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January 2015
Greetings!
  
In the cruise industry, January through April is commonly referred to as "WAVE" season. This is the period when all the cruise lines do what they can to get as many reservations on the books as possible for the remainder of the year.
  
Over the last few years, the incentive for new bookings during "WAVE Season" (and during the year for that matter), has been reduced pricing. This was mainly due (first) to the economy (the demand), and (second), to the number of ships/berths in the Caribbean (the supply) and the high cost of air to Europe and elsewhere. However, for 2015 and beyond, due to the redeployment of ships to the South Pacific, South America, and especially the Far East, capacity has been greatly reduced in the Caribbean and Europe.
  
Pricing or incentives are always about Supply and Demand! The suppliers are in business to make a profit for their owners and/or shareholders (they are public companies) and are raising prices this year and beyond to that end (which they have been trying to do for the last few years anyway).
  
With that being said, it is still "WAVE Season," and the Cruise Line goal is still to get new reservations on their books. So the trend this year is not lowered pricing, but to offer "value added" promotions such as an on-board credit, drink package, reduced air pricing etc., all great value-adds making the "real value" of a cruise vacation even better for those who book earlier.
  
Whether prices will continue to rise or what promotions will be offered for the rest of the year is impossible to say. What it does do for those securing reservations during WAVE season though is give exceptional value for each vacation dollar with the promotions offered at this time.
  
It is important to always remember two things when working with YOUR Richman, O'Hare & Associates  agent. 

 

  
1) If the price of the trip you have deposited does go down or there is a new "value add" offered prior to your final payment date (and beyond when possible), we will always do our best to get the new offer for you and adjust your reservation accordingly so you always get the best value for your vacation dollar.
  
2) Remember also, in most cases, if you should have to cancel before the "cancel penalty" period begins (normally following the final payment due date), deposits are fully refundable.
  
If you see a promotion, or have a destination in mind, or a special event or milestone to celebrate, or just a preferred vacation week, call your personal agent, make a deposit, and lock in the best pricing and current promotion available! You have everything to gain and nothing to lose.
  
Our entire team of dedicated and knowledgeable professionals are ready to help you get the best value and experience for your vacation dollar.

 

Call your personal agent today to secure your 2015 vacation.

  

Al & Helen

Owners of Richman, O'Hare & Associates

 *****

P.S. Please send your comments or suggestions for topics you would like us to discuss in future issues of CNAV. Send via email to arichman@cruiseone.com or hohare@cruiseone.com. We'd love to hear from you.

  
What is LEXIKO????
  
Now that we have your attention, or at the least peaked your curiosity, we are launching a new contest for our cruise family and friends.
  
So what is Lexiko you ask? It is the original name given to a game that has been played by hundreds of millions of people around the world developed by Mr. Alfred Mosher Butts (pictured) in the late '40's.
  
We have provided a link so that you can learn the history of a game you all know and have probably played at some time in your life.
  
  
The official name and trademark of ?????? is currently owned by Hasbro, but there are many "online" versions of the game.
     
We are always looking for new and fun ways to "engage" with YOU, our clients, and since we personally enjoy playing the online game called - Words with Friends -, we have devised a contest using the game and are challenging our cruise family to play against us. 
   
Read below about our WWF CHALLENGE
WWF Challenge Contest Rules
WWF stands for Words-With-Friends and it is the basis of our new contest. We challenge you to compete with us in this fun online game!
  
You can download the game for FREE on IOS or Android devices. The free version does have ads which can be annoying but after you have downloaded the app to your device, there is an option to purchase the "ad-free' version for a very reasonable one-time payment. We did this years ago (was $1 when we did it.)
  

We play the game whenever time permits during the day and evening (and on occasion even when out to sea) and have been enjoying it since 2012 when Helen was introduced to it. Helen finally convinced Al to play a few months later and we have had our own "personal competition" ongoing since then.

  
Here's how the challenge will work:
  
1) First if you do not have the game on a device (tablet, IPad, IPhone, etc.), you must download it from the App Store or Google Play and create a "user name."
 
2) Then, register your "user name" with us so we know you are part of our cruise family and participating in the challenge. Otherwise, we may not be able to accept your "challenge."
  
