Disney Cruise Lines New Itineraries and Ports for 2012

For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line® will set sail from three new ports in 2012 – New York, Seattle and Galveston – making the Disney family cruise vacation more accessible to your Clients around the country. There are also more itinerary choices than ever before, including one special voyage to Hawai‘i.

Platinum/Gold Castaway Club Members, bookings will open via phone at 8 a.m. EDT on Thursday, April 7, 2011. All others can book beginning at 8 a.m. EDT on Friday, April 8, 2011.

New York Sailings
Beginning May 25, 2012, the Disney Magic® will sail a total of 20 cruises from New York.

• 8-night Bahamian cruises include a day at Disney’s Castaway Cay and a stop at Port Canaveral, gateway to the Walt Disney World® Resort. As part of this itinerary, your Client will receive a one-day Park Hopper® Ticket and roundtrip transportation between the ship and resort.
• 5-night Canadian/New England cruises will visit Halifax, Nova Scotia, and Saint John, New Brunswick.
• 2-night cruises are perfect for Clients looking for a quick getaway at sea over a weekend.

Seattle Sailings
Beginning May 28, 2012, the Disney Wonder® will sail a total of 14 cruises to Alaska from the Port of Seattle, Wash.

• 7-night Alaskan cruises will call on Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan plus Victoria, British Columbia.

Galveston Sailings
Beginning Sept. 22, 2012, the Disney Magic will sail 12 cruises from the Port of Galveston, Texas.

• 7-night Western Caribbean cruises will visit Costa Maya and Cozumel in Mexico, as well as Grand Cayman.

Los Angeles Sailings
In addition to 7-night Mexican Riviera cruises, the Disney Wonder will set sail on Disney’s first-ever voyage to Hawai‘i on April 29, 2012.

• 15-night Hawaiian cruise departs from the Port of Los Angeles and includes stops at Hilo; Kahului, Maui; Honolulu, Oahu; Nawiliwili, Kauai and Ensenada, Mexico.
• 7-night Pacific Coast cruises will call on San Francisco, San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico.

The Disney Dream™ will continue to sail 3-, 4- and 5-night Bahamian cruises. The new Disney Fantasy™ will offer Eastern and Western Caribbean itineraries, beginning with the maiden voyage on March 31, 2012. Sail dates for both ships are now available through December 2012.

Virgin Islands for the Caribbean Virgin

So you are ready to leave the country and set forth on a Caribbean adventure but with all the islands to choose from, where do you begin? Perhaps you should start at home. The U.S. Virgin Islands, 1100 miles southeast of Miami, are an excellent entrée to the Caribbean without leaving the comfort and security of home. Sure you'll actually leave the United States mainland, so it feels as if you've left the country, but language, currency, drivers license, banking are all the same so you won't have to feel out of your element. In fact, you don't even need a passport to travel to the USVI! So for the Caribbean virgins out there, the USVI is a great starting point. Maybe that's why they're named the Virgin Islands!

The US Virgin Islands are comprised of three magnificent islands: St Thomas, St Croix and St John. They are all uniquely different and are located close enough together so that which ever island you make your home base, you can easily take a day trip to the others via high speed ferries or a catamaran. The British Virgin Islands are also just a short hop away and can also be seen on a day trip, but these islands do require a passport.

All three of the USVI have a myriad of accommodations available. Luxury all inclusive resorts, grand hotels, condos, villas, private guest houses to small inns are options for your choosing. Camping is even an option on St John.

A US Driver's license is acceptable for car rental, just keep in mind that a tiny bit of the British influence still remains and driving is on the left side of the road, with the driver's seat on the right side of the vehicle. At first, it's a little nerve-wracking, but in no time you will learn to follow the other drivers and suddenly you are an expert. With your own vehicle it is so much easier to explore the island and try all the beaches, restaurants and attractions that are available. There are of course taxis and buses for those not wanting to drive.

