What Hurriicane Irene's Stranded Cruise Passengers Will Do Next Time...

This story caught my eye in the stories about Hurricane Irene. 450 passengers stranded in Puerto Rico.

Boy did this strike a travel warning nerve for me! Not only did so many people miss out on a fabulous vacation, plenty of them lost much of their vacation investment unnecessarily. We can't control the weather, but here's my top 3 tips to minimize your risk of loss should this happen on your trip.

#1 Use a Travel Advisor (especially for first time cruisers)

Service doesn't end after the sale. Too many people are focused on price and forget issues can come up where you'll need someone on your side trying to help.

#2 Buy Insurance

Many people in the comment section jumped on RCCL and noted how they will cruise Carnival next time. Well, Carnival has had their share of poor customer service responses in the past also. That is a risk you take with any large company. Sometimes the bottom line will be more important than the welfare of their customers. Don't rely on them to do the right thing. Protect yourself!

#3 Get a Passport

Note how even the cruisers Carnival accommodated needed to have a passport to fly to Barbados. Since only about half of the people took the offer I would bet the other half were told there;s no point in getting a passport by their neighbor or the call center just trying to make that sale. I know it's expensive relative to the cost of a short cruise. Just do it! That $100 just saved some of these cruisers' vacation.

I truly care about each of my clients' experience. No one can guarantee a flawless vacation, but most travel professionals will do everything they can to help YOU when needed. If I had a dollar for every time someone chose to believe the cruise line that they would be fine with just a birth certificate! You may be fine, or you may end up paying for a flight home instead of going to the next port when something like this happens.

Once, I had a client that booked their first cruise during hurricane season with no insurance and arrived at the port on the day of departure. They liked to live on the edge! I nearly had panic attacks for a week on that one. Luckily they arrived back with no incidents, but I hope this story is a strong warning for them the next time and to everyone else.

Travel vs. Vacation

I came across some interesting comments on this article. "Common Excuses Why People Don't Travel". One of the comments noted how 'travelers' sound so preachy about how fulfilled their lives are with the extended travel and budget hosteling adventures. That along with some pretty condescending sounding comments about having lived in umpteen countries on $5 a month with 7 kids (exaggerating a little ) inspired a light bulb moment. Why does there have to be such a distinction and disdain for people who really don't want to go completely against the grain on leisure travel?

When I leave my home behind I want to vacation, to escape and relax. I'm pretty satisfied with my life and have no desire to sell everything and move to Thailand for the cultural experience. It's on my list of things to do, but it will definitely be a vacation getaway not a semi-perm arrangement.

That does not mean taking a 'vacation' is any less valuable. Some seem to think that going on a cruise or to an all-inclusive resort means hiding behind the walls and never experiencing the real culture of the destination. That couldn't be further from the truth! (However if you want to do that it's perfectly fine too!) There are endless choices of excursions from the ship, plenty of day trips to take from your resort and you still have your luxurious suite to retire to at the end of the day.
I hear from plenty of moms that are not too thrilled with simply picking up our chores and moving them to another locale, no matter how cool it sounds to the adventurer in the household. Beach bed gets a bigger gasp than kitchen from most. Just because you do dream of lounging at the water's edge sipping cocktails does not mean you're doomed to a life of cultural ignorance. Newsflash 'travelers' and holier than thou backpackers. We still actually talk to the people around us on our getaways. I haven't seen many Americans working on cruise ships. Even all-inclusives attract guests from all over the world, in addition to the staff. They aren't just mannequins. On ships so many of the crew are glad to talk about home and their cultures since they may have been away for months.
Even if you decide to be a vacationer your kids will still interact with lots of people from different cultures. Maybe teaching them that people from different economic strata are just as worthy of respect is equally as important as feeling cooler than those stuck at home not living like nomads. (I can't stand people who talk down to crew/staff while boring everyone in earshot about their travel. Ick, apparently civility isn't a requisite skill for extended travel)

Want to feel a little less guilty about your indulgent vacation?
Ask for resorts that are environmentally responsible. (El Dorado Spa Resorts Greenhouse)
Hacienda Tres Rios & other Green Globe certified resorts

Patronize companies that do give back to their communities. (Sandals Foundation)

Maybe someday I'll feel more bohemian and wax poetic about the superiority of shopping for groceries in another country rather than gourmet meals in restaurants , for right now I want someone else to do the cooking, mixing (drinks, no I'm not into baking), cleaning and everything else I hate to do at home when I'm on vacation!
We're proud to be vacationing Americans WITH passports that still love to come back home. Long live the getaway!

