1. You may never see prices like this again - Wondering if you can afford to take a trip this year?  Think again!  Prices are extremely low, particularly for all-inclusive and cruise vacations, but hotels, tour companies and airlines are getting into the act. 
2. Book your cruises in advance - You get better choice of cabin, the deposit is fully refundable up to the final payment date, we can adjust the price if it comes down (and of course you are locked in if it goes up), PLUS you have longer to anticipate your trip!  I am an Accredited Cruise Counsellor and can help you plan your ideal cruise vacation.   (more…)

Twas the night before Christmas, and far out at sea
Our vessel was sailing, as smooth as could be

The stockings were hung from the balcony chairs
With hope that St. Nicholas would find them out there

The children were nestled all snug in their uppers
Having just settled down from a Christmas Eve supper

And ma and myself, we were covered in aloe
A bit too much sun, in a pool, warm and shallow

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

(Burlington, Ontario - December 10, 2008) Kevin Visser of Travelonly has been designated as a Cruise Line International Association (CLIA) Cruise Counsellor after recently completing the organization’s certification requirements.  Kevin Visser is now recognized within the cruise industry as an Accredited Cruise Counsellor (ACC).

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Running a fundraising auction or raffle?  Rewarding top employees or customers?  Looking for a great gift?

A travel certificate is one of the most desirable awards that you can receive, and Carnival Cruise Lines has an excellent program in place that makes it very easy for you to give them.  You can buy pre-paid cruise certificates from your travel agent (that’s me) in 6 different categories for any cruise length. They start at as low as a few hundred dollars, are valid for 18 months, can be upgraded, and are very flexible.

Read all about Carnival’s Preferred Awards program HERE, and see the pricing HERE (prices listed are for TWO passengers and are valid until Jan 31, 2009).   Please contact me with any questions or if you would like to purchase one or more certificates, and makes someone’s day (or year!) by sending them on a cruise!

I had the honour of attending a special two day pre-inaugural sailing of the brand new CELEBRITY SOLSTICE a couple of weeks prior to it’s November 23 inaugural sailing.   What a ship!  Experiencing a cruise ship fresh out of the shipyard like that was a real treat, however sailing on Solstice at any time would certainly be a pleasure.

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10 Questions from Cruise Ship Passengers:

1. What time is the midnight buffet?
2. Will the elevator take me to the front of the ship?
3. How do I find my picture?
4. Do the crew sleep on board?
5. Does the ship generate it’s own electricity?
6. Are the entertainer’s paid?
7. Someone asked me this when trying to find a lounge - ‘Can you get there from here?’
8. Is there water all around the island?
9. Is there a train that goes to all of the islands?
10. Where are Cuban cigars from?

And your bonus # 11.  Where is the bus for the walking tour?

Royal Caribbean cruise line has just introduced it’s exciting and innovative new marketing campaign, and with it a new nation - The Nation of Why Not.   In this nation there are 21 floating States, dolphins have voting rights, surfing in the middle of the ocean is encouraged, and the motto is ‘Why Not’.

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Carnival is the King of Cruising

Recently I had the opportunity to enjoy a dinner that was hosted by Carnival Cruise Lines.  The keynote speaker was Jeffrey Weinstock, their VP of International Sales and Marketing.   He had plenty of data on cruising, and also shared some fascinating insights.

The cruise industry is actually very young,  and really got going in 1980 (right around the time the ”Love Boat” television show became popular - coincidence?).  100 Million people have cruised since then, but 40% of them have been in the last 5 years!  This is a testament to the growth in cruising, the fastest growing segment of the travel industry.  A third of those guests sailed on Carnival, the most popular cruise line in the world.

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Royal Caribbean builds INCREDIBLE, and you can start booking it on September 3!

The Oasis of the Seas won’t be ready until late 2009, but the anticipation is already at a fever pitch!   RCI’s newest Mega Ship will hold 5400 guests and reach 16 decks high, but the true marvel of this ship is it’s unique take on the passenger experience.  The Oasis of the Seas features 7 unique ‘neighbourhoods’, and 5 of them have been unveiled so far:

1. 1. Central Park - the ship’s town square is as long as a football field and features lush tropical gardens, various dining options including el fresco, and Rising Tide Bar, the first LEVITATING BAR at sea!

2. Royal Promenade - the heart of the ship, with dining, shops, a mezzanine level, and a bridge.

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A great opportunity if you want to get away this Christmas!

Travelonly has some group space booked on the Carnival Freedom, sailing from Fort Lauderdale on December 20, 2008 for an 8 day Western Caribbean cruise.   It is a very interesting itinerary including Costa Rica and Panama!   Potential excursions are exploring the rainforest or white water rafting in Costa Rice, and of course the Panama Canal in Panama.

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