VacationCentral.net's Blog

Buy Your Domain Name From Us

2009-05-14T16:28:00.001-04:00

Need a vanity domain name for your website?

Visit www.bookmytravel.com/domain to purchase domain names and personalized emails.

Celebrity Cruises Webinar 5/15

2009-05-14T14:38:00.000-04:00

Webinar starts at 2 pm Eastern

Dial in: 866.274.8620

Conference Code: 859.362.4121

Click here for more information

Earn Double Rewards from Funjet Vacations

2009-05-14T14:36:00.000-04:00

You must register by May 18

Click here for more information and to register

Riu Partner Club--Swine Flu Update

2009-05-07T16:02:00.000-04:00

From Riu Partner Club:

May 6, 2009

Due to the current situation in Mexico and the ongoing cancellation of flights into Cancun and Puerto Vallarta, we are forced to temporarily close some of our properties.

Playa del Carmen

Riu Lupita, Riu Playacar, Riu Tequila and Riu Palace Mexico will be closed until May 21st.

Guests already in house and guests due to arrive in this period at the Riu Lupita, Riu Tequila and Riu Playacar will be upgraded to the Riu Yucatan. Guests already in house and guests due to arrive in this period at the Riu Palace Mexico will be upgraded to the Riu Palace Riviera Maya.

Cancun

Riu Caribe will close until May 21st, guests already in house and guests due to arrive in this period will be upgraded to the Riu Cancun.

Puerto Vallarta

Riu Jalisco will close until May 21st and Riu Vallarta will close until May 13th. Guests already in house and guests due to arrive in these periods will be upgraded to the Riu Palace Pacifico.

Please continue selling the hotels, as all newly booked guests will be upgraded as stated. The reopening of the above mentioned hotels is planned to be on May 14th and 22nd accordingly. However, we are monitoring the development of the situation on a daily basis and we will be able to react very quickly in adjusting this date.

Princess Cruises Webinar 5/5 @ 1 pm EDT

2009-05-04T10:56:00.000-04:00

You will learn about:

2010 Alaska cruisetour lineup, plus four unique cruise itineraries
NEW Seattle Air Advantage cruisetour package
Summary of Alaska pricing, group program and amenities
All the tools and resources available to help you sell Alaska

Click here to register

Coverage Alert - Swine Flu Outbreak

2009-04-30T17:03:00.002-04:00

From Access America:

Access America Prepared to Assist Your Clients Impacted by Swine Flu Outbreak

Access America is monitoring the swine flu outbreak very carefully and coordinating with our offices in Mexico City and around the world to assist customers. We've re-evaluated several hospitals in Mexico where our customers are hospitalized to verify their swine flu procedures. In fact, one customer recently injured on a cruise ship was taken to a hospital in Cartagena, Colombia, instead of one in Mexico to avoid possible exposure to swine flu.

We are seeing a significant spike in call volumes due to this situation. Several callers have asked if they can still purchase insurance to cover this event. The answer is yes. Access America will cover customers who contract swine flu as long as the insured bought the policy before they contracted the illness.

Here's brief summary of our coverage. Please refer to the Certificate of Insurance/Policy for complete details.

Trip Cancellation / Interruption

Cancel Anytime allows the purchaser to cancel for virtually any unforeseen reason. For example customers who purchased the policy prior to the issuance of the travel advisory to Mexico would be able to cancel due to this event and receive reimbursement. as described in your Letter of Confirmation and Certificate of Insurance/Policy.

Basic, Classic and Deluxe policies would provide Trip Cancellation and Interruption coverage should the insured customer contract swine flu before or during their trip. These policies do not provide coverage for "change of mind" or if the insured becomes afraid to travel.

Emergency Medical and Dental / Medical Transportation

Our medical team and assistance professionals stand ready to help your customers who become ill while traveling more than 100 miles from their home.

Should our consulting physician determine that an evacuation is necessary, our assistance team will locate the nearest appropriate medical facility.

Please remind your customers that Access America must coordinate all evacuations.

Should the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reclassify the outbreak as an epidemic or pandemic, we will re-evaluate our response and coverage. Similar to other types of insurance, we consider epidemic/pandemic to be a General Program Exclusion.

Many travel suppliers are allowing customers to change the dates of their vacations without penalty. We suggest contacting the travel supplier to request a change should your customer be interested in postponing their trip. Please let us know if your customer will need the travel dates changed for their insurance.

For complete coverage details about all Access America travel insurance plans, as well as Frequently Asked Questions, please visit www.accessamerica.com. This site will be regularly updated as more becomes known about the swine flu outbreak.

Vacation Central Will Be Unavailable 5/1

2009-04-30T13:02:00.002-04:00

As part of our ongoing effort to improve the way we do business, we're upgrading our Vacation Central reservations system. It will make it easier to work with us by allowing for better performance through faster processing, better encryption and improving the database recovery. (That means the system will be better, faster and stronger on your end and ours.)

