Conference abbott::cruise_travel

    I have been planning my first cruise for Mar. There are some
    suggestions in note 44 that you may find useful. I found a couple
    of discount places for cruises listed in 44.8 or .9. I'm looking
    forward to March, I hope you enjoy your June cruise. I think Whites
    Travel in Conn. had the best prices. The Ship Shop in Missouri and
    Garber's in Nashua, NH, were also very good and competitively priced.
    
    Decide the exact cruise line, ship, cabin category, and time you
    are traveling. Then shop for price.
    

    My parents took the Panama Canal trip a couple of years ago on the
    Royal Odyssey, and raved about it.  I think that the cruise line
    has replaced the RO with a newer ship called the Golden Odyssey.
    They typically purchase accomodations about 3 levels from the bottom,
    but always get one or two level upgrades - I believe they paid around
    $4000 each for this particular trip.
    
    They swear by this cruise line and take at least one trip per year
    on either the Royal or Golden Odyssey, and have been doing this
    for at least five years.

    Hi Ken,
    
    Last week I booked a cruise on the Norway and got a fantastic price (it
    beat everybody elses and I called several places).  You may want to
    give them a try also...
    
    	A AAABCO Cruise Center
    	P.O. Box 630877
    	Miami, Florida 33163
    
    	OUT-OF-STATE-TOLL FREE LINE: 1-800-327-0699
    	Miami Line: 935-1091
    	WITHIN FLORIDA/OUT OF DADE COUNTY: 1-800-432-3662
    
    I hope this saves you a few bucks.
    
    Joe
    

    
    Hi Joe, 
            I have taken 2 cruises, and both were booked thru A AAABCO
    Cruise Center.  I would highly recommend them.  The agent I spoke
    with was named ERIC and he was very helpful.  
    
    Jayne Etheridge

    RE: .4
    
    I have spoke with Eric at A AAABCO also Jayne.  Yes, he is very
    helpful, and he saved me a reasonable amount on our next cruise.
    
    Joe
    

    Joe, when are you booked on the Norway?
    

    I've been looking for a cruise for the February school vacation.
    I've called Garber in Nashua, AAABCO, and Ship Shop.  Debbie at the
    Ship Shop was able to come up with a deal on the Jubilee for 2
    adults and 3 children in one cabin (first time I've ever found
    a ship that would put 5 of us in one cabin!!!).  Total cost is
    $3,950 including airfare for the five us (if I had booked myself in a
    separate cabin with my two children the cost would have been over $600
    more because my son would have had to pay full fare).  It sounds
    good to me, does anyone think I could do better elsewhere?  Ooops
    just got a call from Eric at AAABCO for the same ship/date but his 
    charge was $100 more each child (might have been a better cabin, I'll
    have to double check).
    
    I know we'll be packed in like sardines, but as single parents
    the cost is a big factor.  The incovenience is worth the price
    differential.
    
    The travel agent said that they have a good children's program (two 15
    year olds and a 10 year old).  Does anyone know first hand? I hadn't
    wanted to try Carnival after being spoiled by RCCL and Sitmar...but
    there doesn't seem to be much left for the school vacation week so we
    are limited.
    
    Ro
    

    RE: .7

    Hi Ro,
    
    In the August 88 issue of Cruise Travel Carnival's ship, the
    Celebration was featured as the ship of the month.  As far as I know
    the Celebration and the Jubilee are identical.

    Regarding their children's programs the article states...

    "Carnival is particularly proud of their teen and children's programs
    with trained personnel aboard to see that both groups are entertained
    during certain hours of the day and evening.  Babysitters are
    available.  The Children's Playroom is on Admiral Deck near the Horizon
    Dining Room, just below the children's pool on Promenade Deck."

    Not much info but I hope it helps.
    
    Joe
    

    RE: .7
    
    I just came back from my honeymoon a few weeks ago.  We took a cruise
    on the Jubilee.  We had a fantastic time.  As far as children go
    we didn't see too many but those that we saw seemed to be having
    a fun time.  The Carnival Capers (list of daily events) appeared
    to have many children's activities.
    
    Hope this helps.  If you would like any more information send me
    mail at CVETTE::EMANUEL.
    
    Wishing I was back out at sea.....
    
    Geri
    

    If you are planning a trip through the Panama Canal in June, be
    aware that it is the rainy season in Panama and you might not want
    to go out on deck.
    You will also find the choise in cruise lines is greatly reduced
    because most of them have move to Alaska.
    I sailed through the Canal in 1987 on the Royal Viking Sea and will
    be going through in Febuary on the Royal Princess.
    The only reason I am not going Royal Viking this year is they are
    stopping in Mexico instead of the eastern carribean.
    Prices range from $3500.00 to $14,000,00 per person for 15 days.
    The prices are not much higher than other cruise lines on a per
    day basis, but the cruises are much longer, and the services are
    much better.
    One seating for all meals breakfast 7:30-9:00  lunch 12:30-1:30
    supper 7:30-9:00 show up anytime during these times and you will
    be served.
    Royal Viking is the way to go.

    Re: .7
    
    Ro
    
    We took our son (8 years old) with us on the Jubilee last February.
    We all had a blast! We used the babysitting service 1 night and
    it worked out well. They do have separate events planned for the
    kids, such as "Coketail party" (at the same time as Captain's 
    Cocktail party), bridge tour, and others. In addition to the Carnival
    Capers mentioned a couple back, there is also a Juniors Capers 
    (something like that) printed just for kids events. 
    
    We ate in the Burgundy dining room for meals with early seating.
    Our waiter/busboy were Pedro and Bang Bang. Very entertaining.
    I would recommend late seating, mornings were tough getting up
    for 7:00 AM breakfast (in port time).
    
    Be curious as to your comments when you get back.
    
    Enjoy,
    
    Kevin
    

    Hi Kevin,
    
    Thanks for the info.  The kids are getting pretty psyched about the
    trip (and so I am).
    
    Do they have a masquerade party (kids or adults)?  Do they have
    a passenger talent (kids or adults) show?  We went on a cruise to
    Mexico (Admiral Cruises) that had both activities and the kids loved
    it.  Also they turned the disco over to the kids till 10:00 or so
    a few nights which they also enjoyed.
    
    I'll be sure to post my experiences.
    
    Thanks again.
    
    Ro
    

    Re: .12
    
    Ro,
    
    The Jubilee had both a masquerade contest/party as well as a talent
    show. We didn't get to see the masquerade contest but I do remember
    that they provided materials to make a costume if you didn't bring
    your own. We did see the talent show. It was excellent!
    
    A couple of other events they had were the Male Nightgown Contest
    which was hilarious! They also have a frog swimming contest. Little
    plastic frogs (battery operated) that you can buy in St. Thomas
    or on board ship. Hint: the frogs go faster if you put them in the
    pool upside down! 
    
    Enjoy!
    
    Kevin