SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (April 28, 2010) – Princess Cruises is introducing a completely re-designed, new generation air program giving passengers easy and full control of their flights and the ability to seamlessly coordinate them with their cruise itinerary. For the first time, Princess passengers will have access to real-time pricing and flight availability, immediate flight confirmation, competitive airfares, and something no major online air booking website offers – next port protection in the event of flight delays. The innovative Princess eZAirSM program provides passengers and their travel agents the ease of a single booking source for both air and cruise reservations, with all transactions conveniently accessed online. Travelers using Princess eZAir can choose air carriers and flights, as well as select their preferred cabin level and seating, all with no extra customization fee. They can also order special meals, request a wheelchair and apply their frequent flyer number. And unlike air purchased through other online air booking websites, the line will assist Princess eZAir passengers with re-routing to the next port of call should they experience a flight delay that causes them to miss the ship’s departure. “We’ve modernized our air program to give our passengers full control of their flight arrangements,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises executive vice president. “Until now, passengers paid a set price for air and were given their flight details closer to sailing. Now they can plan their entire vacation as they wish, with real-time access to flights – and competitive airfares – that are compatible with their cruise and other travel plans.” With Princess eZAir, cruise passengers can choose from two different air options – flexible and restricted – depending on the certainty of their travel plans. The flexible plan allows passengers to cancel or modify their reservation without charge, while the restricted option offers the benefit of a typically less expensive fare for those travelers who are comfortable with cancellation and change restrictions. Passengers can view both fare options side by side, so they can make the best choice for their vacation schedule. Flexible Air Option – Passengers choosing the flexible air option will have the benefit of a fully refundable air ticket that can be changed without charge, giving them full freedom with their travel plans. Tickets are refundable up to 45 days before the flight. Restricted Air Option – Passengers also have a choice of a typically lower-priced restricted option which is not refundable, and is subject to change fees. In addition, restricted air tickets must be paid for at the time of booking air to lock in the schedule and lower rate. With Princess eZAir, flights can be purchased from approximately 330 days to four days before cruise departure. The new program will be in effect for virtually all Princess voyages sailing after September 1, 2010. Passengers with existing air bookings will automatically be transferred to the Flexible pricing option. Princess air flights can be booked through a professional travel agent or by calling 1-800-PRINCESS.

About Princess Cruises:
One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is a global cruise and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern ships renowned for their innovative design and wide array of choices in dining, entertainment and amenities, all provided in an environment of exceptional customer service. A recognized leader in worldwide cruising, Princess offers its passengers the opportunity to escape to the top destinations around the globe, with sailings to all seven continents, ranging in length from seven to 107 days. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE:CCL; NYSE:CUK).

Princess Cruises is a proud member of World’s Leading Cruise Lines. Our exclusive alliance also includes Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Cunard Line, Costa Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn. Sharing a passion to please each guest and a commitment to quality and value, World’s Leading Cruise Lines inspires people to discover their best vacation experience. Together, we offer a variety of exciting and enriching cruise vacations to the world’s most desirable destinations. Visit us at www.worldsleadingcruiselines.com.

Princess can also be found on:
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/PrincessCruises
Twitter: http://twitter.com/PrincessCruises
YouTube: http://youtube.com/princesscruises
Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/princesscruises

For further information contact:
Julie Benson, jbenson@princesscruises.com, 661-753-1530
News, background information and photography are always available in our newsroom at http://www.princess.com/news.

Aloha!  Hawaii invites travel professionals to participate in Mahalo Month 2010 beginning April 1 through May 31, 2010.  Mahalo Month 2010 provides travel professionals selling Hawai‘i with special rates and offers from Hawai‘i’s travel and tourism industry.

Come and experience Hawai‘i first hand to personally know the destination and help you sell Hawai‘i.  Whether it is your first time to the islands or you haven’t been here for a number of years, you will see how much Hawai‘i has to offer.

So, get ready to pack your bags and visit Hawai‘i during the months of April and May to take advantage of the special rates and offers provided to travel professionals.

