I have been a travel planning specialist for the last 14 years. I specialize in all- inclusive vacations to both Mexico and the Caribbean. I also specialize in creating customized travel experiences to the beautiful islands of Hawaii and Tahiti. In addition to handling land vacations, I am also a specialist with Holland America, Princess, Royal Caribbean, Celebrity, Cunard and Carnival cruise lines. I am a graduate of the Princess and Cunard Cruises' prestigious training academy and have been awarded a special status as an expert on both Princess and Cunard cruises. I have sailed several times with Princess and other cruise lines, always remembering the the smallest details to make my clients vacations the very best possible. My number one goal with all of my clients is to offer my very best at all times. I use my travel experiences to better address what ever questions or concerns you may have about your vacation. I believe in providing excellent customer service and have won awards to prove it.
Best Price for Crystal Cruises & Professional All-Travel Agents
Dear All-Travel, 
The service I received at All-Travel was excellent. I found the consultants I worked with to be both knowledgeable and prompt, among other things. Julie 
(and Sandra, who helped me when Julie was out of the office), were very professional and friendly. I would definitely do business with them again. With the added amentities, All-Travel was, hands down, the best price for the Crystal Cruise my husband and I were interested in. Thanks again to Julie and Sandra for all their help...I feel fortunate to have come across them in making these plans! :)
Caryn
Add a commentRoyal Caribbean Cruise Review - Oasis of the Seas
By: Sandra Weaver-Cruise Expert 
Guest Capacity: 5,400 double occupancy
Gross Tonnage: 222,900
Staterooms: 2,700
Decks: 16 high
Length: 1,184 feet
Max Beam: 154 feet
Draft: 30 feet
Cruising Speed: 22 knots
Ship's Registry: Bahamas
Currently sailing to the Caribbean from Port Canaveral 
For the past year or so, there had been a lot of buzz going around in the cruise industry concerning the birth of what Royal Caribbean referred to as their "new baby," the Oasis of the Seas, claiming to be the "largest passenger" cruise ship in the world. I could not wait! I was not sure if I would get invited to "inspect" the ship due to it being on the Florida coast and me being in Los Angeles. Well the opportunity did come for me to not only see the ship, but to experience it as well. I sailed on the Oasis of the Seas for 2 nights to nowhere this past November. For weeks before I could not get information about the Oasis of the Seas, and finally my date to board arrived. 
The Ship holds 5,400 passengers with over 220,000 tons of pure entertainment. There are 18 decks on this ship, 7 different neighborhoods to explore while on board and 37 different stateroom types, from the Loft Suites to some of the largest inside staterooms that I have seen aboard a Royal Caribbean ship. It has over 17 different dining venues, including everything from small, intimate, upscale dining (150 Central Park, Chops Grille, and Giovanni's Table) to coffee, champagne bars, Johnny Rockets and Seafood shack. I was totally impressed with the Wipe out Cafe, located in the Teen's Club.
Oasis also has several different entertainment venues from Studio B with Ice Skating shows to die for, to Jazz on the 4, comedy, 
and Broadway type shows unlike anything that I have ever seen on any cruise line, including other Royal Caribbean ships. Everywhere you look there's something amazing. On the Oasis there are full size mannequins having a ball. Just when you think that you have seen it all, you'll look around the corner and see something else so amazing; a lizard coming out of the pothole on the floor, or the jazz band figurines outside Jazz on 4. You'll never miss a game because there is a sports bar. How about a live band at Dazzles? It is an excellent location for groups and incentive travel. You have to win in the Casino, there's no losing aboard Oasis of the Seas.
Let's get started. I wanted to scream with excitement when I boarded the ship. The check in process in the new Port Canaveral was very 
organized and did not take long at all for checking in. As soon as you board the ship, you are boarding on the Royal Promenade (Deck 5). I did not even want to go to my stateroom; I immediately wanted to go through each and every shop on Deck 5. This is also the deck where you would find Guests Services, located directly across from the Rising Tide, the bar where you "float" from deck to deck while enjoying your favorite beverage. There are the usual cruise gift shops where you can find all your duty free gift items, but also some upscale shopping venues for those that want that upscale shopping experience. I was totally impressed with "On Air Club". I felt like I was on 42nd Street in Manhattan, and could not wait for karaoke where I could sing all the songs that I practiced throughout the year. You also have Boleros. Think salsa. I am telling you, later that night when the parties began, Boleros was the place to be. I thought that I was in South Beach with the music and the band. I was young again, wanting to party the night away. The Champagne Bar offers several different 
selections of champagne, but never would you imagine such an elegant venue. Let's put it this way, each venue had its own personality, its own vibe.