St Thomas is known primarily for its heavy concentration of duty free shops in the capital city of Charlotte Amalie. It is a bustling stop on the cruise ship routes and is the busiest cruise-ship harbor in the West Indies. This small island is only 12 miles long and 3 miles wide, but there is a lot of activity for such a small space. Rich in history, it is delightful to walk the narrow passageways in town where chic shops now occupy ancient Danish warehouses that once stored pirate loot. Don't miss the opportunity to go to Fort Christian, the oldest standing building in the Virgin Islands and home to a great museum offering a glimpse into the island's multicultural history. Fascinating Blackbeard's Castle, which is now a restaurant and hotel, is also an interesting look into a 17th century tower.

St Croix, the largest of the three US Virgin Islands, is a little more tranquil than St Thomas although the capital city of Christiansted does offer numerous shopping venues. The real attraction of St Croix is Buck Island National Park. Several tour operators offer day trips to this protected underwater national monument, which has excellent underwater trails for snorkelers filled with brightly colored corals and marine life.

St John, the smallest of the three, is really the most beautiful and least developed. Two thirds of St John is a national park with guided trails and a third of the park is underwater. Laurence Rockefeller donated his acquired land on the island to the United States' National Park Service in 1956, provided that the lands remain protected from any future development. These early eco conscious provisions make this is a stunning island with perfect white sand beaches that stretch for miles. St John is a peaceful, non-commercialized natural wonder with postcard perfect beaches and views. Accessible only by boat, there are no cruise ship ports, airports or high-rise buildings; just a simple, natural, beautiful island.

Whether you are a Caribbean veteran or a 'virgin' to the West Indies, everyone should visit the US Virgin Islands at least once. They are a national treasure of beauty and diverse cultures that deserve to be fully experienced.

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Celebrity Cruise Line Solstice Reveiw.....Solstice Review

From the moment you are handed your mimosa as you step on board to the moment you step off at the end of your cruise this ship entertains you, relaxes you and makes you feel like you have pampered in luxury.

The public areas are spacious and this feeling is enhanced by tranquil lighting. The pedestrian traffic flow through the ship works incredibly well. There is an amazing choice of bars, lounges and eating options. As you'd expect, there is, the usual high standard main restaurant and the casual buffet style Oceanview cafe. The main dining room is stunning and the food was above par for a main dinning room. There are also four specialty restaurants, that are well worth trying: Silk Harvest serving Asian cuisine, Tuscan Grille steakhouse, Murano French cuisine and Blu. Although they all carry a surcharge they're well worth trying for something different or for a special occasion.

The Blu restaurant is reserved primarily for guests staying in AquaClass cabins. These are ideal for those looking for that little extra bit of peace, quiet and luxury. AquaClass guests also have their own spa area, The Persian Garden, with its steam rooms and aromatherapy this makes this grade of cabin great value.

 Celebrity promised a new cabin layout, which results in 15 percent more space and creative solutions, such as lots of storage areas for clothes and luggage, flat-panel televisions, and a “shaving bar” suggested by Celebrity’s “leading ladies,” a panel of five ordinary women who gave their input into what they wanted most in staterooms and bathrooms.The Celebrity Solstice “stateroom” is very modern, spacious, and comfortable.  When you open the door to the room, you won't believe how big it is. It was like a small hotel room, not the typical closet that you find on so many ships. The added bonus was the size of the balcony, with its table and chairs. The modern bathroom had a lot of room to move and store cosmetic items. (Also note that the “public” bathrooms around the ship were ultra modern and very cool in design and features – urinals had famous quotes to read – the details on this ship are amazing!). The room was clearly designed with people in mind. Even the life jackets were placed for easy access under the bed (along with your suitcases which easily fit under there). Celebrity also provides you with a hair dryer, a small fridge (which comes stocked), a safe, and items that you can use on a complimentary basis which you can purchase (such as an umbrella, bath robe, etc).


The Solstice is calming, relaxing, and classy but not stuffy. Celebrity has a luxury line of ships in the Solstice class....and have done an outstanding job. Clients looking for something more than a party ship atmosphere, food and wine lovers, or those looking to cruise in a luxurious ship without luxury pricing will enjoy the Celebrity Solstice.

