Cuba Groups 2007
rina@time4travel.ca1-877-737-9361 or 905-737-5684
CUBA GROUPS 2007
Let us book your next group to CUBA for 2007
We can organize groups of 8 or more passengers. Check out these DISCOUNTED GROUP RATES to these fantastic resorts...
Cayo Santa Maria/Cienfuegos/Trinidad
YYZ SNU (Fri) Departures on or between:
May 4-25, June 1-29, July 6-27, Aug 3-31
4* Sol Cayo Santa Maria-Std. All-Inclusive from............................$800
4+* Melia Las Dunas-Std. All-Inclusive from..................................$915
2+* Club Rancho Luna-Std. All-Inclusive from...............................$630
3* Club Ancon-Std. All-Inclusive from..............................................$620
4* Brisas Trinidad del Mar-Std. All Inclusive from.........................$735
(Prices per person, based on double occupancy, 1 week, min. of 8 passengers. Taxes of approximately $205 per person not included)
Group rates available to ALL destinations:
Cayo Coco/Cayo Guillermo, Camaguey, Holguin, Havana, Cienfuegos/Trinidad (via SNU flight), Santiago de Cuba & Varadero
Labels: Cuba Groups 2007
Frequently Asked Questions about Cruising - Part 2
Here is part two of the Frequently Asked Questions about Cruising.
Will I get seasick?It is unlikely that you will notice any motion on a large cruise ship, even if you are sensitive to motion in automobiles or airplanes. All ships today have stabilizers to smooth the ride. Some cruises sail calmer waters than others. Caribbean and Alaska cruises enjoy smoother sailings than say Bermuda. If seas do get rough, there are many preventative medications available on board.
Are medical services available?Virtually every major cruise ship will have a staffed medical facility to handle emergencies. If you suffer from a medical condition, check with your travel agent before booking to make sure the ship on which you are cruising can handle your needs.
Are there non-smoking areas?Virtually all ships have smoking and non-smoking tables and/or sections in the lounges and dining rooms. In fact, many dining rooms are now smoke-free, reflecting passenger requests. In open seating situations, you can advise your waiter or the Restaurant Manager.There is even a smoke free ship available.
What's there to do in port?Your ship will typically arrive in port early in the morning at which time you are free to go ashore. In most cases, you will be back on board the ship by 5:00pm to 7:00pm. This gives you more than enough time to enjoy one of the shore excursions, or go off on your own to do some shopping, sightseeing, swimming, or scuba diving.
So much you'll have a hard time choosing! You can go off on your own. Or take a guided tour. You can search ancient ruins or hunt of shopping bargains. Ride a raft over river rapids, bicycle down the side of a 10,000 foot volcano, or ride a horse across miles of hills and beaches. Climb a waterfall or pyramid. See the birthplace of civilization or listen to steel drum bands. Follow the footsteps of history or the wake of a water-skiing boat. If there's still time ( and you aren't ready to rest yet), enjoy a folkloric show. Play golf or tennis. Eat native foods. Learn how to windsurf. Sun and swim at some of the world's best beaches. Catch a record marlin. Sail, snorkel, or go scuba diving. Go to a nightclub or glittering casino. Take a cable car to the top of a mountain. Explore dark catacombs. In short, a cruise is the easiest way to see new places and do all the things you dream of. Cruising is the perfect way to sample a number of destinations that you may want to return to for another vacations, and you never have to pack and unpack the destinations come to you!
But I don't want to take a tour!Well, then don't - although if everybody felt that way I think they would run out of transportation real fast. You can do what you want in port. You will either tender (small boat to shore) or dock. It depends on the port and how many ships are there. But if you tender it will usually be done efficiently.
You can take tours arranged by the ship, take your own tours (rent a car, cab, etc.), just walk into town, or stay on the ship. You can have lunch on the ship - you can always come back, even with tender, they run all the time. If it's an all-day tour, and they will usually include lunch. The half-day tours are timed to get you back for lunch (or leave after lunch).
They will review all the tours for you on the ship and you should go if you're interested. Even if you want to do it on your own, you may pick up some ideas.
In the Caribbean and Alaska you certainly don't have to take tours, but many people do and are quite happy with them.
