Travel Lady Blog

Taylor Sailor Set Sail For NYC Dream Inaugural

Terry Jones — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:30:24 +0000

Taylor Sailor and Terry will be traveling up to New York City tomorrow to spend a night on the brand new Carnival Dream. We will be enjoying her inaugural festivities, so we’ll let you know all the scoop. We will post pictures and tell you all about this new wonderful ship soon… Bonn Voyage!

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Taylor Sailor Set Sail For NYC Dream Inaugural

Travel Quote – Explore

Terry Jones — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 23:58:46 +0000

“If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religion and avoid the people, you might better stay at home.” — James Michener

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Quote – Explore

Lego Themed Hotel Planned In California

Terry Jones — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 00:11:08 +0000

Hotels are the building blocks of tourism, so does it make sense to have a hotel built of blocks to promote tourism – of course it does if you are building your hotel for Lego Land in Carlsbad, California.

The plan is to build a 254 room hotel that will look just like the children building block and in all of their wonderful bold primary colors. The hotel will be build next to the Legoland theme park. The hotel will take on the Lego theme as well inside with Lego printed carpet and wallpaper. The wallpaper will include instructions for guest to enjoy building Lego structures.

Some of the guest rooms will also take on some of the special character themes such as the Legos pirates. Though the hotel is all approved for a future date opening, no date has been set yet. Once construction has begun, it is expected to take approximately 18 months to build these building blocks.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Lego Themed Hotel Planned In California

New Disney Ship Will Have On Board ‘Water Coaster’ Ride

Terry Jones — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:33:19 +0000

The new Disney cruise ship, the Disney Dream, currently being built will be the newest in over the top attraction for cruise passengers to enjoy – a water coaster. Disney Cruise Lines has announced the addition of it’s newest ride on their ships as a high speed flume ride.

This ride will be billed as a ‘water coaster’, the flume ride will be 765 feet long and is like nothing ever seen before on a cruise ship! The ride will be called the AquaDuck. The ride will use the same technology used at Disney theme parks to shoot riders upward and forward as they twist around turns and drop while riding an inflatable raft through an clear acrylic tube. This ride will wind itself around a good portion of the top deck of the Disney Dream.

The AquaDuck will rise 4 stories off the top of the ships and there will be height limits for riders because of the intent for it to be a fast water coaster ride as well. Part of the ride will take passengers through a loop that will actually swing out over the water on the side of the ship 150 feet below, so riders will have an unobstructed view of the ocean surface to give riders an even more heighten sense of thrill. Riders will then be sent whooshing through a funnel of the ship and actually travel through parts of the ships indoor children area before reemerging again outside on the top deck for a 335 foot long stretch of river rapids.

Disney has disclosed that there will No charge for this AquaDuck ride for cruise passengers.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

New Disney Ship Will Have On Board ‘Water Coaster’ Ride

A Celebrity Raises The Heat In Baltimore Harbor

Terry Jones — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 05:56:35 +0000

The Baltimore Cruise Terminal will be welcoming a new cruise ship come November 9th, 2009. The Celebrity Mercury will start cruising from the Baltimore Cruise Terminal on November 9th. The Mercury is the newest of class of ships from Celebrity’s fleet.

Celebrity is renowned for it’s world class amenities, dining and entertainment. Cruise clients can enjoy being pampered like never before.

The ship will sail from Baltimore to the Caribbean from November to the beginning of February 2010. The itineraries will be a selection of Bahamas, Eastern Caribbean and Western Caribbean ports.

So leave the snow, ice and cold behind and cruise from Baltimore, Maryland…it just doesn’t get any better than that,with just a short trip from home to sail from your own back yard. This just may our best winter ever in the Baltimore/Washington DC area!

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

A Celebrity Raises The Heat In Baltimore Harbor

My Kudos To SouthWest Airlines

Terry Jones — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 00:24:43 +0000

I have been a travel agent for 20 years, during that time and for many years prior I have flown many different airlines. I even worked for an airline for 4 years. Of late many airlines have been getting bad pres because of their rising cost, fuel supplements and amounting fees.

Having flown on them most recently, I can attest that Southwest Airlines is VERY customer service oriented. Not only were the reservations easy to make but changes were easy as well. They happily checked my bags and did not make me pay any additional service fees. During my flights to Seattle from Washington Dulles I was offered complimentary snacks and beverages. I was always greeted with a smile and with respect and it meant a lot to me as a consumer.

This type of service is why people are loyal, this type of travel is what make people want to travel again and again. I know they won’t fly everywhere I or everyone needs to go but I would recommend Southwest Airlines to everyone here in the USA as an exceptional carrier. My flights were on-time, bags in one piece, the plane was clean and the people friendly. Southwest Airlines does air travel right where other airlines have veered off for the cost of a dollar.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

My Kudos To SouthWest Airlines

Travel Quote – Good Company

Terry Jones — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:34:16 +0000

“Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter.” — Izaak Walton

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Quote – Good Company

Family Gatherings – Celebrate Life

Terry Jones — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 17:08:07 +0000

This message is written with a very poignant message, recently we had my husbands father pass away. This is part of life, I understand this but, I try to live life to the fullest and gather those that are important to me around for all celebrations – Big or small.

Family gatherings are hard but they don’t have to be. Usually there is one person who hosts a family gathering at their home be it for a birthday, anniversary, graduation, family reunion or a major holiday. There are weeks of preparation before everyone gets there and then mass confusion when people are there. The kids say they don’t have anything to do or they don’t like their cousins etc.

Want a great way to host a Family Gathering? Take a cruise! No weeks of preparation, no beds to strip and make while everyone is there, no sharing bathrooms, no extra laundry to do, no cooking, no cleaning up after every meal, no taking out the garbage, no refereeing of kids. A cruise is a perfect way to gather together and celebrate something big or small.

There are opportunities to enjoy each others company while everyone can do as they please and still gather together and share our lives together. My husbands father joined us once for a family vacation and it was wonderful. He had a chance to play with his grand children but then go back to his own room when he needed alone time, or he could walk around and enjoy the scenery, enjoy the sights and sounds around him. We would gather together for meals and enjoy what was prepared instead of being too tired to eat. The kids could pick what they wanted to eat instead of hearing ‘You’ll eat what I have put in front of you’.

The kids could go off to the pool or participate in the fun and games offered to them for their appropriate ages instead of one or more feeling left our or too old for what fun was going on at the time. They ate what they wanted and had choices all the time. They enjoyed the interaction they had with their grandfather, as we had enjoyed him company as well.

A family gathering on a cruise is a joyous occasion even if there i no occasion at all to celebrate except that you have gathered with your family and friends and created your own celebration of just being together and celebrating our lives together. That is something we should all do as often as we can!

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Family Gatherings – Celebrate Life

Travel Quote – Speed Of Travel

Terry Jones — Sat, 17 Oct 2009 21:24:00 +0000

“He travels fastest who travels alone.” — proverb

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Quote – Speed Of Travel

Picture Of The Day

Terry Jones — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 20:48:58 +0000

Whales Tail

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Picture Of The Day

Taylor Sailor Enjoys His Second Day At Sea On Board The Carnival Pride

Terry Jones — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 22:55:44 +0000

Today was another fun day at sea for Taylor Sailor on board the Carnival Pride. Taylor made a friend named Mark who showed him around the ship and they kept each other company while Terry was at all of her conference meetings. He asked Mark to take his picture while the hung out together. They had a great time sunning themselves on Taylor Sailor’s balcony and he was careful of the step when he went out there on the balcony. He spent some time at the Starry Nights lounge and kicked back and enjoyed a drink with Mark. They chatted the whole afternoon away.