Please note that Vacation Central, Travel Network and BookMyTravel systems will be unavailable during FRIDAY workday:

Friday May 1st at 7:30 AM EST until 1:00 PM EST
(It is necessary to upgrade during business hours to do live testing)

Please make reservations via supplier phone lines on Friday during normal business hours. The Travel Network/Vacation Central team will be available to assist in answering general questions, but will not be able to make or change reservations or accept payments.

We are sorry for the inconvenience and thank you for your continued support.

Royal Caribbean International Temporarily Suspends Mexico Port Calls

2009-04-29T16:10:00.003-04:00

Royal Caribbean International says:

"The decision was made in an abundance of caution, and allows additional time to better understand the full impact of the Swine Flu."

The suspension is to take effect immediately and affect the following vessels:

Enchantment of the Seas(R)
Freedom of the Seas(R)
Liberty of the Seas(R)
Mariner of the Seas(R) -- fully revised itinerary

In addition, the Serenade of the Seas(R) and the Radiance of the Seas(R) were scheduled to make port calls in Mexico as they repositioned.

Click here for further information

Carnival Cruise Lines -- Itinerary Updates

2009-04-29T10:17:00.002-04:00

From Carnival Cruise Lines:

Dear Travel Partner,

Carnival Cruise Lines has decided to cancel all calls at Mexican ports for all current sailings and all voyages departing on Thursday, April 30th through Monday, May 4th. In many cases, we will be able to substitute the cancelled call with an alternative port. Additionally, we are working on alternatives for those itineraries impacted by this decision. Full details will be available by 5pm Wednesday, April 29th. Once final details are confirmed for these itinerary changes, we will send you an automated message listing your impacted bookings for each affected voyage.

In the unlikely event that our new itinerary options are not to your clients liking, we will give them the opportunity to reschedule their cruise at a later date. Those details will also be made available tomorrow.

Our primary concern is your client’s safety. We will continue to monitor the situation and will keep you updated if and when changes are made. The best place to get up to the minute information about these and any further changes is at our web sites, www.BookCCL.com and www.carnival.com.
We thank you very much for your understanding. We look forward to welcoming your guests aboard their Fun Ship cruise.

Best Regards,

Lynn C. Torrent
Senior Vice President of Sales and Guest Services
Carnival Cruise Lines

New Shore Excursions Link

2009-04-28T16:48:00.006-04:00

Your clients pay less, and you earn 12% commission!

Destinations Include:

Alaska
Europe
Hawaii
Eastern Caribbean
Southern Caribbean
Western Caribbean
Mexican Riviera

Click on the Cruise tab on the homepage to access

Selling Cruises in a Tough Economy Webinar

2009-04-28T12:19:00.004-04:00

Hosted by ASK (Agents Sharing Knowledge), this event will take place:

Wednesday, April 29

4 pm - 5 pm EST

Click here to learn more and sign up

Savings of $300 for U.S. Virgin Islands

2009-04-28T11:58:00.001-04:00

Plus, a 4th night FREE, a $50 dining coupon, and a $50 in attraction coupon

Book now through October 15

Click here for more information

Princess Cruises Caribbean & Mexican Cruises Special

2009-04-28T11:13:00.004-04:00

FREE Upgrades on Caribbean & Mexican Riviera Sailings

Bonus amenity package, including a reduced deposit amount and one FREE photo of your clients' choice

50% of Princess Vacation Protection costs covered by Princess

Expires June 15

Click here for more details

Importance Information on Travel to Mexico from Apple Vacations

2009-04-27T17:02:00.007-04:00

HERE IS THE LATEST APPLE VACATIONS MEXICO CHANGE POLICY INFORMATION

Travel Policy for Passengers Traveling to Mexico on Apple Vacations' USA3000 Airlines and Charter Flights

Passengers flying to Mexico between Saturday, April 25 and Wednesday, May 6, may rebook for travel to any other USA3000 Airlines international or charter flight departing through December 15, 2009 with no change or cancellation fees.

Passengers with AVOK Travel Protection will not need to repurchase AVOK. All money will be moved to new booking.

If there is a decrease in the price of your new vacation, you will be issued a Vacation Voucher in the amount of the price difference.

If you choose a date where the price is higher, you will be responsible for the difference.

All rebookings must be made by May 12, 2009. Normal cancellation penalties will apply for changes made after May 12.

Travel Policy for Passengers Traveling to Mexico on Other Scheduled Airlines

Apple Vacations will waive its change fees on vacations through May 6 using other scheduled airilnes to Mexico, however, all scheduled airlines change fees apply. Click here for the latest scheduled airline policies.

BEFORE YOU CALL or EMAIL- CHECK HERE FOR THE MOST UP TO DATE POLICIES!

NCL to Update Database 4/25

2009-04-24T15:08:00.002-04:00

Freestyle Connect will be unavailable from:

April 25 at 6:00 pm ET until April 26 at 10:00 am ET

Click here for more information

Apple Vacations Spring Seminars

2009-04-23T14:03:00.004-04:00

Win one of four $10,000 marketing campaign giveaways

May 4--Woodbridge, NJ

May 5--Toms River, NJ

May 6--East Brunswick, NJ

May 7--Red Bank, NJ

Click here for more information and to register

Funjet Vacations Happy Vacation Bookings

2009-04-21T15:45:00.003-04:00

Funjet Vacations Offers Assistance to Travel Agents & Savings to Customers Previously Booked with Happy Vacations.

