Travel Lady Blog

Inspirations: Silver Linings

Terry Jones — Sat, 04 Sep 2010 21:24:43 +0000

Be the silver lining in another persons cloud.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Inspirations: Silver Linings

Kids Sail Free On Disney Sale

Terry Jones — Wed, 01 Sep 2010 01:21:11 +0000

Disney Cruise Lines has just announced some magical news – a kids cruise free sale. This sale is for sailings in the caribbean on it’s 7 night eastern and western itineraries.

The sale is for 7 night Caribbean cruises from January 8th to March 5th, 2011 excluding the February 19th, 2011 sailing date. The sale is for verandas staterooms and higher. After the first and second passenger all children 17 and younger sail free.

Book with a travel agent such as myself, (Plus I have earned my ears and am a Disney Specialist) and you’ll automatically get a $25.00 ship board credit while on your cruise.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Kids Sail Free On Disney Sale

Inspirations: Your Starting To Do List

Terry Jones — Mon, 30 Aug 2010 04:15:13 +0000

1. Love yourself

2. Dare to dream

3. Live with purpose

4. Travel to learn and you’ll learn to travel

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Inspirations: Your Starting To Do List

Holland America Not Leaving NYC

Terry Jones — Wed, 25 Aug 2010 22:02:01 +0000

Holland American Cruise lines has announced that it will again be sailing out of NYC again in 2011. The Veendam will return to NYC from May through October 2011 with a series of 24 cruises to Bermuda. These cruises have been very popular and marks the first time Holland America has had a ships depart from NYC 2 years in a row.

The 2011 sailings on the Veendam will also include ports of call in both Hamilton and St. George – Bermuda’s two most popular ports. This is a departure from what other cruise ships do as the stop at only one port and passengers use the ship as a hotel for several days.

Holland America Cruise Lines began offering cruises to Bermuda from New York City in 1930 with the lines original ship, also called the Veendam.

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Holland America Not Leaving NYC

Celebrity Offers Art Tours With iPads

Terry Jones — Tue, 24 Aug 2010 17:30:30 +0000

Celebrity Cruise Lines will be offering Art Tours using iPads on it’s Solstice class ships. The three Solstice class ships are home to over 14,000 pieces of artwork. Most of the bulk of the art fall into the contemporary art genre. The iPads for the art tours will have floor plans of where guest can find the art. Once the guest finds the flagged works of art the guest then touches the screen to select a work of art and view all the details about the piece.The details include title or the name of the particular piece, artist name, medium used, a full description and image to match item being displayed.

The self guided tours began on Solstice on August 15th, 2010 , on the Eclipse and the Equinox on August 21st. 2010.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Celebrity Offers Art Tours With iPads

Carnival Orders New German Ship

Terry Jones — Mon, 23 Aug 2010 00:19:52 +0000

Carnival Corporation has announced the order of a 71,300 ton ship from the German ship builder Meyer Werft for their German cruise brand Aida Cruises. The 2190 passenger ship and will go into service in 2013.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Carnival Orders New German Ship

Discounted Tour Excursions

Terry Jones — Sat, 21 Aug 2010 19:57:40 +0000

Looking for the best deals for shore excursions while you are on a cruise? Looking to have smaller groups hen booking a shore excursion?

Let me introduce you to Port Promotions. I have been recommending this tour company for over 15 years now…why?

* Less money

* Go on the excursion you want

* No Lines / smaller groups

* No planning

* Full refunds

You don’t even have to be taking a cruise to use this company. Have a time share you are using or found a great hotel deal? Plan fun filled tours from trekking a tropical rain forest to a helicopter tour of Alaska’s glaciers.

They even offer airport transfers to cruise ships or hotels for great discounted prices.

It is up to you to decide, explore and enjoy …so click here to start planning.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Discounted Tour Excursions

Inspirations: The Roads To Follow

Terry Jones — Fri, 20 Aug 2010 19:55:21 +0000

It takes a bigger person to follow the high road morally but, enjoy seeking out all the different roads available when traveling.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Inspirations: The Roads To Follow

Carnival Experiments With Smoking

Terry Jones — Thu, 19 Aug 2010 21:44:00 +0000

Recently Carnival Cruise Lines has experimented with banning smoking in more public areas on three of it’s ships. Ironically one of the areas tested with banning smoking was Carnivals Cigar bar. These areas were specifically designed for smokers, so it is backwards to think that they would experiment banning smoking the one place where smokers could go to light up.

The cruise lines have now set themselves up to see how the experiment was received by passengers and staff by input, before making any final decisions to decrease the area’s where smoking will be permitted on board their ships. More detailed evaluation will be done before any decisions will be implemented – all experiments have been completed.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Carnival Experiments With Smoking

American Idols To Sing On Holland American Ships

Terry Jones — Mon, 16 Aug 2010 14:29:35 +0000

No details, dates or names have been released yet but Holland American Cruise Lines has announced that is is negotiating to have American Idol performers entertain their cruise passengers on board their ships in the very near future. This is HAL’s newest move to expand on their entertainment on board all of their ships by adding a more personal experience for passenger by having them enjoy some of their favorite performers in an intimate venue vs. the mega stadiums where they would usually perform.

I’ll be announcing more details as they are provided by Holland America.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

American Idols To Sing On Holland American Ships

Alaska Feels The Cooldown Of Tourism This Summer

Terry Jones — Sun, 15 Aug 2010 17:54:59 +0000

When the state officials of Alaska started charging extra fees and taxes plus adding more regulations on the cruise lines, the cruise lines responded by pulling ships from the area. Alaska has always been a very popular cruise experience to travelers due to the diverse natural wonderment of the state, its wildlife and the culture. The major cruise lines that pulled many ships from this popular tourist area made up the increases in taxes and fees by increasing the cost of cruising.

The results? The anchorage Daily News reports that there has been a 20% drop in tourism. The decline in cruise passengers is being felt with the rest of the states tourism industry as well. The Alaska Department of Revenue has seen reported losses in hotel, car and railroad tourist revenue. Though legislators have been negotiating to rescind these imposed taxes, many businesses who depend on tourism dollars during its short summer season are suffering.

This will be a continuing hot topic for Alaska state officials while they experience the cooling down of one of their biggest industry’s – tourism.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Alaska Feels The Cooldown Of Tourism This Summer

Top 5 Memories For First Time Cruisers

Terry Jones — Thu, 12 Aug 2010 17:50:38 +0000

You’ve never cruised before and you are unsure what to expect. Here are the top five things people who have taken their first cruise say they will always remember.

5. Seeing exactly how big cruise ships are (not just the mega ships) this is not confining as people expect

4. The experience of the water – the expanse of the oceans and limitless horizon plus the hypnotic and relaxing effect of the ships movement on the water

3. The exceptional level of entertainment all over the ship to meet everyone’s likes and age – from youngsters to young at heart

2. The incredible service and welcome given by all of the staff at every turn from waiters to cabin stewards to entertainers to general staff. The smiles are never ending.

1. The food. Not just the amount available, but the strides that the chefs make to meet the needs of everyone with a variety of special dietary needs. Plus the quality of the product and the elegant presentation.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Top 5 Memories For First Time Cruisers

Travel Quote – Celebrate The Journey

Terry Jones — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 20:17:33 +0000

“Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey.” — Fitzhugh Mullan

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Quote – Celebrate The Journey

Hotel Laundry Service Tip

Terry Jones — Sat, 07 Aug 2010 01:36:18 +0000

While those who travel light have long done laundry in hotel room bathrooms, business travelers can’t launder suits and dress shirts the same way. Rather than waste time looking for neighborhood laundromats or packing extra, bulky clothes, check with the hotel about laundry services. Many properties have guest laundry rooms and dry cleaning services that can save time – and your wardrobe – on longer trips.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Hotel Laundry Service Tip

Top 10 Cruise Lines for 2010

Terry Jones — Mon, 02 Aug 2010 19:22:58 +0000

Travel Weekly sent out inquiries to travel vendors, travel companies, travel agent and the traveling public to survey who they believe are the top in their business. Below are those results complied and now reported by Travel Weekly Magazine.

