As noted in a recent Travel Weekly article, this property will combine Hard Rock’s signature Rock Star suites with Moon Palace’s luxury accommodations, which include double Jacuzzis and double showers.  Other facilities will include the 60,000-square-foot Rock Spa with 48 spa suites; three floating wedding pavilions; 11 pools; four swim-up bars; a kids pool and club; a lazy river; a fitness center; a rock climbing wall; and retail outlets.   The rebranded resort also will feature a collection of Hard Rock’s music memorabilia.   Viva Punta Cana!

Carnival is implementing a new Safety Briefing, formerly referred to as the “Boat Drill,” which will be rolled out throughout the fleet by the end of 2009 and we are sure it will be well-received by your clients.

When the signal for the Safety Briefing sounds, guests will no longer be required to go to their stateroom to collect their lifejackets but will proceed directly to their assigned muster station from their location at that time. The letter of the muster station to which the guest is assigned (according to stateroom number) is printed on their Sail & Sign card, which will need to be in the guests’ possession during the Safety Briefing.

During the Safety Briefing, the Evacuation Personnel will be visible to all guests and demonstrate how to wear a lifejacket.

This new procedure will improve the guest’s experience and prevent unnecessary accidents due to hanging strings from the lifejackets as well as heat exhaustion at the muster stations during summer-type weather

HALLELUJAH!!! It's about time they streamlined this process.  

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The proliferation of new airline fees is about to drive me up the wall!   Why don't they just up the fare by $20-30 and STOP nickel and diming us to death?!?  Of course, they all want to tout the lowest prices (although they ALL have the same price structure .. no one airline is the "cheapest") but these ridiculous charges are completely out of control.   Ranging from baggage fees to seat selection and headsets, ancillary charges are constantly changing and there is no way for anyone to keep up with today's pricing.    This chart shows the increase in baggage fees for each airline:



Yes, the airlines need to make a profit.   I want them to be able to pay their pilots and mechanics very well.   In fact, I won't even book you on an airline if there is even a whiff of employee grumbling due to low pay/bad working environment.   Your life depends on a happy airline work force.     But the current proliferation of these fees raises some hard questions, especially what the costs are to the consumer.



For example, American Airlines reports that revenues from sources such as confirmed flight changes, purchased upgrades, food purchased on board, and baggage service charges increased 1.4% to $585 MILLION in the 3rd quarter of 2009 compared to 2008.      Ideaworks (an independent research firm) estimates that ancillary revenues and a la carte pricing jumped 345% since 2008.     AND .... the airlines are poised to add MORE fees in 2010.

This is causing chaos at the airports.    Check in takes longer because you have to get in line for the kiosks and then wait for the agent to call you over.   Even if you check in online the day before you STILL have to go through this drill if you have baggage to check.   There is no smooth way to do this.  Passengers are vying for overhead space on the flights to save on baggage charges.   There are fewer flights, all of them are filled to capacity, and all have different "rules" about baggage fees.    One possibility to change this is with government intervention (Just what we need ... more government).    Maybe we really do need a Congressional regulation of baggage policies.






Delta Airlines' online breakdown of baggage policies runs for pages and is very complicated.



United Airlines has a new option (Premier Baggage) enabling customers to "pay one flat price of $249annually and check two standard bags every time they fly United for the year".    What other surprises are the revenue-hungry airlines planning?!?    United Airlines has an answer for that too.   Customers can opt for more legroom, more comfort, and less waiting starting at $47 per person in addition to the cost of the airline ticket.    You can save money by buying a "bundle" of amenities ... but it only saves you money if this is truly a priority for you.

American Airlines urges travelers to check the current baggage policy when purchasing their tickets.   Currently the first bag is free but bag #2 is $50.00 if you are flying economy class.    But at American (as with many other airlines) , baggage fee policies are increasingly complex including different rules for different destinations.






JetBlue gives customers a break with the first bag FREE, the 2nd bag at $30 and $75 if you need a third bag.   However, Jetblue warns of fees for oversized and overweight bags.   You will be assessed fees for EACH category that applies to your bags.   JetBlue even has different policies based on the type of aircraft you are flying on that itinerary (which can CHANGE at any minute).  





