We recently had the opportunity to visit Carnival Cruise Lines' Paradise at the Long Beach Cruise Terminal. This ship is eighth in the series of eight Fantasy-class ships from Carnival. She recently replaced Ecstasy in the 3 and 4-night cruise market from Los Angeles, and what an incredible replacement she is !
The Fantasy-class series of ships evolved quite a bit as sister ships were brought on-line. The Paradise, along with close sister Elation - still symbolize Carnival's trademark of fun, but they do it with a wonderful sense of style not always found in earlier "party ships". The style of Paradise evokes an earlier era of cruising, with rooms such as the Normandie theater, Queen Mary lounge and the Majestic casino. This spectacular look, along with the other things Carnival is known for - food, entertainment, activities and service - makes Paradise a great addition to the short cruise market. Paradise visits Ensenada on each cruise, and adds Catalina Island on 4-night vacations.
Sunday, October 17, 2004
Thursday, September 02, 2004
Kudos to the Cruise Lines
As we write this, Hurricane Frances is in the news, and promises to be an important headline for the next few days. We wanted to take the opportunity to give you a quick overview of how the major cruise lines handle situations such as this.
We love cruising, and know what a high priority guest comfort is to the various lines. As an example, affected cruise ships have made changes in their itineraries the last few days in order to avoid rough seas, if possible. Sometimes itineraries are reversed; other times, ports of call may be changed or canceled.
In the case of Frances, it's important to note the major Florida ports will be closed for ship departures Friday and Saturday. As a result, some cruise ship guests will see their trips either extended (departures earlier this week) or reduced (departures originally scheduled for this weekend). A few weekend cruises have been canceled outright.
The best way to learn about the status of your sailing? Easy. It's your travel agent. If your sailing is going to have an itinerary change, you should have already been contacted (or may soon be contacted) by the cruise line and/or travel agency. We at Makarma Travel have been kept updated throughout the day by our vacation partners. For additional information, please feel free to contact us or visit the various cruise lines' websites. Don't forget to also check with your airline, as air service into Florida airports will most likely be affected.
If you're already in Florida, please stay safe, follow the news and do as the authorities say. When you finally get on your cruise ship, enjoy. Cruising continues to be our favorite way to travel, in sun or rain, in rough seas or calm ones.
We love cruising, and know what a high priority guest comfort is to the various lines. As an example, affected cruise ships have made changes in their itineraries the last few days in order to avoid rough seas, if possible. Sometimes itineraries are reversed; other times, ports of call may be changed or canceled.
In the case of Frances, it's important to note the major Florida ports will be closed for ship departures Friday and Saturday. As a result, some cruise ship guests will see their trips either extended (departures earlier this week) or reduced (departures originally scheduled for this weekend). A few weekend cruises have been canceled outright.
The best way to learn about the status of your sailing? Easy. It's your travel agent. If your sailing is going to have an itinerary change, you should have already been contacted (or may soon be contacted) by the cruise line and/or travel agency. We at Makarma Travel have been kept updated throughout the day by our vacation partners. For additional information, please feel free to contact us or visit the various cruise lines' websites. Don't forget to also check with your airline, as air service into Florida airports will most likely be affected.
If you're already in Florida, please stay safe, follow the news and do as the authorities say. When you finally get on your cruise ship, enjoy. Cruising continues to be our favorite way to travel, in sun or rain, in rough seas or calm ones.
Sunday, August 22, 2004
Cruise lines look ahead to 2005
The 2004 Alaska and Europe cruise seasons are not yet wrapped up, but the major cruise lines are already announcing their plans for next year. Ship deployments are at about the same level as this year, with the notable exception of Carnival Cruise Lines. Carnival will be accepting delivery of the new Carnival Liberty and, rather than sailing the ship directly to a U.S. port, will first operate a series of Mediterranean cruises next summer.
Sunday, August 15, 2004
Visit the Amazon, the Amazon.com that is...
In planning a vacation, there are a couple things you may want to do. First, find a great travel-related services company (uh, that would be Makarma Travel). Second, while we're busy doing the heavy lifting, take the time to learn as much as you can about your destination.
You can do the latter in a number of ways. The internet - the thing you're on right now - is one of the greatest resources. If and when you decide to purchase a guidebook for your vacation destination, consider using Amazon.com for your purchase. Their prices are competitive, their service outstanding, and their selection incredible.
Which guidebooks to buy? Send us an e-mail, and we'll be happy to make a recommendation. We normally prefer Frommer's for some destinations, and Lonely Planet for others. We'll be happy to give you our thoughts for the best resource for you.
You can do the latter in a number of ways. The internet - the thing you're on right now - is one of the greatest resources. If and when you decide to purchase a guidebook for your vacation destination, consider using Amazon.com for your purchase. Their prices are competitive, their service outstanding, and their selection incredible.
Which guidebooks to buy? Send us an e-mail, and we'll be happy to make a recommendation. We normally prefer Frommer's for some destinations, and Lonely Planet for others. We'll be happy to give you our thoughts for the best resource for you.
Sunday, August 08, 2004
'Tis the season......for what ?
Timing can be everything when it comes to travel planning. For example, the 2004 Alaska cruise season is nearing its end (it normally runs from May to September). If you're interested in seeing the 49th state with the help of a luxurious cruise ship, either plan on going very quickly (with extremely limited availability) or plan for a cruise next year (it's definitely not too early to book now).
Now, some additional random notes......
