Between Princess Cruises And Holland America Line

Between Princess Cruises And Holland America Line

For couples in their 60s who have only been on one cruise before in the Caribbean and want to do a cruise / land combo to Alaska this summer, I recommend princess and Holland when there is a land component involved.

If the couples liked the laidback “freestyle” cruising, then NCL would be good. I’m wondering if Holland or Princess would feel too rigid for the couples? As a travel agent, thinking for the client is part of our job because our first priority is to make sure the cruise fits the cruisers. When cruise fits to their personality, everyone is happy!

When you want to do Alaska once, as a dream cruise, then do it right! I absolutely agree and want to make sure recommending the right thing would be best.

Do they care if there are kids on the ship? No.

Do they care about food? No, they are not huge foodies.

How long a cruise they plan on doing? 10 – 15 days option…

That would mean that they can have more time in Denali.

Princess / Holland might be too rigid for them? Maybe no.

Another cruiser think Princess or Holland for Alaska were not that rigid or stuffy and mostly loved it. She likes the fact that there is a naturalist on the Princess cruise that gave lectures and enjoyed it very much! It was phenomenal to listen and learn about natural. Princess is awesome! Holland is a bit pricey for some. So, which one would be the option for age range 60s? Well, if they are willing to spend a little more money, then Holland America would be great! If not, princess would be great as well.

How about dining?

Being able to go outside at a specified time and they would always seat us, make us feel special.

Or maybe try Uncruise, if budget isn't an issue. 

I did learn to just fly in to Vancouver where the ship is docked for Holland America cruise/tour. It’s hard and iffy to fly into Seattle then cross the border. Either way, it is not my decision but the one who's going. I am here to assist, not insist on what I think is the correct way because there is no right way unless one knows what they want.

Princess, though not labeled “freestyle”, gives plenty of choices with Anytime dining and the ability to do what you want when you want. Princess Cruises does a fabulous job in Alaska. For the more independent person, their on-your-own cruise tours are a good option. They have their own lodges and go to Glacier Bay but Holland is also good and has the same options if they are looking at the Haven Suite.

What would you choose?

I love Princess!

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Argentina - Basílica Nuestra Señora de Itatí

Basílica Nuestra Señora de Itatí

This is so beautiful! 

From the country of Argentina is The Basilica of Our Lady of Itatí. 

A Catholic shrine and temple with a capacity of 9000 people and its summit is the highest in South America. 

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Brazil

Parque Nacional Lençóis Maranhenses - Lagoa Azul

The Lençóis Maranhenses National Park (Parque Nacional dos Lençóis Maranhenses) is a national park located in Maranhão state, in northeastern Brazil. It is an area of low, flat, occasionally flooded land, overlaid with large, discrete sand dunes. It encompasses roughly 1,500 km2 (580 sq mi), and despite abundant rain, supports almost no vegetation. The area became a National Park on June 2, 1981.

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Frequent Flyer Mileage

Frequent Flyer Mileage

Recently, a client book air with me. She requested aisle seat and that her mileage card be added to her booking to make sure the miles will be added to her ever growing mileage. She is using United Airline Mileage Plus Explorer and I love United Airlines. They helped passengers who were stuck by hurricane Maria arrival.

She is well traveled and deserved a wonderful mileage program. Mileage will be added upon completion of travel which means to say that adding the frequent flyer # helps but does not add mileage before travel. It is a convenience.

Here are some things to consider regarding Airline Frequent Flyer Mileage:

1. Using your loyalty credit card doesn't automatically add the frequent flyer number to a booking. That has to be done separately although if you book with same airline as your frequent flyer card, you can automatically add your membership number. Once you finished the travel, you will then be credited the mileage. Using a credit card with mileage allows a consumer to double-dip, getting points for both making a purchase using the card, and for also taking a trip with the airline.

If you own an airline frequent flyer card and book a ticket with the same airline. you can earn mileage when booking your ticket through your card and mileage automatically added after travel. To make sure it will be an added mileage, always add your Frequent flyer card # during the booking.

2. All the major airlines have an online method of reporting missed mileage points. If you happened to forget, don’t worry, it will still be added to your mileage upon calling the airline even after you have traveled. Most frequent flyer allows 6 months for you to claim missing mileage. You will need to log into your account and fill in an online form.

3. Points may take several days to appear on her account. The loyalty plan and airline operate somewhat at arm’s length from each other, and it may take a few days for the airline to report the trip to the loyalty department.

4. And you only gets points by actually getting on the plane, not for buying a ticket. No fly, no mileage.

If adding flown miles that the ff# was not entered. Contact the mileage airline. They will need ticket number & date that you need to provide to claim the missing miles and remember that there is a time limit on it. 

Sooner is better! Keep your miles and earn free flights!

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Hensley Travel And Clouds

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Hensley Travel Up The Sky

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Hurricane Irma Is Coming!

The first message I see on my mailbox is a notification of Hurricane Irma's coming from Universal Orlando Resort. It is a strong hurricane and warnings are everywhere to make sure everyone is safe.

Here it is,

Universal Orlando Resort™ has made the following operational decisions due to Hurricane Irma:

Our destination will close at 7pm on Saturday, Sept. 9.  We will be fully closed on Sunday and Monday. We anticipate normal operating hours on Tuesday, Sept. 12.

Our on-site hotels are currently at full capacity and will remain operational as they focus on taking care of our on-site guests.

We will hold our Rock the Universe™ event at Universal Studios Florida™ tonight, Friday Sept. 8 and will welcome Saturday ticket-holders tonight as well.  The event will be cancelled on Saturday night and Sunday morning.

And to find out more FAQ, click here. What to do when your travel is affected by Hurrican Irma 

We'll hope for the best and please travel safe everyone.



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