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Travel With Cruises International Blog

Wednesday, 07 February 2024 10:28

New Relaxed Luxury™ Resorts at Sea

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Relaxed luxury is what Journey Wonderfullsm is all about. Wake up in a new port every morning. Dine at a new restaurant every evening.

Celebrity Cruises® offers revolutionary resorts at sea, no matter the size. If you are looking for lots of high energy thrills and entertainment, we recommend the Edge Series™.

Designed by the best in the industry, using an innovative outward-facing design. What that means is more usable cabin spaces with more ocean views. For example, the infinite veranda rooms with floor to ceiling views, that open to the sea air with a push of a button. (See photo below) Restaurants offer outside dining options and floor-to-ceiling windows, as well. Named appropriately, the Edge Series™ was designed for guests to be as close to the sea as possible. Plunge pools and lounge chairs are placed right to the edge of the ship. Take stroll (or jog) on a two story track along the perimeter of the ship with ocean to one side. Inward facing you will see one of the largest pools on board any ship at sea. What a wonderful way to experience each destination with a full 360 degree unobstructed view!

The Theatre offers state-of-the-art technology, including kinetic lighting and lasers and IMAG to display live performances onto a huge screen.

You will find live performances throughout the ship, including in their outdoor spaces! The Eden is a three story transforming space,with gardens throughout. It is a great place to have breakfast and lunch. It transforms in the evening to the most spectacular area. The lighting and decor will amaze you.

Evening live performances offer Vegas-style acrobats that will delight you. The music and choreography are unforgettable!

The Magic Carpet®, the world's first cantilevered, floating platform also is a transformational space, as it moves from pool decks at the top of the ship to sea-level. It acts as an elevator during the day, and a restaurant and a music venue at night.

On the Edge Series ships you can partake in nightlife experiences as the 80s Flashback at The Club, Silent Disco, Live Band Karaoke, Ritmo Latin party, or an ABBA sing-along. Other favorite activities include: Pickle-ball at Sea, Pub Games Night, Camp at Sea (offering 500 activities for the kids), Spectacular Chandelier Light Shows in the Grand Plaza, and Movies and sports broadcasts under the stars!

Gather your friends and family, call us today to reserve early. We want to accommodate your guests whether you want adjoining rooms, a suite or just being in close proximity.

Safe Travels!

Tuesday, 15 August 2023 09:32

Experience the Hidden Caribbean

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You’ve already paid for airfare. Why not escape from the winter blues and take advantage of a longer cruise?

Celebrity Cruises is an ideal choice if you love the thought of sailing to islands off the beaten path. With 10, 11 and 12 days in the warm, turquoise waters we can almost hear the kettledrums now—with the beat of calypso music. I can almost feel my hair blowing in the warm ocean breeze. Let’s stop daydreaming and start planning.

08 2023 blog celebrity roomPictured: Deluxe porthole with veranda cabin.What makes the Caribbean such a popular destination are all the amazing and memorable activities that are available in every port!

While on shore, you can dive and snorkel coral reefs teeming with tropical fish, or go climbing up waterfalls and descending into caves. Play golf on a lush green course, ride horseback through turquoise waters, and swim with friendly dolphins. History buffs are sure to visit ancient Mayan temples and Spanish colonial churches. Shoppers can enjoy searching for unique island fashions and designer jewelry, silver coins, Cuban cigars and more.

Foodies love Celebrity Cruises, where chefs fuse traditional dishes with local fruits for enchanting flavors. Enjoy mahi-mahi, grouper, kingfish, red and yellowtail snapper, and conch from the iconic shell. Get chicken, pork, and duck served fried, grilled, roasted, or blackened. We often get asked what the days will be like when we are at sea. There is much to do onboard!

Escape to The Spa, including Destination Inspired Treatments. Take in a wine tasting and culinary workshop. Captivating main stage productions, including On Broadway. Spend the day swimming in the pool with the kids, then watch the sunset while relaxing in an elevated hot tub. Gather on board for movie night under the stars, silent disco parties, hot glass classes, and archery tournaments -- so many activities to share.

Please note,activities will vary by ship, and you can do as much or as little as your please!

Call or stop in to our new spacious lobby office in Hoffman Estates! One of our advisors will help you choose just the right ship for you and your family!

Safe Travels!