The Royal Promenade used to be the place where you would find all the major entertainment, however on the Oasis, everywhere on board offers you something. Let's go to Central Park (Deck 8). All this time I imagined that Central Park would be tailored to a "replica" of New York's Central Park. Boy was I ever wrong. This is Royal's Central Park. It is to my understanding that there are hundred's of plants from all over that were planted in Central Park. There are trees and exotic plants along the "pathway" and if I had not known better, I would have never imagined that I was aboard a mega cruise ship. You have several alfresco dining options to choose from. Each being slow and intimate, seating clearly 
under 100 guests in each venue. For breakfast we went to Park Cafe where you can "create your own bagel". Or perhaps you would like to have an English muffin with fresh fruit. This is also where you can purchase your favorite coffee drinks. The Rising Tide also stops here in Central Park. I loved Central Park because if I wanted to get away from it all, it was just one of many escapes while sailing on the Oasis of the Seas. I even heard crickets at night and which made me just sit back and say “wow, Royal has done it again”. I think, in my opinion, Central Park would be a great location for a wedding or if you prefer the Pinnacle Chapel for your wedding, Central Park would be excellent for your reception.
Next we have to go to the Boardwalk (Deck 6). The Boardwalk definitely takes you "back down memory lane". It's everything that Royal
boosts, starting from the wood plank floors to the deck decor. From that "funny mirror" that changes your body into all kinds of crazy shapes, to the fortune teller that will read futures of many. I really liked the Carousel and Candy Beach Shop (all your favorite childhood candies in bulk 11.95/lb). This is also the deck where the AquaTheater is located. We weren't able to see the actual show (water acrobats) but we were able to see one of the divers in rehearsal. Totally amazing! This is also where Johnny Rockets and the Seafood Shack are located. Johnny Rockets offered hamburgers, while Seafood Shack offered light seafood dishes to choose from. At the Boardwalk Bar, we had corn dogs on the stick. This was also one of my favorite stateroom locations: either categories B1 and B2 (Boardwalk View Stateroom with Balcony) or even better, Categories A1 through A3 (AquaTheater Suites with Balcony). These categories are much better than just the ocean view staterooms. These staterooms not only face the "inside" of the ship but also allow you to have the best of both worlds, with views of the ocean as well as the Boardwalk and AquaTheather. No more of rushing to get the best seats in the house for the AquaTheather, just walk
outside on your balcony and enjoy!
Okay where do we go next......mmmmmmmmmmmmm. Let's go to the Youth Zone........THE BEST AT SEA!!!!!!!!!! I am warning all parents.......you won't see your children (did you know that Royal Caribbean has security cameras on all passenger decks, so your children are always safe?) once you take them to the Youth Zone. Yes, Royal did take their Youth programs (aged from 3 to 11). You have the Adventure Science Lab, where our children learn the elements of science; the Imagination Studio, where creatively is learned; and even the Adventure Ocean Theater,
where I can only imagine the many productions that will take place. The Teen's area on the Oasis, FORGET IT! Stop worrying if the teens are going to be okay? Will they get bored after a couple of days of the same old thing? I doubt that once your teens have made their home in the Living Room (teen hangout), or the Challenge Arcade, or the Zip line, or 2 Rock Climbing wall, or the Fuel Teen Disco, or the mini-golf course, or the Flowriders, or the Basketball court, or the H20 full Water park (whew), that they will ever want to go back home again.
Now that the kids are being well taken care of, let's go to our hangout…………..The SOLARIUM.........OMG!!! IS THIS MOM"S PARADISE??? You bet your sweet tired “Calgon, take me away moment,” this is the place. There are Cabanas and Whirlpools with flat screen TVs (no children allowed, YES!!). Think of it this way, you have your children on the same deck on one end and you have your own OASIS on the other end. They even have one of those thermal pools to relax those aching muscles. You also have the Solarium Bar and Bistro. I see myself spending lots of
hours here. The Vitality at Sea Spa and Fitness Center gives you a sense of calm and relaxation just from walking in. I was truly impressed with the Vitality Cafe, located inside the Spa Neighbor. The Vitality Spa Cafe offers healthy snacks, juices, and smoothies. However, you would never even guess that you were within a fitness center. To the left you have the Salon for both men and women. Need to have your hair done up for formal night, or perhaps you want to get your beard trimmed for the midnight show. It's all there! Surrounded by bamboo plants and other exotic plants, I can see anyone just spending a day to renew spirits.
