Thursday, May 30, 2019

Top 10 Cruise Line Loyalty Program Rewards For Faithful Cruise Travelers

Image result for Cruise Line Loyalty Program Rewards

Loyalty Has Its Rewards for Ocean & River Voyages

 – Cruise line loyalty programs are a rewards system that earn repeat cruise travelers devoted to specific cruise lines a variety of perks such as:
  1. Special loyalty pricing, which can provide significant savings over time.
  2. Member-only activities
  3. Complimentary Wi-Fi and internet
  4. Complimentary drinks
  5. Complimentary specialty dining
  6. Concierge service and other valuable amenities
  7. Discounted room upgrades, priority check-in
  8. Access to private dinners and parties
  9. Merchandise discounts and in-cabin amenities
  10. In some cases, complimentary cruises days or longer.
Enrollment is offered the first time you cruise with a line, so remember to provide your loyalty number to your CruiseCompete member agent when you book your next cruise for increased benefits and savings. 

CruiseCompete provides tips on how to find your cruise line loyalty number (there are a number of ways) and specific instructions by cruise line. To see full details, go to this page:
https://www.cruisecompete.com/cruise_line_loyalty_programs.php

There are some lines that may extend loyalty rewards to other brands owned by cruise line parent company as well. Recently, MSC Voyager’s Club announced MSC Cruises matches the status for guests’ existing cruise, travel or tour operator program with a similar or higher status, meaning travelers can instantly get benefits when joining the MSC Voyager’s Club.

Here are many of the cruise lines and their loyalty programs:

AmaWaterways (Privilege Reward Program)
Azamara Club Cruises (Le Club Voyage-Adventurer, Explorer, Discoverer)
Carnival Cruise Line (VIFP – Very Important Fun Person – Club)
Celebrity Cruises (Captain’s Club-Preview, Classic, Select, Elite, Elite Plus, Zenith)
Crystal Cruises (Crystal Society) 
Cunard (World Club)
Disney Cruise Line (Castaway Club)
Holland America Line (Mariner’s Society)
MSC Cruises (Voyagers Club)
Norwegian Cruise Line (Latitudes)
Oceania Cruises (Oceania Club)
Princess Cruises (Captain's Circle)
Regent Seven Seas Cruises (Seven Seas Society)
Royal Caribbean International (Crown & Anchor Society-Emerald, Diamond, Diamond Plus and Pinnacle)
Seabourn (Seabourn Club)
Silversea (Silversea Venetian Society)
Viking Ocean Cruises (Viking Explorer Society)
Viking River Cruises (Viking Explorer Society)


CruiseCompete member-agents are the most well-educated, forward-thinking and trusted cruise specialists in the industry. If you’d like more information or assistance planning a future cruise or a cruisetour, please visit CruiseCompete and try the Virtual Cruise Advisor

About CruiseCompete
CruiseCompete has been the premier online cruise marketplace since 2003 (see media praises). CruiseCompete CruiseTrends™ offers monthly stats for an inside look at consumer trends and what consumers want in cruise vacations.
CruiseCompete takes top honors in Travel + Leisure's “Top 60 Best Apps and Websites for Travelers” with an honorable mention. The Wall Street Journal praised CruiseCompete as “Best Cruise Travel Site,” The New York Times says, “… independent travel agents compete to offer you the best deal," and follows similar praise from Travel + Leisure, Kiplinger and The Washington Post. The Street says, “Score luxury cruises at bargain prices.”
 
For more information, please visit 
https://www.cruisecompete.com/ or https://www.cruisecompete.com/group_cruises/

CruiseCompete is an Iowa limited liability company, is not a travel agency or owned by a travel agency.

Tuesday, May 28, 2019

Traveling To Brazil Has Never Been Easier, Visa-Free For Americans Starting June 17th

Image result for Traveling To Brazil

Summer is right around the corner, but you still have plenty of time to plan the perfect Brazilian adventure! This is a great time to take advantage of the current exchange rate (over $4.0 Brazilian Reais to one Dollar) and enjoy the end of visa for Americans, starting June 17th. You are sure to find great deals and travel on a budget at this time of the year in Brazil, since it is actually winter there. Prices fall up to 50% around many Brazilian destinations during the low season with several direct flights from major US cities. 

