Archives for : Industry Cruise Leader

Book a world luxury cruise with Friendly Cruises

Posted by :lonalee@friendlycruises.com On : September 18, 2014
0

Category: Blog Home

Tags:, , , , , , , ,

crystalaustraliaBook a world luxury cruise with Friendly Cruises.  Do you love to travel in luxury and cruise around the world?  Are you in search of a new story including global discovery and circumnavigation?  If so, booking a world cruise begins here.

Surround yourself in the finest luxury and service in the industry by connecting with an Industry Cruise Leader and Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar ECCS like www.FriendlyCruises.com who will guide you through the maze of world cruises.

Each cruise line offers different specials specific to your needs and favorite region of the world.WorldMapCruise

Luxurious world cruise amenities and services can include:

  • One set price – All services and amenities included
  • First class airfare to and from the guests home city
  • Luxurious transportation – Premium car service picking up guests at their home taking them to the airport and driving them home at the end of their international voyage
  • Guests are pampered with luggage pickup at their home and sent to their ship where it waits for them when they arrive – No “schlepping luggage” for these guests seeking adventure
  • Fine wines, premium spirits and champagne flow throughout your journey
  • Gratuities for the entire voyage is included, for example; butler, stewardess, dining and bar staff
  • Laundry is included
  • No charge for on board medical services
  • Around the world internet will be provided
  • Bottled water and soft drinks
  • Unlimited cappuccinos, espressos and lattes
  • Spa Credits are offered at various amounts.
  • Fitness classes including Pilates, yoga and spinning

There are different time durations and places that make up a “around the world” voyage.  Booking a world cruise-west-world-cruisecruise requires the proper planning.  As a long term guest you will be on the same ship for an extended number of months becoming your new home.

As the words of this image illustrate “The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page.” ~ Augustine of Hippo

It is important to make the right choice with the number of options available booking a world cruise.  Make your next world cruise adventure a new story in your life.

The biggest adventure you can take is to live the life of your dreams ~ Oprah Winfrey

ExplorerA world cruise of global discovery and circumnavigation remains one of the world’s greatest travel experiences. It’s a lifestyle that opens your eyes from anything to vibrant city life of many cultures to exploring remote villages around the world while providing many luxuries.

World cruises offer incredible adventures creating unique social atmospheres, ability share new experiences with like minded adventurous people, grow friendships and create new ones.

PanamaExporerFriendly Cruises, a cruise industry leader and expert knows from past experience you want to enjoy city life, culture and cuisine in your favorite region of the world. It is important to go over your needs to immerse you in an atmosphere which will allow you to relax and feel comfortable in your new home for three to six months.

A world cruise offers exceptional comfort, luxury and style. Begin your story by contacting www.FriendlyCruises.com creating an unforgettable journey lasting a lifetime.

“The journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.” ~ Lao Tzu

Friendly Cruises, an industry cruise leader and expert since 1987 helping you find a world cruise catering to your every need.  Come share your dreams with Lona Lee Thull an Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar ECCS helps define pleasure “Pleasure means Business and Business can mean Pleasure” – Contact:  480-358-1496

*highest certification in the Cruise-Travel industry*

cert-ecc

Lona Lee Thull Industry Cruise Leader and Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar ECCS

Posted by :lonalee@friendlycruises.com On : July 29, 2014
1

Category: Blog Home

Tags:, , ,

Lona Lee Thull,  Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar ECCSLonaLeeThull
Owner and Founder of Friendly Cruises, Inc
3081 S Sycamore Village Dr
Superstition Mtn  AZ  85118
480-358-1496
LonaLee@FriendlyCruises.com
www.FriendlyCruises.com
www.Facebook.com/FriendlyCruises
www.Twitter.com/FriendlyCruises

So much to choose from and very little time

cropped-LOGO-FriendlyCruise-Resized1.jpgIf you are looking to book a cruise Lona Lee Thull at Friendly Cruises is the person to call

Lona Lee Thull has the passion and expertise to help you select the ultimate journey on your next cruise adventure.  In order to experience and feel confident your choice is right, there are many options to consider.

For example:  Do you wish your voyage to be private? elegant? casual? or an epicurean delight? or perhaps you even want your own private butler?  In our fast paced world there is a lot to choose from and little time to decide in our fast paced world.

Lona Lee Thull an industry cruise leader will carefully guide you through this process and save you time while offering you expert advice.   Lona Lee Thull has an Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar (ECCS) certification the highest level of education the Cruise Line International Association awards and cruise-travel experience since 1987.

She will give you the finest advice and guidance in the industry.  Lona Lee Thull is a cruise industry leader and expert.

Why would you choose Lona Lee Thull as your cruise travel counsellor?