RCI BLOG

I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it a million times… A Royal Caribbean cruise is a perfect choice for everyone, especially for families and groups. There is so much to explore on their ships that our clients go back year after year. With such a wide selection of activities for any age or physical ability, this vacation is the one you, your children, and grandchildren will talk about for years to come.

Last year our President, Ines Turus, took her family on a Royal Caribbean cruise for those exact reasons. It was the perfect cruise for all ages.

You and your family will love the variety of pools and water slides, virtual reality games, rock walls, Flowrider simulated surfing, and so much more. With a daycare center offering fun children’s activities mom and dad can have a spa day, or perhaps a special intimate dinner.

If you are planning a reunion, a wedding, a work celebration, a special anniversary or any other occasion, our Cruises International travel advisors can plan private events or excursions to make everlasting memories exclusive for your party. Enjoy a 3-, 4-, or 7-day (or longer) journey. You will be amazed!

Celebrate Thanksgiving or winter break at sea and enjoy my favorite part…leave the cooking up to the chefs! There is still time to get away in 2023! Or book now for 2024 and give this gift for the Holidays! After gifts are opened and soon forgotten, the gift of travel makes memories that last a lifetime.

Booking your adventure early is a huge factor in having more choice of cabins that are close in proximity. Consider adjoining rooms or larger cabin suites. Choosing carefully is so important, and we will help you in picking just the right ones for you.

Safe Travels!

RCI BLOG

Utopia of the Seas® offers 20 dining options, bars, pools (including sloping beach entry pools), water slides, 10-story-high zip line, the Flow Rider surf simulator, and mini golf at AquaDunes.

Royal Caribbean International® has introduced their newest ship, doing her inaugural voyage in the Summer of 2024. She will sail on 3 and 4 day jam packed fun journeys to the Bahamas. Call your family, call your friends, let’s plan a group trip today!

“Celebrating a special birthday, anniversary, reunion, wedding, or bachelorette weekend?

How about 3 or 4 days on the newest mega ship in the world”?

As an Oasis Class® ship, Utopia of the Seas® offers the design and amenities as do the other high-in-demand, same class ships, but will solely focus on shorter itineraries of three and four nights. This spectacular, new state of the art ship sails to Nassau and “Perfect Day at CocoCay”, the line’s private island in the Bahamas. If you have hesitated to take a longer cruise, here’s your opportunity to experience it all in just a few days!

Vacationers can choose from 20 types of room accommdations. We’ll assist you in the selection of just the right one for you and your group. Reserve a cabin overlooking the ocean or overlooking one of the amazing “neighborhoods” on board such as Central Park or the Boardwalk. Choose a cabin for three, four, five or book a suite such as the Royal Loft, Ultimate Family, or the new Solarium Suites.

These shorter trips are perfect for families that want to spend part of the week at an Orlando area theme park! Or perhaps you would like to take two shorter vacations this year, versus one long one? We’ll help you plan the perfect short getaway for any occasion.

We are now taking reservations for 2024. By planning early, you can take advantage of the exclusive savings on special departures.

Safe Travels!

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We know we want to travel to Europe; the question is how long do we want to stay and how much do we want to see? Did you know that Norwegian Cruise Line offers cruises longer than a week? Onboard a Norwegian Cruise Line ship, you can travel through Europe on at 10+ day cruise and experience more countries, more culture, and more fun!

We’ve asked our Cruises International Travel Advisors which destinations are most sought after right now, the answer may surprise you…A Mediterranean cruise with a visit to Istanbul. A land with historic landmarks, vibrant cities, beautiful beaches, and excellent food. It is very diverse, having both elements of European and Oriental flair. From traditional teas to the buzzing bazaars, the locals are well known for their hospitality. It will be an experience not soon forgotten!

Iceland, with a chilly name, is one of Europe’s hottest destinations! It is known as the “Land of Fire and Ice”. You will find glaciers, hot springs, geysers, active volcanoes and beautiful waterfalls. The most famous attraction is the Blue Lagoon, a geothermal spa with enriched mineral waters.

There are so many wonderful itineraries it’s hard to choose! Some of the magnificent Euopean sailings are on Norwegian Cruise Line’s newest ships.

The Norwegian Prima, recently made it’s debut to outstanding reviews. It is currently the most requested ship in the Norwegian fleet, and we expect the Norwegian Viva (her sister ship) will share the same results.

Call us soon to help you plan which destinations you want to visit. We can also make your hotel and transportation accommodations. Stay longer pre/post cruise and make the most of your European vacation.

