Contact:  Bill MacBride
                   302-355-0502
                   800-636-7230
                   bmacbride@cruisesinc.com
   

Bill MacBride EARNS TOP HONORS AT NCL UNIVERSITY
 Award-winning cruise line graduates its first class of
 Freestyle Certified agents   

 Newark, DE 02/13/2009
 Norwegian Cruise Line is proud to announce that Bill MacBride is among the first to graduate from its new online travel agent university, NCL University.  This progressive, state-of-the art online school is geared to deliver an enhanced level of knowledge and insight into Freestyle Cruising – NCL’s popular style of cruising, as well as NCL destinations, NCL ship programs and operations, and many other “behind-the-scenes” elements not available anywhere else. Each graduate is required, within one year, to earn a minimum number of credits through a choice of accredited courses and electives. The rigorous curriculum includes testing at every level in order to move forward.
 
 Norwegian Cruise Line’s online university opened its virtual doors in 2008 and is one of the most innovative and successful programs available to travel agents today. With thousands of registered students and growing, NCL U plans to expand its training from the interactive experience of its online program to a continuing educational experience that includes a Ph.D. @ Sea™ program aboard its ships.
  
 “At NCL, we highly recommend the use of a travel professional when booking an NCL cruise,” says Andy Stuart, Executive Vice President, Global Sales and Passenger Services.  “With NCL U, we are investing in our travel partners’ product knowledge, marketing and sales skills so our guests will know they are relying on an expert who knows our product inside and out.”
 
By earning NCL U’s Freestyle Certification, Bill is considered among the most qualified and expert representatives for NCL’s cruise product. To reach Bill, please contact at bmacbride@cruisesinc.com.

Once again Walt Disney World is offering free dining.  This time it’s for most nights between 9/27 – 12/17.  You just need to book a Magic Your Way package with at least three nights hotel and one day theme park tickets.  You must book by 9/26/09.

Guests staying at Disney’s Value Resorts will receive the Quick-Service Dining Plan for free while guests of Disney’s Moderate and Deluxe Resorts will receive the standard plan.  It’s a good idea to book this package as soon as possible becaue FREE Dining is very popular so rooms can fill up fast.  Another good reason to book ASAP is the possibility of Disney raising theme park ticket prices.  They usually seem to raise ticket prices in early August.  The rumor mills are churning along with rumors of price increases coming as soon as August 1st or 3rd, depending upon which rumor message board you read.  So beat the increase, book your trip today.

Free Dining is a little different this time around.  The quick service version for Value Resort guests gives you 2 counter service meals and 2 snacks per person, per night of your package and 1 refillable mug per person per package.  You can upgrade to the standard plan and just pay the difference.  The standard plan for Moderate and Deluxe guests gives you 1 full service meal, 1 counter service meal and 1 snack per person, per night.  Value Resort guests used to get the standard plan when they offered free dining.  Either way it’s a good deal. 

Disney is one of my specialties.  I’m a College of Disney Knowledge graduate and I’d be glad to help you with your Disney vacation plans.  Give me a call at 302-454-7804 or 800-636-7230 to book your trip today or send an email to bill@islandmagictravel.com.   Have a magical day!

Introducing Celebrity Solstice

The largest ship in the Celebrity Cruises fleet will be setting sail in November with our exclusive 2-night sailing.  Join us and be a part of this truly innovative experience.

Only on the brand new Celebrity Solstice will you be able to inhale the fragrance of a beautifully manicured lawn or watch glassblowers create art before your very eyes.  You’ll dine in restaurants capturing every mood.  You’ll experience the height of thoughtful design in open spaces and small details.  And you’ll retreat to accommodations inspired by Celebrity’s Five Leading Ladies, including AquaClass, which centers around your love of the spa.  Embark on a journey of imagination onboard Celebrity Solstice, where every moment exemplifies Celebrity’s tradition of impeccable service.