Top 10 Cruise Lines for 2010: Calculated by number of berths sold in 2009

Royal Caribbean International

Carnival Cruise Lines

Princess Cruise Lines

Costa Cruise Lines

Norwegian Cruise Lines

MSC Cruise Lines

Holland America Line

Celebrity Cruise Lines

P & O Cruises

Star Cruises

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Top 10 Cruise Lines for 2010

5 Ways To Avoid Theft While Traveling

Terry Jones — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 19:14:24 +0000

Traveling and safety should got hand in hand. Here are some tips to keep you safe.

1. Take care with what you pack. Find out more about where you are traveling and pack accordingly. Find out what type of baggage is best for your travel such as a body wallet vs. a purse, a backpack vs. a briefcase. If in doubt..leave it out for any item from cloths to jewelery.

2. Take extra precautions with your baggage. Bring cable locks to tie to something stationary, small zipper locks to prevent entry into your bags and get slash proof mesh bags to hold your belongings.

3. Take precautions before you leave. Leave copies of passport, reservations information, credit cards etc with a trusted family member or friend in the case of theft. This way you still have a way to get access to this information.

4. Be smarter than the people out to steal from you. Carry a dummy wallet – fill it with fake credit cards sent out by card companies and play money. Make sure your real wallet is in a secure location so thieves take the fake wallet.

5. Stay in a safe location in hotels and resorts. Ask for rooms away from stairs and elevators so thieves don’t have easy access and escape to your room and belongings. Use all the locks in your room and put a chair against the door while you sleep to alert you while you sleep. Be wary of hotel safes, find out how many people have access to it to make sure your possessions are really safe.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

5 Ways To Avoid Theft While Traveling

Top 10 US Airports For 2010

Terry Jones — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:55:04 +0000

Top 10 US Airports for 2010: Totals by passenger enplanement

Chicago O’Hare

Los Angeles

Dallas/Ft Worth

Denver

NY Kennedy

Houston Bush

Las Vegas

Phoenix

San Francisco

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Top 10 US Airports For 2010

Top 10 Hotel Companies For 2010

Terry Jones — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 21:25:20 +0000

Top 10 Hotel Companies : Compiled by number of rooms available

1. InterContinental Hotels Group

2. Marriott International

3. Wyndham Hotel Group

4. Hilton Hotels Corp.

5. Accor Worldwide

6. Choice Hotels International

7. Best Western

8. Starwood Hotels & Resorts

9. Carlson Hotels Worldwide

10. Hyatt

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Top 10 Hotel Companies For 2010

Top 5 Car Rental Companies For 2010

Terry Jones — Sat, 17 Jul 2010 01:26:43 +0000

Top 5 Car Rental Companies – compiled by revenue

1. Enterprise

2. Avis

3. Hertz

4. Dollar/Thrifty Automotive Group

5. U-Save Auto Rental System

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Top 5 Car Rental Companies For 2010

Holland America Christens New Ship

Terry Jones — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 18:26:41 +0000

The newest ship to be added to Holland America’s fleet is the Nieuw Amsterdam. The new ship was christened in Venice, Italy by Princess Maxima of the Netherlands who has been named as the Godmother of the Nieuw Amsterdam. This new ship will set sail for it’s maiden voyages in the Mediterranean before heading to the Caribbean.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Holland America Christens New Ship

Travel Quote – The Journey Begins…

Terry Jones — Sun, 11 Jul 2010 15:34:59 +0000

“A journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step.” — Lao Tzu

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Quote – The Journey Begins…

Top 10 Cruise Ships By Size For 2010

Terry Jones — Sat, 10 Jul 2010 16:34:59 +0000

Top 10 Largest Cruise Ships by size: determined by gross registered tons

1. Oasis of the Seas – 252,282 tons

2. Freedom of the Seas – 160,000 tons

3. Queen Mary 2 – 151,400 tons

4. Voyager of the Seas – 142,000 tons

5. MSC Fantasia – 135,500 tons

6. Carnival Dream – 130,000 tons

7. Celebrity Solstice – 122,000 tons

8. Diamond Princess – 116,000

9. P & O Cruises Ventura – 116,000

10. Caribbean Princess and Crown Princess – 113,000 tons

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Top 10 Cruise Ships By Size For 2010

Alaska Reduces Cruise Tax To Woo Back Tourists

Terry Jones — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 14:23:40 +0000

Alaska Governor Sean Parnell signed into legislation the lowering the state’s tax on cruise passengers. This is an effort on the State of Alaska to woo back cruise ships to Alaska for it’s summer cruise tourism season.

This controversial tax has had cruise lines reduce the number of ships that offer 7 night itineraries through out the Alaska coastline. The reduction of cruise ships in Alaska began in the 2009 summer cruise season.

The tax has been reduced from $46.00 per person to $34.50 per person. The tax when it was introduced had the backlash by cruise lines who reduced their presence in Alaska by an estimated 140,000 passengers. The loss of income to the state of Alaska by the reduction of passengers from cruise lines has effected not just the tax revenue but the loss of revenue by shops, restaurants and other related businesses in each cruise port within Alaska.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Alaska Reduces Cruise Tax To Woo Back Tourists

10 Hot Weather Vacation Tips

Terry Jones — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 17:50:41 +0000

Summer is prime vacation season around the world, so here are a few tips to keep you safe and healthy if you are to enjoy a stay-cation or go away from home. Be well no matter where you roam!

1. Drink plenty of liquids – 2-4 glasses per hour of cool water is recommended

2. Try not to drink only caffeinated or alcoholic beverage because they actually dehydrate the body

3. Keep cool inside if you can – resting inside for just a few hours in air conditioning can reduce heat related health issues

4. Plan outdoor activities around the heat – make plans for early mornings and early evenings to avoid the hottest part of the day

5. Avoid strenuous physical activities or schedule them during a cooler part of the day

6. Rest – heat is stressful on the body so rest often (nobody has to tell me twice to take a nap!)

7. Eat light – avoid heavy foods so the body doesn’t automatically increase your metabolic heat

8. Wear light cotton clothing so your body can breath and absorb moisture plus to shield your skin

9. Use sunscreen – sunburns keep your body at a higher temperature, so you’ll feel like you can’t cool off

10. Avoid being in a vehicle during the hottest part of the day – temperatures run hotter in a car, even with the air conditioning running.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

10 Hot Weather Vacation Tips

Royal Caribbean To Offer More Sailings In The Middle East

Terry Jones — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 16:43:59 +0000

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines is reporting to expand its presence in the Middle East. The cruise lines ship the Brilliance of the Seas will be sailing out of Dubai for the winter of 2011 – 2012. The new sailings itinerary will include visits to India with calls in Cochin, Goa and Mumbai.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Royal Caribbean To Offer More Sailings In The Middle East

Taylor Sailor Wishes Everyone A Happy 4th of July

Terry Jones — Sun, 04 Jul 2010 00:05:57 +0000

Taylor Sailor wanted to extend a Happy 4th of July to everyone, especially all the alumni of the USS Taylor. In the past year Terry was contacted by the USS Taylor Naval Alumni to make our very own Taylor Sailor an honorary member of their group. The USS Taylor was commissioned in August 1942. All those who served proudly on this naval destroyer called themselves “Taylor’s Sailors”. In learning about our own cruising bear, they offered for Taylor Sailor to become a part of their group, an honor he humbly accepted. The USS Taylor was decommissioned in July of 1969, but its many alumni keep in touch with each other and often gather for USS Taylor reunions.

