Change, Change, Change

Have you noticed that everything is changing lately. In the travel industry changes are happening every day also.
The Caribbean Islands and the Bahamas were a, excuse the pun, HOT destination in the 60's and 70's, you would book a flight and a hotel and show up at the airport in a sport coat, get on your flight, be served a meal and drinks and arrive at your island destination fat and happy, so to speak. Your vacation was spent between the hotel pool and the beach, dressing for dinner every night and then seeing a show or hitting a casino. With 4 or 5 days and nights of that you went home feeling relaxed and refreshed. The flight home was as pleasant as the flight to your vacation.
Not anymore, too frequently I hear people saying "Flying isn't fun anymore" it is too easy to blame it on September 11 and all that but the fact is it started when a few good airlines went out of business and the remaining ones realised they had to and could CHANGE, with fewer airlines to choose from they didn't have to compete for your business so they did change, to their advantage.
Yes, some people cruised instead of flying to the islands but that was before there were as many ships as there are now and prices were comparatively higher. Here's a clue for you as to where I am going with this rant. The price of Cruising has not kept up with inflation
Where you had to hope to find a ship going to the destination you wanted that still had a cabin available anywhere on the ship let alone exactly where you wanted to be on the ship you now have a choice of ships and accommodations at a similar price to what was being paid in the 60's and 70's. And guess what, Cruising is still the funnest vacation there is. With MORE cruise lines and MORE cruise ships and MORE cabins and MORE destinations, oh yes and MORE people cruising you, the consumer benefit from this change. In time people will look back and say "This is the heyday of cruising" I know it is going to change someday but until it does don't miss out.

Where have we been?

Where have you been and where have I been,my last post was May 31, 2007. That was 3 months ago. I hope you had a nice summer and have many lifetime memories from the summer of 2007. I know I do. We didn't cruise at all this summer, probably the first summer in the last 15 that I haven't cruised, I even cruised 2 times in 1995 when I had a heart attack, that's how much I love cruising. Don't get me wrong, I still love cruising, this past summer just seemed like one where I would enjoy kicking around this country of ours and seeing some of America. We visited Baltimore for a long weekend,what a great city that is. We saw a Baltimore Orioles game with my Father on his 85th birthday, the Orioles lost but my Dad lit up the stadium with his smile when they flashed "Happy 85th Birthday Jim Russo" on the scoreboard at the end of the 4th inning. We also visited Bayonne NJ, the home of Royal Caribbeans "Northern Port" also Celebrity and Azmara Cruises use that port. It is an easy port to get to by plane or driving and as an added bonus you get to sail past the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. God Bless America. We also spent a little time in Maine on the coast and in the mountains of Vermont. My trout fishing skills were put to the test this summer and the trout won that battle.
Before I sign off here I have to remind you about passports. If you don't have one, get one. If you need help ask me and I will give you the guidance you need. After all I am a travel professional.

Liberty of the Seas

I am honored in many ways. On the weekend of May 2, 3 and 4, 2007 I was fortunate enough to have been one of the invited guests to sail on the inaugural cruise of the new Royal Caribbean "Liberty of the Seas". Royal Caribbean invites the best of the best to such events, this was my 6th such event with Royal Caribbean. Other inaugural sailings were on the;
Monarch of the Seas
Majesty of the Seas
Grandeur of the Seas
Vision of the Seas
Legend of the Seas
On this cruise we sailed out of New York Harbor, past the Statue of Liberty and out into the Atlantic Ocean. But enough about me, I am sure you would rather hear about the ship.

What's new and exciting about the Liberty of the Seas? Compared to the Voyager Class that shares many of the same features and designs I have to say the Royal Promenade has been enhanced, the coffee bar and pizza bar have been moved to opposite ends of the promenade for better and faster service, not that it was a problem before. There are a few additions to the Royal Promenade such as a barber shop, an on board booking salon for future cruise reservations and a sports clothing specialty shop called "Get Out There", Royal Caribbeans catch phrase. Ben and Jerry's is now an ice cream parlor instead of a kiosk protruding from the side wall. The bridge over the Royal Promenade is used as a stage for live music.
The tri level main dining room is spectacular and comfortable with a different decor on all 3 levels. This ship also features the ice rink with exciting ice shows as well as open skating times. The rest of the interior of the ship is typical excellent Royal Caribbean decor and design.
There area couple of notable cabin design changes, previously all the "PR" interior cabins with the bay window overlooking the Royal Promenade could only accommodate 2 passengers, on the Freedom of the Seas and Liberty of the Seas that now have 4 category F1 cabins overlooking the Royal Promenade that will accommodate up to 6 passengers. They are a great value for families who all want to sail in the same cabin. I am sure they will be very sought after.
The other cabin addition is the Presidential Family Suite at 1200 square feet, it is a big apartment with 4 separate bedrooms, 2 bathrooms, living / dining area and HUGE private balcony with a hot tub and a full service bar. You wouldn't want to leave the suite it's so nice.

