Tag Archive for: Portage travel agency

Celebrity Millennium to sail from St. Maarten beginning June 5, 2021

Celebrity Cruises has annouced its long-anticipated return to cruising as the revolutionized Celebrity Millennium will homeport in the tropical paradise of St. Maarten beginning June 5!

You can now turn your vacation dreams into a dream vacation on one of these new seven-night itineraries departing through August to some of the best-loved Caribbean island destinations. The ship will sail with vaccinated crew and will be available to vaccinated adult guests andchildren under the age of 18 with a negative PCR test result within 72 hours of embarkation.

You can take advantage of special air and sea pricing offering exceptional savings on all Summer 2021St. Maarten sailings starting at $1,999* per person for a veranda stateroom. The offer applies to new bookings and flights must be booked through Flights By Celebrity and prices include airfare and taxes. No
promotional code is needed.

In a statement, Celebrity Cruises President and CEO Lisa Lutoff-Perlo said, “Returning to the Caribbean after more than a year away is such a significant moment for us. It marks the measured beginning of the end of what has been a uniquely challenging time for everyone. We have been in constant contact with the leadership of St. Maarten these past months to support each other and share learnings and best practices. That we’re able to offer people the opportunity to safely vacation onboard the revolutionized Celebrity Millennium, is incredible, and that we will sail from the magical island of St. Maarten is very special. I am forever grateful for the support and collaboration of the St. Maarten government.”

Celebrity’s new summer season of Caribbean cruises provides a week of indulgence on a luxury cruise ship with world-class dining experiences, thrilling shows and dreamy, stylish staterooms all while basking in the sun, culture and history of some of the most beautiful islands on the planet. Two different itinerary offerings include:

  • Aruba, Curaçao and Barbados – This trifecta of spectacular islands offer plenty of wonder from Aruba’s natural rock pools, caves and volcanic lava formations; to the colorful Dutch colonial-style buildings and the Willemstad City Center UNESCO World Heritage Site in Curaçao; to snorkeling and catamaran sailings in the cool blue waters of Barbados.
  • Tortola, St. Lucia and Barbados – In addition to the many water adventure offerings in Barbados, this itinerary adds in St. Lucia’s lush green landscape and relaxing Sugar Beach; along with one of the British Virgin Islands’ treasures, Tortola, with its mountainous landscape and beautiful sandy coves that are enough to make any beach lover swoon.

With cruise vacations beginning and ending in St. Maarten, guests have plenty of time to experience this island’s fusion of Dutch, French and Caribbean culinary classics, stunning beaches and renowned snorkeling and diving options.

Celebrity will offer a range of curated tours for all interests and price points at every port of call. Private Journeys and Small Group Discovery Tours will also be available for those guests preferring to explore the destinations with only members of their family or traveling companions.

From bow to stern, Celebrity Millennium has undergone one of the largest re-imaginings in history to ensure an unparalleled new luxury experience for guests. The ship now boasts brand new staterooms, freshly appointed restaurants and lounges; and a redesigned spa offering guests unparalleled ways to relax and recharge. At the all-exclusive The Retreat, guests enjoy a private sundeck and redesigned lounge offering complimentary beverages, gourmet bites, live entertainment, and around-the-clock butler and concierge service.

Some of the additional onboard enhancements include:

  • Completely redesigned, contemporary staterooms and suites inspired by award-winning British interior designer Kelly Hoppen’s designs for Celebrity Edge and featuring Celebrity’s eXhale bedding with its luxurious Cashmere™ mattresses
  • Stunningly reimagined restaurants, bars, and lounges where guests can enjoy unparalleled culinary experiences in captivating environments
  • New boutiques featuring the hottest designer names
  • Celebrity’s Advanced RFID lock technology with digital key access to every stateroom door

The company’s first priority is the health and safety of guests, crew, and the people in the places that its ships visit. Celebrity Millennium will sail with comprehensive, multilayered health and safety measures developed with expert guidance from parent company Royal Caribbean Group’s Healthy Sail Panel and Global Head of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer; and local health and government authorities. These measures, including vaccination requirements, will evolve in keeping with current public health standards. Details on all health and safety measures across the entire Celebrity Cruises vacation experience can be found at https://www.celebritycruises.com/healthy-at-sea. In addition, guests must meet St. Maarten’s travel requirements, which currently include presenting a negative PCR test taken within 72-hours of arrival to the island.

Simplifying the luxury vacation experience, Wi-Fi, drinks and tips are now ‘Always Included’ on every Celebrity cruise. And, Celebrity’s “Cruise with Confidence” program provides flexible cancellations and best price guarantees.

For more information on Celebrity Cruises’ new St. Maarten cruise offerings, contact me today!

