Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Hurricanes and travel agents

Hurricane Irma
Source: NASA SPoRT (public domain)
Thinking of all those impacted with this crazy weather.

Those cruising in the Caribbean at this time will find their itinerary changed, or their cruise cancelled. Some may be stranded to need their flights changed.

Now ask me if it's worth booking your flights with a travel agent.

Would you rather stress over trying to get your flights changed yourself, or know someone is doing that for you?

Travel agents have access to teams of air experts at their air wholesalers who can do amazing things.

If your airline has already rebooked you, your travel agent either knows, or can quickly find out, and can inform you.

If your travel agent knows you'll be stranded overnight, they might have already grabbed one of the last hotel rooms available.

Imagine the relief of getting an email, text or phone call from your travel agent, informing you of your new flights, while those around you stand in lines, sit on floors next to power outlets, and generally look miserable. You, however, can go to the bar.

(I obviously don't have anyone impacted, this time, or I wouldn't have time to write this).

Tuesday, September 5, 2017

For the love of cities

Paris will steal your heart...
Photo: Paul Marshman
I'm delighted to share this city-loving travel content from one of the travel industry's top bloggers (he's also a client). Paul Marshman, aka The Travelling Boomer, has a way with words.

Long before I coined "cruisetravelbug", I was, and still am, "citytravelbug"... I love city travel, living like a local, exploring local haunts, hanging out in sidewalk cafes and coffee shops (a few bars too). What cities inspire you? I hope you enjoy Paul's piece, and if you're left craving a city break, I can help you plan your trip.

The world is full of cities. Big cities, small cities, pretty cities, rough cities – they come in every shape and size. But now and then, you travel to a city that really captures your imagination, a place where every street corner seems to hold something magical. I’ve had that experience, and I imagine you have too.

So I thought it would be fun to look at some of those special cities around the world — cities that will steal your heart and leave you with warm memories that last for year. The list isn’t long; not that many cities pass the test, at least in my judgement. In fact, a few cities that others rhapsodize about have left me a bit cold... [read more].

Want to plan a city break? Please contact me.

Monday, September 4, 2017

Top 5 Solo Picks - September 4, 2017

"The end of labour is to gain leisure." ~ Aristotle
With this perspective, I wish you a Happy Labour Day with a little inspiration on how to spend your next vacation.

Here are my Top 5 Solo Cruise Picks today!

Why these sailings? There my be solo cabins, reduced/waived single supplements, a great deal overall, or simply good value on an itinerary solos can't usually afford. Fares below INCLUDE TAXES, and are subject to availability.

October 4, 2017 - 11-Night Canada / New England Cruise from Quebec City to New York on the Crown Princess
Inside - $2266 CAD solo

November 4, 2017 - 13-Night Caribbean Cruise roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale on the Oosterdam
Balcony - $2155 CAD solo
Oceanview - $1375 CAD solo
Obstructed oceanview - $1291 CAD solo
Inside - $1124 CAD solo

November 6, 2017 - 13-Night Transatlantic Cruise from Civitavecchia (Rome) to San Juan on the Jewel of the Seas
Inside - $1286 CAD solo

September 15, 2018 - 8-Night Asia / Japan Cruise roundtrip from Shanghai on the Quantum of the Seas
Studio balcony (SD) - $1153 CAD solo
Studio inside cabin with virtual balcony (SI) - $958 CAD solo

February 1, 2019 - 8-Night Australia Cruise roundtrip from Sydney on the Explorer of the Seas
Inside - $1220 CAD solo

If you see something you like, please contact me and I can send you more details.

Cheers,
Roberta

About this newsletter: With so many solo travellers looking for affordable ways to travel, without the dreaded single supplement, I am always watching for specials. Periodically, when I have time, I summarize a few into an email to send to those who may be interested.

Want this news as soon as it comes out? Just email me with the word "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. Actually, any email works fine. A human will read it (this one), not a bot.

Want more?
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cruisetravelbug
"Like" my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cruisewithroberta
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertawestwood/
Request a quote: https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact

Sunday, September 3, 2017

My Pick: Rhodes on the Pacific Princess


My pick of the day ~ a lovely cruise to Croatia and Greece, roundtrip from Venice, on the smallest ship in the Princess fleet, the much coveted Pacific Princess, with just 335 cabins.