Plus Funjet Vacations is offering up to $225 savings on Hawaii, Mexico and Caribbean flight + hotel and hotel-only vacation packages.

Click here for more information

CLIA Traning Event 5/12 in Secaucus, NJ

2009-04-21T15:02:00.003-04:00

Event is divided into 2 parts that are each 3 hours long:

Group Sales Made Easy
Negotiating to Win

For more information click here

United Vacations Learning Event 5/12

2009-04-21T14:02:00.004-04:00

Join this FREE live event to learn insider tips and added values for the RIU Hotels & Resorts

Audience: Current users of VAX VacationAccess
Length: 60 minutes
Teleconference: Toll-free
Date: May 12, 2:00 p.m. CDT

Click here for more information and to sign up

What's New in Anguilla

2009-04-20T15:54:00.002-04:00

Find out the latest in the newsletter Anguilla Happenings. Includes information on:

North America Sales Team Tours Viceroy
Feedback on Anguilla Air Express Service Operated by Rainbow Intl. Airlines
Update on Golf Course

Click here for more information

Apple Vacations Price Match Program

2009-04-17T12:59:00.000-04:00

Learn the facts and fiction about Apple Vacations Price Match here

Collette Vacations' New Free Door to Door Service

2009-04-17T12:38:00.002-04:00

This service is included on new air-inclusive tour bookings darting May 2009-April 2010 to:

The South Pacific
Europe
Canada
All Explorations by Collette -- small group tours
All Smithsonian Journeys Travel Adventures -- learning vacations

Click here for more information

Air Jamaica Tour Operator Incentive

2009-04-16T15:22:00.001-04:00

Sell (10) Jamaica Packages (minimum 20 passengers) and earn 1 Lovebird Economy Class ticket.

Sell (20) Jamaica Packages (minimum 40 passengers) and earn 1 Lovebird Executive Class ticket.

Click here for more information

Azamara Cruises Webinar

2009-04-14T17:11:00.001-04:00

Will take place April 17 at 2 p.m. Eastern

Click here for more information

Cunard 2010 - 2011 Voyage Summary Announcement

2009-04-14T17:07:00.004-04:00

Complete 2010/Winter 2011 program for Transatlantic Crossings, Europe, and the Americas is opening for reservations on:

April 16 at 8 a.m EDT/5 a.m. PDT
for World Club Members only

April 17 for General Public

Click here for more information

Princess Cruises 2010 Europe Program

2009-04-08T14:10:00.002-04:00

Special Advance Group Booking Window Starting Today!

Click here for more info

Win 7-Day Princess Caribbean Cruise

2009-03-31T15:17:00.002-04:00

Book by April 30 to enter

You must book at least 5 cabins to be entered into the cruise drawing
For every additional Princess booking you make, your will earn an additional entry
Princess Alaska bookings will be worth two entries
For each additional Cunard booking you make, you will earn two additional entries
You must be at least a First Officer in the Princess or Cunard Academy to win
All bookings must be made on or after March 30, 2009 and by April 30, 2009
Only new bookings for 2009 are eligible

Click here for more information

Win a $200 Coach Bag Certificate

2009-03-17T11:42:00.004-04:00

Sign up for ASK (Agents Sharing Knowledge)

by March 31st, and you will be eligible to win

a $200 Coach (TM) gift Certificate

Click here for more information

Future Vacations Caribbean Special

2009-03-16T16:28:00.002-04:00

Savings up to $800

Companion Flies FREE to the Caribbean

Click here for more information

Warning to Vacation Central Agents

2009-03-12T15:03:00.005-04:00

Forwarding Emails WITHOUT CLICKING ON "forward email" link at bottom of page could erase you from our database.

Explanation: If you forward Vacation Central email blasts (newsletters, flyers, etc.) to another person, and that person clicks the unsubscribe button, your email address will be removed from our mailing list. You MUST use the "forward email" link located at the bottom of our email blasts.

If your email is removed from our mailing list, you won't receive any updates from Vacation Central.

Contact Meredith at meredith@vacationcentral.net to check on the status of your email address. If you have been removed, provide her with an alternate email address for the mailing list.

Upcoming POLAR Online Webinars

2009-03-11T16:43:00.003-04:00

Join POLAR on 3/17 and 3/19 for a live demonstrations for making booking and creating groups in POLAR

Click here for more information and to register

Celebrity Summit Voyages Open for Sale

2009-03-05T11:42:00.003-05:00

Bermuda & Canada/New England Voyages 2010 sailing from Bayonne, NJ

Click here for more information

Carnival One Day Sale 2/26

2009-02-25T11:46:00.001-05:00

Save up to $500 PLUS Best Available Upgrades

Click here for more information

Future Vacations Exclusive for Vacation Central Agents

2009-02-24T13:22:00.002-05:00

Earn $20 Bonus for Las Vegas stays of 3 nights or longer

Click here for more info

Princess Small Ships Webinar 2/27

2009-02-23T17:21:00.002-05:00

PLUS Receive a $50 Bonus Commission Coupon!

