Tuesday, July 19, 2011

What do hotels mean when they refer to a "European Plan" or "EP" room?

The European Plan, sometimes abbreviated as EP in hotel listings, indicates that the quoted rate is strictly for lodging and does not include any meals. All food provided by the hotel is billed separately. Taxes and tips are usually additional as well.

Run of House (ROH) includes the most common or standard type of room category in the hotel, featuring basic amenities. When you select Run of House, you receive a standard hotel room at the time of check-in, but the hotel can offer different rooms at the same price, based on availability at the time of check-in. 
An All-inclusive package is a fixed-price and includes lodging and meals.  All-inclusive packages usually include transportation, and sometimes include sightseeing and activities. 

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Tips for Saving Money on Car Rentals


TIPS FOR SAVING MONEY ON CAR RENTALS

  • Read the fine print on your car rental agreement and ask about fees for fuel, insurance, additional driver fees, mileage fees, licensing fees, airport fees, and taxes 
  • Fill up the tank before you return your rental (or purchase a full tank in advance and bring the rental back as close to empty as possible)
  • Pick up and drop off your rental car at the same location, if possible
  • Check the price of booking your car rental at a location other than the airport
  • Pick up and drop off your rental car at the times scheduled on the reservation (Many car rental companies will charge you $10 - $15 per day for early returns; plus, you may also have to pay a hefty rate difference as well, particularly if your shortened rental period means you no longer qualify for a weekly rate. At that point you'll be charged the default daily rate, which could cost you hundreds.
See more money saving travel tips (airfare, hotels, food and activities) at:  
Traveling on a Budget

Saturday, July 9, 2011

Disney Cruise Destinations

Have you always wanted to take your family on a Disney cruise, but you weren't sure which ship or destination to choose? Here's everything you need to know about Disney cruise destinations, ships and ports of call.    Scroll down to the bottom for a list of services and amenities on Disney cruise ships.   For a free no-obligation quote Click Here and complete/submit a short form, or contact Sue via e-mail.


Disney Wonder Cruise Itineraries
Disney Dream Cruise Itineraries
Disney Fantasy Cruise Itineraries
Disney Magic Cruise Itineraries

Caribbean
Location: Caribbean
Disney Cruise Line offers spectacular cruises to the scenic Caribbean islands with more ports of call than ever before. Set sail from either Port Canaveral or Galveston, Texas, and embark on an adventure with unforgettable experiences awaiting you at sea and on shore. Imagine soaking up the sun at stunning Seven Mile Beach in Grand Cayman, or diving in a vibrant coral reef forest off the coast of Cozumel. Explore the venerable historical sites of Old San Juan and the jungle terrain of Costa Maya. Discover the multicultural haven of St. Maarten, treat yourself in St. Thomas to luxury shopping at bargain prices and even indulge in the recreation, relaxation and pure fun of Disney's private island paradise, Castaway Cay!
Cruises
A Disney Cruise Line 6-Night Western Caribbean Cruise invites you and your family to escape on an adventure to the Caribbean aboard the valiant Disney Magic. Ports of call that include Cozumel, Key West and Castaway Cay—plus 2 enchanting days at sea—are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.
A Disney Cruise Line 7-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise is a week-long escape to sun-kissed ports of call that include ports such as St. Maarten, St. Thomas/St. John and Disney's Castaway Cay. In addition to stops in these exotic destinations, the voyage includes 3 fun-filled days sailing aboard either the Disney Magic or the Disney Fantasy.
A Disney Cruise Line 7-Night Western Caribbean Cruise charts a course for high-seas adventure and fun in such ports as Key West, Grand Cayman, Cozumel and Castaway Cay, with 2 fun-filled days at sea in between on the grand decks of the Disney Magic or Disney Fantasy..
A Disney Cruise Line 8-Night Eastern Caribbean Holiday Cruise invites you and your family to ring in the New Year aboard the valiant Disney Magic amid the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. Ports of call include St. Maarten, Tortola, St. Thomas/St.John and Disney's very own Castaway Cay.
A Disney Cruise Line 8–Night Western Caribbean Holiday Cruise invites you and your family to celebrate Christmas aboard the Disney Magic amid the azure waters of the Caribbean. Ports of call include Key West, Costa Maya and Cozumel with 4 glorious days at sea.

