The Travel Group Travel Log

Hurricane Season - No Big Issue?

2010-11-11T12:39:00.002-05:00

From a portion of an article by CAROLYN SPENCER BROWN - Editor, Cruise Critic

Is it worth the risk to plan a cruise to the Caribbean, Bahamas, Bermuda, Mexican Riviera or even Canada or New England during hurricane season? Absolutely, with one major caveat: Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

Statistically speaking, the chances that your particular voyage is going to be affected by a hurricane are very slim. But changes to your plans are a possibility and it's important to approach a hurricane season cruise with the right attitude.

Keep an eye on the storms at Cruise Critic's Hurricane Zone, which features round-the-clock updates on storms that might affect cruise travelers, as well as information on itinerary changes and any impact on cruise ports.

Cruise schedules and itineraries may well be affected by storms, anticipated or otherwise, but the chances you'll actually be caught in one are slim to none.

These days, solid engineering and satellite equipment allows cruise lines to follow the paths of storms (and quickly send ships elsewhere); Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruises are two lines that have established situation rooms -- which enable staffers to monitor storms and respond to changing circumstances.

How Safe Are Cruise Ships During Hurricanes? Most likely you'll never need to know. That's because cruise line strategy across the board is to avoid rather than confront a storm. Cruise lines have been operating in the Caribbean for years and have, by virtue of experience, specific hurricane/tropical storm emergency response plans in effect. These cover everything from outfitting ships with state-of-the-art satellites to designating a bridge officer as the weather monitor during the season -- and to backing up onboard efforts with expanded staff at headquarters.

What's trickiest for cruise lines is finding alternate places to dock or anchor when ships' scheduled ports of call are threatened. It's not always easy to find replacements not already booked up with regular cruise visitors -- particularly when other ships are seeking a quiet port in that same storm. The most common solution is a simple switch -- for example, a ship whose Eastern Caribbean itinerary appears to be in flux will be moved over to the Western Caribbean (and vice versa). And if new port calls can't be secured, the schedule may end up including a couple of extra sea days (in calmer waters, naturally).

Like I said - No Big Issue! (These are my words - Reg)

Cruising in Style?

2010-10-24T19:00:00.006-04:00

What should I wear onboard ship and ashore?

321 Days and counting...

In our many trips Shirley and I have seen just about everything as far as vacation fashions or lack thereof!

While we all can agree that your vacation is not a fashion show, we can exercise some good judgement when we pack for the trip (sloppy or the grunge-look is out).

Remember casual attire is the order of the day. We suggest shorts, sundresses, tank tops, etc. for the ladies, and for men; shorts, polo shirts, T-shirts, etc. will do. We suggest you wear rubber-soled, low heeled or flat shoes for extra traction while onboard. The use of any footwear with wheels, including but not limited, to Heelys© shoes, is prohibited on board ship. For dining you may want to dress up a bit and/or bring along a light sports jacket or cardigan.

Most evenings we have a Cruise Casual dress code, but there are those Cruise Elegant evenings two nights throughout your “Fun Ship” voyage, where you will have the opportunity to showcase your more elegant attire if you wish. For those who want casual attire for dinner time, the Lido Restaurant is open nightly, and has a more relaxed theme. However, shirts and shoes/footwear (flip-flops) must be worn at all times inside the Lido Restaurant.

Both dress codes for the dining rooms are described below.
Cruise Casual Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Sport slacks, khakis, jeans (no cut-offs), dress shorts (long), collared sport shirts; Ladies - Casual dresses, casual skirts or pants and blouses, summer dresses, Capri pants, dress shorts, jeans (no cut-offs).

Cruise Elegant Dining Dress Code: Gentlemen - Dress slacks, dress shirts. We also suggest a sport coat. If you wish to wear suits and ties or tuxedos, by all means we invite you to do so. Ladies - Cocktail dresses, pantsuits, elegant skirts and blouses; if you‘d like to show off your evening gowns, that's great too!

Not permitted at anytime in the dining room during dinner for ladies and gentlemen: shorts, gym shorts, T-shirts, beach flip-flops, bathing suit attire, jeans, cut-off jeans, sleeveless shirts for men, sportswear, and baseball hats.

2010-05-26T10:23:00.005-04:00

When Cruising I Always See The Same Ports Listed.... So what's NEW???

Great question. When planning a trip for our group we always look for things that will make the trip "Fresh"! One year Shirley and I had tee shirts made that said "BTDT" which stood for Been There Done That. It came about from going to the same ports and seeing the same tours!!!

But it seems that the cruise lines and the tour operators are realizing that they have to add new fresh tours to address the seasoned traveler. We are now seeing more eco-friendly tours, more opportunities to interact with sea-life beyond the stingrays and dolphins and a really new category item are the tours for the handicapped. My hat's off to Carnival Cruise Lines in offering tours for the handicapped that allows them to take a "real" tour with the rest of us. One example I found is an excursion on the island of St Kitts, Panoramic St Kitts & Caribelle Batik Tour.

