How Techy is your Travel Agent?</h1> <article> <h1>How Techy is your Travel Agent?</h1> <p>Wendy Montebello — Sun, 29 Apr 2012 15:27:31 +0000</p> <p>The dawn of a new era is about to begin and your Agent needs to be up to speed. Starting May 1st Carnival will require most agents to book and manage cruises online. When I attend events I always notice I am one of the few agents under 40. I always wondered how these agents are keeping up? Sure some are techy and I know that age really does not matter. However, I know many are creatures of habits and don’t like to learn the new stuff. Well it’s starting with Carnival and I am sure others will follow. I totally understand why Carnival is doing it and it makes sense. Why pay two agents to handle one customer.</p> <p>Did you know that many deals now only are offered online as well to agents. Great example Princess has fares that must be booked online to get the deal. Yesterday I was looking at a Europe Cruise and the difference between the Online Inside Cabin deal and phone deal was $700! So your saying do you really need a Travel Agent? I would say Yes becuase agents can beat find better cruises and deals then you can. I would just say make sure they are Techy! So how can you tell??? It’s Easy!! Here are things to look for…</p> <p>1-Do they have a Facebook Business Page and is it kept up.</p> <p>2- Are they on Twitter</p> <p>3- Do they have a Blog</p> <p>4- Do they have an online booking engine</p> <p>5-Do you chat with them via email?</p> <p>Ask them how they book your cruise? If you hear them say call run!</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/Ilovetocruiseblogcom?a=TxwpFaSzGQE:h31mzyQZArI:yIl2AUoC8zA"></img></a> </div> </article> <article> <h1>In memory of Thomas Kinkade</h1> <p>Wendy Montebello — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 18:27:30 +0000</p> <p>When I first saw a Thomas Kinkade cottage painting I thought the style was unique but not for me. Then I went to one of those many auctions on a cruise ship just to get some free champagne. A painting came up for auction and I told myself I had to have it! It was a beautiful scene in Europe. I was not paying attention and did not know I won a Kinkade till the bidding was over. What I like Kinkade? He does more then cottages? I really had to laugh. After that purchase I was hooked! In fact I hope to have my daughters room one day filled with the Disney paintings he made about the movies.<br /> I attended a Disney D23 event a few years ago and Thomas Kinkade was there at the event. You had a choice at the event wait for a signature or go listen to him speak. I prefered to hear him speak so I went to take a seat. There was someone savings seats next to me and I thought really? It’s packed not really fair but I let it go. Well to find out it was his wife and kids who sat next to me. They were taking photos of him and were so proud of him presenting. They were so down to earth just sitting in the audiance. I loved his speach as well on how he could tell the whole Disney Movie in the one painting. It was really the best event at D23.<br /> I am sorry we loss such an amazing gifted man today. My condolonces to his family.</p> <div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/Ilovetocruiseblogcom?a=0w8pr0kdtrQ:0b4Ka-nxP5o:yIl2AUoC8zA"></img></a> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Why you should use a TA by Apple Vacations</h1> <p>Wendy Montebello — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 18:17:16 +0000</p> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p> <div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/Ilovetocruiseblogcom?a=cO2XTmlN9ws:JxgfPPHuAlE:yIl2AUoC8zA"></img></a> </div>]]> </article> <article> <h1>Why you should be an AARP member if you cruise Norwegian</h1> <p>Wendy Montebello — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 06:03:05 +0000</p> <p>AARP is a member only group for the association of people over 50. They give many travel discounts to their members and this month NCL is on the list. You get 5% off your cruise plus possible upgrades!. This expires Feb15th so hurry up! So its worth joining just to get the discount!</p> <p>They do allow under 50 to join as an associate member. I don’t understand fully the program so give them a call.</p> <p>I have attached a link if you want to sign up!</p> <p> <br /> <a href="https://appsec.aarp.org/MSS/join/application?keycode=U8LVU5&cmp=IVS-BAC-ACQ-PMD-ACQJOIN">Free Travel Bag if you become a Member</a></p> <div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/Ilovetocruiseblogcom?a=CmIT_0ACo2Y:fp1pVWV41gY:yIl2AUoC8zA"></img></a> </div> </article> <article> <h1>24 hours Disney Parks</h1> <p>Wendy Montebello — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 19:33:56 +0000</p> <p><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VsCR2QiuA4s?version=3&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param></object></p> <p>Disney will be open for 24 hours straight! I am so going!!</p> <div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/Ilovetocruiseblogcom?a=-u_KdAgQCoY:FA6i7cG1kQ8:yIl2AUoC8zA"></img></a> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Carnival Breeze Virtual Tour</h1> <p>Wendy Montebello — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 18:08:36 +0000</p> <p><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always" /><param name="src" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/YX8zGgJiSzo?version=3&hl=en_US" /><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true" /><br /> <span style="color: #0000ff;">FUN FACTS:</span><br /> • European Home Port: Barcelona, Spain<br /> • Home Port: Miami, FL<br /> • 1,004 feet long<br /> • Capacity: 3,690 guests (double occupancy); Total staff: 1,386<br /> • Features all the best of its sister ships Carnival Dream and Carnival Magic, plus more to be announced over the coming months.