Cruise Planners The Big Cruise Guru.com

12/25/2023

Merry Christmas Cruise Planners style.

12/21/2023

NORWEGIAN CRUISE LINE
FREE PREPAID GRATUITIES
Free pre-paid gratuities for 1st/2nd Guests on select sailings

Booking WITH ME BY 12/31/23. Call me 201 650 3849.

Applicable Sailings: All open for sale - 7+ night sailings. Excluding Norwegian Aqua, Prima or Viva

11/14/2023

What’s the best part about giving the gift of cruising? Joining them. Book your 2023 adventure today! call 908 453 4307 www.thebigcruiseguru.com

08/09/2023

First Time ever rating my last cruise out of NYC on MSC Meraviglia.

Parking for the week was $320 compared to RCCL cost of $220 in Bayonne. Drop off bags first before parking.

Our check in time was 11am we were able to check in at 10am. Hour wait in terminal, on ship by 11am. Had lunch on deck 15 at Marketplace Buffet. Food was good but very crowded, suggestion good to back of buffet for less crowds.

After lunch 2 of 3 bags were at our cabin 14022 and we met our cabin steward Fexis. Help us with AC. All cabins have Sign and sail cards attivate Lights and AC. He gave us a card to leave on at all time. Best AC on any cruise, very cold. AC will not work if balcony door is open.

We had 5:30 MDR Panorama, food was OK, some items are on the Menu every night a new chef special every night. Waiter service is like service at local diner. Not just high end service I have had on Past cruises.

Went to bed early that night room was turned down for us. Cabin Stewart still comes in twice a day. No towel animals.

Day at sea, Buffet for breakfast and after breakfast, all chairs were taken at 8am. Something has to be done by MSC. I here that RCCL is trying to do something. We did the 3 Specialty Dinning for $72. Sign up Hola, Butcher's Cut, and Kaito Teppanyaki. You have a special menu at each restaurant for this, could be different than regular menu. We didn't get the drink package but would get the drink package includes special coffee, water and sodas. These add up quickly. No daily limit on drinks unlike Carnival 15 drink limit.

Port Caraveral. Did nothing here. Just a port call to solve the Jones Act and restock ship, over 60 truckload of supplies we're unloaded.

Nassau did a Beach excursion Blue Lagoon Beach, 7 hour trip 5 hours at the beach. Very crowded and low water levels. Very crowded return, over a mile walk back to ship. No help if you need help to get on ship. Booked a show that night since we got back so late. Some show you have a one drink added to tickets.

Ocean Cay. Next port MSC private island. Best private island, ship docked here. Our room looked out over the island. Nice view. We booked a excursion off the island to a private cay about 1 mile off the island. You able to swim and see stingrays. Best part of the trip. Lighthouse light show was canceled due to rainstorm. We went to Butcher's Cut for dinner special 3 chorce dinner, best steak ever.

2 days at sea. Still have deck chair hogs, found 2 chairs in adult only section. Has lunch in Japanese steakhouse, our last of Specialty Dinning. Lots to due on the ship. Shopping has no tee shirts and hats like other cruise lines.

Sunday leaving ship. Out of room by 730am. Everyone have a number and leave the ship by that number. Off ship and left parking lot by 11am.

I rate this cruise 7 out of 10. Pricing is a 10
Ports is 7
Cabin 9 small
Food 7
Excursions 6
Shopping 7
Parking 9
Shows. Did none
Casino. Slots and table games

Pricing is 50% cheaper than NCL and RCCL.

Looking for a cheap cruise from NYC this is the one.

06/21/2023

There are several excellent cruise lines that cater to first-time cruisers. Some popular ones include:

1. Royal Caribbean International: Known for its innovative ships and wide range of onboard activities and entertainment options, Royal Caribbean offers a great experience for first-time cruisers. They have a variety of itineraries to choose from and cater to families, couples, and groups.