How inclusive is that resort?

All-Inclusive, Luxury Included, Gourmet Inclusive, Unlimited Luxury .....what does it mean? With so many all-inclusive resorts to choose from, it can be tough to differentiate just what they don't include. One of the biggest frustrations people have is finding out that their 'all-inclusive' really only included hot dogs and beer. Ok, I'm exaggerating a little, but do you really think those great $99 specials online at discoutsrus.com will give you lobster dinners and 4 star service? Make sure you're clear about what you require on your vacation so you can find the resort that fits your needs. If you'll be off the property zip lining and diving everyday, the $99 special might be just what you need to crash between activities and have a cold beer handy when you want one. If you want to lay on the beach while a butler brings your favorite premium drinks and magazines in between casual snorkeling and yoga classes then you probably won't get it at the motel 6 of Caribbean resorts.
Different brands include varying levels of amenities. In those brands you'll find different levels of service depending on your room category. My job is to find the right one so you don't come back wishing you'd stayed home!

El Dorado Resorts - Riviera Maya

Part 2 of my Riviera Maya review...

Pictures of each resort are now up on Facebook

El Dorado Maroma

El Dorado Maroma is what I'd picture for a perfect 'just the two of us' romantic getaway. The boutique property has just 72 suites. In the Mi Hotelito section the wood floors on the balcony and outside hallway make you feel as though you're in a treehouse on the beach. The other section has larger rooms with Jacuzzis and outdoor showers. As I walked around the property everyone seemed to know each other and look so relaxed. The resort's small size still houses a spa, 3 restaurants and 3 bars so you're not missing out on a single luxury.Marina Maroma is next door with lots of watersports and boating excursions so you're right there where others have to take a shuttle to reach. Maroma was also voted one of the top 10 beaches by Travel Channel. Yes, I took my shoes off to test it and it was powdery soft =) The property also has an on-site chapel for weddings. Children are allowed to attend weddings there, but only those 16 and up can stay overnight or attend the reception.

El Dorado Seaside Suites

The next step up in terms of size is Seaside Suites. The property is located south of Playa del Carmen. Although this one is adults only too, there are more groups that are not necessarily couples. The Italian restaurant is bright and airy and has a good house wine selection along with extensive upgraded choices to purchase. The Mexican restaurant offers nightly tequila tastings at the bar. The swim up suites are set among lush landscape for a reaxing nap on the patio. For an extra special treat, the Presidentail Suite offers a living room with stocked wet bar, personal snorkel equipment, plunge pool and sky palapa for massages and candlelit dinners. Wow! There are several great locations for weddings from a picturesque gazebo to pier on the sea. I met a couple from Georgia that said this was their 5th trip to Seaside Suites! They said "no one will be mad if you send them here!" My tour guide promised they were not plants =) I knew they weren't because they were actually eavesdropping on our lunch conversation and asked me later if I was a travel agent. Just like a southerner to politely ask about something they overheard you say!

El Dorado Royale and Casitas

Just as the name says this resort is the grandest of the 3. EDR is a 4 diamond award winner, yet still has a laid back vibe. Among the 13 pools are numerous swim up bars and activities. The property is divided into 2 sections of 476 suites. The casitas are a collection of 2 story buildings with just a few suites each featuring private infinity pools on the second floor and soaring ceilings with palapa style roofs. One of the coolest features here is the culinary theater that showcases an interactive dinner experiences by the resort's Michelin trained chef. A greenhouse supplies all of the restaurants with fresh organic produce. If you're planning a long honeymoon, there's surely enough to explore here...