USAirways baggage fees are charged a different way.   The airline adds a distinct fee between online and airport booking:   First extra bag online is $48, but at the airport it is $60 each way.    The airline's policy is that you can pre-pay your baggage service online and save.    There is also an additional $5 service fee for checked bags at the airport  ... per person and each way.


Southwest  is one of the few "baggage friendly" airlines and you still get a drink and snack included in the price.    They can still afford to "do it the old fashioned way" because they keep their costs low by flying only one type of aircraft, the 737.     It saves Southwest money because the pilots and mechanics only have to be schooled in one type of aircraft (saves on education fees) and their maintenance costs are lower because they only have to keep inventory for one type of aircraft.    In other words .... KISS (keep it simple stupid!).     THREE CHEERS for smart airline management goes to Southwest Airlines.

 In the past I have been reluctant to fly Southwest myself because I don't like the open seating.   They also have a huge family following so I generally see a much larger percentage of children on the flights.    If you are a business traveler, this can wear on you.     I got on a flight from RDU to Las Vegas a few years ago (non-stop ... 4 1/2 hours flying time).    I was seated next to a man and his 8 year old daughter.   As we were taxiing out to the runway for departure the little girl asked, "Daddy, when are we going to be there?".     I knew right then that sleeping was not going to be an option.     Babies were crying, kids were restless, and I have never seen so many people traipsing back and forth to the bathroom (including my seat mates .... twice... and I had the aisle seat ... ).    Even with that experience, I believe I will be flying Southwest more often just because they will not be charging me for every single thing separately.     Thank you Southwest Airlines!

Vancouver is a sophisticated city full of adventure and life.    Couples, Singles and Families flock to this modern city in Canada for the wondrous natural beauty of the surrounding area and for the city amenities for convenience.   


Most of Vancouver’s top draws are popular with all ages and many combine adventure with education. A fun way to get an overview of the city is by climbing aboard the Vancouver Trolley, a red, open-air, gas-powered streetcar that allows people to hop on and off as they check out the highlights of the town. 

For Vancouver activities, it’s hard to beat Stanley Park, 1,000 acres of natural and manmade diversions. Rent bikes and make your way around the 5½-mile sea wall, stopping at the waterpark, beach, kid’s farmyard, miniature train and Second Beach pool, next to the ocean. One of the park’s shining stars is the Vancouver Aquarium, calling to families with everything from dolphin shows, beluga whales and sea otter talks to up-close animal encounters.

Granville Island is a big hit with all generations. Everyone enjoys the bathtub-sized ferries that buzz to and from this well-loved tourist spot. Boys and girls can’t resist a visit to the island’s two-story Kids’ Market, where vendors cater to tykes with toys, games, candy and kites. A public market, street entertainment, theaters, restaurants and room to run around make Granville a grand attraction.

Vancouver is a highly walkable city. On downtown’s Robson Street alone, locals and out-of-towners can spend hours discovering shopping and dining options. For families eager to stay in the heart of the pedestrian action, the

Pacific Palisades Hotel stands ready with one-bedroom suites, including a small kitchen. Small fry are pampered with a welcome gift, indoor pool, children’s menu with organic fare and kids’ spa treatments.

International cruise ships dock at Canada Place, known for its distinctive sail-inspired architecture, home of an IMAX theater, and the start and end of tour bus routes. All of which makes the Pan Pacific Vancouver — right at Canada Place — a family favorite for accommodations. Young guests are greeted with milk and cookies, and the concierge runs a kids’ scavenger hunt. 

A 15-minute drive from the heart of downtown Vancouver leads to the Capilano Suspension Bridge, a 450-foot marvel enhanced by trails, ponds, treehouses and exhibits. Just beyond, gondolas climb to the 4,100-foot summit of Grouse Mountain, luring families with hiking in the summer and ski programs in the winter.

Vancouver is the kind of place you can visit many times, and yet find something new to delight you.      Visit our beautiful neighbor city to the North.    You will be sure to return!