So an extra special wish goes forth to all of our military men who fight to protect our freedom everyday. Thank you for all that you do!

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Taylor Sailor Wishes Everyone A Happy 4th of July

NCL Epic Enjoys NY City Naming Ceremony

Terry Jones — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 02:00:37 +0000

NCL’s newest ship the EPIC is a mega ship with 4,200 passenger capacity. The EPIC is Norwegian’s largest ship at 153,000 tons.

The EPIC will be named by Reba McEntire in New York City on July 2nd. The ship will also be the host for the July 4th fireworks celebration by NBC.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

NCL Epic Enjoys NY City Naming Ceremony

Top 10 Airlines For 2010

Terry Jones — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 01:12:24 +0000

Top 10 Airlines for 2010:

Southwest

American

Delta

United

US Airways

Continental

Northwest

AirTran

JetBlue

SkyWest

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Top 10 Airlines For 2010

Does your travel insurance have this Baggage Delay Coverage?

Terry Jones — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 21:13:17 +0000

Here are some tips on what to look for with your travel insurance coverage.

Did you know that the Baggage Delay benefit is $500 per person?
Bags must be delayed or misdirected by Common Carrier for more than 24 hours.
This coverage is for the purchase of “necessary personal effects” such as clothing, toothpaste, etc.
Incurred expenses must be accompanied by receipts—So, customers need to save their receipts for the items they buy!

(This benefit does not apply if Baggage is delayed after the Insured reaches his/her return destination.)

Make sure you have the correct coverage. It takes a lot of stress away!

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Does your travel insurance have this Baggage Delay Coverage?

Travel Quote – Dare To Adventure

Terry Jones — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 19:05:08 +0000

“Life is either a daring adventure or nothing.” — Helen Keller

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Quote – Dare To Adventure

Princess To Offer 7 Night Southern Caribbean Cruise

Terry Jones — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 23:26:33 +0000

Princess Cruise Lines will be now offering a 7 night Southern Caribbean cruise itinerary option for travelers who want to depart from a Florida port vs. flying to San Juan. The 3,080 passenger Crown Princess will now depart weekly from Fort Lauderdale cruise terminal. The ship will cruise to the southern Caribbean and visit the islands of Aruba and Curacao. Due to the distance the ship will only be able to visit just two islands, but they will also spend one day on their private island Princess Cay in the Bahamas. This new itinerary will be introduced beginning with November 2011 dates

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Princess To Offer 7 Night Southern Caribbean Cruise

Disney Makes A Splash With New Water Works

Terry Jones — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 23:21:41 +0000

Disney has unveiled its new ‘World of Color’ fountain at Disneyland Resorts California Adventure Park. The fountain which creates a fire and light show that includes a 1200 fountain water screen that uses lasers to project images that creates an amazing show. The other effects used in the show are fire, fog, lasers and surround sound. The 25 minute shows features characters from Disney classics like The little mermaid, The Lion King, Pocahontas, Toy Story and WALL-E.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Disney Makes A Splash With New Water Works

Princess Offers Roundtrip Cruise To Tahiti From Los Angeles

Terry Jones — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 17:22:08 +0000

Want to visit exotic destinations like Tahiti, but don’t want to fly that long distance? Princess Cruise Lines has announced that it will offer a 28 day round trip cruise from Los Angeles, CA to Tahiti and back to Los Angeles. The Sapphire Princess will begin theses voyages in late 2011 with stops in Hawaii and Samoa.

This special south pacific sailing will include ports of all at Hilo, Honolulu, Kauai, Maui, Pago Pago, Apia, Bora Bora, Moorea and Tahiti. This itinerary will also include two crossings of the equator.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Princess Offers Roundtrip Cruise To Tahiti From Los Angeles

Royal Caribbean And DreamWorks Animation Team Up

Terry Jones — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 16:28:23 +0000

If you think you just saw Shrek walking down the promenade while you were cruising on a Royal Caribbean cruise ship don’t run your eyes and think ‘am I going crazy’ ? Because you’re not! Yes, you will see DreamWorks Animation characters as part of the cruise lines new DreamWorks Experience. as a parade on board the ship. As a new addition to their family programing and entertainment you and your family can get up and close to some of your favorite film characters.

Cruisers can enjoy seeing characters from such movies as Shrek or Madagascar with characters like Shrek, Fiona, Donkey Puss & Boots plus other characters during parades, character meet and greets, photo opportunities or enjoy a meal with one of your favorite animation personalities who have come to life. The cruise lines will also be introducing a 3D movie theater which will show movies created by the DreamWorks Studios.

The DreamWorks Experience will be available on Royal Caribbeans Oasis of the Seas, Freedom of the Seas, Liberty of the Seas and their newest ship the Allure of the Seas beginning in December 2010 and 2011 itineraries.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Royal Caribbean And DreamWorks Animation Team Up

Road Trip Tips And Car Checklist

Terry Jones — Sat, 19 Jun 2010 19:26:08 +0000

Planning a road trip this summer? Check out this vehicle checklist…..

Check your engine’s oil & filter.

Clean dirty wiper blades, and replace old ones as necessary.

Make sure your tires are properly inflated, and don’t forget to check the spare, too.

Make sure to have tire gauge to recheck the tires again on the trip as well.

Have your AC system checked to ensure it doesn’t die mid-trip.

Check your engine’s air filter, and get it replaced if needed.

Pack an emergency kit, including bottled water, a flashlight, flares, duct tape, and a flat tire repair tool like Fix-a-Flat.

Bring your auto membership card with you in case needed during the trip & to get discounts at hotels, attractions etc.

Bring pillows, light blankets, books, games and toys plus snacks to keep comfortable and help pass the time during the ride.

Check out a book on tape for long car rides to enjoy as another option for entertainment vs. music.

Pack a small thermal cooler with re-freezable ice packs to keep drinks cool and the ice packs can be used in case of injury too.

Keep all medicine inside the car instead of trunk to keep cool so they are not effected by the heat.

Bring or wear flip flops in case your feet overheat or swell – you’ll be more comfortable.

Pack a few extra bath towels and paper towels in the trunk in case of spills etc.

Have a window screen and steering wheel cover to help keep inside of car cool while it is parked at attractions.

Have two people have a set of the car keys just in case one set gets locked in the car in itself.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Road Trip Tips And Car Checklist

Cruise West Brings Back River Cruises In The USA

Terry Jones — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 20:07:12 +0000

In 2008 river cruising on the Mississippi, Tennessee and Ohio river stopped due to the end of operations of Majestic Cruise Lines. To the rescue is Seattle based Cruise West who has announced that it will now offer river cruising again beginning in March 2011. Cruise West has a fleet of small cruise ships that can be accommodated on American Rivers. Their prices will not only include meals, accommodations and entertainment on board the ship but all shore excursions as well. These unique cruises give a whole different perspective of how wonderful and vast America’s waterways are and how fun they can be to explore.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Cruise West Brings Back River Cruises In The USA

Virgin Airlines Seeks New Name For Canadian Service

Terry Jones — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 15:39:19 +0000

On June 23, 2010 Virgin America will begin service to Toronto, Canada. Virgin Airlines is asking for suggestions in naming their new fleet addition. If you have a creative mind go ahead and submit your ideas. The promo is called ‘Name our Canadian Bird’.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Virgin Airlines Seeks New Name For Canadian Service

Harry Potter’s Wizarding World Opens

Terry Jones — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 23:09:29 +0000

Attention wizards of all ages, get you broomsticks ready to experience the Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Studios in Orlando, Florida with its official opening June 18th, 2010 at 9:00am for the general public.

