Time To Book with Jenn

12/10/2024

Update on Mexico Tourism Tax increase with implementation for cruise passengers.

As you may know in the past cruise line passengers have been exempt from paying the tourism tax when visiting ports of call in Mexico. Last week an announcement was made that as of January 1, 2025 the Mexican government would be increasing the tourism tax for land based tourism and cruise line passengers would no longer be exempt from paying the tourism taxes.

When this announcement was made the cruise lines immediately began talks with Mexico on behalf of their cruise passengers and for now it appears they have agreed to push the implementation for cruise passengers out to July 1, 2025.

What does this mean for you? We are not 💯 sure at this time as we have not been contacted by the cruise lines yet, but what we are speculating is, if you have a cruise already booked for 2025 and your cruise visit to Mexico prior to July 1st you will not be asked to pay the tourism taxes. If your cruise visit to Mexico is July 1st or beyond please be patient as we continue to monitor this situation but we speculate that there will be a slight increase to the final to cover the tax.

At this point everything is speculation as we have not heard directly from the cruise lines. I will continue to monitor and will update you as I know more.

As always thank you for your continued patience and support.

The Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association has announced Mexico's new cruise passenger tax will be postponed until July 2025.

12/05/2024

Are you ready to book an amazing summer 2025 cruise for you and the family well look no further….Beautiful ship and gorgeous ports of call..

Contact me today so we can get you booked before the ship fills up and the rate is no longer available.

Text or call 817-688-1704 email [email protected]

🛳️ Rates are available until January 20, 2025 or until categories are full so don’t delay, contact me today! 🛳️

12/05/2024

I am following the proposed new tax increase for tourist visiting Mexico and I will keep you informed.

This is what has been proposed.

-International visitors soon to pay more to enter Mexico

Starting next year, the existing fee for international travelers entering Mexico will increase from 717 pesos (US $35) to 860 pesos (US $42). The new tax will apply to all international tourists vacationing in Mexico, including cruise ship passengers.

Previously, cruise ship visitors were exempt from the fee because their average stay in the country tends to be six hours. However, last month, Congress voted to impose a US $42 immigration fee on every passenger of each cruise ship that docks at any of the country’s ports.

Officially known as the “Non-Resident Fee,” the tax will apply to all cruise passengers stopping in Mexico starting in 2025, regardless of whether individuals disembark.-

The tourist tax is not new but cruise passengers were always exempt before and they are increasing the amount…The cruise lines are in communication and talks with Mexico to try to continue the exemption for cruise passengers.

11/28/2024

As we take time to reflect on all that we’re grateful for this season, we want to express our sincere heartfelt appreciation for your continued trust and support.

We are truly honored to be a part of your cruising journey.

Wishing you and yours a Thanksgiving filled with love, joy and travel dreams!!!

11/11/2024

From our family to yours….

11/09/2024

First, my disclaimer so that no one post, ‘this is not new’-parts of this post is not new but because it was posted by Carnivals Ambassador John Heald I felt it was a great time to post and take the opportunity to remind people of a few things.

First, yes on certain closed loop US cruises, as of today, US Citizens can cruise with just a certified copy of their birth certificate AND those 16 years of age or older a valid government issued ID.

BUT, like all rules there are exceptions to the rules and rules can be changed. One exception is you will need a passport if your ship docks in a foreign country that requires one. Even on closed loop US cruises there are ports that do require Passports.

Also, if they require a passport the country can also require it be valid for 6 months post your return.

Here is the bigger point to my post. It is ALWAYS advised to travel with a valid passport, valid meaning 6 months post your return date. There are several reasons why I say this, no one knows what the future holds. A country who today does not require a passport may decide next month to require one and if you a cruising on a cruise without ample time to get a passport now your vacation plans are in jeopardy or at minimum your stress level has just increased. Secondly life throws us all curve balls every once in awhile so if there was an emergency and you had to fly home or stay behind in or from a foreign port you would need a passport. Are there exceptions or ways to obtain in an emergency yes of course but again this would cause you unnecessary additional stress.

As a travel advisor I do always highly suggest cruising with a valid US Passport. What is valid? Six months post your travel return date.

If you have any additional questions or concerns please email me so we may discuss.

[email protected]

10/31/2024

Are you ready to get booked for a cruise in 2025? I have three amazing groups for you to pick from…so text, call or email me today and let’s get you booked!

817-688-1704
[email protected]

~First group is a Last Call to book~

Tomorrow is the VERY last day to get you booked at the group rates on the 2025 ReLEntless Defender Group Cruise March 3, 2025 for 5-nights leaving out of Galveston on the Royal Caribbean Mariner of the Seas with ports of call Costa Maya and Cozumel, Mexico. I am cruising on this one and I have lots of group activities planned for this crazy group!!!!

Looking for a summer family cruise out of Florida, then look no further. I have group rates on the Carnival Mardi Gras for a 7-night cruise leaving out of Port Canaveral (Orlando) on June 28, 2025 with ports of call Grand Turk, Amber Cove and Nassau. This is an awesome ship that everyone in the family will surely love!!!

