Newset Princess Cruises Sale starts Aug 28, 2013

Get ready! Princess cruises kicks off the Endless Summer sales event on Wednesday August 28th through September 16, 2013. On select itineraries get up to $1,000 of and up to $100 on board credit (OBC). If you have been considering a cruise vacation, take a look at what Princess has to offer where you can escape completely. Call us at 877-805-3498 or email at chipper@chipsluxurytravel.com

Why Cruise Vacations

You have probably crossed paths at one time or another with them. Someone who works in your office or attends the PTA meetings or maybe even the team mom for your child's sport team. They are the one raving about such a wonderful vacation they have just returned from. The ports they have visited, the fine dining and the entertainment. What is it that these people know that maybe you are missing? Why Cruise Vacations?

Surely it cannot be much fun cramped on a boat with 3,000 other passengers. How could it be enjoyable waiting in line over and over just to get cafeteria food? Certainly it is not pleasant rocking endlessly with no land in sight! How could that be something that you would want to pay for?

Well. Are you sitting down? What many people do not know about cruising or the misconceptions they have about cruise vacations are keeping them from having one of the most enjoyable and memorable vacations of their life. Whether it is a romantic get-away for two or a full-blown family event, cruise vacations have something for everyone. So, follow along here and see what you may have been missing.

Right out of the gate, the price of a cruise vacation include most everything on the ship. It is a floating all-inclusive resort. You get a comfortable cabin and only have to unpack one time for the length of the cruise. You get a very good variety of entertainment for all ages and likes. You receive exceptional service from the cruise staff. The cruise includes transportation to any number of ports along the itinerary. Best yet, you get food, nearly 24 hours a day. In the main dining room, the buffet, pool-side, and room service. Opportunities to stuff your face are all around you.

Now I won't kid you. There are some things the cruise fare does not cover. It does not cover soda or alcoholic beverages. It does not cover dining in one of the "specialty" restaurants. It does not cover the gratuities or the shore excursions. These extras are entirely optional although, it really would not be a classy thing to skip out on the gratuities. The cruise staff does work long hours to help make your vacation great.

That's the big item, the cost of the cruise, but when you compare to a land-based vacation with resort lodging and service you can easily see how good a deal a cruise vacation is. What other reasons are cruise vacations best?

The destination options are nearly endless. There are so many itineraries to choose from that you would have a difficult time repeating a cruise to the point where it would become less exciting. Cruise lines sail to the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska, Mediterranean, South Pacific, the Baltics, Europe, Australia, Hawaii, and Asia. The larger problem once you take your first cruise is where you will take your next cruise. Believe me, your are very likely to become hooked on cruising.

Another reason a cruise vacation is a great choice is the romance. Honeymooners, couples celebrating a 50th anniversary, or young couples getting away alone together for the first time in years once the kids have grown. Reconnecting the romance. It is just the two of you (if you want) and an opportunity to fall in love all over again. Remember the reasons you got together in the first place. On board there are couple's massages, on shore you can arrange a secluded beach excursion or just fun bar hopping if that's your thing.

Relaxation is another of the big draws to cruise vacations. You have no idea how to relax until about the second day of your first cruise. There comes a moment when you can feel all the weigh of your daily grind fall away and you start getting into your "cruise groove". No worries. To facilitate the relaxation, cruise staff is always nearby to pamper you. Don't be afraid to say 'yes' to their offer to help you get a fresh towel or to refresh your cocktail or whatever. Go with it.

Imagine going out to dinner each night to one of the best restaurants in your city. It would be easy to get spoiled with the thought of not having to make dinner each night and to top that off be served fine cuisine. Fine dining with gourmet selections on the menu and that is just for dinner. The main dining room is also open for breakfast and for lunch (on sea days). Gourmet breakfast, lunch, and dinner already paid for in the cruise fare. The ship also has a buffet court which is open from breakfast through dinner for many other choices when you want. This is in addition to the pool-side grill or 24-hour pizzeria that many ships also have available for their passengers. If you did not watch yourself, you can see how it may be very easy to add a few extra pounds on your vacation.

Each evening the ship's cruise staff will leave a daily activity newsletter in your cabin detailing all the activities that are planned for the following day. There are more activities than you can possibly participate in such as the cruise staple Bingo, or trivia games, art shows, cooking demonstrations, presentations regarding the next port, the pool, the spa, the casino, Karaoke, lounges etc. etc. etc. Pace yourself.

