TA Dina

Both Hawaiian and United are protecting Aloha passengers while they can. Of course, there are only so many seats, so act quickly if you need to. Just don't start refusing or reversing charges on your credit cards just yet. If you really need a ticket, you could screw yourselves up more if you do that.

Quote: Originally Posted by jkny23 I am so confused!!! Now I am between Jamaica and St. Martin. Any additional suggestions would be appreciated!! Or how about a cruise that stops at either island? Southern caribbean cruises from San Juan visit some awesome ports. St Martin being one of them.

Without knowing the specifics of your group, I will chime in that generally St Martin is expensive and has few direct flights going in/out of the island. There are some but you'll find one, maybe two a day? I've got a family going down this summer for a reunion and they're suffering from some sticker shock that's for sure. But don't get me wrong, it's beautiful. Jamaica will price better, and be much easier to get to IMO. Both resorts you mentioned are nice. And if you venture over to either coast of the island you may find some even nicer. Aruba is quite nice as well. Although not many gardens to be found outside of the resorts. Great weather year round.

If you are planning or thinking about a cruise for your Destination Wedding or Honeymoon, come join us for an afternoon of fun onboard the Carnival Funships! Over the next few months we will have opportunities to explore your choice of two Carnival Funships, the Miracle or the Victory while they are docked in New York City. The 4 hour, complimentary event will include a complete tour of the ship where we'll see various cabins, lounges, dining venues, wedding chapel (Miracle only) & outside areas. We will then be treated to a sit-down lunch in the formal dining room so you can sample the food as well. Bring your cameras as this is the perfect opportunity to see many of the different wedding & reception locations onboard. We may even get to see a wedding set up if we're lucky. At the completion of the tour we will provide packets of information that will include some great discounts & special offers too. This is an invitation only event for BDW members only. If you have any questions or are interested in any of the dates below, please PM me with your contact information, & the date & ship preferred. The invite is good for 2people per wedding party. Dates are first come, first serve so reserve the date that works best for you now. Please share this info if you know of any cruise brides-to-be from other forums too. Once they sign up for BDW with Tammy, they can PM me their info too. MIRACLE 11:30am-3:30pm VICTORY 10:30am-2:30pm *Since I cannot be on two ships at one time, we will decide which ship to inspect on which day by the majority of requests I receive for each date* SAT 5/17/08 THURS 6/19/08 THURS 6/26/08 SAT 6/28/08 THURS 7/17/08 MON 7/28/08 THURS 8/14/08

Quote: Originally Posted by lauren c. ok a cruise is out...one of the women won't do water (and she's afraid of bridges) i did some research and came across secrets (also owned by dreams)...i think some of them won't want to do dreams b/c they've already done it...but different dreams, different experience! Secrets is the adults only version. No kiddies running around. I loved every Secrets I've ever been to. They all get good reviews.

Be careful bringing the laptop to Punta Cana. Or anywhere for that matter. I always bring my cell in case anyone from home needs to get me but I never call anyone from it. Calling cards are usually the cheapest way to go and I advise my clients to buy them from the aiports or resort gift shops when they get there. A $10 card will be a lot cheaper than a cell phone call for most.

I do agree with everyone else who mentioned cruising (and not just b/c they're my specialty...wink wink). Something for all ages. Eat whenever and wherever you want. Do everything or do nothing at all, and still have a great time. I see you're in NJ. Me too. We've got ships right up the turnpike in Bayonne, or over in Manhattan or Brooklyn. So no airfare involved which can be a plus for some.

The Mariner is part of the Voyager class of ships. Some of the largest at sea (well, not as big as the Freedom class...but they're monster ships LOL). Trust me, if you don't want to see your family during the week, it will be easy to hide. You really won't even have to try. You'll be surprised. Most families that do want to stay together usually bring walkie talkies of some sort to help them find each other. I'm sure you will have a blast!

Was it Azamara?? Azamara Cruises Although I'm thinking in that price range, maybe Regent, Crystal or SeaDream?

If you’re planning a wedding or honeymoon at sea, here is a link to our website with this week’s cruise line Webcast. It will be available from March 5-12th, 24/7. Cruise Planners - Home (click the pink “Want More?†image) It features Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) and their “Freestyle†cruising option which is really cool. No set times for dinner, no dress codes etc. Very relaxed, casual cruise atmosphere with lots to do onboard (even bowling on some ships) and in port. And they have the youngest fleet at sea right now. Check it out and enjoy!

Another nice resort is the Radisson. Since Aruba is mostly a desert island, the Radisson is just gorgeous with all the foliage and waterfalls and their pool is nice as well. Bucuti is a cute little resort. The owners and staff go out of their way to know the guests by name while they're there. They get alot of European guests that stay 2 weeks for more for their vacations which probably lends to that personal touch the staff shows. It's a nice change to the big resort feel at some of the other places.