Do cruise lines welcome families with kids?32% of cruise vacations are booked by families with children. Most cruise lines make a special point of providing supervised activities of youngsters, especially during school holidays. If your children enjoy swimming, sports, games, movies, and the adventure of new places, they'll love a family cruise. You'll find the kids will adapt to shipboard life with ease, and you won't have to wonder what they're up to every minute. The cruise staff will help keep them busy and entertained. Best of all, children generally travel at a substantially reduced rate.
Are there activities for children on a cruise?
Most cruise lines offer programs for children. Many offer special teen and pre-teen scheduled activities. The larger ships almost always include a video arcade, kids disco or other designated "kids area". Cruises are a great way for families to travel and see a variety of countries and ports. Some ships also offer babysitting services and daycare centers.
What's there to do at night?At night, life aboard a cruise ship really turns on. There's dancing, live entertainment in nightclubs, discos and lounges, feature films, and parties with all your friends. Most ships even have casinos. There are also many special events like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, the Masquerade Parade, the Late Night Buffet (just for one last bite to tide you over until breakfast). And the night can go on as long as you want. Even until the spectacle of sunrise at sea. There's no cover. No minimum. No charge for an admission ticket. The shows are live. The movies are first-rate. The variety is limitless.
Is it easy to meet people?A cruise ship is a great place to make new friends, because everyone's so friendly. The atmosphere is cordial, relaxed. And you'll have all kinds of things in common to talk about. At dinner. at cocktails. Around the pool, or along the promenade rail. And don't be surprised if you find yourself making arrangements to meet them aboard ship again next year.
Will there be people like me?No matter what you've heard to the contrary, there's no such thing as a typical cruise passenger! All kinds of people take cruises.. of all ages.. from all walks of life.. singles, couples and families. Passengers can vary from ship to ship and cruise to cruise.
Can singles have fun on a cruise?Cruising is ideal for people traveling alone, because it's so easy to meet other people. In fact, most ships have parties just for singles early on, so you can start to be involved right away. Most ships also have single cabins as well as single rates for double staterooms. In many cases, a cruise line will even find you a roommate to share a double if you ask them.
Is cruising right for honeymooners?Without a doubt, cruising offers an atmosphere that's just right for romance. Cozy dinners for two, strolling on deck at sunset, dancing the night away under the stars, and so much more to remember forever. Most cruise lines provide special services such as: Sunday or Monday departures, congratulatory champagne, cabin decorations or breakfast in bed. Some ships perform a marriage ceremony or will renew your marriage vows in port.
How much money should I take with me?That depends entirely on you. The cost of your cruise includes everything except: alcohol and sodas, shore excursions, tips and personal items such as souvenirs, massages, and hair styling. When you board your ship you will be asked to activate your account. this is like running a tab during your cruise and all expenses will be charged to your room, and at the end of the cruise, the credit card you used to activate your account will be billed for the amount that you charged while on the ship. If you chose to pay cash or travelers checks, you will be required to settle up the night before the ship returns to home port.
Can we stay in touch with the outside?Quite easily. Most ships have a daily newsletter with news, headlines, selected stock quotes and sports scores, some even deliver the Wall Street Journal to your room. Staterooms on many ships are even equipped with televisions so you can tune in to CNN or ESPN. While many ships now have telephones in passenger cabins, you can also call someone through the ship's radio operator while at sea, and you can phone home from most ports. In addition, many ships are equipped with fax capabilities.
Can I get/send e-mail while onboard the ship?Many of the newer ships do have a business center complete with computers connected to the Internet. Some charge as little at $16 an hour for computer time and you can get your e-mail using Microsoft HotMail or Yahoo Mail. Check with your cruise line for availability of these services.If you have a laptop onboard, you can make a ship-to-shore call to dial into your Internet provider, but at $8 to $10 per minute it can get very expensive.
When will I receive my tickets?The cruise line will send your tickets to our office approximately 15 days before you sail to give us time to ensure your documents are accurate and complete. We will normally send your tickets via two or three day priority mail, of other express delivery service. If you have booked your cruise on short notice you can pick up your airline tickets at the airport and can pick up your cruise tickets at the pier prior to boarding the ship.
It all sounds too good to be true! Is it?The one major complaint we hear over and over again is that cruises end far too soon! Beyond that, it's hard to find any negatives. After all, you don't have to run to make plane connections to get from one port to the next. You don't have to hassles of making dinner or nightclub reservations. You don't have to bother of packing and unpacking as you move from place to place. You don't get unexpected, expensive surprises at restaurants or nightclubs. You have a wealth of options of shopping, adventure, sightseeing, exploring, entertaining and sports activities. All you have to worry about is relaxing and enjoying your vacation. Most importantly, every crew and staff member onboard, is dedicated to making your cruise vacation the best vacation of you life (until you top it next year with your next cruise!)
