Viking River Cruises 2009 Special Offers
$1,000 per couple savings on all available 2009 departures in Europe, Russia, and China.
$1,500 per couple savings on Octoberthrough December 2008 departures onDanube Explorer and Danube Delight.
Book Early and Save! $1,000 off per couple ($500 per person) on any 2009 departure in Europe, Russia, or China. Book any available 2009 dates now and save $1,000 per couple.Hurry, offer expires July 31, 2008.
Or, you can save $1,500 per couple in 2008 on Holiday Departures with Viking River Cruises
Danube Explorer8 Days / 7 Nights Vienna to Nuremberg (or reverse)
Danube Delight8 Days / 7 NightsPassau to Vienna (or reverse)
Book any available October, November or December 2008 dates now and save $1,500 per couple. Hurry, offer expires July 31, 2008.
BOOKING WINDOW:
Book NOW - July 31, 2008
Brought to you by Viking River Cruises a preferred supplier of Vacation.com
Monday, June 30, 2008
Tip of the Day!!! Credit Card Payments
Tip of the day!!!
For those of us who might be resistant at times to pay with a credit card, just a little hint.
We as a travel professional get paid quicker with a personal check , but I would still advise
to pay by credit card for you own protection. You can always write a check to the credit card company the same day you pay with your credit card to avoid interest.
This protects you, as a consumer. With bankrupcy of airlines and tour companies lately, why not protect yourself and have a faster way to recoup your investment. Of course, another bit of advise would be to purchase travel insurance, especially if purchasing a vacation package or tour.
For those of us who might be resistant at times to pay with a credit card, just a little hint.
We as a travel professional get paid quicker with a personal check , but I would still advise
to pay by credit card for you own protection. You can always write a check to the credit card company the same day you pay with your credit card to avoid interest.
This protects you, as a consumer. With bankrupcy of airlines and tour companies lately, why not protect yourself and have a faster way to recoup your investment. Of course, another bit of advise would be to purchase travel insurance, especially if purchasing a vacation package or tour.
Midwest 'racing' to avoid bankruptcy filing
Pressure appears to be mounting on Midwest Airlines. The Wall Street Journal says the company "is racing to craft a restructuring plan to avoid a bankruptcy-court filing." Midwest has already said it will ground 12 of its 37 jets, retiring its fuel-guzzling MD-80 aircraft. Midwest CEO Timothy Hoeksema also has warned of layoffs and has called on the many airline's remaining frontline workers to take pay cuts of up to 65%, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Hoeksema's call seems to have some urgency, according to the Journal. He calls the airline's situation "critical" and warns the airline's restructuring plan must be put into action within 30 days "to make sure we have the cash level necessary to operate."
The Journal writes "Hoeksema said TPG (Capital) has agreed to provide support in the interim, but won't invest in a restructuring plan unless Midwest's vendors, business partners and employees also agree to sacrifices." TPG became Midwest's majority owner earlier this year (53%) after outbidding AirTran, which was in the midst of a hostile-takeover attempt of Midwest. Northwest signed on as a passive investor (47% stake) as part of that bid. A Northwest spokeswoman would only tell the Journal that "as a passive investor, we are assessing the situation."
Meanwhile, the Journal Sentinel writes some pilots union officials have received reports that Midwest executives may also have "plans to phase out five of its Boeing 717s. Combined with the elimination of the MD-80 jets, those additional aircraft cuts would reduce the airline's fleet by about half." Midwest spokesman Michael Brophy says the company has not made a final decision on how many jets it will cut.
"We have been transparent in communicating to our employees that there are sure to be reductions in work force and benefits through most parts of the organization, but that they will be fair and equitable," Brophy says in a statement quoted by the Journal Sentinel. "Obviously, Chapter 11 is not our most desirable destination. That's why we're working on this restructuring plan, so we can avoid that scenario."
Meanwhile, the airline's unions have so far balked at the proposed pay cuts, which would top out at around 65% for pilots and 56% for flights attendants, according to the WISN TV of Milwaukee. Jay Schnedorf, head of the Midwest pilots union, tells the Journal Sentinel that one wage-cut scenario would drop some pilots' pay from around $120,000 to a figure into the low-$30,000 range. "It's a catastrophic impact on the families," he tells the paper. Dory Klein of Midwest's flight attendants union adds: "We've sacrificed so much. We really don't have much more to give."
