Cruise Planners

Happy 2012

2012-01-02T21:56:00.000-08:00

Greetings for 2012.

A New Year begins and we are very optimistic for the coming year. Great destinations to explorer and still some good value's for your dollar.

Here are some of our favourite places.

Fiji is still good Value for the US dollar.

Thailand good value and great sights.

Vietnam is a great destination and history galore.

Always spectacular is Australia and New Zealand.

Allow us to send you to one of these great places.

Follow in Oprah's Ultimate Australian Adventure

2011-01-29T08:09:00.000-08:00

There's nothing like Australia. This is a land of adventure and friendly locals, Australia is easy to do and not as expensive as you think. There's a lot of travel option's for you from Adventure, Romance, Food and Wine. Check out our website for some great idea's.

Foothill Christian School DR Trip 2010

2010-11-23T20:03:00.000-08:00

We have been fortunate enough to be able to arrange this trip for the second year. The trip is in conjunction with the Manny Moto foundation and Foothill Christian School which goes to the Dominican Republic over Thanksgiving and spends time with a number of schools and arranges a Thanksgiving feast for over 100 people at the foundations compound and hand out old school uniforms.

Check the link below to see their adventure.

http://www.drkrew2010.blogspot.com/

Costa Rica Luxury

2010-10-17T04:17:00.000-07:00

El Silencio Lodge & Spa is an eco luxury hotel located in Costa Rica's tropical cloud forest. Ideal for honeymoons, relaxation getaways, and wellness travel. Silencio, Spanish for silence, is befitting of a destination where daily stress hushes and the sounds of nature bloom.This upscale Costa Rican hotel features five hundred private acres of carbon-offsetting tropical cloud forest, hidden waterfalls, a nature-immersed spa, yoga, hiking, meditation, and healthy organic cuisine.El Silencio Lodge & Spa is an exciting addition to Costa Rica’s best travel options. Featured by Condé Nast Traveler and Travel + Leisure as one the world’s most promising new luxury hotels (2008)

Hotel Punta Islita Luxury Beach Resort.

Location
Hotel Punta Islita is set in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, along the open-ocean coastline of the Nicoya Peninsula. Rugged landscape and colorful communities are rich in stunning beaches, mountains, vibrant culture, and charm.

Climate & Ecosystem

Tropical dry forest surrounds the hotel property and treats visitors with its unique flora and fauna. The weather is warm year round with the dry season running from December through April and the green season running May through November.
Costa Rica
Conveniently accessible from many international travel hubs, Costa Rica is an inspirational destination. Peaceful and safe, it entices visitors with bewildering nature, cultural diversity, and genuine friendship.

Guanacaste Province

Guanacaste features Costa Rica’s most spectacular beaches and landscapes. Its culture blends pre-Columbian Chorotega and Spanish influences in colorful art, dance, and music. Guanacaste’s Nicoya Peninsula is home to one of author Dan Buettner’s Blue Zones (global longevity hotspots).

Islita Community

Hotel Punta Islita is surrounded by tiny rural villages with a total population of about 1300. The area was formerly used for cattle ranching and slash-and-burn agriculture. Thanks to the hotel’s development and the creation of the Islita Open-Air Contemporary Art Museum, the local community is now a thriving collective of travel professionals, artists, and micro entrepreneurs.

For the best of the beach and the mountains why not combine the the two properties Hotel Punto Islita and El Silencio Lodge & Spa for your Honeymoon, Babymoon or just a getaway to rest and rejuvenate.

Worlds Largest Cruise Event

2010-10-05T22:57:00.001-07:00

http://wlcn.cruising.org/cpamex408

Kids Sale Free on Disney Cruise To Mexico

2010-06-12T06:32:00.000-07:00

Kids Sail FREE to the Mexican Riviera

From January 23–March 20, 2011, KIDS 17 and under SAIL FREE when traveling with two full-fare Guests in the same stateroom on select 7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruises from Los Angeles! Enjoy the beauty and fun of the Baja California and Mexican coasts on a voyage filled with unmatched Disney entertainment, legendary service and magic made for everyone of every age.

