Royal Caribbean names Cruise Planners as Home-Based Partner of the Year - 4 years in a row!

http://www.travelagentcentral.com/cruises/royal-caribbean-announces-2010-travel-partners-year-26382 

Green Fun Fact:  Did you know that Holland America Line ship have scrubbers in their smoke stacks?  No, not little green men that hang on a swing and scrub the smoke stack, but water which captures 80% of all emissions and disposes of them properly.

Thanks, Holland America!

As a former resident of Alaska, I know the birds, whales, sea otters, Dall sheep, and people will breathe easier with so many less pollutants in our air.

Holland America's Eurodam sails the Eastern Caribbean this spring with unbelievably low prices during their view and Verandah Sale going on now.  Prices start at $549 for their March 5^th and 19^th sailings in 2011.  Call me while these prices, as low as $78 per person per day last!

Now's the time to nab those cruise deals you've been waiting for!   Don't let the wave pass you by!

Now the Allure joins her sister ship the Oasis of the Seas!

http://www.oasisoftheseas.com/video.php?ship=allure

Princess Cruises Honored by Port of San Francisco for Environmental Efforts

Award Follows Other Environmental Honors Including Venice Blue Flag and

SANTA CLARITA, Calif. (May 24, 2010) – Three Princess Cruises ships -- Sapphire Princess, Sea Princess and Star Princess -- have just been named as gold-level winners of the Port of San Francisco 2009 Cruise Ship Environmental Award.  The awards honor the ships’ “outstanding record in safeguarding the environment and protecting the air and water quality of San Francisco Bay during their port calls.”  This is the fifth year Princess ships have earned this prestigious distinction.

One wonders what popular cruise destination is next? This week, cruise selling agents are learning about a state of emergency in Kingston, Jamaica’s capital city. The emergency began due to attacks by gangs on police stations and is related to the attempted extradition by the U.S. of an alleged druglord.

What effect will the trouble have, if any, on cruise port calls? Perhaps not much, unless the violence spreads.

The city of Denver has launched the B-cycle Bike sharing program. About 500 new, red Trek bicycles are now available for sharing at 40 stations around the city. Each of the three-speed bikes comes with a wire basket, a built-in light and a lock. Denver visitors can purchase a $5, 24-hour membership with a credit card at any B-cycle station.

As of Thursday, April 15, 2010, the volcanic eruption in Iceland is considered a known event. Access America customers who purchased their travel insurance policy prior to April 15, 2010, may receive trip cancellation, trip interruption or travel delay benefits if their travel plans have been affected by this event. Please have your customers review their insurance certificate/policy to see their specific terms and conditions of the insuring agreement and remember to contact their travel provider prior to canceling their travel arrangements.

Have you recently taken a cruise?  Here is your chance to comment (blog) about it.  What was your favorite part of the cruise?  What was the most awesome port?  Describe an event that had you laughing so hard you couldn't stop.  What would you have changed about your cruise?  Where are you ready to cruise next?  Feel free to make any other comments you choose.  (Click on "Read More..." below.)

 Four lines reveal the details of their upcoming offerings

Alaska continues to grow in popularity, as more people explore “The Great Land.” While land tours in Alaska attract more interest with each passing year, many first-time visitors experience the destination via cruise ship. After that introduction, however, what can cruise lines do to keep clients boarding their vessels, as well as to attract new customers?

http://www.travelpulse.com/Resources/Article.aspx?n=1638

 DISNEY CRUISE LINE

When the Disney Dream debuts next year, the ship will feature a bunch of technology-based cruise industry firsts in the entertainment realm. And we're not just talking the previously announced first water coaster at sea and artwork that comes to life (becoming animated as you look at it).

Cruise Planners/American Express, the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network in the cruise industry, was recognized by three top travel companies with awards reflecting dedicated corporate partnerships and support to the cruise travel industry. The awards include the “Globe Award” from American Express Vacations; the Globus “Top Producing Premier Partner” award; and recognition in Oceania Cruises’ Cruise Connoisseur Club.

CRUISE PLANNERS DONATES $18,000 TO FISHER HOUSE FOUNDATION

Donation funds collected through t-shirt sales and silent auction

during annual convention

 Cruise Planners/American Express presented a check for $18,000 to the Fisher House Foundation at the Miami VA Hospital on Feb. 12 (L to R) Vicky Garcia, Michelle Fee, Terri Burke, COL Lettie Bien, Mary D. Berrocal and Carolyn Soucy.

MIAMI, FL – February 24, 2010 –Cruise Planners/American Express, the nation’s largest home-based travel agent franchise network in the cruise industry, donated $18,000 to the Fisher House Foundation as part of its CP Cares initiative. The funds were collected at the company’s annual convention late last year through Cruise Planners t-shirt sales and a silent auction.

Mariyn Green comments on the cruise industry's strides in becoming more earth-friendly.  Please see the link below for her recent article in "Travel Age West."