Cruise Planners - Five Great Winter Events

Five Great Winter Events

Sure it’s cold outside but the following five events will get you going. Why stay inside when there’s so much out there!

New Year’s Eve in Times Square

Location: New York, New York

On December 31st there is no better place to be than Times Square. Over a million people come to Times Square to watch the ball drop and celebrate the end of one year and the start of the next one while billions of people nationwide watch their televisions closely to watch that exact moment when the ball drops and the clock strikes midnight. Filled with stars from all over the world this confetti filled event is a must visit at some point in a person’s life. People from all over the world flock to New York City and wait days in advance to get the best possible spot to watch the festivities take place. Hotels in NYC fill up early, so let’s start planning now.

Superbowl XLVI 

Location: Lucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, Indiana

February 5th 2012 is the date of the 2012 NFL Superbowl. Lucas Oil Stadium is the home of the Indianapolis Colts and one of the game’s greatest players, Peyton Manning. The Superbowl is the final game of the NFL season and one of the most, if not the most, important sporting event in the United States. However, this is not a vacation opportunity simply for one day or for the fans of the two teams playing. There will be events for the ten days leading up to the Superbowl in downtown Indianapolis for fans of all 32 teams. This is an event for the avid sports fan or a family looking for a fun week of sports and other great festivities.

Mardi Gras

Location: New Orleans, Louisiana

The weekend beginning February 18th and leading into Tuesday February 21st 2012 is the best time to visit the city of New Orleans. Let us make your travel plans now because finding a place to stay is not as simple as the “Big Easy” nickname would have you believe. Mardi Gras is a celebration which comes right before Lent and culminates on Fat Tuesday. It is one of the most fun events a person can attend because it includes floats, costumes, parades, and so much more. Be prepared while in the crowd and try and catch a “throw” which could be anything from beads to stuffed animals. 

Carnival

Location: Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Although Carnival is celebrated throughout the world, the widely accepted Carnival Capital of the World is Rio. In the peak of the warm and gorgeous Rio summer, you can enjoy the celebration that is Carnival. The same time as Mardi Gras, running the weekend of February 18th and finishing up on Tuesday February 21st, Carnival provides a South American experience in the final days before Lent. Carnival attracts upwards of 500,000 foreigners alone to this spectacular event. The main attraction of the parade is the Samba Parade, also known as the Rio Central Parade, which is filled with wonderful costumes and put all together with the beautiful Brazilian Samba music.

Food Network’s South Beach Wine & Food Festival

Location: Miami, Florida

This four day wine and food showcase begins on February 23rd and ends on February 26th. The event is hosted by Southern Wine & Spirits of Florida and Florida International University (FIU). In 2011 there were over 55,000 guests and they were able to raise $2.4 million for FIU’s School of Hospitality and Tourism Management. This is the perfect place for any wine or food lover because not only is it located at beautiful South Beach but it also boasts some of the biggest names in the food industry such as Rachael Ray, Emeril Lagasse, and Bobby Flay.

Pick one or all five, you are sure to have a great time

Holiday Travel with Children

Holiday Travel with Children

Over the river and through the woods to grandmother’s house we go. During this time of year, we plan and prepare our family visits, dinner meals and gift-giving and forget one of the most important things- preparing for holiday travel with children. Whether you are driving or flying to your final holiday destinations, be prepared with these helpful tips so that you and your precious cargo arrive safely and happily.

Plan, plan and plan. It’s never too early to prepare yourself. Make sure everyone knows the holiday schedule. Get things prepare ahead of time at your final destination.

Weather Check weather and road conditions for any delays or closed roads.

Get Aunts and Uncles to purchase baby needs like diapers, milk and baby essentials. Download or rent their favorite movies and music. Pack the ever so loved stuff animal and blankets.

Driving? Get directions ahead of time. Cars these days are loaded with a GPS system. If yours does not have one, get one.  Pack the car with plenty of mobile toys, movies, snacks and drinks. Plot put rest stops.

