TA Dina

Good news for all you cruise couples out there! Our agency (Cruise Planners) is now working directly with TWE to plan our couples' upcoming nuptials at sea! Know that what means?? No more sitting on hold for hours...no more headaches from talking to one rep after another....no more mistakes and aggrevation! I am going to make sure it's smooth sailing for all my brides going forward!! I have been in talks with TWE over the holidays and they are very responsive and looking forward to working with our brides. We will have dedicated reps for each cruise line that we will deal with, and we (meaning our agents) will be able to contact them first on your behalf to get the ball rolling on your wedding planning. Granted the process will still be the same...paperwork, requests for wedding locations etc, but we will be by your side from start to finish. Our goal is to eliminate the frustration that some of you may be aware of and make planning a cruise wedding just as enjoyable as any other destination wedding. TWE is working hard to turn their image around and I am very excited to help them do that! So for anyone considering a DW on a cruise ship, PM me or give me a call at 888-494-5477. I'll be happy to help. If you need current brochures from any cruise line, I've got them so I can send them out to you asap. And since I know many of you are on other forums too that are a little more active in the cruise discussions....please spread the word about this fantastic new BDW perk!

Quote: Originally Posted by Sapphire723 Hey Dina... is this happening in 2009? I'd love to check it out! Yes we will be doing this again this year. Just don't have the schedules yet...but BDW brides will be the first to get the invites

What airline are you flying? I would be surprised if there were "no flights" at all on any days that following week. But hey, what do I know Are you on a charter flight or just regular scheduled air? Are you looking to stay at the RIU extra nights or definately want to go elsewhere? Flying from Samana will not save you $$ and it's a PITA anyways. Not the most convenient flight options in/out of there. PC will give you more flight options but it's a long drive (just so you know).

Caribbean Princess and Adv of the Seas will be similar ships. Lots of activities to do day/night. Larger ships (more passengers). Serenade of the Seas is not as large and it a little bit more laid back. Little more "elegant" looking ship. Still the normal RC activities, just slightly different than the Adv of Seas. The Adv will be very similar to the Mariner. Both lines are similar in terms of dining (food is about equal altho personally I think Princess squeaks out just a little bit better). I also think they (Prncess) are a little better in the onboard service dept. Not that service on any of those ships would be lacking, but I've done both so it's easier for me to compare. As far as other passengers, on some Princess itins I agree, the clientele is a little older. But for the Caribbean itins I've not experienced that myself. I don't think you can go wrong with either line. Are the itineraries the same? That would be how I'd decide. My vote is Princess (for all that's worth in your decision making

My cruise brides tend to do one event as their bachelor/bachelorette parties (either on or off the ship) and then just one big excursion together. If time permits. On an 8 day cruise, you've got plenty of time. I wouldn't suggest doing any more as people will want time to enjoy their vacation their own way too. What you can maybe do one night is bring it up at dinner "so what's everyone doing in Nassau" on thursday? And see if people want to do something together. That way not everyone will feel obligated to go (even if they don't want to), but will also feel included if they do want to. In all my travels with groups I've enjoyed it most when we all do one, maybe two things together and then go our own way the rest of the time. Each night at dinner we then sit around laughing and telling stories about what we did that day.

I LOVE Kakaako Kitchen. It's nothing fancy by any means, but the food is good and it's cheap. See if you can have them save some tables for you outside instead of in. ROY'S....yum!

Yes I do. The resort has been great so far with working with us. If you need any specifics on prices etc just PM or email me at dina@sunkissedvacations.net. And I will hopefully get some info on their wedding packages up here shortly as I don't think the WC ever had a chance to do so from before. So for those wondering about that...just bear with me...it's coming

Sounds like you talked to some pretty stupid reps on the phone over there. Making a comment about paying commission to a TA is ridiculous. Commission on one booking is certainly nothing to cry about from RCCL's point of view. It's a pretty easy process to flip over bookings EXCEPT when they're booked on a WOW fare. That's what I first thought of when reading your 2nd post. I don't know what to suggest, I've hit a few walls myself with WOW sales. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. But to add a WOW fare to a group...mmmm..couldn't say. One thing to keep in mind when flipping bookings from one TA to another though, is the original TA does not have to release the booking to the new one. They can refuse. But I don't understand the dining issue. Your TA should be able to deal with the ship's dining dept and get it straightened out. Contact the ship if they have to.