So it seems that new tours are there along with the old standbys (a day at the beach, shopping, party boats, etc). So indeed the "BTDT" tee shirt can be retired at last!

So hop on board to the next thing sailing knowing that a new adventure awaits you. To sign up for our next trip (a 7 night Southern Caribbean cruise) or just for information go to www.pettus.com/travel/web11.htm

As of today May 26th there are 473 days to the sailing date!!!

2010-05-18T18:26:00.007-04:00

Coming in 2011...
......THE........With Carnival Cruise Line's Victory
.GREAT........sailing out of San Juan PR Sept 11-18, 2011
ESCAPE.......**** Save the date ****

As of May 19, 2010 the actual count is: 480 Days to go (Wow that's a lot!!! But don't let it get ahead of you.)

We have stops in St Thomas, Dominica, Barbados, St Lucia, St Kitts and St Maarten. This looks like a great time can be had by all.

===> Visit the website for detailed information. <===

We have been through so much these last few years and I figure its about time to unwind and relax. Because there is no telling what the future may hold. Shirley and I realize that while we've had a blessed life, there is so much more to do, places to see and friends to enjoys.

Otis Redding once had a song "Sittin on the Dock of the Bay" - watching the tide roll away. Well Lord willing, we will be rolling out with the tide on the cruise.

2010-04-20T22:37:00.011-04:00

Las Vegas Anyone? "Trip Cancelled due to too many schedule conflicts!! ":-(

The Travel Group Team is planning a July Get-a-Way in Sunny Las Vegas this coming July!

Don't be Fooled by Low Price Quotes!

2010-02-04T19:10:00.005-05:00

Vacations are very precious to us and in these times we try to get the most out of our limited funds. But all too often we're bombarded with what on the surface seems to be a great price for a trip.

Buyer Beware!!!!!

All too often the advertised price is NOT the final price you will pay. Looking at the cruise industry we don't have to look very far for an example of what I'm talking about. The cruise lines will quote you a price for a cabin but not tell you about the 'required' charges that go with that.

For example let's say you want to take a 4 day cruise and the advertised price for an inside cabin is $299 per person. Now on the surface that's a great price, BUT you won't find out about the other charges until you're actually booking the cabin. Then you find out about another $99 per person in port charges and taxes. The $299 cabin cost has ballooned to almost $400. Now the bargain is not so great anymore. So when you're checking out trips and fares always ask what is the 'total' or bottom line cost. .

This applies for any trip besides a cruise.

Always look at each cost center with every vacation such as:

.1. Round trip air fare to the vacation start city

.2. Hotel if you plan to arrive early

.3. If its a cruise:

.....a. transfers round trip (to and from the port)

.....b. ticket cost

.....c. tipping cost (avg $10 per day per person)

.....d. excursions and gifts

.4. If not a cruise

.....a. hotel room

.....b. meals

.....c. taxis

.....d. entertainment

.....e. tours

While this is not a complete list it will allow you to get a good idea of what to expect the real cost to you will be for that 'relaxing' vacation.

What are your thoughts????

2010-01-26T16:10:00.010-05:00

The Travel Group is Making Plans for a 2011 Sailing...
Don't look now, but Roberto and I are looking for a great bargain for the Fall of 2011 cruise. Many of you have expressed the desire for a Southern Caribbean itinerary and that's where we're starting our search.

Most sailings leave out of San Juan for the Southern Caribbean, but a few do leave out of Miami and Panama.

On what line to use, what we know is the from a pricing standpoint, Carnival wins "hands-down" but Royal Caribbean makes up the difference in service and decor. But I would never rule out Carnival because they do try harder to please!!!

So let us know what your thoughts are and we'll get this nailed down quickly. In the meantime set aside some funds each month. Our motto should be "Put funds in the fun bucket for a fun time"!

2010-01-26T15:44:00.003-05:00

Royal Caribbean Still Stopping in Labadee Haiti!

My hat's off to Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines! The recent devistation in Haiti shook the world and everyone needs to do as much as they can to get the country back to normal and beyond.

Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines decided to continue to make their scheduled stops in Labadee Haiti which will keep a much needed cash flow into the country. They are also donating supplies to the country through this port of call.

Their decision is a "win-win" for all.

Keep Haiti in your prayers

Hey Gang

2009-01-16T12:21:00.000-05:00

The Celebration 2009 Cruise will soon be under way. Are you getting ready? During the next few months we'll be sending out suggestions on the best way to travel to Miami, when is the best time to arrive and where to stay if you come early.

Also, everyone is welcome to add their own suggestions and questions on this blog.