  • Save Time – Time is valuable – Let Lona Lee Thull, an industry cruise leader save you time and the frustration of choosing between so many cruising options.  Allow her to do the work of planning your next vacation and getting exactly what you want while staying within your budget
  • Benefit from expertise and travel knowledge – Feel confident with your cruise choices and receive the value of wisdom and knowledge that Lona Lee Thull has to offer
  • Easy planning and convenience – Come visit her website www.FriendlyCruises.com for more information.  Call or email to begin the process of choosing your voyage and ultimate vacation.  We look forward to learning more about your cruising needs
  • Don’t miss the boat – Whether it be on an ocean liner, a riverboat cruise or a yacht, reserve your voyage by having Lona Lee Thull go over your cruising needs so she can help you sort through all your choices and save you time.  You get on the boat with a smile

Friendly Cruises has a quality reputation and continues to offer meaningful benefits for long-term customers. Lona Lee Thull has a simple motto “Pleasure means Business and Business can mean Pleasure”

Lona Lee Thull’s website www.FriendlyCruises.com contains a booking engine where guests may choose from several cruise lines and reserve their own cruise vacation. This option combined with an amazing team of Cruise Counsellors who are ready to assist their guests giving them confidence that they made the right cruise vacation choice.

Lona Lee Thull – Industry Cruise Leader and Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar ECCS.  She invites you to visit www.FriendlyCruises.com  – call us and let us help you with your cruising needs – Contact:  480-358-1496

*highest certification in the Cruise-Travel industry*

Cruise Activities : Onboard and Port of Call

Posted by :lonalee@friendlycruises.com On : June 19, 2014
0

Category: Blog Home

Tags:, , ,

parasail2Are you actively looking to book a cruise?  Are activities important in making your decision?  When you visit with your next Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar (ECCS) you may want to go over the following onboard and port of call activities which are now being offered on various cruise lines.

For active families and couples seeking to enhance their next adventure at sea the following information details the onboard and port of call activities many cruise lines offer.  Cruise lines appeal to all types of passengers, ages, athletic ability as well as gender offering organized programs offering numerous types of activities.  This include onboard and port of call activities for Juniors.

While at sea you can expect to get involved in many of the following activities.  There are many choices to choose from.  The next step is to meet many new people at sea who share a common interest.

The following onboard activities are common among many types of cruise lines.  Below is a brief video introduction of many activities available on one of the most luxurious cruise lines.

Onboard activities:

  • VolleyballYoga
  • Pool games
  • Exercise classes
  • Volleyball
  • Golf
  • Tennis
  • Basketball
  • History Lectures
  • Language classes
  • Playing Cards
  • Dance Classes
  • Bridge
  • Bingo
  • Art auctions
  • Cooking
  • Wine tasting

Cruising into each ports of call you can expect to have a variety of adventurous activities for all ages and interests.  Keep in mind there may be age, health and weight restrictions on these activities depending on the country and activity.

The following ports of call activities bring life to your next adventure.

Port of call activities:

  • seaBicycling
  • Mountain Biking
  • Parasailing
  • Paragliding
  • Hiking
  • Sea Kayaking
  • Scuba diving
  • Snorkeling
  • Walking tours
  • Horseback riding
  • Sailing

Interesting note:  Some cruise lines even have a bucket list for some marathon runners to run a marathon on every continent

Junior Activities
Cruise lines offer junior activities which can vary depending on the cruise lines and theme of the cruise.

It is common for cruise lines to have a Junior Activities Director where children receive a daily schedule of activities or newsletter.  The cruise lines organize them depending on their age and update them on the adventures throughout their cruise experience. The number of activities can vary depending on the itinerary and number of children on board.

  • Making cookiesPool Games / Paddle tennis
  • Water coloring
  • Scavenger Hunts
  • Hide and Seek
  • Stretch & exercise
  • Water Polo / Swimming
  • Dress-up Playtime
  • Bridge / Galley tours
  • Cookie Baking / Pizza making
  • Fashion Shows / Card games
  • Karaoke / Special Artists’ Performances
  • Mask Parade / Trivia
  • Movies / Dancing
  • ShuffleboardMini Olympics / Relay Races
  • Story Times / Ice cream / Pajama Parties
  • Water Polo / Swimming
  • Shuffleboard / Volleyball
  • Late Night Pool Parties / Teen disco
  • Trivial Pursuit Teen Karaoke
  • Twister
  • Popcorn Parties
  • Internet & E-mail Services
  • Gaming & arcade activities

Activities at sea can be a lot of fun and create many lasting memories for you and your family.  It is important to contact an Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar (ECCS) to go over which cruise line offers the best activities for your needs.