7-Night Mexican Riviera Cruise

Departing from Los Angeles to visit

Puerto Vallarta • Mazatlán • Cabo San Lucas

Includes three fun-filled days at sea

Book now through July 31, 2010, to get this great offer. Ask for booking code KFMR.

*Offer is only available to U.S. and Canada residents. Rates are in U.S. dollars, per person, based on double occupancy. Valid for stateroom categories 4 through 11 only. The number of staterooms allocated for this offer is limited. Government Taxes and Fees and Port Adventures not included. This offer cannot be combined with any other offers, discounts or onboard credits. This special offer applies to new bookings only and is non-transferable. See Disney Cruise Line brochure for applicable Terms and Conditions.

Time to book Alaska 2011

2010-05-29T08:25:00.000-07:00

It is time! 2011 Alaska bookings can be made now and take the opportunity of early booking discounts and the possibilities of upgrades.

Facebook | Cruise Planners - Melinda Peters

2010-05-05T06:11:00.000-07:00

Facebook | Cruise Planners - Melinda Peters

Qantas Launches Moblie Check in

2010-04-29T21:18:00.000-07:00

Qantas Airways Limited ABN 16 009 661 901

Further information and media releases can be found at the Qantas website: qantas.com
QANTAS LAUNCHES MOBILE CHECK-IN SYDNEY, 28 April 2010: Qantas has launched new technology enabling domestic Mobile Check-in as part of its Next Generation Check-in initiative.Qantas Chief Executive Officer, Mr Alan Joyce, said Mobile Check-in was a key offering of the broader Next Generation Check-in project announced last year which is set to streamline the domestic airport experience for Qantas customers.
“Enhancing the customer experience by increasing speed and ease through our airports is the key driver for the Qantas Next Generation Check-in project,” said Mr Joyce.
"Our research showed us our customers wanted more control over their travel experience. They want to be able to check-in before they even arrive at the airport and then move quickly through the airport to board their flight.
“Mobile Check-in now offers customers the ability to check-in remotely, while on the go, removing another airport process for our busy modern travellers.
“Qantas continues to introduce new services such as Mobile Check-in and domestic Advance Seat Section as part of our Next Generation Check-in roll out, for which a pilot will commence in Perth in July. We’ll be unveiling our full Next Generation Check-in service in Sydney later this year.”
Domestic Advance Seat Selection rewards top tier Frequent Flyers, (Platinum, Gold and Silver), with even more choice as these customers now have the ability to preselect their seat online prior to travel. Mobile check-in provides customers with the ability to check-in for their flight via their personal mobile device,
including iPhones, Blackberrys and other web-enabled mobile devices, between 24 hours and 45 minutes prior to departure. A 2D bar code is sent to their phone which is then scanned by a reader at the gate, and a boarding receipt is printed
for the customer with their name, frequent flyer details, flight number and seat allocation. The Qantas Mobile application was initially launched in 2008. In addition to the introduction of domestic Mobile Check-In, Qantas Mobile provides customers with the ability to access real time flight information direct to their mobile phone including arrival and departure times, access worldwide Qantas Club lounge locations, contact numbers for Qantas offices worldwide and the up to date timetables for Qantas, QantasLink, Jetstar and codeshare flights for up to 353 days. Frequent Flyers can access Qantas Mobile with their Frequent Flyer number, last name and PIN to view all bookings recorded against their Frequent Flyer membership, as well as their points balance and date of last activity. Non-Frequent Flyers can log in with their booking reference and last name to view their booking including passenger details, flight details, check-in information and baggage allowances. Ports that have launched Mobile Check-in include Sydney Terminal 3, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, Canberra, Gladstone, Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Ayers Rock, Alice Springs, Darwin, Hobart, Launceston, Kalgoorlie, Broome, Karratha, Newman, Paraburdoo and Port Lincoln. There are also plans to roll out Mobile Check-in to Adelaide, Cairns, Sydney Terminal 2, Newcastle and Port Hedland in coming months. The Qantas mobile phone application is accessed by typing qantas.com into a web-enabled mobile browser.

