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Franchise independently owned and operated by
Richman, O'Hare & Associates, Lantana, FL
Main Number (561) 899-3206 |
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a publication by Richman, O'Hare & Associates |
June 2014 |
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Greetings!
We begin this issue by thanking everyone who took a few minutes to complete the little questionnaire we sent out recently. There were many good suggestions and/or comments plus some surprises. The FYI section will discuss one surprise in particular.
Folks who took the time to complete the survey were entered into a special drawing with 10 respondents each winning a $25 on-board credit certificate which could be redeemed on their next cruise reservation. Rather than just have people respond "for a chance to win," we purposely did not mention this special drawing in advance. Instead, answering the last question on the survey was the only way to be entered. The winners' names are below, and their certificates will be on the way in a few days.
Stay safe and enjoy your summer, and remember we are here for you whenever you are ready to plan your next cruise or resort vacation.
Our best regards,
Al & Helen, and the team at Richman, O'Hare & Associates. |
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>>>>>>>>>>>>In This Issue
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Our Exclusive Customer Monthly Appreciation Program | |
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Survey Drawing Winners | |
Congratulations!
The following people who took time to participate in our recent survey are the winners of a $25 on-board credit for a future reservation. Your certificate will be in the mail to you in a few days.
| Coleen Folsom, CA |
Chris Barrington, FL
| Liz Shapiro, MD
| David Hoover, TX
| Linda lee Granger, FL
| Joanne Moss, NJ
| Dianne Gregorich, MI
| Holly Powell, UT
| Pat Hinde, FL
| Michael Marien, MA
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As usual, the winners were randomly selected, not by us, but in this case, by a reservation agent at Disney Cruise Line while making final payments on several reservations for a client.
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FYI- The BIG surprise in the survey | |
As mentioned earlier, there were some very interesting suggestions and ideas submitted by folks in the recent survey.
The one thought that came up multiple times, both in the written suggestions and the result of the question about promotions, was not only a surprise to us, but also very informative. It was an overwhelming YES, we should include promotions in our newsletter.
The most overused word in all marketing today (by all types of companies/businesses) is S A L E. When is the last time you saw an ad which said "we love our product so much we want to keep it, so please, do not buy it."
With the amount of promotional emails we (personally) get daily and weekly both as a "past guest" of many cruise lines and as agents, we would have thought that you too were getting overrun with them as well. Apparently not!
There are reasons why we do not include promotions and SALES in CNAV, but since you asked, we will do something in the future. (Read through to the end of this article to learn how we can notify you with what YOU want to hear about.)
First, you need to understand that most promotions are 1) very "time sensitive" and valid for only a couple of days; 2) require some type of "qualification" such as someone being a resident of a certain state, a Senior (55 plus), past guest, etc.; 3) are for a "select" sailing date (many very close in and if needing to fly, the cost of air may be prohibitive); 4) a "specific" ship and/or type stateroom booked; and 5) in most cases they are FOR NEW BOOKINGS ONLY!
Second, there may be many promotions going on by the same supplier at any given time, each with it's own requirement or specific target market.
As an example, I was looking at our current promotion backup for Norwegian Cruise Line while writing this, and found 19 different promotions currently available. And that is just one cruise line! How many do you think you really might be interested in or "qualified" for?
Finally, offering promos has not been the purpose of CNAV, and since we only send this newsletter once a month, which promotions should we include? We don't have the answer to that one. We designed CNAV to be entertaining and informative, not simply a "marketing" piece (although we hope it does keep our name in front of you so when you are ready to plan a vacation trip, we are first and foremost in your thoughts).
Here's a "DID YOU KNOW?" that might surprise you. Many times, the price of the cruise is increased during the "offer period" to offset their cost of the offer. Then, pricing may go down when it is over until the next offer. That is why our clients always hear us use the word VALUE rather than PRICE. Both change and which do you want?
When you contact us and begin planning your next cruise, maybe you already have an idea of what you want such as cruise line, ship, sail date or destination so before giving you any pricing, we first, check for any and/or all the promotions currently available for that request.
If you do not already have something specific in mind, we ask many questions and then, based on what each client tells us each time (when, where to, on what etc.), we can look for the best VALUE again by checking all current promotions which might be available. It's our job to figure that out to be sure YOU get the best VALUE and experience each and every time you make a new request.
Remember though, once you are booked with us, you should always let us know if you see a promotion. We will check it out to see if it may be applicable to your reservation. We also subscribe to a price monitoring service. We register both the sail date and category of all new bookings and are immediately notified if the pricing goes down (or up for that matter). It doesn't tell us about any promotion, only advises us of a price change so we check it out and see if it works for you.
Next, our CruiseOne Corporate Marketing Department, already sends one or more emails each week with specials and promotions to subscribers. Are you subscribed to that? If you are not getting these each week, then Click here to go to our website and sign up.
However, since so many people seem to want promotions, we put together a brief
"marketing profile questionnaire" to create cruise line and/or destination specific lists. That way, we can send out "hot deals and promotions" to only those who are interested in receiving them.