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Sandals Resorts to open a new resort in Curacao

Sandals Resorts International has announced its plans to bring a luxurious, new Sandals Resort to the island of Curaçao. 
 
This marks a brand-new island destination for the Sandals brand and Sandals’ ninth Caribbean island to call home. Formerly the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort, part of a broader 3,000-acre development, the resort will undergo a process to become completely “Sandalized,” bringing the opulent resort innovations synonymous with the Sandals brand to this stunning location. Enhancements are set to begin in 2021, and the new Sandals Curaçao will initially include 350-luxurious rooms and suites with further phased expansions planned. 

Conceptual plans for the resort include adding key elements for the signature Sandals experience, including new expansive pools, various 5-Star Global Gourmet dining options, and lavish accommodations, including magnificent newly constructed River Suites. Guests will also have access to the neighboring 18-hole Pete Dye championship golf course, two onsite marinas and 38,000-square-feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space, the largest on the island. 

World-famous for its vibrant culture, pristine beaches and coves, Curaçao also boasts spectacular dive sites and exotic marine ecosystems. With year-round temperatures of 80 degrees, it’s touted as the perfect anytime escape. The resort will have a positive immediate and long-term impact on the island and the people of Curaçao. In year one alone, it is expected to have an over $40 million economic footprint and an impressive track record on the creation of new employment. The resort alone will add over 1,200 local jobs comprised of 800 new team members and 400 local tradesmen and craftsmen. This will be followed by a positive economic ripple effect for the community extending to the local taxi and transportation sectors, wider supply chain, agriculture, increased airlift, and increased yearly tourism numbers – especially with the key US tourism market. 

Contact me today to get started planning your next All-Inclusive Vacation.

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Marvel Day at Sea and Star Wars Day at Sea Returns to Disney Cruise Line in 2022

Two epic adventures at sea return to Disney Cruise Line in 2022 – Marvel Day at Sea (Disney Magic) and Star Wars Day at Sea (Disney Fantasy). 

Marvel Day at Sea – Disney Magic

You can combine the excitement of a Disney cruise to the Caribbean and Bahamas with the thrills of renowned Marvel comics, films and animated series for an action-packed, day-long celebration of the Marvel Universe on the following special 5-night Disney Magic sailings out of Miami, Florida:

Sail DateItinerary
January 8, 20225-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
January 17, 20225-Night Bahamian Cruise
January 22, 20225-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
January 31, 20225-Night Bahamian Cruise
February 5, 20225-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
February 14, 20225-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
February 19, 20225-Night Bahamian Cruise
February 28, 20225-Night Bahamian Cruise
March 5, 20225-Night Western Caribbean Cruise

Star Wars Day at Sea – Disney Fantasy

Guests can celebrate the legendary adventures and iconic characters from the Star Wars saga during a day at sea on the following 7-night Disney Fantasysailings from Port Canaveral, Florida, to the Caribbean and a galaxy far, far away:

Sail DateItinerary
January 8, 20227-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
January 15, 20227-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
January 22, 20227-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
January 29, 20227-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
February 5, 20227-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
February 12, 20227-Night Western Caribbean Cruise
February 19, 20227-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
February 26, 20227-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise
March 5, 20227-Night Eastern Caribbean Cruise

Let’s get started planning your Star Wars Day at Sea or Marvel Day at Sea cruise now!

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Adventures by Disney Announces First-Ever Dedicated Expedition Cruises

Journey to some of the world’s most wondrous and sought-after destinations when they set sail on all-new Adventures by Disney Expedition Cruises. With voyages to Antarctica beginning in late 2021 and to the Galapagos Islands in 2022, you will embark on exhilarating adventures across breathtaking, remote landscapes while enjoying a leisurely voyage with family-focused activities curated by the travel experts at Disney.

Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruises

With the introduction of the Antarctica Expedition Cruise, Adventures by Disney now offers family vacation experiences across all seven continents. Scheduled for 2021 and 2022, two 12-day, 11-night Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruises will sail with PONANT, a leader in luxury polar expeditions.

Buenos Aires Escape

Your Clients can add even more adventure to their Antarctica and Patagonia Expedition Cruise with the Buenos Aires Escape. This four-day, three-night guided group experience will highlight must-see attractions as well as the hidden gems of Argentina’s capital.

Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise

On the Adventures by Disney Galapagos Islands Expedition Cruise, families will island-hop from one extraordinary adventure to the next with five nine-day, eight-night sailings aboard the boutique expedition ship, the Galapagos Legend. Three routes are schedule for this adventure.

On all Adventures by Disney Expedition Cruises, your Clients will relax and play together aboard an intimate expedition ship as a team of Adventure Guides lead engaging programming for adults and Junior Adventurers alike. Special presentations by naturalists will further immerse travelers in the stories of the ecosystems around them, and on select sailings, Disney animal and photography experts will host conversations and hands-on workshops about wildlife, conservation and travel photography.