The Solstice sails the Caribbean in the winter, and the Mediterranean in the summer.
                          SAMPLE 8-DAY CARIBBEAN ITINERARY - Prices from $749 to $1149 per person

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Romance in Disney....Love is in the air at Disney World

Disney isn't just for kids. Disney is carriage rides through a resort that resembles the old South. It is a dinner that culminates in a delicious desert while outside the sky fills with a spectacular fireworks display over Cinderella's castle. It is a private desert party for two during Illuminations, or on the beach at the Grand Floridian. How about dinner on a luxury yacht? All this and more can make any girls swoon. From visits with the characters to help you pop the question, to candle lit dinners you can have it all. Disney is full of quaint out of the way areas to sit and watch the world pass with your honey, to dancing the night away or a Cirque show. If you like couples spa treatments there are many to be had here. With the great spas on property.Drink around the World and taste the beverage of that land.  I can be here all night. If you can imagine it you can do it at Disney World, and it is definitely not just for kids and families.

2011 Emerging Vacation Trends..

If vacations are any indication of a better economy then it is improving somewhere. Our phone has been ringing of the hook and 80% of it is Disney World and nearby parks, and cruises. Families are booking both of these daily. Getting a room for a school vacation before summer is getting difficult. So, if you are planning Disney or a cruise this summer book soon. The Disney Dream did not have any inside cabin available through the summer at all. April vacation rooms in Disney is getting scarce.

Last year people did staycations or short vacations. 4 ad 5 night cruises were popular. This year 7 night cruises are back up there. People want the larger ships, and many good prices can be found on many of the smaller ships. With Disney, Free dining was available through the summer for those who booked early. Right now there is 40% off and other discount.

Families tend to book about 4-5 months out. The young (in their 20's) tend to make last minute vactions, and those over 40 plan about 6 months or more out, from what I see in my customers.

Lesson to be learned is, to book what you like at a price you are happy with and go enjoy your vacation! Call us for your vacation needs especially for this summer. Book now for the best selections to where you want to go.

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1 Night cruise from New York on Norwegian Gem....Norwegian Cruise Line Gem Review

One night cruise from New York on the beautiful Norwegian Gem. What a way to enjoy  or try cruising. Do you have a question you want to pop, what can be more romantic then a proposal on the deck of the Gem with the NYC skyline in the background? Is your best buddy getting married this year? How about holding the bachelor or bachelorette party on the ship. Plenty of clubs to choose from, food included and NO driving or paying for an expensive transportation. Is it a special birthday? Do you want to tell him you are expecting....these all warrant a special occasion at a special place, and here it is.

The Norwegian Gem was launched in October 2007, the Norwegian Gem is primarily characterized as significantly relaxing with no fixed dining times, no formal dress codes, up to 10 diverse restaurants, and a dozen bars and lounges. Onboard there is 30-foot high rock climbing wall, a Wii Nintendo system in the Crystal Atrium, a casino, a spa, bowling and so much more. The Bliss  Lounge is a bowling alley by day and a happening night club with velvet and lounge beds at night. There is so much to do that 1 night will not be enough to take everything in. 

There is a great kids area with areas designated to different age groups. The kids never want to leave the clubs, and it gives parents some time to do grown up things.

There is a huge assortment of cabin types on this cruise from the typical inside cabin to a luxury suite.

These amazing Villas sleep up to eight with three separate bedrooms, each with a king or queen-sized bed and luxury bathroom. With a living room, dining room and incredible private garden with hot tub, you will have more than enough space to spread out and unwind. You'll also have access to the private courtyard area. Includes butler and concierge service.

Up to four guests can stay in these Mini-Suites that come with a sitting area, luxury bathroom with shower, two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and additional bedding to sleep two more guests. Not to mention you'll have a private balcony to enjoy the incredible view. 

These staterooms sleep up to four guests and come with two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and a convertible sofa pulls out to sleep two more. They include a sitting area and floor-to-ceiling glass doors that open to a private balcony.

Includes two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and a pull down bed. 

Includes two lower beds that convert into a queen-size bed and a pull down bed.

