There are oceans of good reasons why cruising is such a great travel idea – and this month, you can add another to the list. This October is the second annual Plan A Cruise Month. The cruise industry, headed by CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association), has launched #CruiseSmile, which is an exciting digital and social sweepstakes offering travelers the chance to win a cruise vacation each week during the month of October 2016. A total of 23 CLIA member cruise lines have offered 31 cruises that winners can select from, under the four themes of family-friendly, cultural exploration, fun in the sun and exploring nature.
How to win? Simply post a photo of yourself featuring a great “Cruise Smile” on Twitter, Instagram or the campaign landing page at www.CruiseSmile.org, from now through October 31, 2016. At the end of the theme period, one sweepstakes winner will be chosen and three other winners can then choose one of the featured cruises to best fit their vacation preferences. A total of four cruises will be awarded over the 31-day sweepstakes period, and winners will also be awarded a complementary transfer from Carey, a trusted leader in chauffeured service solutions.
All you lovers out there — here’s a smart honeymoon travel tip: This is a great time to book your honeymoon cruise!
“There is a cruise for every type of traveler and their style, budget and occasion,” says Cindy D’Aoust, CEO of CLIA. “During Plan A Cruise Month the cruise lines will also be extending special discounts and amenities.”
For example, on small-ship luxury cruise line Azamara, when you book a select European voyage between October 1, 2016 and October 31, 2016, will give you $1,000 in a ChoiceAir® Cruise Credit per couple. You can read more about Azamara’s promotion here:
#lovetravel
Azamara, for example, is an ultra posh cruise line that is famous for its unique AzAmazing Evenings®, which are complimentary bespoke events created to provide travelers with a deeper connection to the local culture of their destinations.
At Cunard, there is a “Three for All” Fall promotion on more than 170 voyages sailing between May 2017 and January 2018 on all three Cunard Queens, Queen Mary 2, Queen Elizabeth and Queen Victoria.
The Three for All sale includes:
· Free stateroom upgrades
· Free gratuities
· $150 reduced deposit
In addition, the Three for All promotion includes free drinks in Princess and Queens Grill Suites. http://www.cunard.com/
Now remember, my gorgeous globetrotter friends – on the newly refurbished QM2, there’s a fantastic Canyon Ranch Spa Club where you can enjoy some of the same signature silken treatments that you can experience at Canyon Ranch on land. As a travel influencer and professional beauty blogger, I can tell you personally that as far as spas go, it doesn’t get any better than Canyon Ranch! My website and my blog posts are all about how to look good and feel good when you travel. #stressfreetravel
Ms. D’Aoust also wishes to remind travelers that travel agents continue to be the most popular and best way to book a cruise, as CLIA travel agencies and agents always have access to exclusive cruise deals and promotions to offer clients. You can find a CLIA-certified Cruise Specialist at
http://www.cruising.org/cruise-vacationer/cruise-travel-guide/clia-agent-finder
Ms. D’Aoust and CLIA can also tell you why now is a great time to cruise to Europe, for example. These include:
1). Affordable Airfare – The Fall season typically lends itself to discounted airfare domestically and internationally.
2). Cruise Line Promotions – Many cruise lines offer the best pricing to travelers in the Fall and Winter.
3). Avoiding The Crowds – Many European destinations are less crowded, after the busy summer travel period has ended.
4). Far-Reaching Dollar – Right now in many European destinations, the U.S dollar is exchanging to higher rates than in the past
5). Upcoming Events – There is no shortage of spirited celebrations and events in Europe, including Oktoberfest in Munich, and Christmas markets in Nuremburg.
“Cruise travelers are at an amazing vantage point in a climate primed for European travel,” adds Ms. D’Aoust. She adds that booking back-to-back cruises is immensely popular right now as well, as “passengers can have different itineraries and never unpack. Back-to-back cruises offer travelers an increase in flexibility and personalization, as well as the opportunity to truly unwind in a much lengthier way.”
Debbi K. Kickham, former Editor of Robb Report Magazine, is the author of the bestseller The Globetrotter’s Get-Gorgeous Guide, and can be reached through her websites at www.GorgeousGlobetrotter.com, and www.MarketingAuthor.com.
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