Well cruises are one of my specialties so here's my 2 cents.... As far as seasickness, everyone is different. I can list 10 clients that insist the front of the ship moves more, 10 that will say the back, 10 that will say the middle up high, and 10 will swear the first deck moves too much. In other words, everyone is different. I've stayed front, back, up, down and can't tell the difference. Personally like others said, I think the stabalizers in the newer ships keep everything pretty evened out. Some of the older ships (not necessarily smaller) I've felt some rocking on. But not enough to bother me. But in the dining room once on a newer Royal Caribbean ship I did get very sick out of the blue (mid ship, deck 6, go figure). But popped some dramamine and all was ok. Many of my clients also swear by ginger and the patches. They work wonders. So don't let seasickness scare you off. As for alcohol, I always ask my clients how much they drink. Seriously, think about it, will you drink 10 beers at the pool and then 5 drinks at dinner and the show at night? Or will you have some wine with dinner and 2 at the casino at night? For what you'll pay at an all inclusive versus what you'll pay for what you actually drink on a ship, you could come out saving money. Or at most breaking even. I have some friends that definately get their money's worth out of an AI, and for me, I'm better off if I pay as I go (or drink). Again, don't let the non-all-inclusive scare you off. With the great prices on cruise fares these days, you just might come out ahead. And there's always a 'drink of the day' or buckets o' beer at the pool, so you can save some money that way too. And well, I'm a travel agent, so I won't comment on smuggling alcohol on board. *wink* But my friend who had his $40 bottle of vodka taken from him before boarding, he might tell you not to bother. I don't smuggle, but if it's a special occasion, I will order a bottle for my cabin directly from the cruise line. And that usually lasts me all week. And I know I'll get it and noone will take it from me at the pier ;0) And last I checked, all the major lines do not include soda/pop. They will offer soda cards on your day of embarkation that you can purchase for the trip. But again, do the math. How much soda do you drink? A can at dinner averages about $1.75 ea, so if you drink one a day, over 7 days, is it worth it to pay $30 for a card? Again I pay as I go, so I'm not sure what the cards actually cost (they'll vary by cruiseline), but I only bought one once and at the end of the cruise realized I got ripped off, so I haven't bought one since. Cruises are definately a good value and are a lot of fun. If I can help you with more questions, just Pm me. TA Dina

It is my goal in life to be able to say the hawaii state fish 3xs fast. LOL

There are places to eat and drink outside the Atlantis within walking distance. That will definately save you money. All the places within the resort are expensive. Although the breakfast buffet was excellent. But I wouldn't do it every day. I don't think you'll have a problem buying stuff and bringing it back to your room. Problem is the place is so big, it's not like you can run from the pool to your room for a refill. Senor Frogs is right across the bay from Paradise Island. That's fun for lunch or dinner. Take the ferry over to the Cable Beach side and save some money on the taxis. It only runs during the day and costs a few dollars (which is fine because I woudln't recommend doing it at night anyway).

As far as pricing now for next year, what she's giving you for this year is really just a guess-timate as to what it will be next year. Depending on where you're going, April is going to be a busy time of year anyway, so it's hard to gauge. And it's hard to figure is it better to book early or later? I can tell you the trend is starting to go back to "the earlier the better". I've seen prices climb as the availability becomes more limited. Of course on the flip side, I've seen some great last minute discounts. However for a wedding, I don't think going last minute should even be a consideration (even for guests). For obvious reasons. Depending upon what you book (air only, hotel direct, complete package) will affect whether or not a price adjustment can be done if prices drop. Usually what I've found is we can adjust prices on some packages if it's before final payment. Of course, there could be restrictions, so just because one TA might say no it can't be done, doesn't mean she/he's necessarily not being truthful. If you're buying published airfare, no adjustments. What you pay for at the time of purchase is what you get. As far as group blocks, talk it over with your TA and see what works best for your group. If not everyone is traveling together at the same time, a group block may not be the best choice for you. I find alot of couples would rather have their guests call me direct to just book their own vacations, rather than try to navigate through the process themselves & trying to get everyone to travel all on the same days. Any TA can still do a group block, but again, you want to make sure that is the best option for your specific group. I don't think you'll see any price adjustments with a group block though. They're basically locking in a price for you in advance, so the hotels are unlikely to drop them even lower down the road. Charters are just a way a tour operator sells a flight. It's not just your own group on a plane. Many times it will price out cheaper than published airfare if you are doing a land package with it. For example from Philly we have Apple Vacations doing charters to Cancun and Punta Cana. If I sell it all together with the land part, it comes out cheaper overall. However if I have a customer who just wants the flight (say because they prefer those flight times), to sell that as air only, will be much higher than other airlines. It gets tricky. I'm sure your TA will go through this all with you. If not, make sure you ask him/her. Don't know if any of that helps or not, but hopefully it does. My best advice is to ask lots of questions.