Although El Dorado Royale is very popular, I happened to like Maroma and Seaside Suites the best. Each property features inspired cuising, impeccable service and ambiance, but they are all very different. Working closely with your trusty Gourmet Included Vacation Consultant (me of course) will help narrow your choices to create the honeymoon or anniversary of your dreams.....or hey just make it a suprise 'just because' getaway.

For updated specials on Eldorado and Azul Resorts check Great Scott Geteaways

Riviera Maya and Azul Hotels

My poor neglected blog! I'm a firm believer that you shouldn't rattle on to fill space if you have nothing of substance to say. Does anybody else get sick of reading fluff published just to say a blog is updated frequently? It really turns me off.

I just returned from a week in Riviera Maya with my family to see the Azul and El Dorado Resorts and get some much needed r&r. Even Hurricane Alex didn't spoil our vacation. We did have lots of rain, but still enjoyed the trip tremendously. My poor family had to stay at the Azul Sensatori all day playing while I walked till I got blisters touring resorts. The things I do for you people! Obviously I'm joking, I love my job and there's no where else I'd rather be forming blisters than Riviera Maya. There will be lots of pictures on Facebook, plus a short review of each here. Overall, I was impressed with each resort. With most hotel collections there's always one room category or particular hotel where I'm left thinking 'I'd never send anybody there, hope no one asks for it." I honestly did not feel that way about either of these. I can't wait to go back sans kid to try one of adults-only properties.

Karisma Resorts family oriented brand Azul has two properties close to each other just 20 minutes south of the Cancun airport.
Azul Beach is the boutique style property with just 98 rooms, perfect for families with small kids. The intimate size of the hotel still packs in a great variety of restaurants and bars. I tried my first "mosquito" here and I'm hooked! An all-lobster menu at Blue and Mexican cuisine overlooking the sea at Chil plus Asian at Tainan means you're not sacrificing great food for a kid-friendly vacation. There's also La Mancha for healthy snacks and fresh smoothies. The star of the bar scene is Agavero Tequila Lounge, where over 30 varieties of tequila are served in an old 1800's cantina vibe complete with dark walls, red velvet banquettes and frozen bar top.
The kids will still have plenty to keep them happy. There is a kids club with more toys than you can imagine that are also available for you to 'check out' and play with in your room. Each restaurant has a kids menu so they can try some new things or stick to the old nuggets and mac&cheese. Gourmet Gerber baby food is also available for the little ones. One of my favorite features here is the beach picnics. You can select a menu that is brought out to your family on the beach. The best thing about each Azul is you don't have to bring a single piece of baby gear if you don't want to. They supply cribs, bottle warmers, changing tables, strollers, toys....whatever you need. You'll thank me for mentioning that when you're waiting in customs without all the junk ;-)