This evening Taylor Sailor enjoyed a cocktail party with all of his new and old friends from Cruises, Inc. whom he joined for dinner along with Terry at the Normandie Restaurant. The Salmon was very good and his old friend Carol L was there and he also dined with two new friends Ginger S and Nancy. Right now he rushed back to the cabin to charge his camera and he is off to the lido deck fr a deck party starting soon. A full day is planned for tomorrow with our stop in Port Canaveral – where Taylor Sailor will updat eyou all with all the fun things there too!

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Taylor Sailor Enjoys His Second Day At Sea On Board The Carnival Pride

Taylor Sailor Enjoys Exploring Criuse Destinations With His Shore Excursions

Terry Jones — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 02:22:00 +0000

Taylor Sailor and Terry have been very busy for the past two days while cruising on the Carnival Pride with stops in Port Canaveral and Nassau, Bahamas.

Yesterday, Wednesday October 7th the Carnival Pride stopped in Port Canaveral for the day. As a shore excursion Taylor Sailor and his new friend Mark D introduced Terry to the part of Epcot where are the countries are represented. Their was an International Food and Wine Festival going on so it was even more special. Taylor Sailor and Terry enjoyed the rides, sights plus food and drink fromseveral different countries. Mark had been to Disney’s Epcot Center before, so he took Taylor Sailor under his wing and made some very tasty recommendations.

During the night the Pride cruised to Nassau where Terry and Taylor Sailor got off and enjoyed an long and leisurely day at Blue Lagoon and yes, the movie was filmed there. Terry enjoyed a unique and once in a lifetime experience of a Dolphin encounter. What wonderful, graceful animals that we are blessed to have on our planet to co-exist with.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Taylor Sailor Enjoys Exploring Criuse Destinations With His Shore Excursions

Taylor Sailor Enjoys His First Days On The Carnival Pride

Terry Jones — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:18:42 +0000

Well Taylor Sailor on got on to the Carnival Pride yesterday October 4th, 2009 and was instantly welcomed aboard by old friends and all of the staff he meets on the ship itself. The check in process for Carnival at the Baltimore Cruise Terminal was very easy and fairly fast. There was a bit of a line when Terry and he signed in but the line moved quickly. One we were on board we were able to go to the beautiful blue Mermaid Grill on deck 9 and enjoy a delicious buffet lunch – decisions, decisions, decisions. There was such a wide selection it was hard to decide but it was all really good.

After our luggage was delivered to the room, we unpacked and had time to roam around a bit to see more of the ship. Terry and Taylor Sailor met up with the staff of Cruises, Inc. in the Raphael room where we both got checked in for the cruise conference. After Muster, Terry and Taylor Sailor went to a reunion meeting with our Rising Stars friend from Cruises, Inc. We all gathered at the adult only aft pool and reconnected.

It was REALLY exciting when the ship cruised under the Bay Bridge – from our angle Terry and Taylor Sailor agreed that the Carnival’s signature Whales Tail looked like it passed under with just inches to spare – optical illusions are cool. We were advised there was plenty of space! Afterward it was back to the cabin to get dressed for cocktails and then off to dinner.

Cocktails were served to us in the Beauties Dance Club. What a great place to hang out, talk with old friends, meet new friends and enjoy the great atmosphere around us. We enjoyed a truly great dinner in the Normandie Restaurant where Terry and Taylor Sailor met with many new friends and ate lots of scrumptious dishes – including the Carnival Signature Creme Brule.

Taylor Sailor retired to the cabin after dinner.

Then Terry went off to the Welcome Aboard show in the Taj Mahal Theater. What a grand place! The Carnival Pride dancers and singers were wonderful and so was the band. Then we were entertained by a very funny comic named Carl Strong. Terry laughed so hard the cheeks on her faces hurt! After a full day we called it a night.

When Terry arrived back to her cabin, she found Taylor Sailor all tucked into bed for the night compliments of their cabin steward. Taylor Sailor did leave one chocolate for Terry to enjoy, left out for her on her pillow.

Today started early with breakfast in the Mermaid Grill. Lots of coffee made us wake up to attend our conference welcome session and classes and at 4:00pm Monday everyone attending the conference got together for a group photo – all 900 of us! Taylor Sailor is tired and wants a nap before this evenings festivities. Terry promised to let him rest , so we’ll catch up up more later while we sail on the Carnival Pride.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Taylor Sailor Enjoys His First Days On The Carnival Pride

Funny But True ….

Terry Jones — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 15:09:10 +0000

I heard this the other day and chuckled Now really think of this and then you’ll really understand why this is funny.

In Alaska it is against the law to wake up a grizzly bear to take their picture.

So when you are in Alaska on your cruise, feel free to take all the pictures you want of them – just take them from the cruise ship!

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Funny But True ….

Taylor Sailor Gets Ready To Set Sail From Baltimore

Terry Jones — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 20:39:43 +0000

Taylor Sailor will be joining Terry for the 2009 Cruises, Inc. Annual Conference on board the Carnival Pride leaving from Baltimore, Md. The Carnival Pride departs now year around from Baltimore as of Spring 2009. They will participating in meetings and classes, so Terry can be an even better cruise specialist for her clients.

Taylor Sailor will be blogging live from the cruise ship to keep up all our readers on what great things there are to do and see while on a cruise. Taylor Sailor will participate in all the fun things while Terry is in her meetings, so keep checking back to find out all that is happening. The cruise departs on October 4th from the Baltimore Cruise terminal.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Taylor Sailor Gets Ready To Set Sail From Baltimore

Travel Quote – Any Road Will Lead You

Terry Jones — Mon, 28 Sep 2009 20:53:58 +0000

“If you don’t know where you are going, any road will lead you there.” — unknown

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Quote – Any Road Will Lead You

Recipes From Around The World – Introduction

Terry Jones — Sat, 26 Sep 2009 19:50:25 +0000

Part of the fun and adventure of travel is tasting the cuisine of the places we travel to. I know I like trying and tasting new things each time I go to a new place,then collect recipes to bring home. When I use these recipes they act as a tangible creator of memories from where I had visited and what we had done on that trip.

Recreating these recipes are fun – gather friends or family together and share a great meal and fond memories. It is always fun to swap stories and adventures over a meal.

If you have a favorite recipe you’d like to share with a story, I’d be happy to share it here on my blog.

Ham and Cheese Calzone

2 tbsp mayonnaise

2 tsp Dijon mustard

1 cup fresh broccoli florets

1 8oz. slice of smoked deli ham, diced

1/2 small onion

8 oz swizz cheese, grated

1 tbsp vegetable oil

2 pkgs (13.8 oz each) refridgerator pizza crust

1 oz Parmesan cheese, grated

Preheat over to 450 degree, combine mayonnaise, mustard, add in broccoli,ham, onion, 1/2 of the cheese in a bowl – mix well. Pour oil on paper towel and oil pizza pan. Unroll dough and fit onto pizza pan, brush lightly with oil. Spread out mixture onto 1/2 of the dough, sprinkle 1/4 of cheese over mixture, fold dough over mixture and pinch together dough to seal. Brush remaining oil over the dough and sprinkle remaining cheese over top of dough, cut slits into dough and bake 14-16 minutes or until golden brown. Take calzone out of oven spread Parmesan cheese over top, return to oven for 2 minutes until cheese is melted. Remove slice and serve.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Recipes From Around The World – Introduction

Cruising Is Becoming #1 Honeymoon Choice

Terry Jones — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 18:30:55 +0000

With all the decisions and choices that newly engaged couple have to make, the honeymoon now is simplified. Cruising is becoming the #1 Honeymoon getaway choice. Why? Below are some reasons couples state that make them choose a cruise.