3) Once you download the game, you select a "friend' to play against.
Al's user name is: cruiseguyfl
Helen's user name is: cruisegalfl.
  
4) Now, challenge both Al & Helen to a game (two separate games). 
  

5) If you win the game, you get the difference of the number of points you win by added to your score in our challenge contest. For example: your score is 398 and Al's is 312, so the difference of +86 is the score you would get.

  
6) However, if you lose, we will deduct half (1/2) the amount of points you lose by from your score. For example, your game score is 292 and Helen's is 350 so the difference is 58 and you would be -29 points. For the two games, you scores are +86 and -29 so your final score is +57.
  
7) Once you have completed your two games, whether you win or lose, you may want to try and improve your total score. You may then re-challenge Al or Helen or both to another game. We will then take your best two game score combination to determine your final score for the month. Only one re-challenge will be permitted for the contest. 
  
8) All games started prior to February 28 will be completed to determine final scores and the winner will be announced.
  
9) In the event of a tie score(s), the player with the highest point total during the month in any one qualifying game will be declared the winner and receive a $25 VISA Gift Card.
  
NOTE: We do not know how many of you will take up the challenge or if anyone will, but if enough people challenge us, we have ideas for continuing it through the summer with many prizes (up to $500) to be given away.
  
We will send a score "recap" to all players during the contest so you will know where you are at. 
SAIL WITH AL & HELEN IN 2016 ON OUR SPECIAL NOSTALGIA CRUISE

Join us as we say goodbye to the very first cruise ship we sailed on in 1997. The Royal Caribbean Majesty of the Seas will leave their fleet and the U.S. after being a staple at the Miami Port for over 20 years.

 Click Here for Details and to Register for this Group

 

 The Secret Word for February is CHALLENGE. 

 

....and a little humor to end with
 

 

 A distraught senior citizen phoned her doctor's office. "Is it true," she wanted to know, "that the medication you prescribed  for me has to be taken for the rest of my life?"

 

"Yes, I'm afraid so," the doctor told her. There was a moment of silence before the senior lady replied, "I'm wondering, then, just how serious is my condition because this prescription is marked 'NO REFILLS'."

 

*****  

An older gentleman was  on the operating table awaiting surgery and he insisted that his son, a renowned surgeon, perform the operation. As he was about to get the anesthesia, he asked to speak to his son.

 

"Yes, Dad, what is it?" "Don't be nervous, son; do your best, and just remember, if it doesn't go well, if something happens to me, your mother is going to come and live with you and your wife...."

*****

Some try to turn back their odometers. Not me! I want people to know why I look this way. I've traveled a long way and some of the roads weren't paved!

 

*****

 

Until next time, a Joy filled month for you and yours.

 
Quick Links
 
  
  
 
Main Number in Florida
(561) 899-3206
or
Toll Free
1-866-88 SHIPS
              (74477)
Monthly Customer Appreciation Winner
 
The winner of our
January drawing is
  Josephine Oaks
  
Each time you make a new reservation, you are entered in that month's drawing and the lucky winner receives $25
on-board credit for that reservation.
  
All names are entered on a spreadsheet and we ask someone (not eligible) to pick a column and number and the name in that "cell" is declared the winner.
  
The winner this time
was selected by 
Shanna Fowler
Good luck!!
Rewards Program
 
We have an Exclusive Rewards Program and every trip you complete, from a 3-night weekend getaway to the ultimate around the world cruise earns you 1 point for each night sailed
(or stay in an AI resort)
for program details   
Secret Word
 
Each month we have a new Secret Word. If you are a subscriber and tell us that month's Secret Word when making a new reservation, you win a $25 on-board credit.
  
The Secret Word for February can be found in one of the articles of Cruise Newz.
  
DOUBLE REWARD POINTS
 
>>>>>>Print and return this coupon to: 
Richman, O'Hare & Associates,
 4124 8th Ct., Lantana, FL 33462
when making a new reservation during the month of February and you will receive double points in our Rewards Program at the completion of your qualifying reservation.
  
Your Name: ____________________________
 
Your Travel Order Number: ________________   
Promo: DRPFEB2015