Tag Archives: Princess cruises

You won’t like this blog, but more cruise lines are banning rebating

Posted on by alanwhitt

I’ve talked about this issue before but it bears repeating.

Clients all the time are asking if we can reduce the rate of a cruise below what the cruise line is charging.

Alan Whitt

This is called rebating, and Allure Quest Travel Experience has long taken a stance against rebating for any reason. We may lose a few clients because of it, but integrity means more than a few dollars.

Rebating was a huge advantage for the big travel agencies, but not so much for the hard-working smaller agencies such as Allure Quest Travel Experience. We just can’t afford to give away our commissions. Would you like it if your employer cut your salary while you’re doing the same amount of work?

Fortunately, in the world of cruising rebating has long been a no-no with many major cruise lines and more are joining in.

Oceania, Regent Seven Seas and Princess cruise lines are the latest to ban travel agents from undercutting pricing by giving part of their commission to the client.

Any travel agent caught violating this rule will be banished and not allowed to book with that line again.

All this just validates Allure Quest Travel Experience’s long standing policy. Integrity downs still count for something.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos, the latest travel news and vacations to book.

Deal of the day: Princess has a Mother’s Day booking special

Posted on by alanwhitt

Surprise mom with a gift the whole family can enjoy in the coming months!

From May 10–14, you’ll enjoy savings of up to $700 when you book a Princess cruise to the Caribbean, Panama Canal, Canada & New England or Hawaii sailing from September through December 2012!

You’ll also receive up to $100 in onboard credit so you can treat mom to a massage in the spa or a special gift from the onboard boutiques.

Check out Allure Quest Travel Experience on the web for all your travel needs – including analysis of destinations, insightful videos and the latest travel news.

Royal family: Princess releases virtual tour of newest ship

Posted on by alanwhitt

If you’re a fan of a particular cruise line – or simply a cruise connoisseur like me – there’s always excitement and anticipation as a new ship begins to take shape. You clamor for those first images, curious to find out what they’ve come up with next.

Alan Whitt

Today that ship is Royal Princess, the first of two new ship for Princess Cruises and their first since Ruby Princess debuted in 2008.

Royal Princess is actually more than a year away from completion with a June 2013 launch date. that’s why the excitement level is so high.

Today Princess released the first in a series of virtual tours of the new ship to travel professionals, and I thought I would share it with you, some of my closest friends.

Today’s tour is of the ship’s Piazza and Atrium, the main artery of every Princess ship.

Check out this virtual world where Princess Cruise’s largest ship (at 141,000 tons) currently resides.

Of course, as more are released I’ll be more than happy to share them with my readers.

Deal of the day: Princess reduced deposit, coupon book offer

Posted on by alanwhitt

Receive a shipboard savings coupon book valued at $325, plus get a reduced deposit rate of $100 when you book any new 2012 or 2013 cruise with Allure Quest Travel Experience, beginning Tuesday and running through February 8, 2012.

The sale includes all Princess cruises around the world, including Alaska, Caribbean, Mediterranean and more …. with the exception of world cruises.

The coupon books are per person, for up to two people in a cabin.

And the savings can be combined with other offers … including onboard credits currently being offered on some cruises.

Deal of the day! Spring clearance on Princess cruises

Posted on by alanwhitt

Princess Cruises is doing a little early Spring cleaning, breaking out the broom and sweeping deals your way to 15 warm weather itineraries.

Save up to $2,000 and receive up to a $100 onboard credit per stateroom on cruises to the Caribbean, Hawaii, the Panama Canal and Coastal California.

This sale won’t last long – beginning Thursday, Jan. 19 through Monday, Jan. 23, just before midnight.

Dates include Caribbean, Hawaii and Panama Canal sailings in March and April; and Costal California sailings March through May.

Get balcony cabins on seven-day Caribbean sailings for as little as $699 and taxes, or inside cabins for $449; seven days off the California coast goes for $799 and $499.

