Posted by David Porter on September 24, 2016 · Leave a Comment
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has released recommendations for consumers to protect their personal data when using rental vehicles.
Rental vehicles may contain infotainment systems that can connect with personal devices to stream music, allow hands-free calls and texts, or guide navigation.
However, using connected vehicles can increase the risks of having personal data compromised. By taking precautions, users can protect themselves and their personal information.
US-CERT encourages users to review the FTC Alert and US-CERT’s Tip on Cybersecurity for Electronic Devices for more information.
It’s become a complicated world, hasn’t it? Be careful and don’t plug your smartphone into rental car infotainment systems without a great deal of caution!
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Posted by David Porter on September 22, 2016 · Leave a Comment
Flash Sale: Viking River and Ocean Cruises
We just received a communique that Viking River Cruises and Viking Ocean Cruises is having a Best Available Stateroom Sale now through September 26th on selected river and ocean sailings.
When we saw this, we hopped on the phone with our inside contacts and he said “get this word out fast as they’re selling like hotcakes”. Further, he told us that unlike previous flash sales, this sale includes all available categories A-F. So, my good folks, that means you might snag a balcony stateroom for an amazing price!
Before we get started, there are a few things you need to know:
- These offers are not advertised on the Viking Cruises website. If you have interest in these sailings, don’t waste your time looking for them on the web. Just give us a call.
- These offers are very limited in supply. Viking is filling up the remaining staterooms on these sailings, and when they’re gone, they’re gone. So, if you’re interested, don’t delay.
- Because these are very special and limited offers, Viking will require full payment at booking.
- All of the prices below are per person prices based on double occupancy.
- Lastly, these last-minute offers are for new bookings only.
If you’re interested, and want to check on availability, call our office at (480) 550-1235. Or, use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.
Note: click images below for much larger views.
What to do
If you’re interested, and want to check on availability, call our office at (480) 550-1235. Or, use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.
We’ll get an idea of what dates work for you and then check with our back channels at Viking to check on availability. Please know that at these prices, these staterooms will get scooped up quickly. Therefore, don’t delay!
Here’s the fine print on these offers:
River: Offer applies to new bookings as of September 22, 2016. Best available stateroom for $1,499 per person based on available October-December 2016 and March 2017 departures of Romantic Danube, Paris & the Heart of Normandy and Lyon & Provence; best available stateroom for $1,799 per person based on available October-December 2016 departures of Portugal’s River of Gold. Offer not valid on suites. Other months higher; call for details. Not combinable with Past Passenger discount, Refer a Friend, 20th Anniversary discount, Viking Air Plus or Frequent Flyer programs. Other restrictions may apply; ask for details. Request offer code ESS and pay in full at time of booking. Offer expires September 26, 2016. Air Promo: Economy air from $995 per person on all major gateways. Business and Premium air at brochure fare. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date, and include transfers plus all government taxes and fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change until full payment of air is received. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights.
Ocean: Offer applies to new bookings as of September 22, 2016. Best available stateroom for $1,999 per person up to category PV1 based on available February 2017 departures of West Indies to Iberia; best available stateroom for $1,999 per person up to category PV1 based on available March 2017 departures of Empires of the Mediterranean; best available stateroom for $2,999 per person up to category PV1 based on available December 2016 departures of West Indies Explorer; $1,499 per person up to category DV2 based on available January-February 2017 departures of Romantic Mediterranean and Secrets of the Southern Mediterranean. Price for higher categories; call for details. Other months higher; call for details. Offer not valid on suites. Not combinable with Past Passenger discount, Refer a Friend, 20th Anniversary discount, Viking Air Plus or Frequent Flyer programs. Other restrictions may apply; ask for details. Request offer code ESS and pay in full at time of booking. Offer expires September 26, 2016. Air Promo: Economy air from $495 – $995 per person on all major gateways. Business and Premium air at brochure fare. Air prices are per person based on cruise/cruisetour check-in date, and include transfers plus all government taxes and fees of approximately $160 and air fuel surcharges. Air seats are limited; airfares are subject to change until full payment of air is received. Roundtrip airport transfers are included when air is purchased with a cruise or cruisetour package; if air is not purchased from Viking, transfers may be purchased separately. All transfers must be in conjunction with a Viking-purchased cruise, cruisetour, land extension or extra hotel nights. Additional airline-imposed baggage charges may apply.
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Posted by David Porter on September 20, 2016 · Leave a Comment
If you’ve been a reader of our website and newsletter, you’re certain to know that we’ve been offering our clients and readers a fairly stable diet of last-minute, unadvertised specials on Viking River Cruises over the past year.
So, like our little squirrel friend, you might wonder: what happened to those offers?
We were on a private conference call with Viking River Cruise execs a few days ago, and here’s the reason you are no longer seeing all of those juicy last-minute offers: Viking Cruises is experiencing record sales right now.
In fact, our contact went on to say that Viking not only experienced a record month in August, but several days in August blew away 20 years of sales records.
Why is this happening?
Well, 80,000,000 baby boomers headed towards retirement with travel on their minds. And, folks are becoming a little more comfortable with the idea of traveling to Europe. Lastly, folks like the whole idea of a river cruise; unpacking once, their all-inclusive pricing, and the ability to see the great cities of Europe which were all built around its rivers.
Moral to the Story?
If you’ve been holding out for one of those nearly 50%-off last-minute offers, that’s probably not a good strategy if you want to experience a river cruise in the coming year. Might we see more? Maybe. But looking through today’s lens, it’s highly unlikely.