<br /> • Includes contemporary furnishings and new tropical décor for staterooms.<br /> • Launches in June 2012</p> <div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/Ilovetocruiseblogcom?a=H28GKoU4tlM:exSI6d6xt1U:yIl2AUoC8zA"></img></a> </div> </article> <article> <h1>20/20 Really? You have to be kidding me on your Cruise Ship Confidential story</h1> <p>Wendy Montebello — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 17:46:33 +0000</p> <p>I know drama and fear gets ratings. You have to be kidding on this episode? Since your parent company ABC owns Disney which owns Disney Cruise line I find it odd they did not make the show? Many of the other lines did . Also, online every commercial between was of DisneyWorld? I wan’t to point this out first so people understand why you reported the way you did. </p> <p>Lets go over the drinking scenes on the report. They do not force anyone to drink. Hello People are on vacation?? When I get to Hawaii in two weeks I will want a Mai Tai and nobody better stop me LOL!! They can’t control the IQ of everyone who boards a ship? Dumb people do dumb stuff. My husband (sorry babe) once thought it would be cute to climb on the other side of the balcony. Is that the cruise lines fault if he falls over? I am sure many climb the rails as a dare. Rose did it in Titanic?? I like how they don’t have a brigg because they need it for an extra cabin?? They don’t need a brigg because it would not be used.</p> <p>The crew part is true they work lots of hours. However, many jobs work lots of hours from low imcome to high income. However, I have spoken to crew before many who have worked for years. I remember talking to an assist watier who owned three homes back home. He was planning to work for so many years until he built his empire up. The money can be good depending on where you base home. </p> <p>Ok you had to also talk about the Norovirus. Two weeks ago I got a flu bug for 24 hours. Everyone in my house got the bug. We then passed it to others who came by to assist us. It’s the same onboard. I am always amazed only 10% on the average get it. </p> <p>You should have reported more about that 16 people have died from 100 million who have cruised. It would have nice to have reported a postive story. How it is the safest way to travel, it’s affordable, and fun. </p> <div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/Ilovetocruiseblogcom?a=HO4XyknRqDY:WXCNv-aIfqQ:yIl2AUoC8zA"></img></a> </div> </article> <article> <h1>What we can learn from the Costa Tragedy</h1> <p>Wendy Montebello — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 16:30:33 +0000</p> <p>First of all I still love to cruise. This tragedy will not change me from going on a cruise, but maybe some smarter planning.<br /> The Life Boat Drill<br /> I have been on over 30 of these drills and I really never pay attention. In fact one time I even skipped it. The one I did pay attention was 5 days after 9/11. We were going on Voyager of the Seas with only a 1/2 full ship. Many people could not make it due to airplanes being a mess. I remember that drill the most because everyone was serious. Everyone was paying attention. I have have not seen that level since. That’s my first plan pay attention. Remember the deck number and remember the route. If the ship is sideways your already going to be confused so pay attention.<br /> Vacation Emergency Kit<br /> I live in Earthquake country and I do have a backpack in the case of a major Earthquake. I think I will have a Vacation Kit. So here is the list of items I will have not just for cruise ships. Hotels have issues too and I have been where electricity is out. So this is something we should have on all trips.<br /> Here is my list so far…..<br /> Water Proof Bag<br /> copies of Passport and drivers License<br /> credit card<br /> Medicine<br /> Flashlight<br /> Foil Blanket<br /> Mini First Aid Kid<br /> Health Bar<br /> Water Bottle<br /> Pocket Knife<br /> Matches<br /> Flare<br /> Map of Ship<br /> compact tshirt</p> <p>I can’t wait to get this set up for the future. It’s all about being smart and knowing in life we take risks. Just like I flew 5 days after 9/11. Nothing is going to stop me from seeing my bucket list! I love to Cruise!</p> <div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/Ilovetocruiseblogcom?a=kG_3HsNdcl0:hyKGw7E7cMc:yIl2AUoC8zA"></img></a> </div> </article> <article> <h1>Dining aboard Carnival Dream</h1> <p>Wendy Montebello — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 17:56:46 +0000</p> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p> <div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/Ilovetocruiseblogcom?a=8ESzRlMLQco:Dl1Y4fxJBy0:yIl2AUoC8zA"></img></a> </div>]]> </article> <article> <h1>Disney Cruise Line Exploring Skagway Alaska</h1> <p>Wendy Montebello — Sat, 07 Jan 2012 17:55:27 +0000</p> <content:encoded><![CDATA[<p></p> <div class="feedflare"> <a href="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~ff/Ilovetocruiseblogcom?a=BGb0naHjAYA:nX6eYI9JTdw:yIl2AUoC8zA"></img></a> </div>]]> </article> </main></body></html>