Call us for information at 508-808-5995

Prices $79 a night per person before taxes and fees

Norwegian Gem preview and pictures

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Disney an unexpected food Mecca....

  Say Disney World to the average person and visions of thousands of 5-8 year olds dressed in their princess or pirate costumes running down Main St. spring to mind. The last thing you think of is 4 star restaurants, romantic dinners, or great ethnic cuisine, but those and more can be found within the confines of the Mouse's house! At the Grand Floridian you have Victoria and Albert's. At the Waly Disney World Dolphin you have the renown Shula's Steak house, and Todd English Blue Zoo, plus many many more....

In EPCOT, the World Showcase offers a variety of choices from Moroccan to Mexican cuisine. There are buffets, sit down choices, and sometimes fast food at every country. One of my favorites is in the Mexican Pavilion, located deep inside the giant pyramid of the pavilion. You must walk through the Mexican village market to arrive at this wonderful restaurant. Modeled after a 17th-century hacienda at the base of Mayan ruins, the San Angel Inn serves an array of zesty specialties.

From your table you have a magnificent view, as the restaurant is set right above the Gran Fiesta Tour, which is a calm, relaxing boat ride featuring the Three Caballeros - Panchito, Jose, and Donald Duck.  Don't let Donald fool you - the San Angel Inn Restaurante has outstanding, authentic Mexican cuisine in a magnificent, romantic atmosphere under a star lit sky.


The staff is fast serving, friendly, and very accommodating. The food is cooked to perfection. Highly recommended is the tortillas with sliced beef or chicken, which are delicious and very filling. Wash them down with a Mexican beer or glass of red wine. Save room for dessert, because a piece of flan is the perfect ending to every Mexican meal. Prices at the San Angel Inn Restaurante are very reasonable, considering the quality of food and setting. If you love authentic Mexican food, and I do not mean Taco Bell here, and want a beautiful place to sit down and enjoy a leisurely meal, then San Angel is the place for you. Meals here range from $15 - $40.


Both the dinner and lunch menu are listed below for your convenience.
San Angel Inn dinner menu
San Angel Inn Lunch Menu

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Royal Caribbean Freedom of the Seas...Freedom of the Seas Cruise Ship Review

Not long ago, this beautiful ship was the largest cruise ship on the high seas. Now she is somewhat dwarfed by the Oasis and Allure of the Seas. With the new ships drawing a huge segment of cruisers. Those wanting an awesome vacation with all the bells and whistles, can find a bargain on this and its sister ships. The ship is the namesake of Royal Caribbean's Freedom Class cruise ships, can accommodate 3,634 passengers and 1,300 crew on fifteen passenger decks. The ship has an interior promenade, with shops on either side. The ship has three swimming areas: an interactive water park, a dedicated adult pool and the main pool. There are two adults-only whirlpools cantilevered out from the ship's sides, the Royal Promenade sports, a coffee shop, Sorrento's Pizzeria, a Ben and Jerry's ice-cream shop, Vintage's winery, the Bull and Bear Irish pub, and many Duty-free shops. The 13th deck has a sports area with a rock climbing wall, the FlowRider (an onboard wave generator for surfing), a miniature golf course and a full size basketball court. Other items include an ice skating rink, a casino, a Johnny Rockets restaurant, Wi-Fi capabilities throughout the ship, flat panel televisions in all staterooms, and cell phone connectivity. It began operations out of Miami with its first cruise and maiden voyage on June 4, sailing to western Caribbean locations in Mexico, the Cayman Islands and Jamaica as well as Labadee, in Haiti, one of Royal Caribbean's private resorts.

This ship is a great fit for families. There is something for everyone to do. Whether you are grandma, who loves the shows and afternoon trivia, to Dad and his golf addiction, teen brother loves the teen club and the sports deck, while mom is in the spa with sister, and everyone is happy. The rooms are roomy, and on this ship if you can manage it, snag an aft corner room for a suite size room at a regular balcony size! There are plenty of dinning options to make everyone happy. This is the perfect cruise for the active family that wants to keep going to the beach bums who lounge by the pool (that's my family).

