Tuesday, September 30, 2008

And fall comes to Michigan...

Well, it's officially fall. It's about 58 degrees this morning and I had to wear a COAT. sheesh.
The leaves have been turning for awhile and they are about 50% there. Beautiful.

I've been getting tons of emails from the cruise industry. Is it because
our economy is in the toilet?

Is it because Congress rejected a $700 billion financial system bailout package and sent the Dow into a tailspin?

Is it because we just built our dream home and have absolutely no money for cruising?

Well yes...a little bit of all three. Not to mention that fall is prime time for saving on cruises.

I think the cruise industry is going to be struggling for awhile. Between the gas surcharge, holiday season approaching and the very little disposable income people have right now, vacationing may not be a possibility. I know, this sounds hideous for those of us who live to cruise, or ski, or whatever. Life is gonna be about the must haves and not the "i just wanna" have right now. And that makes me sad.

We work and work, raise our kids, pay taxes, (ugh don't get me started) shop smart, buy on sale and pay our bills. I think we deserve a little time off fun. It's a fact that vacations are health smart. See this link from CBS News.

For now, I'm still dreaming of our next cruise. Since Michael and I are newlyweds, so I'd love to surprise him with an Alaskan cruise for a late honeymoon. (His dream destination.)

Hmmm...better keep dreaming, huh?

Happy sailing,
Mary

Monday, September 29, 2008

Monday Moaning...

Hey bloggers,

Can I feel sorry for myself for just 10 seconds?

Co-workers are gone, phone is ringing off the hook, other employees piling work on my desk.

ARGH! I need a break!

Ok, that's it. I'll mellow out as soon as I catch up,

mary

Tuesday, September 23, 2008

I am just thirsty for a cruise right now... and no i don't mean those delicious frozen drinks like my favorite Mango Tango. This is the first time in a long time that I don't have a cruise booked.

We just built our dream home and that has taken all our fun money for right now. It's bugging me so much.

I know the economy has made friends of mine give up their yearly or twice yearly cruise. Are there others having this problem? My friend Jimmy is dying to take his kids on one. He is also someone addicted to cruising. No money as we all have eat, pay bills and the such.

Who else is in the same boat?

Not a happy sailor at the moment,

Mary

Thursday, September 18, 2008

Why cruising is a perfect vacation

Greetings. I am a cruise addict. I've taken 14 cruises and can tell you that there is no vacation on earth that really gets you away...I mean really away. No cell phone calls, no one to tell you what to do or not to do, and you can cruise with someone or just get away on your own. It's your nirvana and you can mold it to what you want.

Think cruising is not for you? All you see are huge lines and being stuck at sea? That is the furthest thing from the truth. This is not your fathers cruise! You can gamble, rock climb, have a massage, mini-golf, box (!) and do just about anything a thrill seeker would do. Looking for a little tamer vaca? Shipboard shopping is wonderful as is their top notch spa's. Check out the onboard internet or library. Definitely a frozen drink and a comfy deck chair overlooking the ocean is an onboard must.

Afraid you'll get seasick? Nah! You have to remember these are floating cities! As a precaution you can take one Bonine tablet in the am and you'll never feel a thing. The motion of the ocean does one thing right. You'll never sleep better than on a cruise ship. It lulls you sleep better than a hot toddy.

I am probably the most enthusiastic person alive when it comes to cruising. If you want any info, let me know. I am NOT a travel agent. I am just someone who has a passion for cruising.

Happy Sailing,
Mary

Friday's Rambling...

I LOVE fall. Living in northern Michigan in the fall is wonderful. The canopy of orange, yellow and red leaves on M-119 to Harbor Springs is amazing. Hot apple cider on a frosty evening and a hay wagon ride is wonderful. Don't forget to get those pumpkins too!

What does that have to do with cruising? Nada. However, the fall season is a great time to get a cruise bargain. (and an upgrade/upsell!) I know...some of you are worried about hurricanes. Not to worry! Cruise ships can sail anywhere they want to. A hurricane may change your ports of call a bit but hey, it's an adventure right???

I'm sure you know what an upgrade is, but do you know what an upsell is? That is where they have the upper end rooms available and offer you an upgrade for a nominal fee. In January we "upselled" from a mini-suite to a penthouse suite for $300 total. Was it worth it, hell yes!!!!

Well, life is calling me. More on this later!

Keep that margarita frozen until next time,

Mary
Any cruise fans out there? I'd love to hear from you!

So far I've been on Carnival, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian and Amadeus Euro River Cruise. I can't say I have a favorite except that I'm not a big fan of Carnival. It was my first cruise (1987) and thought it was great then. But then I tried Celebrity and RCCL and well.....MUCH better!

I get asked a lot by friends to help them book a cruise. I do all my online research and then book thru a third party site or right with the cruise line. I actually think I "out research" the travel agents. At least a local travel agent called me a few times to find a cheaper price!

This year we tried NCL and I was pleasantly pleased. Of course the $300 upsell from a mini-suite to a penthouse was quite nice! Needless to say I was so happy when we walked into that stateroom that I actually bounced on the bed in sheer joy! Hey, at least I didn't kiss the ground or anything that dorky. (this time...ahem...)

Later all,
Mary