1. Cost – a cruise is dollar for dollar more economical than most land packages

2. Variety – there are cruises that leave from ports close to home or many place in the world

3. Choice – if a couple can’t decide on one place a cruise brings them to several port at one time

4. Ease – the ship is a floating resort that travels from place to place so just need to unpack once

5. Romance – from the stateroom, dining, entertainment and destinations romance abounds

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Cruising Is Becoming #1 Honeymoon Choice

Wonders Of The World – There Are More Than Seven!

Terry Jones — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 16:42:02 +0000

Growing up I learned in school about the seven ‘Wonders of the World’ . But living life and having the opportunity to travel and experience life plus learning about cultures in country’s around the globe, I believe there are limitless wonders to see. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has created a list of ‘World Heritage Sites’. This list has extraordinary destinations and contains items to awe anyone – even the most experienced of travelers.

Here is a link to a pictorial of some of the ‘ World Heritage Sites‘ as listed by UNESCO in no particular order. If you have had the opportunity to actually visit and see any of these, you’ll understand that a picture is good, but to feel and experience being there, at any of these locations is an unbelievable blessing.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Wonders Of The World – There Are More Than Seven!

It’s No Fantasy…Carnival Will be Cruising Year Round From Charleston, SC

Terry Jones — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:46:13 +0000

The Southeastern US will have another year round cruising option with Carnival Cruise Lines announcement that they will be cruising from Charleston, SC beginning May 2010. Carnival will be positioning their Carnival Fantasy ship out of Charleston beginning May 18th, 2010 with 5, 6 and 7 night cruise itineraries.

The cruise itineraries will alternate with five day voyages departing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays and will call at the ports of Nassau and Freeport Bahamas. The six day voyages will depart on Saturdays to include the ports of Freeport, Nassau and Key West FL. The seven night itineraries will visit the ports of Grand Turk and the private island of Half Moon Cay and Nassau departing on Saturdays.

With the announcement of having Charleston, SC as a year around port for Carnival Cruise Lines, they now operate year around cruising options from 12 ports in North America.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

It’s No Fantasy…Carnival Will be Cruising Year Round From Charleston, SC

Travel Quote – Coming Home

Terry Jones — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 19:35:26 +0000

“No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel until he comes home and rests his head on his old, familiar pillow.” — Lin Yutang

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Quote – Coming Home

Disney Cruise Lines Goes To The Coolest Place – Alaska

Terry Jones — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 16:42:21 +0000

For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Lines will offer passengers the opportunity to cruise Alaska during the Alaskan four month cruise season beginning in the summer of 2011. The Disney Wonder will offer 18 seven night cruises through Alaska for the 2011 summer season calling on Tracy Arm and the ports of Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan. The seven night sailings starting on May 2, 2011 and ending with their last sailing starting on August 30th, 2011.

The Disney Wonder will offer their Alaskan Cruises for sale beginning September 28th, 2009.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Disney Cruise Lines Goes To The Coolest Place – Alaska

Funny Towel Art Theater Clips

Terry Jones — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 18:19:58 +0000

If you have cruised before you know about the great towel art that is done by cabin stewards on cruise ships. Now it is a simple thing but they are very cute and I have seen some very particularly good ones.

There was a time I was traveling with a fellow travel agent on a Carnival Cruise and when we arrived back to our cabin one night we thought there was someone in our room – only to find that the cabin steward who had cleaned up after us with our tossed away clothes, had created a person out of towels and had it sitting in the chair in our cabin. The head was made of a towel complete with one of our hats, sunglasses and scarfs around the neck. A mixture of clothes were used to create the body and ended up with towel feet squeezed into my size 5 high heels!

Carnival has created a series of towel art clips called Towel Animal Theater, it is very cute and humorous. Take a gander and view them and enjoy. They even provide instructions on how to create your own towel art creations….it is the simple things in life that sometimes bring the most smiles to our faces.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Funny Towel Art Theater Clips

20 Fun Facts About Royal Caribbean’s The Oasis Of The Seas

Terry Jones — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 17:11:48 +0000

Royal Caribbean’s Cruise Lines Oasis of the Seas will be debuting soon – here are some fun facts and features about this mega ship.

1. There is over 3,000 miles of cable on board the Oasis

2. When done, it will have taken over 1.7 hours designing and building the Oasis of the Seas

3. There will be 7 neighborhoods on board for cruise passengers to enjoy while sailing

4. Passengers on board the oasis of the Seas can enjoy Royal Caribbean’s new My Time Dining

5. There will be 2,160 crew members staffing the ship

6. The average crew member has 2.5 years of experience working on a cruise ship

7. 95% of the crew working on the Oasis of the Seas will come from other Royal Caribbean ships

8. There will be 13 retail stores on board the Oasis of the Seas selling everything someone may need

9. There are 150 suites for passengers to enjoy

10. Passengers can enjoy the choice of 24 different restaurants on the ship

11. The square footage of the Oasis of the Seas is 2.4 million

12. There will be 2,700 deck chairs on board to chill and relax while cruising

13. Cruisers can enjoy a total of 37 bars and lounges on board while cruising

14. It has taken 650,000 liters of paint so far to paint the interior and exterior

15. 12,000 live plants and trees will be planted on the ships common grounds

16. The Aqua Theater diving pool deepest portion is a total of 21 feet in depth

17. The projected check in time to board the Oasis is 15 minutes for passengers from curb to on board the ship

18. There is a unique elevator, that also acts as a bar on board and is called the Rising Tide Bar going up and down 3-6 times per hour

19. The ship will feature the first ever cupcake shop called the Cupcake Cupboard with a 1940 theme and passengers can decorate their own

20. Broadways Tony award winning show ‘Hairspray’ will be featured in the ships Opal Theater

Check out the Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas video’s to see the how some of these details were built and completed.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

20 Fun Facts About Royal Caribbean’s The Oasis Of The Seas

Travel Quote – Your Memories

Terry Jones — Sat, 12 Sep 2009 21:35:41 +0000

“Let your memory be your travel bag.” — Alexander Solzhenitsyn

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Quote – Your Memories

A Perfect Day Guarantee

Terry Jones — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:54:09 +0000

When traveling to the Caribbean many travelers may have heard of the Caribbean ‘Perfect Weather Guarantee”. This is a marketing promotion that hotel and resorts have been using for years to let their guests know that they are serious – if you stay with us, each and every day will be a perfect day – weather wise, at least.

The Barbados Tourism took this a step forward and offers a $100.00 refund if the temperature falls below 77 degrees, or if there is more than a quarter of inch of rain a day during a visitor’s stay on Barbados. This marketing plan is usually in effect only during the Caribbeans dry season from January through April each year. Barbados has upped the ante and makes this guarantee and offers it during the island normal rainy season from May through mid-December.

Now Barbados is a bit farther east than other islands, so the do get less rain and is not located within the traditional hurricane belt. So they may get a light shower from day to day there is a good likely hood that it will be very little to effect tourists daily activities and unlikely to gather a 1/4 inch at one time.

But just for the heck of it, if you are going to Barbados or any of the Caribbean islands ask at your hotel or resort if they participate in the “Perfect Weather Guarantee” – even if they don’t ,don’t fret for the weather for you stay will be…well perfect!