A family of four in a D1 balcony room April 10, 2011 is

• Guests 1-2: $1,219

• Guests 3-4: $799  

• Total- $4,036  USD

                           Call us now!

Gloria Caruso
Second Star Travel
1-(508)808-5995
www.secondstartravel.net

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The Walt DIsney World Swan & Dolphin Hotels.....Orlando Hotel Reveiws

In the heart of the Walt Disney World Resort, the award-winning Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin is your gateway to Central Florida's greatest theme parks and attractions. In fact, you'll be so close to Disney World that you can see the nightly fireworks over Epcot and Fantasmic at Disney's Hollywood Studios. Even the Magic Kingdom and Animal Kingdom Theme Parks are only a short ride away by complimentary shuttle. Beautiful surroundings, superior service, luxurious facilities and redesigned guest rooms featuring the Heavenly Bed, are among many of the amenities that attract so many people to these hotels.  The rooms are bright, airy and very comfortable, with many amenities. Once you sleep in a Heavenly  Bed you are spoiled for life. You can enjoy exotic treatments at Mandara Spa, 17 spectacular restaurants and lounges, five pools, a white sand beach, two health clubs, tennis, nearby golf and many special Disney benefits, including complimentary transportation to all Walt Disney World® Theme Parks and Attractions and Extra Magic Hours benefit, exclusively for resort guests.

As a guest of our resort, you'll enjoy these special Disney benefits...

		Character Dining - Dine with the lovable Disney characters at Garden Grove. Appearances nightly for dinner and at breakfast on the weekends. Advance Tee Times - Available on four nearby championship Walt Disney World® golf courses. Priority Seating - At selected Disney restaurants throughout the Vacation Kingdom. Disney Tickets - purchase park tickets even before leaving the hotel (ticket desk located in lobby of each hotel). Free Disney Transportation - Enjoy complimentary scheduled transportation throughout Walt Disney World® Resort via shuttle buses and water taxis. Extra Magic Hours Benefit - Each day one of the four Disney Theme Parks opens an hour early or stays open up to an extra three hours after regular closing so that resort guests can enjoy select attractions. Note: Valid Theme Park ticket and Resort ID required for each adult.

As a guest of the Disney World Swan and Dolphin resorts you get Deluxe accommodations for the price of a Disney moderate resort. Since both hotels are actually Starwood properties, they can offer specials that Disney does not offer. At these beautiful resorts you can often get an Entertainment rate discount, AAA discount, Florida resident, military discount, as well as a teacher and nurse's discount. They also run sales and discounts through the year. There customer service is tops, as I can attest when my luggage got lost and they pulled strings and found it in Lima, Peru (thanks for nothing Spirit Air).

There are some Special Offers currently available-

AAA Members get 3 Ways to Save!
AAA members can choose from 3 extraordinary ways to save when staying at The Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin. Just show your card upon check-in and save!

Enjoy up to 15% off our best available rates.

Overnight accommodations + breakfast for two.

Overnight accommodations + $50 stay credit*

OUR BEST OFFER IS BACK FOR A LIMITED TIME ONLY!
Bring the whole family to Orlando and enjoy 50% off our Executive one bedroom suites January 10 - April 30, 2011. Each suite features one king or two double beds and includes a separate living area with plenty of room to spread out!

Rates start from only $339 per night (reg.$600)! Hurry, this offer won't last and must be booked by February 28, 2011.

 Delight in Sun and Savings with this exclusive package. Book now for stays by December 23, 2011, and enjoy the following:

• 6th Night Free (applied at check out)
• $100 Food and Beverage Credit for every 6 nights reserved
• Complimentary upgrade based upon availability at check-in

Call us or email us for these bargains and more.

Gloria Caruso
Second Star Travel
1(508)808-5995
 gloria@secondstartravel.net

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Disney's Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique....a little bit of heaven for girls of all age

Occasionally I will have guest writers so my readers can have a different perspective on  different aspects of travel. Today's guest writer is 14 year old Angela Caruso.  She is reviewing Disney's Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique in the Magic Kingdom.