More Opportunities for Families to Sail in 2022: River Cruise Departures Return

In addition to launching its brand-new Expedition Cruise itineraries, Adventures by Disney’s popular river cruise vacations return once again to Europe with three itineraries along the Danube, Rhine and Seine. New for 2022, specialty National Geographic Photography Sailings along the Seine will offer photo-driven excursions with National Geographic photographers. Sailing with AmaWaterways, a premier luxury river cruise line, these all-inclusive voyages are filled with active and immersive experiences in enchanting European destinations.

Contact me today to book your Expedition Cruise with Adventures by Disney!

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Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas sails from the Bahamas starting June 2021!

Beginning in June 2021, Royal Caribbean’s Adventure of the Seas will homeport in Nassau, Bahamas. Offering weeklong getaways, vacationers can enjoy a day in Cozumel, Mexico, as well as an island-hopping sampler of popular Bahamian ports — including Grand Bahama Island and two consecutive days at Royal Caribbean’s very own private destination, Perfect Day at CocoCay.

These exciting new itineraries will set sail June through August 2021, inviting fully vaccinated guests 18 years of age and older, as well as children under the age of 18 with proof of negative COVID-19 test results. Rest-assured, the well-being of the guests and crew remains a top-priority as Royal Caribbean looks forward to a gradual and safe return to cruising. Details on additional health and safety measures will be announced at a later date.

Sailing go on sail March 24, 2021. Contact me today to book your next cruise!

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Travel Trends for 2021

After a year like 2020, it’s hard to predict what the future of travel will look like. While travel this year will probably not look like what we saw pre-Covid, Americans are still traveling. With a pent-up demand for travel and the vaccine rolling out, it appears that the confidence to travel is increasing daily. So far this year I’m seeing a few travel trends worth noting…

Domestic Travel is on the Rise

Booking.com’s Future of Travel report for 2021 says “local travel remains easier, safer and – happily – often more sustainable.” Their ”Familiarists not Tourists” prediction shows 47% of travelers are planning domestic trips over the next 7-12 months. My most requested destinations this year have been – Florida, Arizona, National Parks, and Hawaii.

Disney is a still a top choice! Disney World is has been open since the summer and even though the parks have limited capacity, abbreviated hours and have put a hold on parades and fireworks, It is considered relatively safe to visit. Add to that it is easy to reach by either car or quick, direct flights, you can see why it is a pick for so many families.

Beach Vacations are also a popular choice because it is an easy way to maintain social distancing and find peace of mind when visiting these destinations surrounded by nothing but the sea.

Short term planning

Normally at this time I would be booking Summer and Fall vacations, but the requests currently coming across my desk are for April – June. With so much uncertainty, travelers are feeling more comfortable booking vacations a few weeks out instead of months.

In addition, with so many still working from home, and kids still doing remote learning, there seems to much less concern about working around school breaks. As long as there is a good internet connection, and enough time in the day to get the job done, it doesn’t seem to matter right now when families travel.

Bucket List Trips


For those who are planning a little farther out, there seems to be little holding back on the types of trips they are taking. Having realized that access to travel cannot be taking for granted, many are looking to book bigger trips as soon as possible. 

Travelers are looking for more unique experiences and upgraded amenities in order to stay in a ‘bubble’. I’m seeing more and more requests first class seats on flights, private transfers and suites with more room and bigger balconies to spend more time in their room.

Flexible Cancellation Policies

Before the pandemic, you would need to buy a fully flexible airfare to have the ability to change your dates, which would have been far more expensive than a standard ticket. Furthermore, cancelling your vacation last minute would be out of the question without losing a good chunk of your money.

Now many suppliers have realized that the only way to provide travelers with the confidence to book is by giving them the flexibility to change their hotel or flight booking at no extra cost. Airlines such as United, American Airlines and Delta have scrapped change fees for man flights. Hotels and suppliers are also allowing travelers to change destinations or dates without fees.  

Working with a Travel Advisor is a MUST!

Anyone who didn’t have one in 2020 probably regretted it. If you have had to change a trip on your own, you probably understand why it’s helpful to have a travel agent in your corner.

Travelers today need help navigating the new normal in order for their trips to be a success. With a considerable amount of uncertainty and quarantine, testing and entry requirements changing daily, travel agents have become an invaluable and irreplaceable source of information.

Even those who have booked their own travel for years, are turning to Travel Advisors for their experience and expertise.  

What are you most looking forward to in the world of travel in 2021? Tell us in the comments below.

To book your next vacation, contact us today to start planning!