Flying? The best time to fly with the little ones is in the morning or around their nap time. Shoot for direct flights if possible. If you can, grab a bulk seat for the extra leg room or upgrade your seat to one. This is important if you plan on a carseat in flight. Otherwise, prepare your little tike to kick the seat in front or the seat in front on your child when they lean back. Don't foget about parking at the airport its often an over-looked expense

Packing. It never fails. You always end up forgetting something that because a major importance in your child’s happy stay at grandma’s house. Creating a list an organizing is key. Decide on how many suitcases to pack especially now being that there is a hefty charge for checked bags. Assign bags accordingly. Pack in advance. Always pack a carry-on bag filled with must items just in case your luggage is lost or delayed.

Entertainment. “Are we there yet?” is a common questions by everyone- old or young. Pack the cars with toys, books and movies. Play games with passerby cars and towns. In flight, tablets, iPods and portable DVD’s should be loaded with all their favorites. And always, hide emergency toys and games for when they really get bored with what’s already available.  Also remember you may still need entertainment even after you arrive

No matter what, traveling is taxing on everyone no matter what their age is. During your trip, talk to your little ones about what they are going to experience. Who they are going to see. And what they are going to do once they arrive. Sometimes, with a little conversation, it will continue the holiday spirit in them and soon enough you’ll be at your final destination with a very happy, and excited child. Plus, as parents, you’ll be excited to see them so happy.

Happy Holidays to all.

Cruise Planners - 7 new ships will be launching in the next 16 months

Cruise Planners - 7 new ships will be launching in the next 16 months


For those of us who love to cruise, there just isn't anything more exciting than a New Ship...

Cruising has become one of the best vacations for all walks of life and with expanding cruise ports allowing cruise lovers an opportunity to see even more and experience the truly amazing.

These 7 New Cruise Ships offer sophistication, superior new features and unbelievable views, all designed with you in mind.

Be the one of the first to click on the names of the newest ships at sea to get a sneak peak of excitement and adventure.

Carnival Breeze 

When you're sailing on Carnival's next "Fun Ship," you're not just cruising - you're absolutely breezing.

Disney Fantasy

Disney Fantasy is the regal fourth cruise liner in the expanding Disney Cruise Line fleet.

Celebrity Reflection

Celebrity Reflection offers all the most-loved Solstice Class features along with myriad new ones.

Oceania Riviera

The brand new Riviera, which debuts in April 2012, is one of the most beautiful, elegant and sophisticated ships to debut in the past 50 years.

Costa Fascinosa

With the natural elegance of a diva and the charm of a work of art, Costa Fascinosa is the rising star of the Costa fleet. 

MSC Divina

Experience classic glamour in high-tech comfort. MSC Divina, named in honour of screen legend and MSC Cruises “godmother” Sophia Loren, will be christened in Marseille in May 2012.

Norwegian Breakaway

The 144,017-ton, 4,000-passenger Norwegian Breakaway will launch in April 2013 as the first of NCL's two "Project Breakaway" cruise ships.

Call today to be the first to sail on one of these New Ships

 

Cruise Planners - Myths

Cruise Planners - Myths


What do the “Abominable Snowman”, the “Loch Ness Monster” and “Booking Cruises Directly with the Cruise Line is Cheaper” all have in common? Answer: They are all myths. While we may not be experts on the first two subjects, at Cruise Planners and More we can certainly shed some light about direct booking myths.

First of all, let’s face it, a sales representative at a cruise line gets paid to sell only their company whether it’s the right product for you or not. They will never recommend the competition. That should be enough right there to make you stop and think. But wait, there’s more! Special prices? At Cruise Planners and More we see the same rates on the computer as the cruise line sales representative. But more importantly, in addition, we have access to unique rates such as exclusive group fares, regional specials, and other special rate programs.

The most important part of planning a cruise is not always about getting the lowest price. The real goal should be to get the right cruise for your personal needs at the best price available.  At Cruise Planners and More there is no charge for our basic services as we are compensated by the cruise lines for providing personal service to you. It’s the best deal in town. While we can’t help with sightings of the Snowman or Loch Ness, we can plan the cruise vacation of a lifetime for you.