The Bibbidi Bobbidi Boutique is a great experience.The staff (fairy godmothers in training) here turn everyone into a princess. There are three hairstyles from princess to pop-star, and the hairstyles can be done with hair any length. After getting your hair done, you can get pink or blue nail polish, and a light brushing of eye shadow, lip-gloss, and blush. To finish you can pick from a variety of dresses, shoes, crowns and accessories. You can even have a photo shoot! When you finish your "fairy godmother in training" takes you to the front of the boutique where you receive a pink sash and a bag of goodies.When you are leaving and exit through the center of the castle, you will truly feel like one of the princess'.

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Family Travel Predictions for 2011

As a travel agent who specializes in family travel, I follow the news and trends in this niche closely. I see family travel increasing as the economy and job growth goes up. Families are working harder to make ends meet, and need that time together to re-connect and join together. The family vacation is a must for busy families to spend time together away from life's everyday problems. Many vacations destinations have responded by either having sales, or by giving added amenities and family friendly incentives.

Cruise lines for instances have many family oriented features on their cruise ships. There are kids clubs on many ships that start as early as toddlers to 17. There are many activities that a family can do together like min-golf, bowling, games, sports, movies, pool time etc. Some ships even have characters from popular movies and television shows to entertain cruisers. So much to do in many cases, that you can't do it all on one cruise. Family suites for families to be able to stretch out in have also been added to many ships, so a family of 5 or six can now stay in one room together, often giving them a saving over getting multiple staterooms.

Destinations like the Disney or Universal Studios theme Parks have offered things like free dining, passes to skip long lines, and resorts with family suites or rooms that can hold 5 people. In 2012 Disney World will open a animation themed all family suites resort, Universal has the Nickelodeon Suites Hotel in Central Florida. Both having activities geared to families, from food courts to games. Disney offers Grand Gathering for families of 8 or more, with activities not offered to individuals. Both these parks gear almost everything to the average families liking.

Sandals a very popular family all inclusive resort has 65% off specials and 4th night free. They have also thought about the single parent and waived the 2 adults charge or single supplement fee for one parent traveling with their children. Their rooms can accommodate different size families and some rooms even come with your own butler!There are also kids clubs for the children to attend as well as family themed activities.

My prediction for 2011is that as the economy and families feel better about money and their future, and travel destinations accommodate families better, family travel is going to boom!

Gloria Caruso
Second Star Travel
www.secondstartravel.net
1-508-808-5995

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It's Jamaica Mon...no worries

My family and I were very leery when our first family cruise went to Jamaica. We had heard stories o people trying to sell you drugs, and of peddlers following you around. Do not get me wrong we had people following us around, and we weren't offered drugs but my husband was offered services!!!! We stayed clear and kept walking and are we glad we did. We have done two family cruise excursions. We loved climbing Dunns River Falls, and walking around there. The area is beautiful and people are very very friendly. What I recommend to everyone is Mystic Mountain Jamaica! You take a ski lift to the top of the mountain, as you go up you are looking down into a rain forest. You get to the top, and there is a beautiful park, a restaurant , a little shop and straw type market, a pool and the BOB SLEDS. There is a fee for the Bobsleds and it iis a great ride. You go as slow or as fast as you like, but let it rip and you won't be disappointed. The ride brings you back to the top, where you can go swimming in their pool, overlooking the cruise ships, do some shopping have lunch then ride the ski lift back. The entire thing is a hidden jewel for families. You can spend the day up there, and not worry about the peddlers and crowds. It s very pleasant. I recommend it as a must do to families with kids over 4 to kid 87. Go in the morning and stay all day until you ave to return to the ship if you want.

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Ten Reasons to take a cruise.

Top 10 Reasons to take a Cruise

1)Choose to cruise for VALUE. One price buys your cabin, dining, entertainment and more.

2)Choose to cruise for ROMANCE. Secluded beaches, suite dining on a balcony overlooking the ocean and spa services for two are just some of the romantic pursuits available.