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

A Perfect Day Guarantee

Travel Quote – New Experiences

Terry Jones — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 01:37:11 +0000

“Without new experiences, something inside of us sleeps. The sleeper must awaken.” — Frank Herbert

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Quote – New Experiences

Frontier Airlines Uses Smoke And Mirror Ticket With Changes Of Their Fees

Terry Jones — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 19:18:59 +0000

Frontier Airlines has announce that it is reducing it’s economy ticket $150.00 ticket change fee to $100.00 but is playing tricks on customers, because it is also increasing their checked baggage fee. The change fee for their classic ticket fee will stay the same at $50.00.

Frontier airlines is now charging $20.00 for passengers first check bag up from $15.00 previously, and increasing the cost of the second check bag from $25.00 to $30.00. The new fees goes into effect immediately on September 8th, 2009.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Frontier Airlines Uses Smoke And Mirror Ticket With Changes Of Their Fees

20 Cool Things About NCL’s New Ship The Epic

Terry Jones — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 16:43:19 +0000

The Norwegian Cruise Lines will be introducing their newest ship on July 17th, 2010. This new ship will be one of the largest cruise ships afloat in the world at 153, 00 gross tons. It will hold 4200 passengers in three types of cabins staterooms – Interior staterooms, Balcony staterooms and Luxurious Suites including their exclusive Garden Villas. Here are 20 really cool features that wail be found on the Epic for everyone to explore and enjoy.

1. Bliss Ultra Lounge with 4 bowling alleys

2. Spice H20 – an adult only complex

3. Posh Beach Club – available only to passengers booked in Suites and Villas

4. Ice Bar - 17 degrees inside while sailing to tropical islands – one of only 14 ice bars in the world – free parkas available for guests

5. All ocean view staterooms have balcony’s – 1415 of them to be exact – no picture window or port holes can be found in any cabins

6. Teen Center will have X-Box game consoles, Nintendo Wii, Foosball, Billiards and air hockey!

7. Library is open 24 hours a day and works on the honor system plus has a large plasma TV broadcasting news 24 hours with closed caption

8. Lobster will be served everyday in the restaurants

9. Soft serve ice cream is available 24 hours a day

10. Stateroom beds all with have memory foam toppers and Euro pillows

11. Every passenger will be offered complementary champagne or sparkling cider when boarding the ship upon embarkation day

12. Family staterooms are located near Kids Crew area

13. Spa staterooms are located right in the Spa Area and guest will have access 24 hours a day

14. Staterooms will have a large TV that also doubles as a large mirror

15. Their sports complex will have one of the largest rock climbing walls and the first repelling wall at sea

16. The mixed use sports deck will include a full sized basketball court, volleyball, soccer, batting cages, bungee trampoline

17. The first rope adventure course on a cruise ship including the first spider web cage

18. Three water slides that will also have the first inner tube slide with a core bowl

19. Entertainment Galore with the Blue Man Group, Cirque Dreams of Cirque Soleil, Second City Comedy Troupe and live Jazz performances

20. The only Villas at sea with the Garden Villas that have their own private court yard, pool, Epic Club and Courtyard Grill resturant

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

20 Cool Things About NCL’s New Ship The Epic

Taylor Sailor Celebrates 2nd Anniversary At Cruises, Inc.

Terry Jones — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 00:30:36 +0000

Today celebrates Taylor Sailor’s 2nd anniversary with Terry Jones of Cruises, Inc.. Over the past two years Taylor Sailor has been a very busy bear. He has attended many network meetings, Business Expo’s, Bridal Fairs, met business people from all over Northern Virginia, taken 5 cruises and acts as a constant mascot for Terry Jones with her Cruises, Inc. cruise business. His special image has been trademarked and is recognizable by many people around the world who follow all of his adventures.

He is excited and will be celebrating with his many friends. So, HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TAYLOR SAILOR – May you have many more years of fun and cruising!

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Taylor Sailor Celebrates 2nd Anniversary At Cruises, Inc.

Travel Quote – Roots and Wings

Terry Jones — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:36:05 +0000

“Two of the greatest gifts we can give our children are roots and wings.” –- Hodding Carter

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Quote – Roots and Wings

Top 5 Best Known Cruise Line Private Islands

Terry Jones — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 19:33:59 +0000

Cruise lines bring passengers all over the world, but there is one unique feature about some cruise lines that their passengers really love – the cruise lines private islands. The Top 5 Best Known private islands are found in the Caribbean and each cruise line creates an oasis just for their passengers. These are listed in no particular order.

1. Royal Caribbean’s – Cocoa Cay

2. Holland America’s – Halfmoon Cay

3. Norwegian Cruise Lines – Great Stirrup Cay

4. Princess Cruise Lines – Princess Cay

5. Disney Cruise Lines – Castaway Cay

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Top 5 Best Known Cruise Line Private Islands

Terry Jones Celebrates 2nd Year Anniversary With Cruises, Inc.

Terry Jones — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:52:01 +0000

On August 31st 2007 I officially was open for business with my very own Cruises, Inc. business. With 18 years in the travel business, I sought out to be my own boss, and did so by becoming a Cruise Specialist with Cruises, Inc. I aim to provide each and every one of my clients with the highest quality of customer service you can receive.

To celebrate my 2nd Anniversary with Cruises, Inc., I am offering all my clients a special offer. All new bookings made between August 31st, 2009 to December 31st, 2009 will have the Cruises, Inc. $19.95 processing fee waived. This is a small token of appreciation for all of my clients past, present and future to continue to use my dedicated travel services.

I also ask you to watch for my other updates by following me on Twitter ‘cruztravellady’.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Terry Jones Celebrates 2nd Year Anniversary With Cruises, Inc.

Travel Quote – Don’t Go To Just Sight See

Terry Jones — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 14:45:12 +0000

“Travel is more than the seeing of sights; it is a change that goes on, deep and permanent, in the ideas of living.” –- Miriam Beard Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!Travel Quote – Don’t Go To Just Sight See

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Quote – Don’t Go To Just Sight See

Top 10 Really Good Reasons To Use A Travel Agent

Terry Jones — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 15:46:16 +0000

Here’s an open letter to prospective clients who are debating whether to use a live travel agent to book their vacation or to go it alone by using the Internet. These were written by Ruthann Terrero of Travel Agent Central.

1. You’ve Googled “Mexico vacation,” and come up with 17.8 million responses. Need a little help editing those choices?

2. Remember when you used that obscure website to book your hotel, and when you got there you spent your beach vacation overlooking a parking lot?

3. How many hours were you on hold with the airline when your flight was canceled because of a snowstorm?

4. Did you really mean to spend your honeymoon at that resort whose one tiny pool was filled all day with 12 screaming children?

5. Who knew that when you booked that “villa” in Tuscany, it would be a small room with a kitchenette and no air conditioning? Funny, it looked much better on your computer screen.

6. No one explained to you that in July, it’s winter time in Rio, and so you showed up there with nothing but five Hawaiian shirts and three pairs of swimming trunks.

7. How about the time you really needed a restful vacation, and you ended up in New Orleans during Mardi Gras and someone threw up on your shoes?

8. Yes, I guess that hotel must have used a telephoto lens when they took a picture of those guest rooms that you saw on their website.

9. I suppose contacting the Attorney General to resolve the fact that that Internet site has billed your credit card three times instead of once is the only route to take at this point.

