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Save While Sailing

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Because cruise fares must be paid in full before you get on board, you can set sail knowing that you’ve already paid for all the essentials you’ll need during your voyage. But many of us are tempted to make some additional purchases on the ship. So, here are a few tips for saving money while on board. First, make sure you’re taking advantage of the cruise line’s loyalty program (many cruise lines sign you up automatically). Visit the guest services desk to ask if there are any loyalty program benefits you can use. These vary by cruise line, but may include things like discounted WiFi access, complimentary laundry services, or savings on photo packages. You may know that beverages like soda, wine, cocktails, and specialty coffee and tea are often not included in a cruise fare. Instead of purchasing a beverage package from the cruise line or paying for drinks as you go, you could save money by bringing your own drinks. Be sure to check the cruise line’s rules for the type and quantit...
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What is a Distinctive Voyage?

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Distinctive Voyages Tour in South Africa   A unique cruise experience offered by a travel agent who belongs to the Travel Leaders Network, a travel consortium.  A member agent can offer a cruise in the Distinctive Voyages program on 14 premium and luxury cruise lines. Each year, the network offers more than 500 Distinctive Voyage cruises. A distinctive Voyages vacation can be the trip of a lifetime with exclusive vacation packages created by Travel Leaders Network, sold only through our members. Each Distinctive Voyages sailing includes: Services of a Distinctive Voyages Host An invitation to a Private Welcome Reception An Exclusive Shore Event Along with special group pricing, each Distinctive Voyage cruise has an onboard agent who serves as host for the duration of the cruise. The host will be available to assist travelers with their questions and any issues that may arise during the cruise. Ask your travel agent to book your next cruise on a Distinctive Voyage! ...
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The Sweetest Bathrooms at Sea

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Most cruise ship bathrooms are designed to be functional and efficient – giving you all of the essentials, even though they’re contained in a small space. And that’s fine with lots of cruise fans. After all, many don’t spend much time in their cabins or their bathrooms, because they spend as much time as they can on shore and enjoying spaces all around the ship. But if you enjoy luxuriating in a bath with ample space and high-end amenities, you can find one on a cruise ship (usually attached to a suite). Here’s a look at some of the truly opulent bathrooms at sea. The heated floors in Viking Cruises’ Explorer Suite bathrooms will keep your toes cozy; the towel racks are heated, too. There are beautiful dual sinks and large shower enclosures that include full-size bathtubs. Explorer Suites are on all of Viking’s ships, both river-going and ocean-going. If you and your cruise companion are used to having your own bathroom spaces at home, check out the Grand Duplex Suites on Cunard ...
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Safety On Shore

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Cruise vacations are for relaxation, and perhaps a bit of letting loose, amid the comfort and convenience of a cruise ship. Cruise vacations are also for exploring parts of the world that are new to you, and while you’re on shore, a few common-sense safety tips will help ensure a fun and memorable vacation. These tips are not meant to alarm you; touring on shore may be no riskier than taking a walk in your neighborhood, and the shore excursions offered by your cruise line are led by experienced drivers and guides. Still, while in vacation mode, anyone can be a little more vulnerable to pickpockets and other petty thieves, so here are some things to keep in mind. Leave your wallet, and most of its contents, in your cabin safe. Go ashore with just one or two credit cards and a small amount of cash, stored in a front pocket. Don’t take your passport off the ship unless you absolutely have to; take a photocopy of your passport’s identification page instead. No bling in port. It’s u...
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Cruising Morocco

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If you would like to explore intricate Moorish architecture, bustling spice markets, or waterfront promenades, consider a cruise that includes port calls in Morocco. This North African kingdom has a Mediterranean and Atlantic shoreline, as well as majestic mountains, broad coastal plains, sparkling cities, and fascinating culture. Some cruises of coastal Portugal and Spain include port calls in Morocco’s Tangier, Casablanca, or Agadir, as do some broader itineraries that pass through the Strait of Gibraltar. Some transatlantic crossings to or from the Mediterranean also call on Morocco, as do some world cruises. Tangier is on Africa’s northernmost tip, just west of the Strait of Gibraltar. The Tanger Ville cruise dock is right in the city, so it’s just a short walk from the pier to the historic medina (old town), surrounded by ancient stone walls and bastions. You can visit the Kasbah Palace, the Grand Mosque, and the Petit Socco, once a crossroads for foreign agents and internatio...
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Travel Leaders Network Annual Conference

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  This spring, we attended the annual Travel Leaders Network conference, held at the Gaylord Resort in Chula Vista, California. The resort, located just a quarter of a mile from San Diego Bay, provided an impressive setting for the event, with a large convention center attached to the property. The conference brought together 2,200 attendees, along with numerous travel partners from across the industry. One afternoon was dedicated to a trade show, where we had the opportunity to meet with key suppliers and learn more about the products, services, and experiences they offer for our clients. Over four days, we participated in presentations and held productive meetings with travel partners, peers, and colleagues. The conference provided valuable insight into current developments in the travel industry, including cruises, river cruises, land packages, and all-inclusive resorts. It was also encouraging to see how our travel partners continue to enhance their offerings and strength...
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Cruising in Unsettled Times

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  Unpredictable weather, civil unrest, and military actions can disrupt a cruise vacation. And, these disruptors have become more widespread at a time when more people than ever before are planning cruise vacations. If you’re planning to cruise in a region where there may be conflict, here are some things you can do to be aware and prepared. Begin by talking with Anita, your professional travel advisor, about your plans. Adding their expertise to your own knowledge can help you decide whether to proceed with a planned cruise or look at other destinations. And, talk about more than the ports on the cruise itinerary; check on what’s happening in areas you’ll need to travel through to get to the ship and back home again. Regularly check your email for any updates from your cruise line, as well as airlines and hotels involved in your plans. Better yet, download the apps for each of these travel providers on your mobile device. This will help ensure you receive all updates they issu...
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