Taste Modern Luxury on Celebrity Two Night Cruise!

This was a very Cruising Christmas for many – with cruises being my top request for holiday gifts … followed by escapes to the ski slopes!  Many of you have asked me to repeat the full details for the taste of Celebrity one of a kind 2 night cruise in January – so here it is!  If you scroll down on this blog, you will also see some photos I just took on board this ship -- the Celebrity Millennium.

Click to see Full Size!

Call me to see what stateroom availability is still left, and let me know if you’d like to join in on the fun.  Come along and see how living the Celebrity Life feels to you!

Happiest Holiday Season to All!

Shari's Holiday Greeting!

Click on ME to view my Holiday Message to YOU!

Quick and easy last minute gifts of travel – My Top 10 ideas that don't look last minute!

Never found that “perfect gift” for the very important someone or someones?   You are NEARLY officially out of time for a Last minute Holiday Shopping – for actual travel, anyway ~ however, there is something about being home for the holidays that inspires wanderlust!  And a trip together will give you something to look forward to!

If an IOU for any of the cruises I have recently posted don’t do the trick, there here are some ideas on how to pull off a last minute destination inspired gift –requiring very little money and very little time, and looking like you have thought long and hard on it! 

These trips are mostly centered on events, and can be ready to gift in a jiffy as a small physical gift with an IOU tucked in the box for the trip to be planned TOGETHER – over or after the holidays!

Caveat:  You had better call me to help plan that trip, because if you screw up on the fulfillment of that Christmas IOU, well, it won’t be a Happy New Year!   

Here’s my top 10 travel inspired ideas, starting with the ones I have been booking all day!!!! 

1.  Colorado, Utah and More … a Ski Trip

         Gift:  New Gloves, UnderArmour or a gift certificate to a ski shop

2.  Islamorada/Key Largo for Scuba Diving, Deep Sea Fishing or Sunning

         Gift:  Rum Runner Glass and Sunscreen

3.  Vegas, Baby!  Las Vega   …. , any time! 

         Gift:   A deck of cards, poker chips and/or promise of a special show

4.  New Orleans for Mardi Gras (Feb. 21, 2012)
         Gift:  Hit the party store and grab a handful of shiny Mardi Gras beads! 

5.  Louisville for the Kentucky Derby  (May 4^th & 5^th, 2012)

         Gift:  Broad-brimmed hat for her or a Bourbon Flask for him

6.  Chicago for “Taste of Chicago -- the world’s largest outdoor food fest!

     (June 24^th – July 3th, 2012)
         Gift:  Go to www.tastesofchiago.com and order a Lou Malnati’s Pizza

7.  Fantasy Fest in Key West (events span over a week with the main

     Parade usually Saturday closet to Halloween in October)

          Gift:  Think Mardi Gras meets Halloween  -- Maybe a glittery mask

        from the party store – OR a bottle or Margarita mix!!! (You're in Margaritaville!)

 8.  Head to California Wine Country for “Crush” – (Usually October 

     depending on weather) Ask me about some of the lesser known areas!

          Gift:  A Bottle of Wine … perhaps from one of potential destinations

  

9.   Epcot Food and Wine Festival, Orlando, Fl  -- Sept. 28 – Nov. 11, 2012

Gift:  Mix this with a trip to Disney for the kids --- a gift card or mouse ears from the Disney store – for adult gifting: a cookbook or a bottle of wine – or both!

10.  New York City – any time is good, but my fave is over the first weekend in Dec.

       The Tree in Rockefeller Center is lit and Christmas Spirit abounds. 

          Gift:  My husband's idea:  Sabrett hot dog!!!  Hold the sauerkraut (too messy.)

I am speechless after that one!  Maybe a Macy's Gift Certificate.

** Here is a Bonus Idea --- this is the Gift I want to see under

MY tree and will likely give my in-laws next year

11. Christmas Markets on a River Cruise –markets open mid Nov. – mid Dec. 2012

          Gift:  German markets being the most known: give a blown glass German

          Pickle ornament and/or a passport case. (Maybe add passport app off web?) 

Happiest Holidays to all, and please call or email me if I can help you in pulling this 

together … and looking like you have been planning this special gift for MONTHS!!!

Foodies and Wine Lovers will adore the gift of this Inaugural Oceania Riviera sailing!