10. It was definitely odd that there were no cab drivers at the airport at 3 o’clock in the morning when you finally landed in Costa Rica, but booking a transfer to your very remote hotel would have been a good thing to remember when you purchased your airline ticket and hotel online.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Top 10 Really Good Reasons To Use A Travel Agent

Celebrity Cruise Lines Adds More European Sailings for 2010

Terry Jones — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 17:46:24 +0000

With a last minute announcement, Celebrity Cruise Lines will be adding their ship the Celebrity Century to sail in Europe in 2010 instead of keeping the ship in the Caribbean as had been planned. Some of these changes are due to the decrease of ships in Alaska for 2010 that had been announced earlier this year. With the extra ships in the Caribbean Celebrity Cruise Lines made the move to have the Century join four other Celebrity ships in Europe for 2010.

The 1,814 passenger Celebrity Century will be now sailing in Europe with the Constellation, Equinox, Solstice and the Celebrity Eclipse. The Celebrity Century will depart for Europe May 20, 2010 with a 14 night transatlantic cruise. Once positioned the ship will offer a series of 12 night round trip Mediterranean cruises.

The ship will return to offering 4 and 5 night Caribbean sailings starting on November 8, 2010 after it returns from its new summer Mediterranean season.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Celebrity Cruise Lines Adds More European Sailings for 2010

Kennedy Center Chamber Players to Perform On Cunard QM2

Terry Jones — Sun, 23 Aug 2009 19:24:03 +0000

Cunard Cruise Lines has announced that it will be welcoming the Kennedy Center Chamber Players of the National Symphony Orchestra as Command Performers on board the Queen Mary 2 on their September 8, 2009 Transatlantic Crossing voyage.

The Chamber Players of the National Symphony Orchestra will present three different programs in the Royal Court Theater during this special 6 day voyage from New York City to South Hampton, England.

The six day cruise offers guest many opportunities for leisurely activities ranging from wellness in their Canyon Ranch Spa Club at Sea, to wine tasting with a world class sommelier to other enrichment programs.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Kennedy Center Chamber Players to Perform On Cunard QM2

Alaska 2010 Decreases

Terry Jones — Sat, 22 Aug 2009 02:44:07 +0000

The estimated numbers of passengers that will NOT be visiting Alaska in 2010 is 140,000. This number is due to the reduction of ships with cruise lines who have reduced their inventory for cruises in 2010. Expect the lower prices of 2009 to be a thing of the past.

With Alaska’s limited season and now the reduced cruise inventory, cruising Alaska will return to higher rates. Cruisers who want to explore Alaska are encouraged to book early. Travel Agents are great sources to find what inventory is available, when cruise lines have sales and what cruise lines will have the best rates for the dates you want to cruise Alaska.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Alaska 2010 Decreases

Jet Blue ‘All You Can Jet’ Passes Sold Out

Terry Jones — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 22:27:16 +0000

Jet Blue’s website has a big SOLD OUT sign over it’s ‘All You Can Jet ‘ banner due to the huge response to it’s promotion. The sale was such a huge hit that Jet Blue has actually sold out of all their available passes. This promotion was for unlimited travel for travel from September 8th to October 8th.

If you were not able to take advantage of this promotion, I wouldn’t be surprised if they had another in the future since they had such a great response to this one. This promotion has been so successful for the airline, that they have had to shut down sales a whole day prior to the sales orginal end date.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Jet Blue ‘All You Can Jet’ Passes Sold Out

New Ships On The Horizon For Cruisers

Terry Jones — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 02:27:03 +0000

If you are lover of cruising, then you’ll understand the pull of the introduction of new ships to the cruise market..kinda like that new car smell people talk about. It is the thrill of seeing and experiencing what is new and innovating in the cruise industry. There are several new ship making their debuts in the coming months and there will be more to come within the next year as well.

Celebrity introduces its new Solstice Class ship the Celebrity Equinox. 90% of all their passenger cabins are outside facing cabins with a total of 85% offering private verandas.

Royal Caribbean is awaiting their exciting Oasis of the Seas which is one of the largest ships built to date. Their new design includes their newest idea of neighborhoods on board that will include a Central Park in the center of the ship. So passengers can now get ocean view balcony cabins or Central Park view cabins.

The Carnival Dream is featuring even more fun with their larger water works park, new seaside theater and a two level adult only Serenity section. Expanding their spa amenities and their kids Circle C Club for teens will excite the future of the cruise industry.

Starting with these three, there seems to be alot more to do and see on the high seas on your next cruise vacation.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

New Ships On The Horizon For Cruisers

Taylor Sailor Invited to Carnival’s Inauguration of Carnival Dream in NYC

Terry Jones — Sat, 15 Aug 2009 18:03:33 +0000

Taylor Sailor and I have been invited to the inauguration of Carnival Cruise Lines newest ship the Carnival Dream. Taylor Sailor will be attending all the festivities and will be blogging about all the special amenities on board the ship on November 12th and November 13th, 2009.

This is Carnival’s new 130,000 ton ship. I’ll be giving you the scoop about it’s new unique inovations and features including Carnival’s new indoor/outdoor ocean plaza! Stay tuned.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Taylor Sailor Invited to Carnival’s Inauguration of Carnival Dream in NYC

TSA Security Name Match Required As of August 15, 2009

Terry Jones — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:45:57 +0000

If you are going to be booking new air travel on or after August 15, 2009 then be ready to provide more information about yourself. The next stage of the TSA’s implementation of passenger identification for the ‘No Fly” travelers in advance begins with all new bookings made with the airlines. It does not matter how you have made your reservation be it via phone, internet or in person – all air passengers now are required to have their proper first and last names on their airline tickets (no nicknames), gender and their birth dates that can be verified by the valid identification the travelers show at the security check in.

This is a part of the TSA’s Secure Flight Program that takes effect Saturday, August 15, 2009. All air travel passengers will now be required to comply with all these changes that are part of the anti-terrorist initiative that is to be fully implemented by 2010. Beware that if you purchased a ticket in the past and some of this information is missing or does not match, you may be delayed getting through security.

I know the old addage of one should never ask a lady about her age…but if it means I can’t travel, I guess I can only hope those TSA screeners won’t gossip about how old I am – but compliment on how young I look!

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

TSA Security Name Match Required As of August 15, 2009

Unlimited Travel With ‘All You Can Jet Pass” From Jet Blue

Terry Jones — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:09:38 +0000

Jet Blue Airways has introduced their “All -You-Can-Travel-Jet Pass” for unlimited air travel from September 8, 2009 to October 8, 2009 for just $599.00 per person.

This unlimited travel with Jet Blue is on sale now with Jet Blue only until August 21st, 2009. You can choose to travel from 57 different cities with more than 600 daily flights. This is a great deal especially for business road warriors or anyone who has been wanting to visit family and friends around the country. Instead of paying this price for just one flight – you can take multiple flights for one low price.

The pass is good for only the one month time frame set and is good for any available seat on any domestics US flights. All flights must be booked 3 days prior to departure. These passes are non-refundable, no transferable and no name changes are permitted.

People purchasing the ‘All-You-Can-Jet Pass” will also qualify for 35 True Blue points as well. Changes are permitted but certain guidelines apply. For all the details about the ‘All-You-Can-Jet Pass” click here.

Safe Travels!

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Unlimited Travel With ‘All You Can Jet Pass” From Jet Blue

Funniest Airport Names Around The World

Terry Jones — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 16:23:08 +0000

When experienced travelers fly they can name the airport codes that they visit the most, such as myself I fly out of IAD. Ever wonder what the codes stand for ? Some of them are boring or named after someone such as IAD – named after John Foster Dulles who was the Secretary of State under President Eisenhower. Most people in this area just call the airport “Dulles” and we all know what we are talking about. The official name – International Airport Dulles.