You will be completely immersed in the wonderful world of Harry Potter that brings the books to life for all of us mere mortals.

You will hear the whistle signal of the Hogwarts Express arriving at Hogsmeade station will start your adventure. As you meander down the path you will find Zonko’s joke shop, Honeydukes which sells chocolate frogs and Berties Bott’s every flavor beans. Enjoy a meal at Three Broomsticks plus some Butterbeer. Enjoy the Owlery and mail your letters from the Owl Post. Don’t forget to get get your wand from Ollivanders and all your magical instruments at Dervish and Banges.

Test your courage on the Dragon Challenge or take off on a flight of the Hippogriff. There is more adventure to be found on the Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey. Then catch your breath at Filch’s Emporium of Confiscated Goods (there are gold snitches to be caught).

Discover and enjoy your inner wizard at this very magical place.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Harry Potter’s Wizarding World Opens

Celebrity Offers Food Network Cruise

Terry Jones — Sat, 12 Jun 2010 20:52:49 +0000

Are you a Foodie? Are you like me and watch the Food Network all the time? When my family goes our beach house together in the summer our family does Food Network theme nights like Rachel Ray night or Desert Challenges. Needless to say with a combines 5-6 families we have a lot of fun and a lot of really great food.

Celebrity Cruises is planning a 7 night Food Network themed cruise in the Caribbean. The first ever ‘Food Network at Sea’ is being planned to bring the network to life for vacationers to experience and interact in culinary demonstrations with Food Network Chef and stars. There will be taste testings, demonstrations, meet and greets, recipes and more for all to enjoy.

The first Food Network chefs being booked are chef Cat Cora of iron Chef and Aaron Sanchez of Chefs vs. City. Other events are planned including a Battle of Solstice Chefs. More information to be announced soon.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Celebrity Offers Food Network Cruise

Tip For Exchanging In Forgeign Currancy

Terry Jones — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 03:24:00 +0000

If you’ve been holding on to your French francs or Maltese Lira, you might consider trading them in for dollars or Euros. The Currency Commission will buy back 14 expired currencies. Fill out a form online, and send it in with your bills (no coins). The company will mail you a check in one to two weeks.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Tip For Exchanging In Forgeign Currancy

Get Free Gratuties From Royal Caribbean and Cruises Inc.

Terry Jones — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:02:50 +0000

This is a special promotion only for new bookings made from June 8 – 10, 2010 on Royal Caribbean cruises that are 5 nights or longer. The cruise dates are from from July 1st to December 31, 2010. This is only for new cruise reservations on Royal Caribbean. As a sample on a 7 night cruise, this could be a cost savings of $168.00 total for 2 people.

So use our Cruises, Inc. cruise finder and find the perfect Royal Caribbean cruise vacation for yourself and take advantage of our very special promotion.

This is an exclusive offer only for Cruises, Inc. clients and only on Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Get Free Gratuties From Royal Caribbean and Cruises Inc.

Travel Quote – Explore. Dream. Discover.

Terry Jones — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 18:00:05 +0000

“Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover.” — Mark Twain

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Quote – Explore. Dream. Discover.

Great New iPhone Game To Pass Time While Traveling

Terry Jones — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 11:18:24 +0000

When I travel by car, train or plane I like to keep occupied while I wait and ultimately travel. I have recently tried about a newly released game application for my iPhone that has gotten me addicted. It is the game Blocktacular developed by evilBlue Studios in Smithville , Texas.

This is a free game I found to download on my iPhone, the game is entertaining, fun plus it definitely helps the time pass while traveling. As you become more adept at the game you can advance to higher and more difficult levels. Technology and the development of games like Blocktacular definitely help travelers pass the time in a pleasant way, no matter where they travel to.

Hope you all download and enjoy this great new app being offer by Apple. You can find out more at www.blocktacular.com .

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Great New iPhone Game To Pass Time While Traveling

Crystal Cruise Lines Offers Overnight Stays In NYC

Terry Jones — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 11:34:53 +0000

Crystal Cruises is offering an overnight stay in New York and a maiden visit to Portland, Maine, as part of its “New England & Canada” series this fall. Four 11-day cruises aboard Crystal Symphony will sail between New York and Montreal beginning Sept. 19, each with two overnight calls and nearly 100 Crystal Adventures. Departing Sept. 19, Sept. 30, Oct. 11 and Oct. 22, all voyages feature overnight stays in Montreal and either Boston or New York, plus visits to Newport, R.I.; Saint John, New Brunswick; Halifax, Nova Scotia; Quebec City, Quebec; and either Bar Harbor or Portland, Maine

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Crystal Cruise Lines Offers Overnight Stays In NYC

10 Hidden Hotel Fees To Be Aware Of

Terry Jones — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 21:27:22 +0000

Well the airlines are getting away with charging fees for almost every aspect of an air flight so now the hotels are getting on the band wagon. Below is a list of hidden fees that travelers have seen pop up on their bills (even if they have not used that service). Always ask for these to be taken off if they have been charged without your use of that service. Make sure you ask for a published list of hotel fees when you check in – this will let the staff know you are watching what they are doing and know more so they can’t pull anything over on you while you stay at their location.

1. Room service fee – you call a local restaurant or place an order online to have a meal delivered to your room. Many hotels have fees for allowing local delivery people to have access to their guests. If a hotel has an in-house restaurant they often add additional fees (hidden as taxes) for room service. Find out what the local tax percentages.

2. Cell Phone Chargers – Forgot or lost your cell phone charger? If you ask to borrow one from the hotel you may end up paying more than if you went out and bought a replacement.

3. Internet Access – if you travel enough it may be worth getting your own wireless computer package. Hotels often charge up to $25 a day plus if you need the extra wires to connect your computer to the outlet you can be charged for that too. Again best to bring your own.

4. Complimentary Newspapers may be found in the lobby but if you ask for it to be left at your hotel room door you will see a fee for that service.

5. Hospitality fee – You know those cookies and coffee in the lobby? Well in many hotels they are free for you to look at, but beware that you may be charged a hospitality fee that covers the cost for guest having access to these items in the lobby

6. Bellman Fee – Staying at a full service fee and you asked for taxi from the bellman? Check your account for a fee to help you out in this situations. They also include asking the bellman to hold luggage after you have checked out and before your flight leaves.

7. Valet Parking fee – most hotels have free parking but if you want to have someone park your car for you then expect to see this fee on top of that nice tip you gave the parking attendant (they pocketed that tip – it does not go towards the fee).

8. In room safe – it is not safe to use this at times due to there are charges if it doesn’t work or you need to have it reset due to you can’t remember the code you put in. Check out this with the front desk before you use it. How ‘safe’ can a safe be in lots of people have access to open it?

9. Complimentary Breakfast Buffet – the buffet maybe part of the room rate but ask for coffee, tea or orange juice from the waiter and you could be charged as an extra item aside from what is being offered at the buffet.

10. Housekeeping items – need extra towels, pillows, blanket…make sure you don’t take them with you and check your bill for extra amenities charges. Your room has a set number of these items, if you ask for more you can see a fee for the pop up on your bill

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

10 Hidden Hotel Fees To Be Aware Of

Hurricane Season Reminders And Bad Weather Travel Tips

Terry Jones — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:34:40 +0000

The official dates of the annual hurricane season are June 1st through to November 30th. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is the US official agency that monitors and predicts these weather seasons. The NOAA sets their predictions each year as to the amount of possible storms will be effecting our lives based on their continual monitoring of the atmosphere and weather patterns.

Tips to help while traveling in the case of a hurricane or any bad weather:

1. Call your airlines ahead of time to ensure flights are still scheduled to fly. If a flight is canceled make sure that your reservations are changed with no service fee due to the weather.