Safe Travels!

Regent Seven Seas sets the benchmark in all-inclusive cruise vacations!

april headerA Viking River cruise is a truly immersive experience. It is both destination focused and culturally enriching.

You will discover turreted fortresses, grand cathedrals, historic cities, medieval towns and spectacular scenery on one or more of Europe’s rivers. The newest is the Middle Rhine, a spectacular 15-day itinerary through Lyon, Provence & Rhineland. Half the fun is waiting to be surprised on what is waiting behind the next winding river bend.

A Viking Longship is an intimate vessel, with all the amenities of an elegant hotel, including all-outside staterooms with floor-to-ceiling windows for spectacular views.

You can dine on the Aquavit Terrace®, a revolutionary indoor/outdoor seating area at the bow of the ship, or in the main dining room featuring daily-changing menus including regional specialties. Visit the organic herb garden on board, which the chefs will utilize throughout your journey. They also use locally sourced ingredients--such as Norwegian salmon, Dutch Gouda, Spanish jamon and Hungarian paprika. This makes for a truly authentic experience, especially when pared with a handpicked selection of regional wines.

The on board experience brings culture to life with guest lecturers focusing on the next destination's history, art, and architecture. Port talks will provide an overview of the next port via multimedia presentation. You can also chose to read up on the towns at the library with a curated book collection in the library. Enjoy destination performances, cooking and crafting demonstrations by locals, using centuries old methods.

The beauty of Viking River cruises is that the longships can take you closer to town, some offer activities a short few steps away from the port. The Viking Way® of exploration, offers behind-the-scenes insights and opportunities to experience places otherwise difficult to visit.

Viking Rivers/Oceans/Expeditions sail on all 7 continents. The newest offerings are trips along the Nile River, and the Mississippi River, as well as Expeditions on the Great Lakes. These do sell out quickly. Many of our advisors have taken these trips and would love to share our knowledge with you. Let us help you plan your next unforgettable trip.

Safe Travels!

Friday, 17 March 2023 08:56 Written by

Cruises International – Vacations Land & Sea Honored by ALG Vacations® as a 2023 Elite Emerald Travel Agency

elite emerald social facebook 39145 940x788March 17, 2023: ALG Vacations® (ALGV), the nation’s leading leisure tour operator and part of the Apple Leisure Group, a member of the Hyatt family of companies, has honored  Cruises International – Vacations Land & Sea as a 2023 ALGV Elite Emerald travel agency. ALGV Elite tiers include Sapphire/Sapphire Select, Emerald, and Diamond/Diamond Preferred. Less than 10% of travel agencies nationwide selling leisure travel have been honored with the ALGV Elite distinction, based on 2022 sales production.

“ALG Vacations is thrilled to recognize the nation’s top-producing travel agencies again this year with the ALGV Elite program,” said ALGV’s Jim Tedesco, Vice President, Sales. “Elite agencies are highly recommended by ALG Vacations because their advisors know our brands, product offerings, and policies well, and have reached a level of sales that can only be achieved through superior service and high customer satisfaction,” he added. ALG Vacations’ highly respected brands include Apple Vacations, Funjet Vacations, Travel Impressions, Southwest Vacations, Blue Sky Tours, and United Vacations.

ALGV Elite agencies are rewarded with a variety of benefits and perks from ALG Vacations, including in-resort training, exclusive promotional codes to pass on to their customers, and access to a VIP support desk, enabling them to deliver premium service to the end consumer.

Cruises International, Vacations Land & Sea is more than just “Travel Agents”, they are your personal concierge, your trusted Travel Advisors, your advocate. By taking the time to learn your preferences, your lifestyle and your goals, they make sure to recommend only the vacations that are right for you. They know your preferences are as unique as you are, because they believe every vacation should be your vacation of a lifetime.

ALG Vacations® (ALGV) is part of Hyatt and managed under Apple Leisure Group® (ALG), a leading North American resort brand-management, leisure travel and hospitality group with a unique business model serving travelers and destinations worldwide. ALGV is a collection of powerful and growing vacations brands widely recognized for providing the industry’s leading leisure travel experience across the world. ALGV was voted the ASTA Tour Operator Partner of the Year in 2020 and 2021 and has received numerous 2022 awards from the leading travel trade publications. With more than three million passengers annually, ALGV features well-established vacation brands including Apple Vacations®, Funjet Vacations®, Travel Impressions®, Southwest Vacations®, Blue Sky Tours®, and United Vacations®.

