Family Fun Travels By Linda

12/06/2024

Carnival is having a one day sale!

23/03/2024

Carnival New Port Bahamas Celebration Key
CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE KICKS OFF CELEBRATION KEY™ PORTAL REVEALS WITH PREVIEW OF PARADISE PLAZA AND CALYPSO LAGOON

Exclusive Destination on Grand Bahama Will Offer Guests A Day in Paradise

MIAMI, March 22, 2024 – Carnival Cruise Line today revealed details for Paradise Plaza and Calypso Lagoon, two of the five portals at its new Celebration Key™ cruise destination on Grand Bahama set to debut in July 2025.
Just a short walk from the ship, Paradise Plaza will welcome guests with a brightly colored promenade and radiant sun-shaped arch perfect for photo-taking. Guests will be immersed in the destination’s beauty, as the sound of live music fills the air and the sight of the centerpiece 10-story-high Suncastle starts to build excitement for the paradise that awaits. Wayfinding and destination information will help guests choose how they want to spend their day – introducing them to options that fit any age or interest, whether that’s relaxing in a cabana, playing water sports, joining shore excursions or simply taking in the gorgeous view of the ocean from a mile-long pristine beach. A Bahamian-themed fountain and ice cream shop add to the welcoming atmosphere.
As guests survey their options, the adult-friendly Calypso Lagoon is certain to be the first choice for many. To the west of Paradise Plaza, this portal is designed for adults seeking a lively and social atmosphere. Guests seeking athletic activity can visit the sports court, while those looking for a more laid-back vibe can take a dip in the huge freshwater lagoon, the largest in the Caribbean*, and relax on one of the many loungers, daybeds or cabanas.
On one side of the lagoon, guests will find a unique bar with nearly 50 swings for those that want to dip their toes in the cool water, enjoying great views across the lagoon as they sip on classic poolside and Bahamian cocktails. Additional bars located around Calypso Lagoon will ensure that everyone’s thirst is quenched. Guests will also find two dedicated full-service restaurants, as well as a variety of casual snack shacks spread through the portal. The breathtaking Bahamian beach is also a perfect backdrop for lounging on the warm sand, swimming in the glistening Caribbean water or enjoying fun-in-the-sun activities.
A portion of Calypso Lagoon and the adjacent beach will be designated as an adults-only area. In this section, guests will find a large swim-up bar with a DJ keeping the energy going all day. This area will also feature Bahamian food trucks, cabanas, daybeds and loungers.
“When guests see our Suncastle as they arrive at Celebration Key, they’ll know immediately they’re in for big FUN. Paradise Plaza will be the perfect welcome spot and will set the tone for the entire visit to this truly unique destination. These new details show the creative design that’s gone into the development of each portal, with Calypso Lagoon alone offering a wide variety of options to fill the day, while honoring the beauty of Grand Bahama and celebrating Bahamian culture,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line.
Three other portals have been announced, including a family-friendly portal, a private retreat and a retail area. Carnival will share further details about these portals in the coming months, as it also plans a second phase of the destination that will add new features beyond the five portals, including a waterpark.
Celebration Key’s first guests will visit in July 2025. More than 500 itineraries currently open for sale feature visits to the new destination, with 18 ships set to call on Celebration Key from ten U.S. homeports through spring 2026.

10/01/2024

I believe many people misunderstand what travel agents do. Yes, we quote and book vacations. Yes, we make personalized itineraries and plans for you. Yes, this costs you NOTHING extra over booking it yourself.
However, we don't get paid if you don't book with us. We are not paid an hourly wage. We don't get paid for simply making a booking, spending time on a booking, or for research. We are only paid commission on trips we book and that you actually take (or in SOME situations, if paid in full). So that Disney vacation, cruise, all-inclusive resort stay, etc. that you book on your own - we could have booked it for the same price but you would have helped us build our business. AT NO COST TO YOU. Plus, you have an advocate for you. I couldn't tell you how many hours I have spent on some bookings to help make sure EVERYTHING was taken care of. Booking with a travel agent is a win-win!
The cost of our commission is already included in the cost you pay, whether you use an agent or not. Essentially you are paying for a service you are not receiving."
Thank you to all who do use our services!!!!! It is how we can remain in business. We appreciate YOU!!!!
Please consider always using a Travel Agent for your vacations.

Thank you!
Family Fun Travels by Linda

01/01/2024

Happy New Year!

31/12/2023

If you could travel anywhere in world in 2024 where would you like to go! Europe, Hawaii, Caribbean, South America.
Let me make your dream trips possible.