The Lawn Club is just one of the many firsts found on Celebrity Solstice.  We invite you to stroll across this expanse of pure innovation.  The refined setting is reminiscent of a country club, offering a casually sophisticated environment where you can practice putting, partake in the pleasures of an afternoon bocce tournament or just breathe in the fragrance of a freshly manicured lawn. As evening falls, witness the spectacle of molten glass being transformed into art at the adjacent Hot Glass Show, another ocean-going first fashioned through a unique collaboration with the Corning Museum of Glass.

Embark on a spirited culinary journey with some of the world’s finest chefs.  Celebrity Solstice offers a vast assortment of refreshingly innovative dining experiences – complemented by one of the world’s most expansive floating wine cellars – rivaling anything found at sea or on land.  Working closely with Elizabeth Blau & Associates, who helped orchestrate the culinary reform of Las Vegas, Celebrity has created a scintillating variety of choices to suit any mood and satisfy any craving.

Relish the dramatic sparkle of the Grand Épernay Main Dining Room, whose extensive champagne menu helps recreate the feel of a Hollywood venue.  Treat yourself to one of the exceptional specialty restaurants – like the Italian-inspired Tuscan Grille or Silk Harvest Restaurant, their new Asian fusion creation.  Or try something lighter and less formal, like a freshly baked scone in Café al Bacio & Gelateria or a freshly made crepe from Bistro on Five.  As with every Celebrity cruise, what distinguishes the dining experience onboard Celebrity Solstice is the attentiveness of the staff, all of whom have been extensively trained in the fine art of presentation and eagerly anticipate guiding you on the culinary journey of a lifetime.

Nightfall is more than a time to go out, it’s a chance to immerse yourself in a myriad of places designed to elevate your evening.  And when it comes to the allure of excitement after dark, nothing delivers like Celebrity Solstice.  Feel the warmth of Cellar Masters, where you may eagerly anticipate the pouring of an exquisite cabernet while surrounded by inviting colors and enveloped by a soft chair.  From there, move on to plan the day to come in the Passport Bar, which takes its cues from the map rooms found in the luxurious ocean-going yachts of old, or the Ensemble Lounge, whose elliptical bar can either bring you together to listen to music or serve as a stepping stone for more exciting events. 

Slip into a classic cocktail in the Martini Bar, or move over to the adjacent Crush, where ice-filled tables unite the tastes and textures of vodka and caviar – exotic pairings that excite the palate.  Venture further into your enchanted evening to Quasar, their exciting refreshing nightclub where retro styling fuses with contemporary rhythms to create a pulsating energy.  Be seduced by the lights and the movement on the spacious dance floor, or take it all in from the VIP section, yours to reserve.  Feel free to elevate the moment by ascending to the Sky Observation Lounge, where the canopy of stars appears to lie just within your grasp.  Or feel the favor of fortune’s smile in Fortune’s Casino, inspired by Monte Carlo.  Onboard Celebrity Solstice you don’t just go out for the evening, you surrender to the possibilities.

When the evening comes to a close, retreat back to your redesigned, more expansive staterooms, created to accommodate all of your desires.  Your first step into your personal retreat will evoke a distinctive feeling of “ahhh,” but more importantly a feeling of gratitude for five very special women, their Five Leading Ladies.  These five discerning travel connoisseurs – a frequent cruiser, a travel agent, a travel writer, a potential cruiser and a hotelier – contributed intuitive ideas about comfort, as well as their own personal wish lists, to the design of the staterooms and suites. 

For a twist on the standard stateroom, you’ll find the new AquaClass, 130 contemporary staterooms dedicated to spa lovers like you.  Created just for Solstice Class, these serene double occupancy accommodations allow you to enjoy a Celebrity cruise from an entirely new perspective – connected to it all yet secluded in your own hideaway.  Allow a Personal Spa Concierge to arrange treatments for you at the nearby AquaSpa by Elemis.  Or relax in the AquaSpa relaxation room and Persian Garden, both yours to enjoy at no charge.  You’ll also enjoy complimentary dining in a specialty restaurant, Blu, dedicated to AquaClass guests, serving healthful yet delicious cuisine.