Click here for more information

Welcome to Stockholm Webinar Feb 24 & 26

2009-02-20T15:47:00.000-05:00

Click here for more information

Norwegian Cruise Line Webinar 2/17

2009-02-13T14:17:00.002-05:00

Focus will be on "Creating Sales in Tough Times"

Click here for more information

Oberammergau Passion Play Webinar

2009-02-09T12:07:00.003-05:00

Hosted by Collette Vacations on 2/27 at Noon EST

Learn about Collette Vacations' 7 Itineraries for this
Once a Decade Event!

Click here to register for webinar

Princess Cruises 1-Week Sale

2009-02-04T09:50:00.002-05:00

2/15 - 2/21

Use Promo Code CN6 and get your clients:

Lower deposit of $100/person (For the World Cruise and 45+ day segments, the deposit will be 5% of the cruise fare)
Princess coupon book with over $120 in added value*

Click here for more information

Holland America Line 2-Week Sale

2009-02-03T10:03:00.003-05:00

From now until 2/14 use promo code CN2 to receive an exclusive Onboard Value Booklet valued at $354.

Click here for more details

Princess Cruises Balcony Bonanza

2009-01-28T15:38:00.003-05:00

Savings up to $1,200/Couple

Plus New Reduced Pricing on Inside Staterooms

Click Here for More Information

New Passport Rules to Go into Effect 6/1

2009-01-23T13:11:00.002-05:00

AVOID THE RUSH – APPLY FOR YOUR PASSPORT NOW!

The full requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative will be implemented on June 1, 2009.

This will require all travelers returning to the U.S. from Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda—including those who go by land or sea—to have a passport or other federally approved ID.

For complete details visit:

http://www.travel.state.gov/

Centrav Webinar 1/22

2009-01-19T13:37:00.003-05:00

Title: Selling Air Tickets for Maximum Profit with Centrav

Date: Thursday, January 22, 2009

Time: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM EST, 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM Pacific

Webinar includes:

How to sell consolidator airfares
How to price and set commissions
Demonstrate the time-saving booking tools available to travel agents at Centrav.com

Click here for more details

Funjet Mexico and Caribbean Special

2009-01-14T12:51:00.002-05:00

Buy One, Get One FREE Tour Special! Hurry, Tour Offer Ends January 22!

Click here for more details

Princess Cruises Sale 1/11 - 1/17

2009-01-09T10:11:00.002-05:00

Book 2009 Europe cruises and receive:

$100 onboard credit/stateroom
Reduced deposit -- $100/person
Coupon booklet (maximum two/stateroom)

Click here for more information

Holland America Sale Ending Soon

2009-01-09T10:08:00.003-05:00

Book by 1/12 to receive an onboard value booklet valued at $340!

Click here for more information

Also available a consumer flyer

And details on Holland America's Vacation Stimulus Plan

2008-12-24T11:25:00.000-05:00

As I was sitting here thinking about what we want to communicate to everyone in our blog my thoughts run to your team at Vacation Central want to wish everyone Happy Holidays and a Healthy New Year.

The New Year always brings a fresh slate which begins with “resolutions and plans for 2009”. 2009 offers promise and faith that our new President elect will create a positive steady course for our Country to lead and with that comes prosperity. Prosperity means different things to each of us in our personal life. In the business world it means cultivating our customer base and developing new and repeat customers and to accomplish that it brings us back to creating a business plan for the New Year.

Happy New Year
Betty Krystyniak
Executive Vice President

Central Holidays 2009 Product Launch

2008-12-16T16:56:00.002-05:00

Book by December 22 and take advantage of these great offers:

Save up to $1,000 on River Cruises or $250 on tours
15% commission on all tours, 12% commission on ski packages, and up to 17% commission on River cruises
Win travel credits equivalent to your client's booking

Plus, Specials Offers for 2009, New Packages for Italy, Greece & Turkey, and Spain & Portugal, and deals for River Cruises as well as France and Egypt.

Click here for more information

New Fax Number

2008-11-25T11:50:00.005-05:00

Please use the following new number, if you need to reach us by fax:

(201) 490-1721

Join Us In Las Vegas

2008-11-07T09:44:00.004-05:00

We'll be attending the Luxury Travel Show
at Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino

Stop by and say "Hi" to Derek and Betty
at Booth #774

Exhibit Hall Open
Wednesday, December 3 from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 4 from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

For more information or to let us know you're coming to the show, email meredith@vacationcentral.net

We're looking forward to seeing you there!

Join Us In Miami

2008-10-28T12:14:00.001-04:00

Leisure Travel Conference
Hyatt Regency Miami
River Front Hall

Stop by and say "Hi" to Derek and Darren at
Booth #19

Look for us at the Vacation Central Trade Booth

November 17
3 pm - 6 pm

For more information or to let us know you're coming to the show, email meredith@vacationcentral.net

We're looking forward to seeing you there!