There's no way to describe how much I loved This Ship!!!! All staterooms from the Loft Suites to the inside staterooms were comfortable and
spacious. All staterooms have flat screen televisions, large bathrooms (mainly with showers), large sitting areas and beautiful balconies. If you have connecting balcony staterooms, the side doors on the balconies open so that you can compare balconies without having to walk back and forth between staterooms. I have no complaints other than perhaps Royal Caribbean could do better with their bathroom amenities in all room categories. We like those little bottles of lotion and body wash.
I am a "RAVING FAN" with Royal Caribbean. All dining venues offer great culinary delights (my lobster melted in my mouth). Service on board was always with a smile. You'll never have idle time on board. I can see myself more on a 14 night Caribbean cruise, because 7 nights would never be enough.
Royal Caribbean I tip my hat to you!!!!!
Contact your Royal Caribbean Cruise Experts at 800-300-4567 or click HERE.
Add a commentCustomer Testimonial: All-Travel Agent is Amazing!
Hi Sandra,
I just want you to know how much I appreciate your efforts on our behalf. I think you are amazing. From now on, I will always call you first for any future trips we take. You have been an absolute pleasure to work with and you have a very engaging personality.
Thank you!
Laurie
P.S. We travel a lot, so you will most certainly be hearing from me.
Add a commentHolland America Line: Eurodam 14-Night Pacific Coastal Cruise
By: All-Travel Agent, Sandra Weaver
I recently had the opportunity to sail on Holland America’s newest Ship, Ms. Eurodam. 
We departed from Quebec City, Canada to Sunny Fort Lauderdale, visiting such ports as Gaspe, Charlottetown, Nova Scotia, Portland, Maine, Newport, Rhode Island, Boston Mass, and New York City.
Ms. Eurodam is one of Holland America’s mid-sized luxury ships, with the capacity of 2104 guests on board. The ship itself is beautiful with fine woods throughout the ship, Roman statues, and master pieces of fine artwork. On the passenger decks you will find vintage pictures, dating back to the earlier sailing days of Holland America ships. 
There are 11 passenger decks, 2 pools with one having a retraceable roof for those colder itineraries. My favorite pool area is located on the Lido Deck 9, right next to the Greenhouse Spa and Salon Areas. This is where you will find the retraceable pool with pool side cabanas for daily rental. In each cabana you have a lounge sofa with fresh fruits, and bottled water, and other small perks such as suntan lotions. There is a menu available for dining in your cabana, nice thick robes for 2, and your own private crew member to take care of all of your needs. The Lido pool also has 2 whirlpools that are open until 10:00pm every night. The cost would be 199.00 per week, and 45.00 per day. You also have more cabanas that are located on Deck 11, overlooking the Lido Pool. This is an excellent area for group gatherings with family and friends. These Cabana rentals would cost 299.00 per week and 75.00 daily. 
The Greenhouse Spa, located also on Deck 9 is nicely appointed with several spa treatment rooms, a top-notch gym with all the latest exercise equipment and favorite fitness classes. You are also able to enjoy thermal suites, including a hydrotherapy and Thalassotherapy pool for 40.00 per day, with weekly rates available if you prefer. Imagine relaxing on one of her heated, ceramic lounges. Yes it’s okay to snooze. One of the best deals in the Greenhouse Spa was the offer of 3 spa treatments for 99.00 per person. This special was also offered on sea days.
There are 4 restaurants to choose from with three of them being specialty restaurants pricing from 15.00-30.00 per person. The Pinnacle Grill offers culinary delights ranging from aged Sterling Silver Beef to premium seafood dishes. The Tamarind offers pan- Asian flairs from sushi to other Asian cuisine. You are actually have lunch in the Tamarind opened from 1130am until 1:00pm at no additional costs to guests on board, reservations required. Dinner would be for 30.00 per person
Ms. Eurodam also offers Italian food at Canaletto, located within the Lido Restaurant, on Deck 9. Every night the restaurant appeared busy and full of lively guests.
The Lido Restaurants would be your Buffet Restaurant, located on Deck 9 for limited hours. Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner are served over limited times. If perhaps you are hungry in between dining times you do have pizza or burgers available. Burgers are available daily between 11:00Am and 5:00pm, with Pizza being available until 11:00pm, daily. 
