The Flagg Agency

I wanted to post some thoughts and videos from the latest racers to be eliminated from The Amazing Race: Season 19. Grandparents Bill and Cathi were Phileminated last Sunday as they came in last in this leg of the race. They were already significantly behind from the last leg which was ended up not being a pit stop but a continuation of the race day. Knowing that ‘reality’ shows are edited in a way to enhance the drama, Bill and Cathi were still in a race for a million dollars. Maybe it was their age and experience, but I always felt they were the most level headed racers I have ever witnessed. I felt this was certainly the case among the teams this season.

“Chuck, can a cruise be a all-inclusive vacation?” a prospective client asked me the other day. I replied that it could, but honestly it depended on what she considered as being all-inclusive. For most clients, they will find that a cruise is not an all-inclusive vacation. They choose to drink those beverages beyond coffee, water, tea, juice and milk. They like to enjoy a few relaxing hours in the spa. They choose to take one of the ship’s excursions when in port. They also have gratuities to consider which add about $12 per person per day to the final bill (unless pre-paid in advance.)

Eurodam anchored at Half Moon Cay

I want to thank you for visiting our blog every day last week and for cruising virtually with us. I truly wish you could have been there even with choppy seas we had due to Hurricane Sean and strong winds coming in from the north as we were crossing the Gulf Stream as we sailed back to Fort Lauderdale. You would have loved that right?

Last February, my daughter and I sailed on m/s Eurodam and I also updated my blog. I thought I would expound a bit on the differences of cruising with your child versus just your spouse. This second trip truly was a working vacation but a vacation nonetheless. These differences are not meant to be negatives.

Good afternoon from Half Moon Cay. As you may remember from my previous blog, HMC is one of my most favorite private island experiences. The sand is soft and white and the amenities are like no other. Holland America’s Eurodam and Neiuw Amsterdam visit this island paradise once a cruise during the winter season. This stop is so popular that once, during the holiday season in December, Neiuw Amsterdam is doing a cruise that includes a double dip stop at Half Moon Cay. We should talk next week to see if we can still find you some availability as I know you and your family would love it. Here are some photos from the day to whet your appetite.

Happy Thursday to you! We are enjoying Day 6 of our fall 2011 Holland America m/s Eurodam cruise. As mentioned before, we are taking part in the Cruise Holidays’ convention at sea. This morning we chose to sleep in and take a day off from the option activities. As such, we get a chance to post an almost live blog!

At 11:30 this morning, we have been invited to a Champagne lunch with the Master of the vessel with other members of the Mariner Society. After that, the meetings will continue at 3pm in The Mainstage. We then have dinner reservations in Tamarind with other franchisees tonight with other franchisees. Laura and I are really looking forward to it.