Carnival Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Announce End to Fuel Supplement top

Carnival Cruise Lines, Costa Cruises, Cunard Line, Holland America Line, Princess Cruises and The Yachts of Seabourn -- have announced that effective October 31, 2008, the existing fuel supplement will be eliminated for all new bookings on 2010 departures. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. also announced that the company's fuel supplement will no longer apply to new Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Cruises bookings made on or after November 10, 2008, anywhere in the world, for sailings that depart on or after January 1, 2010.

This decision takes into consideration the recent reductions in global fuel prices. Additionally, the companies have also established specific guidelines that will determine whether fuel supplement refunds will be provided for 2008 and 2009.

Carnival Cruise Lines’ guests who book a 2010 cruise prior to October 31, 2008, will be charged the current fuel supplement but will also be eligible for a refund of the fuel supplement in accordance with the same fuel price conditions that are being implemented for the 2008 and 2009 departures.

For Royal Caribbean 2009 sailings and 2010 sailings booked before November 10, 2008, the company will determine on a quarterly basis whether fuel supplements will be refunded. Refunds, in the form of an onboard credit, will be provided if the closing price of West Texas Intermediate fuel is $65 or less, at the closing time of the New York Mercantile Exchange, two weeks prior to the beginning of the upcoming calendar quarter. When those conditions are met, an onboard credit will be provided to all guests on sailings that begin during the upcoming calendar quarter.

The dates on which the price of West Texas Intermediate fuel will be measured, and the quarters during which refunds could apply are:

The companies will continue to closely monitor the movement of global fuel prices and recognize that an upturn in those prices could necessitate the reinstatement of a fuel supplement.

Cruising 101 - Types of Cruises top
By Oliver S. Daniel

Travel nowadays has become a common pastime and tourism is a booming business. There was a time when taking a cruise was something like a lifetime accomplishment and those who had the travel bug and did not have the money, skimped and saved to take a cruise.

These days your clients may not have to skimp and save so much. With all the various types of destinations and cruise types, travelers are now turning to cruising for lesser expensive trips. Travel cruises can be taken in two different ways. Conducted Cruises or Charter Cruises and in these there are Ocean Cruises and River Cruises. Read on to learn how you can find the best cruise option for your next client.

Conducted Cruises
In conducted cruises your clients will have to mingle with a lot of strangers and follow the itinerary that the tour operator has already scheduled. Timings are rigid and passengers have to adhere to them. The stops and tours are also decided ahead by the tour operator and it is usual for the tour operator to hurry through a few places of interest and then send you home. Passengers on these cruises do not have the freedom to roam the backstreets on their your own.

Charter Cruises
At times it may turn out that a few friends or relatives might get together and decide to go on a cruise, a travel cruise where they want to have a flexible travel plan, decide on the type, duration and enjoy their holiday the way they want. For such a kind of holiday it is better that you search for a Charter Cruise.

Charter cruises, per se, do not come with much discounts and free offers from the operator who is hiring out the cruiser or the yacht. The charter rates are normally fixed for certain periods of time such as daily, weekends or throughout the week and also on the basis of off season and during season cruising. Almost always there is no scope for getting bargains. The best offers you can get are when your clients do overnight stays on shore in hotels where you are most likely to get free on-the-house breakfast, discount on lunch and dinner coupons to name a few.

Ocean Cruises
With comfortable accommodations to relax in, from majestic suites to shared accommodations, your clients will never feel that they are on travel unless they go out to the deck to get a sun tan or to take pleasure in the panorama as it glides past. Alternatively if your client’s group just wants to spend quality time among each other with nothing to distract them and visit just a few places then a charter ocean cruise would be ideal for them.

River Cruises
Ocean cruises traverses the oceans to any particular destination or destinations, whereas river or canal cruises necessarily take your clients on a travel to a number of destinations dotted along the rivers/canal course. River cruising offers passengers a relaxed and comfortable way to travel through some of the world's most charming rivers and canals.

If it has been your dream to go on extended a holiday, embark on a cruise ship and see the world's most beautiful cities, glide gently along the river through the countryside enjoying the scenery and the fresh air, visit local art galleries, castles, restaurants, theatres, markets, etc. in comfort, then a river cruise is just the right one for you.

River cruises operate from a large variety of popular tourist destinations and in many countries such as Australia, China, Europe, England and USA, to name a few.

Tour operators present a variety of packages that come bundled with discounts and sometimes with free offers that are inclusive of accommodation in worthwhile hotel deals. Free offers come in the form of on-the-house breakfast, welcome drink etc. Lunch and dinner coupons are, at times, available on discount offers. Most of the free and discount offers depends on the season. Free accommodation is almost always given for children below the age of 12 years.