Alaska & Pacific Coast
From the world-class comfort and detailed service of a Disney Cruise Line cruise, experience the breathtaking beauty of the West Coast and the wondrous grandeur of Alaska. Enjoy views from the ship of sparkling California, the rugged Pacific Northwest and majestic Alaska. And behold breezy beaches and cities, towering mountains, radiant tidewater glaciers and more.
Your unparalleled adventure begins the moment you step onto your magnificently appointed ship. Meander in bustling ports cities and quiet towns, where you can shop and find adventures galore. Let a Disney Cruise Line cruise transport you to a world of wonder, one that you will remember fondly forever.
Cruises
Sail north to picture-perfect Alaska and behold all kinds of wildlife, from bald eagles and bears to sea otters and whales—and surrender to scenic nature views, ice-blue glaciers, gushing waterfalls, snow-capped mountains and pristine fjords.
Begin your trip in sunny Los Angeles and travel north along the gorgeous California coast to beautiful San Francisco, followed by a stop in the garden city of Victoria, Canada, on your way to cosmopolitan Vancouver, Canada.
New for 2012. Start in the British-influenced city of Vancouver, Canada, sail south for a 2-day stop of in the port city of San Francisco and then reach this itinerary's final destination: the star-studded metropolis of Los Angeles.
Travel south along the Pacific Coast, from sophisticated Vancouver, Canada to trendsetting Los Angeles, California and explore picturesque ports of call in Victoria, Canada and sun-drenched Ensenada, Mexico.
Live the California dream as you cruise the Pacific Coast. This 7-night cruise vacation departs from Los Angeles with stops at ports of call including San Francisco, San Diego and Ensenada, Mexico. Explore the natural and cultural wonders that draw people from around the world to this golden coast!
New for 2012. Enjoy this relaxing itinerary that allows plenty of time to explore famous port cities along North America's west coast, including California's Los Angeles and San Francisco, and Canada's Victoria and Vancouver.


Bahamas
Location: Bahamas
Disney Cruise Line offers breathtaking cruises that take you into the heart of The Bahamas, with stops in the tropical paradises of Nassau and Disney's very own private island, Castaway Cay. Set sail from either Port Canaveral or New York and chart a course for a 3-, 4-, 5- or 8-night adventure at sea and on shore. In Nassau, delve into the wealth of sun-kissed beaches, eclectic boutiques and the historical architecture that remains as a relic of the island's colonial past. In Port Canaveral, enter the gateway to Walt Disney World Resort. In Castaway Cay, look forward to some of the world's best swimming, snorkeling and sunbathing in an imaginative setting created especially for our Guests.
Cruises
A Disney Cruise Line 3-Night Bahamian Cruise sets sail from Port Canaveral and includes one day in Nassau and one on Disney's Castaway Cay. Get itinerary details, dates and destination information.
A Disney Cruise Line 4-Night Bahamian Cruise sets sail from Port Canaveral and includes one day in Nassau, one on Disney's Castaway Cay and one at sea. Get itinerary details, dates and destination information.
A Disney Cruise Line 5-Night Bahamian Cruise offers a vacation to remember with visits to ports such as historic Nassau and Disney's private island, Castaway Cay. Discover a world of sand, surf and sun blended with all the leisure, recreation and wonders of the tropics.
Cruise to the Bahamas for a New Year's celebration at sea. Spend time in spectacular Nassau and enjoy 2 stops at Disney's Castaway Cay.
A Disney Cruise Line 8-Night Bahamian Cruise offers a vacation to remember with a day in historic Nassau, a day on Disney's private island Castaway Cay, and a day at Port Canaveral—your gateway to Walt Disney World Resort! Included in your cruise fare is a 1-day Walt Disney World Resort ticket with Park Hopper® option for each Guest in your travel party. At Port Canaveral, complimentary roundtrip transportation is provided between the ship and the Resort. On this round trip departing from New York City, discover a world of sand, surf and sun blended with all the wonders of the tropics!
Canada & New England Coast Cruises
Sail from New York City on Disney Cruise Line up the New England coast to the picturesque ports of Halifax, Nova Scotia and Saint John, New Brunswick. Explore the endless art galleries and historical sites in winsome Halifax. Then travel to Saint John, where you'll turn back the clock as you explore quaint fishing villages. Sail away to another time and place on this unforgettable cruise to Canada and New England.
Only have a weekend free? Escape The Big Apple for a 2-night getaway at sea. These cruises and more are yours with Disney Cruise Line!
Cruises
Take a weekend getaway that departs from New York City and goes out to sea for 2 blissful nights and a fun-filled day!
Travel for 5 nights on this cruise to Nova Scotia and New Brunswick as you make your way up the New England coast to Canada.

