by davidwerst on June 27, 2009
Beginning with cruise departures of August 25, 2009 and beyond, Carnival will discontinue the mailed paper version of the cruise travel documents. All guests on sailings from this date forward will need to use Carnival’s MyDocuments portal to print electronic cruise documents.
Of course, If you do not have a computer, not to worry, Texas Cruise Company will print your documents out for you and get them to you or you can just check in at the pier. You WILL get on board your favorite cruise. Just ask us if any of this is confusing. Yep, it’s a brave new world out there where computers are king.
Since the vast majority of our guests already use E-docs, it may not be much of a problem at all. As an added convenience for our guests as we said, we will print the electronic cruise documents for you at anytime once the booking is paid in full. Or, you can do it yourself by simply going to the MyDocuments portal (accessible at www.carnival.com/mydocuments). This feature will also provides guests with on-demand access to their Carnival booking, enabling you to print boarding passes, the terms and conditions of the cruise ticket contract, luggage tags, and other pertinent information regarding their “Fun Ship” cruise from any Internet-connected computer. 
This “paperless” system provides guests with many conveniences and offers the same travel documentation and information typically available with traditional cruise documents. Housed within a secure, easy-to-navigate Internet portal accessible on a “24/7” basis, the electronic document system operates in “real time” which ensures that all last-minute changes are reflected.
No more waiting for documents in the mail.
In addition to the peace-of-mind created by eliminating the wait for cruise documents to be delivered by mail, this initiative has a positive impact on the environment. Please be advised that the migration to an entirely eDocument format applies to both individual and group reservations.
Additional details are below:
August 3 is the last day that paper documents can be ordered for sailings prior to August 25, 2009. Cruise documents, which include the terms and conditions of the cruise ticket contract, may be accessed online after full payment is received and will require the following information; booking number, last name of the guest, ship and sail date.
Although having printed e-documents will expedite the check-in process during embarkation, guests may check in at the pier without documents as their information is contained within Carnival’s reservation system.
Electronic documents include printable luggage tags that may be printed in black and white on plain or maybe heavier weight paper and taped or stapled together on your luggage handles. If they are not printed, luggage tags are still available at the pier.
Did you see the new ‘big screen TV’ on the Carnival Conquest yet?
We saw it all at a recent trip to Galveston and we toured both the Carnival Conquest and the Carnival Ecstasy. It really made us want to go on a cruise…….
Why Choose us to cruise out of Galveston?
1. It is the same price to you as anywhere else so that’s a big factor. In fact, we often know of ways to save you money. That’s why we get lots of repeat customers.
2. We are Master Cruise Counselors certified with CLIA, Cruise Line International Association. It takes a lot of extra training to get that important and valuable certification, but we did it and our knowledge helps our customers save time and money.
3. We know what are doing. We’ve booked lots of cruises, big and small, large groups and individuals. We’re easy to find, lot’s of people know us and are multiple repeat customers.
4. We’ve been on these cruises and know what to tell you. Been there…done that, liked it all.
5. We look out for our clients best interests. Always. Always. Always.
6. We’re from here. Learn more about us by visiting and subscribing to RealTexasBlog.com
by davidwerst on June 22, 2009
After having just returned from Galveston, I checked to see what kind of hurricane season 2009 was shaping up to be.
The 2009 hurricane season runs from June 1, 2009 to November 30, 2009. The prediction is for a 50% chance of a “near normal” season of moderate storm activity in the Atlantic. NWS forecasters look for between 9 and 14 named storms, of which between 4 and 7 storms may become hurricanes. There is an expectation that one of the hurricanes could be a Category 3 or greater, meaning a storm with minimum 111 m.p.h. sustained winds.
Hurricane seasons have been marked by surprises in recent years, and travel agents should always recommend that their clients add travel insurance in preparation for the unexpected. Last year was the first year ever for two hurricane statistics. There were six consecutive named storms, including four hurricanes, that struck the mainland U.S. during the season. There was also a category 3 hurricane in the Atlantic during each of five consecutive months, including Bertha in July, Gustav in August, Ike in September, Omar in October and Paloma in November.
