http://www.bookemdonna.com/http://www.bookemdonna.com/blogPosts/view/carnival-revamps-the-fascination-in-drydockhttp://www.bookemdonna.com/blogPosts/view/carnival-revamps-the-fascination-in-drydockCarnival Cruise Lines says that its ship “Carnival Fascination re-entered service at its home port in Jacksonville, Fla., yesterday, after completing a $34 million drydock session. Upgrades include a new WaterWorks aqua park , an adults-only Serenity retreat area, newly added balconies for 98 cabins, and a renovated Lido Deck pool area. The ship will operate four- and five-day Caribbean cruises...Wed, 03 Feb 2010 09:27:44 -0500http://www.bookemdonna.com/blogPosts/view/why-should-i-use-a-travel-agent-instead-of-shopping-onlinehttp://www.bookemdonna.com/blogPosts/view/why-should-i-use-a-travel-agent-instead-of-shopping-onlineWhy Should I use a Travel Agent instead of shopping online?I hear this question almost every time I tell someone what I do. Or some version of that question, like "Do Travel Agents still exist?? with  the internet now??" And of course, there is the infamous, I can get a better deal going direct to the cruise line.Since I specialize on the cruise business, let’s take a look at this particular se...Thu, 31 Dec 2009 10:18:46 -0500http://www.bookemdonna.com/blogPosts/view/perking-along-at-holland-americahttp://www.bookemdonna.com/blogPosts/view/perking-along-at-holland-americaPerking Along at Holland AmericaHolland America Line beefed up its loyalty club with the Mariner Society Rewards Program, providing on-board discounts while sailing, special rates on select cruises and reduced or free third and fourth rates when booking future cruises.Based on past cruises recorded as cruise days, members now get Star levels and automatically collect additional cruise day credi...Wed, 16 Dec 2009 15:48:32 -0500http://www.bookemdonna.com/blogPosts/view/oasis-of-the-seashttp://www.bookemdonna.com/blogPosts/view/oasis-of-the-seasThis past weekend many travel agents and travel journalists, including me, finally got a chance to see Oasis of the Seas, one of the most eagerly anticipated cruise ships in recent memory. In the words of Richard Fain, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd., the vessel is a “game changer” for its mix of traditional, evolutionary and revolutionary elements. To say Oasis of the Seas is ...Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:16:34 -0500http://www.bookemdonna.com/blogPosts/view/royal-protectionhttp://www.bookemdonna.com/blogPosts/view/royal-protectionRoyal Caribbean International is reminding vacationers that they can enjoy the benefits of booking early and the peace of mind of receiving the best advertised prices with the line’s Best Price Guarantee program. By booking early, vacationers have access to a much wider selection of staterooms and availability on their desired departure date. If the guest then finds a lower fare advertised by R...Wed, 11 Nov 2009 11:02:55 -0500