Why do I need travel protection?Because you've been looking forward to your trip On Board protects you just in case: - Emergency Cash Transfer
- Your trip is suddenly canceled
- You have to cut your vacation short
- you have a medical emergency far from home
Emergency Travel Assistance is one call away, no matter where you are. Even if you're half way around the globe, you're never far from help. Our emergency assistance center is staffed 24 hours a day, seven days a week with knowledgeable professionals who will get you the right assistance, right away.On Board's Emergency services include:
- Medical Assistance
- Medical Consultation and Monitoring
- On-Site Hospital Payments
- Travel Document and Ticket Replacement Assistance
- Legal Assistance
Whether you are wanting to get married on a ship, going on your honeymoon, going with your family or planning a family reunion, cruising is the perfect vacation! There are so many cruising options available today -Caribbean, Alaskan, Mediterranean, Hawaiian and many more. Let me help you plan and book your next cruise.
If you have any questions or would like to begin looking for a cruise, please contact me at
1-877-737-9361 or email
rina@time4travel.ca
I look forward to hearing from you.
Rina
Labels: FAQ Part 2
Cruising - Frequently Asked Questions Part 1
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding cruising. Hopefully, most of your questions will be answered and you can make an informed decision on whether to cruise for your next vacation.How long are cruises?As long or short as you want. There are cruise lines that offer itineraries from three days to three months. Whatever you schedule, we'll do our best to find the cruise for you
Is cruising affordable and a good vacation value?Yes! There are cruise vacations to suit every budget, from the cost conscious to the most luxurious. Even more important, a cruise offers the best value for your money. Your fare includes all meals, your cabin, onboard daytime activities, nighttime parties, and entertainment. So for once, you'll know what your vacation will end up costing you before you go. ( Your only extra expenses will be drinks, optional shore excursions, personal services such as massage or hairstyling, gratuities, photos, and gambling.)What is an Air/Sea package?An Air/Sea package includes your cruise ticket, an airline ticket and ground transportation needed to get you to the port. When using this package, the cruise line will, at their discretion, fly you on either a scheduled airline or a charter flight. Ground transportation is then provided to take you to your ship.Will I need a passport?All U.S. and Canadian citizens must travel with proof of citizenship, which is a valid passport, or birth certificate (complete with raised seal, not a photocopy) with a picture identification, or a certified naturalization certificate with picture identification. Any state government issued drivers license or other form of picture identification should be acceptable.
Non-U.S. citizens who are residing in the United States are required to travel with their Alien Registration Card (Green Card) and valid passports. All others must have valid passports and necessary visas at embarkation. You should consult with your travel agent for more information if necessary.What about passengers with special needs?The cruise lines welcome passengers with special needs and work hard to assist them throughout their trip. It is essential that the cruise lines know well in advance if you have any special medical, physical or other requirements that need to be addressed. Most modern cruise ships have a number of cabins specially designed to accommodate passengers in wheelchairs or in need of TTY communications. Service animals are permitted on board if prior arrangements have been made. Where can I go?Where do you want to go? Cruises visit practically any destination accessible by water - the Caribbean, Bahamas, Alaska, Bermuda, Europe, Hawaii, Mexico, The Greek Isles, the Orient, Australia, Tahiti, the Galapagos Islands, South America, India, the Panama Canal, and more. If you can name it, we can probably get you there by ship.Are all ships and cruises fairly similar?Far from it, Ships range from under 200 feet to over 1000 feet. You can sail with anywhere from fewer then 100 fellow passengers to over 2,600. Experience atmospheres ranging from casual to formal, classically simple to ultra-deluxe. You can even choose between traditional propeller-driven craft, sail-assisted cruise ships, or even a paddle-wheel river boat.Which is the best cruise line for me?This is a common question, and the answer is - it depends. It's like asking what is the best car? The best cruise line for you might not be the best line for someone else because everyone has different priorities, interests, etc.