On the outside, "Get Out There" and have some fun, very similar to the Voyager class ships with the addition of the cantilevered whirlpools, the sport pool, the H2O zone and the famous "Flowrider". The Flowrider is sloped with a high volume shallow sheet of water being projected across and up it so you can either go on a surfboard or a boogie board and ride it like you are surfing in Hawaii. It is positioned so you are looking over the very back of the ship at the waves in the ocean following the ship, it looks just like you are there. There is plenty to do and see outside, mini golf, basketball, an enhanced rock climbing wall, the golf simulator, numerous bars as well as a juice bar and 7 whirlpools.

This ship will appeal to all ages, there's something for everyone, all 3600 passengers but don't be alarmed, that's not a lot for this size ship. My experience was, there are so many choices of things to do that you rarely ever know there are many other passengers on the ship. The service staff made sure I felt that way also, like I was the only guest sailing with them.

The Freedom of the Seas is available for booking now doing 7 night Eastern and Western Caribbean sailings from Miami, this ship could not stop anywhere and you could still have a fantastic and memorable cruise. Contact me today to book yours today
That is all from the bridge today.

Celebrity Cruise Lines Certification

I AM the Crusie Admiral. At least I am as far as Celebrity Cruise Lines is concerned, once again, 4th year in a row, I have been bestowed with the Celebrity Crusie Lines Agent Certification.

Well, it's finally here, Passport Day. As of today, January 23, 2007 any US citizen FLYING back into the United States from foreign soil is required to show a valid US Passport. Now that you know you have to have a passport here's a little help in pointing you in the right direction to obtain one.All the information is on the website listed below and I will give a basic "How To" also. Here's the web site to go to;
http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html
To obtain a valid US passport you will need;1. A completed official application. DO NOT SIGN IT. It can be downloaded from the web site above or obtained at many official government buildings, court houses and post offices or call me and I will send you one.2. Proof of US Citizenship such as a certified birth certificate3. A government issued photo I.D. such as a driver's license4. 2 Passport Size photo's, they can be obtained at many drug stores and photography outlets as well as some passport offices.5. Approximately $85.00
Assemble all the requirementsLocate the office you want to use to apply for your passport and make an appointment. On the web page you can locate the offices near you by putting in your zip code and you are given a choice of locations.Double check that you have everything that is required.Show up for your appointment with all applicants including children.Sign the application in the presence of the official.Pay for the Passport.It will be mailed off to the nearest Passport Issuing Agency and sent to you at your house within 6 weeks.After you have your passport.1. Take photo copies of the inside page and keep them in a safe place2. When you travel, treat your passport like cash and put a photo copy of it in each piece of luggage, carry on, camera case etc. Having a photo copy can make life easier if your passport is lost or stolen.You can get the answers to most questions on the web site I listed above or feel free to call me at:727-573-2883 ext 229800-562-0616 ext 229Show your pride in citizenship by applying for a passport today.
Barry Russo

Celebrity Cruise Lines Certification

I am proud to announce that I just completed the 2007 Celebrity Special Agent Certification. This is the 4th year I have accomplished this, in the past it was called a "Certified Celebrity Agent".
At any rate, if you don't already know how I feel about Celebrity Cruise Lines let me tell you. They are my personal favorite line in the "Mass Market" segment and they are about to get better with the addition of 5 ships, two are coming from another fleet and 3 new builds.
The two existing ships are the Celebrity Journey and the Celebrity Quest, they were both built and launched after the year 2000 for the Renaissance line, the same ships that Oceania Cruise Lines has had so much success with. They are about 30,000 tons and about 700 passengers. Celebrity plans to use them as elegant venues for the more sophisticated cruiser with first class amenities such as butlers throughout and exciting itineraries that are unreachable by the larger ships. In my estimation this is the best next step Celebrity cruise Lines can make to keep their guests interested in continuing to cruise with Celebrity Cruise Lines.
Celebrity is also in construction on 3 new ships in the 110,000 ton range. Celebrity has done so well with their Millennium class ships at around 91,000 tons and 2000 passengers, they have consistently won awards from Con De Nast traveler magazine as the best large ships. I hope they can do as well with the 3 new ships. We will see.
That's all from the Cruise Admiral today

Happy Passport Day!

Well, it's finally here, Passport Day. As of today, January 23, 2007 any US citizen FLYING back into the United States from foreign soil is required to show a valid US Passport. Now that you know you have to have a passport here's a little help in pointing you in the right direction to obtain one.
All the information is on the website listed below and I will give a basic "How To" also. Here's the web site to go to;

http://travel.state.gov/travel/cbpmc/cbpmc_2223.html

To obtain a valid US passport you will need;
1. A completed official application. DO NOT SIGN IT. It can be downloaded from the web site above or obtained at many official government buildings, court houses and post offices or call me and I will send you one.
2. Proof of US Citizenship such as a certified birth certificate
3. A government issued photo I.D. such as a driver's license
4. 2 Passport Size photo's, they can be obtained at many drug stores and photography outlets as well as some passport offices.
5. Approximately $85.00