This just came out!! Book at any Dreams Resort for 4 nights or more and receive up to 50% off the room rate, PLUS a $200 room credit per room. Credit to be used for spa treatments, romantic dining and specialty wines. Must be booked before Jan 21, 2009 and travel must be completed by June 27, 2009. So if you're considering Dreams for your destination wedding, now is the time to book to take advantage of this great offer! PM or email me for prices or details. Restrictions apply & this entire offer is based upon availability. Not combinable with any other promos or special offers. Not applicable to group bookings.

I just want to welcome one of the newest additions to BDW. Miriam (mmartinez) is the WC at Hacienda Tres Rios, the newest luxury resort in Riviera Maya. She is here on the forum to share some info about the resort and the wedding packages that are available. If anyone has any specific questions feel free to post them here (so we can all learn) or PM Miriam directly for more details pertaining to your individual events. And remember, our BDW TA's can assist you with your travel arrangements to this beautiful new resort! So a big hello to Miriam....and thanks for joining BDW & sharing with us!!

Quote: Originally Posted by nic123 Hi Dina! Thanks for the response. So far, we're looking at Royal Caribbean. That's why I was inquiring about TWE. I've read some not so great reviews about them but I'm not sure I want to go through an outside planner. As far as locations, I would prefer something at a hotel possibly. That way maybe I could get dressed there and have the ceremony beachside with cake and champagne and then a more formal reception back onboard. Does this sound doable for Royal Caribbean? and in cozumel? Thanks! If you prefer a hotel you can definately request it from TWE. They would in turn check to see if the venue you want is available (remember that hotels do their own ceremonies every day as well). I would just let them know up front what you are looking for and see what they say. I know they will take requests though. Do you have a recent Royal Caribbean brochure from them? I believe the pricing for 2009 has changed from 2008. PM me if you need it. As far as working with them...I am aware of the reviews and frustrations the brides have had in the past with TWE, and BDW and Cruise Planners (that's me have been in talks with TWE about us working together. The details are still being worked out but we're quite sure that our BDW/CP brides will be quite happy going forward. And I must give props to TWE too, as they have been very open and willing to work with us. So fingers crossed! There will be an announcement on BDW once it's all in place. So for any future cruise brides, this is just another perk to using a BDW TA!

He's not a wholesaler for the resort chain. Just another TA who has a website for Iberostar. Uses the same booking engines and wholesalers as do all of the TA's here (and elsewhere for that matter). And we should hopefully be getting the WC from Iberostar over here to join our forum in the near future to help out our BDW brides. Fingers crossed!

Hi Melinda! Welcome to the forum!!

Was the WC able to provide you with any pics or anything? The Hau Terrace is very pretty and a great place for a small reception. When they open it all up, and the breeze is blowing through....so pretty! You will like it I'm sure. A very good friend of mine is the Sales Mgr over at the resort so if you need anything just let me know. I'm sure she can get us pics and info pretty quickly.

Quote: Originally Posted by *Heather* We're considering Turtle Bay for our honeymoon - TA Dina, do you know if they have any honeymoon specials? They do have Romance Packages that you can book for weddings/honeymoons that will include the room plus special amenities like breakfasts, strawberries and champagne etc. As far as room rate specials right now they are just offering their On a Whim special that is knocking a few hundred dollars off the cost of their rooms as compared to their regular room rates.

