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Archive for April, 2010

4
Apr

an escorted cruise for you?

Posted in Cruise News, General Travel Articles, Travel News  by Rimsky on April 4th, 2010
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In my years of escorting cruises I observed two groups of people. Those that strike out on their own and are quite comfortable doing so and those that, at least initially, require some assistance to feel comfortable. This group generally is new to travelling in foreign countries and coping with different customs or language. Usually this latter group will travel with an escort several times because of the security and camaraderie of the group. But eventually will feel comfortable enough to strike out on their own and become members of the the first group. For those still belonging to the second group Vacation.com, one of the largest North American consortia of independent travel agents has put together a selection of cruises escorted by professional travel agents.

These vacation vignettes, as they are called, are an exclusive cruise vacation created by Vacation.com and sold only through member agencies. You will not find these special packages online or at an agency that is not a member of Vacation.com.

Each Vignette features:

  • Services of a Concierge Host
  • Bon Voyage Cocktail Reception
  • Exclusive Shore Event classified by many as highlights of the cruise

These concierge-hosted sailings deliver something special that anyone who loves to cruise would want — a genuinely unique, creatively packaged cruise vacation experience at an attractive price, escorted by a host with extensive experience hosting luxury travel guests and knowledge of the destinations on the itinerary. The Concierge Host understands how to unobtrusively yet effectively meet and exceed each guest’s expectations.

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2
Apr

Azamara Club Cruises become more inclusive

Posted in Cruise News, Travel News  by Rimsky on April 2nd, 2010
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In an industry where past trends have been to low initial prices, but higher add-ons, Azamara Cruises is bucking the trend by including more in the initial price.

As of April 1/2010 Azamara, which added Club to its name last fall, will include sodas, bottled water, specialty coffees, wine with meals and gratuities in the fare. This is a welcome change for passengers who in the past have complained of being ‘nickeled and dimed’ to death once on board a ship. Azamara is also considering to offer more time in ports with overnight stays. For example  on the 14 night  “Best of Italy” cruise on October 2/2010, there are overnight stays in Sorrento, Florence and Venice. Again this will be welcomed by many guests who would like to explore local activities in the evening when many European towns become alive. From personal experience all three towns are difficult to fully explore on a 9am to 5pm schedule. Where possible port shuttle buses are apparently also being considered which again would be a great plus for passengers who would like to return to the ship more often before continuing their onshore explorations.

Suite guests, in addition to  English butler service, will also receive complimentary dining in the specialty restaurants, Prime C and Aqualina.

With these steps Azamara is positioning itself among the ‘upmarket’ more inclusive cruise lines.

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