3)Choose to cruise for CUISINE. Tantalize your taste buds with gourmet fare that showcases exotic ingredients, old standbys like pizza and ice cream or spa cuisine for a healthy alternative. Depending on your mood, dine in a traditional ballroom setting, a small bistro or a casual eatery.

4)Choose to cruise for VARIETY. With over 200 distinctive ships, 3000 ports-of-call and an unbelievable array of places to see and things to do, there is a perfect cruise for you.

5)Choose to cruise for ACTIVITIES. Fill your days with sightseeing, sports activities, cultural lectures, educational tours led by naturalists and historians or simply lounge by the pool and relax. At night, enjoy dance extravaganzas, musical revues, gaming or a quiet evening gazing at the stars.

6)Choose to cruise for SIMPLICITY. Don't come back from your vacation needing a vacation. Planning a cruise is simple; your CLIA-affiliated travel agency can handle all of the details. Once you're on board, nearly all expenses are pre-paid...talk about hassle-free.

7)Choose to cruise for NEW HORIZONS. Fall asleep in one destination and awake to a new horizon... and you only have to pack and unpack once!

8)Choose to cruise for FAMILY. Families love cruising. Children's programs, kid-friendly menus and tours of the ship will keep your children happy, while affording you some time alone.

9)Choose to cruise for PAMPERING. Regardless of your budget, all cruise lines pamper their guests with first-class service around the clock.

10)Choose to cruise for SATISFACTION. It's a fact that cruises have a higher percentage of satisfied customers than any other vacation experience.

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Should Airlines Compensate Stranded Fliers?

I read a timely news item today in the USA Today Travel section on hundreds and thousands of U.S. passengers stranded at airports and hotels unable to get home. Many of these people having to pay for extra days in hotels and food while just waiting to to book and get another flight to their original destination. Some airlines have waived their fees for re-booking flights, but they do not compensate passengers for the extra meals or hotel night they must pay for while they wait for their new flight. The article quotes passengers who waited 8 days just to get through to re-book a flight. Three hour waits on the phone and crashed websites only to find out when you got through, you could not be booked for days and were stranded. Customer satisfaction with the airlines seems to only be getting worse.


For families in this situation this can be a nightmare. Hotel, food and added car rental costs can skyrocket the budget. It you can't find a hotel then keeping the kids occupied, napped, exercised, fed, hydrated, and tantrum-free in the airport, while you wait can expensive and stressful. Not to mention work and school times that can really affect families.
As I sit here in Massachusetts while Logan airport is closed and the television is showing people sleeping at the airport due to the mayor storm outside my window, I wonder how it is that airlines can question people's reaction to them. My family decided long ago that if we can drive somewhere in under 8 hours we drive instead of fly. Between cost of flights, cost of luggage, cost of drinks and food previously free, time in flight, time at airport before flight and after, it is not worth flying for us anymore. As an agent so many of my customers feel flying for travel is a necessary evil, that can not be avoided.


How do you feel about airline customer service, especially when there are delays and cancellations? Do you think airlines should be doing more for their passengers?

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How the Disney magic did this to me.........

Ever watch the face of a child as they enter the Magic Kingdom for the first time, on a family vacation? Heck, even the second through 20th time? It is full of wonder and awe. It is excitement, happiness and magic all rolled up in one. That look is....what it is all about. There is so much to do....or not do at Disney, that everyone can have exactly the kind of family vacation they want without ever leaving the resort. From upscale resorts and restaurants to family favorite character breakfasts and resorts with three story Disney characters outside your door. My family can be riding Expedition Everest in the morning, para-sailing on the Seven Seas Lagoon in the afternoon and watching incredible fireworks in the evening while having yummy desserts! My children are not toddlers anymore, and teenagers can be hard to please, but they never say "no" to Disney. I knew I wanted to share this with others, and for years was doing it for all my friends and family. Then one day a few years ago a friend said to me that I enjoyed doing this so much I should do it for a living. That day I started looking into it and here I am.