I'm not sure what she meant by "only does tours", but Gogo is a full service tour operator that sells through travel agents. They can do individual bookings or groups. So if you find an agent that is using them don't be scared off. They are very reputable and have been around a long time. If you're thinking of someone who just does tours meaning like sightseeing, it must be another company with a similar name.

One thing to keep in mind with luaus, is you will have your more "commercial" type luau and you will also find your more "authentic" type luau. Comparing Paradise Cove to Poly Cultural Center is apples to oranges. Since you said it's replacing the rehearsal dinner, Paradise Cove might be a good option. It's very "flashy". That's where you'll see the big fancy costumes, the fire dancers etc. They bring people up on stage at the end to hula. It's a fun show. You are sitting out on the beach basically at like picnic tables. It's buffet style served with paper and plastic, and the food is just ok. Honestly last few clients I had out there said it's going down hill a little so I'm recommending it these days with low expectations. But I'd imagine the overall show would be fun with a group. I'd definately recommend the Ali'i package. The PCC on the other hand, total opposite as far as show/atmosphere. It's more authentic hawaiian. No flashy costumes, no silly acts on stage. But a really pretty show. Overall it's a bit more laid back than PC. But if you did the luau and the Horizons show at the end of the evening that would be fun. Just check around and remember, not all luaus are the same. What might appeal to one will not to the other.

My only point in mentioning leaving the jewelry home is if it is THAT important to you, or THAT expensive, why risk it?? I learned many many years ago from some of my wealthiest clients, you've got the real jewels for certain occasions, and the "looks like real jewels" for traveling. You'd be surprised at how many people do this. Until it happened to me I didn't think it mattered all that much. But I can't count how many earrings I've lost in the ocean (thank goodness they were CZs and not Gram's that were left to me in her will), or how many bracelets have fallen off who knows where. And yes, I know, things can happen anywhere, but I consider the situation and where I'll be before packing my little jewelry bag. Now I understand obviously it's your wedding and you want your e-ring with you, but if it's something as important as a family heirloom or a ring worth tens of thousands of dollars, that you cherish enough not to let chlorine touch, I'd think seriously before locking in a safe in some hotel. Like others have said, if you know you're not ever going to take it off, or that its fully insured, ok. That's a bit of security. Just be careful. It was just a suggestion like I said. Didn't mean to upset anyone.

Don't anyone stress over safety in Punta Cana. It is no safer or more dangerous than any other island out there. If this is true (which I hope it's not and my own gut is telling me is very overexaggerated), then she must take some responsibility. Why would anyone travel with such expensive jewelry? If you go snorkeling what are your options 1) leave it in the room 2) take it with you. In either case, that's a big risk I wouldn't want to take. Theft in hotels happens everywhere. Heck during my last trip the TSA at Philly airport stole my battery charger and a new pack of batteries from my suitcase. But, that's the joy of traveling I guess ;0) Laptops are stolen from corporate/business travelers all the time. So it's not just poor or remote islands. Don't let this one review ruin your trip or scare you. It happens EVERYWHERE. Mexico, Jamaica, St Thomas, Aruba, Hawaii, cruise ships. Every place has its own horror review (some legit, some not). Just use common sense when you travel and you'll be ok no matter where you go. And if any of you have a ring worth $25K & are heading out for a DW, I'll give you the number to QVC, order yourself a fake ring for the trip, and leave the real one at home :0)

Gorgeous views (especially at sunset), fabulous food. Very romantic. Perfect spot for a wedding on maui.

Tammy's right, this is a quiet little island at night. Almost all the resorts have their own disco and there are a few casinos (although nothing like casinos here in the US). There's really nothing outside the resorts in the evening to do or see. But with a fun group of people you'll definately still have a blast. It's the almost total opposite of Cancun.

Yes, that appears to be a feasible option in PC. From an email I recently received while working with the WC at Dreams PC: Quote: The judge is only able to perform the ceremony in the evening. In the case couples have the ceremony earlier, the wedding coordinator performs it and then they sign the documentation in the evening when the judge arrives.

Check out this website. There is a number you can call and they can most likey point you in the right direction. Hawaii State Department of Health - www.hawaii.gov/health I'm trying to get more direct info from a contact I have at the Visitor's Bureau. If I hear back from her I'll post back.

I too would definately recommend the hotel wedding chapels over the outside chapels. But if you really want to go outside, the first 2 mentioned are decent. One is at one end of the strip and the other is farther north past Stratosphere. I just got back and have some info and picks from the Mandalay Bay chapel. If I can figure out how to post them I will

It is a hike from the airport but the roads are being worked on. They're better than what they were but they are not perfect either (but then again none of the islands are known for their super highways And due to the work on the roads the transfer time could be less than an hour.