When planning your trip, it is important to make sure that you don’t miss out on those once in a lifetime experiences. You will be happy to discover that when you visit Brazil, you can check out places like the Jardim Botânico, Christ The Redeemer Statue and Sugar Loaf Mountain in Rio de Janeiro for free or for little cost. And they are definitely worth the money! 

Here are five destinations with direct flights from the US that you can visit and get your money’s worth, while lounging at an idyllic beach or exploring tropical vibes! 

Salvador
Brazil’s first capital and the capital of the State of Bahia State, Salvador is known as an important cultural and historical center for Brazilians. The city is listed as one of Brazil’s UNESCO’s Cultural Heritage Sites and it is also a foodie’s paradise. 

Top Five Budget Friendly Things To See in Salvador: 
Igreja and Convento de São Francisco – The 18thcentury buildings are part of the Seven Wonders of Portuguese Origin in the World. The Architecture is the greatest representative of the baroque style in Bahia. 
Pelourinho –The Neighborhood located in the city’s historic center was the initial point of the city’s economical development in the 16th century. Since 1985, it is recognized by Unesco as a World Heritage Site. 
Mercado ModeloThe site has more than 200 shops with souvenirs from Salvador and Bahia, and many kiosks serving regional Bahian food. 
Museu de Arte Moderna da Bahia (Solar do Unhão) – The solar is an architectural complex which houses the Museum of Modern art, a pier, a distillery and a slave quarters. It’s a popular tourist sight with a sculpture garden.
Igreja do Senhor do Bonfim – The most famous church of Salvador. Though it’s a catholic church, it also incorporated some aspects of Candomblé, a religion based on African beliefs. Outside the church you can find the multicolored remembrance ribbons with “Lembrança do Senhor do Bonfim da Bahia” written on them, which should be tied in the arms of visitors in front the church. 


Rio de Janeiro 
The city that needs no introductions is always ready with open arms to welcome new and returning visitors. It would be easy to simply layback, relax and enjoy any of Rio’s many marvelous beaches. Perhaps learn how to play footvolleywith the friendly locals, or join a samba jam by the beach. 

Top Five Budget Friendly Things To See in Rio:
Parque Nacional da Tijuca – An immense conservation area that crosses the city from north to South, and includes several attractions such as the Floresta da Tijuca (the largest urban forest in the world), and Vista Chinesa – a viewpoint in oriental style located 380 meters over the city.
Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas – A great recreation area, encircled by a 7.2m walking and cycling path. Visitors can hire a Bike along the east side of the lake, as well as paddle boats. The area has holds also many restaurants and kiosks that serve drinks and food. 
Forte de Copacabana – Opened in 1914 in the eve of World War I, the Fort has privileged views and an amazing café – The ‘Cafe do Forte’ with outstanding Brazilian pastries and cakes. 
Sunset at Arpoador – Arpoador rocks, located in the end of Ipanema Beach, is the perfect spot to watch the sun going down beside the Two Brothers peaks. 
Santa Teresa Neighborhood – One of the most picturesque districts in Rio, it is home to numerous ateliers, bars, and restaurants that endow a bohemian atmosphere to its streets. 


Manaus
Located in the heart of the Amazon Forest, Manaus has some of the most amazing buildings, built using fine materials imported from Europe, thanks to the Rubber Boom in the early 1900s. One of the highlights is the Amazonas’ Theater, chosen by Vogue magazine as one of the most beautiful opera houses in the world.

