 Planning a cruise getaway is an exciting prospect … but with all the options and details to consider, it can quickly become overwhelming. There are number of cruise lines, each offering a somewhat different experience and price point. Add to that the dozens of itineraries, hundreds of cruise ships, and endless numbers of options for onboard accommodations and experiences, and you can see that those tasked with the vacation planning can easily become bogged down with the process. Fortunately, help is at hand in the form of an experienced cruise travel agency. The insider knowledge and expert guidance these industry professionals can provide is invaluable, saving their clients hours of time. In addition, these specialists frequently have access to exclusive fares and amenities not available to consumers who book directly with the cruise lines. The Role of a Cruise Travel AgencyA cruise travel agency can streamline your vacation planning significantly, from selecting the best ship and itinerary to arranging flights, pre- or post-cruise accommodations, and providing crucial support in the event issues arise. Key functions these agency specialists provide may include:
Finding the Cheapest Package Vacations -- without Compromise“Cheapest Package Vacations” is one of the most frequently searched phrases on the internet. What’s funny is that everyone is looking for cheap vacation packages, almost nobody wants a cheap vacation experience. What people who search for cheapest vacation packages are really hoping to find are great package vacations that provide exceptional value. Fortunately, it is possible to enjoy amazing vacations – even luxury travel experiences – that provide lifetime memories and great value as well. An experienced travel advisor will have access to bundled vacation packages that offer significant savings by including flights, ground transfers, accommodations (or cruise booking) and more into one seamless and convenient travel package. Travel advisors are experts at finding the cheapest package vacations that provide exceptional value without sacrificing their clients’ luxury travel experiences. With their insider access and planning expertise, luxury travel experiences can still be experienced at an affordable price point. A top-notch cruise travel agency can provide invaluable guidance and advice. They understand the ebb and flow in demand within the cruise industry. When clients have flexible travel dates, these agents can provide guidance on when to book to take advantage of shoulder season or low season fares, which can offer huge savings when compared to booking the same trip during periods of peak demand. The Benefits of Group Vacation PackagesWhat is the easiest way to multiply the fun factor of your vacation? Just add friends and family, of course! Group vacation packages can also be a great way to reap savings on your vacation, as well, since most group travel packages offer discounted group rates and come with special group amenities as well. The special add-ons may come in the form of onboard credits, premium dining experiences, or bon voyage parties welcoming your guests aboard. Group vacation packages are typically flexible, as well. Guests are not locked into booking a specific room type and can choose the accommodations that suit their budget and travel style. Guests are also free to select the activities and excursions that match their interests and budget as well. Group travel experts are your best resource if you are tasked with planning any group travel event. Planning group vacation packages can quickly become overwhelming. Choosing your provider, negotiating rates and space requirements, planning the itinerary – keeping track of guest demographics and payments – the time commitment for managing all the logistics can virtually take over your life. Your best resource for planning group vacation resources would be experienced group travel specialists. These experts will ensure smooth coordination of your event and save you hours (and hours!) of time. Crafting Luxury Travel Experiences on a CruiseLuxury travel experiences come in an array of options, one of the best of which is a luxury cruise vacation. The options are all but limitless. There are small, intimate luxury cruise ships that provide a unique yacht-like experience with fewer than 100 passengers. Many of the main luxury cruise lines accommodate a few hundred passengers, but there are also luxury travel experiences available on modern mega-ships. Many of these providers have adopted a ship-within-a-ship concept, offering an intimate, private-access enclave areas with luxury-level service and amenities, but with all the entertainment & activities of today’s contemporary vessels just an elevator ride away. Luxury travel experiences can literally be woven into any cruise experience through upgraded suite-level accommodations, private dining, and curated activities. A cruise travel agency provides expert guidance on crafting bespoke experiences for your cruise vacation, assisting in personalization to make every moment of your vacation reflective of your interests and travel style. ConclusionPartnering with a trusted cruise travel agency is the best first step to planning an unforgettable vacation experience. Dancing Moon Travel is a trusted expert in the cruise travel industry. Our well-traveled agents are waiting to help you unlock the best options in the luxury cruise travel market to suit your travel preferences and budget requirements. Reach out to us today at 404.735.5774.