Be the first to discover this unparalleled class of ship on our exclusive 2-night sailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida on November 21, 2008.  This weekend discovery cruise is the perfect way to experience all this new ship has to offer. This is an exclusive charter and only available through us.  You still have time to book this cruise but hurry, call 1-800-636-7230 today or click here for more information.

YOUR 5-NIGHT/6-DAY MAGIC YOUR WAY PACKAGE INCLUDES:

• Accommodations for 5 nights at select Disney Value Resorts or select Disney

Deluxe Villa Resorts.

• Magic Your Way Base Ticket with admission to one of the four Walt Disney World®

Theme Parks for each day of your package stay (must be used within 14 days of

first use).

• Disney Resort Guest benefits like Extra Magic Hours, where each day one Theme

Park is open extra time to enjoy select attractions (valid Theme Park admission

required) and Disney’s Magical Express Transportation with complimentary

round-trip motor coach transportation from Orlando International Airport to

your select Disney Value Resort or select Disney Deluxe Villa Resort.

SELECT DISNEY VALUE RESORTS

5-night/6-day package

including Theme Park tickets.

$49 * a day, per person for a family of 4

In a standard room. Rate valid

for stays most nights 9/28/08 -

11/25/08, 11/29/08 – 12/3/08,

and 12/13/08 – 12/23/08.

Total package price $1,168.

SELECT DISNEY DELUXE VILLA RESORTS

5-night/6-day package

including Theme Park tickets.

$94 *  a day, per person for a family of 4

In a studio. Rate valid at

Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort &

Spa and Disney’s Old Key West Resort.

Available for stays most nights

9/28/08 – 11/25/08, 11/29/08 -

12/3/08, and 12/13/08 – 12/23/08.

Total package price $2,236.

*Rates are based on two adults, one junior, one child. The number of

packages available at these rates is limited. No group rates or other

discounts apply.

But Hurry!  Call 800-636-7230 and book between 8/14/08 – 9/24/08

Be the 1st to Set Sail on the Brand New Celebrity Solstice!

We have chartered the first exclusive 2-night sailing aboard the brand new Celebrity Solstice. This extraordinary experience is available only to Cruises Inc. clients.  You can be the first to discover an unparalleled class of ship with features you’ve only dreamed of.  This weekend discovery cruise is the perfect way to experience all this new ship has to offer at an amazing price. Why not book this as a back to back cruise with the maiden voyage on November 23^rd?   

The ship sets sail from Fort Lauderdale on Friday, November 21st and returns on Sunday, November 23rd.  Only Balcony and above staterooms will be available.

Contact Bill MacBride at 302-454-7804 or 800-636-7230 today

Prices per person, double occupancy; Fuel surcharge, gov’t fees, taxes and gratuities are not included.  Availability is limited.  Not responsible for last minute changes of price or itinerary by cruise line, or any errors or omissions in the content of this ad. Some restrictions and cancellation penalties may apply. Ships Registry: Bahamas .  2008 © Cruises Inc. 

Take a long weekend vacation to The Bahamas next spring.

Bring the whole family April 23, 2009 for Sun & fun aboard the newly remodeled Carnival Fascination. 

Swim with Dolphins, visit the fabulous Atlantis Casino, relax on a beautiful beach, go shopping.  There are countless fun things to do on your Fun Ship Bahamas cruise.

Take advantage of our great prices and added onboard amenities on this cruise.  Book this cruise and receive $50 Onboard Credit and one (1) bottle of wine per stateroom. 

This is a limited time offer.  Call 800-636-7230 to book your space today. 

Click here for more details.

Walt Disney World has just released a new offer for late summer.  This is a room only discount off the regular room rates but it can also be combined with part tickets and Disney’s Dining Plan.  Stay at a select Walt Disney World Resort Hotel:

Select Disney Value Resorts $69* per night, plus tax. In a standard room for stays most nights 8/9-8/26, 9/1-9/15, and 9/22-9/27/2008.  A savings of $13 per night

Select Disney Moderate Resorts $109* per night, plus tax. In a standard room for stays most nights 8/3-9/27/2008.  A savings of $40 per night.