My family loves to travel and though Disney is our first love, cruising the Caribbean and US destinations are our second, and we have gone over 7 cruises and visited many, many States. We share our experiences and our failures with our customers. We try to offer our customers the best family vacation for their money, like what we would do for ourselves. We search for discounts, coupons, and specials that will enhance your family vacation experience.

We take the stress out of planning and researching your vacation, 

so you can spend that time with your family!

Fill out the "contact us" form for your family vacation quote on our website!
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Cozumel for a family vacation

Twelve miles off the eastern coast of Mexico’s Yucatan peninsula is the small island of Cozumel, and a great playground for Families. From scuba diving, snorkeling, para-sailing, kite-surfing and deep-sea fishing, your family will find it all. If diving and the beach are not your families thing, you can explore the Mayan ruins, trek through the jungle paths and even take a dip in the island’s underground rivers and pools. Surprisingly enough, you can even ride a camel on the beach in Cozumel!

Climbing Adventure Park - If the kids in your family are looking for something new to try in Cozumel, then the Climbing Adventure Park may be for you. The park boasts climbing walls, a zipline, abseiling towers and a great beach club with snorkeling for relaxing afterward.

Punta Sur Park - Has white sand beaches with a reef for drift snorkeling and crystal clear water at Punta Sur Park ecological reserve.

Chankanaab Park - Famous natural park with lagoon, white sand beach, archaeological gardens, bar and restaurant. You can Also do the Dolphin Experience here.

San Gervasio Mayan Ruins - San Gervasio is the most important Mayan archeological site in Cozumel. The religious center was built as sanctuary to the Goddess Ixchel.

El Mirador Lookout - Take in the rugged natural beauty of Cozumel’s east coast at El Mirador lookout. The sea has carved an arch in the rock which you can climb on top of for great views.

Kiteboarding - Cozumel offers endless possibilities for kiteboarding. Olympic windsurfer Raul De Lille introduced kitesurfing to Cozumel and became the island’s first certified instructor.

Tulum - meaning "fence or wall", is one of the most visited Mayan sites in the Yucatan. The impressive ruins with its backdrop of the turquoise waters is just breathtaking and a great photo opportunity.

There is even a camel ride on the beach (offered by Shoretrips) followed by an all inclusive beach excursion one can take!

There is also shopping, free beaches catamaran tours and so much more in Cozumel, that you family will not have a shortage of things to do on their vacation!

We take the stress out of planning and researching your vacation, 

so you can spend that time with your family!

Fill out the "contact us" form for your family vacation quote on our website!
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1 Night cruise to No where!

This is very cool. You can use it to test the waters if you are afraid of cruising. You can make it an extremely romantic evening out with your honey. Maybe even propose? You can check it out to see if your kids are old enough to cruise. It can be a great bachelorette party or bachelor party. How about a girls or guys weekend? An awesome birthday night or anniversary night. For as low as $79 plus taxes each for one night you can have entertainment, lunch, dinner, breakfast, a night club or show, babysitting, plus your room for the night, the perfect escape. It can be whatever you make of it...all this brought to you by Norwegian Cruise Line out of NYC on either 1/22-23 and 1/23-24 plus the additional dates added.

Each booking gets $50 www.restaurant.com gift certificate to use while in NYC!

Prices below are for the Category listed double occupancy (price is for 2 people, less for 4 in a room), for the date listed, including taxes.

1/22-23
Balcony room - $569.24
oceanview obstructed Guarantee- $509.24
inside - $469.24

2/11-12
Balcony - $459.84
oceanview - $379.84
inside - $359.84

2/12-13
Balcony - $569.24
oceanview - $509.24
inside - $469.24

5/7-8
Oceanview - $752.44
inside - $572.44

*Price subject to change without notice and correct as of 1/5/2011

Call us ASAP as rooms are going very fast.
gloria@secondstartravel.net
1-508-808-5995
www.facebook.com/secondstartravel1

We take the stress out of planning and researching your vacation, 

so you can spend that time with your family!

Fill out the "contact us" form for your family vacation quote on our website!
Come join us  on Facebook for information on travel, sales, fun games, contests, triva and more...