The Journal Sentinel goes on to suggest that Midwest's latest flight cuts could give a new opening for AirTran in Milwaukee. Without its MD-80 jets, Midwest will no longer be able to fly to some of its West Coast destinations with its remaining Boeing 717s. At least one industry consultant -- Vaughn Cordle of Airline Forecasts –- says he thinks its possible outcome for Midwest is that its reduced operation could simply be folded into that of passive investor Northwest. "It appears to me that the Midwest fleet is no longer needed," Cordle says to the Journal Sentinel. But officials at Delta, which would take over NWA's 47% share in Midwest if the proposed Delta-NWA merger goes forward, say they intend to keep Midwest flying as a standalone carrier.
Pressure appears to be mounting on Midwest Airlines. The Wall Street Journal says the company "is racing to craft a restructuring plan to avoid a bankruptcy-court filing." Midwest has already said it will ground 12 of its 37 jets, retiring its fuel-guzzling MD-80 aircraft. Midwest CEO Timothy Hoeksema also has warned of layoffs and has called on the many airline's remaining frontline workers to take pay cuts of up to 65%, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. Hoeksema's call seems to have some urgency, according to the Journal. He calls the airline's situation "critical" and warns the airline's restructuring plan must be put into action within 30 days "to make sure we have the cash level necessary to operate."
The Journal writes "Hoeksema said TPG (Capital) has agreed to provide support in the interim, but won't invest in a restructuring plan unless Midwest's vendors, business partners and employees also agree to sacrifices." TPG became Midwest's majority owner earlier this year (53%) after outbidding AirTran, which was in the midst of a hostile-takeover attempt of Midwest. Northwest signed on as a passive investor (47% stake) as part of that bid. A Northwest spokeswoman would only tell the Journal that "as a passive investor, we are assessing the situation."
Meanwhile, the Journal Sentinel writes some pilots union officials have received reports that Midwest executives may also have "plans to phase out five of its Boeing 717s. Combined with the elimination of the MD-80 jets, those additional aircraft cuts would reduce the airline's fleet by about half." Midwest spokesman Michael Brophy says the company has not made a final decision on how many jets it will cut.
"We have been transparent in communicating to our employees that there are sure to be reductions in work force and benefits through most parts of the organization, but that they will be fair and equitable," Brophy says in a statement quoted by the Journal Sentinel. "Obviously, Chapter 11 is not our most desirable destination. That's why we're working on this restructuring plan, so we can avoid that scenario."
Meanwhile, the airline's unions have so far balked at the proposed pay cuts, which would top out at around 65% for pilots and 56% for flights attendants, according to the WISN TV of Milwaukee. Jay Schnedorf, head of the Midwest pilots union, tells the Journal Sentinel that one wage-cut scenario would drop some pilots' pay from around $120,000 to a figure into the low-$30,000 range. "It's a catastrophic impact on the families," he tells the paper. Dory Klein of Midwest's flight attendants union adds: "We've sacrificed so much. We really don't have much more to give."
The Journal Sentinel goes on to suggest that Midwest's latest flight cuts could give a new opening for AirTran in Milwaukee. Without its MD-80 jets, Midwest will no longer be able to fly to some of its West Coast destinations with its remaining Boeing 717s. At least one industry consultant -- Vaughn Cordle of Airline Forecasts –- says he thinks its possible outcome for Midwest is that its reduced operation could simply be folded into that of passive investor Northwest. "It appears to me that the Midwest fleet is no longer needed," Cordle says to the Journal Sentinel. But officials at Delta, which would take over NWA's 47% share in Midwest if the proposed Delta-NWA merger goes forward, say they intend to keep Midwest flying as a standalone carrier.
Saturday, June 28, 2008
2 For 1 to Italy
Air One, Italy’s first independently owned airline, is offering a special companion fare in which a friend flies free. When one person must purchase a roundtrip Air One air fare to the Italian cities of Bari, Lamezia Terme, Milan, Naples, Palermo or Rome from Boston, Chicago, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, a companion flies free, excluding taxes and fees. The special companion roundtrip is $999 in economy and $3999 in business from Boston and Chicago and $1111 in economy and $4399 in business from Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco. The flights from Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco are code shares with United Airlines.
Travel agents and a companion can also experience the new Air One service by taking advantage of the special travel agent non-commissionable, roundtrip airfares of $111 for the agent and $222 for the companion if departing from Boston or Chicago and $222 for the agent and $444 for the companion from Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco. These fares do not include taxes and fees.
Deal Dates: June 20, 2008 - July 10, 2008
Travel agents and a companion can also experience the new Air One service by taking advantage of the special travel agent non-commissionable, roundtrip airfares of $111 for the agent and $222 for the companion if departing from Boston or Chicago and $222 for the agent and $444 for the companion from Las Vegas, Los Angeles and San Francisco. These fares do not include taxes and fees.
