Welcome to Heather's Enchanted Journeys!: April 2009

Monday, April 27, 2009

Holland America's Three Day Sale!

Holland America is typically a very pricey cruise line. There is no question they attract a more mature clientele so if you're the kind of cruiser that enjoys the late night hours Holland America probably isn't for you. But if it's a more refined atmosphere, elegant ships, and fine dining you're after... Holland America is probably a perfect pick!

April 29th - May 1st they are running a three day sale and these prices simply can't be beat! Here's just a taste (more dates and prices available):

All prices listed are per person based on double occupancy (two people sharing a room) and include ALL taxes, port charges, and government fees. Remember advertised prices don't typically include all the taxes and fees but with prices this low frankly half the price is taxes so these are the real deal.

May 24th 7 night Alaska cruise $442 (yes you're reading this right!)
June 14th 7 night Alaska cruise $502
June 21st 7 night Alaska cruise $552

You will of course need to get there so I can quote you air prices from any city or ever better maybe you have miles to burn!

There's many other offers including some Fall Caribbean & Mexican Riviera. If you want to know more give me a call or shoot me an email. 678-473-0217 or heather@enchantedjourneys.info

Tuesday, April 14, 2009

This Weeks TOP DEALS!

First and foremost... I list the best of the best! While there are certainly other great deals out there these are the ones that even my jaw drops when I see them!

Also, all deals listed include all taxes and port charges (where applicable). I clarify that because 99.9% of advertised vacation prices do not include all of the taxes and or port charges and are very misleading for the consumer. So if you notice this price is a little more then what you find on the vendors (cruise line or vacation companies) website directly that is why. Prices are accurate at time of issue on this blog and are subject to availability.

CRUISE DEALS:
Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines
June 1st, 2009
4 Night cruise to Nassau and Coco Cay Bahamas departing from Port Canaveral, Florida
$322.20 per person for inside staterooms
$362.20 per person for ocean view staterooms!

Celebrity Cruise Lines
June 5, 2009
7-Night Alaska Southbound Senior Citizen Sale
(one person in stateroom must be 55 years old or older)
Inside Stateroom $568 per person!

Carnival Cruise Lines
May 30th, 2009
5 Night cruise to Nassau and Freeport, Bahamas departing from Jacksonville, Florida
$515 per person for inside staterooms
$20 more per person for ocean view staterooms

LAND DEALS...
Walt Disney World!
I'm sure you've all heard the GREAT deals at Disney right now! My favorite is this one...

Travel has to be completed between the dates of August 16th and October 3rd. Sample prices are $522.48 TOTAL per person for 5 nights in a value resort, 5 day park hopper pass, and meals! Now that's a DEAL!!

If you're looking for more summer deals rather then fall Disney is also offering buy 3 nights get 4 free for most dates prior to August 16th! This doesn't included the dining plan but for a small amount can be added on.

Caribbean Fun - All Inclusive Steals:
All-Inclusive means the package price includes rountrip air, hotel accomodations, all meals, drinks, entertainment, and activities. Other dates and resorts are available this is just a sampling of some of the great deals for some of the most popular times to travel.

Punta Cana, Domican Republic
May 30th for 5 Nights
Occidental Grand Punta Cana (3*) $782 per person
Grand Paradise Bavaro (4*) $818 per person
RIU Palace Punta Cana (4 1/2*) $1023 per person

Cancun, Mexico
May 30th for 5 nights
Flamingo Cancun (3*) $604 per person
Ocean Maya H10 (3 1/2*) $669 per person
Great Paranassus Resort (4*) $689 per person
RIU Caribe (4*) $764 per person
RIU Palace Las Americas (5*) $918 per person
Excellence Riviera Cancun (5*) $934 per person
Sun Palace (5*) $1269 per person (this one is my personal favorite!)

Why use a travel agent?

The President of Crystal Cruise Lines says it best:

"Why should I use a travel agent?" As a veteran travel executive, that's a question I'm often asked. Today, with the overwhelming number of sources for travel information (the Internet, cable television, newspapers, magazines, guidebooks, etc.), it's no wonder the consumer is confused. Yet that's precisely why the services of a professional travel consultant are more valuable than ever.
In January, the television news magazine, 20/20, reported the results of a test in which travel agents beat consumers at uncovering the best airfares. However, it is much more than the "lowest fare" that provides the compelling argument for a good travel agent.
The best thing an agent can do is to match up a traveler with the vacation that's right for them. The professional travel consultant builds relationships with their clients to learn their interests and lifestyles, as well as their dispositions.
Below is a list of some of the important services, which are either provided free by travel agents:

1. Distilling the product information: Through an on-going and time-consuming process of familiarization, continuing education and customer feedback, the agent becomes a travel expert.

2. Investigating and supplying competitive information: No single supplier is going to advise a consumer that a better route or a better fare is available on a competing carrier.

3. Staying abreast of the most current and timely promotions: Via daily faxes, agent-only e-mail transmissions, and their relationships with their district sales managers, agents are obtaining the most current promotional information.

4. Analyzing the current promotions: The cheapest is not always the best.

5. Clarifying the fine print, such as cancellation penalties and restrictions: Again, the benefits of a professional's experience can save a traveler money . . . and headaches.

6. Making recommendations for travel-related options: from luggage to airport transfer information to tours of your destination.

7. Simplifying the research and subsequent transaction: Like a personal shopper, agents can provide one-stop shopping for travelers who require air arrangements, rental cars, cruise accommodations and hotel stays - with suggestions that are in the best interest of the client, not the supplier.

8. Enhancing the trip with value-added benefits and amenities: Agents can add to the client's experience by sending a bottle of wine, providing a special land package, a specific escort or other customer amenities.

9. Using their clout to obtain the best possible in seemingly impossible situations: Whether it's airline seats, hotel rooms or cruise space, the travel agent has more buying power than the consumer.

10. Getting problems resolved: The agent serves as the consumer's advocate in the event something inadvertently goes wrong.

The use of outside service providers for many transactions, such as tax preparation, isn't questioned. Similarly, if one is going to spend hundreds or thousands of dollars, as well as a good chunk of valuable leisure time, it makes great sense to use a professional.

Sincerely,
Joseph A. Waters
President, Crystal Cruise Lines