2. When making a hotel and/or resort reservation ask the operator or check online what their weather policy is for cancellation. Many hotels will cancel reservations and not charge a service fee if you are inside the penalty period for canceling.

3. Rental car agencies most often do not have any cancel fees but always double check, especially if you are planning on attending a large special event, sometime there are hidden fees involved but these can be waived because of weather.

4. Cruise ships often bypass areas of weather issues to ensure all passengers have smooth sailing. Cruise ships can also sail out of harms way when a major storm threatens. This is one big plus when planning your travel, because if you are staying at a hotel or resort they can’t move themselves or you out of harms way like a cruise ship can sail hundreds of miles away of a storm while you are still enjoying yourself on board the ship. All cruise lines have privileges to anchor in other ports, so if you have to bypass a destination you were looking forward to visiting you may be rerouted for safety’s sake. Cruise lines will stay out longer than planned if they need to ensure their guest safety – there is no additional charge to the passengers for this. If your cruise has been cut short due to a situation where a ship has not returned to port in time for the next rotation, most all cruise lines will refund portions for unused cruise dates or offer to change cruise dates all together with no fees.

5. Use a Travel Agent they are your best resource to handle all these issues while you sit back and relax knowing that they are your advocate to all the travel vendors. A Travel Agent will be able to make all the changes of arrangements for your travel without you having to worry about the hassle. NOTE: If you did not book your travel through a Travel Agent, they are not permitted to access your reservations after wards to help you with issues that have been created due to weather.

6. Purchase travel protection insurance. For a few extra dollars purchasing travel protection may help you get refunded for delays that are weather delays. Check the policy before purchasing for many do not protect you in the case of weather delays. Not all travel protection is the same, most cover cancellation for illness and/or death but not weather. Weather is considered’ An Act Of GOD’ and therefore you may not have the coverage you think you do. Cruises, Inc. Travel Companion does offer a clearly stated weather delay policy – ask about it before signing the dotted line!

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Hurricane Season Reminders And Bad Weather Travel Tips

Taylor Sailor Extends A Sincere Thanks

Terry Jones — Mon, 31 May 2010 15:08:46 +0000

In honor of Memorial Day today, Taylor Sailor sends out a warm Thank You to all veterans and all current military personnel. His heartfelt appreciation extends to all branches of the military Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force plus all members of the reserves, Coast Guard and everyone who protects and serves our freedom.

He asks that all his friends extend their own hand to shake the hand of a military person and offer your sincere thanks for their bravery and willingness to serve.

There is a group of ex-military men and women who have formed a musical group called 4TROPS, this group perform around the USA and the world at US Military bases only. They perform to say Thanks and inspire all military personnel for all that they do on a daily basis. 4TROOPS has produced a CD by Sony in April 2010 with a compilation of pop and country music. A portion of each CD sold is contributed to Veteran’ charities.

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Taylor Sailor Extends A Sincere Thanks

Paul Gauguin Adds New Ship To Its Fleet

Terry Jones — Sun, 30 May 2010 21:52:16 +0000

The Paul Gauguin Cruise Lines that offers exotic cruises from beautiful Tahiti. This cruise line currently has only one cruise ship in it’s fleet and it is looking to expand in the near future.

The upscale Paul Gauguin is a 332 passenger small luxury ship that offers guest balcony staterooms and suites. The new ship that they are looking at would help the cruise lines expand and offer shorter cruise itineraries that can be combined with hotel/resort packages in Tahiti, Moorea and Bora Bora.

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Paul Gauguin Adds New Ship To Its Fleet

Pause And Reflect, Please

Terry Jones — Sat, 29 May 2010 18:57:16 +0000

This Memorial Weekend as you travel or relax at home please take a moment to thank those who have protected our live as we know it, in the past and all those currently in dangers way. Without these brave people we would not be able to enjoy the freedom we do today.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Pause And Reflect, Please

River Cruises To Get Suite New Ships

Terry Jones — Fri, 28 May 2010 20:55:02 +0000

A leader in river cruises, Avalon Waterways has announced plans to offer a new class of ship to sail upon the worlds rivers that will offer luxury suites to all it passengers. Avalon has announced that it will be offering river cruisers the first ever all suite ship. The ship currently being called the Panorama, will host 166 passengers in 64 all suites staterooms for guest to enjoy. The suites will also include sliding glass floor to ceiling doors that will be able to open so guest may enjoy their cruise experience from their own private stateroom that has a balcony like feeling. These french balcony doors will have protective railings for the guests safety.

Traditionally river cruises have never offered passengers balconies, so this is a first in the river cruise ship industry. The new suites will also be larger as well for guests to enjoy. Traditional river cruise ship staterooms average about 155 square feet, where as these new ships will boast a square footage of 200 square feet.

The Panorama will be beginning its European inaugural sailings in May 2011.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

River Cruises To Get Suite New Ships

Marriott Hosts Dora And SpongBob For Summer 2010

Terry Jones — Thu, 27 May 2010 19:57:12 +0000

Marriott Hotels has teamed up with Nickelodeon to offer family themed and kid friendly vacation packages for summer 2010.

The Nick-themed vacation packages will be offered at the chins following brands Marriott’s, JW Marriott’s, Courtyard By Marriott, Springhill Suites, F airfield Inn, Residence Inn and Towneplace Suites. These family vacation packages are called ‘Nickelodeon Getaways’ and are offered on weekends only. The packages will include Nick-theme activities and character photo opportunities. These packages are being offered at limited hotels and resorts around the USA.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Marriott Hosts Dora And SpongBob For Summer 2010

Hotels Recycle Soap And Give Back

Terry Jones — Wed, 26 May 2010 21:33:25 +0000

Several hotels in the USA and around the world take the open bars of soap that guest have used and recycle them. No they don’t just re-wrap them for another guest to use!

There is a non-profit organizations called ‘Clean the World’ that collects the soaps and shampoos from 175 hotels and B & B’s and creates new bars of soaps and shampoos from the discarded items and distributes to US Homeless shelters and improvised countries around the world.

‘Clean the World’ cooks down the discarded soaps to remove all left over impurities and then reshapes them into 2 once bars. There are three recycling centers in the USA completing this process for the organization. Their plants are located in Orlando FL, Houston, TX and Atlanta GA.

Since it’s inception less than 2 years ago ‘Clean the World’ has milled more than 4 million soap bars and 200,000 pounds or shampoo and conditioner back into use. This process is even more green than most would expect due to the company has to date eliminated almost 400 tons of waste going into landfills.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Hotels Recycle Soap And Give Back

Tip For Not Overpacking

Terry Jones — Wed, 26 May 2010 02:45:58 +0000

Trying to figure out how much to pack for a trip? Here’s an idea: Pack your bag, then try carrying it up the longest flight of stairs you can find. Lighten your load till you can lug the bag to the top.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Tip For Not Overpacking

New Seabourn Yacht Gets Ready To Set Sail

Terry Jones — Tue, 25 May 2010 01:08:33 +0000

The Yachts of Seabourn is about to welcome their newest cruise ship the Seabourn Sojourn. After completing four successful days of sea trials in the Mediterranean the ship is scheduled for delivery to the cruise line on May 28th, 2010.

The Seabourn Sojourn will begin it’s inaugural festivities on June 6th with a 14 day voyage visiting Scotland, Faroe Islands, Iceland, The Norwegian fjords and Amsterdam. The ships first season will include varying Northern Europe itineraries that will also include Norway, the Baltic Sea and Russia.

