Endless Vacation Options

By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

Although many of my clients are looking for cruise vacations, there are lots of other vacation options available. There are so many options available; it’s smart to let your travel advisor do all the heavy lifting for you. Here are just a few to get your creative juices flowing.

Everything You Find in Vegas at Half the Price!

 By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

cruisecritic.com

Sometimes I will hear from people who have never experienced a cruise vacation that they are afraid they will be bored! That is probably one of the most prevalent misconceptions about cruising. I like to use the statement, “Everything you find in Vegas at half the price” to describe what you can expect from on-board entertainment.

Introducing Royal Caribbean’s Fabulous New Ship-Symphony of the Seas

By: Mike Franks Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

Royal Caribbean International just launched the newest and best ship of its fleet Symphony of the Seas. Since I have clients planning to cruise on her over the next few months, I decided to take a closer look at what makes this ship so special. In doing so, I intentionally stayed away from RCI’s web site and press releases and relied on various cruise line critics for their opinions on this ship. After three years of construction, the world's largest cruise ship just set sail from Barcelona, Spain, on its inaugural cruise around the Mediterranean.  But the ship's record-breaking size isn't its only claim to fame.

First Time Cruisers

 By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

Courtesy Carnival Cruise Line

For a first-time cruiser, the experience can be somewhat intimidating. But just like anything else, it’s the fear of the unknown that really creates those stomach butterflies.

CruiseCritic.com asked a mixture of first time travelers, just returning from their first cruise, as well as a few veteran cruisers for their advice to those about to embark on their maiden voyage. They mentioned things like packing, cocktails, ports and dining. Here are some of their tips in no particular order:

Cuban Tourism is Hot Again!

By: Mike Franks Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

The island of Cuba was “discovered” and claimed for Spain by Christopher Columbus during his first voyage to the New World in 1492. This beautiful Caribbean island is known for its stunning white-sand beaches, mountainous terrain, world-class cigars and rum. Havana, the capital of Cuba, features historic Spanish architecture dating all the way back to the 16th century. If you're a beach goer, Cuba's crystal-clear waters and silky white sand beaches will not disappoint. It’s all part of the Cuban experience and one reason many Americans are flocking to this Caribbean paradise.

Want a More Sophisticated Cruise Experience? (Part 2)

wikipedia.com

By: Mike Franks

Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

Last week, we featured a few cruise itineraries that are somewhat unique for the average traveler. Here are a few more selections offered by some of the more exotic, luxury cruise lines. Stretch your imagination and find one you like!

Jewels of Europe

A mixture of old world beauty, architecture and rich history in Old Europe.

Ports of Call include:

Want a More Sophisticated Cruise Experience?

By: Mike Franks

When most travelers think about a cruise vacations, they typically consider the Caribbean, Alaska or some of the Polynesian Islands of the South Pacific. All of these destinations will deliver a quality vacation and memories of a lifetime.

flagtheory.com

But perhaps you are looking to expand your cruise horizons a bit and think outside the normal cruise itineraries and explore some more exotic destinations. In the next couple of articles, I will highlight some more exotic and luxurious options currently offered.

A Visit to Rome, the Eternal City

By Mike Franks

Travel and tourism, particularly Europe, is at an all-time high. One of the most popular cities to visit is Rome, Italy. The beautiful architecture and rich history of the city and its surroundings make Rome a tourist favorite. Rome is called the “Eternal City” because ancient Romans believed that no matter what happened in the world or how many empires came and went, Rome would go on forever.

touritalynow.com

My wife and I visited Rome last year. Here are a few of our favorite sights.

St. Peter's Basilica is an Italian Renaissance church in Vatican City, the papal enclave within the city of Rome.

New Cruise Ships for 2018

By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

Veteran cruisers live in anticipation of their favorite cruise lines launching new ocean liners. 2018 offers over a dozen new ships. Listed below are the newest fleet additions from four popular lines.

Royal Caribbean’s Symphony of the Seas 

RCB.com

This spring, Royal Caribbean launches it newest Oasis class of ships that include the Allure of the Seas, Oasis of the Seas and Harmony of the Seas. RCB’s Symphony of the Seas will pass it’s sister ship Harmony as the world’s biggest cruise ship. At 230,000 tons, Symphony out weighs Horizon by 3, 000 tons.

Packing Essentials for Your Cruise

By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

A cruise vacation is supposed to be fun! So why stress out over packing for the big event?

Don’t worry! Here are some of the best cruise packing tips, making sure that you remember the essentials – and maybe learn a few tricks that will relieve the stress and get you ready for a great vacation.

So Many Cruise Lines; How Do I Choose Part 3-Specialty Cruise Lines

 By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

cruisecritics.com

So far, we have compared and contrasted the so called “popular cruise lines” such as Norwegian and Royal Caribbean with the “Luxury cruise lines” such as Paul Gauguin, Regent Seven Seas and Cunard Lines.