See You In Baltimore

2008-10-24T10:52:00.003-04:00

Stop by and say "Hi" to Betty and Brigitte
at Booth #612
and learn about the new
"Travel Agent Networking Program"

Exhibit Floor Hours

Tuesday, October 28 from 4:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, October 29 from 9:15 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.

For more information or to let us know you're coming to the show, email meredith@vacationcentral.net

We're looking forward to seeing you there!

New Promotions Newsletters

2008-10-20T10:34:00.002-04:00

Regularly checking your agency's email just became more important. We have started sending out newsletters featuring the latest cruise deals, package specials, and more!

PLUS, these newsletters are being archived in the "Fax Promos" section under the "Specials/Promotions & FAMs" tab on our homepage.

Norwegian Cruise Line--World's Largest Cruise Night Offer

2008-10-09T14:33:00.002-04:00

Your clients can receive up to $500 in on-board credit plus reduced deposits.

Click here for more information

World's Largest Cruise Night--Celebrity Cruises 3-Day Sale

2008-10-09T10:18:00.004-04:00

October 16 - 18

Up to $200 Onboard Credit and 50% Reduced Deposit on cruise and cruisetour vacations between January 1 and September 30, 2009.

Click here for more information

Carnival's World's Largest Cruise Night Event

2008-10-09T10:12:00.003-04:00

Make your reservations on Thursday, October 16th, 2008 and receive FREE UPGRADE(s) on virtually any sailing through December 18, 2009.

Savings on CLIA's World's Largest Cruise Night with Royal Caribbean International

2008-10-08T10:46:00.006-04:00

Save up to $200 off on select ship and sail dates when you book by 10/16/08 with Royal Caribbean.

Click here for more details

Funjet Booking Bonus

2008-10-08T10:44:00.003-04:00

From now until 11/7/08 when you book any air/hotel with Funjet for travel between 10/7/08 - 1/31/09, you'll receive a $20/booking bonus (paid after departure).

Become a Certified Sandals Specialist

2008-10-08T10:38:00.002-04:00

It's as easy as:

Complete a CSS (Certified Sandals Specialist) Enrollment Form
Attend a half day workshop within on year of your enrollment
Sell three Sandals/Beaches or Royal Plantation bookings and register that booking on-line

Click here for more information and a list of upcoming workshops

Become a Visit Finland Specialist

2008-10-08T10:28:00.002-04:00

The Travel Agent Academy has recently introduced a new program designed to help agents promote the land of the midnight sun.

Graduates will receive:

Destination Finland Specialist diploma and exclusive use of a Finland Specialist and Visit Finland logo

Being listed on the visitfinland.com website as a Specialist and obtaining referrals from website

Eligibility for a Finland fam trip on successful completion of training

Priority in cooperative promotional activities with the Finnish Tourist Board

Priority in inclusion in Destination Finland presentations, etc.; and incentive gifts based on established productivity

Contact with supporting vendors that offer select discount deals, packages and upgraded services for graduates

Eligibility for 2 CEUs from The Travel Institute

Click here for more information

Norwegian Cruise Line--Pity the Procrastinator Sales Event

2008-09-23T16:59:00.004-04:00

Get an 8-category upgrade!

Must book by Oct 12

Freestyle Cruising(R) Innovations
Terms and Conditions
Itinerary

Funjet Vacations--Free Vax Training

2008-09-19T11:11:00.004-04:00

Learn how to customize vacation packages

To Sign Up: Email: TMTCWebinars@triseptsolutions.com

Make sure you include: Session, Date and Time, ARC number, Your Name, Agency, Email and Your State

Click here for a full list of session days and times

October Princess Cruises Alaska Cruise and Cruisetour Sale

2008-09-12T15:06:00.004-04:00

When you book any Summer 2009 voyage of the glaciers, inside Passage or Connoisseur voyage sailing or a cruisetour with Princess during the cruise sale you will get:

• A reduced deposit of $100 per person^

• A coupon booklet worth up to $120 in onboard savings

^ Reduced deposit applies to each of the first two passengers in a stateroom.

Ends Saturday, 10/13

Click here for more information

MSC Cruises Webinar

2008-09-12T14:24:00.000-04:00

September 15 Presentation at 7:00 PM EST Registration: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/279464227

September 16 Presentation at 5:00 PM EST
Registration: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/495149924

September 17 Presentation at 11:00 AM EST
Registration: https://www1.gotomeeting.com/register/415025942

Princess Cruises Alaska Cruise and Cruisetour Sale

2008-09-11T16:07:00.001-04:00

When you book any Summer 2009 voyage of the glaciers, inside Passage or Connoisseur voyage sailing or a cruisetour with Princess during the cruise sale you will get:

• A reduced deposit of $100 per person^

• A coupon booklet worth up to $120 in onboard savings

^ Reduced deposit applies to each of the first two passengers in a stateroom.

Ends Saturday, 9/13

Click here for more information

Sweet Deal from Hershey

2008-09-05T10:33:00.004-04:00

15% commission now available for Fall getaways at The Hotel Hershey and the Hershey Lodge.