The Sojourn is a 450 passenger luxury cruise ship that includes 90% private verandas on their all suite staterooms that have separate living rooms and bedrooms. The sojourn will also offer four different dining options for guests.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

New Seabourn Yacht Gets Ready To Set Sail

Disney Cruise Lines Introduces New Art Technology On Disney Dream

Terry Jones — Thu, 20 May 2010 11:41:38 +0000

Stand around the atrium lobby and throughout the Disney Dream and you will experience the new Enchanted Art which will immerses guests in Disney storytelling in a completely new way. This is a special surprise that only Disney could deliver, Enchanted Art magically comes alive as guests pause to admire individual pieces. A work of art that appears to be an animation cell from the Disney classic film “Bambi” springs to life as Bambi’s friends Thumper and Flower scamper and a butterfly flies through the scene. Another piece, featuring a vintage photo of Walt Disney at his drawing board, creates a magical moments for guests as the character Walt is creating becomes animated.

Enchanted Art looks like other hanging art pieces around the ship but is actually a framed LCD screen with technology that recognizes a guest is present. As a guest stops to view a piece of Enchanted Art, several seconds of animation in the picture are activated. Guests may see new and different animation as they come back and visit the Enchanted Art another time.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Disney Cruise Lines Introduces New Art Technology On Disney Dream

Windstar Offers Cruises In The Baltic

Terry Jones — Thu, 20 May 2010 00:26:31 +0000

Windstar will be now offering five new week long Baltic cruise itineraries beginning next year 2011 on the graceful 148-passenger Wind Spirit, from Stockholm and Oslo, and between Oslo and Le Havre, France.

One of the sailings, from Stockholm, on July 23, 2011, visits St. Petersburg, Russia, for an overnight. The Le Havre cruises include visits to Belgium and The Netherlands, while the other sailings concentrate on Scandinavia, with a port call as well at Warnemunde, Germany (for Berlin).

Two new Europe itineraries on the Wind Spirit highlight World War II sites, with an optional post-cruise tour in Paris. A seven-day sailing on the Wind Spirit, July 2, 2011, from Lisbon to Le Havre, visits Porto, Portugal; Brest, France, Roscoff, France and Cherbourg, France. The itinerary is reversed on August 13, 2011.

Because of the size of Windstar’s ships this cruise line can offer unique and different ports of calls than the bigger ships, so they are definately a cruise line you’ll want to try.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Windstar Offers Cruises In The Baltic

Princess Cruises Has New Ships Arriving 2013 & 2014

Terry Jones — Tue, 18 May 2010 18:45:30 +0000

Princess Cruise Lines will be adding two new mega ships to their fleet launching sometime in 2013 and 2014. Carnival Corporation, the parent company of Princess Cruise lines, announced that two 3,600 passenger ships will be built and will be slated for service in spring 2013 and spring 2014. These two 141,000 ton ships will be the largest vessels in the Princess fleet once they are completed.

Not many details were released yet about the ship except that all outside cabins would have balconies.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Princess Cruises Has New Ships Arriving 2013 & 2014

Carnival Cruise Lines Adds More Bermuda Stops

Terry Jones — Mon, 17 May 2010 20:48:00 +0000

2011 will have Carnival Cruise Lines offering a record of 16 itineraries that will have Bermuda added as a port destination.

What Carnival Cruise ships will offer Bermuda as a stop – see below. These itineraries will be offered between April and November 2011.

Carnival Miracle – 7 and 8 day cruises from New York City, NY

Carnival Pride 7 day cruises from Baltimore, MD

Carnival Glory – 6 day cruises from Norfolk, VA

Carnival Fantasy – 6 day cruises from Charleston , NC

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Carnival Cruise Lines Adds More Bermuda Stops

Seabourn Pride To Sail Europe 2011

Terry Jones — Sun, 16 May 2010 21:58:00 +0000

Seabourn Cruise lines announced a change in their 2011 deployment of the Seabourn Pride to now sail in Europe instead of Asia as had been announced earlier. The Seabourn Pride will now sail Summer 2011 in Europe with 12 day sailings to the Baltic, Russia, Stockholm, Sweden, Copenhagen and Denmark.

The 208 passenger luxury ship had been slated to sail Asia including China, South Korea and Japan during the summer months of 2011. All passengers previously booked for these voyages have been re-accommodated.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Seabourn Pride To Sail Europe 2011

Royal Caribbean Going To Chicago?

Terry Jones — Sat, 15 May 2010 16:29:35 +0000

No, Royal Caribbean will not be adding cruises from Chicago but it will be adding the Tony award winning show “Chicago: The Musical” to headline on it’s newest ship the Allure of the Seas.

The Allure of the Seas is Royal Caribbeans newest ship to launch later in 2010. As reveled by the cruise line this 90 minute Broadway show will be performed in the ships Amber Theater. Other entertainment features will be ‘Blue Planet’ which will be a combination of music, dance and aerial acrobatics.

With Royal Caribbean offering Broadways shows on their new ships brings an even wider array of entertainment on their newest ships. Learn more about this Tony award winning show ‘Chicago: The Musical” to be performed on the Allure of the Seas”

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Royal Caribbean Going To Chicago?

Travel Tip For Those Do It Your Self Planners

Terry Jones — Fri, 14 May 2010 17:57:26 +0000

If you’ve ever struggled with condensing and printing your itinerary for an upcoming trip, or sharing details with friends or family, you know the hassle of the cutting and pasting from e-mailed confirmations, handwritten reservation numbers and contact info from Web sites and brochures. The two-year-old Web site, TripIt, allows you to forward it confirmation e-mails from all different kinds of Web sites, from airlines, hotels and car rental agencies to concert tickets, restaurant bookings and airport transfers. Then you can print out an itinerary with only the info you need. The company just announced an extra service, TripIt Pro, that offers loyalty point tracking, flight monitoring, mobile alerts, alternate flight options and automated sharing for $49 to $99 for a yearly membership. Its regular services, however, remain free for registered users.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Tip For Those Do It Your Self Planners

Azamara Cruise Lines Offer All Inclusive Cruises

Terry Jones — Thu, 13 May 2010 18:36:00 +0000

Passengers on Azamara Club Cruises will find sodas, specialty coffees, gratuities, and wine with meals, included in the cost of their cruise. This creates an all-inclusive package for cruisers which is very popular with travelers. Like resorts around the world, all-inclusive packages are very popular with leisure travelers due to that they can plan their budget more when there are more things included and they can pay in advance of their arrive.

Azamara has changed its orientation from a “deluxe” line to an “upmarket” one, it decided not to charge for the extras items like soda etc to really enhance what they offer their guests. They are also offering shuttle buses in port where possible, English butler service for suite guests, who also receive complimentary dining in the specialty restaurants, Prime C and Aqualina. Their attention to the details and the extra amenities will be what truly sets this cruise line apart from so many others.

The changes take effect immediately on the 694-passenger Azamara Journey’s 10-night cruise that departs Miami. The new extra complementary amenities will begin on the 694-passenger Azamara Quest’s 24-night cruise from Singapore to Athens leaving in April.

Azamara was created from, and managed by Celebrity Cruises. The lines first years were a struggle, due to brand recognition and low pricing during the economic downturn in its first few years of life. Its parent company, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd, decided last summer to give Azamara its independence, as well its its first dedicated CEO, Larry Pimentel.