Issued by Qantas Corporate Communication (Q4064)
Media Enquiries: Sophia Connelly T: +61 2 9691 3473 M : 0410 686 908

Top Reasons to Visit Fiji

2010-04-28T21:51:00.000-07:00

Bula,

This month we launched a new website http://www.fijime.tv for North American travelers interested in visiting our exotic and relaxing Fiji Islands. The website uses short (less than 4 minutes) video style TV episodes that show the beauty of Fiji and many of the key experiences you'll have there.

I found the TV episodes really interesting and fun because each is based on a myth or legend in Fijian lore. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

I know you'll enjoy the travel specials that are part of each TV video! Just click on any of the TV screens below that interest you and you'll be directed to that TV channel.

Call or email me below if you have questions about planning your vacation to Fiji - I can help!

Vinaka,
Melinda Peters
Fiji Island Travel Specialist
cruisesolutionsandmore@msn.com
626.815.5909

NEW 2011-12 DEPLOYMENT FOR MARINER OF THE SEAS

2010-04-27T21:57:00.000-07:00

ROYAL CARIBBEAN ANNOUNCES - NEW 2011-12 DEPLOYMENT FOR MARINER OF THE SEAS

Mariner of the Seas to Augment Record-setting Europe Deployment in 2011
MIAMI, April 22, 2010 – Royal Caribbean International today announced the redeployment of Mariner of the Seas, which will take effect in January 2011. Mariner of the Seas will offer a short South America season before debuting in the Mediterranean as Royal Caribbean’s record-setting 11th ship
in the region for summer 2011. Mariner of the Seas will homeport at Rome (Civitavecchia) from March through October 2011, replacing Splendour of the Seas, which will now homeport in Venice,offering 10- and 11-night Greek Isles and Turkey itineraries for the season. Mariner of the Seas will
then return to North America for the 2011-12 winter season, offering seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries from Galveston, Texas, replacing Voyager of the Seas. As a result, Voyager of the Seas will herald Royal Caribbean’s return to New Orleans in winter 2011-12, offering vacationers another Gulf Coast port to embark on a memorable seven-night Western Caribbean cruise.
The Mexican Riviera has traditionally been an important market for Royal Caribbean
International, with the Port of Los Angeles and Mexican local, state and federal government agencies, and their private sectors playing a supportive role as valued partners. While Royal Caribbean International looks forward to returning to the region in the future, Mariner of the Seas will sail its final round-trip Mexican Riviera itinerary from Los Angeles on January 9, 2011.

On January 16, 2011, Mariner of the Seas will reposition from Los Angeles on a 16-night itinerary to Valparaiso, Chile, followed by a 14-night voyage that cruises the Straits of Magellan and Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America to Sao Paulo (Santos), Brazil. The ship will then offer a short Brazilian cruise season, before crossing the Atlantic to debut in Europe at its new seasonal homeport of Rome (Civitavecchia), where Mariner of the Seas will sail seven-night Western Mediterranean and 12-night Mediterranean Holy Land and Mediterranean Egypt itineraries. In November 2011, Mariner of the Seas will debut at Galveston to offer Texas vacationers two roundtrip seven-night Western Caribbean itineraries through April 2012. Mariner of the Seas’ new 2011 Europe and South America, and 2011-12 Western Caribbean itineraries, Splendour of the Seas’ new 2011 Europe itineraries, and Voyager of the Seas’ new 2011-12 Western Caribbean itineraries will be opened for booking in the near future.Guests aboard Mariner of the Seas’ new 2011 Holy Land itineraries can choose a variety of shore excursion options, at an additional charge, that visit some of the most sacred sites in Israel,including Bethlehem, Nazareth, the Wailing Wall, the Church of the Holy Sepulcher and many others. “Grand Overland” takes guests on the most comprehensive overview of this fascinating region with an overnight stay in Jerusalem. On the Egypt cruises, “Grand Egypt Tour” offers guests a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to visit the awe-inspiring Pyramids and mysterious Sphinx at Cairo,and the Valley of the Kings in Luxor. Guests also should not miss the largest collection of Roman ruins in the eastern Mediterranean and the iconic Library of Celsius on “Best of Ephesus.”
Voyager-class Mariner of the Seas and Voyager of the Seas are two of the world’s 10 largest and most innovative cruise ships at sea. Both ships feature the cruise line’s iconic rock-climbing wall, the Studio B ice-skating rink, nine-hole mini-golf course, an in-line skating track, a full-size basketball court, and the Royal Promenade, a boulevard of boutiques, restaurants and lounges and bars.