Azul Sensatori - We stayed here the entire week, so I can tell you this hotel is fabulous for kids! The Azulitos kids club here is the best equipped I have ever seen. It looks just like the pictures from their brochure. (rare) The place is always immaculate and everyone there is so friendly. Now, I saw some kids that definitely would have tried my patience, but the ladies there always kept a smile and handled them beautifully. That takes some very special people! There was always an activity going on, but interestingly enough just a few families seemed to participate. It never felt crowded and the kids were always busy with some activity if they wanted. You can also take toys from the lending library here. That xylophone in the pic followed us everywhere. The children's pool is just outside Azulitos with a mini slide and splash area. Even the bathrooms beside the pool were always spotless! I thought that was impossible.
Don't get the impression that Azul Sensatori is a kids free- for-all though. There is an adults only pool and bar. The family pool and children's facilities are tucked away on the side of the resort so it doesn't feel like you're at Disney on the beach. I was actually concerned when we first got there that I didn't see that many kids or hear any screaming, thinking "uh-oh my wild one is gonna be out of place here!" Even at over 90% occupancy the resort is so well laid out that it did not feel like the entire place was a playground.
6 gourmet restaurants sprinkled around offer cuisine from Italian to Caribbean. We of course tried them all =) Toys for the kids are at each restaurant if you need some help entertaining them while you enjoy your dinner. Spoon was my son's favorite for every meal. There is a kid size buffet there and plenty of windows to people watch. I can't pick one single restaurant that we like more than another. We enjoyed the variety at Tapaz and left stuffed. (I'd heard reviews about leaving there hungry, and I'm trying to figure out what these people are used to eating) I don't even remember how many times we went to Zocalo. They knew our names after 2 days. My husband always jokes that I must be part Mexican since it's my favorite food. The food here is not your typical corner restaurant Tex-Mex. It is gourmet and more authentic. Everything I tried was great. The Relleno I had here was a completely different interpretation of an old favorite and absolutely delicious!!! (That's Malcolm's finger in my plate..)
The adults-only restaurant Le Chique, was definitely an unforgettable experience. Familiar dishes are re-interpreted with different textures over a 12 course dinner. The pic to the left is shrimp cocktail. This was the only night we left the little one in Azulitos and almost forgot to pick him up! He was quite upset about being the last kid there, but excited about the movie and popcorn he got while we were gone.
The shows each night were always kid-friendly with an 'after-party' in the Mojito Bar for adults. I loved the Mayan show! The Micheal Jackson show was definitely better than Chris Brown's little tribute at the BET awards. I think a few guests were confused because they seem so excited to get the performer's autograph and picture after the show. Maybe it was the tequila...The Mojito Bar has over 30 different Mojito flavors and I did my best to sample them for this review. The servers around the show area remembered which ones I'd already had and suggested new ones. Amazing, with the number of people they were keeping up with.
The staff at Azul truly shines in the service arena. Just about everyone we passed offered up a friendly 'Hola!' all day and night. (Yes even the room service waiter at 2 a.m. was friendly) ...and not in a fake forced way. Side note: It really helps if you at least attempt some basic Spanish. Everyone here spoke English and it is not required, but it really helps you not look like a snobby American to try =) Here's where my time in Miami helped out again. 5 years of Cuban Spanglish enabled us to communicate pretty well with everyone and get some good practice. We surprised a few people when we understood their conversations and luckily didn't catch anyone talking about us. (Wish I could do that at the nail shop) A few days in my son was responding to simple questions in Spanish and counting everything in sight. How long would that take in a class?


Since this post is long enough to make up for the 3 months absence I'll continue El Dorado in another one...

Is a backlash coming against the airlines? I hope so!

Here's a link to an interesting article on 'disappearing fares' on airline and online agency sites. http://www.cnn.com/2010/TRAVEL/03/05/disappearing.airfares/


The reporter seems pretty ill-informed for the most part with this surface article, but the comments are fascinating! They get pretty heated with people suspecting browser spying and bait and switch etc. Hmmm, yet so few people are actually willing to point the finger where it belongs, except this poster:

dda21
So many people make comments without any REAL FACTSmy family operates 4 walk-in agencies, we have contracts and we operate an online site. 17 yrs in the industry so let me try to make you guys understand.the airlines load fares to a company called ATPCO, the GDS(resevation systems) then update thier ...more
So many people make comments without any REAL FACTS

my family operates 4 walk-in agencies, we have contracts and we operate an online site. 17 yrs in the industry so let me try to make you guys understand.

the airlines load fares to a company called ATPCO, the GDS(resevation systems) then update thier system 3-6 times per day. these systems are the same for Online websites and your conrner agency - the 3 majors are are
1) Amadeus, 2) Worldspan, 3) Sabre

ALL and i sau ALL the online sites are powered by 1 of these. Actauly Sabre Owns Travelocity, which was created by American airlines so the results favors that airline. Sabre searches for lowest fare disregard connections.