The Rembrandt Dining Room offers 2 floors for guests wishing to have their meals in the formal dining room. The first level is for open dining, allowing guests to have dinner at from 5:00pm to 9:00pm. The second level are for those guests that have a set dining time. I had dinner on one of the formal dining nights. Service was great and I actually had a ball meeting those that I dined with. Another night I found something on the dinner menu that I liked, but choose to have my dinner in my stateroom instead. That was not a problem. Crew members took my order, and after a couple of minutes I was able to walk my dinner back to my stateroom. Room Service is available 24/7 and I never had to wait long for my order may it have been for lunch or dinner.
Even though I have to admit that the ship is less active than other Holland America ships, such as Ms. Oosterdam or Ms. Noordam, there were some good moments such as my complimentary digital camera class. Computer and digital classes are offered most days for one hour each. You also have 1 hour per day to “practice” what you’ve learned while on board at no additional costs.
I loved the Explorations Café, located on Deck 11. There were awesome views of the sea. I rented movies almost every night during my 2 weeks on board. Espresso drinks and pasties were available at an additional cost. This is also part of Ms. Eurodam’s library and internet café.
One of the things that I noticed about Ms. Eurodam, there were several rooms to select that would be great for group meetings and celebrations, from elegant lounges to meeting rooms.
Club Hal was available for young cruisers aged from 3 to 17 years. There are video and game rooms to keep your young tots happy. Even though the ship’s passengers were mostly senior retirees I did manage to see about 4 children on board.
The Screening room offered newly released movies daily, with a total of 36 seats for over 2000.00 passengers on board. I did hear complaints from guests. Apparently even though movies are shown several times daily, (same movie appears in the staterooms the next day) some guests really did not like the idea of waiting to see their favorite movie due to lack of space. I did manage to see a movie and must admit that the reclining seats are definitely upscale leather and very comfortable.
I stayed in a obstructed view stateroom that was actually quite nice. Our stateroom was positioned between 2 lifeboats, so we could see plenty. My travel companion really enjoyed her heavenly bed beside the window. She actually mentioned that she would love to own one of her own for home.
Our bathroom consisted of both tub and shower combination. I heard one passenger complain that they weren’t separate, and to be honest if you are over 5”9’ you may have a problem with the relatively small bathtub. We never had a problem with the water temperature and our room steward made sure that we never ran out of bath amenities by Elemis. I would have liked more storage space. We had plenty of closet space, and made use of the in room safe, however I like the dresser type drawers to keep my cloths separate. We were disappointed that there are no laundry facilities onboard to do your own laundry. There is a laundry service available at an additional cost. There was also a flat screen television and DVR in the room for entertainment. Movies can be rented from Deck 11 at the Explorations Café (combination library, coffee house, and internet café) at 3.00 per rental per day. 
I also had the opportunity to watch chefs from all restaurants prepare meals in the Culinary Arts Center. Samples were passed out, along with recipe cards during the presentations that were free of charge, and always very interesting.
The on-board entertainment was the usual, some of it good, and other entertainment not as good. ( I could have done better than their favorite comedian). The sail away parties were boring to say the least, and the only ones that I found in the nightclub was a birthday celebration for a family of five. The Casino offers slots from 1 penny to full gaming tables. Needless to say the casino did stay busy. I liked the way the casino was decorated. Holland America encouraged all guests to use their ship board card to play with, you get a certain amount of points, depending on your donation.
To summarize I heard more than enough compliants on board than I wanted to hear, considering that this is Holland America. I found myself wishing that there was more to do than just scrapbooking and gallery tours. Out of the entire crew I could only give 4 crew members high reviews on their “white-glove service and to be honest most of the crew members could have cared less. They had a job to do, and that was about it.
I will always hold Holland America as being one of the best cruise lines in the market and will definitely cruise again. This sailing just did not do it quite right for me.
Call your Holland America Experts Today at 800-225-3614 or click HERE.
Add a commentAll-Travel Agents Offer the Best Level of Customer Service
Lila (and Sandra),
The stay has been more pleasurable (the property itself is terrific), but we feel the service is still lacking (it takes three calls to get anything done around here!). And, recognizing this is an international Village owned by a French company, I am still surprised how few people speak or understand English. (That could just be the "ignorant American" and New Yorker in me, though...)
HOWEVER, we are beyond thrilled with the level of service and professionalism that you, Sandra and All-Travel have shown, and will use you and your agency when booking future trips. Please feel free to forward this email to your manager and whomever; I have never seen a better level of customer service than you and Sandra have provided us from the booking until completion of our trip; 110% amazing.
Best,
Allison W.
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