Assemble all the requirements
Locate the office you want to use to apply for your passport and make an appointment. On the web page you can locate the offices near you by putting in your zip code and you are given a choice of locations.
Double check that you have everything that is required.
Show up for your appointment with all applicants including children.
Sign the application in the presence of the official.
Pay for the Passport.
It will be mailed off to the nearest Passport Issuing Agency and sent to you at your house within 6 weeks.
After you have your passport.
1. Take photo copies of the inside page and keep them in a safe place
2. When you travel, treat your passport like cash and put a photo copy of it in each piece of luggage, carry on, camera case etc. Having a photo copy can make life easier if your passport is lost or stolen.
You can get the answers to most questions on the web site I listed above or feel free to call me at:
727-573-2883 ext 229
800-562-0616 ext 229
Show your pride in citizenship by applying for a passport today.

Barry Russo

Cruise Food for Thought

The “Dining Experience” is a big part of cruising and by no means is it the grand experience it was half a century ago but it still is a major factor when selecting a cruise.
If you weren’t already aware of this you should know Royal Caribbean and Celebrity Cruise Lines are the same company.
Both lines announced recently they are making some major changes in their cuisine.
First of all, the change I am most interested in is that Celebrity and Chef Michael Roux are ending their 15 year relationship. Celebrity Cruise Lines is my personal favorite for many reasons, the cuisine was always tops. I am talking about excellent menu selection and variety, very good preparation and presentation of the plate. I am an amature chef with restaurant experience and I have an eye for and appreciate culinary excellence. Chef Michel Roux, pronounced Michelle Rew, earned his reputation for excellence at the Waterside Inn restaurant in England and he is associated with the Queen of England. A replacement executive chef hasn’t been announced yet but what I know about Celebrity Cruise lines is that he or she will be of equal quality and reputation or better. Hello, Wolfgang, your phone may be ringing.
Equally as important for many reasons their sister company Royal Caribbean announced they are eliminating “Trans Fats” from their menus. Trans Fats are a byproduct of chemically hydrogenated vegetable oil linked with diabetes, high blood pressure and high cholesterol, all of which lead to my nemesis, heart disease. Royal Caribbean tested the new trans-fat free menus on the Navigator of the Seas on November with no complaints.
I applaud Royal Caribbean for once again being an innovator in the cruise industry .
Now on the lighter side of all that, if they are serving healthier food there will be less heart attacks etc. on the ships so they can fire their doctors on board and lower the cruise rates with the savings, talk about a win / win situation.
That’s all from the Admiral for now!

The American Way

Freedom.
Liberty.
independence.
It's the American way AND it is also the names of the largest cruise ship series in the world.
Royal Caribbean announced today the name of the 3rd ship in the Freedom Series, it is the independence of the Seas, joining the already sailing Freedom Of The Seas and the soon to be launched Liberty of the Seas.
The independence will virtually be the same ship with minor aesthetic changes and mechanical improvements. This class of ships is really a stretched version of the highly respected Voyager Class that has five versions sailing so other then system updates the mechanicals have all the unwanted idiosyncrasies worked out already.
We are all eagerly awaiting Royal Caribbeans 220,000 ton, five thousand passenger ship the Genesis of the Seas to be launched in 2008.
That's all from the bridge for now.

Good News and Good Job for Holland America Line

Three of Holland America Line's Vista-class ships -- Noordam, Westerdam and Oosterdam -- received the 2006 Green Planet Award bestowed by Kuoni Switzerland for outstanding environmental standards. The Green Planet Award was established six years ago by Kuoni to recognize eco-minded hotels and resorts; it was extended to cruise ships in 2003. It recognizes exemplary handling of environmental issues such as energy use, water consumption and waste disposal, plus staff training and guest education regarding environmental concerns. Stein Kruse, president and chief executive officer said Holland America Environmental Management System was certified to conform to the ISO 14001 standard by an independent registrar -- Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance -- in June 2006. The Environmental Management System encompasses all environmental policies, training and procedures for every shipboard aspect. "Earning the ISO 14001 certification was a major verification of Holland America Line's strong commitment to responsible environmental stewardship," said Matthias Leisinger, project manager, corporate responsibility, Kuoni Travel Ltd. "That, and the fact that most of Holland America Line's ships are equipped with an advanced waste water treatment system, made Holland America Line ships qualify for 2006 Green Planet Awards. Since Kuoni had to choose the ‘best in class,' we selected the Vista-class Westerdam and Oosterdam because they have -- and the Noordam will shortly have -- shore power plug-in systems that significantly reduce fuel consumption and green house gas emissions." Holland America also has a fleetwide program that emphasizes waste reduction and recycling, compliance with all international environmental guidelines and a decision to incorporate cleaner-burning propulsion technology into the line's new ships. An environmental officer serves on each ship to oversee shipboard compliance and procedures. Each ship in the Holland America Line fleet undergoes a strict port- and flag-state inspection annually and a mandatory environmental audit conducted both by an outside environmental auditing firm and by internal staff