I would love to find today’s gift of travel under MY tree! Today’s featured sailing departs Athens (Piraeus), Greece on April 12, 2012.  Experience the inaugural sailing on the brand new Oceania Riviera.  This stellar ship’s debut visits Israel, Greece, Turkey and Egypt.

Click to see full size!

With fares starting at $3,699 per person, this package includes their 2-4-1 fares, free roundtrip air, one night pre-cruise stay at a 5 star hotel AND prepaid gratuities.  (For what you save on the gratuities alone, you can purchase the new wine beverage package making this nearly the most all inclusive vacation afloat!)  Signature Chef Jacques Pepin will be in attendance. One can imagine there will probably be some special events in the only hands-on cooking school at sea! (... besides the one onboard her sister ship, Marina!) 

We have only select cabins left in this limited time group. I can help you with this -- or nearly any other vacation on land and at sea, and Oceania is one of my very favorite lines.  (My personal photos to follow -- AFTER holiday shopping ends!)

Update:  Top requests today:  Ski Vacations and Las Vegas, Baby!  (Just because I don't post the perfect trip -- doesn't mean we can't find it!)  Thanks for following me! 

Photos from My Fall Celebrity Millennium Trip

Welcome to Celebrity Concierge Class Living!

Some dear friends of mine welcome you to join the fun of Cruising!
  Look at that sunset!

   

Room Service Breakfast-- on your Suite Balcony -- INCLUDED!

The Millennium in Port

Just one of the many gorgeous bar, lounge and public seating areas
where you can relax and connect

Don in the heated Thalassotherapy Pool ---- ahhhh!

Tea Sandwiches at Cova Cafe 

Afternoon Sushi -- in case your regular meals are not enough!

Squawk!  Buffet if you must!

The RMS Olympic Dining Room ... a Specialty Dining option ($40)
features elegant tableside preparations and afternoon High Tea

Yes, superb fine dining in the "regular" dining rooms is INCLUDED!
 Anyone for Surf and Turf?  

The Millennium at night -- shimmers inside and out!

Celebrity Millennium Deal Video!

Celebrity Millennium 2 Night Cruise Starting at $40 per person???

This is Today's Deal of the day -- 2 night Celebrity Millennium sailing departing January 5, 2012.  The rates REALLY DO start at $40 base -- now YES< that is the "base" (remember? -- "bait") rate -- but even with port fees and taxes for a total of $360 for two in an inside cabin  ...  making it cheaper than the "booze" or "gambling" cruises and providing so much more value! 


Obviously, due to this great price and the fact Celebrity NEVER does short sailings like these, only limited cabins are available.  This two day itinerary will not be repeated by Celebrity in 2012.   I will post photos of  my last sailing on the Millennium shortly.  


Click here if you are unable to view the video below where I give you all the details and compare it to a .... **2 night cruise from Palm Beach** .  If that still doesn't work then call me, email me or text me immediately for more information.  I can say without a doubt that this deal  will not last! 


This will make a fabulous gift for your Sweetie, your Spouse, Parents or Family ... but any gift of travel you give, and you get to go along too is a gift that keeps on giving!  No one will even think about your ulterior motives that you get to go along too!!

Give the "Allure of the Seas" as a Holiday Gift - Really!

Click to see full size!

Still looking for that **perfect** gift?

Have you ever given – or received a trip for a gift?  It’s not too late to buy the PERFECT Holiday Gift for your family or Someone Special!  You Christmas Shoppers have 5 days till the great reveal … you lucky Chanukah givers, if you are traditionalists ... may have a few more days ~ but TIME is of the essence! 


So let’s get started!  I will be highlighting some astronomically great deals on amazing experiences for you (and you really have to move fast) BUT you might find shopping like this is more painless ~ and rewarding ~ than any other kind!

If you have found this interesting thus far, since we have established that you are a last minute shopper, we are going to focus right now on Cruises.  Why Cruises?

Cruises are fast and easy to book --- less variables. Usually – if you are lucky – no airfare is involved.  Provides all included travel, dining and entertainment (except your bar bill! ~ and we have a plan for that!)   Depending on your departure date, you can share this elaborate gift next week with *just a deposit*. 

Psychology of it?  Not my department, but on a satisfaction scale, I can't tell you "Why" I can't tell you "How"  -- I just have to tell you that -- just that by giving a gift of travel, especially if you will be giving them the gift of YOUR time by joining them, is a most amazing present; and one that can never be bought in a department store.  And if you get to go along too --- it;s the gift that keeps on giving!  What necktie or sweater does that for you??