There are 22 listings for Activities/Attractions

There are 94 listings for Hotels/Accomodations

Ala Moana Hotel – $89.00 per night best available room
Aqua Hotel and Resorts – receive additional $5.00 off FAM rates
Aston Hotels and Resorts – from $79.00 eduvaction rates.
Castle Hokele Suites Waikiki – $69.00 1 bedroom
Castle Ocean Resort Waikiki – $59.00 studio
Castle Waikiki Grand Hotel – $69.00 oceanview
Castle Waikiki Shore – $169.00 1 bedroom oceanview
Doubletree Alana Hotel – up to 25% off best available
Grand Waikikian by Hilton Grand Vacation Club- $269.00 code:P3
Halekulani – $300.00 oceanview
Hawaii Prince Hotel Waikiki – $159.00
Hilton Grand Vacations Suites – $159.00 studio
Hilton Hawaiian Village – 25% off best available
Hilton Waikiki Prince Kuhio – $119.00
Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach – 50% off best available
JW Marriott Ihilani Resort – $149.00
Ohana Hotels – from $60.00
Sheraton Waikiki – $139.00  All Starwood ask for offer:TAMAHALO
Royal Hawaiian – $209.00
Westin Moana Surfrider – $139.00
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani – $99.00
Kahala Resort – $250.00
Lotus at Diamond Head – $119.00
New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel - 50% best available
Turtle Bay Resort – $125.00
Waikiki Beach Marriott – $119.00

As an ACE agent, you become an invaluable partner with the island of Aruba and will ultimately enjoy many benefits. Just as your business relies on satisfied customers, Aruba’s business relies on educated and enthusiastic travel professionals such as yourself.

Your benefits in this partnership will include customer referrals, first notification of specials, value-added promotions, VIP fams, updates, ACE Rewards and an ACE Brochure request form. ACE Agents are listed on Aruba’s Official website: www.aruba.com.

Our ACE desk and web site will be available to assist you, and you may contact Aruba’s regional sales director or representatives for assistance, guidance on any special Aruba-related sales and marketing projects.

We invite you to become a member of our team.

Thank you for taking the time to become an ACE agent, and we look forward to returning all your Aruba customers back to you, completely satisfied!

If you have any questions regarding this program, please do not hesitate to contact us:

North America

Gregory Koolman – ACE Manager
Aruba Tourism Authority
Tel:  305-445-9619 Ext.: 3054
Fax: 305-445-2801

From May 1 - December 15, 2010 Aruba Pays Homage to Travel Professionals
with Destination-Wide Travel Agent Months (TRAM)

The Aruba Tourism Authority (ATA) and the Aruba Hotel & Tourism Association (AHATA) are honoring travel professionals in 2010 as the island gears up for Travel Agent Months (TRAM).  Starting May 1 through December 15, 2010, the TRAM program is designed to give participants the opportunity to experience the tropical paradise and all that the island where happiness lives, Aruba, has to offer, in order to better sell the destination to vacationers.   TRAMS are open to travel agents, reservation agents at an airline and Aruba Certified Experts (ACE) agents who must be qualified by May 2009 for eligibility and Agents with CLIA (Cruise Line Internation Association). Agents who utilize Aruba’s TRAM program will enjoy multiple nights at an assortment of different hotels and resorts island-wide, many of which have been recently renovated to offer the utmost in Caribbean luxury.

The TRAM program allows agents to explore Aruba with a companion and consists of three offerings (based on availability and on European Plan pricing [room only, no breakfast] unless otherwise noted).

The stay consists of three packages:

• a maximum of 6 nights (3 at a high-rise hotel, 3 at a low-rise hotel) at a fixed cost of US$390.00 for Travel Agents and ACE agents at US$270.00 on European Plan basis
• a minimum of 4 nights (2 at a high-rise hotel, 2 at a low-rise hotel) at a fixed cost of US$260.00 for Travel Agents and ACE agents at US$180.00 on European Plan basis.

Any Pulaski Travel Agent visiting Poipu Beach should be aware of this website and the many travel agent perks.

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters

Blue Hawaiian Helicopters Offering a 20% discount to travel agents.  Must show IATA card at time of check-in.

Phone: 1-800-745-BLUE (toll-free) or 808-245-5800
Url: http://www.bluehawaiian.com

Hawaii Fun Tours

Hawaii Fun Tours Travel agent discounts offered on large orders and/or groups. Phone: 1-877-742-7893 (toll-free) or 808-346-3132
Url: http://www.hawaiiwebdesign.com/kauai_.

Seasport Divers

Seasport Divers Travel agents receive 50% off a two-tank boat dive (normal price is $135). Must be certified. IATA ID and SCUBA certification card required.

Phone: 1-800-685-5889 (toll-free) or 808-742-9303
Url: http://www.seasportdivers.com

Kiahuna Plantation and The Beach Bungalows – Castle Resorts & Hotels

Kiahuna Plantation and The Beach Bungalows – Castle Resorts & Hotels “5 for 50” travel agent incentive program, commissionable online bookings, 72-hour commission payment plan, travel agent rates (up to 50% savings for you with your IATA), convenience of online booking for your clients and yourself. Travel agent ID required upon check-in.