Wednesday, 15 March 2023 10:17

It’s our time...

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It’s time to book your Fall vacations! It’s time to enjoy Europe, once all the students have gone back to school and the weather is mild. September, October is my very favorite time in Europe, time when I can truly enjoy the local authenticity of where I am.

It’s time to book Alaska. Again, the spring and fall “Shoulder seasons” are my favorite time to see this great destination! In spring the animals are just coming out and are not yet shy to the crowds later in the summer, families are in school, so it’s our time to enjoy. The glacial waterfalls are abundant, and the air is fresh. It’s time!

How about Canada, New England for the fall colors and historical value? We often forget about these great itineraries, and yet this area is spectacular and close to home! In anticipation of what we know will be in high demand, we have locked in low prices just for you, our Cruises International clients! The sailings below are amazing values, just look at the savings! These are available at the time I write this, but cabins are in high demand, disappearing quickly, so please call your vacation planner today to lock in your departure before the rates increase. Reference the sailing of your choice. It’s time!

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A Royal Caribbean cruise is more than a cruise--it’s the best family vacation in the world! It is the perfect fleet to take your children and grandchildren on an epic voyage they will never forget.

Two of the world’s largest ships, the Wonder of the Seas and the Icon of the Seas, have been recently introduced and are very much in demand. Because of the popularity of unique family accommodations, we are seeing these cabins book earlier than ever before. It is not too early to book your 2024 family vacations. Plan now for a summer, or a winter break cruise with the entire family while the best cabins are available. Imagine the fun of together looking forward to your adventure all year long. It truly brings families together!

Ask your Cruises International Travel Advisor about Royal Caribbean’s private island, A Perfect Day™ at CocoCay. It is a fan favorite! You can enjoy the day on waterslides, swim-up bar, a pirate ship, huge freshwater pool and the highest waterslide in North America. Rent a private Overwater Cabana Bora Bora style or enjoy a great lunch poolside. However you prefer tropical fun and relaxation, you will find it here!

The Icon of the Seas has the most water slides on board, a splash park, Waters Edge pool for infinite horizon views, Crowns Edge Challenge Park (Skywalk and rope course). The Awe inspiring AquaDomeSM and Absolute ZeroSM the biggest ice area at sea. Fun for all ages! Need I say more?

Let’s talk accommodations. Consider staying in an Ocean View room with an Infinite Balcony, with a push of a button your living space will be transformed to an oceanside escape. Sunset corner suites offer wrap-around balconies and endless views in all directions. The Ultimate Family Townhouse is the envy of the neighborhood with three levels of amenities including an in-suite slide, wrap-around terrace, and hot tub. The advice of your Cruises International Vacation Advisor will not only save you time and money by suggesting just the right sailing and accommodations for you and your family, but will offer suggestions that make the very most of every aspect of your family’s unforgettable adventure!

Safe Travels!

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We do enjoy recommending cruising with Norwegian Cruise Line. It is such a great value on some of the most beautiful ships at sea. The old days of being on a set dining schedule are long gone. They were the first to do away with the strict dining schedules and offering more freedom to choose.

If you think you only have 7 day options, you will be surprised to know they offer up to 21 day Extraordinary Journeys that allow you a more immersive experience.

It is still amazing to me after all these years that you can have an entire vacation and have it still be less expensive than dinner, and hotel for the same time frame. Waking up in a new port or country every day is just a bonus. Plus, with award winning Broadway shows, live on board games (like trivia, Bingo, Deal or No Deal), the value continues to climb.

The newest ships have been designed with passengers in mind. Larger living spaces and more balconies are what everyone wants. But the option to elevate your stay is always there.

Hidden away at the top of the ship, guests The Haven have many extras included. It is accessible only by key-card and offers their most luxurious accommodations. Enjoy unparalleled service of a butler & concierge. Relax in your king sized bed, elegant bath or on your private balcony. Cabins can sleep up to 8 guests.

Once you’ve stayed in the Haven you may never want to cruise any other way. From dramatic floor to ceiling windows to the little extra touches--like gourmet treats delivered to your room daily!

Our advisors would love to design the perfect vacation to fit your specific needs. They work closely with your budget to get the most value for your vacation dollar. Let them compare among all your choices and make recommendations with only you and your lifestyle preferences in mind.

Happy travels!

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