Finding the right type of cruise for your client is fairly easy. Some websites offer a wide variety of choices for online booking. By finding the right cruise for your clients, they will have the trip of a lifetime they were looking for.

The article "Cruises - Taking Time Off on Water" was submitted by Oliver S. Daniel through http://Articles.GetACoder.com network.

Travel Tips - Make Your Business Trips Pleasure Trips top
by Jorge Dilag

There's always a trick and a way if we have the will to unwind, relax, and do business while at the white sand shores. With the latest technology we have, you can do real-time multi-tasking work while on vacation. Technology is everywhere now such as converged communication, we can always make our time precious, productive, and meaningful.

Time with family is precious. That's why more and more business travelers are adding on vacation to their business trips and inviting family to join them. Sometimes it's easy to mix business and pleasure - especially with the trend toward booking business conferences at resort areas like Orlando or Las Vegas. With a little advance planning, you can get Uncle Sam to foot part of the bill - legally.

The Internal Revenue Service lets you deduct 100 percent of your transportation costs for travel within the United States - as long as the primary reason for the trip is business. If your trip is primarily for pleasure, only expenses directly related to business are deductible. So the trick is to make business the principal purpose of your trip. Then you can mix in a few vacation days and still fully deduct transportation costs, including: airfare (for yourself only), getting to and from the airport, tips for baggage handlers, cabs from your hotel to your business meetings and back.

Of course, you don't have to fly to get tax write-offs. The same rules apply when you travel by rail or car. Pack the family into the car for the joint business/vacation destination, and you can deduct the total cost of driving back and forth, even though others are in the car. When you share your hotel room with family members, you may deduct the cost of what you would have paid for a single, rather than double room. Just be sure to ask the hotel to note the single rate on your bill.

Plus, you can write off all your daily out-of-pocket expenses - lodging, hotel tips, and 50 percent of meals, seminar and convention fees, cab fare, etc. - for business days at your destination. Your out-of- pocket expenses for personal days are not deductible. There is a really easy way to gain maximum tax deductions and take some extra days off too – stay over on a Saturday night.

If staying over a Saturday night would substantially reduce your airfare - and thus the overall cost of your business trip - the IRS will cut you a break. In effect, the IRS lets you count the extra days as business days because staying over actually saves money. Remember, your trip must still be primarily for business and you can only deduct 50 percent of your meal expenses.

Keep in mind that the IRS pays close attention to deductions claimed for business travel. Maintain a log to substantiate your business activities. Include the dates of departure and return, the number of days spent on business, and the reason for the travel.

ADVERTORIAL

The Cavendish Hotel Offers the Ultimate in Luxury and Convenience top

Situated on prestigious Jermyn Street, in the heart of Piccadilly, London, the Cavendish Hotel offers the ultimate in luxury and convenience for visitors to the UK’s Capital, whether for business or for pleasure. The Cavendish is perfectly located for those seeking the thrill of London’s theatres, world class shopping or maybe just to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

The Cavendish London is the perfect place to celebrate the festive season, whether you’re planning some time over the festive season or a seasonal weekend break away with family and friends. Boasting one of the most prestigious locations in Central London, this contemporary British hotel is surrounded by some of the world’s finest department stores and shops, and within a walking distance to all London theatres and West End shows - making The Cavendish London the perfect base to explore the capital during the festive season.

For the ultimate discount January sales shopping, London is always one of the best cities to find bargains aplenty, and with January sales well underway throughout Central London even during February it’s the perfect opportunity to go shopping and update your wardrobe for the New Year. With rates starting from just £145 per room per night you’ll have more money to spend on retail therapy!

Why not take advantage of our winter sale special offer? From just £145 per room per night to include one night’s accommodation in a Classic Double Room for two people on a room only basis plus VAT. In addition to this, you will receive an exclusive welcome pack to include special offers at some of London’s most prestigious stores and establishments such as Fortnum & Mason, Links of London, Hawes & Curtis and more…

Book before December 12th and receive a complimentary breakfast for two people, to qualify please enter ‘Christmas Breakfast Special’ in the SI field when booking in the GDS. This offer is not available on December 31st.

Terms & Conditions
This offer available from December 15th through January 31st 2009 and is subject to availability. Book before December 12th and receive a complimentary breakfast for two people, to qualify please enter ‘Christmas Breakfast Special’ in the SI field in the GDS. This offer is not available on the December 31st.

To Book the best rates at The Cavendish Hotel, visit CCRAtravel.com. Or in the GDS, select the CCR rate code in Amadeus, Sabre and Worldspan or CCRA in Galileo.

