What should I do if I call an agency for a travel quote and they ask me to become a "travel agent"? View the Class action litigation information from 1997 http://www.classactionlitigation.com/library/ita.htm and then read a story reported by MSNBC - Aug. 10th 2007 stating "While these schemes pop up all the time and disappear as quickly as they appear, two of the biggest current offenders are YTB (Your Travel Biz) and World Ventures. Apparently, there is another "club" with an "insta-agent" option launching in October called eTrips Network". it'The same buzz words seem to surface; "multi-level marketing", "pyramid schemes", "travel clubs", "business opportunities".
Please visit http://www.419legal.org/frauds/globaltravelinternationalscam.php to learn more about ongoing travel related fraud and scams. If you feel you have been a victim and/or someone you care about is being lured into a scam, follow the reporting links at the top of this site http://www.consumerfraudreporting.org/travelscams.php

Why should anyone use the services of a Cruise Specialist? There are many reasons; but the number one reason: You don’t pay extra. That’s right, you wont pay less if you “book it yourself” online. So why not put our team to work for you; making your getaway plan fit your needs precisely. In fact we may save you money. Keep in mind a specialist maintains regulated certifications and is subject to audits from certifying agencies put in place to keep consumers safe. Because we place our very lives in the hands of many when we travel, travel isn't something we should take lightly.

Is Pamela a Cruise Specialist? Yes she is. The name "Cruise Specialist" is somewhat misused today, much like the term "Realtor". Just as many mistakenly refer to anyone that sells Real Estate as being a "Realtor", many mistakenly refer to anyone that sells cruises as being a "Cruise Specialist". Agents that maintain a Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) certification are required to take additional required training as well as a required amount of elective training, certify product knowledge, and conduct a series of ship inspections. A certified CLIA agent that attains a Travel Agent Proficiency certification has well earned the right to be called a Cruise Specialist.

Why do taxes and port fees seem so high? They do seem high in comparison to the price of the cruise by itself; calculating what you get for your money from each leaves one to wonder. Although the Cruise Lines cannot control the fees that foreign ports charge, the Lines that choose to maintain an American Safety Standard seem to do a good job in keeping their costs down so we can enjoy what is still the most value in travel today.

Why are there are so many Cruise Lines? Basically it’s for the same reason there are so many different channels on your television set, so many different automobiles at the dealer, and more than just a few items on any restaurant’s menu. The answer: We all have different needs, different tastes.... we are not all the same.

Do I need insurance of any sort? This is a decision only you can make, but personally I would not leave home without it. Pamela can help to inform you while make this decision. For more on this as well as pricing in general please go to Understanding Cruise Pricing.

Where can I go to check my flight? How can I quickly get answers about the security policies in place at my airport? At my Seaport? What time will it be when I dock in Alaska? What will my money conversion rate be once I leave the ship in Quebec? There is only one place to remember - MyGetawayPlan.com & click on Travel Tools