste buds with gourmet fare that showcases exotic ingredients, old standbys like pizza and ice cream or spa cuisine for a healthy alternative. Depending on your mood, dine in a traditional ballroom setting, a small bistro or a casual eatery.

4. 

   Courtesy of NCL Rights Reserved

   Choose to cruise for VARIETY. With over 200 distinctive ships, 3000 ports-of-call and an unbelievable array of places to see and things to do, there is a perfect cruise for you. For even more choice, consider a pre- or post-land tour.
5. Choose to cruise for ACTIVITIES. Fill your days with sightseeing, sports activities, cultural lectures, educational tours led by naturalists and historians or simply lounge by the pool and relax. At night, enjoy dance extravaganzas, musical revues, gaming or a quiet evening gazing at the stars.

6. 

   Courtesy of NCL Rights Reserved

   Choose to cruise for SIMPLICITY. Don't come back from your vacation needing a vacation. Planning a cruise is simple; your CLIA-affiliated travel agency can handle all of the details. Once you're on board, nearly all expenses are pre-paid... talk about hassle-free.
7. Choose to cruise for NEW HORIZONS. Fall asleep in one destination and awake to a new horizon... and you only have to pack and unpack once!
8. Choose to cruise for FAMILY. Families love cruising. Children's programs, kid-friendly menus and tours of the ship will keep your children happy, while affording you some time alone.

9. 

   Mandara Spa Sauna
   Courtesy of NCL Rights Reserved

   Choose to cruise for PAMPERING. Regardless of your budget, all cruise lines pamper their guests with first-class service around the clock.
10. Choose to cruise for SATISFACTION. It's a fact that cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience.

These are just a few reasons you should give yourself a chance to Cruise if you haven't before. You can even plan your cruise more than a year in advance and pay over time, budget is not a trouble anymore. Give me a call and let me explain the endless chances you have customized to your expectations and beyond.

*Courtesy of CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association)
Photos courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line, all Rights Reserved.

Leila Reyes

Family Travel Specialist

817-554-3346

When I should book my Vacation?

This is a question you probably have heard or even have asked yourself. As a Family Travel Specialist is a question I've been asked a lot. I know how hard is to take decision, but there are factors on the specific details of your vacation that can help tremendously to help you choose the best time to book your vacation.

First, I suggest you make a list of the details of your vacation. Actually you should make two different lists, one that includes everything that you want and you're not able to negotiate and other that includes things that might be or you are more flexible.  Let's say you have specific dates for your vacation because your children, who will be traveling with you must be out of school, the date you have chosen should go under the list of things you won't negotiate. When creating the lists you should consider the travel dates, if it's going to be a land or cruise vacation, your hotel preferences, how many people will be traveling and if are kids involved, are there payment options available, etc. Taking some time to plan and analyze all the do’s and don’ts will help you to have a better picture of what exactly you want to do. This way you won’t regret your decision, although this wasn't the outcome of Lisa.

A few months ago, Lisa Daniels* asked me to help her plan a Cruise Getaway to celebrate her 15^th Anniversary.  After a wide search I found her cruise, she was very pleased with the itinerary and the Cruise Length, but instead of booking she decided to wait because she has heard that “closer the departure date the lower the fares”. By the way this wasn't planned 6 months in advance, she was only a month from the sailing date, and I couldn't stress her enough to book her cruise that day, because she was risking losing availability on the Ocean View Cabins she requested (which were only 4 available by that time). So I went directly to my "do list" plan. This way I could show her that celebrate her anniversary on a cruise for the dates indicated was a priority for her and waiting to book would put at risk she could make the trip or not. I also detailed her all the options she had, and the possible outcomes. Happily she made her booking that same day, and reduced her risk of losing it.

There are endless factors that can affect your decision, because each vacation is unique. Let me give you another example; let's say you want to spend New Year's Holiday in Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL with your family. One thing I can tell you right away is that these dates are peak season in ANY hotel. I will highly recommend you to book as soon as possible once you have agreed the fares and availability for your family vacation. Another advantage is if you book in advance (3-6 months) Disney Resorts allow you to make a down payment and pay your full balance on a later date or on installments. (This option is also available in cruises; you can even book a cruise 2 years in advance in some cases, which is smoother to your pocket.) If your traveling party is 5 or more, availability is something you need to secure. I have a family of 5, and not always I find room for us, that's why I usually book 6-10 months in advance.

Summarizing, whatever I could recommend you to do, will depend on the factors and/or details of your unique and special vacation. although you should not wait if, in fact, are 100% sure of what you want, and when you want it. Do you need help deciding? Please give me a call, so we can start planning your next vacation and the options available you may have to book now or later.

Leila Reyes
Family Travel Specialist

817-554-3346

*Names have been changed for Privacy Purposes. 

Travel Insurance: Why is so important?

 If you are a frequent traveler, is highly probable you know the importance of getting travel insurance. But truth is there is still a lot of ignorance regarding what it covers and why is so important?

Travel Insurance is important because protects you and your family when unforseen events occur after you have booked and paid in full your trip. It will help in case your need to cancel your family vacation for personal reasons or circumstances on the part of the agency you purchase it (airline, cruise line or tour operator).

