The Flagg Agency

Frustration

One of my clients learned that when things go wrong on a cruise it can help to have a travel agent, and USA Today reported their story. I have also had things go wrong or not as smoothly when on a cruise. So what can you do?

1. Try to solve the problem while on board: If an incident occurs whether it is major or minor, it is always best to try to get it resolved while you are still on the cruise.

Should you book your cruise now or wait? This is a popular question I receive. Would it surprise you if I write “it depends?”

Every week I get email after email from the various cruise lines offering “special” pricing on departure dates within 45 days. By the time I have called on many of these offers, the staterooms are gone OR they are located in less than desirable locations. They may be under the theater, the pool area, a galley which means sleep may be lost as chairs, rehearsals and people are moving about under, above or right next to you. Ocean view or balcony staterooms may have an obstructed view. Some people can find a steal of a deal when they wait. Sometimes that deal really isn’t a deal at all…read on.

The number one question I get a cruise consultant is, “Can I get a free cruise?” My answer is always the same, “Yes,” but it will take some work. We are looking for someone who would be an incredible group leader. He or she could sell hair-cuts to bald men, ice to eskimos, or convince Larry the Cable Guy that he could be King of England. Perhaps you are someone like this or know someone who is like this. Someone like this does not want to get into the nuts and bolts of picking staterooms, processing credit card payments, or handling paperwork, but they LOVE to travel and would love to lead a group.

My then nine month old daughter at "work"

The headline of a story Monday in the Cleveland Plain Dealer said it all “Your vacation is crucial to your health.” I am proof positive if you want a healthier life, you need to take a vacation. Vacations should not always be about what you want, they should sometimes be about what you need. You need to relax, refresh and reconnect.

We are getting connected at a younger and younger age and we are living with so much stress in our lives that I do believe it is doing more harm than good. Some of the more shocking statistics from that story are:

I am not really a big fan of summer. I don’t really dig heat and really have a hard time with humidity. For me, today, June 21st, is my favorite day of the year. In honor of today, I am giving you “my favorite day of the year offer.”