Phone: 1-800-367-5004 (toll-free) or 808-742-2200
Fax: 808-742-1047
Url: http://kiahunaplantation.com

ResortQuest at Poipu Kai

ResortQuest at Poipu Kai Managed by ResortQuest Hawaii.  Receive 50% off rack rates. Subject to availability. Proof of travel agency affiliation required upon check-in. STARs Online travel agents can earn both STARs loyalty points and cashback bonus incentives with just one booking entry. Seasonal promotions for travel between Aug. 24-Dec. 18, 2007, giving STARs Online travel agents cash bonuses of between $10 and $50 for booking stays of five nights or more.

Phone: 1-877-997-6667 (toll-free) or 808-742-7424
Url: http://www.resortquesthawaii.com

Suite Paradise

Suite Paradise Up to 50% off rack rates. Valid IATA identification card required upon check-in. Car and golf packages also available.

Phone: 1-800-367-8020 (toll-free) or 808-742-7400
Fax: 808-742-9121
Url: http://suite-paradise.com

Pulaski Travel Agents should be aware of Aqua Resorts.  What better way to learn about them then on a fam trip.  Aqua Resorts invites you to come and experience their Hawaii Resorts.

Escape to Aqua Resorts Hawaii

Hawaii’s first boutique hotel chain, Aqua Hotels & Resorts offers a collection of 14 hip boutique and budget hotels in Waikiki/Honolulu, Oahu and 3 resorts on Maui, Molokai and Kauai. With fresh, contemporary designs, spectacular island destinations, extraordinary service and an extensive list of complimentary amenities, Aqua Hotels & Resorts delivers amazing Hawaii vacation experiences to discriminating travelers who are cool without the label of a luxury price tag. Whether you seek an intimate hotel experience at an eclectic boutique hotel, a budget-friendly getaway at a stylish urban inn or an escape to a breathtaking island resort, we deliver extraordinary vacation experiences that won’t break the bank.

Aqua Boutique Collection offers 8 high-style hotels and spas in Waikiki, each with their own unique design, identity and vibe. Our innovative Lite Line features 6 distinctive hotels in Waikiki for the dollar-conscious traveler who dreams big and drops less. Our Boutique Resort Collection features 3 spectacular resorts in Wailea, Maui, Kauai and Molokai, with the peaceful intimacy of a boutique hotel and the luxuries of Hawaii’s destination resorts. Experience heavenly Hawaiian escapes with Aqua Hotels & Resorts – where innovation meets relaxation.

TRAVEL PARTNER SPRING SPECIAL

Limited time offer. Call us TODAY!

Toll Free: 866-406-2782

Book: Now – May 31, 2010 and Travel: April 1, 2010 – May 31, 2010

Now is the time to stay at an Aqua in Waikiki, Maui, Kauai or Molokai.
$45 per night at
Aqua Waikiki Beachside • Continental Surf Hotel • Island Colony • Maile Sky Court

$65 per night at
Aqua Aloha Surf & Spa • Aqua Palms & Spa • Aqua Waikiki Pearl • Ilikai Hotel & Suites • Park Shore Waikiki

$85 per night at
Aqua Bamboo & Spa • Aqua Waikiki Wave • Aqua Hotel Molokai • Best Western Coconut Waikiki Hotel • Kauai Beach Resort

$99 per night at
Hotel Wailea Maui

_{Special rates available to bona fide travel agents with IATA designations. Three (3) night maximum stay. Additional nights available at 16% off BAR. Advance reservations required and based on availability. Travel Agent must occupy the room and present their IATA card at check-in}

AQUA FAMILIARIZATION RATES
Starting at $69 per night
You’ve heard about us…now it’s time to experience an Aqua hotel for yourself. Take advantage of exclusive travel agent rates at our
hotels and check it out for yourself what each hotel has to offer you and your clients. Choose from a wide selection available on Oahu,
Maui, Kauai and Molokai.

Great rates for all of our hotels
$69 per night at
• Aqua Aloha Surf & Spa – Deluxe Partial City View Room with Balcony
• Aqua Waikiki Pearl – City View Double/Queen Room with Lanai
• Aqua Waikiki Beachside – Partial Ocean View Room
• Park Shore Waikiki – Ocean View Room
• Continental Surf Hotel – Ocean View Room
• Island Colony Hotel – Studio Kitchenette City View
• Maile Sky Court – Deluxe City View
$89 per night at
• Aqua Bamboo & Spa – Studio Kitchenette Partial City View
• Aqua Palms & Spa – Diamond Head View Room
• Aqua Waikiki Wave – Superior Wave Room
• Ilikai Hotel & Suites – Mountain View Room
$99 per night at
• Best Western Coconut Waikiki Hotel – City View King Room
• Kauai Beach Resort – Pool View Room
$110 per night at
• Hotel Wailea Maui – 1 Bedroom Garden View Suite
50% off all rack rates per night at
• Aqua Hotel Molokai – any room category
FAM rate details
• FAM rates available to bona fide travel agents with IATA designations.
• Book and travel dates now through December 23, 2010
• Three (3) night maximum stay
• Additional nights available at 16% off BAR
• Advance reservations required and based on availability
• Travel Agent must occupy the room and present their IATA card at check-in
To book your FAM rates, please contact our Central Reservations Team at:
toll free reservations 1.866.406.AQUA (2782) | www.aquaresorts.com/travelagent | reservations@aquaresorts.com