Plus, you clients will receive chocolate-covered strawberries upon arrival.

Click here for more details

Exclusively Seabourn Program Discontinued

2008-09-05T10:08:00.003-04:00

Seabourn has announced its Exclusively Seabourn program will no longer be offered, starting with 2009 cruises.

Seabourn asks that all agents no longer promote this program and will be shipping out an errata sheet with its 2009-10 brochures, explaining this program has been discontinued.

Popular shore experiences that were previously run through the Exclusively Seabourn program and will continue to be offered include:

Caviar in the Surf
Brazilian Boi Bumba festival at Parintins
Jungle dinner party int he Amazon's Anavihanas Archipelago
Evening in Ephesus at Kusadasi in Turkey

For more information click here

Royal Caribbean International's Groups Your Way Tool Kit

2008-09-03T16:15:00.004-04:00

With this new kit, you will be able to:

Promote Affinity groups for up to one year or more with only an initial $50 deposit per stateroom
Market groups for up to 6 months with NO deposit

Kit will be released in October.

Click here for more information

Holland America Fall Voyages

2008-09-03T16:04:00.004-04:00

Cruises available include:

12- to 25-day Mediterranean & Transatlantic
14-day Australia & New Zealand
13- to 26-day Inca Discovery
13- to 20-day Asia & South Pacific
22-day Latin America & Machu Picchu

Click here for more details

NWA WorldVacations Hawaii Special

2008-09-03T14:17:00.005-04:00

Entire land portion of all Hawaii air and land packages.

Must book by December 31, 2008.

Click here for more details.

Hurricane / Tropical Storm Update

2008-09-02T16:51:00.002-04:00

Weather Information as of 5:00 PM Monday

(Click Map for More Details)

Our New Fax Promos Page

2008-08-15T14:27:00.004-04:00

Vacation Central has recently updated its Fax Promos page. Agents can now view the latest vendor specials, flyers, and announcements as printable MS Excel spreadsheets. Plus, our agents now have the freedom to change the order of the promotions by the date it was posted, the vendor, and the expiration date.

To visit the new Fax Promos page, click on the "Specials/Promotions & FAMs" tab at the top of the homepage, and then click on the left hand menu item "Fax Promos."

Watch Travel Channel's "Great Cruises: Royal Passage to Asia"

2008-07-31T10:44:00.002-04:00

Friday, August 1 at 8 p.m. EST the Travel Channel will be featuring a one-hour special on Royal Caribbean International's Rhapsody of the Seas.

Other special highlights include Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Xian, and Beijing as well as the famous Terracotta Warriors and the Great Wall of China.

New Air Jamaica Payment Policy

2008-07-22T09:50:00.002-04:00

From Air Jamaica Vacations:

"As of July 22, Bulk scheduled air reservations booked 46 or more days prior to departure will now require full payment for the air portion plus a hotel deposit within 7 days of booking."

For more information, click here.

Cunard Pricing Correction

2008-07-21T14:15:00.002-04:00

The new 2009 Cunard Voyages Brochure contained a pricing error on pages 51 and 93, regarding Voyage V915 (16-day Mediterranean Adventure).

Click here for the corrected price.

Princess Reduces Deposit Requirements

2008-06-30T11:38:00.002-04:00

Effective immediately required deposits for Princess Cruise Line's 2009-2010 cabin is just 20% (instead of 30%) of the cruise or cruisetour fare.

The World Cruise deposit will remain at 10% for the initial deposit.

For more information click here.

Oceania Cruises--Mediterranean Treasures Special

2008-06-26T12:17:00.002-04:00

From now until August 31 receive FREE airfare plus up to 40% cruise fares.

Click here for sailing details

Globus--Book Your 2010 Oberammergau Vacation Today

2008-06-26T12:06:00.000-04:00

Choose from:

Enchanting Europe & Oberammergau
The Best of Austria & Switzerland plus Oberammergau
European Charm & Oberammergau
Catholic Germany & Alps
Grand Catholic Italy

Rail Europe--Earn a $10 Amazon.com Gift Voucher

2008-06-26T12:02:00.003-04:00

Now through July 20 all rail orders over $300 booked online will earn a $10.00 Amazon.com gift voucher!

Plus, Rail Europe's Website has been upgraded. According to Rail Europe agents can now "ask one of our 'experts' a question" through the "Live Chat" feature.

Click here for more information

Royal Caribbean International Travel Partner Webinar Series

2008-06-26T11:58:00.002-04:00

From July 8 - August 20, Royal Caribbean International will be running 30 minute long Webinar sessions, covering group and individual bookings as well as how to attract first time cruisers.