"Hurricane season" in the Caribbean typically runs from June to November, but we seem to see some of the heaviest hurricane activity in the August/September period. Naturally, there's no way to predict whether this means it's going to be a mild season or if the worst is yet to come. Should this keep you from taking a cruise now? Well, it wouldn't keep us from a cruise now (hardly anything does), but people ask about the season, so......
Look for additional competition/choices in the Mexican Riviera cruise markets beginning in late September, as additional capacity is added to the Los Angeles and San Diego ports.
Airfare to Europe might seem expensive now, but the seasonal Fall/Winter price drops will offer significant savings very soon. Ask us about these now.
Sandals Whitehouse, the company's newest resort in Jamaica, will be opening in February 2005. This all-inclusive not only looks like it'll be incredible, it's currently being offered at some outstanding rates (50% off) for 2005 stays booked now. If you've ever thought about visiting Sandals, this quite possibly is the time and place to do it. (Don't blame us if you miss out on this deal......)
Did you wake up this morning and decide you wanted to visit the Athens Olympic Games - you know, the ones which start this Friday? Yes, we can still get you there.
Questions ? Comments ?
Now, some additional random notes......
"Hurricane season" in the Caribbean typically runs from June to November, but we seem to see some of the heaviest hurricane activity in the August/September period. Naturally, there's no way to predict whether this means it's going to be a mild season or if the worst is yet to come. Should this keep you from taking a cruise now? Well, it wouldn't keep us from a cruise now (hardly anything does), but people ask about the season, so......
Look for additional competition/choices in the Mexican Riviera cruise markets beginning in late September, as additional capacity is added to the Los Angeles and San Diego ports.
Airfare to Europe might seem expensive now, but the seasonal Fall/Winter price drops will offer significant savings very soon. Ask us about these now.
Sandals Whitehouse, the company's newest resort in Jamaica, will be opening in February 2005. This all-inclusive not only looks like it'll be incredible, it's currently being offered at some outstanding rates (50% off) for 2005 stays booked now. If you've ever thought about visiting Sandals, this quite possibly is the time and place to do it. (Don't blame us if you miss out on this deal......)
Did you wake up this morning and decide you wanted to visit the Athens Olympic Games - you know, the ones which start this Friday? Yes, we can still get you there.
Questions ? Comments ?
Wednesday, August 04, 2004
Can you hear me now ?
We're oftentimes asked why we first started selling travel. The reason is simple, but twofold. First, we were convinced we'd do a better job than anyone else in the travel business. (We do indeed enjoy helping make dreams come true.) Second, we knew travel was something we truly believed in.
The latter reason above is why we didn't enter the cell phone business. We mean, yes, of course we believe that cell phone service exists. What we're not convinced of is that cell service will be good anytime soon. As only one example, we completed a cell phone call with a friend just a few minutes ago. A major portion of the conversation was spent saying things like "Can you hear me now?" and "Hello, hello, hello?" In order to be heard, we needed to speak loud enough that we probably woke people up from their slumbers half a world away. (We're not sure we're even that loud when we're at UCLA Bruin basketball games.)
Is cell phone service THAT bad everywhere? Not in Europe, from what we've seen. Traveling on a high-speed train from Rome to Paris with the beautiful Alps along our side (and literally miles from the nearest city), we saw countless people using their cell phones. Nobody was yelling, and we doubt anyone was saying "Can you hear me now?" in Italian or French.
Maybe reason #1 above is good justification for us eventually entering the cell phone business. What do you think......Makarma Cellular. Well, maybe later. For now, we're going to keep doing what we do best. The office fax machine is busy right now printing out the latest cruise bargains from one of our best suppliers. We're also busy preparing a postcard mailing to our customer list. And, of course, we need to read up on the weekly trades to make sure there's nothing we're missing.
Your thoughts?
The latter reason above is why we didn't enter the cell phone business. We mean, yes, of course we believe that cell phone service exists. What we're not convinced of is that cell service will be good anytime soon. As only one example, we completed a cell phone call with a friend just a few minutes ago. A major portion of the conversation was spent saying things like "Can you hear me now?" and "Hello, hello, hello?" In order to be heard, we needed to speak loud enough that we probably woke people up from their slumbers half a world away. (We're not sure we're even that loud when we're at UCLA Bruin basketball games.)
Is cell phone service THAT bad everywhere? Not in Europe, from what we've seen. Traveling on a high-speed train from Rome to Paris with the beautiful Alps along our side (and literally miles from the nearest city), we saw countless people using their cell phones. Nobody was yelling, and we doubt anyone was saying "Can you hear me now?" in Italian or French.
Maybe reason #1 above is good justification for us eventually entering the cell phone business. What do you think......Makarma Cellular. Well, maybe later. For now, we're going to keep doing what we do best. The office fax machine is busy right now printing out the latest cruise bargains from one of our best suppliers. We're also busy preparing a postcard mailing to our customer list. And, of course, we need to read up on the weekly trades to make sure there's nothing we're missing.
Your thoughts?
Sunday, August 01, 2004
Day One - The new TravelBlog by Makarma
Welcome to the new TravelBlog by Makarma !
TravelBlog by Makarma is a new feature which allows our staff to constantly update our readers with the latest in travel news. We'll focus on the types of stories you may not find elsewhere. Our goal is to help make you a better-informed traveler.
Check back with us every few days. Our goal is to make TravelBlog by Makarma your first choice for travel news !
TravelBlog by Makarma is a new feature which allows our staff to constantly update our readers with the latest in travel news. We'll focus on the types of stories you may not find elsewhere. Our goal is to help make you a better-informed traveler.
Check back with us every few days. Our goal is to make TravelBlog by Makarma your first choice for travel news !
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