And, last but surely not least what we are calling the Tunnel to Towers Fundraising group cruise leaving out of New York City on September 28, 2025 for 7-nights on the Norwegian Getaway with ports of call Newport, Rhode Island; Portland, Maine; Bar Harbor; Halifax, Canada and Saint John (Bay of Fundy) Canada. I will be cruising on this cruise as well and for anyone interested, this can include participating in the Tunnel to Towers organization 5K fundraising run the morning of the 28th. The 5k runs the same path Fire Fighter Stephen Siller took the morning of September 11th with 60 pounds of gear strapped to his back, through the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel to the twin towers where he lost his life while bravely saving others.

All three are awesome ways to see different areas, experience different ships and just relax while having fun with your family and friends.

10/25/2024

Just returning from the UK and I thought what better time to post about the new ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) for the UK.

Beginning January 8, 2025 all travelers will need to apply by completing the ETA application for tourism entry into the country.

Here is the link.

As the traveler it is your responsibility to complete this step and to know what documents you need to enter each country/location you will be visiting but if you have any questions I am always here to assist.

List of nationalities that will soon be able to apply for an ETA.

10/16/2024

This is such great news for Galveston and cruisers….

Are you ready to book your next cruise? Email me today at [email protected]

It's official! Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd. will begin sailing from Galveston’s new Cruise Terminal 16 next year under a contract approved by the Galveston Wharves Board of Trustees on Tuesday. Galveston Wharves Port Director Rodger E. Rees and Dan Farkas, NCLH executive vice president, general counsel, and chief development officer, held a signing ceremony on Wednesday at the Galveston Economic Development Partnership (GEDP) summit. https://www.portofgalveston.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=318

10/09/2024

Please pray for Florida…
Please pray for those on the cruise who are worried what they will be coming home to in Florida…

09/19/2024

Is it time to renew your passport?

Then we have great news for you!

Many Americans can now renew their U.S. passport online, no more standing in long lines.

Want to see if you qualify? Check out travel.state.gov/renewonline and take the first step towards easy passport renewal today!

This page includes information about our online passport renewal system, and instructions to complete your application.

09/11/2024

We will NEVER forget…

On this day 23 years ago we lost so many innocent lives from the pure evil that walks among us.

No matter where you are please pause today to take time to reflect and remember the sacrifices and lives lost.

09/07/2024

Who is ready to book a summer 2025 cruise? I have great rates for Carnival Mardi Gras leaving Port Canaveral (Orlando) on June 28, 2025, with ports of call Grand Turk, Amber Cove and Nassau.

Email me today so we can get you booked on this amazing cruise.
[email protected]

09/06/2024

Good bit of advice for those looking to get or renew their passports.

How the "passport makeup" trend could put you in a bind at the airport.

09/05/2024

Alaska cruises offer many different options. You could do a round trip from such ports as Seattle, WA or even Vancouver. Maybe you would prefer a one way cruise allowing you to start or finish your cruise in Canada. Have you thought about adding a few days to this amazing cruise and want information on doing a land and cruise option, call, text or email me today for more information.
817-688-1704
[email protected]

Car Service in WA:
We started our cruise in Seattle, WA but pre-cruise we stayed with family in Bremerton which meant we needed a car service to get us to the Norwegian port, Pier 66 in Seattle the morning of the cruise. We used Victoria with Kitsap Peninsula Private Car Service, Team Victoria LLC. Victoria arrived early with an extremely clean vehicle that comfortably accommodated 5 adults, 5 large suitcases, a carryon, 2 backpacks, a pair of crutches, a large pillow and even a knee scooter which wasn’t originally planned. I highly recommend Victoria!

Ports of Call:
Juneau, Alaska
Skagway, Alaska
Cruise Glacier Bay, Alaska
Ketchikan (Ward Cove), Alaska
Victoria, BC Canada

Private Fishing Charter in Ketchikan:
I highly recommend Captain Jake with Stout Sports-Fishing in Ketchikan. He picked up from the ship dock and had the poles in the water and fish on immediately. In less than 4 hours they caught silver, pink and chum salmon. 24 pounds were processed and sent back to Texas overnight delivery with the remaining being processed and donated to a local woman’s shelter. If you will be in the area and would like a home grown captain I highly recommend Captain Jake.
[email protected]

09/05/2024

August 2024 Norwegian Encore Round trip Alaska cruise from Seattle with ports of call: Juneau, Skagway, Cruise Glacier Bay, Ketchikan (Ward Cove) and Victoria BC, Canada.

The weather was fantastic. We saw wildlife from our balcony and even more on shore excursions.

Shore Excursions for this cruise included:

Juneau-Mendenhall Glacier and Whale Watching tour

Skagway-White Pass Scenic Railway

Glacier Bay-360 degree views with National Park Rangers onboard telling about the area and what wildlife to look for while cruising the area.

Ketchikan-Private Salmon fishing charter with Stout Sportfishing.

Victoria BC, Canada-Near the cruise port is the Butchart Gardens and Fishermen’s Wharf.

Email me today to schedule a time to discuss your Alaska cruise.
[email protected]

09/05/2024

Are you ready to book an amazing Alaska cruise? Call, text or email me today!!!!
817-688-1704
[email protected]