Top Five Budget Friendly Things To See in Manaus:
Centro Cultural Palácio Rio Negro – a former residence of one of the rubber barons, it’s now the seat of the Government. It’s one of the finest examples of Amazonian Belle Époquearchitecture. 
Centro Cultural dos Povos da Amazônia – It offers one of the most important ethnographic collections from Brazil, as well as documents, copies of popular art, and a library focused on the indigenous and riverside population. 
Museu Amazônico – A permanent exhibition occupies the upper floor of the building, with displays of indigenous and pre-indigenous cultures. 
Centro Cultural Usina Chaminé – An old sewage treatment plant, built in classic style, that is now one of the most important cultural venues in the City. The building houses the Pinacoteca do Estado art collection. 
Centro de Artesanato Branco e Silva – This is the principal center for regional products from fruits to locally made baskets, and the amazing local cuisine. 


Brasília
Designed by urbanist Lucio Costa and architect Oscar Niemeyer, Brazil’s current and third capital (after Salvador and Rio) is the city with the largest heritage area in the world, and it is also listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site. 

Top Five Budget Friendly Things To See in Brasilia:
Catedral Metropolitana de BrasíliaDesigned by the Architect Oscar Niemeyer, the cathedral has stained glass window on the roof of the nave with sixteen pieces of fiberglass in shades of blue, green, white and brown painted by the artist Marianne Peretti. 
Espaço Oscar Niemeyer – The space was designed by Oscar Niemeyer in 1988, and has a permanent exhibition showing works by the architect. 
Congresso National – During the visit it is possible to learn more about the artistic and cultural heritage of the National Congress and to learn how it operates. 
Palacio do Planalto - The Presidential Palace is the headquarters of the Federal Executive and the President’s office. It was one of the first buildings constructed in the capital. The Palace has also an amazing art collection.
Lago Paranoá – It was artificially created as part of the construction plan for Brasilia, a heaven for water sports. The Bridge JK, built in 2002, in steel and concrete arches, crosses the lake. It ha a pedestrian walkway and is accessible to cyclists. 


São Paulo
São Paulo is the largest city in South America and the third largest city in the Americas. Known as the Latin American capital of events, the city has an abundance of hotels for all budgets and tastes, as well as plenty of things to do.

Top Five Budget Friendly Things To See in Sao Paulo:
Centro Cultural São Paulo – A multidisciplinary cultural space, the Center has three large libraries, a comic book library and an area for temporary exhibitions and cultural presentations. It’s one of the most traditional sites in the city. 
Instituto Cultural Itaú –- The site hosts dance, music and theatre performances, as well as themed exhibitions. 
Museu do Futebol (free of charge on Thursday) – Located under the grandstands of the Pacaembu Stadium, the star of this museum is the favorite national sport. The history of Brazilian soccer is shown in interactive multimedia pieces. 
Catedral da Sé – One of the five largest neo-gothic temples in the world, the cathedral was inaugurated in 1954. Opposite to the church there is the Marco Zero (the city’s geographical center). 
Mercado Municipal – The most traditional gourmet attraction of the city is located in an imposing building in downtown, with stained glass windows. You can find Brazilian fruits and vegetables, and the space has a gastronomy space in the mezzanine where you can taste the famous mortadella sandwich and the codfish cakes. 

About Brazil Tourism:
With its spectacular beaches, lush rainforests, rich culture, exotic cuisine and exciting nightlife, Brazil is one of the most compelling countries to visit today. Travelers are invited to explore Brazil’s incredible geographical diversity – from the wetlands to the beaches. With a beautiful, tropical climate, Brazil is an easily accessible, exotic get-away for couples, families and business travelers.
For more information, please consult our website: VisitBrasil.com

Sunday, May 26, 2019

The 20 Cleanest Cruise Ships In The World

Disney Cruise Lines Disney Dream
Disney Cruise Lines' Disney Dream.
 Disney Cruise Lines


Most cruise ships are pretty clean, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), which inspects ships to make sure they maintain proper sanitation.
Of the more than 200 active cruise ships the CDC has inspected, most received a passing grade: at least an 86 on a 100-point sanitation score. A handful received a 100 on their most recent inspection, indicating a level of cleanliness that would be difficult to top.
These are the 20 cruise ships that currently operate in the US market and received a perfect score during their most recent CDC inspection.