There is a good variety of coverages, some even cover pre-existing conditions. You can purchase one per trip or just get an annual insurance package. Here are some reasons for you to buy a Travel Insurance:

1. Your flight has been cancelled.


2. Your bags are lost and you have your medications in it. You need to have an emergency prescription filled.


3. Your passport and wallet are stolen, and you need emergency cash and a replacement passport.


4. You are involved in an accident and adequate medical treatment is not available, you need medical evacuation.


5. You need to cancel your trip due to illness.


6. Your cruise line, airline or tour operator goes bankrupt. You need your non-refundable expenses covered and to get to your destination.


7. You have an emergency on a foreign country.


8. A terrorist incident occurs in the city you're planning to visit and you want to cancel your trip. (Do you remember what happened last January in Egypt?)


9. A hurricane forces you to evacuate your resort, hotel or cruise. (Hurricane Irene)

Smart travelers buy Travel Insurance, and if you don't buy it, more than your trip could be ruined. I rather prefer to have a 100% peace of mind than a 100% loss of my vacation investment. Having a family of 5, having a Family Vacation is considered by me an investment. There are agencies (Vendors that offer insurance and only the adults pay the premium, as Disneyland in Southern California. They offer travel insurance but you only pay for the adults and it covers your entire travel party(which means kids don't pay and are covered if the adults are).

If we look at the recent news events caused by Hurricane Irene; I can tell that unfortunately not all cruise lines act the same way. Let's compare Carnival Cruises vs. Royal Caribbean, both cruise lines were force to depart early on August 23, 2011 from San Juan, PR due to the proximity of Hurricane Irene. Carnival Cruise Line contacted good portion of its passangers and offered 2 nights hotel plus airfare to meet the cruise in other port, while Royal Caribbean leaved them stranded with no compansation at all. Although they had short time to notify thousands of passangers, the cruise line stood up an offered a "solution", but not in every case this happens, and in top of that if you didn't have a travel insurance this could cause the loss of your investment and your vacation for sure.

Please if you are planning a vacation, which I consider an investment, take into consideration planning also what Travel Insurance you will use. Ask your Travel Specialist about which one best suits your needs and even to explain you in detail what are the coverages. Doing this could guarantee you peace of mind and highly probable you'll enjoy your family vacation to the fullest.

News: Courtesy of MSNBC.com and Cruise Critic

Leila Reyes

Family Vacation Specialist

817-554-3346

lrtravel@live.com

Disney Cruise you said? That's for Kids...

I have heard this statement more frequent that you can imagine. Disney Cruise it's just for kids...WRONG! When we talk about Family Vacation, we expect that every member get the most of it and have a blast as family and as individuals.

Allow me transport you to one of the newest realities of Disney Cruises...The Disney Dream.  Even the name can give you a hint of what is all about and I know, for sure, once you experienced what's in it, you'll realize it was above and beyond what you have ever dreamed.

On Disney's Dream Cruise you'll find the Adults area called The District.  The District is a section of the ship that caters to adults in the evening, and is home to a variety of distinct lounges and nightclubs, including Evolution, District Lounge, 687, Pink and Skyline. All venues in The District intertwine, with each venue possessing its own totally unique look, sound and feel, providing adults a range of fun options that play to all senses. Here is a brief description of each one:

• 687 is a contemporary sports lounge located on Deck 4, Aft in The District area. During the day, 687 provides family games and activities in a comfortable, casual setting; after 9:00 p.m., the venue transforms into a refuge for adults seeking more grown-up activities and games to enjoy over a beer, wine or mixed drinks.
• Evolution is a trendy dance club and the premier venue for grown-up fun. This glowing, pulsating club plays contemporary hits and classic favorites. During the day, Evolution provides dance classes, bingo, and arts and crafts. At night, Evolution caters to adults only, offering dancing, games, karaoke and a full bar serving mixed drinks.
• District Lounge This bar's cozy modern design conveys a relaxed atmosphere with comfortable, contoured seating that creates a gathering space for adults, as well as the perfect place to kick off the night's entertainment before moving on to explore the other venues in The District. A special feature of the District Lounge is its "halo" lighting overhead that provides a warm ambiance and its ceiling dome that imparts a soft glow and sets the mood, changing in hue and intensity as day gives way to night.
• Pink is a chic cocktail bar.  Inspired by France's finest Champagne, the entire venue makes Guests feel as though they are immersed in a bottle of pink effervescence.  Designed in French Art Nouveau, a style characterized by flowing curvilinear shapes, Pink's decor features back-lit glass "bubbles" inset into the walls to create an effect of cascading Champagne.  Sculpted-glass light fixtures are reminiscent of Champagne flutes. The bar stools appear as if made from sparkling crystal and the detailing along the front of the bar resembles the wire cage surrounding a Champagne bottle top.
• Skyline is a stunning cocktail bar. This ever-changing venue celebrates some of the world's most famous cities. Tall "windows" line a wall that offer Guests a commanding view of some of the world's most beautiful city skylines as if from a vantage atop a high rise. The chic setting is "metropolitan sky bar meets luxury penthouse," complete with digital fireplace. Warm wood and lustrous metal finishes provide a handsome backdrop to the 7 LCD big screens—Skyline's "windows to the world"—that not only depict a different city locale each day, but magically transform from day to night as each day progresses.