Click here for the complete schedule with sign up links

Norwegian Cruise Line -- New Policy for FIT Reservations

2008-06-19T16:47:00.001-04:00

Parntership 2.0 Upgrade:

The program code used in the FIT reservation is applicable to groups

The FIT reservations can be moved into an existing group REGARDLESS of the sailing color code and even if the group is not open to additional group business

FIT reservations CAN BE MOVED INTO AN EXISTING GROUP - provided FULL PAYMENT HAS NOT BEEN APPLIED TO THE RESERVATION

FIT reservations can be moved into an existing group up to TWO WEEKS PRIOR TO SAILING

Existing GROUP ALLOTMENT will NOT be affected by FIT reservations that are moved into a group

FIT reservations will be moved into the group at the FIT PRICE POINT; the commission, payment and deposit amount, will be based on the group's terms an conditions

Cruise Line Casinos Now Allowed in Bermuda Ports

2008-06-12T11:25:00.001-04:00

According to The Royal Gazette, a Bermuda newspaper, Bermuda’s government is allowing cruise ships to operate their casinos, bars, and shops after 10 p.m. while they are in port.

The decision is reportedly meant to make Bermuda more competitive as a cruising location. Cruise lines will be required to contribute money to on-island activities.

Don't Forget to Book Transfers

2008-06-11T16:30:00.003-04:00

Did you know it is roughly a 2 to a 2 1/2 hour trip between London and the Port of Dover?

Fortunately, Carnival Cruise Lines offers transfers for London-Gatewick, London-Heathrow, and Victoria Coach Station in Central London.

For $85.00 one-way or $170.00 round-trip Carnival professionals will meet your clients at their arrival terminal and help them to a designated motorcoach.

For more information, click here.

2008-06-05T12:23:00.006-04:00

"Flip" through page after page of ISLAND DESTINATIONS as Ultimate Exclusives lays out the latest exotic, luxurious offerings for Spring, Summer, and Fall of 2008.

Click on Ultimate Exclusive's Cover to Explore
the Online Brochure!

Carnival Brands Raise Fuel Supplements

2008-06-05T11:17:00.002-04:00

From Travel Trade Staff:

"The six North American Carnival brands are raising their fuel supplement from $7 to $9 per person, per day for the first two people in a cabin, not to exceed $126 per person.

The amount for third, fourth and fifth passengers goes from $2 to $4 per person, per day, not to exceed $56 per person, according to Seatrade Insider.

The increased amount applies to new bookings as of June 12 for Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn.

Carnival Corp. first announced a fuel supplement of $5 on Nov. 7, then raised the amount to $7 on April 7 for new bookings as of April 21."

Caribbean Princess Ship Inspection and Luncheon

2008-06-03T12:30:00.006-04:00

Princess Cruises is pleased to extend an invitation to you so that you may experience what "Personal Choice" is all about. You will have the opportunity to tour and have lunch aboard the beautiful CARIBBEAN PRINCESS!

Details

DATE:
Sunday, June 22, 2008

TIME:
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

LOCATION:
Pier 12, Red Hook, Brooklyn, NY
(Near intersection of Van Brunt & Bowne Streets)

ESCORT:

Erika Keily

Deadline to Apply--June 12

Click Here for Sign Up Form

URGENT MESSAGE FOR RCCL/CELEBRITY/AZAMARA ONLY

2008-06-02T10:07:00.001-04:00

Please make sure to use the new booking ID number 201-567-8808 when making reservations with Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines, Celebrity Cruise Lines, and Azamara Cruises.

PLEASE NOTE: any bookings made under the old ID 201-567-8500 between November 9, 2007 and present will receive ZERO commission and cannot be transferred UNLESS you notify us IMMEDIATELY.

Review all bookings for RCCL/Celebrity/Azamara. If any of your bookings fall within the above window, notify us immediately by email.Put in the subject line "Urgent RCCL Reservation" and include:

booking number
clients' names
cruise line/ship
date of sale
payment status
agent name and ID number

Email the above information immediately to:

Betty@vacationcentral.net and Brigitte@vacationcentral.net

Explanation: The above message is in response to a phone call from Royal Caribbean Cruise Line, advising us that some bookings were still being made under the old ID number 201 567-8500. RCCL will NOT pay commissions on unidentified bookings. We must provide documentation of these reservations by June 4, 2008. Effective immediately any bookings made under the old ID number will receive ZERO commissions and cannot be transferred.

Higher Fees for American Airlines

2008-05-30T10:32:00.007-04:00

American Airlines (AA) has changed its domestic and international change fees and its baggage fees.

CHANGE FEES

Domestic change fee -- $150
(some exceptions may apply)

International change fees
(differ depending on the destination):

Europe -- $250
Caribbean -- $150

BAGGAGE FEE

First checked bag -- $15 each way or $30 round trip

Applies to domestic economy class tickets purchased on or after June 15 of this year

Applies to travel between and within:

United States
Canada
Puerto Rico
U.S. Virgin Islands

Does not apply to:

active duty military passengers
business or first class passengers
premium frequent flyers
full-fare economy passengers

(The new first checked bag fee is in addition to the second bag fee of $25 or $50 roundtrip, which went into effect earlier this month)

Travel agents are advised to:

Review all airlines' change fees and restrictions
Review all airlines' checked bag fees
Include a disclosure notice on invoices and itineraries
Make customers aware of the new baggage fee

Carnival Group Special

2008-05-23T09:54:00.004-04:00

LIMITED TIME!

$25 Agent Booking Bonus

Carnival Splendor's 12-Day Mediterranean Cruise

Starting from $920.00 pp dbl*

$200 onboard credit for clients!