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Bucket List Travel: Antarctica

A couple of years ago I watched the movie Where’d you go Bernadette? and immediately became obsessed with the idea of going to Antarctica. I later found out that the scenes that are supposed to be in Antarctica were actually filmed in Greenland, but that hasn’t waivered my need to visit Antarctica!

Anyone who knows me is well aware that I am the least outdoorsy person you will ever meet, so I know me wanting to go on thiss trip is going to be a surprise to many.

But look at this…

Iceberg, Lindblad Cove, Antarctica aboard National Geographic Explorer. January 2011

I want to go there and see this…

An explosion of gentoo penguins alongside makes this kayaking experience doubly extraordinary.

Antarctica is one of the world’s last great wildernesses. It is said that a voyage to Antarctica is one of the most exhilarating adventures the planet offers, and one of the most life-enhancing travel decisions any traveler can make.

There are a number of cruise lines that venture down to Antarctica. One that I have my eye on is with National Geographic and Lindblad Expeditions.

Lars-Eric Lindblad, considered by many to be the “father of ecotourism,” founded Lindblad Travel in 1958. In 1966, he brought the first group of “citizen explorers” to Antarctica. Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic have joined forces to further inspire the world through expedition travel.

Together they are good stewards to the earth and encourage greater awareness and understanding of issues impacting the regions where they travel.

National Geographic Orion, Lemaire Channel, Antarctica

The 148-guest National Geographic Explorer and 126-guest National Geographic Endurance are purpose-built Antarctic expedition ships designed to safely explore Antarctica—the most remote, wild place on the planet. They are fully stabilized, ice-class vessels with ice-strengthened hulls strong enough to push through the Antarctic ice. Their construction and the caliber of their Icemaster Captains and veteran expedition teams are your assurances of safety.

It’s in the early season (Oct.-Nov.) when the Captain can adroitly “park” National Geographic Explorer, allowing guests to disembark directly on the ice.

Every expedition sails with a veteran expedition leader and a team of eight naturalists, many of them polar veterans, of a variety of specialties: zoology, biology, ornithology, geology, polar history, and more. Other members of the 15-person team include an undersea specialist, a National Geographic photographer, plus a Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor, a video chronicler and a wellness specialist. Together, they provide you with a greater understanding and appreciation for this exceptional place.  

Hikers, Neko Harbor, Antarctica

 

Who’s ready for this amazing adventure?

My Bucket List

Amawaterways Christmas Market River Cruises

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Walt Disney World Ticket Offer

Play, stay and enjoy more magic with this special offer at Walt Disney World Resort—where magical moments are waiting for you.

Receive 2 extra days added to your ticket when you buy a 4-night/3-day room-and-ticket package at select Disney Resort hotels, valid for arrivals most nights from now through September 25, 2021.

Want to stay longer? Check about packages for other lengths of stay—and get 2 extra days added to your ticket.

Enjoy added peace of mind when booking! You can modify or cancel your reservation with extra flexibility through April 30, 2021. See Important Details.

The number of rooms are limited. 5-day theme park tickets included in this package are valid for admission beginning on date of check-in and must be used within 8 days. Visit disneydestinationstickets.com/usage for more details.

Ready to start planning your next Disney World vacation? Let’s chat!

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2022 Walt Disney World packages are now available to book

Get a head start on planning your future vacations by booking your 2022 Walt Disney World Resort vacation packages now!

Please note, the check-in date of your vacation cannot be more than 500 days in the future. There are some resort hotels that are not open at this time and not available to book. Disney Dining packages remain unavailable at this time, but can always be added to your Disney World package later.

A $200 fully-refundable deposit is all that’s needed to book your 2022 Walt Disney World Vacation. Packages can be modified or canceled up until 30 days prior to arrival.

Let’s start planning your 2022 Disney Word Vacation today!!!

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Delta SkyMiles now available to use on Delta Vacations Package

Delta Vacations is once again allowing Delta Skymiles members to redeem their miles for Delta Gift Cards that can then be applied Delta Vacations package that includes airfare.

What’s the benefit of redeeming your SkyMiles for gift cards and using them to book a Delta Vacations package? When you use this feature and book with Wishes and Waves Travel, you will accrue flown miles and bonuses, that you will not receive by booking using your miles alone.

To purchase a Delta Gift Card with miles:

  • Log into your SkyMiles Member account
  • Visit the mileage redemption for Delta Gift Cards page where you can select the desired gift card amount and quantity
  • Only one SkyMiles Member account can be used for payment per gift card. If you wish to use miles from separate accounts, each account
  • There is a limit of five gift cards that can be used per booking. See full terms and conditions.
  • Call or email me with your Delta Gift Card number and I can apply it to your booking.

Contact me today to start planning your next getaway!

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