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 This week I’ve been privileged to sail with Avalon Waterways, traversing the beautiful Rhine River on a Christmas Markets cruise from Basel, Switzerland, to Amsterdam. This is my sixth European River cruise and my second on the Rhine – also my second time aboard Avalon Waterways. Previously, I’ve sailed on the Danube with both Tauck and Amadeus … the South of France with AMA … the Rhine with Riveria River Cruises … and Tulip Time with Avalon Waterways. It was also my first Christmas Markets river cruise experience. Given my previous experience, I have a pretty solid basis for evaluating and comparing this cruise experience to other providers in the industry. Avalon Waterways is part of the highly-regarded Globus family of brands. Globus is family-owned and has been a trusted provider of travel services since 1928. On this sailing, we were aboard the Avalon Expression, a vessel that entered service in 2014 and accommodates 160 passengers. PUBLIC AREASAs I initially boarded the vessel, I was impressed by its immaculate condition of the vessel. Typical of European river boat design, on Avalon Waterways vessels, you enter into a spacious foyer, with the guest lounge toward the forward part of the ship, and three decks of staterooms located aft of the foyer. The unobstructed floor-to-ceiling windows on three sides of the spacious lounge allow for exceptional scenery viewing, especially welcomed on the day we sailed through the breathtaking Rhine Gorge, an area that boasts the largest concentration of castles anywhere on the planet. The vessel’s expansive Sky Deck spans the entire top level of the vessel. During balmy weather, this is a fabulous hang-out space as well… not so much during our Christmas Market itinerary, as the weather in Europe tends to be quite chilly, at least by Florida standards. Our temps ranged from the upper 30s to the upper 40s during our sailing. ACCOMMODATIONSStaff and crew were outstanding during our cruise, and extremely efficient as well. Onboarding and debarkation were both seamless and perfectly organized. I traveled with my sister on this sailing. We were in Room 204 … a Panorama Suite that was comfortable and well arranged, with beds facing the wall of windows. The room provided space for all our “stuff” and also a very comfortable place for me to work. The counter was spacious and I particularly appreciated that there was a proper chair rather than the little stool that I find on some providers. Closet room was more than adequate and, once unpacked, our luggage was quickly stored out of the way under our beds. The bathroom was also nicely appointed with lovely finishes and, again, more than sufficient space for toiletries and necessities for the two of us. Beds were exceptionally comfy … and even the pillows met with my approval. All in all, I believe any supplier would be hard pressed to exceed the level of comfort and convenience provided aboard my sailing aboard Avalon Waterways Expression. DININGFood onboard Avalon Waterways Expression was very good with choices to suit pretty much every palate. The main dining room provided the three standard meals daily. Breakfast and lunch both offered a varied buffet of options, as well as a fixed menu of table service. (Note: do not miss the Belgian Waffle! I’m not normally much of a waffle gal, but theirs are definitely outstanding, which is something I remembered from my first Avalon Waterways cruise!) Most days, the evening menu included dishes reflective of our itinerary, and the wines served were also reflective of our itinerary. Portion sizes were more than adequate, and others seem to feel likewise. On occasions when tablemates have requested an additional appetizer or dessert, they have cheerfully been accommodated. There were always vegetarian options, and the staff is very judicious about allergies and dietary concerns, always asking about any such requirements when taking orders. SERVICE Service in every area was prompt and cheerful. Our room attendant was outstanding; I felt well above the norm. She had our room turned around every morning while we were at breakfast and actually may have been the very best I’ve had in all my years of cruising – both river and ocean. Front desk, dining, and bar service were also exceptional. Even at times of peak demand, I’ve never had to wait more than a very few minutes for a smiling face to appear to take my order. CHRISTMAS MARKETS ITINERARYAs above indicated, this was my second Rhine sailing and my first time on the Christmas Markets. The ports of call were excellent, especially the afternoon sailing through the famous Rhine Gorge. We were scheduled to depart Basel, but due to a water level issue, we were bused to Breisach for embarkation. Stops included Strasbourg, Ludwigshafen, Mainz, Rudesheim, Koblenz, Cologne, and ending in Amsterdam. Tours are included at each stop with alternative options to accommodate a variety of interests. Walking tours also offer a “gentle walkers” option for those who may have mobility challenges or simply prefer a somewhat slower pace for their tour. This is an exceptional itinerary choice for wine lovers as you sail right through the heart of Germany’s wine region and also touch on the French Alsace wine region. Options for visits to local wineries are included, with regional wines served onboard daily at lunch and dinner. VALUEWith all that is included, river cruises offer the utmost in value and convenience for exploring central Europe. The river cruise experience is second to none other for a seamless and stress-free exploration of these iconic cities and charming villages. If a European river cruise is on your travel bucket list … and if it isn’t it should be! … reach out for a no-obligation quote. Questions? I’m always happy to chat! Touch base with me at 404.735.5774 or email [email protected].
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