Click Here for Flyer

Book direct with Carnival Group Department

1-800-327-5782

Using our telephone number

201-567-8500

*Additional Charges:
Airfare
Transfers
Prepaid Gratuities
$84 Fuel Supplement
Optional Vacation Protection Insurance
$457.96 Total Government Taxes and Fees Ship's Registry: Panama

Norwegian Cruise Line--Documentation Requirements

2008-04-30T15:55:00.003-04:00

For sailings that end by May 31, 2009, your clients need either a valid passport, proof of citizenship and a government-issued photo I.D. or a valid driver's license with a photo, or any other WHTI compliant document. For further information, visit the following links:

Travel Documents Required by Law

Nationality, Documentation and Visa Info

New Infant Guidelines for Royal Caribbean International

2008-04-30T15:55:00.001-04:00

For any bookings created on or after April 22, 2008, infants sailing on a cruise must be a minimum of 6 months old as of the first day of the cruise. These new requirements also apply to Royal Caribbean Interntional's cruisetours. For Transatlantic, Transpacific, Hawaii, select South American and other selected cruises/cruisetours, the infant (as of the first day of the cruise/cruisetour) must be a minimum of 12 months old.

Royal Caribbean International--Fuel Surcharge

2008-04-30T15:53:00.001-04:00

There will be a fuel surcharge of $8.00 per person, per day for the first two occupants in a stateroom for all North America reservations made on or after May 1, 2008.A fuel supplement of $3.00 per person, per day will apply for additonal occupants in a stateroom. Visit the following links for further information:

Frequently Asked Questions
Notice Requirements
Further Information

Holland America Line 2010 World Cruise Sneak Preview

2008-04-14T13:10:00.001-04:00

Key highlights include:

The ms Amsterdam returns to World Cruising
114 Days - Ft. Lauderdale to Los Angeles
41 unique ports, 21 different countries across 5 continents
Three days cruising the Antarctica
Several overnights stays in key ports

Click here for the 2010 World Cruise Itinerary

Start the Summer in Style with Cunard!

2008-03-28T10:31:00.000-04:00

5 Day Memorial Holiday Cruise from $649!

Great prices for Balcony Cabins -- from only $749!

PLUS, Complimentary Balcony Upgrades*

Must book by Wednesday, April 2

*Click here for more information

New Booking ID Number

2008-03-20T09:38:00.007-04:00

Effective immediately agents booking Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises, and Azamara Cruises need to use (201) 567-8808.

This new number is required to receive commission payments.

All agents will also need to re-register with Cruising Power.

For all other vendors continue using (201) 567-8500 or CLIA # 31823643.

Apple Vacations Correction

2008-03-10T10:51:00.002-04:00

The Apple Vacations AVOK phone number for last minute cancellations is incorrect in their new Summer 2008 Mexico and Caribbean catalogs.

For last minute cancellations, call 1-866-860-AVOK.

Vacation Central in the News

2008-03-03T09:14:00.003-05:00

Stop the Press!

Vacation Central is being featured in Travel Trade.

Click the banner to view the entire article

Cunard Ships Say "Hello" and "Goodbye" to Sydney

2008-02-20T14:03:00.003-05:00

While Queen Victoria will be making her maiden call at Sydney this weekend, Queen Elizabeth 2 will be visiting the city for the last time.

Queen Elizabeth 2, which is on her farewell World Cruise, is scheduled to arrive at Circular Quay on Sunday, February 24--exactly 30 years from the liner's first call in Sydney.

Queen Victoria who will be arriving at Circular Quay on Saturday, February 23 will pass Queen Elizabeth 2 on her way to Sydney, and both vessels will give a "Whistle Salute," which can be heard for more than 10 miles away.

Click here for more information.

New Romantic Contest from Princess

2008-02-07T10:58:00.000-05:00

This Valentine's Day's romantic escapades could be worth a FREE cruise for two!

In honor of it's new Department of Romance, Princess Cruises is looking for "The Greatest Romantic." Applicants can either nominate themselves or someone else between February 14 and March 20 through video entry on the Princess Cruises Website.

From there Princess' romance experts will narrow the entries to five finalists, and the "ambassador of love" will be picked through public vote between April 1-14.

The winner will receive a 7-day cruise for two to Mexico or the Caribbean (airfare included), and one lucky contest voter will also have a chance to win their own romantic cruise for two.

Apple Vacations New Sales/Ad Campaigns

2008-01-24T11:50:00.000-05:00

Starting this week, Apple Vacations is making their updated product and pricing for all new ad campaigns/sales available on Fridays instead of Sundays.

So, mark off your calendars because now advertised specials will be valid until 11:59 pm ET of the Thursday of the following week.

Kicking off this new schedule is Apple's...

"End of Winter One Week Sale," which will run from January 25-31.

However, JUST FOR THIS WEEK most of the advertised prices on Apple's "Escape the Winter Blues" sale will remain in effect through January 26, and if any products are featured in both campaigns, the lowest available price will be in effect through at least January 26.