Voyager of the Seas features the cruise line’s signature Portofino Italian restaurant, while Mariner of the
Seas offers a second specialty restaurant option, Chops Grille steakhouse.
Royal Caribbean International is a global cruise brand with 21 ships currently in service and one under construction. The line also offers unique cruise tour land packages in Alaska, Canada,Dubai, Europe, and Australia and New Zealand.

Book live through our website

2010-04-20T23:01:00.000-07:00

Book online for Car, Hotel and air on my website www.cruisesolutionsandmore.com and these rates are comparible to Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz. Go and check it out.

Bula- News from Fiji

2010-01-29T22:31:00.000-08:00

1. Fiji hot air ballooning takes off

Soft adventure tour specialist Adrenalin Fiji has commenced its Hot Air Ballooning program with the first flight launched on 06 January.

The company now has two licensed Balloon Captains – Brian Trapp and Steve Bond. Brian who will be operating Adrenalin Ballooning over the coming four months.

The Adrenalin Balloon basket holds up to 12 passengers comfortably and offers one of the most unique and serene ways of seeing the destination’s amazing hinterland.

2.Dive into Natewa Bay at Lomalagi Resort

Music to the ears of every international SCUBA enthusiasts, Lomalagi Resort, near Savusavu has opened up Natewa Bay, the largest deep water bay in the South Pacific, to divers.

More than 1000 meters deep in its centre, the 600 square mile bay is an underwater paradise offering dozens of beautiful reefs and walls for divers to explore. One site offers huge coral fans, some of them hundreds of years old. The bay is also home to the only resident pods of dolphins in Fiji.

Savusavu independent dive operator ‘Rockin’ Down Under ‘ now offers a full range of PADI certified courses ranging from ‘discover scuba’ courses for beginners through to Dive Master programs at Natewa Bay.

Lomalagi Resort is also offering a series of combined accommodation/dive packages.

3. Fiji Tennis International Classic
FIJI SERVES UP ITS NEWEST INTERNATIONAL SPORTING EVENT – THE FIJI TENNIS INVITATION CLASSIC

Following hot on the heels of the high profile Australian Open taking place in Melbourne next week, the focus on international tennis switches to Fiji when the South Pacific region’s newest action women’s sports event, the inaugural

Fiji Tennis Invitation Classic, will take place at the Denarau Golf & Racquet Club on Denarau Island from 02-07 February.

Several of the world’s top up and coming players and several WTA ranked professionals, some of whom are playing at Melbourne, have now confirmed their place in the invitation only event which is set to showcase talent from eight countries.

These include the USA, China, Slovakia, India, New Zealand, the Philippines and South Korea.

For information on Fiji please call 1-888-815-5909 in the USA or outside the USA 1-626-815-5909 or visit our website www.cruisesolutionsandmore@msn.com

Bonza Bikes in Australia

2010-01-28T13:25:00.000-08:00

I have been travelling the world with my Husband for over 20 years. We have been on many bus, small group tours but here is something different and a great way to see two of the world's greatest cities.

Bonza Bikes in Sydney and Melbourne offer great packages or just bike rentals.

Bonza has put together some great packages with Sydney’s most popular destinations and sights to help you get the most out of your time in Sydney. Experience the splendor of Sydney’s most famous icon, Sydney Opera House. Explore the history and culture of The Rocks while putting back a few cold beers. Ride amongst the stadiums where Olympic champions were made in Sydney Olympic Park.

Whether you're visiting Melbourne for the first time, have friends coming to town or are setting up a group activity, Bonza is ready to show you a good time! Sit back on one of our super-comfortable bikes while our expert Bonza guides show you the way. We've carefully planned routes that ride in the street a minimal amount of time - instead, we take you through parks, Yarra River trails, and footpaths. Our guides will give you great tips on what to do while in town, what's on, where to eat, and an all-around entertaining and informative experience. Join our guides and other travelers from around the world for simply the best day of your trip!

