Panama Canal Cruise

I just got back from a 2 week panama canal cruise aboard the Celebrity Infinity. If you ever have a chance to go on a trip like this do not pass it up. It was fantastic to say the least. We visited many towns in Mexico and Costa Rica and then we sailed through the canal. It is one of the 7 wonders of the world and after sailing through it I can see why. If you need any more information on this cruise please let me know and I will get it for you.

Southwest Airlines

Starting Friday, August 8, you can check in online and reserve your boarding position
beginning 24 hours in advance of departure. This a great feature that is now available on Southwest.

Lawsuit

Two states have filed a lawsuit against YTB. It seems that this outfit is only interested in pyramid type sales and the majority of people that join are doing it for only one reason and this is to get reduced rates of travel for themselves. Now some of these members are trying to run a legitimate business but there is only a few that are doing this. Just use caution when booking your vacation travel. Always use a good travel agent. Remember we have extensive hours of training and we are certified to sell travel.

Delta Air Lines

Delta Air Lines announced significant changes to its frequent flyer program yesterday. The carrier introduced a new three-tier structure that goes into effect next month. It will now take 25,000, 40,000, or 60,000 miles roundtrip for award tickets, and Delta is again offering “last seat” availability. For complete details, check Delta’s new rules.

JetBlue

JetBlue will end its nonstop connections between Washington/Dulles and three cities – Burbank, Las Vegas, and San Diego – on Sept. 3. The carrier said it hopes to resume those routes next summer.

Tauck

Tauck celebrated the floating out of its newest river cruise ship, the “MS Swiss Jewel,” this week. The vessel will be floated to a shipyard in the Netherlands for its final outfitting before the scheduled April 2009 launch. The ship will be limited to 118 passengers, and it will join Tauck’s other vessels on the company’s seven river cruise routes.

Majestic America Line

Majestic America Line — the company formed in 2006 by the combination of American West Steamboat Co. and Delta Queen Steamboat Co. – will not operate cruises in 2009. Its 2008 sailings will apparently operate as scheduled. During a conference call with analysts this week, company officials refused to divulge any details about their search for a buyer to take over the line’s ships. 2008 proved a tough year for the company. Its historic paddlewheeler “Delta Queen” (pictured) will retire from service this year, because it’s no longer exempted from federal safety requirements (due to its wood construction). And, the “Empress of the North” (which sat out of service for months after running aground) will be turned over to federal maritime officials next month after its last sailing, because the company has stopped making payments on the vessel.

Delta

Did you see that Delta is now charging 50.00 for the second peice of luggage. I guess the charge for peanuts isn’t too far behind.

Airline baggage charge

I thought it was just a matter of time before the airlines came up with a plan to charge more. Did you know that American is going to charge $15.00 per bag and $25.00 for the second check in. It seems like they had something planned with TSA because as you know you can’t bring much toiletries in your carry on so since you have to place everything else in a check in you will have to pay. I’m waiting for the other airlines to follow Americans lead. So much for frequent flier benefits.

Airline Charges

Well I didn’t think it would take long for the airlines to get on the bandwagon and start charging for the extra luggage. USAirways will charge $25.00 for the second bag. It will be just a matter of time before they come up with something else to charge us for.