You are traveling on vacation with people that you may never, NEVER see again. This is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and try something new. Heck, try lots of things that you would normally not even consider back at home. Channel that Karaoke singing hiding deep down inside and give it a try. You know you have secretly dreamt about belting out "Sweet Caroline". Go for it!. Another opportunity for extending your comfort zone is the chance to try food that you would never try at your local restaurant. Try Escargot. Come on, you will be able to boast to friends of being so sophisticated to have ordered the classic French dish in a fine dining restaurant. There are so many choices and each one an opportunity to try something you would not have the chance to try if you were not on a cruise vacation.

The bottom line about cruise vacations is that there truly is something for everyone. Cruise vacations have the highest level of traveler satisfaction than any other vacation type. So much fun and adventure in one package that after your first cruise, you will likely find yourself to be hooked on cruising.

Cruises are possibly the best travel bargain possible with nearly everything included in one fare. A comparable land vacation staying in a resort can cost significantly more. Go ahead and start thinking about where you would like to cruise and feel free to consult with a cruise specialist travel agent. The professional travel agent can help you find the best cruise for your interests and budget. Bon Voyage.

Princess Cruises from Houston - Not Galveston

Did we mention that Princess Cruises sails out of Houston now, not Galveston! There is a reason their catch phrase is "Escape Completely" with their attention to detail and the exceptional service from all levels of staff and crew. Check these rates out on the Caribbean Princess:

• December 7, 2013 7-night RT to Cozumel, Roatan and Belize from $574 per person based on double occupancy (cabin cat IF), with $25 OBC per cabin!
  
• December 21, 2013 7-night Christmas cruise RT to Cozumel, Roatan and Belize from $824 per person based on double occupancy (cabin cat IF)m with $50 OBC per cabin!
  

Limited availability, fares are cruise only and subject to change at any time until booked. BOOK NOW with Chip's Luxury Travel. Call for details 877-8005-3948 or email Chip

Deals Too Good to be True?

Check this out: Vacation Hell. It is best to work with a professional travel agent with whom you can develop a solid relationship.

The Best Bachelorette or Bachelor Party - EVER

This bachelor/bachelorette party certainly applies primarily to the Florida and the Southern California areas but it is one very cool celebration of the last days of single-hood. Gather your group and set off for a 3-night weekend cruise to the Bahamas or to Ensenada, Mexico. Three days without cooking, cleaning, or driving home from the bar. A time to really let loose one last time before the knot is tied.

This got me thinking, I wish I knew back then, what I know now! I would have jumped on a 3-day weekender bachelor party cruise in a heartbeat. Take off Friday and Monday from work, head off to the cruise terminal around noon and head up to the pool deck to begin the fun. I could party until the early hours of the morning than crash at the cabin for a few hours of shut-eye before heading back up to the pool deck to start all over again. My pals and I could have had an incredible time.

If you have enough people in your group, talk to a cruise travel agent and see if you can qualify for a group cruise. There may be some on board spending for you or other comps. What a great time this could be!

Hot Deal Out of Long Beach Ca

With the Carnival Fall and Winter special through August 30, sail the Carnival Inspiration 4 nights from Long Beach December 9, 2013 from $259 per person double occupancy! Does not include taxes and fees of $48.67 per person. Other cabins available. Pricing subject to change until booked so call now. Chip's Luxury Travel 877-805-3948 or email chipper@chipsluxurytravel.com Hurry while cabins are still available.

Going Places August/September Newsletter is Released

The newsletter is now released for August/September. Check it out at Going Places for helpful travel tips.

Shore Excursions

Check this site out for purchasing many of the same shore excursions as offered by the cruise lines for a better price and a smaller group. Stop paying too much for your shore tours. Shore Excursions by Port Promotions.

Depressing Thought

Ask.com says that the average person spends about 182 hours per year in the bathroom. This is over 7 days! This is more time than many people get to spend on a vacation. So SAD!

ROMANTIC DANUBE RIVER CRUISE

What an incredible way to see Europe in style! Cruising from Nuremburg to Budapest on the Danube River visiting the beautiful cities of Kelheim, Regensburg, Passau, Melk, Vienna and Budapest. This river cruise includes six guided tours, meals on board the ship, and beer, wine or soda with lunches and dinners. What a memory making vacation.

Limited space currently available for the July, 19, 2014 8-day cruise for $8,701 per couple (dbl occ) including RT air from LAX and transfers to/from the ship. This rate also includes the taxes and fees of $112 per person. These European River Cruises speak English on board the ship and the guided tours are provided by English speaking escorts. This offer is a limited time - call now to book. Chip's Luxury Travel 877-805-3948 or email at chipper@chipsluxurytravel.com