2. Carnival Cruise Line: With its fun and lively atmosphere, Carnival Cruise Line is a favorite among first-time cruisers. They offer affordable prices, various dining options, and a range of onboard activities for all ages. Carnival is known for its "Fun Ships" and vibrant entertainment options.

3. Norwegian Cruise Line: Norwegian provides a relaxed and freestyle cruising experience, allowing passengers to choose their own activities and dining options. Their fleet includes modern and well-equipped ships with a variety of on-board amenities and entertainment options.

4. Princess Cruises: Princess Cruises offers a refined and elegant cruising experience, perfect for first-time cruisers seeking a more upscale atmosphere. They have engaging onboard activities, diverse dining options, and some of the best itineraries worldwide.

5. Celebrity Cruises: Known for its impeccable service and attention to detail, Celebrity Cruises offers a sophisticated yet approachable experience for first-time cruisers. They provide upscale dining options, stylish and well-appointed ships, and a range of entertainment choices.

Ultimately, the best cruise line for first-time cruisers depends on individual preferences, desired destinations, and budget. It is recommended to research the itineraries, onboard amenities, and customer reviews before selecting a cruise line.

06/02/2023

Who wants to go

Hear what sets Grand Park Kodhipparu, Maldives apart as a one-island-one-resort destination (spoiler: a lot!) in our latest podcast episode - https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/knowzonepodcast

06/02/2023

This is so true.

05/31/2023

01/16/2023

Happy Martin Luther King Jr. Day! May we always strive for equality in our communities as we honor the great leader who led the way for change.

10/22/2022

AN ICON is coming...
When ICON opens on the 25th-- there will be SAILINGS that qualify for the KIDS ( 12 & younger) SAIL FREE promo!! 2024 and beyond….contact me!

07/23/2022

Today's Travel FYI

If your passport expires in 2023, start the process NOW! Renewal times is now 6 months. Over 2.2 million passport applications are in line ahead of you.Even expedited passports are taking up to 18 weeks.
Passports need to be valid 6 months after travel has been completed. Technically you have 6 months less than what it says on your passports. Don't assume your passport is valid. Check now and save yourself a lot of stress and time for the future. Be prepared!

07/22/2022

Looking for a Carnival Vacation Contact a 20 year Vacation Planner call cell 201 650 3849.

07/20/2022

Great NCL deals today, call me ASAP to get these before they go away. 201 650 3849.

07/05/2022

2022 Travelers - please realize and accept a few things -

- Although for the most borders have re-opened, tests have been done away with and things feel like they're getting back to normal, we're still just rolling out of a pandemic that decimated the travel industry a very short time ago.

- Similar to the US, there are work force shortages around the world. There are also supply chain issues.

- Revenge travel is a real thing! People are traveling like never before. Because of the run on travel - there is more demand than supply. Availability is lower and pricing is higher. Therefore anyone starting to plan travel close to when they want to depart (within 3 months) is likely going to have to accept higher pricing or be willing to compromise their requirements.

- Airlines are struggling with labor shortages. They're changing, delaying and merging flights right and left. Yet tons of people continue to fly so demand is higher than supply. Also - thanks to the price of oil, flights are super expensive. Because of this, more people are opting to take connecting flights - which of course makes them more vulnerable to delays. If you want to fly, these are things you need to accept right now. Be patient and go with the flow. Give yourself extra time for everything - whether it means arriving at the airport 3 hours early or landing in your port city the day before your cruise. Best advice - purchase trip insurance.

- Similarly, there is a shortage of drivers available to provide transfers. Because of this I have found drivers to less reliable post-covid. This is because there are more jobs and fewer drivers, so most of them are delayed or running behind - especially when their customer's flights are delayed or changed. Best advice is to be proactive when traveling - call the driver/transportation company as soon as your flight lands or the night before they're scheduled to pick you up at the hotel. If they don't show - be willing to pivot - grab a cab or Uber and we'll worry about refunds later.