It was Hurricane Ike that struck Galveston and caused major damage. Thankfully, Galveston is back and better than ever now. The Carnival Conquest and Carnival Ecstasy are sailing out of Galveston on a regular schedule with zero problems.
We need to remind cruisers that in 2005, after 15 named storms and 9 hurricanes were predicted for the season, there were subsequently 28 named storms and 15 hurricanes, including the majors Katrina, which struck New Orleans, and Wilma, which struck Cancun.
Of course, our cruise clients routinely add travel insurance at a very modest price to protect their trip. We use Travel Insured and they do a wonderful job for our clients.
Travel Insured’s Worldwide Trip Protector line of plans include Trip Cancellation, Trip Interruption, Trip Delay, Missed Port of Call and Missed Connection, which can be triggered by a hurricane or other disruptive weather activity.
Not all plans include all coverage and clients should consult the terms and conditions of each plan for the specific coverage and plan costs that work for them. Clients concerned about traveling when a storm is potentially heading toward their destination might consider a Cancel for Any Reason upgrade as their best option. By buying the Cancel for Any Reason upgrade within 14 days of their initial trip deposit, clients may cancel up to two or more days prior to their scheduled departure date for up to a 75% reimbursement of their non-refundable prepaid vacation costs.
Remember that the Cancel for Any Reason option must be purchased before the storm is named for coverage to apply!
by davidwerst on June 2, 2009
Texas Cruise Company says: Get a passport to travel
The new passport requirements for U.S. Citizens went into effect on June 1, 2009, and we would like to clarify all the details for you. The new Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) requires valid passports for land and sea travel, a final ruling was issued allowing leniency for “closed-loop” cruises. That leniency refers to cruise sailings that both originate and terminate in the same U.S. port. One such sailing for example would be a 7 day cruise on the Carnival Conquest that originated in Galveston and ended back in Galveston. 
U.S. citizens taking “closed-loop” cruises are not required to have a passport, but will need proof of citizenship and a government-issued photo ID, such as an original or certified copy of a birth certificate and a driver’s license. Children will also be required to carry a birth certificate and a photo ID if over the age of 15.
Although a passport is not required for “closed loop” cruises, we strongly recommend all guests travel with a passport (valid for at least six months beyond completion of travel), a passport card or an enhanced driver’s license (EDL). Having these documents will enable them to fly from the U.S. to a foreign port in the event they miss their scheduled embarkation or to fly back to the U.S. if they need to disembark the ship mid-cruise due to an emergency such as a sudden illness, injury, or family emergency back home.
If a cruise begins and ends in different U.S. ports or begins and ends in a foreign port, a valid passport or other recognized WHTI-compliant document is required. A valid passport is required if you are traveling on any of our European cruises.
For more information, a complete list of WHTI-compliant documents or to obtain a passport application, visit www.travel.state.gov
ALL guests need proof of citizenship in order to travel and failure to present a valid document at check in will result in denied boarding and no refund will be issued by any of the cruise lines….sorry.
We hope you will take the time to share this important information with everyone you travel with and encourage them to invest in a passport; The preferred document of choice for proof of citizenship.
As far as our customers who travel to Mexico for business or pleasure or those who live along the border, north or south, the rules are simple. You have to have a passport. Lots of us here in Texas have long taveled at will back and forth across the border at Del Rio, Presidio, or El Paso. No Mas. You have to have a passport now or a special driver’s license that can also be used to cross the border.
by davidwerst on May 21, 2009
Carnival Cruise Lines has come up with a super marketing solution especially for 
Texans. Yes, now you can pick your port you want to sail from and also pick your cruise to get in on some pretty impressive savings.
Carnival does this on occasion for residents of states and now it’s Texas’ turn to get in on big savings on a cruise other than a cruise from Galveston. Of course, we are still partial to the Carnival Conquest and Carnival Ecstasy sailing out of Galveston, but we have sailed out of Florida many times and always enjoyed it.