Boring, but some airports have very creative and down right funny names. The people who named these have a great sense of humor. Here is a link to an article about the names of the some of the funniest or silliest airport names – Enjoy!

Know a silly airport name not listed – send me a comment and I’ll list it.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Funniest Airport Names Around The World

Travel Quip

Terry Jones — Sat, 08 Aug 2009 01:23:13 +0000

If you reject the food, ignore the customs, fear the religions and avoid the people, you might better stay home.

James Michener

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Quip

Winter 2010 Special Sale Exclusively Through Cruises,Inc.

Terry Jones — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 02:22:02 +0000

Plan a weekend get-away on a 3 day NCL cruise for winter 2010. Cruises, Inc. has negotiated some unbelievably low special rates that are available for booking now! These rates are available on many sail dates for their three night Bahama cruises from Miami.

Here are some sample prices for the “Exclusive Sale” we have going on:

Inside cabins $435 for 2 people (this include all taxes)

Ocean view $535 for 2 people (this includes all taxes)

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Winter 2010 Special Sale Exclusively Through Cruises,Inc.

Carnival Installs Check-In Kiosks In Miami

Terry Jones — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 17:22:02 +0000

If you have flown over the past years, you have seen and possibly used the easy check-in kiosks at airports for passengers. These kiosks are to help expedite the check in process which is why Carnival Cruise Lines has installed their own version at the Miami Cruise port recently. The kiosks are to allow passengers who have pre-registered online to be able to swipe their passport or credit card , pick up their key then board the ship. This will definitely help the long check-in processing currently in place. Using technology will make the check-in process faster and more efficient so cruise passengers may board the ships quicker and begin their vacation.

Carnival Cruise Lines will expand the use of kiosks for check-in at other cruise ports in the USA, only if cruise passengers respond positively to the new additions.

So get out there, book a cruise from Miami and try the new kiosks – ohhhh….and enjoy a great vacation!

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Carnival Installs Check-In Kiosks In Miami

Travel Tip – Use Free TSA Zip Lock Bags

Terry Jones — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 19:26:38 +0000

Do you fly often? Next time you’re at the airport’s security screening area, keep an eye out for the free samples of zip-top plastic bags meant for the 3 oz. liquids. These handy bags are not only sturdy they are reusable baggies for all your 3 ounce containers. They also make handy holders for receipts, maps, menus, even a spare poncho or pair or socks.The bags are small enough to fit into a purse, carry on bag or a computer case and they can be used over and over.

While you’re at it, grab two!

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Tip – Use Free TSA Zip Lock Bags

A Majestic Name Change

Terry Jones — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 22:26:48 +0000

A year ago Norwegian Cruise Lines sold it’s ship the Norwegian Majesty, to Louis Cruises a Cyprus based cruise line. Louis Cruises has announced that they will change the name of the ship, but keep part of it as a reminder. The ships new name will be the Louis Majesty. The ship will sail it’s first cruise with its new name on December 4th, 2009 with a Mediterranean cruise itinerary.

The Norweigian Majesty is currently sails as a charter for NCL until October 2009, where it will be taken over and rebranded for Louis Cruises.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

A Majestic Name Change

Tips To Reduce Stress While You Travel

Terry Jones — Sun, 26 Jul 2009 20:00:54 +0000

1. Pack light – fewer things to keep track of and less heavy lifting.

2. Add a small roll of duct tape to patch broken umbrellas, emergency hemming needs or make a handle for bulky packages.

3. Bring your lightweight hanging toiletry bag – it is still useful for organizing and space saving while on travel. Just make sure your liquids follow the TSA 3-1-1 rule.

4. Bring a small multi socket plug to be able to charge your cell phone, recharge your digital camera and use other items such as a curling iron all from one wall socket.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Tips To Reduce Stress While You Travel

Oprah Winfrey Takes 100 Employees On NCL Cruise Lines

Terry Jones — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 17:58:48 +0000

Every company has weekly, monthly and annual meetings. Harpo, Oprah Winfrey’s company is no different except that they took on a growing trend of having their annual on board a cruise ship. Harpo employee’s were able to enjoy a Mediterranean cruise on the Norwegian Gem.

Though incentive travel and lavish destination meetings have come under scrutiny this pasy year, a Meeting at Sea is actually very budget friendly. Meetings at Sea include the meeting space, rooms, entertainment and all meals are bundled into one price. Meetings at Sea offer employees great opportunities to bond together on a whole new level while working together. Plus the rewards attendees feel they are receiving for all of their hard work for the past year.

This is a wonderful way to show employee appreciation and anyone who has attended a Meeting at Sea, knows that alot of work is still done but in a different even inspiring location.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Oprah Winfrey Takes 100 Employees On NCL Cruise Lines

Carnival To Continue To Port In Roatan

Terry Jones — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 01:20:34 +0000

Carnival Cruise Lines has announced that their two ships, the Carnival Valor and the Carnival Legend will continue to call on the cruise port of Roatan, Honduras despite a military coup that arose in the nations capital.

The State Department said most areas outside the capital of Tegucigalpa have calmed down. Visitors to this cruise port have not reported any incidents and have felt safe while in port.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Carnival To Continue To Port In Roatan

Cruise Social Networks Hitting The High Seas

Terry Jones — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:07:17 +0000

The way people cruise has been ever evolving over the past few decades. There is now more & more to do every minute of of day on a cruise ship, if you are at sea or in port. A few years ago cruise lines introduced their own internet cafe’s with the direct response of people who wanted and needed to check-in on line for their flights home. This was a result of the airlines using electronic tickets and allowing people to check-in online up to 24 hours prior to their scheduled flights. People also used this to send electronic post cards with obligatory – Wish You Were Here – to friends and family.

The next level of use of computers for cruisers was for those who needed to stay connected to work while they were on vacation, and the cruise lines met that need with wireless connections and access to the internet in passengers cabins. So what’s next?

Carnival Cruise Lines has announced that they will be introducing their new ‘Fun Hubs’ on board their next ship, the Carnival Dream. There will be a total of 36 of these computer stations. These ‘Fun Hubs’ will be found all over the ship – even on it’s public decks, so that all passengers will have easier access to the computers. In doing this they are also creating their very own on board social networks. This social network is designed to help cruisers meet other cruisers on board who have similar interest, then set up times to meet and mingle or participate in events together during their voyage.

Is this a good thing or too much? I guess time will tell. Vacations are to relax, rejeauvenate and possibly meet new friends. So this just may be needed for those who need to stay connected and an easy introduction to fellow cruise passengers.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Cruise Social Networks Hitting The High Seas

10 Day Mediterranean Cruise Contest from Holland America Cruise Lines

Terry Jones — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 20:41:34 +0000

Enter to win! Holland America Cruise Lines is currently offering to pamper you with a spectacular sweepstakes for a free 10 day Mediterranean Cruise for two people. The sweepstakes ends at midnight March 31st, 2010. The grand prize winner will be eligible for a 10 night Mediterranean cruise in 2010.

The contest is open for US Citizens only over the age of 18 years. Please learn all contest rules and how to qualify for this wonderful cruise opportunity.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

10 Day Mediterranean Cruise Contest from Holland America Cruise Lines

Travel Lady Terry Jones Offers Adviceon WUSA 9 News

Terry Jones — Sat, 18 Jul 2009 01:13:53 +0000

There is a new media clip in my media section of my guest appearance on WUSA 9 News at 12:00 noon on June 30th, 2009. Enjoy the clip and I hope the Travel Tips help for all of your future travel adventures!