ADVERTORIAL

The Royal Horseguards Receives £16 Million Refurbishment top

The iconic London hotel, The Royal Horseguards is benefiting from a £16.3m investment from owner Guoman Hotels, the deluxe hotel group with properties across central London. Built in 1884 in the style of a French château on the Embankment of the Thames, the Royal Horseguards is one of London’s landmark hotels with magnificent views over the Thames.

The refurbishment of The Royal Horseguards will see all 280 bedrooms across nine floors transformed into state-of-the-art luxury accommodation by early 2009. New features will include built-in iPod docking stations in every room, plasma TVs in the bathroom, mood lighting, free wi-fi access in every bedroom and surround sound as standard. The bedroom balconies will also open up to overlook the Thames. The refurbishment also includes the addition of a Guoman Club Lounge - a standard that allows executive guests to work or relax within discreet and private surroundings.

Bars & Restaurants
Restaurants at the hotel include One Twenty One Two, named after the famous telephone number of Scotland Yard, the Waterfront Terrace Room, overlooking the River Thames, The Lounge perfect for afternoon tea, and the Piano Bar. A new conservatory restaurant is planned to be built onto the terrace to offer a private area for guests to dine and enjoy views across the Thames.

One Whitehall Place – Meetings & Events
Connected to The Royal Horseguards, One Whitehall Place is one of London’s most prestigious conference and banqueting venues and has enjoyed a refurbishment in excess of £1m. Offering a choice of fifteen private suites, some of which overlook Whitehall Gardens and the Thames, the venue accommodates private and corporate meetings and events for 12 to 340 guests.

About Guoman Hotels
Guoman Hotels is a collection of deluxe hotels located in central London, including Charing Cross, The Cumberland and The Tower. While each hotel in the portfolio has its own unique identity and style, each provides the highest levels of comfort and service to its guests. Guoman has identified three more properties to be re-launched under its brand, following a total investment in excess of £150 million – The Royal Horseguards, The Grosvenor, which was previously Thistle Victoria, and Thistle Marble Arch.

To Book the best rates at The Royal Horseguards, visit CCRAtravel.com. Or in the GDS, select the CCR rate code in Amadeus, Sabre and Worldspan or CCRA in Galileo.

ADVERTORIAL

Harrah's St. Louis to Open New, State-of-the-Art Conference Center top

6,300 Square Feet of Meeting and Event Space to Open November 28th, 2008

Harrah’s St. Louis continues to offer the best in hospitality with the addition of an all-new, state-of-the-art conference center, just steps away from the entertainment giant’s recently-opened, all-new Eat Up! Buffet, as well as multiple fine dining options and the exciting casino floor.

“Harrah’s St. Louis is a meeting planner’s dream come true!” said Michael St. Pierre, general manager of Harrah’s St. Louis Hotel & Casino. “You have 455 deluxe rooms and 47 luxury suites that have just been renovated, six award-winning restaurants plus the newly-opened Eat Up! Buffet, the hippest, hottest nightclub venue in town, and 125,000 square feet of the most exciting slots and table games in St. Louis – all ready to entertain your conference participants!”

The Harrah’s St. Louis Conference Center is scheduled to open November 28th with 6,300 square feet of meeting and event space. The Center is comprised of two rooms: one 4,390 square foot room that can be configured into four break-out rooms each, plus the 1,900 square foot Rotunda Room. The existing 1,600 square foot New Orleans Room which opened in 2004 is also available for smaller meetings and events.

There’s a reason Harrah’s draws more visitors each year than any other casino in the St. Louis region. With the most-seasoned banquet and casino staff in St. Louis, the service at Harrah’s is unmatched. The new conference center also boasts state-of-the-art audio/visual services, customized menu planning, a 24/7 business center, wireless internet access, complimentary airport transportation, and free valet and self parking.

Harrah's Entertainment, Inc. is the world's largest provider of branded casino entertainment through operating subsidiaries. Since its beginning in Reno, Nevada nearly 70 years ago, Harrah's has grown through development of new properties, expansions and acquisitions, and now owns or manages casinos on four continents. The company’s properties operate primarily under the Harrah’s, Caesars and Horseshoe brand names; Harrah’s also owns the London Clubs International family of casinos. Harrah's Entertainment is focused on building loyalty and value with its customers through a unique combination of great service, excellent products, unsurpassed distribution, operational excellence and technology leadership.

To Book the best rates at Harrah's Entertainment Properties, visit CCRAtravel.com.
Or in the GDS, select the CCR rate code in Amadeus, Sabre and Worldspan or CCRA in Galileo.

ADVERTORIAL

Renaissance and Modern Design for a Business Experience at UNA Hotel Vittoria in Florence top

The UNA Hotel Vittoria, located in the historic quarter of San Frediano, an attractive part of Florence near the Arno, rises from the masterly conversion of an industrial space by the eclectic and unconventional architect and designer Fabio Novembre.