We just wanted you to know.
That’s why we are called Texas Cruise Company
Why Choose us to book on Carnival Cruise Ships?
1. It is the same price to you as anywhere else so that’s a big factor.
2. We are Master Cruise Counselors certified with CLIA, Cruise Line International Association.
3. We know what are doing. We’ve booked lots of cruises, big and small, large groups and individuals. We’re easy to find, lot’s of people know us.
4. We’ve been on these cruises and know what to tell you. Been there…done that, liked it all.
5. We look out for our clients best interests. Always. Always. Always.
6. We’re from here. Learn more about us by visiting and subscribing to RealTexasBlog.com
by davidwerst on May 12, 2009
Yep, it’s true. It’s verdad.
Texas Cruise Company has a few cabins left at group rates with amenities! You REALLY do not find a cruise at this price these days and it is in January, right when you NEED to go on a cruise to sunny climates. Here’s the deal, Lucille!
This Cruise has a $25 per person deposit required through June 10th, and full deposit is not due until August 20th. You would be sailing out on the Carnival Conquest for a 7 Day cruise starting January 17, 2010.
The Conquest visits Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, and Cozumel???. No, we don’t know if Cozumel will be opened back up by then, but we have a sneakin’ suspicion it will be. If it is not, there will be either another fun day at sea or another great port to visit.
The Good news?
Any day spent on the Carnival Conquest is a good day.
Here are the categories we have left on this sailing and this super priced sale.
Balcony category 8B only 2 left! $580.00 cruise rate per person*
Ocean View category 6B only 6 left! $410.00 cruise rate per person*
Inside category 4B only 2 left! $375.00 cruise rate per person*
As a special treat you will receive a bottle of champagne and chocolates, and a $25.00 stateroom On Board Credit
*cruise rate does not include port fees or taxes.
CALL QUICKLY! These won’t last long. These are left over cabins from a small group we put together nearly every year for folks from our small town. It is a first come, first served sort of deal. We can’t guarantee availability of cabins at this low of a price other than those we already have….but you know we will do our best for you if we run out today.
325-835-7561
Why choose TexasCruiseCompany.com to book your next cruise on Carnival Cruise Ships?
1. It is the same price to you as anywhere else so that’s a big factor.
2. We are Master Cruise Counselors certified with CLIA, Cruise Line International Association.
3. We know what are doing. We’ve booked lots of cruises, big and small, large groups and individuals. We’re easy to find, lot’s of people know us.
4. We’ve been on these cruises and know what to tell you. Been there…done that, liked it all.
5. We look out for our clients best interests. Always. Always. Always.
6. We’re from here. Learn more about us by visiting and subscribing to RealTexasBlog.com
by davidwerst on May 4, 2009
When you are daydreaming about your up and coming cruise vacation in the sun on the Carnival Conquest or Carnival Ecstasy sailing out of Galveston, I’m sure the last thing on your mind is insurance.
However, the topic of cruise travel insurance is usually overlooked and then forgotten about. If you are spending a large amount of money for your cruise, you may want to be insured so you will be covered if any mishaps were to take place. Travel insurance is just as important as insurance for your home or car. Why not make sure that your happiness is insured as well?
Before you purchase any type of cruise travel insurance, make sure you take time to research each policy so that you can guarantee that you are receiving the coverage that you need. Do not assume anything and be careful about your decisions. One of the best things to do is simply ask your CLIA certified travel agent.
Do not be afraid to ask too many questions. It is their job to help you and to clarify everything before you commit to a purchase. This is not to scare you and make you think that all companies are out for your money. Many travel insurance companies that are well known and respectable are funded by the government so they are required to be meet certain standards.
As with any insurance, you will get what you pay for. Any type of insurance is a serious commitment, and it is important that you try not to cut corners or find huge discounts. On the other hand, your travel agent can easily find the policy that matches your budget costs and your lifestyle. It is very easy to become overwhelmed when comparing each policy so that is what your travel pro is trained to do for you.
