CARNIVAL TO LAUNCH FIRST YEAR-ROUND CRUISE PROGRAM FROM CHARLESTON IN 2010

Starting on May 18, 2010, Carnival will introduce the first year-round cruise schedule from Charleston, S.C., with the deployment of the 2,056-passenger Carnival Fantasy. Carnival Fantasy will operate five-, six- and seven-day voyages to The Bahamas and Key West, Fla., from the Passenger Terminal in historic downtown Charleston.
Reservations for this one-of-a-kind cruise program are open now.
Charleston’s centralized location within the southeastern U.S., as well as the city’s strong appeal as a tourist destination, were key factors in the decision to launch year-round service. The Carnival Fantasy is expected to carry more than 140,000 passengers annually from the port.
The ship will operate five-, six- and seven-day voyages on a variety of different departure days. Five-day voyages departing Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays will call at Nassau and Freeport, The Bahamas. Six-day voyages departing Saturdays will visit Freeport, Nassau and Key West, Fla. Seven-day voyages depart Saturdays and will feature Grand Turk, the private Bahamian island of Half Moon Cay, and Nassau.
Replacing the Carnival Fantasy in Mobile will be its sister ship, the 2,052-passenger Carnival Elation, which will reposition from San Diego to launch year-round service from that port May 15, 2010.
With the addition of Charleston, Carnival will operate from 12 year-round homeports which are among the line’s 20 North American departure points – the most in cruising.

Holiday Travel without the Horror

The holidays should be a wonderful time for everyone in the family. Unfortunately, holiday travel can turn into a horror show at the turn of a dime. When traveling with children by air, request seats in the middle of the plane. These sell last and you will have a better chance at getting that extra seat. Keep in mind, they probably will be sold out, but it is worth a try.

Keeping the children occupied, stimulated and fed is a must! Bring along double the amount of stuff you would normally carry. Those long waits in the airport, delays and traffic jams, you will be glad you did.

American Airlines Increases Baggage Charges

American Airlines is increasing fees for checked baggage, effective Aug. 14. The changes apply for travel within the United States and U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The changes also apply to travelers on American’s regional affiliate, American Eagle, as well as American Connection flights. For tickets purchased on or after the effective date, the first checked bag will be $20 and the charge for a second checked bag will be $30, up from the current charges of $15 and $25, respectively. The current checked bag charges to and from Canada are not changing at this time. AAdvantage Gold, Platinum and Executive Platinum as well as oneworld Alliance Emerald, Sapphire or Ruby members are exempt from the fees. Passengers who have bought first and business class or full-fare economy tickets are also exempt. The increased fees do not apply to international flights except for those to and from U.S. territories such as Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. For more information, visit www.aa.com.

Need a vacation?

Make a Smilebox slideshow

12-Meter Regatta Race

Jim and I were fortunate to be part of the 12-Meter Regatta race in St. Marteen, USVI. We signed up for it as a shore excursion while on the Carnival Glory. Our captain "Morgan" trained with each of us our our duties for about 30 minutes, then we were off. We actually raced another team for 5-miles! It was tough, hot and exilerating. Morgan gave commands, and each of us did our part. WE WON!

If you ever get the opportunity to be a part of this truly exciting experience...GO FOR IT! Young and old will love it.

Rethink your travel plans

These days, everyone is having a tough time trying to manage money. Especially those in the travel industry. Things have slowed way down, but the good news for our clients is that the travel industry (cruiselines, resorts, theme parks) are offering outstanding deals. If you ever wanted to go to a special destination and just haven't been able to afford it, now is the time to re-think it. At least look into it. Chances are, you are going to come across a deal you didn't imagine would ever come your way. The cruiselines are offering deep discounts with huge onboard credits. Resorts are at their lowest rates in many years. Even if you stay three nights, they are giving you free nights, reduced airfare and/or resort credits.

It probably won't get any lower than it is right now. Do the homework and it could pay off big! If you need help, of course, we are always here to help.

How to Do...Nothing!

For many, one of the most difficult parts of a vacation is the act of relaxing. After all the research, planning, organizing, phone calls, packing, arrangments, and travel anxiety, by the time we're actually lounging, many of us are frustrated to find that our minds are still racing, our hearts are still thumping...and amazingly, we're beginning to stress over the trip home. This would be me! Even as a professional travel agent, I have these tendencies.

Those of us vacationing for the sole purpose of relaxation (this would be my husband, his middle name is vegetation) need to learn the steps involved in doing just that. Relaxing doesn't just mean settling in a lounge chair and hoping for the best. Like your concentrated planning for the vacation itself, relaxing, too, must be organized.

Anticipate your need to decompress on day one of your vacation. Don't plan any exerting activity for the first day. Instead, arrange for a little pampering, such as sleep late, get a massage, order room service, or take a walk along the beach. Indulge only in activities that you completely enjoy to minimize the stress often associated with trying new things.

Make time for yourself! As the "Happy Hostess," I tend to worry about everyone else. Arrange with your spouse for an hour or two of alone time. Even if it is just the two of you, the alone time is crucial. Don't think about the activities that you are missing, the sites you're not seeing...they will be there tomorrow. There will be time later, after you have relaxed enough to begin an incredible vacation.