Travel Agent - September 1, 2008 - (Page 49)

line or another firm, it’s easy to get excited and book the longest, most extensive tour in every port. But once onboard, you might find that tiring. Perhaps book a longer trip in your most anticipated port of call. Then balance that the next day with a shorter shore trip or even a self-guided walk around a port city or to a safe, local beach; ask the shore trip office or your agent for ideas. And keep track of cruise line deadlines for canceling any pre-booked tours or you’ll lose your money. SHOP SMARTLY ASHORE: Cruisers are huge spenders in foreign ports of call. If you want to shop, check prices of similar items at home so you may smartly compare. If bargaining is acceptable at a particular port, start low and go higher; but in many cultures, if you bargain, it’s assumed you will buy. Some travelers also say they take only a limited amount of cash ashore and only one credit card (or none). That way you simply won’t have a choice about overspending. DON’T GO ASHORE HUNGRY: Eat breakfast or lunch before you depart on any shore trip. Buying drinks, snacks and meals ashore can add up. If you’re booking two half-day tours—one in the morning, another in the afternoon—return to the ship for lunch. If you do dine ashore, read menus and check pricing before sitting down, as well as compare several restaurants. BUY DRINK PACKAGES: If your family likes wine with dinner or the kids live on soda at home, ask the line immediately upon boarding what the options are for wine, beer and soda packages. SAVE ON SPA TREATMENTS: If you’re a spa enthusiast, take the spa tour upon arrival, and find out what’s offered. For sure, book immediately if you must have a particular treatment on a certain day, as the best times may book up fast. But ask about first-day specials and packages, which provide several treatments at a discounted package price. TEMPER ONBOARD BUYING: Avoid buying on the first or second day. Remember, you’re going to be touring ashore and you might want a souvenir from a tropical island. Then, at the end of the cruise, if you want the line’s T-shirt, by all means buy. But give yourself time to see what’s available ashore. Also remember when a shop sign says “duty free,” it may be a great deal, but you could still have to pay U.S. Customs duty when returning home. HAVE A SEPARATE CASINO BUDGET: Enjoy casino play but keep your wallet intact by creating a separate casino budget, say $25 or $75 or several hundred dollars. Once the casino pot is gone, it’s gone. Another tip is to only visit the casino an hour or less before another activity—say dinner. You’ll walk at the appropriate time, avoiding the tendency to keep playing. WATCH INTERNET USE: If you plan to use the ship’s Internet café or Wi-Fi during the cruise, definitely buy a package of minutes; it’s more economical than paying as you go. CHECK THE BILL: During the cruise, you’ll receive a copy of your estimated cruise bill. Check it carefully as mistakes do happen. Talk to the purser’s office about any discrepancies on the day before disembarkation. If you go the day of disembarkation, show up early to avoid lines. —SUSAN J. YOUNG Experience (put CLIA’s experience to work for you) For over 30 years, CLIA has worked closely with our members to maximize their sales potential. This commitment has prompted over 16,000 agencies and 24 cruise lines to join our ranks. When you join CLIA you’ll get the recognition you deserve as a cruising expert from both member cruise lines and consumers, the sales training and Certification you want and the tools you need to succeed and profit. Membership for Travel Agencies and the individual Travel Agent are available. For complete information about CLIA membership, visit www.cruising.org or call 754-224-2200. September 1, 2008 TravelAgent | 49 http://www.cruising.org http://www.cruising.org

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Travel Agent - September 1, 2008 Online Now Contents Contributors From the Editor From the Publisher Europe: Apartment Rentals Offer a Different View of Paris Pacific/Asia: Authentic Sarawak Culture and Longhouse Experiences are Highlights of a Visit to Malaysian Borneo South Pacific: Fiji’s Denarau Island Offers Paradise within a Paradise Las Vegas: As Business Slows, Discounts and Deals are in the Cards at Many Vegas Properties Central & South America: São Paolo, Brazil, is Ideal for Business or Leisure Vacations Caribbean: The Caves in Negril, Jamaica, Offers Quiet Luxury Rosecita Jeffers Takes Over the St. Kitts Tourism Authority Cruises: Crystal Cruises is Making Plans and Changes for the Future Keeping Cruises Affordable with These 12 Tips for Clients Cover Story: Top Supplier Sales Reps Hotels: At Chicago’s Stylish Avenue Hotel, the Kids are all Right Bali is Reinventing Itself as a Family-Friendly Destination Tours: GOGO Worldwide Vacations Renews its Commitment to the Travel Agent Community Agent Profile: Ramesh Kalicharran Looked for His Roots and Helps Others Find Theirs Agenda: Fam Trips, Deals & Incentives, Calendar Luxury Travel Expo The YTB Controversy Rages On The Latest News From the Caribbean Australia Promotes Australia New Flagship to Relaunch Orient Lines Classified Marketplace Agent Access In the Spotlight Editorial Index Advertising Index Trendwatch

Travel Agent - September 1, 2008

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