It is hard enough to plan the vacation, so it is expected that the conflict of insurance will be an issue as well. A local travel agency can help you find the best insurance available, and Texas Cruise Company is no exception. If you are not already connected to an agency for the vacation, then they can also help you find a package deal for the cruise.
Many packages include the cruise insurance as well. Make sure to receive quotes on all different types of packages and then think it through before making the commitment. The travel agent is not worried about how much time you cost them, they only want you to be sure about your decision. On line forums that are dedicated to travel may also give you the answers you need. Many people have had to have cruise insurance. They can recommend who is the best and which company to stay away from.
What do we recommend? Go here and get your Travel Insurance or just call us at 1-325-835-7561.
This type of policy will cover pretty much anything. The benefits will be large and you will be covered under any most circumstances. Policies that cover a smaller set of conditions, will be much more affordable. However, the only problem with policies such as these is that it could be worthless. The terms of the contract could be so restrictive that you would not be covered if a situation were to occur. You have probably saved up for this trip for some time. Travel Insured is THE way to go.
Make sure that your dream vacation is insured before you make the trip. Do not assume that nothing will happen. Always be aware of the unexpected.
It’s just another thing to do to make sure you have a great cruise experience. Travel Insured.
Why Choose us to book on Carnival Cruise Ships?
1. It is the same price to you as anywhere else so that’s a big factor.
2. We are Master Cruise Counselors certified with CLIA, Cruise Line International Association.
3. We know what are doing. We’ve booked lots of cruises, big and small, large groups and individuals. We’re easy to find, lot’s of people know us.
4. We’ve been on these cruises and know what to tell you. Been there…done that, liked it all.
5. We look out for our clients best interests. Always. Always. Always.
6. We’re from here. Learn more about us by visiting and subscribing to RealTexasBlog.com
by davidwerst on April 29, 2009
We here at Texas Cruise Company have been closely watching news about the swine flu issue and as usual, Carnival has take appropriate action. Carnival has cancelled calls in Mexican ports. Here’s what they have to say about it and the dates involved:
“Carnival Cruise Lines has decided to cancel all calls at Mexican ports for all current sailings and all voyages departing on Thursday, April 30th through Monday, May 4th. In many cases, we will be able to substitute the cancelled call with an alternative port. Additionally, we are working on alternatives for those itineraries impacted by this decision. Full details will be available by 5pm Wednesday, April 29th. Once final details are confirmed for these itinerary changes, we will send you an automated message listing your impacted bookings for each affected voyage.
In the unlikely event that our new itinerary options are not to your clients liking, we will give them the opportunity to reschedule their cruise at a later date. Those details will also be made available tomorrow.
Our primary concern is your client’s safety. We will continue to monitor the situation and will keep you updated if and when changes are made. The best place to get up to the minute information about these and any further changes is at our web sites, www.BookCCL.com and www.carnival.com.
We thank you very much for your understanding. We look forward to welcoming your guests aboard their Fun Ship cruise.
Best Regards,
Lynn C. Torrent
Senior Vice President of Sales and Guest Services
Carnival Cruise Lines
Texas Cruise Company has cruise clients affected by this issue and we’ll keep you up to date here as soon as we hear about it!
We want to keep you informed.
by davidwerst on April 27, 2009
It’s all over the news, but what about swine flu and the cruise industry? We here at Texas Cruise Company take your concerns seriously and we are closely monitoring the situation to keep you better informed on this issue. Here is what the President of CLIA, the Cruise Line Industry Association, has to say about it:
By now you have likely read or seen stories concerning the Swine Flu. As someone who works every day with cruise guests, we wanted to take a moment to address this situation and let you know what the cruise industry is doing to respond so that you have information that might be useful to you and your customers.