Deal Dates: June 20, 2008 - July 10, 2008
MSC Cruises Sale Offer
Seniors and Boomers Save over 50 %
7 Night Eastern Caribbean from $519.00/pp/double occupancy/cruise only
Explore the Caribbean onboard MSC Orchestra while enjoying the fastest growing cruise line, MSC Cruises. MSC Orchestra reflects a perfect blend of unique features, such as design, comfort and elegance. A new jewel rides the seas: 18 decks, an abundance of space and services, meeting your every need and desire. From the genuine wamth of our Italian officers and Italian-inspired décor, you will enjoy a truly cosmopolitan vacation experience.
EASTERN CARIBBEAN 8 DAYS - 7 NIGHTS MSC ORCHESTRA INTERIOR FROM $519* OCEANVIEW FROM $669* BALCONY FROM $819*
Apr 2009: 18
Fort Lauderdale, Florida Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic Philipsburg, St. Maarten St. John's, Antigua Nassau, Bahamas Fort Lauderdale, Florida
7 Night Eastern Caribbean from $519.00/pp/double occupancy/cruise only
Explore the Caribbean onboard MSC Orchestra while enjoying the fastest growing cruise line, MSC Cruises. MSC Orchestra reflects a perfect blend of unique features, such as design, comfort and elegance. A new jewel rides the seas: 18 decks, an abundance of space and services, meeting your every need and desire. From the genuine wamth of our Italian officers and Italian-inspired décor, you will enjoy a truly cosmopolitan vacation experience.
EASTERN CARIBBEAN 8 DAYS - 7 NIGHTS MSC ORCHESTRA INTERIOR FROM $519* OCEANVIEW FROM $669* BALCONY FROM $819*
Apr 2009: 18
Fort Lauderdale, Florida Cayo Levantado, Dominican Republic Philipsburg, St. Maarten St. John's, Antigua Nassau, Bahamas Fort Lauderdale, Florida
River Cruising with Avalon Part 2
What is included…Shore Excursions & Amenities
Operated by Globus with 80 years of experience
§ Local guides and Tour Directors
Shore excursions included in EVERY port
§ Complimentary headphones
Variety of sites and places to visit
§ Small, traditional towns
§ Larger cosmopolitan cities
More than 200 shore side staff in Europe and 37 offices worldwide
Current Promotions
Save $500 per couple on the air-inclusive price on the select departure of the 2008 "The Blue Danube Discovery" river cruise
Save $600 per couple on the air-inclusive price OR $250 per couple on the land/cruise only price of 2009 Globus or Avalon Waterways river and small ship cruises
Save $200 per couple on the air-inclusive price of 2008/2009 Globus European Winter vacations
If anyone would like more information I would be more than happy to send it out to you via email or to your physical home address.
Operated by Globus with 80 years of experience
§ Local guides and Tour Directors
Shore excursions included in EVERY port
§ Complimentary headphones
Variety of sites and places to visit
§ Small, traditional towns
§ Larger cosmopolitan cities
More than 200 shore side staff in Europe and 37 offices worldwide
Current Promotions
Save $500 per couple on the air-inclusive price on the select departure of the 2008 "The Blue Danube Discovery" river cruise
Save $600 per couple on the air-inclusive price OR $250 per couple on the land/cruise only price of 2009 Globus or Avalon Waterways river and small ship cruises
Save $200 per couple on the air-inclusive price of 2008/2009 Globus European Winter vacations
If anyone would like more information I would be more than happy to send it out to you via email or to your physical home address.
River Cruising with Globus and Avalon Waterways
First let me say that I am a Avalon Waterway Specialist with Globus. I cannot rave enough about this fine company and all that it offers. I just attended a terrific webinar (online seminar)
and I just have to share it with you.
some key points to consider:
The Travel Style of River Cruising
No hassle/ unpack once
Intimacy/small ship
Proximity of attractions
Travel with friends/ family/ organizations
Are Avalon river cruisers satisfied?
96.5% met or exceeded expectations – highest ever
95.3% would recommend to a friend
94% would recommend to a family member
Unique Theme Cruises
Festive France Holiday Cruises
Flavors of Burgundy & Provence (Paris/Nice or Nice/Paris)
Ship: Avalon Scenery
Special lectures and Chocolate & Wine tastings
Music Cruise
Magnificient Europe (Budapest/Amsterdam)
Special Concerts & Performances
Ship: Avalon Poetry
Wine Cruises
Flavors of Burgundy & Provence (Paris/Nice)
Ship: Avalon Scenery
The Legendary Danube (Prague/Budapest)
Ship: Avalon Tapestry
The Blue Danube Discovery (Budapest/Prague)
Ship: Avalon Poetry
Special Lectures and tastings
And for all Avalon Waterway River Cruises Complimentary wine with dinner and more to come in next part....
and I just have to share it with you.
some key points to consider:
The Travel Style of River Cruising
No hassle/ unpack once
Intimacy/small ship
Proximity of attractions
Travel with friends/ family/ organizations
Are Avalon river cruisers satisfied?