This press release was from several months ago but just putting it out there again since it's now available to start booking. Get married at sea by the Captain on a Celebrity or Azamara ship. No more worrying about missing ports or bad weather Weddings must be arranged through TWE but we can get things started on your behalf with them. So contact us first!! PM me for info on any Celebrity or Azamara cruises! Now is the time to plan & deposit for 2009 groups! Also remember...Princess Cruise Line offers Weddings at Sea too! Miami - (February 13, 2008 ) - The sailor's knot is known for being easy to tie but hard to break. Now, guests who wish to be married at sea by captains of Azamara Cruises' and Celebrity Cruises' ships will soon be able to "tie" their own steadfast "knot" at sea, when the lines launch legal, captain-led wedding ceremonies later this year to complement their existing vow renewal and in-port wedding offerings. "While many of our guests come onboard seeking a once-in-a-lifetime wedding or vow renewal location, and we’ve been happy to provide them with in-port weddings led by a local official, their number-one request is for captains to perform the ceremony,†said Lisa Lutoff-Perlo, Azamara Cruises and Celebrity Cruises Vice President of Hotel Operations. “Now, we’re able to fulfill that wish, while sailing the open waters of the world." Celebrity has long partnered with The Wedding Experience to offer onboard vow renewals at sea and in-port wedding ceremonies, and with the recent re-registration of seven of Celebrity’s eight ships in Malta, where Azamara’s two ships also are registered, government regulations have changed to allow for captains to perform legal marriages while the ships sail the seas of the world. Guests being married at sea by Azamara and Celebrity captains will be offered a variety of packages that include anything from private receptions in their ship’s specialty restaurant to cake, champagne, and more. Basic captain-performed wedding packages begin at $2,500. Guests should book their wedding in advance of their sailing in order to allow time for the processing of licenses and other legal documents. Guests who wish to take their love to new heights may also delight in Celebrity’s unique offering on its cruisetours to Talkeetna Alaskan Lodge and The Hotel Alyeska. There, guests can be married or renew their vows amidst the breathtaking hanging glaciers of the Girdwood Valley, or with stunning views of Mt. McKinley as a backdrop. These ceremonies can take place from June to September, as part of a Celebrity Cruises pre-or post-voyage cruisetour.

Just opened a few days ago....a new luxurious all-inclusive resort in Riviera Maya. Located only 6 miles to Playa del Carmen. Open to all ages and they will have an incredible teen program (rock climbing wall, ziplining etc). And the best part is jr suites will accomodate up to 5 ppl per room. Two bedroom suites can hold up to 8ppl. No reservations needed for dining. The resort should be fully open and operational after Jan 2009. Hacienda Tres Rios (Riviera Maya All Inclusive Resorts | Luxury Caribbean Beach Resort | Hacienda Tres Rios, Riviera Maya, Mexico) Nestled in a 325 acre pristine nature park in the Riviera Maya, Hacienda Tres Rios is a luxury resort 20 minutes south of Cancun. Treat yourself to the All Inclusive experience in a precious landscape with a sumptuous mix of architecturally acclaimed accommodations, fine dining and tasteful entertainment, a world class spa. You can exercise your choice of sports and recreations at Tres Rios Nature Park, which is open exclusively for hotel guests where you can enjoy: guided nature and kayak tours through mangrove forests, snorkeling, zip lines, yachting and fishing or just unwind on a mile of virgin beach. The resort has 273 environmentally friendly suites with breathtaking views of the sea. Enjoy and live the authentic vacation experience while protecting the natural beauty and culture of the Mexican Caribbean at Hacienda Tres Rios, where luxury comes naturally.

Quote: Originally Posted by monkey I met with the coordinator at Breezes - she was very nice but I wasn't impressed with Breezes as a resort. I am rethinking Nassau as our location now - which has me kind of depressed. Sorry to hear it didn't go well. But let me chime in with my recommendation of no to Breezes as well. That property has gone down hill over the years and needs some major help. Did you have a chance to check out the RIU Paradise Island?