While no cases of Swine Flu aboard cruise ships or in cruise ports have been reported, the cruise industry is consulting closely with public health officials and government agencies to monitor the situation and to ensure that our passengers and crew are protected. It is very important to us, and the health and well-being of our passengers and crew, that we stay in close contact with authorities to determine what further steps can be taken if necessary. As I write, there are no U.S. government travel restrictions, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are still actively monitoring the situation.
Our hard work and lessons learned over the past few years have allowed us to develop practices and procedures that are proven to be effective in mitigating illness aboard cruise ships. While you already know this, let me reassure you that CLIA member cruise lines go to great lengths to maintain clean and sanitary environments aboard our vessels with the most comprehensive and proactive health and sanitation protocols in the travel and tourism industry. In fact, all cruise ships that visit U.S. ports are subject to periodic unannounced inspections by the CDC’s Vessel Sanitation Program.
Furthermore, all of our cruise line members that engage in international voyages have well trained medical staff, expansive reporting and surveillance capabilities onboard. Further information on travel and the swine flu is attached or can also be found on the CDC Web site at: www.cdc.gov/swineflu.
If you have questions about specific cruise line itineraries, please contact the appropriate cruise line. As this is an evolving situation, CLIA will be updating its communications as necessary and will keep you apprised of any significant developments.
Thank you,
Terry Dale
President & CEO
CLIA
by davidwerst on April 16, 2009
Seniors save big on Carnival Conquest
Texas Cruise Company’s senior customers can save big by booking two sail dates out of Galveston on the Carnival Conquest and the Carnival Ecstasy.
Pick May 2, 2009 for a 5 day cruise on the Carnival Ecstasy out of Galveston and get an interior room for only $359 or an ocean view for $389. Sorry, balconies not available at these savings on this date. But can you believe the prices on this weekly special? Remember: Carnival advertises these as Cruise Only prices. But they ARE great cruise only prices.
You can also sail on the Carnival Conquest on May 24, 2009 and get the senior special pricing. Cruise for 7 days on the conquest in an interior room for $699, and ocean view for $799, and enjoy the luxury of a balcony for only $879.
Let us check all the fine print for you on these fantastic cruise prices from Carnival. You can call us anytime at 1-325-835-7561. If we are not immediately available, we’ll get back to you right away. We’re very prompt at returning your calls.
Why Choose us to book on Carnival Cruise Ships?
1. It is the same price to you as anywhere else so that’s a big factor.
2. We are Master Cruise Counselors certified with CLIA, Cruise Line International Association.
3. We know what are doing. We’ve booked lots of cruises, big and small, large groups and individuals. We’re easy to find, lot’s of people know us.
4. We’ve been on these cruises and know what to tell you. Been there…done that, liked it all.
5. We look out for our clients best interests. Always. Always. Always.
6. We’re from here. Learn more about us by visiting and subscribing to RealTexasBlog.com
by davidwerst on April 15, 2009
Congratulations from Texas Cruise Company to Alicia Steuart. Please read what her boss had to say about this remarkable lady……
Alicia Steuart
Business Development Director
It is with great pleasure that I announce that Alicia Steuart is Carnival’s Business Development Director of the year.
Alicia joined Carnival in December, 1998 as the Business Development Manager. In 2003, she was promoted to her current position of Business Development Director.
Alicia’s keen business sense to the needs of her travel partners has been the foundation for her success through the years. Working with her Texas partners, Alicia is known for formulating effective business plans and guiding partners through the implementation of these plans. Her wealth of knowledge has proven successful for all business models in her territory including traditional brick & mortar, home based agents, incentive accounts and host agencies.
Alicia is proud to call Fort Worth, Texas home where she resides with her husband and two children.
All of us at Carnival are proud to have Alicia as part of our sales development team! Please join me in congratulating Alicia on this tremendous achievement with Carnival. Alicia credits her success to her “outstanding Texas travel partner team” and is anxious to share this recognition with you.
Congratulations to a great team!
Mike Julius, CTC
Regional Vice President
Carnival Cruise Lines