Brilliance of the Seas

Brilliance of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's Brilliance of the Seas.
 Royal Caribbean International
Cruise line: Royal Caribbean International
Date of most recent inspection: April 6, 2019

Celebrity Summit

Celebrity Summit
Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Summit.
 Celebrity Cruises
Cruise line: Celebrity Cruises
Date of most recent inspection: February 11, 2019

Rhapsody of the Seas

Rhapsody of the Seas
Royal Caribbean's Rhapsody of the Seas.
 Royal Caribbean International
Cruise line: Royal Caribbean International
Date of most recent inspection: February 9, 2019

Norwegian Gem

Norwegian Gem
Norwegian Cruise Lines' Norwegian Gem.
 Norwegian Cruise Line
Cruise line: Norwegian Cruise Lines
Date of most recent inspection: December 10, 2018

Disney Wonder

Disney Wonder
Disney Cruise Lines' Disney Wonder.
 Disney Cruise Lines
Cruise line: Disney Cruise Lines
Date of most recent inspection: December 7, 2018

Seabourn Quest

Seabourn Quest
Seabourn Cruise Line's Seabourn Quest.
 Seabourn Cruise Line
Cruise line: Seabourn Cruise Line
Date of most recent inspection: November 4, 2018

Viking Star

Viking Star
Viking Ocean Cruises' Viking Star.
 Viking Ocean Cruises
Cruise line: Viking Ocean Cruises
Date of most recent inspection: October 15, 2018

Aurora

Aurora
P&O Cruises' Aurora.
 P&O Cruises
Cruise line: P&O Cruises
Date of most recent inspection: September 24, 2018

Noordam

Noordam
Holland America Line's Noordam.
 Macklin Holloway/Shutterstock
Cruise line: Holland America Line
Date of most recent inspection: August 29, 2018

Sea Princess

Sea Princess
Princess Cruises' Sea Princess.
 Princess Cruises
Cruise line: Princess Cruises
Date of most recent inspection: August 19, 2018

Disney Dream

Disney Dream
Disney Cruise Lines' Disney Dream.
 Disney Cruise Lines
Cruise line: Disney Cruise Lines
Date of most recent inspection: August 17, 2018

Aidavita

Aidavita
Aida Cruises' Aidavita.
 MikhailBerkut/Shutterstock
Cruise line: Aida Cruises
Date of most recent inspection: June 25, 2018

Celebrity Eclipse

Celebrity Eclipse
Celebrity Cruises' Celebrity Eclipse.
 Celebrity Cruises
Cruise line: Celebrity Cruises
Date of most recent inspection: November 26, 2017

Costa Luminosa

Costa Luminosa
Costa Crociere SpA's Costa Luminosa.
 Costa Crociere
Cruise line: Costa Crociere SpA
Date of most recent inspection: October 14, 2015

MSC Lirica

MSC Lirica
MSC Cruise Management (UK) Limited's MSC Lirica.
 MSC Cruise
Cruise line: MSC Cruise Management (UK) Limited
Date of most recent inspection: January 6, 2009

Navigator of the Seas

Navigator of the Seas
Royal Caribbean International's Navigator of the Seas.
 NAN728/Shutterstock
Cruise line: Royal Caribbean International
Date of most recent inspection: December 3, 2017

Norwegian Spirit

Norwegian Spirit
Norwegian Cruise Lines' Norwegian Spirit.
 Norwegian Cruise Lines
Cruise line: Norwegian Cruise Lines
Date of most recent inspection: March 29, 2016

Star Princess

Star Princess
Princess Cruises' Star Princess.
 Princess Cruises
Cruise line: Princess Cruises
Date of most recent inspection: February 8, 2018

Regal Princess

Regal Princess
Princess Cruises' Regal Princess.
 Princess Cruises
Cruise line: Princess Cruises
Date of most recent inspection: March 25, 2018

Seabourn Odyssey

Seabourn Odyssey
Seabourn Cruise Line's Seabourn Odyssey.
 Bulent Demir/Shutterstock
Cruise line: Seabourn Cruise Line
Date of most recent inspection: December 5, 2017