Our best advice is to take advantage of Viking’s 20th Anniversary Sale (click here). And, to sweeten the pot even more, for the first time ever, we’ve got bulk pricing for our clients through our Virtuoso connections (click here).
Lastly, you’ve got questions. We’ve got answers.
If you have questions about Viking River Cruises, call our office for a no-obligation chat. We’ve sailed Viking a number of times, and have had literally hundreds of our clients sail with them. We’re a Viking Master Agency, and we promise to help you make a fantastic travel decision.
To learn more, or to book a very fun Viking sailing, call our travel agency office at (480) 550-1235, or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you. Don’t delay, as we mentioned, Viking is experiencing record volumes. You don’t want to get shut out!
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Posted by David Porter on September 17, 2016 · 1 Comment
Explore the 9/11 Memorial and stay at the new Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
Our travel agency is a Preferred Partner with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts which allows us to bring you guaranteed best available rates and packages.
With all of the recent attention on the 9/11 Memorial, we thought we’d bring your attention to the soon-to-open Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown which will begin taking reservations on September 26 and is located just a block from the 9/11 memorial.
The Look of the New Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown
In a timeless tribute to the city’s distinctive early 20th century architecture – the iconic Woolworth Building shares the same city block – architect Robert A.M. Stern has created a new, 82 story skyscraper soaring 926 feet (282 metres) above the historic streets of Lower Manhattan. Taking its place in the world’s most famous skyline, Downtown’s tallest residential building is also home to its newest luxury hotel.
Stepping inside the new Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown on Barclay Street, the frenetic pace of life and work in Manhattan transitions to a moment of peace and calm. The two-story lobby layers architectural elements in response to the ever-evolving urban landscape that surrounds it. Feet rest on soft wool carpeting as the eye takes in original artworks displayed against rich wood walls and woven metal screens. Brushed bronze accents and fabrics in muted jewel tones invite casual socialising, while a dramatic suspended staircase hints at the gracious gathering spaces above.
Throughout the interiors designed by Toronto and Soho-based Yabu Pushelberg, the aesthetic combines varying textures to create spaces that are distinctly modern, and yet immediately welcoming.
Wining and Dining
The opening of Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown also marks a milestone in the career of celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck, who is opening his first restaurant in Manhattan within the Hotel. His widely acclaimed and wildly popular steakhouse concept CUT by Wolfgang Puck – first introduced at Beverly Wilshire, Beverly Hills, A Four Seasons Hotel – will be accessed via the Hotel or its own entrance around the corner on Church Street.
CUT by Wolfgang Puck will encompass an 86-seat main dining room as well as a 32-seat lounge with 10 seats at the bar. A generously-sized private dining room will host up to 31 guests. Interior decoration is by Jacques Garcia, and STRATA Architects PLLC is the interior architect and designer of the restaurant.
And, in a city known for its very long list of superb dining options, the Hotel’s concierge team is pleased to secure tables at the hottest restaurants, and recommend a few hidden gems as well.
Relaxing
Like a mini-resort hidden in the midst of one of the world’s busiest locales, the Spa at Four Seasons is a sanctuary of pampering and results-oriented therapies. Here, Yabu Pushelberg has lightened the palette with white tay wood walls and floors of oak and travertine. Each of seven treatment rooms – including a luxe couple’s suite – is dressed in soothing organic lines.
Two-story windows line the 75 foot (23 metre) lap pool, and guests can choose to relax in loungers inside, or out on the secluded sundeck adjacent to the Spa.
Understanding that staying fit is as important on the road or on vacation as it is at home, the state-of-the-art fitness centre at Four Seasons is open 24/7, with the option to work out on one’s own or with the assistance of a personal coach.
Recommended Itineraries:
To help you know what to do when you visit the Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, take a peek at the following itineraries:
Our Preferred Partner Offers
To give you a sample of our guaranteed best rate packages, I chose a three-night stay checking-in on October 7th. Our package offers a deluxe room with an average rate of $433/night with the following complimentary VIP perks:
- Complimentary third night with two consecutive paid nights. Note: the $433/night rate includes the third night free. Further, rates are capacity controlled and are subject to change without notice.
- Luxurious accommodations
- Daily full American breakfast for two people per bedroom, served through In-Room Dining
- Spa credit of USD100 once during stay (not applicable to products)
- Upgrade of one category, based on availability at time of check-in (excluding signature suites, villas, and private residences)
- Complimentary basic Internet in all guest rooms, complimentary premium Internet in all suites.
Not bad for a brand-new luxury hotel in NYC. Right? And of course, if you prefer a suite, we have guaranteed best-rate packages on that as well.
Important note: these guaranteed best-rates and preferred partner perks are not available booking online. You must book through our preferred partner travel agency to receive these benefits.
For more information, or to book your stay at the newly-opened Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, call our travel agency at (480) 550-1235, or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you.
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Posted by David Porter on September 16, 2016 · Leave a Comment
Current Crystal Cruises Promotions
Carol and I were just on a WebEx conference call with our friends from Crystal Cruises learning about some of the close-in and upcoming cruises they are promoting over the coming weeks.
Take a peek at the slides we captured from our WebEx conference…
Note: for larger views, click on the individual slides.
If one of these looks exciting, call our travel agency at (480) 550-1235 to learn more, or use our convenient online information request (click here) and we’ll reach out to you! Also, keep in mind that we may have complimentary perks for you above and beyond what you see in these slides. To learn more, call us.
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The Roaming Boomers
