Carnival Magic is Magic at the Port of Galveston

THE MAGIC IS MAGIC


Carnival cruise line has so much confidence in the port of Galveston that they have sent one of their newest ships, the Magic, to do the 7 night cruises from Texas. Usually the newer ships go to Miami or Fort Lauderdale, Florida. We were among several thousand travel agents invited to spend the night aboard the new Magic, we found that she certainly lives up to her name.

After finally making it through the snarl of traffic that met us in Houston we continued into Galveston. Galveston, a favorite local destination of ours for many years, has blossomed since the last hurricane devastated its shores. Every time we go there we notice more and more houses perked up with colorful painted faces to greet us on our way to the port. New hotels have popped up since our first cruise many years ago. Galveston is a pretty port with lots to do if you decide to stay overnight before your cruise.

The cruise terminal was improved in anticipation for the Magic and the other ships coming to Galveston. Carnival greeted everyone with balloons and friendly employees as we made our way aboard the ship. Upon reaching the atrium of the ship we were impressed with the subtlety of the colors, not the usual method of décor of more flashy Carnival ships. Calming greens, tasteful carpeting and light wood colors were used throughout the ship.

After a good lunch on the Lido deck we explored the ship. We noticed in the kid’s areas there are special places for the different activities the kids will enjoy. Kids are segregated by ages and appropriate venues are available for each age. And on top of the ship, kids of all ages will enjoy the huge water park. We then visited the coffee specialty shop, a candy shop, a perfume shop, a clothing shop, a jewelry shop and noticed many more shops to go in and out of. I loved the Sushi restaurant but can’t get my Husband to go near it. The Italian Cuccina certainly looked the part and we heard the food was fabulous. There were numerous other areas on the ship we visited so many there is just not room to mention them all. But each was lovely and unique.

One thing that stood out to us was the level of entertainment aboard the Magic. After a scrumptious dinner, Carnival truly has some of the best food you will eat aboard a ship; we were serenaded by no other than the Maître D. My goodness, he sounded like Frank Sinatra. After finishing our favorite desert, the melting volcano chocolate cake, we went to the evening show in the beautiful auditorium. We enjoyed one of the best choreographed shows we have ever experienced aboard a ship. The band was outstanding. And as we walked through the ship we noticed every entertainment area was as outstanding. There is so much more left to say but the whole evening was a Magic experience.

Along with the Magic, Carnival has sent the Triumph to Galveston with tons more balconies for the 4 and 5 night cruises. Cruising has become very popular in Texas. Carnival, as well as three other cruise lines, is making a real presence in Galveston providing Texans with fabulous cruises. There are five choices of ships and varying itineraries for 2012 Galveston cruise season. If you have never cruised from Texas here are some tips that will make your vacation a successful one.

• Use an area travel agent with good references. Most travel agents do not even charge a fee and have connections with the cruise line Business Development Managers that can really provide help if you experience a travel emergency.

• Cruise lines set the same price which varies at different dates so save your shopping time and go with a travel agent you can trust. Be wary of anyone who advertises cheaper fares. A good travel agent can find the discounts that can really save you money.

• Be sure to go to the cruise line website to do a cruise pre-registration, this will save you an hour in line. You will be able to print out your embarkation pass.

• When driving I-45 from DFW area through Houston allow for 30 minutes to an hour delay and avoid going through Houston at peak traffic times.

• Start out early to get to the pier at least 2 hours before departure time.

• Be sure to take the proper ID for your cruise. A picture ID and certified birth certificate will function but if you have an emergency and need to



Here is a picture of the Carnival Magic Maitre D with travel agents, Harriet and Tom Elder of Latitudes Cruise and Travel. 



Your First Cruise Is Rarely Your Last Cruise

Your First Cruise Is Rarely Your Last Cruise

By Harriet Elder, agent at Latitudes Cruise and Travel


Your first day at sea can be as busy or as laid back as you wish. “Sleeping In”

is a true luxury for most cruisers during “at-sea” days. For the type A

Personality it is all about getting prepared for your first day at port.

Most cruise lines do a good job of preparing you for port. There are lectures, some give historical information and tips on shore excursions. On some cruises the excursions can be sold out weeks prior to sailing so if you have your heart set on going to a particular excursion you should check with your travel

Agent or look on your cruise line’s website for the necessary information before you cruise.

If you choose the “Sleep In” approach you can watch all of the taped lectures via your cabin TV. These shows have videos of all the excursions at the ports you will visit so they are very helpful. The number of at-sea days depends on the itinerary. On a four day cruise there may be only one at-sea day. A 10-day cruise you may have two or three at-sea days. Just check your itinerary at-sea days they are usually the dressy nights.

The first adventure that is required of all cruisers will be the safety drill. The safety drill is mandated by the Coast Guard. Coast Guard drills are very important and this is not one of the meetings you should miss. The Coast

Guard requires missed meetings to be made up. In an emergency, the electronic alarm sounds in your room; and no matter what time day or night, you must proceed to the muster station with your life jacket, warm clothes and good prescription medicines.

The crew is meticulous to see that everyone has a place on the life boats.

You will be instructed to go to your muster station. A map of your muster station is usually found on the back of your cabin door. You must take your life jacket put it on and please tie the ties so no one steps on them, that is an unpleasant surprise.

The evening before you reach your first port, there will be a newsletter of the

next day’s activities. Keep this because there usually is a map of the next day’s port. Also, there may be an activity you just don’t want to miss.

The next day your ship will dock directly at portside. If your ship is anchored away from a dock you will be taken to shore via the “tender boats”.