Besides being more inclusive, Pimentel’s team decided to revamp the line’s itineraries to include longer stays in ports and more overnights. With the smaller luxury ship elegance and a list of special touches this cruise line will be offering itineraries and services cruise guest just won’t be able to resist.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Azamara Cruise Lines Offer All Inclusive Cruises

Tip For Surfing On Airline Flights

Terry Jones — Wed, 12 May 2010 13:48:31 +0000

Lucky enough to be flying on a plane with wireless broadband? Save yourself the hassle of digging out your credit card on the flight, go ahead and sign up for an account before you leave. Go – the internet service used by AirTran, American, Delta, United and Virgin – these airlines let you sign up and prepay for service on its Web site before you fly, so you can log on and start surfing as soon as you reach 10,000 feet.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Tip For Surfing On Airline Flights

Celebrity Cruise Lines Introduces New Beverage

Terry Jones — Mon, 10 May 2010 21:18:03 +0000

Celebrity Cruises has officially rolled out four beverage packages that passengers can pre-purchase for a cruise.

Two of the packages are for non-alcoholic drinks such as sodas, bottled water and premium coffees, and start at $14.95 per person per day, including a 15% gratuity.

The most expensive combination, the Premium Package, costs $56.35 per person per day and includes most beverages on board, including beer, spirits, cocktails and certain wines.

The new packages were designed from the feedback Celebrity got after launching a pilot beverage package program last December. Gone from the initial launch are an unlimited beer package and a frozen drink package, and added are packages that bundle alcoholic drinks with premium, non-alcoholic beverages like coffees and bottled water.

The new packages are also priced lower, Celebrity said, and are more consistent with what passengers said they were willing to pay.

The drink packages can be purchased on Celebrity’s website up to four days prior to sailing, as well as on board, starting this month.

It launches first on the Celebrity Equinox and Celebrity Millennium sailings on May 14; the last ship to launch the program will be the Celebrity Infinity on May 21. The Celebrity Xpedition will be the only ship that won’t offer the program because alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are already part of its cruise fare.

The packages are as follows:

- The Classic Non-Alcoholic Package ($14.95) includes sodas, bottled and fresh-squeezed juices and water and premium coffees.

- The Premium Non-Alcoholic Package ($18.40) comprises everything in the Classic Non-Alcoholic Package plus specialty coffee, name-brand bottled water, energy drinks, flavored water, smoothies and frozen non-alcoholic drinks.

- The Classic Package ($44.85) has everything in the Classic Non-Alcoholic Package plus beers that cost up to $5 each, and spirits, cocktails and wines by the glass that go for up to $8 each.

- The Premium Package ($56.35) includes all beverages in the Premium Non-Alcoholic Package plus all beers, all spirits, cocktails and wines with a value of up to $12 per glass.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Celebrity Cruise Lines Introduces New Beverage

Taylor Sailor Sends Warm Wishes To All Moms No Matter Where They Travel

Terry Jones — Sun, 09 May 2010 18:41:22 +0000

Taylor Sailor sends out warm wishes to all Mom’s today on Mothers Day. He also hopes that you all sail through this year with much happiness, health and find lots of places to travel to! Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!Taylor Sailor Sends Warm Wishes To All Moms No Matter Where They Travel

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Taylor Sailor Sends Warm Wishes To All Moms No Matter Where They Travel

Enjoy The Big Apple With These Easy Tips

Terry Jones — Sat, 08 May 2010 20:38:15 +0000

Going to New York City? Here are a few ways to experience all the city has to offer, for less:

Play the lottery for Broadway tickets. More and more shows, especially on Broadway, are picking names out of a hat to sell day-of tickets. Most require that you visit the theater to enter drawings; ticket winners are generally announced two hours before showtime and are allowed to buy no more than one pair of tickets. For a comprehensive, up-to-date list of shows conducting lotteries, as well as those with standing-room tickets, see Playbill.com’s list at www.playbill.com/celebritybuzz/article/82428.html
If you want to eat at one of the city’s hot restaurants, consider going for lunch instead of dinner, or even breakfast, when available. If you’re staying till Monday, keep in mind that some restaurants also have Sunday night dinner specials.
When choosing a hotel, stay out of Midtown. Hotels on the East Side, downtown, Chelsea and the West Side generally have lower rates.
Doing some shopping? Scour the small boutiques around such neighborhoods as SoHo and Nolita for steep discounts. At the very least, these independently run shops will have a designated rack of sale items. Also, it never hurts to tactfully bargain, especially if the item is from another season or slightly damaged. For a full house of original designers, head to the Market NYC
www.themarketnyc.com), which is open weekends at two locations. The prices are usually lower than the ones found on the designer’s Web site, and it’s always a bonus to meet the artist behind the apparel and accessories.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Enjoy The Big Apple With These Easy Tips

Oasis Of The Seas Poker Cruise Set for 2010

Terry Jones — Fri, 07 May 2010 10:22:42 +0000

Gamblers have a soft spot for larger-than-life venues, just look at of Las Vegas’ resorts and hotels. So it should come as no surprise that the next Ladbrokes Poker Cruise will be held on the newest of Royal Caribbean’s ships, the Oasis of the Seas — the world’s largest cruise ship.

The fourth annual poker fest at sea will kick off Jan. 22, 2011 on the much-ballyhooed, 5,400-passenger vessel, which debuted in November.

The seven-night voyage to the Western Caribbean, out of Fort Lauderdale, will include stops in Falmouth, Jamaica; Cozumel, Mexico; and Labadee, Royal Caribbean’s private beach destination in Haiti.

Here is the website link for this poker cruise on the oasis of the Seas.

Oasis Of The Seas

At 225,282 tons, Oasis is more than 40% larger than the next largest cruise ship. Designed around seven “neighborhoods,” it boasts a 1,380-seat theater that opened with Broadway’s Hairspray, an outdoor AquaTheater that features water ballet and high-dive acts, an ice skating show, a comedy club, jazz club, casino, multiple nightclubs and bars, two dozen eateries and a two-deck spa. This ship is a

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Oasis Of The Seas Poker Cruise Set for 2010

Ride A Bike On Your Next Vacation

Terry Jones — Thu, 06 May 2010 18:09:24 +0000

Thinking about biking on your next vacation? Here are some Web resources to help with your two-wheeling logistics:

Search for and book bike rentals from independent shops across the U.S. and Canada at
www.rentabikenow.com.

Read about bike-sharing programs worldwide, and see a map of which cities have them, plus links to each program at
bike-sharing.blogspot.com.

Find out the rules about bikes on transit in American and Canadian cities at
www.bikemap.com/bikesontransit/index.php

For user-penned trip reports, tips and comments on everything from airlines’ bike policies to the best folding bikes, check out
www.bikeaccess.net

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Ride A Bike On Your Next Vacation

Royal Caribbean, Carnival and NCL Cancel Departures From West Coast

Terry Jones — Wed, 05 May 2010 18:36:57 +0000

Royal Caribbean’s announced last week that it will be pulling out of California and the Mexican Riviera, effective in January 2011. This announcement has really upset its fans — notably those based in the West who enjoy cruising from ports close to home.

Royal Caribbean has announced that it will to redeploy the Mariner of the Seas from the Mexican Riviera to Europe, effective in early 2011.

The line says the 3,114-passenger ship, which has been sailing to the Mexican Riviera year-round out of Los Angeles since early 2009, will set sail for a new home at the port of Rome (Civitavecchia) in January.

Mariner is the largest ship ever to regularly sail out of a West Coast port, and it’s arrival in Los Angeles last year was heralded as a major development for the city. With Mariner’s withdrawal, Royal Caribbean no longer will have a presence in Southern California or the West Coast of Mexico — destinations it has served for many years.

Royal Caribbean’s announcement of the removal of the Mariner from the Mexican Riviera is just the latest sign the cruise industry is still trying to recover from the down turn in the economy. Another line sailing in the region, Carnival, is pulling a ship out of nearby San Diego this month April 2010, and Norwegian Cruise Line recently announced it would end seasonal cruising to the Mexican Riviera out of Los Angeles in 2011.

Cruise line executives say demand for the region has been hit by the downturn in the California economy and concern for travelers with the news of growing violence in Mexico, among other factors.