96.5% met or exceeded expectations – highest ever
95.3% would recommend to a friend
94% would recommend to a family member
Unique Theme Cruises
Festive France Holiday Cruises
Flavors of Burgundy & Provence (Paris/Nice or Nice/Paris)
Ship: Avalon Scenery
Special lectures and Chocolate & Wine tastings
Music Cruise
Magnificient Europe (Budapest/Amsterdam)
Special Concerts & Performances
Ship: Avalon Poetry
Wine Cruises
Flavors of Burgundy & Provence (Paris/Nice)
Ship: Avalon Scenery
The Legendary Danube (Prague/Budapest)
Ship: Avalon Tapestry
The Blue Danube Discovery (Budapest/Prague)
Ship: Avalon Poetry
Special Lectures and tastings
And for all Avalon Waterway River Cruises Complimentary wine with dinner and more to come in next part....
Friday, June 27, 2008
Princess 2009-10 Cabin Deposits Reduced to 20 %
Great news!
Princess has lowered the cabin deposit requirements for new bookings on summer 2009 voyages and beyond.
Effective immediately, all bookings* will require a deposit of just 20% of the cruise or cruisetour fare, reduced from the previously announced 30% requirement. We understand the challenges of today’s economic environment, and are pleased to make this change to help you close more sales, more easily. The World Cruise deposit will remain at 10% for the initial deposit
Princess has lowered the cabin deposit requirements for new bookings on summer 2009 voyages and beyond.
Effective immediately, all bookings* will require a deposit of just 20% of the cruise or cruisetour fare, reduced from the previously announced 30% requirement. We understand the challenges of today’s economic environment, and are pleased to make this change to help you close more sales, more easily. The World Cruise deposit will remain at 10% for the initial deposit
Continental Airlines Announces New Flight Change Policy
Continental Airlines announced a new policy allowing customers to make changes to flights within 24 hours of their original scheduled departure for a discounted change fee. Within the 24-hour "same-day" period, customers with restricted tickets may change to another flight departing within 12 hours for the discounted fee. Continental previously allowed customers to choose from flights departing within three hours. Continental's fee for same-day flight changes represents a significant discount off the change fees that normally apply to restricted tickets. The fee will be $50 or $25 for Continental's OnePass Platinum and Gold Elite members. This fee will apply to all itineraries wholly operated by Continental, including Continental Express, Continental Connection and Continental Micronesia. Travelers with unrestricted tickets, or fares without penalties for making changes, may make changes free of charge, if seats are available. If there are no seats available to be confirmed, customers may still standby. In these cases, the fee is still applicable, but will only be charged if a seat is cleared on the earlier flight. The same-day change option is available 24 hours before the original scheduled flight and remains available until that flight is closed for check- in. Same-day flight changes may be confirmed when checking in at continental.com, by contacting the Continental Airlines reservations office, at any airport kiosk or with a Continental airport representative. For more information, visit the "Important Notices" section of www.continental.com.
Delta to Add Fuel Surcharge to Award Tickets
Delta Air Lines, citing unprecedented fuel costs, will begin adding fuel surcharges to Award Tickets originating from the U.S. and Canada, effective August 15. Travel between the 50 U.S states and Canada will require a $25 surcharge and $50 will be charged for travel between the U.S or Canada and international destinations, including Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, Caribbean, transatlantic, transpacific and Latin America. The fuel surcharge will not be applied to ticketed Award itineraries or future Award Tickets issued prior to August 15, regardless of the date of travel
"This was a difficult but essential decision to ensure we are doing everything possible to offset the cost of fuel which has nearly doubled in the last year," said J.W Robertson, managing director of Delta's SkyMiles program, in a released statement. "We hope this is temporary and, should fuel prices subside from current levels, we will reevaluate this surcharge."
Additional taxes and fees will apply and remain the responsibility of the passenger to be paid at the time the ticket is issued.
Visit www.delta.com.
"This was a difficult but essential decision to ensure we are doing everything possible to offset the cost of fuel which has nearly doubled in the last year," said J.W Robertson, managing director of Delta's SkyMiles program, in a released statement. "We hope this is temporary and, should fuel prices subside from current levels, we will reevaluate this surcharge."
Additional taxes and fees will apply and remain the responsibility of the passenger to be paid at the time the ticket is issued.
Visit www.delta.com.
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