One of the reasons I adore this itinerary is because it sails to Rhodes, where I have spent quite a bit of time. Rhodos is a well preserved ancient walled city, once the domain of the Knights Templar.

November 11, 2017: 12-Night Mediterranean Cruise, roundtrip Venice, on the Pacific Princess

Want more information? Please contact me.

Sunday, August 20, 2017

Top 5 Solo Picks - August 20, 2017

Photo of the 1817 Eclipse
Happy almost-Eclipse day! Thanks for your feedback on last week's email of solo travel deals. I've added prices for my top picks this week.

Here are my Top 5 Solo Cruise Picks today!

Why these sailings? There my be solo cabins, reduced/waived single supplements, a great deal overall, or simply good value on an itinerary solos can't usually afford. Fares below INCLUDE TAXES, and are subject to availability.

September 23, 2017 - 7-Night Caribbean Cruise roundtrip from Miami on the Norwegian Escape
Oceanview - $1779 CAD solo
Inside - $1380 CAD solo

September 25, 2017 - 10-Night "Alaska" Cruise from Vancouver to San Francisco on the Norwegian Sun
Oceanview - $1985 CAD solo
Inside - $1931 CAD solo

September 25, 2017 - 12-Night Mexico Cruise from Vancouver to San Diego on the ms Oosterdam
Obstructed oceanview - $2558 CAD solo + $75 USD SBC
Inside - $2142 CAD solo + $50 USD SBC

October 15, 2017 - 14-Night Transatlantic Cruise from Copenhagen to Miami on the Norwegian Getaway
Oceanview - $2219 CAD solo
Inside - $1295 CAD solo

November 5, 2017 - 14-Night Transatlantic Repositioning Cruise from Barcelona to Tampa on the Rhapsody of the Seas
Oceanview - $2253 CAD solo +$50 USD credit
Inside - $2093 CAD solo +$50 USD credit

If you see something you like, please contact me and I can send you more details.

Cheers,
Roberta

About this newsletter: With so many solo travellers looking for affordable ways to travel, without the dreaded single supplement, I am always watching for specials. Periodically, when I have time, I summarize a few into an email to send to those who may be interested.

Want this news as soon as it comes out? Just email me with the word "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. Actually, any email works fine. A human will read it (this one), not a bot.

Want more?
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cruisetravelbug
"Like" my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cruisewithroberta
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertawestwood/
Request a quote: https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact

Sunday, August 13, 2017

Top 5 Solo Picks - August 13, 2017

It has been a long time since I've sent out any solo travel emails. I always said it would be periodic, when I had time, hence the long gap. I'm changing the format somewhat, in an attempt to get these out faster and more frequently. I welcome your feedback!

Here are my Top 5 Solo Cruise Picks today!

Why these sailings? There my be solo cabins, reduced/waived single supplements, a great deal overall, or simply good value on an itinerary solos can't usually afford.

Norwegian Gem on 10/21/2017

ms Nieuw Amsterdam on 10/28/2017

Emerald Princess on 11/26/2017

Celebrity Summit on 12/2/2017

Norwegian Spirit on 12/3/2017

If you see something you like, please contact me and I can send you more details.

Cheers,
Roberta

About this newsletter: With so many solo travellers looking for affordable ways to travel, without the dreaded single supplement, I am always watching for specials. Periodically, when I have time, I summarize a few into an email to send to those who may be interested.

Want this news as soon as it comes out? Just email me with the word "SUBSCRIBE" in the subject line. Actually, any email works fine. A human will read it (this one), not a bot.

Want more?
Follow me on Twitter: https://twitter.com/cruisetravelbug
"Like" my Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/cruisewithroberta
Connect with me on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robertawestwood/
Request a quote: https://www.cruiseshipcenters.com/en-CA/RobertaWestwood/contact

Tuesday, April 4, 2017

Paris: wandering the city's charming passages

August 14, 2009: Today I began to explore the covered passages of Paris. I travelled to the Bourse Metro stop and walked a couple blocks to the entrance of Passage Panoramas...

I wrote this post in 2009 when I spent a month in Paris. Continue reading: Wandering the charming Passages of Paris