Vacation Superhero Referral Program

There are so many things that I love about being a Dream Vacations agent ... we have access to exclusive promotions, great rates, we help build amazing vacations.  And now, we have just launched our "Vacation Superhero" referral program.  Our marketing team is amazing at coming up with ideas that reward our customers.  This program does just that.  A client referral is one of the best compliments I can receive.  And now, the referrer can get a little something back for each person they refer that books a cruise with me.  I love the opportunity to work with new Dream Vacations clients and new cruisers.  I am so passionate about what I do, and I love when a first time cruiser comes back from their vacation and tells me what a great experience they had.  We create memories, and I love that.

So, how does it work you ask?  Here are the details:

The Referral Program is on my website, http://www.kfreer.dreamvacations.com/referral.  Once the Refer A Friend box is clicked on, a widget will open allowing the visitor to enter their email address and sign up to become one of your referrers. The referrer can then share their unique referral link via email and social media.  It's that easy!  And, the referrer doesn't even have to be an existing customer!  Here are the terms and conditions:

1. All referrals must be made PRIOR to the referred party making a new reservation. 
2. You do NOT have to travel or be a past customer to become a referrer and earn. 
3. Referrer will receive a $10 VISA Gift Card for every new customer they refer to us who books a new cruise, resort or tour reservation. 
4. Flight reservations or individual add-ons such as car rentals, shore excursions, etc. do not apply. 
5. There is no limit to the number of VISA Gift Cards you can earn as long as all terms and conditions are met. 
6. Total reserved package cost of the referred party must exceed $1,000 per booking, excluding port charges, taxes, government fees and security fees. 
7. Offer is valid for new customers only and one gift card will be issued for each new booking regardless of the number of people booked in each reservation. 
8. New customer is someone who has never booked with Dream Vacations, CruiseOne or Cruises Inc. in the past 5 years. 
9. A new customer can only be referred one time. Once the customer makes a new booking, consecutive bookings would not qualify for an additional gift card. 
10. VISA Gift cards will be issued once the new referred customer makes a new booking and completed an approval process to ensure the legitimacy of the booking. The approval process may take up to 14 days post reservation. If a booking is cancelled within the approval process the referrer is no longer eligible to receive the gift card. 
11. Any portion of or the entire Vacation Superhero Referral Program may be changed, amended or cancelled, for any reason, with or without prior notice to existing participants. 
12. Dream Vacations, CruiseOne and Cruises Inc. travel agents, affiliates, associates or household members are not eligible to enroll in the referral program or become a referrer.   
13. World Travel Holdings employees, associates and affiliates are not eligible to enroll in the referral program or become a referrer. 
14. You must provide a valid email address to participate in the referral program. 
15. Gift cards will be issued in a digital form and delivered via the referrers enrolled email address provided. Gift cards will not be reissued once fulfilled. 
16. Full ship charter bookings are excluded from this program. 
17. Abuse of the program will lead to immediate removal from the Vacation Super Hero program.

If you have any questions on how to get started, please let me know!  You can visit my website, reach me by email, or phone just about any time!

Happy Sailing!
Kathy Freer
888-882-5793
321-735-0202
kfreer@dreamvacations.com

Onboard Credit For Your Cruise

I absolutely love when I can write a blog about a great promotion, so I am a happy travel agent this morning!

We have our "Reveal Your Vacation Deal" onboard credit promo which starts today, August 28, 2017, and runs through September 4, 2017 (that is the booking window).   You can receive up to $200 in onboard credit!  This promotion is good when booking a cruise sailing on one of the following cruise lines:  Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Lines, Celebrity, Princess or Holland America, and sailing between October 4, 2017 and June 30, 2018.   With this sail date window, it is a great time to book your holiday cruise, your 2018 spring break cruise, and even your 2018 summer cruise.

Your onboard credit will be based on the cost of your cruise vacation as follows:

Cruise Value	Onboard Credit
$1,000 - $1,999	$25
$2,000 - $2,999	$50
$3,000 - $3,999	$75
$4,000 - $4,999	$100
$5,000 - $5,999	$150
$6,000 +	$200

Plus, this offer is from us, and it is combinable with any promotions that the cruise lines may be running.

So, where do you want to cruise to?  How about Alaska?  Maybe the Greek Isles?  Caribbean is a great choice too!  With the sail date range, you can just about visit anywhere you would like to go.  If you have something in mind, let me know.  If you have some ideas but are not sure, let me know and we will design the best trip for you.  You can visit my website and browse cruises (you can even book your own cruises right on line for most cruise suppliers), send me an email or give me a call anytime at 888-882-5793 or 321-735-0202.  Keep in mind that I do not charge any fees for my services.  You will never pay extra for using a travel agent.  So why not use someone with expertise who has your best interest??