Some of the things you need to consider are:
Price
Ships (age, size, accommodations)
Itineraries
Passengers (interests, ages, etc.) Are there different classes of service?Today's cruise ships are one-class. Everyone onboard can use all the ship's facilities. The price of the stateroom is based primarily on its size and location. Regardless of the category you book, you'll enjoy the same courteous service, menus, activities, and entertainment as everyone else onboard.Do I have to participate in scheduled activities or can I just relax?On a cruise, you do what you want to. You can do everything or lie back and do absolutely nothing.There are dozens of activities going on all over the ship every day. One of the best ones can be "doing nothing at all". Relaxation is what attracts many people to cruise travel. Every ship has one or more pools that you can lay around with a good book, most have a library and several lounges where you can sit and relax by yourself or with friends.Will I get bored? Feel confined?Hardly. Being at sea gives you a feeling of freedom few places can offer. There's plenty of room. And it'll probably take you two or three days just to discover what's onboard. Plus, you get the added adventure of exploring new and exciting ports of call. Cruise ships are like floating resorts with all the things fine resorts have to offer. Most ships have dozens of planned and spontaneous activities going from sunrise to way past midnight. Pool activities, sports, bingo, casino, wine tastings, dance lessons, dancing, karoake, live entertainment, movies, television, fitness centers, shore excursions, talent contests, masquerade parties, captain's party, country western nights, and that's just when you're onboard.What will my cabin be like?Cabins on most cruise lines are smaller than they appear on " The Love Boat " . They are designed for efficiency and to encourage you to use the much larger public facilities onboard the ship. If you requested an "outside" or "ocean view" cabin, you will have a porthole or picture window, depending on your ship design. Some outside cabins will also have a small balcony. If you requested an "inside" cabin you will not have a porthole, window, or balcony. Most cabins have twin beds which can be converted to a queen size. Your cabin steward is there to make your stay comfortable; whether to change the bed configuration to suit your desires, or to bring you extra towels, pillows, or blankets if needed. Many of the newer ships have safes in the rooms, and TV's that show current movies, give casino instructions, and general cruise information.Do I have to tip? If so, how much? Tipping is up to you. Generally speaking, $7.00 to $9.00 per day/per person should take care of your waiter, bus boy and cabin steward. Other ship personnel can be tipped at your discretion. There are a few cruise lines that have a "no tipping" policy.What are "different meal seatings"?Some ships dining rooms can accommodate all passengers in one "seating". But, most ships have two seatings which differ only by time. To choose, just decide whether you prefer to dine early or later and request your preference when you book.What about fitness and healthy eating?Just because your cruise ship offers plenty of delicious food doesn't mean you must return out of shape. You can choose "low cal" or "fitness" menu selections that are just as tempting as the regular menu. You can also jog, do aerobics, work out in the gym, swim, golf, play tennis, and much more.Can I get a special diet?Most ships provide salt-free, low-carbohydrate, Kosher, or other diet preferences, however, this request must be made in advance. So be sure to advise of your requirements when you book your cruise.Can I use my hair dryer or shave?Most ships have 110-volt outlets in the staterooms, but do check to be sure.What should I pack?Generally speaking, cruise travel is very casual during the day and casual to formal in the evenings. This can vary depending on the itinerary. Caribbean, Hawaiian, Alaskan cruises are more informal while Transatlantic, Mediterranean and European cruises tend to be a little more formal. This can also vary from cruise line to cruise line and ship to ship.
Princess Cruise Line would probably lean toward formal whereas Carnival will tend to be more informal and casual. There is no real hard and fast rule, however, here's a try.
Men should always pack one dark suit which will usually suffice even on "formal night." You can take a tuxedo, but we recommend that you rent one on board the ship (most ships offer this service) unless you own one and just want the extra baggage. Tuxedos are generally not "required".
Ladies can take cocktail dresses or a full length formal.
There are usually 1 to 2 formal nights on a 7 night cruise, only 1 on 3 & 4 night cruises. The rest of the time is typically very casual. Even on "non-formal" nights, men should wear a collared shirt to dinner and slacks or skirts for the ladies.
Here are some questions I will answer on my next post:
- Will I get seasick?
- Are medical services available?
- Are there non-smoking areas?
- What's there to do in port?
- Do cruiselines welcome children?
- Are there children's activities?
- Can singles have fun on a cruise?
- Is cruising right for honeymooners?
....and many more questions will be answered.
I will post more frequently asked questions in my next post. If you have any questions or would like more information about cruising, please do not hesitate to contact me at 1-877-737-9361 or e-mail me at rina@time4travel.ca. Please be sure to visit my website: http://www.time4travel-rc.ca/
Have a great day and be sure to come back soon.