Sometimes, travelers are looking for a unique experience that provide the opportunity for adventure and exploration and cultural immersion. Our third and final cruise line category is Specialty Cruise Lines. Here are a few examples of what’s out there and what you can expect from each one.

So Many Cruise Lines; How Do I Choose? Part 2 - Luxury Cruise Lines

 By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

In this article, I will discuss some of the most popular Luxury Cruise Lines. As you might expect, the luxury lines are more expensive. However, their fares often include shore excursions, gratuities and other amenities you pay extra for on other cruise lines.

The following is a brief overview of some of these lines using guest feedback as well as the cruise lines' own advertising.

So Many Cruise Lines; How Do I Choose? Part 1 - The “Popular” Cruise Lines

By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

The cruise industry offers a wide selection of carriers to choose from for your cruising experience. Generally, cruise lines are grouped into three main categories, popular, luxury and specialty.

There is no one size fits all in the cruise industry. Choosing a favorite cruise line is like choosing a favorite restaurant; it depends on personal taste.

In this article, I will be looking at the popular category of cruise lines and describing each brand using their own advertising, guest feedback and personal experience. I’m listing them in alphabetical order to avoid the appearance of favoring any cruise line over another. 

Shore Excursions-A Big Part of Cruising

By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

Shore Excursions are a big part of what ocean cruising is all about. Although many guests are perfectly happy staying onboard and enjoying all the ship has to offer, excursions give you a chance to see a destination for the first time and enjoy other fun activities on land.

The following is only a snippet of what’s available in two of the most popular cruise regions and may even cause you to give a cruise vacation another look.

How to Choose the Perfect Cruise

By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

So, you’ve decided to take a cruise for your family vacation next year. Great! Did you know there are literally thousands of cruises to choose from? Choosing the right cruise depends on a number of factors requiring you to answer some basic questions to get started.

Holiday Cruising

Courtesy flylady.net

By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

The holidays can be a stressful time for all of us. With the hustle and bustle of shopping, decorating, parties to attend and family get together to enjoy, the joy can sometimes be too much to handle! That’s why many people turn to ocean cruises as a fun alternative to the craziness of the holidays.

Cruise lines make every trip a celebration, but they go all out for the holidays. You can enjoy all the normal amenities on board ship such as maid/butler service, fabulous meals that you don’t have to cook and of course entertainment and shopping.  

River Cruising: A Growing Alternative

By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

River cruising is quickly evolving into a viable alternative to ocean cruising. Here are a few reasons why:

What to expect onboard?

Courtesy of scenicusa.com

Today’s ocean liners are often characterized as floating resorts because there is so much to do and enjoy. Whether it’s relaxation you crave or non-stop activity, it’s all available on an ocean cruise. Most cruising enthusiasts are accustomed to enormous ocean liners sporting ten or more decks, thousands of square feet of space for cabins and activities, not to mention fellow passengers numbering in the thousands. Onboard activities range from skeet shooting and rock wall climbing to simply relaxing in the spa or enjoying a swim in one of several pools.

Nightlife on board an ocean liner usually starts with dinner in one of the formal dining rooms followed by an evening of dancing, live entertainment at a Vegas-style show or enjoying a quieter time at a piano bar. For the gambler at heart, the ship’s casino offers slot machines, poker, and blackjack tables as well as roulette wheels. The possibilities are endless, and the fun continues well into the early morning hours.

5 Reasons You Should Use a Travel Agent

By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

Sometimes, making vacation travel plans is easy. Technological advancements, particularly the internet, have made booking travel seemingly simple. Some travelers feel they can do it themselves and save time and money. A travel agent just isn’t necessary. Nothing could be further from the truth!
If you are an inexperienced traveler or just don’t have the time, patience or personal knowledge to do it yourself, using a travel agent makes a lot of sense.
Here are five reasons why travel agents are still a wise choice for booking travel: 

Cruise Vacations - The Best of All Worlds!

By: Mike Franks, Owner-Operator, Cruise Planners-Orange Park, FL

Deciding to take a cruise vacation can prove to be the most exciting and least expensive vacation you can find. Whether you choose an ocean cruise or a more intimate river cruise, it’s hard to beat cruising for destination selection, world-class entertainment and of course fine dining.

If you have never cruised or even considered a cruise vacation, it’s probably because of several reasons. You may have heard stories of people becoming seasick. Dr. Art Drisken, Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Chief Medical Officer says, “most new cruisers have no problems with seasickness on our ships, due to their size, navigational avoidance of storms, and ship stabilizers.” Other cruise line officials and veteran cruisers echo that assertion. Even if you are prone to motion sickness, medical science has perfected medications delivered through patches, wristbands and orally that will ease or prevent motion sickness.