Happy Traveling!
Kathy
Website:  www.MemorableVoyages.com
Website:  www.kfreer.dreamvacations.com
Luxury Website:  www.kfreer.sealuxe.com
Email:  kfreer@dreamvacations.com
Toll Free:  888-882-5793
Local:  321-735-0202
Fax:  321-735-6155

Chef's Table Carnival Cruise Lines

I just returned from a 3 day cruise to the Bahamas on Carnival Liberty.  I had a wedding group on board, and sailed just to make sure everything went smooth.  My family has sailed on Carnival many times, and on Carnival Liberty once before.  It is one of our favorite ships, so we were looking forward to sailing her again.  This cruise was just my husband and I.

Our Menu for the Evening

As many times as we have cruised, we have never eaten at the Chef's Table on any cruise line.  I convinced my husband to do it on this cruise.  He was not too thrilled with me at first, but after participating, we are so thrilled with our decision to do so!  It was an amazing experience from start to finish, so here is my recap!

We met a representative in the Lobby bar at 6:00pm.  She had champagne for us.  There were only three couples for this night, so it was a nice intimate group.  I believe they will take up to twelve people at a time.  A chef came to meet us and whisked us away.  We went through the main dining room and into the galley.  Here we were served four different appetizers.  They were beautiful and delicious.  These are items that you cannot find in any dining room or on any menu.  And the champagne kept flowing here as well.

Beef Carpaccio on Air Pillow, Chocolate Bacon, Apple Ribbons

Double Cooked Lamb, Tapioca Chip

After our appetizers, we went over to the pastry section where a pastry chef gave us an example of how to make Carnival's Warm Chocolate Melting Cake.  Now, if you have ever sailed Carnival, you know the dessert I am talking about!  After this demonstration, we were taken into a private room for the rest of our experience.

We sat at our table, and were presented incredible dish after dish.  Each one was carefully explained and presented beautifully.  With these portions, you had a choice of red or white wine.  They do take into account any food allergies, or any foods that you do not eat.  I had decided that I would try things I normally don't eat for this experience.  I was not disappointed!

Beet Blanket

Crab Stack

Duck Textures

Bisque Our way

Sea Bass

Wagyu Beef

Pastry Chef

We were finished around 9:00pm, and completely satisfied and full.  I enjoyed this experience so much, I will most likely try to fit it in on each cruise we do.  On this cruise, it was a  $75 per person cover charge, plus tax and a 15% gratuity added.  I cannot tell you how worth it this was.  It is a definite must do on your next cruise!

If you would like more information, please feel free to reach out to me.  You can get me by phone, 321-735-0202 or 888-882-5793, or by email.

Happy Sailing ... and Happy Eating!

Kathy Freer
Dream Vacations Freer & Associates
https://kfreer.dreamvacations.com/travel/HomePage.html

River Cruises - You Need To Go!

River cruises have become extremely popular over the last couple of years.  Having sailed on a river cruise, I can certainly understand why!  To this day, my voyage on Uniworld’s River Beatrice is my favorite trip I have ever been on.  We sailed the Holiday Markets on the Danube.

River cruise ships are smaller than ocean-going cruise ships, typically holding 90-240 passengers. Due to their smaller size and low draft, river cruise ships can go where ocean cruise ships cannot, and sometimes to where no other transport is practical.  Rivers are an excellent way to reach some attractions, for example in Russia, China, Egypt and Europe.  You get the ability to be immersed in the destination, docking right in the middle of town.

While sailing on a river cruise the countryside is usually in view, which makes the sailing part very interesting and relaxing. River cruises typically last from 7 to 15 days.  Most river ships are equivalent to 5-star hotels, with sun decks, dining rooms, lounges, fitness facilities, some with swimming pools, and other entertainment. Accommodation, meals on board, entertainment and special events (holidays, festivals, contests, concerts, etc.) are usually included in the cruise price, as well as many guided shore excursions headed by a host that is very familiar with the area. Usually bar expenses, spa, laundry and cleaning, and phone calls are not included.  Different river cruise companies offer some slightly different amenities.  But whether you choose Viking River Cruises, Uniworld, Tauck, Crystal, AMA Waterways or Avalon, you are sure to have the journey of a lifetime!

A river cruise provides travelers a unique way to travel. There are many opportunities to explore river side towns and the towns close by. The pace is very calm, which is very refreshing in today’s world. You can see multiple destinations, great views, and only have to unpack once!

So, if you are thinking of traveling to Europe or the surrounding areas, perhaps you should consider a river cruise. There are many fantastic itineraries, ranging from Tulip Time, Danube, Treasures of the Rhine, Paris, and Vineyards to name a few. Perhaps Asia is a place on your bucket list? A river cruise is perfect! Sail the Yangtze or the Mekong and be amazed. There are also amazing itineraries through Egypt as well.  How about an African Safari?  Yes, you can do that coupled with a river cruise as well!

If taking a land tour, checking in and out of different hotels and waking up at the crack of dawn is not quite what you call a vacation, consider that river cruise. You will find luxury, convenience and great guides with knowledge to enhance your journey.

Give us a call and let us help you plan your trip, 888-882-5793! Visit our River Cruising section of our website to see the variety of operators and itineraries.  Send me an email for information as well!

Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas

Looking down at the Boardwalk area

Yesterday I did a travel agent tour on board Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas.  I have sailed on Allure of the Seas (about 5 years ago) and I absolutely loved it.  I have been wanting to get back on an Oasis Class ship, but schedules have not permitted me to do so.  You can imagine how thrilled I was when Royal Caribbean announced that Oasis would be home ported in Port Canaveral, Florida … I live about 10 minutes from Port Canaveral.  So this summer, I have two adjoining balconies for my family (myself, hubby and four kids).  I am beyond excited!  It was such a tease to do the tour yesterday.  I so badly just wanted to stay on board and sail away!

I wanted to share my excitement about this ship and some photos.  For those that are thinking of cruising on an Oasis Class ship, this is a good place to be to see what it is all about.  So, here we go …

This ship is HUGE!  It comes in at 1,188 feet long and weighs 225,282 tons.  To put that in perspective, it is longer than three football fields!  This ship carries 5,402 guests at double occupancy and has 2,394 crew members on board to make sure that your vacation experience is fantastic.  I have to say though, even though the ship is massive, you don’t feel like you are vacationing with over 5,000 people.  The ship has so many areas and options.  The only time I felt like it was crowded was on Day 1, when everyone has just boarded, staterooms are not quite ready yet, and everyone is roaming around.  The other time is when the Dreamworks parade is going on.  Other than that, no crowd issues.

Part of the balcony of the Royal Loft Suite

When doing a travel agent tour, we get to see multiple staterooms, most at the suite level.  This is one of my favorite parts.  We saw the Royal Family Suite, a 2 Bedroom AquaTheater Suite, a Crown Loft Suite and a Grand Suite.  I wish I could have taken more pictures, but honestly, I think I was in awe and completely forgot about taking pictures.  The Oasis Class has its suites broken down into three levels:

Star Class, which is the new definition of VIP.  There are so many inclusions, it would take me forever to list them.  The best one is the Royal Genie and Concierge Services.  Be warned, once you cruise in Star Class you will not be able to cruise any other way.

Sky Class, this also has many inclusions and Concierge Services.

Sea Class, not as inclusive, spacious rooms.

Bedroom of Royal Loft Suite

Looking down from top level of Royal Loft Suite

Sky Loft Suite

The public spaces on this ship are overwhelmingly beautiful.  Central Park and Boardwalk are my favorite.  Central Park is a beautiful area lined with real trees and plants.  Take note … those birds chirping are in fact real, live birds.  They live in Central Park and travel to the Caribbean with you.  Boardwalk is amazing with its working carousel, arcade, and places to eat.  At the end of Boardwalk is the AquaTheater where you can catch amazing acrobatic shows at sea.

Central Park

Central Park

Hungry?  There are three complimentary restaurants, the Windjammer buffet, other casual dining such as Johnny Rockets and Sorrentos Pizza.   There are delectable specialty restaurants that are well worth the cost, such as Sabor Taqueria and Tequila Bar for a fresh take on Mexican favorites; Japanese specialties and hand rolled sushi at Izumi; 150 Central Park; Chops Grille for hand cut steaks and Coastal Kitchen for Suite Guests and Pinnacle members.  There are many more food options to find around Oasis of the Seas.

Promenade View

 There is so much to do on board.  Boredom?  Not here!   You will find bars and hang out spots throughout.  The shows are incredible as well.  Oasis of the Seas has the full production of Broadway’s hit musical, CATS (shown 4 times on a 7 night cruise).  Other shows include Blue Planet and the shows in the AquaTheater.  You can also find Jazz, Comedy, Latin music, visit Vintages for wine and tapas, spend some time on the Rising Tide bar, or relax in the Champagne bar.

If shopping is your thing, you certainly will not be disappointed!  Stroll down Central Park and you will find Coach and Tiffany and Co.  Down the Promenade, you will find Michael Kors, kate spade new york, and other merchants.  How about sitting in on the art auction?  I always find them fascinating and educational.  And, you can always try your luck in the 18,000 square foot Casino Royal!

 The Oasis of the Seas is the perfect ship for your family vacation as well.  There is no shortage of family activities, or things for the older kids to do.   Up on Deck 15, you will find the sports court (basketball), ping pong, arcade, mini golf, pools and rock climbing.  Deck 16 has the two FlowRider surf simulators and a zip line that is nine decks in the air and 82 feet across.  Did I mention there is also an ice skating rink on Deck 3 where you can rent ice skates?  Kinda have to remind yourself that you are on a cruise ship huh!

Rock Climbing Wall and balconies
of Aquatheater Suites

Boardwalk

Kids Splash Zone

Boardwalk

Mini Golf

I cannot wait to set sail on Oasis with my kids!  Having sailed other cruise lines with them, this will be their first time on an Oasis Class ship.  They are going to be amazed.  The down side is that I might not see them too often with all of the activities and the programming in the kids clubs.  But, that gives mom and dad some opportunity to hang out in Solarium, the adults only retreat, or maybe even a visit to the spa!

Adult Only Solarium

Adult Only Solarium

In the spa