A 14-day Hawaii cruise goes for $1,595 for a balcony or $1,095 for an inside cabin; or a 14-day Panama Canal sailing for $1,699 and $1,099.

Call Allure Quest Travel Experience for specific dates and pricing – Alan Whitt at 615-818-8241 or Gloria Conley at 615-336-8580.

Alaska: land of plenty offers plenty of cruise ship choices

Posted on by alanwhitt

One of my favorite vacations is an Alaskan cruise, a voyage I’ve experienced twice. I originally told myself that once was enough, but after trying it I vowed to return.

Alan Whitt

I’m not alone in my interest in an Alaska cruise. I can’t tell you how many people continue to tell me they’ve always wanted to sail this itinerary, and can’t wait to give it a shot.

In fact, a recent travel agent survey says based on their clients’ bookings Alaska has overtaken the Caribbean as the favorite cruise destination for Americans. In order, Alaska is followed by Western Caribbean, Eastern Caribbean, Mediterranean and Southern Caribbean cruises.

What is the fascination with Alaska?

For one, it’s a way to cool off during a humid summertime. If you live in the South, the Southwest or anywhere the temperatures soar into the 90s, Alaska offers a great alternative to taking that heat with you on a Caribbean cruise.  Alaska temps during the prime months of July and August are a pleasantly surprising mid- to high-60s.

Another possibility is the abundant scenery and wildlife any of these cruises offer. I’m an adventurer at heart … but I need it in the controlled environment of Alaska. Hang out on a glacier during the day … then get decked out in your finest attire for an evening of fine dining and entertainment onboard the ship.

Allure Quest Travel Experience is putting together an Allure Quest Family & Friends Cruise to Alaska for 2013, but for those who can’t wait  this is absolutely the right time to book a 2012 Alaskan cruise.

Just about every cruise line is offering discounted prices, with most categories still available – including connecting cabins for an extended family experience. And there’s also a good chance for onboard credits and other amenities.

In all, there are 10 cruise lines offering 25 ships for your consideration, with Princess and Holland America leading the way with six apiece. Other lines include Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Carnival and Celebrity.

Even luxury lines Regent Seven Seas, Crystal and Silverseas are available, and Disney Wonder is a great option for families who want to visit the USA’s largest state.

The Alaska cruise season runs from May to September, but if you want the rock bottom best price one of those two months are your best bet.

It may be cold now, but you’ll love Alaska this summer

Posted on by alanwhitt

You're virtually guaranteed to see wildlife - including Bears! - on a cruise in Alaska.

Brrrrr! It’s still below normal temperatures here in Nashville … and just like everyone else I can’t wait for the warm weather to return.

However, I also have a long memory. And I vividly remember what it’s like in the summertime as the temperatures inch towards 100 degrees, accompanied by the unbearable humidity that makes a double dose of deodorant an absolute necessity.

Alan Whitt

That’s why I’ve been thinking about a cruise to Alaska in the summertime. My mind is always clicking when it comes to travel and I’ve established a “Beat the Heat” campaign with Allure Quest Travel Experience to get folks in sizzling states to head to Alaska, where the temps are surprisingly warm, but cooler nonetheless.

For some reason folks think Alaskans live in igloos and that it’s as cold as the dickens up there. Not true. During the prime sailing months of June-August the highs are in the mid- to high-60’s. It might get nippy at night or on cruising days through glacier fields, but the beauty of this magnificent state will warm you up in a hurry.

I’ve been on two Alaska cruises (Holland America & Princess), and both are in the Top five among my 32 cruise experiences. If you cruise, I highly recommend adding Alaska to your cruise to-do list.

And if you’re in a place where you know temps are going to easily pass 100 degrees this summer – like Las vegas, Phoenix or most of the South, don’t hesitate to make your plans as soon as possible to travel to Alaska.

Seal the deal … and you’ll have a whale of a time.

Glaciers and scenes like this one at Taku Lodge near Juneau are abundant in Alaska.