- There is more demand for tour guides than ever before. Tours that were available when you looked three months earlier - will likely not be available when you try to book them the week before you want to travel. As alway, when supply decreases, pricing increases so be willing to pay more for private tours. That said, I think they're worth it. I have always recommended private tours in the past - but now more than ever because they keep you away from the crowds and help you sightsee efficiently. Best advice - book early - especially if you don't want to spend hours trying to find available guides/tours or be disappointed.

- Things take longer and documentation comes later! Response times from travel suppliers, hotels, guides, etc are way longer than pre-covid. Instead of getting answers in hours it some times takes days. Cruise and tour company holds are often hours long. They're inundated with requests and dealing with workforce shortages. We used to receive people's documents almost immediately after they made final payment on their trips. Now? We receive documents sometimes days before their departure dates. I've become extremely patient thanks to the last few years - best advice is for you to do the same.

- Some times something you booked may suddenly not be available. Again this has to do with supply/demand, unplanned changes/delays and labor shortages. It sucks but try to be understanding.

- People are still getting Covid. The US no longer requires tests to return but you're probably not going to want to travel if you're sick whether it's because you don't feel good or because of moral obligation. Best advice - buy trip insurance which will cover the cost of cancellations and trip delays.

In a nutshell - traveling is still awesome!!! The world is out there and waiting for you to explore it! Other countries are receptive to American tourists. They missed us and are welcoming us back with open arms. So go for it. But first, change the channel in your head. It's like what I tell clients going to Disney - you'll always have more fun if you just accept where you are - instead of fighting it - just get into Mouse mode and go with the flow. It's the same with all travel now so it's important to adjust your expectations. "Princess and the Pea" types - you're just going to have to spend more. Do everything early, be patient, and stay calm. Try to remember that when things aren't as convenient as they were pre-Covid or there are bumps in the road - it's really not the end of the world and everything will be okay.

Cruise Planners Paula Belletiere and John Paul Berry are always here to help. We've been putting a lot of fires out behind the scenes. We've been waiting on hold for hours on behalf of clients. We've done some quick re-jiggering and problem solving. We've always been patient and resourceful - but those traits are required now more than ever!

Thanks for reading a little advice from your friendly neighborhood travel advisor. The good news is this will all eventually right itself! KEEP CALM AND TRAVEL ON!!

07/02/2022

🤗WHY USE A TRAVEL AGENT🤗
I often get the “why should I use a travel agent” question. Here is a brief response to that…
1- Personal Service. The person in the call center on the 800 number doesn’t know anything about you or your vacation. I can guide you from the planning portion, to your travel, during your travel and when you get home.
2-Expert Advice. I have connections all over the world to map out the exact travel you want. If I don’t already know your desired location well, I know someone who does. The “vendors” I work with are experts and work only with travel agents.
3- I have your back! If there is a problem, emergency, etc… I take care of it so you don’t have to.
4- You never wait on hold again. That becomes my job. I save you a LOT of time. (time is money)
5- I care about you. I’ve built my business from the ground up. You’re not a number to me, you are my client and will hopefully become my friend.
6- I am your one personal contact. Any and all questions you have, I will get those answers so you don’t have to.
7- I save you money. At least 1/2 the time I’m able to save my clients money because of the connections I have. And/or I monitor your vacation for discounts and if anything comes up, I automatically apply the discount. Then I send you a text letting you know I’ve saved you money.
8- I am open on the weekends (for my traveling clients). If my clients are traveling, I am accessible to them during their entire trip. I am a text or message away.
9. I am passionate about my business and look to have them have an incredible Memory Making Vacation!

www.cruiseplannersnwnj
Com or 201-650-3849.

06/03/2022

Still have time to book Summer Vacations. Call me to help. 201-650-3849

05/27/2022

Today's travel FYI.

05/01/2022

Great places for wedding. Call me 201 650 3849.

04/06/2022

A end of a great cruise ship. Been on her 3 time.