Rina
Labels: Cruising FAQ Part 1
Why Cruise?
Being a Travel Agent, I book all kinds of vacations for my clients. Of all the vacation options that are available today, cruising seems to be the most popular. A cruiseship is essentially a floating resort. It has everything on board and you will see many ports along the way. There is so much to see and do. Here are some of the many reasons to cruise.
1. VALUE – One price buys your cabin, dining, entertainment and more.
2. 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. CUISINE – Choose gourmet cuisines that showcase exotic ingredients or have good ole pizza and ice cream. Dine in a traditional ballroom setting, a small bistro or a casual eatery.
4. VARIETY – With over 150 ships, 1800 ports-of-call and an unbelievable array of places to see and things to do, there is a perfect cruise for you.
5. ACTIVITIES – Sightseeing, sports activities, cultural lectures, educational tours 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. SIMPLICITY – Planning a cruise is simple; let us handle all of the details. Once you’re on board, nearly all expenses are pre-paid.
7. NEW HORIZONS – Fall asleep in one destination and awake to a new horizon and you only have to pack and unpack once.
8. FAMILY – Families love cruising. Children’s programs, kid-friendly menus and tours of the ship will keep your children happy.
9. PAMPERING – Regardless of your budget, all cruise lines pamper their guests with first class service around the clock.
10. SATISFACTION – It’s a fact that cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience.
Choose the cruise that is for you. Cruises are not for ‘old people’. They are for singles, families and children. You can do as much or as little as you want. You can fine dine one evening and stay in your cabin for dinner the next. On a cruise, you can create your own itinerary.
You Haven't Lived Until You've Cruised!
Every day, more and more people are discovering the all-inclusive pleasures of a cruise vacation. It’s easy to see why:
- The price of your ticket includes your meals and in-between snacks on-board; your stateroom, activities, parties and entertainment; plus an exciting voyage to some of the most enchanting and culturally - enriching places in the world.
- You will find that a cruise ship is a floating resort, with all the things a fine resort has to offer and more! You will meet new friends who share the same interests as you.
- The hassles of an ordinary vacation are completely eliminated. A cruise is one convenient package. You don’t have to worry about making dinner or nightclub reservations, running to make flight connections as you travel from one destination to another, or packing and unpacking.
- You can lie back and be completely pampered. Or, go non-stop. Dine like never before. Enjoy one great show after another. Let your cares float away!
It is no wonder that more people are taking cruise vacations than ever before. And once they get a taste of cruising, they come back for more, again and again.
FACT – Cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience.
Cruise Pre-Booking Requirements
As security has been tightened at all international airports, so has the cruise industry. Working in conjunction with the U.S. Coast Guard, the Department of Homeland Security and local governments, cruise passengers are now required to provide background immigration information before tickets are issued. It is the client’s responsibility to submit their own immigration information; however, we get involved in providing them with access to the required online forms. Once you confirm a booking with the cruise supplier, ask them where your clients need to go to fill out the required immigration information. They will, at this time, provide you with a link to their site where the information can be found. You will then need to provide your client with their booking number so they can enter the information online. This is usually done after full payment has been made.
What to Expect on a Cruise
- Fabulous destinations;
- Welcome Aboard Party;
- Fine dining, including two late night buffets (even breakfast in bed if you like);
- Gala Captain's Dinner;
- Captain's Cocktail Party;
- Supervised children's program available on most ships;
- Complimentary 24-hour stateroom service;
- Pampering service;
- Wide range of entertainment, including different nightclub shows each evening at sea;
- Singles and Past Guests cocktail parties;
- Friendly casino (includes slots, blackjack, roulette, craps and Caribbean stud poker);
- First Class Salon & Spa program;
- Access and use of all shipboard facilities;
- Bands, orchestras and piano bar;
- Choice of swimming pools, including children's wading pool;
- Duty-free shopping on board;
- Briefings on each port of call;
- Gala Midnight Buffet (except 3 day cruises);
- Dozens of activities;
- First-run movies featured daily in your cabin;
In my next post, I will post some frequently asked questions regarding cruises. I hope that the information in this post and future ones, will help you make an informed decision on whether to cruise or take a land vacation.If you have any questions or you would like to contact me regarding booking a cruise, please visit my website www.time4travel-rc.ca.
Until next time,
Rina
Labels: Why Cruise?