31/12/2023

Friends - I am starting the new year off with a goal!! I would appreciate if you keep me in mind for your future vacations. I primarily focus on cruises (all cruise lines), as well as all inclusive vacations, Disney, New York, Vegas, Hawaii and some other destinations.

If you have a request, send it my way and I will see if I can help, or can refer you to someone that can. I have a wonderful network of people who can assist. There is NO fee to use me, so there is no reason for you to spend countless hours of research when I am here for you!

Also, THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU to all who have sent me referrals, and passed my name, number, email address or business card, along to others. YOU are what keep me going!!! Contact me today to plan your next vacation!!!

25/12/2023

Merry Christmas

17/07/2023

10/07/2023

I think a lot of people misunderstand what travel agents do. Yes, we quote and book vacations. Yes, we make personalized itineraries and plans for you. Yes, this costs you NOTHING extra over booking it yourself.

What we don't do is get paid if you don't book with us. We are not paid an hourly wage. We are only paid commission on trips we book, and only after you return home from traveling. So that Disney vacation, cruise, all-inclusive resort stay, etc. that you book on your own - we could have booked it for the same price but you would have helped us build our business. AT NO COST TO YOU.

Booking with a travel agent is a win-win!

The cost of our commission is already included in the cost you pay, whether you use an agent or not. Essentially you are paying for a service you are not receiving.

Please consider always using a Travel Agent for your vacations or trips, no matter how big or small, emergency or planned!

Linda Thomas
706.442.8619
Fun Travels by Linda


small business

17/03/2023

If your US passport expires within 3-6 months of your travel date from the US to Europe, YOU CANNOT TRAVEL ... and basically to any other international destination.
Hard lesson learned: your passport expiration date IS NOT your passport expiration date - it’s 6 months before the expiration date (some countries 3 months).

16/03/2023

18/02/2023

Good to know

Ready for a vacation? Avoid stress during peak travel season by applying 6 months before you need your passport. Processing times are currently up to 11 weeks. Reminder - the clock begins the day we receive your application, not the day you put it in the mail.

18/10/2022

Sent for my passport renewal in September and received it today. Less than a month. I did not pay for expedited service
I think they are finally catching up

01/09/2022

It is time for me to take a vacation. If you need anything send me a message and I will get back to you.

13/08/2022

Good morning again and as you will have seen there have been some changes while I was asleep dreaming of being Carnival Cooperation’s official burger tester

So as I am traveling today and as mentioned before I will return to answering questions on Monday morning and I will have a Coffee with John Live

My thanks to our brilliant Chief Communications Officer Chris and his team for putting this easy to read fact sheet together and for his guidance through everything these past 2 years.

See you on Monday and ……we have come along way…….. together.

Cheers and PLEASE EVERYONE SHARE THIS IF YOU CAN

13/08/2022

CARNIVAL CRUISE LINE REMOVES PRE-CRUISE TESTING FOR VACCINATED GUESTS AND WELCOMES ALL UNVACCINATED TO SAIL
August 12, 2022

Carnival Cruise Line today announced protocol updates that meet public health goals but recognize the evolving nature of COVID-19. With these changes, America’s Cruise Line is making it easier for more guests to sail with simplified vaccination and testing guidelines, including no testing for vaccinated guests on sailings less than 16 nights, and eliminating the exemption request process for unvaccinated guests, who will only need to show a negative test result at embarkation. All new guidelines are effective for cruises departing on Tuesday, Sept. 6, 2022 or later, and include:

Vaccinated guests must continue to provide evidence of their vaccination status prior to embarkation. Pre-cruise testing is no longer required, except for cruises to Canada, Bermuda, Greece and Australia (per local guidelines), and on voyages 16 nights or longer.
Unvaccinated guests are welcome to sail and are no longer required to apply for a vaccine exemption, except for cruises in Australia or on voyages 16 nights and longer.
Unvaccinated guests or those who do not provide proof of vaccination must present the results of a negative PCR or antigen test taken within three days of embarkation.
All policies are subject to local destination regulations.
Note: Guests under the age of five years are exempt from vaccination and testing requirements from the United States and under the age of 12 from Australia.

Voyages 16 nights and longer will continue to have vaccination and testing requirements that are specific to the itinerary. Requirements for long voyages and destination-specific protocols are available on Carnival’s Have Fun. Be Safe. page on Carnival.com.

For guests who have a pending vaccine exemption application and are awaiting confirmation for cruises departing Sept. 6 or later, the booking is confirmed unless booked on a sailing that calls on Canada, Bermuda, Australia or if the voyage is 16 nights or longer.