A continuous flow of emotions permeates the entire hotel, which marries historic and artistic Florentine hospitality with the latest design and technology in a captivating, ironic and breathtaking harmony of shapes and colours which sees design reach its ultimate expression and fuse with elements indelibly tied to the past.

A unique and unforgettable atmosphere envelops the corridors transforming usually anonymous transition spaces with their succession of doors and numbers into art galleries. Each one of the 84 doors reproduces a painting, complete with frame, depicting noble and chivalrous characters with their story to tell. These doors not only open hotel rooms but also welcome the guest into another vibrant and animated “world.”

The internal spaces have been divided into many independent but connected functional areas washed with warm shades and materials such as mosaics, leather and printed lame, the restaurant has became a “refectory” where centre stage is taken up by a long gracefully “S” shaped table, inviting guests to share and socialise.

Business travelers can live this unique experience with the tailor made offer “Business in Florence”. Until March 2009, one night stay with dinner, welcome drink or 50% discount on parking, will be offered at only 85 Euros.

Soon to come the Nokia Rooms, where the new Nokia Eseries multimedia cellular phones are at guests’ disposal with free WiFi internet connection, mailing and VOIP calls.

To Book the best rates at Una Hotel Vittoria, visit CCRAtravel.com.
Or in the GDS, select the CCR rate code in Amadeus, Sabre and Worldspan or CCRA in Galileo.

ADVERTORIAL

LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort Receives Condé Nast Award top

LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort Receives “Most Excellent Resort” Distinction for Condé Nast JOHANSENS 2008 Awards for Excellence

NAPLES, Fla. – LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort received the “Most Excellent Resort” distinction in the United States and Canada from Condé Nast Johansens 2008 Awards for Excellence, which selected premier properties throughout the United States, Mexico, Central and South America and the Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific Islands. Through luxurious beachfront accommodations overlooking the Gulf of Mexico and exotic SpaTerre, to chic BALEENnaples and Bob Cupp designed LaPlaya Golf Course, the upscale Naples resort was nominated by inspectors, readers and hotel guests from more than 326 properties in the category of “Most Excellent Resort.”

“This award demonstrates that the resort continues to exceed guests’ expectations through world-class service and amenities,” said Ron Vuy, general manager of LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort. “We’d sincerely like to thank our dedicated patrons for their support and loyalty throughout the years.”

Featured in the March 2008 issue of Condé Nast Traveler, the Awards for Excellence winners were selected in 25 categories, including Most Excellent Hotel, Most Excellent Resort and Most Excellent Spa Hotel. Each property undergoes a rigorous annual inspection process to ensure exceptional quality is maintained every year.  

“With 326 of the world’s finest properties in the 2008 Recommended Hotels, Inns, Resorts & Spas – The Americas, Atlantic, Caribbean, & Pacific, and our expanded coverage of Canada and Central and South America, the categories were very competitive,” said Lesley O’Malley-Keyes, VP & Publishing Director, The Americas. “Condé Nast Johansens recommends only properties that meet our exact standards, so the Excellence Awards winners represent the very best of the best. Our readers are discerning, savvy travelers who enjoy excellent accommodations and personal attention.”

LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort offers guests a luxury experience with the simplicity of unpretentious splendor and purity of unspoiled beaches. Capturing a spot on the coveted Condé Nast Traveler Gold List, the stylishly simple escape also features a sweeping soft white beach with private Beach Butlers, crisp white cabanas along a cascading falls pool, exotic SpaTerre and stunning sunsets. 

To Book the best rates at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resrt, visit CCRAtravel.com.
Or in the GDS, select the CCR rate code in Amadeus, Sabre and Worldspan or CCRA in Galileo.

Portal Tip - CCRA Rate Options top

You have heard us “sing the praises” of Net Rates, for either personal travel or to sell with a marked up commission. Although Net Rates are available worldwide, you may not find them in every city – yet. So what do you do?

Look for the “C” CCRA Preferred Rates, “P” Promo (GDS) Rates and "I" Internet Discount Rates to find
great deals!

	CCRA Preferred rates are specially negotiated rates that offer automatic upgrades when available, and value added amenities! Plus, over 50% of hotels include breakfast when you book the “C” rate.
	Promo (GDS) Rates are where you will find AAA, AARP, Military and special package rates.
	Hotels.com and Expedia rates that agents tell us they most often compete with.

So the next time you are booking and cannot find a Net Rate, be sure to look at what is available in the other inventories. We provide you the best 1st, 2nd and 3rd choices, all in one place!

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