Select Disney Deluxe Villa Resorts $179* per night, plus tax. In a Studio for stays most nights at Disney’s Saratoga Springs Resort & Spa or Disney’s Old Key West Resort 8/3-9/27/2008.

Other room types are available at varying rates.

Don’t miss this limited time offer!  Call 1-800-636-7230 to book by July 27, 2008.

*The number of rooms available at these rates is limited. Minimum length of stay requirements may apply for Friday or Saturday arrivals. Savings based on the non-discounted price for the same room. Additional per adult charges apply if more than two adults per room in a Value or Moderate Resort. No group rates or other discounts apply. Advance reservations required.

Well, it’s that time of year again when we all start talking about hurricane season.  Will it be an uneventful season?  Will it be bad or calm?  Who knows? 

2005 was a devastating hurricane season while 2006 was mild with not a single hurricane striking the United States.  2007 was another mild hurricane season.

The thing with hurricane season is, you cannot stop your life for it.  As discount seekers know, some of the best cruise fares to the Caribbean can be found during hurricane season, especially during the peak period which runs from mid-July through early-October.  But do you take a gamble and plan a Caribbean cruise vacation during that time?  The answer is yes!  For starters, the chances of your particular voyage being affected by a hurricane are very slim, but it is a possibility, so you need to be prepared.

There is always the potential that your cruise itinerary may be impacted by a storm, but there is not much of a chance you’ll be put in harm’s way.  Today’s modern ships come equipped with state of the art satellite equipment to follow the paths of storms and head away from the storm track.  Your Western Caribbean cruise may turn into an Eastern Caribbean cruise or vise versa, but you’ll be safe and still having fun.

The most important precaution you can take when considering a cruise during hurricane season is to buy insurance, but make sure the policy covers disruption in case of weather related events.  Insurance is your protection so you don’t lose the money you invested in your cruise, and it is worth the nominal amount it costs.

There are still plenty of great cruises available for this Summer and Fall.  Contact Bill MacBride, your Cruise Specialist at 302-454-7804 or toll free at 800-636-7230, or visit my website for more information and to book your cruise.

Cruise Travel Insurance – You Never Know What’s Out There

So, you are getting ready for your vacation.  You’re bags are packed, your flights on time and the kids are waiting in the car cheering with excitement.  You think to yourself, “This is going to be the best trip ever!”  But you didn’t realize your luggage was about to get lost and you would end up having appendicitis on the cruise ship.  Good thing you have travel insurance.

Trip Insurance is just like auto or home insurance. You hope you never have to use it but when you do, it’s important to have a good policy. No one starts off on vacation planning for something to go wrong, but each year thousands of travelers experience a problem along the way. Good travel insurance can help you visit the far flung corners of the world worry free.

If you become sick or injured on board a ship or in a foreign port of call, the cruise line has limited liability and responsibility to get you to the nearest emergency medical facility. They are not responsible for the costs incurred for medical treatment. While many foreign countries have excellent medical facilities, some are not up to normal U.S. standards. Patients and their families often desire to be transported back to the U.S. and if this involves an air ambulance the costs can run from $10,000 to over $100,000 depending on the circumstances. Air evacuation is generally covered under Trip Insurance policies.

Another popular feature of Trip Insurance is coverage for cancellation in the event of illness or injury prior to the departure. Most policies cover not only the travelers but also your immediate relatives. And your policy may even provide something called “pre-existing condition” coverage. This means that you may be eligible for coverage for medical conditions which exist before you depart on your trip. In this regard, timing of the purchase of the policy is critical to establish coverage applicability.

There are many additional benefits Trip Insurance offers including lost or delayed baggage, renter’s collision insurance, missed airline connection and more.  Your Cruise Specialist can assist you in determining which Trip Insurance plan best suits your needs. Remember to carefully review all the details of your policy to insure that you have the limits and coverage needed to insure a stress free cruise. Proper insurance is the right way to start off your cruise, because you never know what’s out there.

For detailed information on the insurance offered by Cruises Inc. click here.