Your May Cruise Newz and views

Independently owned and operated by Al Richman & Helen (O'Hare) Richman, Lantana, FL

May 2015

Greetings!

Did you know that Thursday, May 7th is National Tourism Day?

National Travel and Tourism week is celebrated in the United States during the first full week of May each year. National Tourism Day was first celebrated in 1984 from a United States Congressional joint resolution passed in 1983 (not another Holiday conceived by Hallmark).

Travel is a big part of the global lifestyle and economy in our country as well as in many parts of the world. Travel and Tourism offer a lot of benefits not just to the US economy, but it's citizens life experiences, enjoyment, education, culture and more.

As we all begin to think about summer activities and vacations, 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 (see quick links) to secure your 2015 vacation.

ANNOUNCEMENT

We have a new contest this month so be sure to read through Cruise Newz for details and also to find this month's Secret Word.

****HAPPY MOTHERS DAY****

We want to recognize AND SAY THANK YOU to all the "MOM's who receive CNAV and those you might share this newsletter with. You are the backbone of much more than you get credit for.

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.

Monthly Customer Appreciation Winner

The winner of our

April drawing is

SALLY BLAKE, Bradenton, FL

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

Eileen Scanks of Friendswood, TX

Good luck!!

Client Recommendations to do or not to do!

Our Welcome Home Survey asks you to rate the ship, food, entertainment, ports and excursions. We only use someone's name when given permission to do so.

***

Frank and Tracy Sammon, GA on their recent trip on the Norwegian EPIC (3rd time).

"I would suggest booking some of the excursions on your own if you are comfortable doing that. This worked out very well and was cheaper. We did this in Jamaica for Dunns River Falls and for the Dolphin Swim in Cozumel. Both worked out fine and we saved money doing so."

The key words are "if you are comfortable doing that."

If you have been to a port several times it may make sense. If it is a first time to a port and especially if it is your first or less than 3rd cruise, then a sponsored excursion by either the cruise line or our own partner Shore Excursion Group is highly recommended for several reasons.

1) Being sure to get back to the ship on time if a breakdown occurs on the tour vehicle.

2) Being sure the tour operator and the vehicle used is licensed and insured.

3) The ship knows where you are at all times in case of emergency.

***

Although we were asked not to use the names, the Norwegian Pride of America in Hawaii was poorly rated by several people who traveled together recently.

Note: Hawaii is still a major bucket list destination. Maybe you might think about a longer Pacific crossing cruise to the islands, either a one way or round-trip. Several cruise lines do these at various times during the year from CA and from AK.

Despite the low ship rating, here are two recommendations that they did have:

Kona - enjoyed the coffee and chocolate factories.

Kauai - enjoyed the trolley tour - was able to enjoy parks, beaches, and waterfalls. Also, was able to experience the breathtaking Napali Coast.

Tour to Avoid: Best of Maui - basically we were driven to gift shops and restrooms. There were no guides for any of our stops; we were on our own.

***

Name withheld by request

We really enjoyed the Jewel of the Seas, a sister ship of the Serenade of the Seas that we are familiar with from prior cruises.

Recommend Tour: Harrison Caves and island tour in Barbados. Very interesting scenery.

Port: St. Maarten. Great shopping and beach.

***

Sue Buerster from NY on the Oasis of the Seas

St Thomas: because we really enjoyed the catamaran cruise to St John's! Especially fun!!! Also loved St Marteen and the beach rendezvous we went to!

Catamaran cruise was booked independently prior to cruise

Super vacation...great weather....very relaxing trip. Used the gym on the ship everyday...nice facility!

Avoid Cruise Line Bahamas tour

***

Thanks to all these folks who took the time to complete and return their Welcome Home Survey. On behalf of all who read Cruise Newz, it is greatly appreciated.

The Secret Word for May is RETURN

(And this one is for fun and is a new contest.)

How Many Days Old Are YOU?

This is something we hope everyone has some fun with (and feel free to share with your friends).

Click the link below to find out your answer:

http://www.korn19.ch/coding/days.php

Then enter our new contest

First: Find out how many days old you are and

Second: Send an email to al@askusaboutcruising.com

with YOUR number and name.

Third: Put days old entry for the subject line.

Next month, we will list the numbers (no names) and let people pick a few of the entries and the one with the most votes, will win an On Board Credit Certificate worth up to $50.

Good luck.

Quick Links

Visit our Website

Find Your Agent

Email us

Main Number in Florida

(561) 899-3206

Toll Free

1-866-88 SHIPS

(74477)

We hope you enjoy this issue of Cruise Newz.

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)

Click Here

for program details

SAIL WITH AL & HELEN

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

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 May can be

found in one of the articles of Cruise Newz.

....and a little humor to end with

I bet you didn't know that back in 1912, Hellmann's Mayonnaise was manufactured in England. In fact, the Titanic was carrying 12,000 jars of the condiment scheduled for delivery in Vera Cruz, Mexico, which was to be the next port of call for the great ship after its stop in New York.

This would have been the largest single shipment of mayonnaise ever delivered to Mexico.

... But as we know, the great ship did not make it to New York. The ship hit an iceberg and sank.

The people of Mexico, who were crazy about mayonnaise, and were eagerly awaiting its delivery, were disconsolate at the loss. Their anguish was so great, that they declared a National Day of Mourning.

The National Day of Mourning occurs each year on May 5 and is known, of course, as - Sinko De Mayo.

WHAT??? You expected something educational from us?
This is the humor section.

*****

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

Earn bonus 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 May. You will receive double reward points for any 5 night or longer sailing in balcony or above on any cruise line or resort vacation . Your Name: ____________________________ Your Travel Order Number: ________________
Promo: DRPMay2015