Worldspan powers - Expedia, priceline, part of Orbitz and Cheaptickets and Hotwire
Amadeus powers - Cheapoair, allcheapfares, airfare.com

SO everyone is looking at the Same inventory, no matter where you are searching..there is no bait and Switch...considering we make no Money on the price of the fare. Sites make money on service fees, since 9/11 with airlines cut commissions. the contracts pay backeneds for volumes sales so It is actauly in the best intrest of the website to have lower fares to sell more...not higher fares..

the caching is correct in the article but almost ALL online website use this due to the load the internet has on servers so it is not a Industry practice..it is how the internet works.

the airlines have the control to remove and add inventroy as they please so NO corner agency or website is to blame. in fact i find it amazing how people want to pay nothing but want service as if they walk into a BMW dealership. online sites make 5-20 per sale if anything..when you figure in the marketing cost, personal, 800 #'s and servers. we persoanly have had our fees as low as $5 to compete for low fares...Online sites have conversions of 1% if we are lucky. So before anyone assumes...get your facts straight!


If I could find this person and give him or her a high five I would! I couldn't have said it better. The blame rests squarely on t he shoulders of the airlines. They are the ones that set prices. Agents, whether online or not, have absolutely NOTHING to do with this process. No one makes money off these tickets, but the airlines. So don't get mad at Travelocity or me because that fare changed in the last hour. Write your congressman about it and put some pressure on these airlines!

Fly or drive to the cruise?

Here's some snippets from a great article by Lyn Edwin Cathey – Network Travel Services with pros and cons of each.

‘Air/Sea’ packages are available – purchased through the cruise line. Your travel agent will handle this as part of a single transaction – the cruise and airfare combined. Or, your TA can arrange the flights separately. However, the “unbundled” option almost always results in greater choice and lower fares.

Or, how about loading the family the car and driving to the port of departure? With ships sailing out of many regional ports such as Galveston, New Orleans, Mobile, Charleston, New York, etc. – driving is becoming more and more of a viable option.

Always Plan for Contingencies

Unless yours is a very short flight, say Tampa to Miami, it is almost always best to schedule arrival at the port of departure a day or two prior to the ship’s sailing. Why? If you are late to the port for ANY reason, the ship is not going to wait. You will be on your own for all costs related to catching up with the ship at the first port stop. And the cruise line is not going to compensate you for days that you were not on board. The best strategy is to book a flight arriving the day before the ship sails, grab a hotel near the pier or in an area that would be fun to explore for half a day. Then sleep easy with the peace of mind that you are not likely to miss your ship. When returning to port for disembarkation allow for unexpected contingencies, such as a customs or immigration instigated delay in clearing the ship for one reason or another- or a weather related delay to the ship’s arrival in port, etc. A good rule of thumb – if you are catching a flight home on the same day the ship gets in, don’t schedule your departure any earlier than mid-afternoon; even if the ship is scheduled to arrive at 7am and the airport is only a stone’s throw away – such as in Ft. Lauderdale.

Working with a Traditional Travel Agent

Pros – Agents have the experience and resources to get it done quickly and can often save you money – even after paying the service fee. One issue to discuss with your TA – that there is some value in the marked up Air/Sea ticket purchased through the cruise line that is not apparent at first glance. Example: Transfers from the airport to ship (or hotel) and return are usually included – plus there is a minor insurance factor in that the cruise line will assist and cover the cost of getting you to the ship if you miss departure due to delayed flight arrival. This is not something they will do if you bought the airline ticket separately. Still, all things considered, we feel there is better value in booking the air on your own.

Cons – Just one, the standard agency service fee will apply to all non-commissionable purchases such as air tickets – generally from $30 to $50 per. Well worth the money in our estimation since a good TA will save both time and money in the long run.

Driving to the Port of Departure

Pros – Usually secure, fenced in parking is provided by the cruise lines at domestic ports of departure – sometimes even covered parking. The fee is usually reasonable – $10 to $20 per day. Plus, by driving rather than flying you not only save on airfare, you can pack EVERYTHING! Think you might want that polyester Nehru jacket for formal night? Just throw it in the suitcase. No need worry about schlepping too many bags, excess baggage surcharges, etc. Once at the pier you can always make several trips from the car to your cabin. Just tell those longshoremen giving you the Evil Eye that your spouse over-packed.

Cons – None that we can think of. Just don’t leave anything valuable in the car. Break-ins happen. Even in “secure” parking areas.