Find the tour you're looking for below using the details and videos we've put together. If you're interested in a private or custom tour, just let us know. Book your tour today, and we'll have your bike ready and waiting (with bells on)!

Disney Cruise Lines to get to new Shps

2010-01-24T03:15:00.000-08:00

Mickey and Minnie to Get New Ship Cousins

While the Disney Cruise Line ships are not known as Mickey and Minnie, we think maybe they should. But in any case the ships (Disney Magic and Disney Wonder) will be joined in 2011 and 2012 by two cousins.

The first steel was cut on the two yet-to-be named DCL ships during a ceremony at the Meyer Werft yards in Germany. The first piece of steel cut was part of the Art Deco-inspired scrollwork that will grace the bow of the ships. Similar to the scrollwork on Disney Magic and Disney Wonder, the pattern is reminiscent of the classic ocean liners of the 1930s but adds a Disney touch: a Mickey Mouse medallion in the center of the design.
Not many details are available on this new pair, but they will feature 1250 staterooms and be about 128,000 tons each making them about 1/3 larger than the two existing ships which have 875 staterooms.

It’s been more than 10 years since Disney welcomed a new ship so mouse fans have a lot to look forward to. Keep your ears to the ground and we promise to give you regular updates on this magical birth event.

CP Cares with Cruises for Veterans

2010-01-23T13:08:00.000-08:00

CP Cares is an outreach program created by Cruise Planners/American Express that builds on our commitment to support organizations throughout the United States and around the world. Through this umbrella program, we have committed to raising and donating funds to various charities as well as providing hands-on service to the community. It’s another example of theirpositive CruisitudeSM, embraced by the entire organization.

Voyages for Veterans - Benefiting Fisher House FoundationVoyages for Veterans program was developed to help raise funds for the benefit of the Fisher House Foundation. When you cruise on any of the following Royal Caribbean itineraries, a direct donation will be made to the Fisher House Foundation without affecting the cost of your cruise.

There are countless reasons to thank veterans. Now you can help their families cope with the challenge of long term hospitalization by simply taking a cruise.
Fisher House FoundationFounded in 1990, this 4-star rated charity has 43 purposed-built houses that provide free accommodations to the families of our veterans who are undergoing extended treatment at a VA medical facility. To learn more, visit http://www.fisherhouse.org/.
Voyages for Veterans Sailings$50 per cabin donation goes directly to the Fisher House Foundation

Liberty of the Seas7-Night Western CaribbeanJanuary 31, 2010Departing from Miami
Explorer of the Seas12-Night Southern CaribbeanFebruary 14, 2010Departing from Bayonne
Independence of the Seas8-Night Eastern CaribbeanMarch 20, 2010Departing from Ft. Lauderdale
Explorer of the Seas9-Night BermudaApril 29, 2010 Departing from Bayonne
Enchantment of the Seas9-Night Eastern CaribbeanMay 20, 2010 Departing from Norfolk
Splendour of the Seas8-Night Greek IslesJuly 16, 2010Departing from Venice
Brilliance of the Seas12-Night MediterraneanAugust 31, 2010Departing from Barcelona
Rhapsody of the Seas7-Night AlaskaSeptember 10, 2010Departing from Seattle
Radiance of the Seas7-Night Western CaribbeanOctober 9, 2010Departing from Tampa
Freedom of the Seas7-Night Eastern CaribbeanNovember 7, 2010Departing from Pt. Canaveral
Freedom of the Seas7-Night Eastern CaribbeanDecember 5, 2010Departing from Pt. Canaveral

Low rates. Special offers. Ask for details.
Itineraries are subject to availablity.

The Year of Freestyle

2010-01-23T12:50:00.000-08:00

Norwegian Cruise Line is ringing in the New Year early with a bevy of promotions marking 2010 as “The Year of the Freestyle Vacation.” All new reservations from today through March 14, 2010 on any of the line’s 10 Freestyle Cruising ships will receive up to a six-category upgrade and on-board savings certificates of up to $400. In addition, bi-weekly promotions will feature special offers. These will be posted here on this blog and also on my website www.cruisesolutionsandmore.com

Welcome to Our Blog

2010-01-23T12:23:00.000-08:00

Welcome