These small boats are enclosed motorboats that seat from eight to twenty passengers. When you leave the ship your electronic card will be swiped. This card serves as your ID for getting on and off the ship, provides your seating information at dinner, serves as your hotel key and sets up your on board expense account.
When your card is swiped the ship’s security knows when you have left the ship and when you return. That is a good thing! There is a plethora of activities to do. The ship’s Casino, the children’s activities with four different groups of ages are available for families to take advantage of, souvenir shops,

on board games, snacks, movies, T.V., art auctions, pools and water parks, basketball, even skating or bowling, all kinds of demonstrations and the fabulous shows in the lounges and auditorium. There’s never a dull moment on board a cruise ship. There are so many things to do that I hesitate to try to make a complete list for fear I will forget something really fun to do.

Then there is dinner! Many of the larger and newer ships have specialty restaurants that are comparable to 5 star land restaurants. You can dine in the traditional Dining room at specified times, you may wish to dine in the more casual buffet or try the anytime dining so you can dine at a different table every night. It is very easy to gain a few pounds unless you visit the gym and the spa or you can always take the stairs instead of the elevators every where you go. On a cruise there is something for everyone.

Let A Travel Agent Wrestle Your Travel Problems.

Why use a travel agent?  They can wrestle any difficult situation!  And there are so many. Do they always win, maybe not always but your chances of rectifying a problem with travel would be much greater than relying upon an impersonal online agency.   As travel agents, we have had to completely change an itinerary of a land cruise to accommodate a client whose Doctor would not allow her to use their bus transfers after a knee operation,  assist a honeymoon couple whose honeymoon flight to Barcelona was stalled due to a storm at DFW and missed their cruise to make things worse refused to buy travel insurance, and help a client get a cruise credit who had fallen on an unmarked, mopped floor and broken her leg during a cruise.  In all of these situations the clients found themselves in helpless situations and we were able to help.  In nearly all cases a travel agent can help you when your worst travel nightmare shows up.  Why? We cultivate friendships with the Business Devlopment Managers for cruise lines and travel vendors.  We lean heavily on their expertise within their own cruise line or travel company.  They wear the "Superman Outfit" for travel situations gone awry.  99% of the time a well planned trip goes smoothly for the client but that 10% can quickly turn a dream vacation into the worst nightmare. Any time flying is added to vacation planning  the chance of a problem cropping up increases tenfold.   A travel agent can tell a stranded tourist who to talk to and how to talk to them.  Leave the histronics at home is our advice.  Yes, you may have gotten stung really bad but do you want your problem solved or do you want to vent?  That is the choice.
 Another reason to use a travel agent is to help you pare down your choices.  Recently, a client asked for help with planning her Alaskan cruise.  She confided to me that "I am completely overwhelmed by choices and I need help."  After finding out her parameters we were able to pare down her choices to three cruises giving her the best discount and the best itinerary for her money.  In the process of planning a trip with a client, they usually become a friend and after traveling with a particular agent over the years a real trust develops.  When you are looking for a travel agent it is imperative to find an agent that has an  outstanding reputation.  You can look on Chamber of Commerce listings or ask a friend who travels.  If they refer you to a big online agency ask yourself if you will ever hear from them again.  A couple of years ago an older cruise ship (that I will not name) had a boiler blow up while in dock.  Those passengers who booked on line showed up for a non existant cruise.  Those passengers who had a travel agent had been previously notifed and were at home.
   After 10 years in the business we have found our best relationships have led to referrals.  We are now servicing 2nd generation clients and friends of clients.  Service is the number one aim of a good travel agent.  We can't solve every travel problem but wouldn't you rather have an advocate who is ready to help you in a bad situation or would you rather mess with it your self during your vacation?  Choose a travel agent and leave the wrestling to us. 

Welcome to our blog. We intend to give you help with your travel needs. Here is some information for those wanting to take friends and family on a cruise.  There are so many options for cruising right out of Texas and group cruising is the best.  You get to have fun with friends and family without the hassle of having a multitude of people in your home.  You can enjoy together all the fun with none of the work.  That's good!

The Benefits of Group Cruising


THE BENEFITS TO FORMING A GROUP:


1. For 16 people on the group booking one person can sail for the cost of the port charges and government fees. This is called a TC and is usually reserved for the agent to go as a Tour Conductor but if their services are not needed they can elect to give the TC to the Group Leader to use as they wish.

2. Most cruise lines assign points depending on the popularity of the cruise which can be exchanged for onboard gifts of money, pre paid gratuities, meeting places and or other services.

3. Cheaper Insurance prices are generally available to each member of a group.

4. Everyone is pre registered and agent takes over booking the group. The Leader is only responsible for getting the group in contact with the agent.



THE BENEFITS OF USING AN AGENT FOR YOUR GROUP:



1. The cost to you is the same as any other method including internet bookings of all types or calling a cruise line yourself. Relax and know your vacation is in experienced hands.

2. You get to have the advantage of the agent’s knowledge of group services, ships, excursions, ports, cruise lines, availability of cabins and types of accommodations.

3. The agent knows all of the choices of amenities and cheaper prices with groups especially if you plan ahead.

4. The prices of the cruise are locked in by the agent until final payment allowing members of your group time to get their vacation plans and finances together.

5. When you have an agent you have an advocate especially if they are a member of a large travel agency with big clout. The cruise line is not always your best advocate in a disagreement.

6.

THE BEST TIME TO SAIL FOR YOUR GROUP CRUISE:



1. You should book your cruise as far in advance as possible. Everyone likes choices the further out you book your sail date the more choices you can have.

2. You can save a bundle if you book a cruise that has a sail date when kids are in school. That is traditionally a cheaper time to take a vacation.

3. The further out you book the more time you can have to make plans and to pay off your cruise.



Contact: Latitudes Cruise and Travel

Tom Elder (972-723-2847) or (toll free – 870-800-7411)

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