All Inclusive Cruising

Back in the day most cruise lines offered amenities on board at no charge much like the airlines offered free meals.  In today’s world that just doesn’t happen.  On my last cruise my wife and I averaged well over a hundred dollars a day on those amenities, and some days much more.

After doing a little math and comparing fares with cruise lines that offer all-inclusive cruising, considered luxury category, you would be surprised how close they are in price when you crank in the onboard expenses.  For those of you that are not familiar with all-inclusive cruising, it includes your adult beverages i.e. fine wines, premium spirits, soft drinks, and all your gratuities.  Some luxury lines even throw in shore excursions.  Something to think about for your next cruise, and remember I am available to help you make those decisions!

Cruising with Herm

www.cruiseshipcenters.com/DanaGaston

VALUE ADDED EXPERIENCE

Today I would like to address the value I offer over the booking sites available on the internet.

One business practice that I follow is the 3R’S that you won’t find online!

• RESPOND—You can be sure that I will be in contact with you from your first request.  I will get the necessary information from you so I can supply you with the information you have requested.  I will offer my expertise and suggestions on whatever vacation, cruise or destination you have selected.
• RESEARCH---Before responding back with pricing you can guarantee I have researched the products available, destination and pricing, and will be able to offer best value for your request.
• RELIABILITY---I am not confined to set hours of operation and generally work when there is work to be done 24/7.  I will respond to your request as quick as possible and you can be sure that any information given to me is safe.

In today’s environment with the online tools we all have available, I’m confident that you have done some research as well.  I hope my expertise will stand out, and you feel comfortable working with Cruising with Herm.

Cruising with Herm    

Profile For a typical Cruising with Herm Customer

I want to address the profile of a typical Cruising with Herm customer in today’s blog.  I am very fortunate to have the customer base that I do.  Maybe it is because of my age (not sure), but I couldn’t ask for a better group of folks to be associated with.

My typical customer is between 45 and 65 years of age, they are either retired or getting close and they have a good income. They generally know what market they want, or at least have a good idea, and know the experience they are looking for.  Most seek some adventure and sightseeing, but enjoy the relaxation and pampering experience that cruises offer.  They are clearly tech savvy and know how to shop online.  That is why it is important to be affiliated with Expedia CruiseShipCenters and the competitive pricing they offer.

Thank you to all of you,

Cruising with Herm  

Final Port of Call

We dreaded this morning – having to leave the ship for the last time.   Last evening we made sure we spoke with new friends we made on the trip to get them e-mail addresses and phone numbers.   We met really nice folks from Chicago, Las Vegas, Vancouver Island, Canada, Minneapolis, and Manteka, CA.   It’s amazing how you bond with the folks on a 12 day cruise.

As the Royal was not going to be leaving port again until the next day, we were able to leave our bags on the ship and take an excursion around Papeete for a couple of hours.   We got back on board for our final meal with the Royal Princess and grabbed a cab to the Radisson.  For the remainder of the day we just relaxed by the pool, had dinner and listened to the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore as we went to sleep.   This truly is paradise.  

Cruising with Herm

Weekend in Paradise

Saturday morning early we were in Raiatea birthed alone again in the bay.   Following another rainfall, the sun broke through and we were off the ship to explore the island.  There were many local people selling arts and crafts and tour operators explaining the tours they wanted the passengers to go on.   One of the things we wanted to do on this trip was to snorkel, and had been told this was the island to do it on, so we found a tour operator that was offering a snorkel trip to a small nearby island surrounded by a coral reef.  And what an amazing afternoon we had – we saw so many different kinds of beautiful fish and coral pieces.   We didn’t see any stingrays, but we were told there were over 700 varieties of fish in those waters and it felt like we saw most of them. 

At the end of the afternoon, our ship was visited by a Polynesian children dance group – The Children of Raiatea --- kids 5 years old to 17 danced for the passengers on deck – it was really great – the dances each showing a story with their movements.  And they all had local costumes with beautiful fresh flower leis and crowns.  

After dinner, we had another group of adult dancers from Raiatea entertaining us out on the deck.  They really rocked the place!!!

Sunday morning we again were moored in the bay and tendered into Moorea.   I think this has been my favorite island so far.   After getting off the tender we were welcomed by dancers and an amazingly beautiful island.   We rented a car and drove around the island at our own pace.  We stopped at beautiful white beaches – in fact, many of the scenes in the movie South Pacific were actually filmed on Moorea.   We ran across community festivals along the beach complete with local musicians.   And we stopped at the Green Pearl Golf Course – if I would have known it was as nice as it was – and a public course, I would have liked to have played a round in the morning!   We also drove to the top of Le Belvedere Look Out with it’s many switch backs and saw breathtaking views of the island.   They were views that will be remembered for a long time.

After getting back to the ship it was time to repack our bags as the clock was ticking down on our most excellent adventure.

Cruising with Herm

Birthday in Bora Bora

Friday morning brought us in contact with dry land again.   Early morning we stood on the sun deck to watch the ship maneuver into Cooks Bay on Bora Bora.  What a sight to see – a lush green that is hard to explain.  We shared the bay with another cruise ship – the Aurora, a P & O ship holding 1800 passengers, so it was over twice as large as the Royal.   Both ships were too big to come near shore, so we tendered again from the ship to the shore.  

This was a great place to spend a birthday!  After tendering to the shore, we walked through a little shopping area with handmade arts and crafts and fresh local fruits.  We then looked at tours sponsored by local tour guides.   We decided on one that would take us around the entire island – which actually didn’t take too long as it is only15 square miles.  But there were several stops along the way – the first at the very famous Bloody Mary’s – home of the Bloody Mary – so of course we had to partake of one!!!  Then it was off to Matira Beach – a beautiful white sand beach overlooking turquoise blue clear water.   We went to some amazing look-outs to view Bora Bora and surrounding islands.  

Then it was back to the ship for a great birthday dinner at the Sterling Steak House followed by a cabaret show in the lounge and then we ended the night with an island tropical deck party – more food and a cascading champagne waterfall that used 100 bottles of champagne for the passengers.   What a wonderful way to end my birthday.  I truly recommend a cruise for your next birthday!!!

Cruising with Herm

Last day on the open sea!

We have been at sea now for the last five days, and it has been a great experience.  I thought I would become bored especially on the small ship, but that hasn’t been the case at all.  In fact I wish we had a couple of more days before we went on land again.

In the morning we start our day with lattes from our barista on board.  Next on the list is a workout in the spa and maybe a couple of miles around the track.  After cleaning up and enjoying breakfast, it is time for our first seminar.  We have attended a series on NASA and all their projects including plans for the future.  We have also attended a series on French Polynesia and the Society Islands by a historian that is a hoot.  The stories this guy tells are incredible.  He also does a lecture on astronomy, and did you know today at precisely 12:47 at 13 degrees we were directly under the sun casting no shadows at all.  A highlight for Jan today was a cooking demonstration by the Executive Chef and a tour of the galley (and of course a new cookbook for her to bring home).

Of course there is also bingo every day, ballroom and line dancing lessons, book clubs, bridge lectures and lessons, wine tastings, ping pong, golf chipping, and arts and crafts.   If anyone says there is nothing to do, then I don’t feel sorry for them.  Besides soaking up the sun, there have been more than enough choices of things to do.

We’ll be up on deck later this afternoon trying to get our first glimpse of Bora Bora.  Until then, I need to close because our afternoon tea just arrived in our stateroom!

Cruising with Herm