For right now cruise passengers will have to wait to see if the cruise lines will add the Mexican Riviera to their repositioning cruises at the beginning and end of the Alaska cruise season. Perhaps if the economy turns around again for California, more ships will be redeployed there.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Royal Caribbean, Carnival and NCL Cancel Departures From West Coast

New Orleans Cruise Ship Count To Increase In The Future

Terry Jones — Tue, 04 May 2010 13:37:22 +0000

Dedicated fans of cruising out of New Orleans got some really big news when as Royal Caribbean announces it’s heading back to the Big Easy.

Royal Caribbean says it will launch winter cruises from New Orleans beginning in November 2011. The cruise line will have the 3,114-passenger Voyager of the Seas in the city for seven-night voyages to the Western Caribbean.

Voyager will become the largest cruise ship ever to sail out of New Orleans. Like other lines, Royal Caribbean pulled its ships out of New Orleans after the city was devastated by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. The line returned to the city briefly in late 2006 but left again in early 2007.

Voyager will be switching its winter home to New Orleans from Galveston, Texas. Galveston, in turn, will be getting a new ship for the winter of 2011-12, the 3,114-passenger Mariner of the Seas. Until now Mariner has been based in Los Angeles, but Royal Caribbean announced it would be leaving the California in early 2011.

Royal Caribbean is following Carnival and Norwegian Cruise Line in returning to New Orleans. These are sure signs that the city is rebounding from hurricane Katrina – slowly but surely. These cruise lines returning to New Orleans will also help rebuild the city’s tourism.

Just this past November the 2,758-passenger Carnival Triumph, one of the biggest ships in the Carnival fleet, began sailing year-round out of New Orleans, marking the first time since Hurricane Katrina that a vessel of its size has sailed out of the city.

Carnival, which once had two ships sailing year-round out of New Orleans, had returned to the city in 2006 with a single small ship, the 2,052-Carnival Fantasy. The larger Triumph took the Fantasy’s place.

Also sailing out of New Orleans, on a seasonal basis from November to April, is Norwegian Cruise Line’s 1,966-passenger Norwegian Spirit. The line recently announced it will expand to year-round cruising out of the city starting in November — a major coup for the city’s port.

Royal Caribbean says the Voyager’s new program out of New Orleans will begin on Nov. 12, 2011 and last until April 2012. The ship’s seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries will include port calls in Falmouth, Jamaica; Cozumel, Mexico and George Town, Grand Cayman.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

New Orleans Cruise Ship Count To Increase In The Future

Isreal and Egypt Welcome Windstar Cruises

Terry Jones — Mon, 03 May 2010 16:36:53 +0000

Windstar Cruises is introducing new cruises to Egypt and Israel in 2011, on one of its three motorized sailing yachts. The two Holy Land itineraries on the 148-passenger Wind Star include optional excursions to Cairo and pre- and post-cruise programs in Jerusalem. These 10-day sailings begin October 15 2010 from Piraeus (Athens) to Ashdod (Israel) includes port calls in Greece, Turkey and Cyprus and an overnight in Port Said, Egypt.

The ship will then reverse for an 11-day sailing from Ashdod on October 25, visits Haifa, Israel; Port Said (again for an overnight), Cyprus, Turkey and Greece.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Isreal and Egypt Welcome Windstar Cruises

Cruise Survey To Win A Free Nikon Camera

Terry Jones — Sat, 01 May 2010 16:56:57 +0000

Please help us to get a better understanding of what you are looking for in regards to your next vacation by answering the questions in our Cruises, Inc. survey.

By completing this survey you’ll be entered into a prize drawing to receive a Nikon 10 MP Camera with a 4GB SD Memory Card! Fill out the survey today, and you could receive a new camera for your next vacation!

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Cruise Survey To Win A Free Nikon Camera

Disney’s Cruise Ships Interior Cabin Portholes Come To Life

Terry Jones — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 15:30:57 +0000

A Virtual Porthole could be better than a regular window to the world on Disney cruise ships.

The Disney Dream, the cruise lines newest ship, will have a unique ‘porthole window’. The Disney Dream will have a remarkable innovation with a cruise industry first for all inside staterooms. Virtual Portholes offer a “window” to the world with a real-time view outside the ship. High-definition cameras placed on the exterior of the ship feed live video to each Virtual Porthole. The live video feed corresponds to the stateroom location – either port or starboard and position on the ship, from bow to stern.
As guests are observing the outside views, they may glimpse a magical surprise: animated characters may pop by the Virtual Porthole. Characters may include Peach the starfish from the Disney and Pixar film “Finding Nemo,” a haunted pirate ghost ship or even Mickey Mouse.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Disney’s Cruise Ships Interior Cabin Portholes Come To Life

Nickelodean At Sea On NCL Cruise Ships

Terry Jones — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 19:13:07 +0000

On April 24, 2010 NCL’s Norwegian Jewel began offering its exclusive Nickelodeon at Sea activities and shows on board each and every cruise year-round, in addition to all the current on-board programming already offered. This programming will also be available on Norwegian Epic when the ship launches this summer. Hints of Nickelodeon will be discovered ship-wide with programs that include signature Nickelodeon activities, popular characters and interactive game shows the entire family can enjoy together.

Specifically, Nickelodeon will offer its Slime Time Live! and Nick Live! Poolside interactive shows; Story Time with Dora where guests are invited to gather around to hear stories about some of their favorite Dora the Explorer characters; Dora’s Dance Party where kids will join Dora and the Nickelodeon cast to dance and sing along with all of Dora’s favorite party songs; character breakfasts; meet and greets around the ship with Nickelodeon characters; Nickelodeon-themed arts and crafts, along with special enhancements to Norwegian’s Kids Crew programming.

Just for fun try making these slime recipes at home….

Easy Slime Recipe 1

2 Cups Water
1/2 Cup Cornstarch
Food Coloring

Bring water to a boil in a medium saucepan. Add cornstarch, then food coloring while stirring constantly. Remove from heat and cool to room temperature. This makes a messy slime that goes from liquid to solid, and is great fun to play with.

Easy Slime Recipe 2

1/4 cup White Glue
1 1/4 cup Water, divided
1 tbsp. Borax – found in the laundry detergent aisle of your grocery store
Food Coloring

Borax is available in the laundry section of your local grocery store. Add 1 tbsp. Borax to one cup of warm water. Stir until completely dissolved.

Make a 50% water 50% white glue solution by taking 1/4 cup of each and mix thoroughly.

In a Ziploc bag, add equal parts of the borax solution to equal parts of the glue solution. (Half cup of each will make a cup of slime.)

Add a couple drops of food coloring. Seal bag and knead the mixture.

If slime is too sticky, add a little more borax. If slime is too slippery, add a little more white glue solution.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Nickelodean At Sea On NCL Cruise Ships

Kids Cruise For $99 On NCL

Terry Jones — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 15:55:09 +0000

Kid’s $99 each: Norwegian Cruise Line kicks off its Summer Blockbuster event started on Monday, April 19, 2010 with a three-day preview for its Latitudes members (past guests) beginning on Friday, April 16, 2010. Kid’s cruise on Norwegian from $99 each when booked as third through eight guests on select 2010 sailings for new reservations made now through May 31, 2010. In addition, reduced cruise deposits are offered on new summer bookings from now through May 2, 2010. Norwegian will announce several other promotional offers over the six-week Summer Blockbuster event which ends on May 31.

Guests can experience the ultimate summer vacation on any of Norwegian’s Freestyle Cruising ships to popular destinations such as: Alaska; Canada & New England; Bahamas & Florida; Bermuda; the Caribbean; Hawaii and Europe.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Kids Cruise For $99 On NCL