Europe
Location: Europe
A family vacation thousands of years in the making is yours when you explore Europe with Disney Cruise Line as your guide. Awe-inspiring locales along the Mediterranean—including Italy, Spain, France and more—combined with world-class entertainment, dining and a dollop of Disney magic onboard, hold the promise of a truly unforgettable retreat for the entire family.
Cruises
Be whisked away on a festive voyage to the historic and spectacular Mediterranean with visits to Spain, France and Italy. Depart Barcelona for ports of call including La Spezia, Civitavecchia, Naples and Palma. Plus, enjoy one day at sea.
Take a sweeping voyage to the heart of the Mediterranean with visits to Spain, France, Malta and Italy. Depart Barcelona for ports of call including Barcelona, Valletta, Palermo, Naples, Civitavecchia, La Spezia, Ajaccio and Villefranche. Plus, enjoy 2 relaxing days at sea.
Embark on a dream vacation to 7 incredible ports of call across the Mediterranean with visits to Spain, France, Malta and Italy. Depart Barcelona for ports of call including Valletta, Palermo, Naples, Civitavecchia, La Spezia, Ajaccio and Villefranche. Plus, enjoy 3 full days at sea.
Hawaii
Be a part of Disney history! For the first time ever, Disney Cruise Line is visiting Hawaii, and you don't want to miss this once-in-a-lifetime experience. No place else on Earth mixes such tropical beauty and romance with the modern convenience and comforts of Hawaii—including world-class dining, shopping, entertainment, museums and aquariums. .
Cruises
Embark on an epic journey from Los Angeles to Hawaii and back, with a stop in Ensenada, Mexico. Visit all 4 major Hawaiian islands—the Big Island, Maui, Oahu and Kauai.
Mexican Riviera
Location: Mexican Riviera
Disney Cruise Line offers magical cruises to the Mexican Riviera, with stops—depending on itinerary—at the sun-kissed ports of Cabo San Lucas, Ensenada, Manzanillo, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta. Set sail from Los Angeles, California and embark on a voyage of a lifetime. Travel down the scenic Baja California peninsula to colorful beach towns with miles of pristine beaches. Frolic amid the hidden cove at Cabo San Lucas's Playa del Amor or bargain hunt for local treasures in the open markets and shops of Mazatlán.
Cruises
Take the whole family on a glorious week-long vacation to the Mexican Riviera, sailing along the scenic Baja California peninsula, visiting 2 sunny ports of call—Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta—and 3 fun-filled days at sea.
Escape on a voyage along the gorgeous Mexican Riviera coastline. Depart Los Angeles for ports of call including Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta. Plus, enjoy 3 fun-filled days at sea.
Take an unforgettable voyage into the heart of the Mexican Riviera. Depart Los Angeles and celebrate the holidays in ports of call that include Manzanillo, Puerto Vallarta, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas. Plus, enjoy 3 unforgettable days at sea.
Transatlantic
Location: Transatlantic
Disney Cruise Line offers breathtaking transatlantic cruises with ports of call on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean—in the Bahamas, the Caribbean and the Mediterranean. Aboard the classically designed Disney Magic over many miles of blue waters, take a journey that echoes the grandeur of transatlantic crossings in the golden age of sea travel.
A world of diverse activities and experiences are spread out before you when the brilliant sun and surf of Castaway Cay, St. Maarten and Tortola are paired with the rich history and culture of Portugal, Spain and Gibraltar, U.K. Add exclusive Disney entertainment, signature service, fantastic dining and world-class recreation and you're bound to discover a vacation that holds incredible fun for the whole family.
Cruises
The Disney Cruise Line 14-Night Transatlantic Eastbound Cruise takes you from the Bahamas to the Mediterranean, with 5 ports of call and 8 grand days at sea. Get itinerary details, dates and destination information.
The Disney Cruise Line 14-Night Transatlantic Westbound Cruise sails from Europe to the Bahamas and the Caribbean, with 5 ports of call and 8 great days at sea. Get itinerary details, dates and destination information.
Ports of Call
Barcelona - Transatlantic
Galveston - Caribbean
New York - Bahamas, Canada/New England
Los Angeles - Alaska/Pacific Coast, Hawaii, Mexican Riviera
Seattle - Alaska/Pacific Coast
Vancouver, Canada - Alaska/Pacific Coast
Barcelona, Spain - Europe, Transatlantic
Port Canaveral, FL - Bahamas, Caribbean
Disney Cruise Ships Service and Amenities
On a Disney Cruise Line vacation, you can enjoy Disney's world-renown service and amenities throughout the ship, all included in the price of the cruise:
  • World-class staterooms
  • Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks and more.
  • 24-hour complimentary soda, coffee and tea at the beverage station.
  • 24-hour complimentary room service.
  • 24-hour Guest services.
  • First run-films at sea, including some in digital 3D.
  • Most voyages include fireworks at sea, weather permitting.
  • Clubs for kids 3 and up are filled with oceans of activities and amazing entertainment created so that everyone can enjoy their favorite things.
  • Private clubs for Tweens and Teens with their own, cool programs and activities.
  • Exclusive areas for adults such as nightclubs, the fitness center and many others!
CELEBRATION, Fla., (Oct. 13, 2010) – Disney Cruise Line has been recognized as the No. 1 cruise experience at the Annual Readers' Choice Awards for Condé Nast Traveler magazine in New York City.
Known as the leader in family cruising, Disney Cruise Line took the top honors in the Mega-Ship category, which is part of the magazine's annual readers' survey that recognizes the best in travel for resorts, destinations, airlines, cruise lines and car rental agencies.
Samantha Brown, renowned travel expert and television host on The Travel Channel, presented the award to Disney Cruise Line President Karl Holz at the awards gala in New York City.