Quote: Originally Posted by Jess My FI and I visited Turtle Bay Resort two years ago and fell in love with it. I was wondering if anyone has had a wedding there and how it went. Also, how is the pricing for food/beverage/etc.? Any details would be greatly appreciated. They do have a complete wedding package that is up around $10K but that includes x-amount of nights in their Beach Cottages, as well as all of your ceremony, dinner, photos, spa treatments etc. There's alot included for that price. Then they also have a la carte packages where you would pay the site fees for the ceremony/reception (if any), chair rentals, F&B etc. Last I checked that glass chapel was renting for around $1200 for a ceremony. So depending upon the size of your group, it could be considerably less (Still higher than some other venues and resorts on the island though.)

If you're thinking about Hawaii for next year, check these out. More specials for dates throughout the year to follow soon.... The Royal Hawaiian – opening January 20, 2009* • Every 3rd night free • $75 Dining Credit • Garden View Room 6 nights from $1099 per person SAVE up to $1150 per couple Book now through 12/22/09. Travel from 2/1/09 - 7/2/09 and 8/24/09 - 12/25/09. Sheraton Maui Resort • Every 3rd night free • Daily Buffet Breakfast for two • $500 Air Credit • Deluxe Ocean View Room 6 nights from $1185 per person SAVE up to $1100 per couple Book now through 12/31/09. Travel from 1/8/209 through 2/28/09. Sheraton Kauai Resort • Every 3rd night free • Daily Buffet Breakfast for Two • $500 Air Credit • Deluxe Ocean Front View Room 6 nights from $1279 per person SAVE up to $1125 per couple Book now through 12/31/09. Travel from 1/8/209 through 2/28/09. Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa • Every 3rd night free • Daily Buffet Breakfast for Two • $500 Air Credit • Ocean Front Room 6 nights from $769 per person SAVE up to $875 per couple Book now through 12/31/09. Travel from 1/8/209 through 2/28/09.

Which cruise line? They all have different locations for weddings. TWE won't really share the info as to where their weddings are held up front. They lock in the locations about 30 days prior to the event. Although if you get a newbie rep on the phone they may spill the beans to you accidentaly. Some do use hotel beaches, and some do not. It varies by line. If you know of someplace you definately DO or DO NOT want, you can let them know and supposedly they will honor your requests (but I'd get that in writing from them if I were you).

Quote: Originally Posted by princessina Dina, I haven't heard back from my WC yet but my vacation rental is in Laie. We did look at Moli'i gardens but we wanted a ocean front venue v. a water front venue. I'm more worried because I have such a large group (100) and it's obviously not going to be quiet. Not to say we're going to party it up till midnight but it's a given with 100 that we're not going to be church mouses. That's what would concern me most. That size group is going to draw attention. Both on the beach for the ceremony (make sure you have those permits), and then at the house for the reception.

Pretty pics Jess!! Just so everyone does not get confused. You will not find info on "Heaven's Point" in any guide books or official Island info anywhere. It is a name that was basically made up by local photographers on the island (kind of how now 3 TAs, 2 Oahu photogs and brides reading BDW now know about "Sparkle Beach" ) And now some of the WC on island refer to it as well. So if you're looking for it you'd have to search by it's official name "Lanai Lookout" or most people won't know what you're talking about. I know that caused some confusion for some before so just wanted to clear that up before everyone starts PMing me that they cannot find info on it As far as the ranch, that's not really on the North Shore as to what Princess is referring to. It's more on the northeastern coast. North shore is up there with Turtle Bay, Haleiwa etc. Princess...I'm curious as to what your WC says. What neighborhood is your house in again?

