Goodness gracious, so much to talk about!
Wow -- I started putting together the April "e-newsletter" and took up a whole page of notes just writing down the topics! I think what I'll have to do, and I already do it to some extent, is publish articles on all of my formats (this blog, the travel forum blog, facebook, linked-in) and cross-link so you can peruse the information at leisure without one big long piece of material to wade through.
So what's going on anyway?
* We're getting an "early-bird" start on Europe 2011!
Avalon is already offering a savings of up to $2,000 per couple on select 2011 river cruises!
Royal Caribbean, Oceania, Princess, Carnival, Holland America, and Regent already have their deployments announced and ready to book -- Celebrity will announce the week of April 5th. I have already started blocking space, and will hold space on any cruise anyone is interested in so we can lock in the low introductory price plus snag some extra amenities and gifts (I just love upgrades, shipboard credits, and presents, don't you?).
We're going to host a "Europe 2011 Preview Party" in May (I'm hoping to set up a "happy hour" party at the new Hilton Garden Inn over there off the George Bush) -- but since space will be limited I'm going to ask people in advance if they sincerely have an interest in early-booking for next year. BTW -- if you are SERIOUS -- go ahead and let me know and I'll reserve an invitation for you. For out-of-towners, since you obviously cannot be here, I am going to offer you an extra gift for all early bookings -- let's say any 2011 Europe cruise or package booked by June 30th. Let's get started now!
I know I'm already looking at a Mediterranean cruise for next May, and I'm hoping lots of you will like it, too, and want to come along. I'll do like I did with the Canada-New England cruise and plan some really lovely, unusual excursions and fun shipboard events (love those wine tastings!).
* New free services!
We're going to start filling out those tedious online check-in forms for you! And, if you would like to fax or mail us a copy of your passport detail we will keep it in (secured) storage for you in the event of an emergency.
* Lots of terrific specials!
Royal Caribbean "Free Dinner for 2" offer.
Princess one-week sale starting April 12th.
NCL Epic and RCCL Allure of the Seas offers
Celebrity Solstice offers -- reduced prices, shipboard credits, free upgrades
Voyager of the Seas Thanksgiving cruise! I have a locked-in price that's lower than current published rates PLUS $50 per stateroom shipboard credit! Come on -- you cannot pass this deal up!
Wow -- and I think I've got even more -- like a link to a "how-to" on setting up your own cruise fundraiser and "Sail For Free" program, a spotlight on the new Holland America ship the Nieuw Amsterdam, client travel tips, and a call-out to y'all to "help me choose my cruise!"
So keep an eye out for your e-newsletter, let me know anything else I should include or write about -- and let's talk soon -- thanks -- Janet