“Our ships have been sailing very full all summer, but there is still room for more of our loyal guests, and these guidelines will make it a simpler process, and make cruising accessible for those who were not able to meet the protocols we were required to follow for much of the past 14 months,” said Christine Duffy, president of Carnival Cruise Line. “We’ve got lots happening, with Carnival Luminosa and Carnival Celebration joining our fleet this November and more to come in 2023. Whatever the ship, homeport or itinerary that works for you, our great onboard team is ready to deliver a fun vacation – something we all look forward to even more nowadays!”

Duffy added that Carnival is in the process of updating its website, communications, and processes, and sharing more details with guests and travel advisor partners to reflect these new, simplified policies. “We appreciate the patience of our guests and travel advisor partners as we update all materials, but the end result is a very positive one for all who are looking forward to cruising with us,” she said.

For additional information on Carnival Cruise Line and to book a cruise vacation contact your favorite travel advisor.

Carnival cruise deals and cruise packages to the most popular destinations. Find great deals and specials on Caribbean, The Bahamas, Alaska, and Mexico cruises.

08/08/2022

🎉NEWS FLASH 🎇 from Norwegian Cruise Line!!!! 🎇
For those of you that have been anxiously awaiting being able to cruise unvaxed, beginning Sept. 3, ALL guests are welcome to sail with NCL regardless of vaccination status!!!! Not vaccinated? No problem!
New guidelines are as follows:
All guests, ages 12 and older, must provide proof of one of the following:

Proof of the completed vaccination series

OR

Proof of a negative Covid test taken within 3 days of the embarkation date.

Contact me to book your cruise on Norwegian going out of New York, Baltimore, Miami, Tampa and Port Canaveral here on the East Coast!
Family Fun Travels By Linda

02/08/2022

Testing Requirements for Carnival Cruises:

TESTING NOW REQUIRED ON ALL CRUISES REGARDLESS OF CRUISE LENGTH THAT CALL AT:
Bermuda – You can take a PCR test 3 days before the cruise or one day before the cruise. You can do a Antigen/NAAT self test an home that is monitored or proctored 2 days before the cruise

Nassau, Bimini, Freeport, Half Moo Cay, Princess Cay – You can take a home Antigen/NAAT self test that is monitored or proctored 3 days before the cruise

Grand Cayman - You can do a Antigen/NAAT self test at home that is monitored or proctored 3 days before the cruise

THERE IS NO TESTING REQUIRED FOR THREE, FOUR OR FIVE DAY CRUISES THAT DO NOT CALL AT ANY OF THE ABOVE MENTIONED PORTS

BOOSTERS
The only cruises that require anyone to have had a Booster are:
Carnival Pride® and Carnival Celebration™ Europe – All 2022 departures
Carnival Splendor® 23-day Carnival Journeys (Transpacific) – September 6, 2022
Carnival Spirit® 16-day Carnival Journeys (Panama Canal) – September 20, 2022

Stay tuned this is a ever changing work in progress.


29/07/2022

John Heald Carnival Ambassador just posted this on his page:

NEWS ON TESTING.

Carnival Cruise Line is pleased to announce that we are adjusting certain protocols to reflect the lifting of CDC requirements for the US cruise industry. We remain, as always, committed to the health and safety of our guests, crew and the communities we serve. These changes will be made in phases, with the first of these updates effective on Thursday, August 4, 2022 and focused on short cruise itineraries of 5 nights or less. More changes will be announced shortly and all changes are subject to any requirements of destinations on the itinerary.

Effective for embarkations on or after Thursday, August 4

• No pre-cruise testing for fully vaccinated guests booked on cruises with itineraries 5 nights or less.

• Pre-cruise testing for itineraries 6 nights or longer can be conducted up to three (3) days before departure.

• There will be no in-terminal testing for unvaccinated guests (with exemption approval) on day of departure, but all unvaccinated guests, age 2 and older, must provide proof of a negative result of a lab-administered or supervised self-administered antigen COVID test taken within three (3) days before embarkation.

Thank you all for helping get us to where we are now and your loyalty and your desire to cruise and have FUN is extraordinary.

12/07/2022

Great Sale with Carnival:
Let’s all get Funderstruck!
Family Fun Travels By Linda

23/06/2022

Good to Know

From a flight attendant:

Some good tips here!!