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Lady Terry Jones Offers Adviceon WUSA 9 News

Don’t Miss The Boat!

Terry Jones — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 17:49:00 +0000

Have you ever thought about what would happen if you missed your ship in one of your ports? This happened to me and 2 other people I was with, when we were docked in Cozumel, Mexico. All three of us forgot to change our watches to ship board time, so we arrived back to the pier at what we thought was 1 hour early, only to see that our ship was moving away from the pier.

The cruise line rep at the pier got us on the harbor masters small boat. On this small vessel, we stood on the roof of the boat, as the ship was pulling away from the pier, with the small boat pulled up alongside of the ship and we literary jumped into one of the large side doors of the ship, after a rope had been tied around our waists and life vests. All three of us jumped from the top of the harbor masters small boat into the cruise ship – while both were moving. Imagine the waves the large ship was making, so the small ship was bobbing up and down on those.

All the while it would seem the entire ships passengers were watching us from their balconies and from the top decks of the ship. Everywhere we went for the rest of the cruise we kept hearing people talk about what they had witnessed.

Lesson learned? ALWAYS follow ship board time!

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Don’t Miss The Boat!

Travel Quip

Terry Jones — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 01:20:47 +0000

The most important trip you may take in life is meeting people halfway.

Henry Boye

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Quip

Travel Quip

Terry Jones — Sun, 12 Jul 2009 17:04:24 +0000

Not all who those who wander are lost.

J.R.R. Tolkien

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Quip

Travel Trivia..Carnival Cruise Line Tidbit

Terry Jones — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 02:50:52 +0000

Did you know that in an average years time frame Carnival Cruise Lines passengers use on an average of 30,000 towels? They also supply their cruise passengers 5 million bars of soap to use.

Now that is just good clean fun!

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Trivia..Carnival Cruise Line Tidbit

Alaska and Princess Cruise Lines Celebrate Independance Day

Terry Jones — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:30:52 +0000

As a joint celebration of the United States 4th of July Independence Day Celebration and Alaska’s 50th Anniversary of statehood, Princess Cruises showcased a rare,original copy of the United States of America founding document on board the Coral Princess. Passengers on board the Coral Princess had a unique opportunity to see the only traveling copy of the Declaration of Independence. This rare document is on display from July 1st to July 8th and will be available for all passengers on a Princess Cruise in Alaska to view this rare and historical document.

This is the first time the copy of the Declaration of Independence has visited to Alaska and the first time that a cruise line has shown the famous document as well. This event is hosted in part by the non-profit organization Declare Yourself.

In 1776, John Dunlap a printer in Philadelphia at the time made 200 copies of the Declaration after it was written by Thomas Jefferson. These copies were made to be given to each of the colonies and a copy to be sent to England and presented to King George. The copy on tour has been authenticated as the 25th remaining copy of the Declaration of Independence.

This copy of this rare document was foundin 1989 by a shopper at a flea market in Pennsylvania, who bought a frame for $4.00 and later discovered the document hidden inside the frame behind the painting. This copy on tour currently is owned by Lyn and Norman Lear who purchased the document in 2000 for $8.14 million dollars. This is the only touring copy of the Declaration of Indenpendance. The Declare Yourself organization founded this project to bring the document directly to the American people.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Alaska and Princess Cruise Lines Celebrate Independance Day

Travel Quip

Terry Jones — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:49:39 +0000

If God had intended men to fly, he’d make it easier to get to the airport.

George Winters

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Quip

Travel Quip

Terry Jones — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:43:13 +0000

Airplane travel is natures way of making you look like your passport photo.

Al Gore

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Quip

Hurtigruten Norway Midsummer Nights Daily Cruise Give-A-Way

Terry Jones — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 19:29:45 +0000

Hurtigruten Cruise Lines is offering instand winners and hundreds of prizes in their free Norway Midsummer Nights Give-A-Way. One of their prizes is a Norweign Coastal Voyage for two. No purchase is necessary. There will be instant daily give-a-ways for smaller gifts such as travel vouchers, luggage and $5.00 Starbucks gift cards. The Grand Prize will be the 6 day/5 night Hurtigruten cruise. This give-a-way will end August 31st, 2009. Enter daily for your chance to win.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Hurtigruten Norway Midsummer Nights Daily Cruise Give-A-Way

Travel Channel Offers Free Mediterrean Cruise

Terry Jones — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 16:07:47 +0000

Enter to win a Mediterranean cruise from the Travel Channel.

The prize is a Mediterranean cruise for two (2) departing from Barcelona, Spain. Prize package includes roundtrip coach-class air transportation from an airport near winner’s home (determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion) to Barcelona, Spain; one (1) night accommodations at a hotel in Barcelona, Spain determined by Sponsor in its sole discretion (single room, double occupancy); and accommodations for two (2) aboard a Royal Caribbean International cruise ship for up to seven (7) nights (balcony cabin, double occupancy). Winner must complete travel by June 30, 2010.

I know I am going to win, but you can enter anyway….just in case. Also make sure you enter the ‘Tell-A-Friend’ sweepstakes about this contest and you can be entered to win again for other travel prizes. Good luck!

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Channel Offers Free Mediterrean Cruise

Cruise Travel Trivia – Who Is The Oldest Cruise Line?

Terry Jones — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 01:39:43 +0000

Did you know that the British based cruise line P&O Cruises was recorded to be founded in 1838 which makes it the world’s oldest cruise line still in operation in 2009. Happy 171st Anniversary P&O Cruise Lines! Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!Cruise Travel Trivia – Who Is The Oldest Cruise Line?

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Cruise Travel Trivia – Who Is The Oldest Cruise Line?

Travel Tips For Safety

Terry Jones — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:36:51 +0000

If you were to loose your wallet while you were on travel, would a good Samaritan know how to contact you? Place your home or cell phone number on a card that states ‘If lost please contact…”

To be safe, before you travel thin down your wallet or even better, carry a whole separate wallet with less cards etc. in it to better protect yourself. Add more pictures, leave more valuables at home safe. Do not carry any identification with your home address on it – a name and telephone number is fine for people to be able to reach you. Keep your drivers license in a different location than your wallet, to keep it safe as well.

Never carry your social security number card in your wallet – keep that safely locked up at home.

Traveling is fun, just be safe while you travel!

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Travel Tips For Safety

Jamaica Not Ready For An Oasis

Terry Jones — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:56:47 +0000

The new Falmouth, Jamaica cruise port currently under construction, will not be ready for the soon to debuted Royal Caribbean Oasis Of The Seas. The Oasis was to first set to stop at the newly built Jamaica cruise port in May 2010 but Royal Caribbean has had to change the ships cruise itinerary due to construction delays. The Falmouth cruise port is being upgraded and enhanced to accommodate the 5,400 passenger Oasis of the Seas. The ship has now been changed to make its first port of call in Jamaica in December 2010. In the meanwhile Royal Caribbean had added Costa Maya to its Western Caribbean itinerary until the Jamaican cruise port is completed.

So bigger is better huh?

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Jamaica Not Ready For An Oasis

Disney Pixar Is Really ‘UP’ With A Special On MySpace

Terry Jones — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 17:43:26 +0000

MySpace Movies is offering you a chance to win and take adventure of a lifetime with their new movie “UP’. It is easy to enter.

1. Add “UP” to your top friends

2. Leave a comment for a chance to win a trip to Costa Rica

They are also offering all kinds of background information, the trailer (it is a hoot), bloopers, buddy icons etc. about the movie.