Carnival Sensation has completed her final voyage to the scrapyard, but the Fun Ship may not be gone for good.

02/19/2022

Today travel FYI

12/22/2021

Need an idea for a Christmas Present? Here it is. Just call. I can make it happen.

11/08/2021

Let's get the party started. Call me to book your next cruise. 201 650 3849.

09/11/2021

Would you stay here?

Marina Bay Sands Hotel, Singapore 💜💜💜💜

09/06/2021

I am a travel advisor that can plan any vacation for you. Call 201 650 3839 or email [email protected]

08/20/2021

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas has arrived at Port Liverty NJ. The largest Cruise Ship to operate out of the North East. Book your vacation now by calling Cruise Planners Big Cruse Guru 201 650 3849. [email protected]

07/11/2021

Today's Travel Thought

-
Did you know that not only do travel advisors exist, but we provide personalized service. When you have a question or need to make a change to your trip, you have a person you can call, e-mail, text or sometimes even meet with in person.

You may think that booking online, using Expedia or another booking site works just fine, and it may until you have a problem or a question. Have you ever tried to contact Expedia, Booking.com or even a bigbox store like Costco to fix a problem with your trip?

A travel advisor offers something that most professions don't offer anymore - personal service!

When you need our help you will not be on hold for hours, or talk to someone located in Asia who does not understand what you are saying. You will not have to explain the same thing ten times because you end up speaking to ten different people, or the people you speak with, deal with so many customers that to them you are just Customer .

To us, you are a VIP! We care about your likes and dislikes, and keep track of your food allergies, your passport expirations and your frequent flier miles. We genuinely want people to have the vacation of their lives. We love travel and want all of our guests to love their trips.

Unlike many other professionals, such as attorneys, accountants or even kitchen designers, travel advisors will usually not charge an hourly fee. Not even when we work on a holiday, or past midnight to take care of a client who needs help.

So what can a travel advisor help you with? I am glad you asked. We all work a little bit differently, but a few things that a travel advisor may help you with include:

1. Inspire and advice you on destinations and and experiences to enjoy.

2. Save you time and take the stress & worries out of the vacation planning. Especially now, after COVID, when rules and regulations are very fluid and change frequently.

3. Take care of all the details such as travel insurance, pick-up at the airport, special celebrations, large group bookings and a long list of other things.

4. Work hard to get you a room or a cruise cabin with a great location, give recommendations on special restaurants or maybe a beautiful view that should not be missed. We add that personal touch, either from our own experience, or from our many travel suppliers all over the world who we work closely with to plan your unique and special travel experience.

5. We are accessible before, during and after your trip to make sure everything goes smoothly.
I, along with all my colleagues, are ready to help you plan your next vacation.

05/26/2021

Good news today. RCCL can sail in July. Call me to get booked on these cruises. 201 650 3849.

Royal Caribbean, the world's largest cruise line, received permission today from the CDC to operate test cruises on one of their cruise ships. Royal Caribbean will sail test cruises on June 20-22 on Freedom of the Seas. The test cruises are an important step in resuming cruise operations from U.S. p...

05/23/2021

Alaska Cruises are back in 2021. Call me today to book yours, limited space will sell out quickly. Call 201 650 3849.

GOOD NEWS ALERT: We are excited to announce our plans to restart cruising in the U.S. with a partial season of Alaska sailings! Following passage of the Alaska Tourism Restoration Act, work with Alaska government officials, and recent guidance from the U.S. CDC, our shortened Alaska summer season will include one ship, Majestic Princess, sailing 7-Day Alaska Inside Passage (with Glacier Bay National Park) voyages, roundtrip from Seattle.

Our first 2021 Alaska voyage will set sail on July 25, 2021, aboard Majestic Princess.

We have deeply appreciated your support and patience throughout this time, and we are thrilled to once again provide our guests with a truly remarkable travel experience.

More details on bookings, our Cruise Health program, and more: https://bit.ly/3bHxPBG