By completing the questionnaire, YOU will be telling us exactly what you want to hear about and from whom. Click Here to complete your questionnaire. |
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NEW - Question of the month |
This recent survey gave us valuable insight that we were not expecting. We will now ask a "Question of the Month" and find out what our clients think on various topics. Once you answer the poll question, you will instantly be able to see the current results. Thanks for sharing.
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Featured Destination - River Cruising |
We begin by saying River Cruises are not for everyone, and we would not recommend one for a family vacation with children as there are no "kids" programs on board. Or for people who need assistance in getting around, since a river cruise is for getting "up close and personal" with the sights, cultures and history of the places you will visit. This requires walking up and down hills, cobblestone streets and uneven surfaces in many places. And, do not expect to see an ad for only $599.
Yes, the new ships built by Royal Caribbean (Oasis and Allure of the Seas), Norwegian (Getaway and Breakaway) and Princess (Royal and Regal) are amazing. They have gotten bigger and offer more things to do on board and are really a destination in themselves or truly floating luxury resorts if you will. Although there may be over 25 different accommodation category choices on a ship that holds several thousand people, most river cruise ships on the other hand, only have 3 to possibly 6 categories.
Yes, today the river cruise ships are getting more luxurious compared to ships of years past (some of the older vessel staterooms were less than 100 square feet and the beds could not even be put together to form a queen). They just folded into the wall during the day with one left open to serve as a small sitting area until night time. They did not have a TV or internet capability either. Today however, they are designing larger staterooms with flat screen TV's, more amenities and some even have a French style balcony so guests can get fresh air when opened and some even have balconies you can sit on and watch the sights as you slowly pass by. Most staterooms only hold up to 2 guests.
River Cruises do not have multiple dining options, big fancy production shows, and a dozen different bars and lounges or Vegas style casinos. Where the ocean going vessels hold up to 6500 passengers each trip and need multiple entertainment venues, river cruise ships might hold less than 200 guests, who truly want an up-close and personal historical experience in a more intimate setting and environment.
There is usually only one main dining room and one seating for dinner. Entertainment in the evening is more about sharing thoughts with your fellow passengers from that day's experiences to the next day's adventures of sights and culture rather than fancy shows and entertainers. On occasion some local entertainment from the area are brought on board for a few hours.
There are River Cruises with itineraries in Europe, Asia, Africa, South America, (and even North America.) Europe however, has more navigable rivers than any other region in the world, and arguably more diverse cultures along its river banks than almost any other region.
Cruising the entire length of the Rhine and Danube rivers alone (made possible thanks to the Main-Danube Canal) exposes travelers to 10 countries in Central and Western Europe. Along the way you will see charming villages, storied capital cities, fairy-tale castles, vineyards and more, all accessible from your floating hotel.
The primary European rivers on which cruises operate include Central Europe's Danube; and the Rhine, Main, Mosel, Neckar, and Elbe in Germany. The Seine, Soane, and Rhône rivers in France are popular for river cruising. Although some cruises operate on Italy's longest river, the Po, it is largely unnavigable because of low water levels and sediment.
TIP: Do not wait for or expect "last minute deals." Rather, you should prepare to book as soon as you decide what trip you want and hope there is availability!
Because these ships only hold a limited number of guests, the most popular trips do sell out very quickly. Prepare to reserve yours at least a year ahead to get your preferred choice.
If you are interested in learning more about the companies, the ships, or the destinations,
Click Here to go Our Website Section About River Cruising
where there are links to several river cruise company websites.
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JUNE Secret Word of the Month | 
Each month we have a "Secret Word" and it is worth a $25 on-board credit for your cruise.
To receive this special bonus, you just have to mention the current "Secret Word" when making a new reservation with your Richman, O'Hare & Associate agent.
The "Secret Word" for June is Survey.
And even better yet! You are also eligible for our Monthly Client Drawing, so if you are the winner, you will receive a total bonus of $50 on board credit for that reservation. |
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Our Client Loyalty Rewards Program |
We want to do more than just tell you how much we appreciate your loyalty. We want to show you! With every reservation you make with a Richman. O'Hare & Associate Agent, you will receive Reward Points for that reservation.
Here are the basics of this program.
Each passenger over the age of 21 receives one (1) point per night sailed.
Once you have accumulated 50 points, you choose whether you wish to receive either a $50 on board credit or a $75 credit towards our travel protection for your next trip.
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ROA Franchise Agent of the Month | |
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 The Team at Richman, O'Hare & Associates | |
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And a little humor to end with......... | |
US Navy Radio transmission
NAVY: Please divert your course 15 degrees to the North to avoid a collision.
CIVILIAN: Recommend you divert your course 15 degrees South to avoid a collision.
NAVY: This is the Captain of a US Navy ship. I say again, divert your course.
CIVILIAN: NO! I say again divert YOUR course.
NAVY: THIS IS THE AIRCRAFT CARRIER ENTERPRISE. WE ARE A LARGE WARSHIP OF THE US NAVY. DIVERT YOUR COURSE NOW!
CIVILIAN: This is a lighthouse. OK, YOUR call.
A Joy Filled month to You And Yours.
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All Clients who make a new reservation during the month are automatically entered into that month's drawing with the winner receiving $25 on-board credit for the qualifying reservation.