Ok, so I am a big at heart and I love Pixar movies you could almost say I am really ‘up’ on them! Enjoy the show.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Disney Pixar Is Really ‘UP’ With A Special On MySpace

Free National Park Weekends in 2009

Terry Jones — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 04:35:42 +0000

Kudos should be shouted from the mountain tops of several National Parks because the National Park Service is waiving the admission fees at Yellowstone and 146 other site that normal charge an entrance fee. So find out what National Parks are near you and take advantage of this special fee waiver.

This is a great idea and a great outing especially for those who live nearby and normally do not take advantage of these wonderful National Parks because of the cost. So even if you are taking a ’staycation’ here is another thing nearby we can all do. If you are planning on visiting parks outside your day driving range by adding some of these dates will help keep your cost down.

I hope this becomes an annual event!

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Free National Park Weekends in 2009

Harry Potter’s Wizarding World Is Getting Ready To Fly High In Florida

Terry Jones — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 04:18:44 +0000

Universal Studio’s is creating ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter’ as an exciting new theme park within their Orlando, Florida theme park. The park will immerse guests into the town of Hogsmeade, as described in the Harry Potter book series. The entire town is being recreated as the magical world described by the author R.K. Rowlings, this is so visitors can experience first hand this imaginary place. This 20 acre theme park will be located within Universal Studio’s Islands of Adventure. The main area of the theme park will be the town of Hogsmeade, but it will also include the Forbidden Forest and of course, Hogwarts Castle.

Warner Brother’s studios has partnered with Universal to capture the true essence of the magical world of Harry Potter. The theme park is being created with strict authenticity, to be able to bring to life all of the stories of Harry Potter.

I have had the pleasure to visit the UK for short periods of my life. I had visited London, England a few times, as well as some of the British countryside. So as I read the Harry Potter books myself, it was easy for me to go back when I was there and saw some of what was written by R.K. Rowlings. The attention to detail for the movies will also be brought out at ‘The Wizarding World of Harry Potter”.

You can follow the stages of this unique and magical theme park being built in Universal Studio’s. Their website has polls and additional information about the park that is interactive. Plus you can sign up to get email’s updating you on the progress and the announcement of the final opening date in 2010. Visit the website of ‘ The Wizarding World of Harry Potter” and enjoy this part of the adventure as it begins.

I know that my family may be in line again at midnight, like we did to get our hands on each new book that came out. We are excited to see and experiance the mysterious, mystical world of Hogwarts and imagine the life of Harry Potter and his wizarding friends.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Harry Potter’s Wizarding World Is Getting Ready To Fly High In Florida

Honeymoon Heaven

Terry Jones — Fri, 05 Jun 2009 18:48:43 +0000

Are you planning your own honeymoon?

Did you know that a cruise is now the #1 Honeymoon booked by couples?

Did you know that you can get your honeymoon paid for in part, or in full, by signing up for a FREE Honeymoon Registry?

What is your dream Honeymoon? Land or sea – get the honeymoon you seek, just ask me!

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Honeymoon Heaven

How To Get The Best Rates & FREE Amenities On Your Next Cruise

Terry Jones — Thu, 04 Jun 2009 15:54:31 +0000

You’ve heard others brag about how they got $50.00 ship board credit, or a complimentary 1 hour cocktail party, or a bottle of wine, or chocolate dipped strawberries in their cabin or other free amenities with their cruise and wondered how can I get those?

It is easy. Book yourself into a pre-existing group.

Travel agents, like myself, can get these special amenities for their clients by booking group space with the cruise lines. As a cruise specialist with Cruises, Inc. I have access to hundreds of cabins inside group space booked to offer all of my clients. Group amenities are wonderful to take advantage of when you can be flexible with your dates. Cruises, Inc. offers all types of cabins in pre-booked group space, on almost all sailings, on all the major cruise lines, every week of the year and to all destinations! To book a cabin in a group, reservations must be made at least 3 months in advance, since the cruise lines require travel agents to release any unsold space back to them usually 90-75 days prior to sailing.

All amenities are based on the destination and the length of the cruise. So a travelers will get more options on a longer cruise, than that of short 3 – 4 day cruise. Often there are no amenities offered on cruises less than 3 days.

Another advantage of booking into group space? Cost. Group space locks in cabin rates from future cabin rate increases plus many times there is a lower deposit amount due up front.

Even if you don’t want to meet anyone in the group while you are cruising, you can still take advantage of getting the best deals by booking your next cruise cabin as part of a group, and take advantage of getting all the special amenities the travel agent has negotiated with the cruise line on the groups behalf.

So next time you call or email about a cruise, ask ” Are there any groups I can get a cabin with and get some extra treats?” I know, I always try to offer these to my clients – it is an extra added value to the travel services I offer.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

How To Get The Best Rates & FREE Amenities On Your Next Cruise

Airline Passenger Rights Still Up In The Air

Terry Jones — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 22:08:00 +0000

Currently there is no formal Passenger Bill Of Rights in the United States, no matter how hard travelers try. The Department of Transportation approved a set of voluntary guidelines in 2008, but it has yet to be implemented.

Have you ever been on a delayed flight? Missed your connection? Have your baggage lost? The airlines do have a Contract of Carriage which is publicly posted, but these protect the airline itself and not the traveler.

So what should you do to plan to protect yourself next time you travel by plane? Boring as it may seem, take at least a glance at the Contract of Carriage to make sure you know what the airline states they provide to you their consumer. Also learn about Rule 240, so if you do run into issues find out how you can get the airline to help you. Buy travel insurance - some now have coverage that includes weather delays (Cruises, Inc. Travel Companion offers this coverage), even the airlines don’t offer this, because weather is an ‘act of nature’. Not something the airlines can control.

Also, contact your congressperson and join the Coaltion for an Airline Passengers’ Bill of Rights. The travel industry is one of the largest international businesses and every traveler should be protected, so if your next trip does not go well, there is something that can be done to help you.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Airline Passenger Rights Still Up In The Air

Taylor Sailor Now On Twitter

Terry Jones — Tue, 02 Jun 2009 19:02:59 +0000

Taylor Sailor has just signed up for Twitter. He will be sending out messages to all of his friends and followers on what he is doing and where he will be cruising!

He’d love for you to follow his adventures on Twitter as well – send him a Tweet at TaylorSailorVa .

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Taylor Sailor Now On Twitter

Times Square In NYC Has A Major Sit In Going On

Terry Jones — Thu, 28 May 2009 18:06:12 +0000

Parts of the streets surrounding the NYC famous landmark Times Square has been cut off from traffic. As a new program has been set in place to actually help traffic in NYC, several streets in the Times Square area have been closed and are now open to pedestrians only. So what is different about that? The Times Square merchants have set up lounge chairs for visitors to the area to sit in.

Visiting the city for awhile and need to rest a bit, enjoy the unclogged streets in Times Square. Waiting for a Broadway show to begin…take a seat and wait on Broadway (the street that is). Work in NYC and want to take your lunch outside – lounge and enjoy the scenery and the action happening in Times Square.

I visited NYC last summer with my yougest daughter and we traiped all through the Times Square area and I would have loved to have had found a chair to relax for a few minutes while still being able to see the sights and hear all the sound of Times Square. This is a really neat idea and though I know traffic will still be bad in the city – it is nice to have the opportuniy to slow down and smell the hot dogs once in awhile.

Travel Lady Cruises, always providing you with TLC!

Times Square In NYC Has A Major Sit In Going On