Pulaski travel agents should register for a new online service called Official Cruise Guide .  This site was launched by Travel Weekly and is a free online service offering cruise information for travel agents.  Today there is information on 15,477 individual sailings, 316 different ships and 93 cruise lines

Official Cruise Guide offers real time pricing and availability along with many tools for travel agents.  There is a tool for sending personalized cruise information to prospects and clients and a cruise line directory.

The cruise finder is the most comprehensive of its kind.  It separates cruise by class and the most popular.  It was surprising to me that the most viewed ships were the Balmoral, Corinthian II and Le Levant. Africa had more views then Alaska, and the most viewed line was AMA Waterways.

You will soon find that this site will become one of the most useful tools available to you as a home based agent.

Pulaski Travel Agents should consider becoming a Puerto Vallarta travel Specialist.  As some of you know I lived in Puerto Vallarta for about 7 years and it will always have a place in my heart. Today you can go a few miles out of the modern town and still find people that have never used a telephone!

You must be a full-time travel agent who has completed the PV Pro Study Course and a holder of a valid CLIA/IATAN card. You should also be mentally and physically prepared to participate in a working fam. Please note that all itineraries are developed to make the most of the short duration of each trip. Agents should be in good physical condition to keep up with the scheduled events. If you have a physical condition that may keep you from doing so, please contact our office to inquire as to the rigor of the trip in which you plan to participate. Please also keep in mind the climatic conditions (i.e. humidity, season, temperatures).

Many people question where my drive,  my work ethic,  my competitiveness,  and my never quit attitude come from.  Most often I attribute it to my parents and my upbringing like most people do.  Today I am going to share my other secret.

Actually I think I was given an unfair advantage later in life that has helped me through many so called rough times.  Each time I felt sorry for myself, something would happen around me to remind me of a special child that always brought things into a better perspective.   Today my perspective has changed  because today my hero passed away.  My hero was and still is Jeff Anderson.  At 10:16 pm on April 6th, Jeff died,still fighting.

This is a quote from his journal on Easter 2010, “We asked how far he wanted to go and he said whatever it takes.  He will fight to the bitter end.  With that being said, tomorrow is a new day to fight”.

He is my nephew that underwent two heart transplants since last fall.  You can visit his website and read his story here at  http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/twicetheheart.

I can attribute my advantage in life to the things I learned from this wonderful  kid as I watched him grow up.  Keep in mind that Jeffrey was part of a military family that I really didn’t see very often.  I was moving, they were moving and bottom line I did not see him nearly as much as I should have.  This special child touched lives and inspired everyone he met.  I was sure him and I were going to run his first mile together in the very near future.

I teach people to become travel agents because I like to change lives.  Many people over the last 7 years have thanked me for doing just that.  There are also people that have become members, then for one reason or another, decide the timing is not right to take advantage of this opportunity.

I am very good at showing the technical side of the benefits life can bring when you become a travel agent.  I really was never very successful at over coming the timing excuse.  Those days are gone with this one day. I no longer accept timing as a reason for not living.

I don’t often admit I like to sing and have often sang “Live like you were Dying” and “If Tomorrow Never Comes” by Garth Brooks.  A lot of people probably wonder why I sing those songs…add a little bit of Jeff Anderson and some liquid courage and there you have it.

The thing that I didn’t do was act on those words that I sang….now I have let that opportunity slip away …..with Jeff!

I will continue to inspire people and no longer accept timing as the reason for not getting what you want.

I love you Jeff Anderson an will try to live up to the standard you have set for everyone in this family and everyone you touched.

Pulaski Travel Agents should constantly be looking for new sources of leads and ways to generate new clientele.  Tripology is one of those sources that can generate new prospects for your business at no cost.

These are qualified travelers looking for a travel agent to assist with their bookings. You have complete control and only contact the leads that you are interested in working with.

There are no registration fees, no monthly fees and no minimums booking requirements or number of leads to purchase  for you to sign up.

