The recent failure of a major Canadian tour operator has left some feeling nervous about travelling.  Here are three reasons to keep your plans to get away:

There are successful Canadian travel companies who care for their customers, and show it.  CASE IN POINT - WestJet CARE-antee.

You can book with a solid company that and your travel agent have confidence in.  CASE IN POINT - Sunquest says ‘TRUST US’.

There are some amazing deals to be had.  CASE IN POINT - Carnival Cruiselines CASH BACK OFFER for summer.

Carnival Cruiselines is already the best value in cruising, and now they have introduced the Early Saver Program.  It’s a new Special Rate that rewards consumers who book early with the lowest rate guaranteed!  If, after booking, you find a lower Carnival advertised fare for the same sailing and accommodations, Carnival will issue the difference in an onboard credit.  This policy is in effect for up to two business days prior to sailing.

In addition, you also have the added benefits that come with booking early - wide availability of staterooms, dates, and destinations, and a deposit that is refundable up to the final payment date! 

It is never too early to start planning your cruise, and now with Carnival it is beneficial that you do!  I am an Accredited Cruise Counsellor, and I’d love to help you choose YOUR perfect cruise!

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!

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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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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