All images © Disney | Walt Disney

Imagineering Concept Art.

There is also a place to indulge yourself in Senses Spa & Salon. The ultimate in peaceful retreats, this immaculate setting offers spa treatments, massages, body wraps, facials, aromatherapy and much more. Salon services include manicures, pedicures, hairstyling and blowouts, plus teeth whitening at the Smile Spa, and a barber shop for traditional men's grooming services.

At Disney Dream Cruise you'll also have the access to the Fitness Center which includes: Weight Machines, Spinning Machines, Treadmills, Elliptical, Instructional Classes (Yoga, Pilates, Aerobics)* and Personal Training Sessions*. *Requires a nominal Fee.

Now, that you have pictured with me all this features,  Do you still believe Disney Cruise is for kids? Let me help you customize your next Family Vacation in a Disney Cruise. Contact me via phone or email so we can start planning the Family Vacation you have dreamed for so long.

Leila Reyes

Family Vacation Specialist

lrtravel@live.com

817-554-3346



Knowing the details of your Dreamed Family Vacation...

How do you know me so well? Do I? This is one of the questions I love the most. The secret? Nothing fancy, just handy...especially for a "Mompreneur" Travel Professional and Family Vacation Specialist like me. To simplify the way I can approach to each one of you, at the beginning took me a while. I had the desire to have a CRM (Customer Relationship Manager), but didn't want anything too complicated, actually I was looking for the simplest thing I could find. Then I decided to create a client database with the specific information I need that helps me to get to know your very own needs and desires for a specific Family Vacation.

This database is easy to sort, allowing me to use target information like my client's birthdays or anniversary dates. This has helped me to get to know what my clients like, what they dislike, what they wish or dream to do, have or receive. At the end of the day, I have not just earned a new client, but a special friend, because I have offered them (and you) a personalized service and most of all a trustful one.

To be part of my special client database is simple, just give me a call or email me, so we can plan together your next worthy and unforgettable Family Vacation.

Leila Reyes

Family Vacation Specialist
ltravel@live.com
817-554-3346

Family Travel Expert, I call that Specialist; Why?

I became a Family Vacation Specialist eight months ago. I am a certified Family Travel Specialist by the Travel Agent Academy. I've been trained not only as Family Travel Specialist, but as Cruise Specialist as well. Currently working on my ACC certification(Accredited Cruise Counselor) by the Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA). I'm also a Commodore, the highest achievement earned by Princess Cruises and Cunard Cruises.

I've been in Disney World (a Family Vacation Preferred Destination) four times and this year my family will experience the Disney Cruise for first time. I have taken 3 other cruises, two to the Caribbean and one to Europe.

I provide my clients the most personal and trustful information regarding their pictured or planned vacations. I take every idea and thought as it is for me and my personal family, but keeping in mind what they want and what they expect. Always trying my best to find them the best itineraries and deals on the market that fit with their specifications. Searching and asking to every supplier available, taking my time to achieve and go beyond their expectations.

If you're considering going on a Cruise or planning a Family Vacation, please feel free to contact me via email or phone so we can discuss your vacation plans in detail.

Leila Reyes

Family Vacation Specialist

lrtravel@live.com

2011 Emerging Vacation Trends--Family Vacation

Today I want to talk you about how a Family Vacation is positioned in the Travel Industry for 2011.  It's interesting to see how fast Family Vacation Niche is moving and growing over the years. Most family members are aware of the daily busy schedules and the lack of quality time and rest (leisure) time we allow to ourselves and our children. People asking for advise on planning their vacation are mostly looking for a shorter one, no more than 7 days; but this isn't totally negative because they are focusing on having at least two vacation weeks during the year.  Having a short family vacation allow them to explore even more destinations in a short period of time and at the same time distributing their "leisure time" during the year, and during school vacation. For example, Spring Break Week is one of the busiest weeks for travelers and travel advisors as well. Having kids off school, grant their parents plan for a short family vacation.

One destination that is in every family near or forecast future is to visit Walt Disney World. There is an increase of families planning and booking their Walt Disney World in advance, specially after all the great deals published in this past days. The advantage Families have in planning ahead of time is the possibility for them to make "monthly" payments to their booking after the deposit payments has been met, making it even more affordable without jeopardizing their budget. There will be always the ones that like to wait for "last minute deals", but doing so increase their chance of not having their preferred dates to travel or even their accommodation could be totally booked. This is a risk I don't recommend to anyone planning a Family Vacation.

There has been a lot of news about prices going up due to oil price increment, the latest announcement has been made by Norwegian Cruise Line and Regent Seven Seas, expect the increase fares beginning April 1st. To know the impact of these announcements in the travel industry we'll have to wait and see, but in my opinion while you plan ahead of time, this increases won't affect you in the way is projected. Everyone needs a break of their daily busyness and nothing will work better than relaxing on a Family Vacation.

Leila Reyes
Travel Agent
lrtravel@live.com