This website has worldwide global reach and costs you nothing.

The steps are as easy as creating your profile and providing your areas of expertise.  If you only want to book cruises, define youer expertise as cruise specialist.

Next you define your ideal client.

Receive leads from high-intent travelers that have requested to speak to a qualified agent to assist them with booking their trip.

Here are the Tripology Tips for Success:

1. 1. Be selective
   This program lets you choose your clients – be as selective as you want!
   • Respond only to trip requests that interest you and you can properly fulfill
   • Remember that clients come to Tripology to be matched with someone who specializes in either their desired destination or type of trip
   • Increase your conversion rate by focusing on trip requests that perfectly match your skills
2. 2. Respond Promptly
   Perhaps the most important tip is to respond to trip requests as soon as possible.
   • Clients typically choose a Tripologist who can help them and answer their questions right away
   • Beat other Tripologists who might be competing for the same client
3. 3. Create a Compelling Profile
   A link to your profile will be sent to every client we connect you with – make it memorable!
   • Ensure your business description is complete and up-to-date, including information such as years in business, expertise, credentials etc…
   • Make certain to create a strong personal statement – it is your opportunity to market yourself
   • Eliminate any typos and stay away from using CAPS
   • Include a photo in your profile – it helps build a connection with the client
4. 4. Personalize your Introductory Emails
   Your introductory email is your first contact with the client and the client’s first impression of you, prove you are the best choice! Important tips for your introductory email:
   • Include information about the trip request
   • Prove you are the expert – why you are the most qualified for this itinerary
   • Provide some ideas based on the trip request
   • Do not direct clients to your website – after all, they came to Tripology for personalized service
   • Make sure to have a photo in your profile – it will be included in the introductory email
   • Personalize the content of the email for each client – it will demonstrate the level of service you’ll dedicate to the itinerary
5. 5. Respond in Multiple Ways
   We advise that to improve your conversion rate and avoid potential spam filters you contact the client in several ways:
   • Use the Tripology contact form to send introductory emails
   • Follow up with an email from your own email account
   • If the client provided a phone number, call at an appropriate time respecting the different time zones
6. 6. Follow up
   Staying in touch is crucial – don’t rely on the client to get back to you!
   • Follow up with a phone call or an email with additional information about the trip request
   • Deliver quotes and sample itineraries as promised
   • Contact the client within 24 hours of your last communication – don’t give the client an opportunity to select another Tripologist
7. 7. Offer them Exemplary Service
   A benefit of working with a travel specialist is to have a trustworthy professional to turn to. Clients cannot get this level of service with an Online Travel Agency!
   • Build the client’s trust by asking useful questions and by getting to know them better
   • Be flexible and communicate your willingness to customize itineraries
   • Be forthcoming with vacation-enhancing travel tips that clients can’t easily find online
   • Offer references – kind words from current clients or industry partners can help differentiate you from other travel specialists
8. 8. Be Aware of Differences in Price
   Some clients are going to check the competitiveness of your pricing – be able to explain any differences.
   • Make sure to let clients know why the trip you’ve planned for them might be priced lower or higher than another source’s pricing
   • Stress the value of itineraries that may appear more expensive than basic itineraries
   • It is sometimes beneficial to provide a basic itinerary and to then compare it with one including value-added components
9. 9. Creating Clients for Life
   Grasping each client’s travel style and expectations can lead you to develop long-lasting relationships.
   • Remember some clients take longer to decide than others – be persuasive but flexible
   • Not all trip requests result is immediate bookings – be sure you’re the travel specialist clients think about when ready to book a vacation
   • Once clients are part of your database, you can market to them any time you’d like

Pulaski Travel Agents should go sign up now for this free service.  There is no upsell or anything to purchase.

A friend of mine, Gary Ambrose just launched a free autoresponder service called List Wire.

If you have been involved in any Internet Marketing discussions with me then you know that you must constantly be building your client list.

I always wanted to suggest an autoresponder service, but there was not a free resource the I felt comfortable recommending.  One of the two best services out there in the Internet Marketing world is also owned by Gary Ambrose and it is called EmailAces.  I believe it starts at about $20 per month as does the other top service called Aweber.  I have accounts with both services but I won’t post my affiliate links here.

What an autoresponder allows you to do is to build a list of subscribers that you can market to on a consistent basis.  You can send a series of messages over time to keep your client aware of your products and lead them to a buying decision.

If you always send quality information and be careful in managing your list with lots of content between marketing messages, you will be successful in developing  your business.

This service has all the features you need and gives you a learning platform without cost.

Sign up by clicking on the banner below and then look for some upcoming tutorials.