Quote: Originally Posted by Monika Dina, Thank you SOO much! This is a great help for me. I will look into Outrigger Reef. Do you or anyone on the board by chance have stayed in the Hilton Price Kuhio hotel recently? I did some research and their room looks really good. Let me know if you have any experience. :-D So it turned out that the first hotel we stayed in 2 weeks ago was the Prince Kuhio. I'm glad I did too. Overall the hotel is very comfortable. It's not a huge spread out resort. It's a highrise on Kuhio Ave. I think I was in an oceanfront room on the 12th flr (i know it was OF, not sure of the floor #, but it was high). The room was modern as I expected with bright whites and yellows. I did like the way they did the wall between the room and the bathroom. They inserted 2 glass panels on either side of the wall with crackled glass in them. On the inside of the bathroom were miniblinds. So you could keep them open or closed. It brightend up the room during the day. Beds were comfy. Big flatscreen hanging on the wall. Balconies were big enough for 2 chairs & a small table. More than 2 ppl wouldn't fit out there tho. The pool was on the 10th floor and wasn't huge, but big enough for the size of the hotel (very windy up there). There is 24hr restaurant & room service. The pancakes at the restaurant are the biggest I've ever seen in my life. Literally a family of 4 could eat off of one order. Overall the food was average, but a bit overpriced. Internet service was expensive. They have a small wedding gazebo and garden area right off of the main lobby. It was cute but not really private. One side was all windows into the restaurant and the other into the main lobby. As for the location...well...that Kuhio Ave leaves a lot to be desired. The noise was not really a problem when I was at the Hilton b/c I was on a high floor (i would imagine it was worse for lower floors though), but when I moved down to the AQUA resort...ughhh! When you check into a room and one of the amenities is earplugs, that should give you a hint. Unless you're really on a budget i would avoid that area all together (and I hate saying that about any part of this island). It's a shame that Hilton is there b/c I really like it overall. We've got the contacts to pretty much assure our guests will be UP as high as we can get them there, but if you're booking on your own, just be warned. For the price, I agree with the above poster about the Princess Kauilani. The rooms there are BASIC, not nearly as nice as the Hilton PK, but the location is 100% better. I also stayed at the Hilton Hawaiian Village during my stay. As expected, the place is freaking huge! I was in the Kalia tower which sets farthest back from the beach. The village overall was nice. Lots of shops, restaurants, ice cream parlor. It was cute. But like I said before it's the main place for the cruise lines as well as big conventions and groups. So it's always crowded. And it's a hike to anything down on Kalakaua Ave (Int'l Marketplace, the dinner shows, Waikiki beach etc). Don't get me wrong, it's a beautiful resort with lots to do. You just have to make sure it's the right place for you and your guests.

The following are some good ideas for sightseeing and activities on Oahu. Especially for groups. Some companies may even be able to customize a tour just for your group (depending upon the size of it). If you have any specific questions about any of the tours just PM or email me. Bike Hawaii (bikehawaii.com) - land and water adventures for everyone of all ages. SO much fun! Hina Adventures (ecotourhawaii.net) - great eco-tours of Oahu Hans Hedeman Surf (hhsurf.com) - THE place to learn how to surf plus lots of other water activities Wild Side Specialty Tours (sailhawaii.com) - the ultimate way to see marine life. You won’t “ride†the dolphins…they come to swim with you, in their natural environment. Their tours are an absolute must! Honolulu Soaring (honolulusoaring.com) - glider rides on the north shore. Breathtaking! Island Seaplane (islandseaplane.com) - great aeriel tour around the island. They actually have a little chapel right on their pier too, so if you’re looking for a different kind of wedding where the couple gets to fly off into the sunset (literally) after saying I Do..this is the place. Kualoa Ranch (kualoaranch.com) - great place for groups. Horseback riding, atv rides, movie set tours, a day at Secret Island beach. Lots to do and lots of fun for all ages Home of the Brave Hawaii Victory Tour (pearlharborhq.com) - if anyone in your group is military (past or present) they will love this. The tour includes Pearl Harbor plus other military locations on the island. No other tour companies on the island have the access that Glen has at these locations. Its and 8 hr day but well worth it. Brought tears to my eyes seeing the pics of the vets who have visited them at the end. Historic Honolulu Tour - Iolani Palace, Bishop Museum, Queen Emma’s Summer Palace, Honolulu Academy of Arts. We can customize and put together a tour for you that would include transportation and a stop at all of the downtown historic locations.