Flying this summer is ROUGH!!! I feel like as a Flight Attendant I should attempt to share some tips to get you through airline travel for the foreseeable future. ✈️✈️

1. Things are not good..... if its less than 7 hours - DRIVE! I'm not kidding. There is nothing enjoyable about flying right now. On any airline. If you must fly, keep reading. 🚗

2. Download and use the app of the airline you are flying. You can do everything on it - get your boarding pass, track your bags, see your incoming plane, and change a flight. It sure beats waiting in the long line to talk to an agent! Trust me - Usually these apps will tell you a flight is cancelled before the crew even knows! 📲

3. Fly MUCH earlier than you need to - a whole day early if its important!! This week I saw many people miss important things like weddings, funerals, cruises, international connections, and graduations. The tears were very real, for very real reasons, and there was nothing I could do! If you have to be somewhere, spend the extra money, go a day early. Have a glass of wine and stay in a hotel, enjoy your night not being stressed while everyone else misses their events. 🍷

4. ALWAYS fly the first flight in the morning so you have all day to be rebooked if the s**t hits the fan. Yes, that means it might be a 3:00 alarm, but morning flights don't cancel nearly as often.⏰

5. This is not unique to this year, but keep in mind summer is thunderstorm season. A single storm can shut down a whole airport. We can't fly through them. Storms usually build as the day gets later. Book early flights! ⛈

6. Schedule long layovers - Your 1 hour layover is NOT enough anymore. 30 minutes, not a chance. 3 hours minimum. 🏃‍♀️🏃🏃‍♂️

7. What you see on the news is an understatement. We are short staffed and overworked. Not just pilots and flight attendants, but also ground crews. Without ground crews there is no one to park the planes, drive jetways, get your bags on/off planes, or scan boarding passes. This causes many delays that snowball throughout the day. Sometimes HOURS.(Another reason morning flights are best!) 👀

8. When flight crews get delayed we time out. We can NOT fly longer than 16 hours. Its illegal. So it doesn't matter if you have a wedding to get to, when we are done we are done. The way things are now, there are no back up crews, so when this happens your flight cancels. (Now you are starting to see why those morning flights are best!) 😴

9. Avoid connecting in Newark (Or any New York airport for that matter). It is literal hell. You have a 50/50 chance your flight will cancel or missing your connection. They have been cancelling flights at their starting points just to keep the planes out, because there just aren't enough people to manage the planes, so the gates stay full. Also the restaurants are expensive, it is not a great place to be stuck. 💩

10. Be nice. As stated above, we are overworked and tired. We will not help you if you are mean. No one cares that you are going to miss your cruise if you are an as***le. So even if we can help, we will save our help for someone nice. Tensions are high. Our patience is gone. If you make us mad - you will not be flying on our planes. We will leave you behind without a second thought, and laugh about you later. 🥰

11. Being drunk on an airplane is a federal offense, so don't overdo it. If you drink too much at the bar waiting for your delayed flight you risk not being allowed to fly at all. We are too tired to deal with your drunk ass when we have legitimate issues to deal with. 🍻

12. Get trip insurance if you have a lot of money invested. I hate the whole idea of this, but I also hate the idea of losing money. Example: I was working a flight yesterday that waited over an hour for a gate. A family of 8 missed their flight to Rome. The only flight of the day. They were going to a cruise which they would now miss. They were all crying, there was nothing I could do. (Also a reason to fly a day early!) 🛳

13. Flights are FULL. If you buy the cheap seats you will not be able to sit with your family. It says so when you purchase your ticket!! Flight Attendants aren't there to rearrange the whole plane just so you can sit with your family because you tried to save $100 on a third party website. 💸

14. Speaking of third party websites and saving money..... Like I said flights are FULL. If a flight is oversold, and no one volunteers to give up their seats, who do you think is the first to be bumped? You guessed it, the family that saved a few $$ by using sites like Expedia, Kayak, Hotwire etc. 🤷‍♀️

15. Pack smart. Don't be "That guy" Don't hold up boarding because you have your extenders open till they are busting and you can't figure out how to make it fit in the overhead. (Passengers are stressed too, they can be aggressive when boarding a delayed flight) 🛍

16. Take showers, brush your teeth, leave the perfume off, don't eat stinky food (caesar salad and tuna fish I'm talking to you!), and bring headphones. Trust me. These things sound basic, but add to stress on crowded planes. If you are stuck on the tarmac for 3 hours after a 4 hour flight, you will thank me for this. 💜

17. Bring a sweater if you tend to be cold. So tired of half naked girls asking me to turn the heat up. NO. Wear clothes!! Side note: If you dress like this and ask for heat, there's a chance I will turn the AC up. 🥶

18. Thats not water on the bathroom floor. For the love of God wear shoes to the bathroom!!! 🤮

19. Don't tell a Flight Attendant they look tired. We are and we know. You may cause us to ugly cry right there in galley. 😭

20. Happy Travels!