Now, no time for philosophy – the clock is ticking!  So suspend reality for a minute and look at some ideas.

Why I chose this one:  Royal Caribbean Allure of the Seas 7 night Western Caribbean sailing departing Ft. Lauderdale on April 22, 2011.

The newest and largest member of the Royal Caribbean Fleet is a destination in itself and similar sailings other months of next year were found at over $500 MORE per stateroom than this one.  This sailing is in and out of Ft. Lauderdale, coincides with some college Spring Breaks, and I am holding some very rare group space that will give you $75 per cabin bonus shipboard credit.  $500 per stateroom deposit – the balance will not be due till February.  This group pricing and shipboard credit deal must be booked with me and expires December 24^th ~ so hurry!  Let me help you be a major league hero for the Holidays!  

Like this -- but not quite the right fit?  Too, I am a pro at multi-generational travel -- why not talk to me and we'll put together a family group for even later in the year.  Think of one gift filling 6 stockings!!  Watch my blog in the coming days for more ideas or contact me and I will craft something custom tailored to YOU and your loved ones!  

Why Use a Travel Agent – and More to the Point – Why Use Me?

Let’s start with the basics.

If you have never worked with a travel agent before, here's what to expect with me:

Short form: I do all the work and research (like a personal shopper or concierge) the cost will be the same or less than anythingyou can yield from hours of search and click and frustration … and frequently,I bring knowledge to the table that can enhance your travel experience.

Oh, and did I mention this? I get paid by the suppliers, so(with exception of airlines) to use me is FREE to you. If I’m good (suspend doubt and believe myreferences who say that I am …) then FREE is good! And besides, what is YOUR time worth?

Love to do your ownresearch? Great! Bring it on, and I will do the heavy lifting,comparing the fine print – sometimes we’ll book that deal (you lose nothing)& other times I will save you a bundle. (I can usually price matchlegitimate deals too – so you get the benefit of “live” personal assistance at“dot com prices”.)

I am accessible – I do notpunch a clock, and if I am awake, you are usually able to reach me. No offense to friends on the web, but whenyou miss a flight and you are standing in the airport and need someone *live* immediatelyto rearrange all the components of your trip … try dialing a dot.comentity! I am happy to communicate withyou via email, text, Facebook, phone …. I will work within your framework toservice your needs they way it is the most comfortable for you.

Added bonuses: I am a detail freak who will give you all theinformation that I as a traveler would want to know. When I quote cruise rates, they are inclusiveof port fees, taxes and any other surprises (not the “base rates” (or as I callthem, “bait rates”) that are usually advertised in Sunday’s paper or on theweb. When I talk airfare to you, I willtalk about what time you need to be at the airport – layovers – and arrivaltime. Transportation time to aresort. And baggage charges….and seatassignment fees. Don’t be surprised if Iam a little opinionated about carriers who do not give you the best value. Even when we talk a European vacation, I willdiscuss airfare, transfers, excursions, gratuities .. the little things thatadd up that are oft forgotten … so we can build a budget to work toward to giveyou a memorable trip that fits comfortably into your finances.

Value! Yes, price is not value. But price alone, while important, should notbe sole criteria for any decision. I ama firm believer in the big picture. ILISTEN to you and then try to give you the best possible options that fit yourmost important criteria. Then I willhelp you make the best decision based on the factors that are the mostimportant TO YOU. You only have toreview those – rather than all of the ones that do NOT fit! I research, we tweak, and I do over. Then I book, and deliver you a detaileditinerary with all the moving parts wrapped up in a nice little package. Oh yes, you pay – FOR THE TRIP. I am paid by the suppliers --- so the bestnews about using me is that to you — I am FREE!

Anything you see on my blog,or on my website – is just what is up for discussion that day, Please feel free to contact me about anytravel planning needs you have. If it isnot in my realm, I will happily introduce you to the best possible professionalto assist you.

Plus, I am extraordinarilynice. Think of me as your trusted traveladvisor. (You don’t know me well enough for that? Give me a try – you will!) So – going somewhere?? Want to??? ASK ME! Be Smart -- and use atravel agent! The price is the same orbetter, the benefits greater, and traveling without one – you’re on yourown!!

Ready? Let’s go travel!