There are a variety of cruise lines which offer specific activities based on certain themes.  Set sail on your next adventure and let the fun begin.

To learn more about cruise line activities contact www.FriendlyCruises.com and schedule a meeting with an Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar (ECCS).  Contact: 480-358-1496

Friendly Cruising with Crystal Cruises

Posted by :lonalee@friendlycruises.com On : May 19, 2014
1

Category: Blog Home

Tags:, , ,

Crystal Cruises

Unrivaled Voyages & Unbelievable Destinations

  • Up to $1,500 in Onboard Credit per stateroom
  • 2-for-1 Cruise-Only Fares Unlimited Wine
  • Beer and Alcohol Complimentary Gratuities

Lona Lee Thull, The Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar on staff at www.FriendlyCruises.com sees many cruise lines advertising similar specials.

What differentiates these Cruise Lines from each other?

There are vast differences between cruise lines and even variations between the ships owned by the same cruise line. Elite Cruise Counsellors have a lot of experience and have sailed on many ships and cruise lines. They take detailed notes of the subtle or obvious differences before recommending a specific cruise ship or cruise line.

Why reserve a Crystal Cruise? Why sail on the Crystal Symphony or the Crystal Serenity?

Crystal-Serenity-ExternalWhen Crystal Cruises was building their newest ship the Serenity, Crystal Cruises leaders took the finest things from their two existing ships and created the Serenity.

Time has allowed Crystal Symphony and Crystal Serenity to gain near perfection in their design and cruising experience. When cruise passengers step aboard these ships they see modern and classic views while experiencing an elegant fine cruise with many options.

S24381ACrystal Cruises is a six star company.  This is evidenced by the subtle behind the scene things that make the difference in creating luxury and comfort on board. The passenger capacity on the Crystal Serenity is 1070 and a crew number 655. This results in the guest to staff ratio of .61. This means there is a good number of staff
available to attend to each passenger’s need. On the Crystal Symphony those numbers are passenger capacity 922 for guest space ratio being 55.3 and guest staff ratio of .59 with its 566 crew on board. The stateroom size varies from 202 sq ft for an ocean view up to 1345 sq ft for a penthouse with veranda.

Besides the grand destinations to where their ships sail the on-board activities, entertainment, food, wine, spirits, spa, butler service, and casino excel on Crystal Cruises.

Crystal Cruises contracts with world-renowned experts and celebrities who while on board give riveting lectures covering topics such as destinations and cultures,world affairs, art, history, and other entertainment.  These enrichment lectures give passengers the opportunity to go home after their cruise feeling relaxed and well educated.

The best facilities at sea for games like duplicate bridge are on Crystal Cruises ships. Their spacious and comfortable theatre offers free popcorn while watching movies.

Ambassador Hosts are cultured, well traveled gentlemen who are on board to socialize, dance and bring life to each night of your cruise. Creative Learning Institute has educational classes in diverse subjects including digital film making, golf, dancing, bridge and other interesting topics.

Crystal Cruises stands out from other cruise lines with their all inclusive items such as specialty coffees in the Bistro, gratuities, wine, spirits and free internet program for past passengers.

There are differences between cruise lines. We welcome you to come speak with our Elite Cruise Counsellors at www.FriendlyCruises.com to go over your needs.  We are available by calling 480-358-1496 to help you make the best choice for your next vacation.

Wine Vineyard Cruises | Book a wine cruise

Posted by :lonalee@friendlycruises.com On : April 21, 2014
1

Category: Blog Home

Tags:, , , , , , , , ,

Wines_3Discover the lost wine bottle at sea with that note on how to taste a glass of wine with specifics on where you might want to take your next cruise.

Are you aware you can taste wine and visit a vineyard on your next cruising adventure? Go to some of the best vineyards around the world while you taste great wine and eat good food.  An Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar is here to uncover your needs to sooth your palette with great wine and unique adventures at sea to many vineyards around the world.

The fragrance and aroma of a wine vineyard theme cruise is enough to inspire you to research the following destinations and speak with an Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar before booking your next vacation.

Wine celar- imagesTop world destinations on where book for your next wine theme cruise:

  • France – Bordeaux, Vineyards, & Chateaux France
  • Europe – The Rhine River
  • British Columbia – Okanagan Valley
  • San Francisco – Sonoma and Napa Valley California
  • Oregon – Willamette Valley
  • Chile – The Maipo Valley
  • Argentina -Mendoza
  • Uruguay – Pioneering Juanicó winery
  • Australia – Adelaide & Barossa Valley
  • South Africa – Cape Town
  • Spain – Barcelona
  • Australia – Yarra Valley
  • Italy – Tuscany

Despite a number of these locations being a good distance from the Ports of Call it is important to know many theme cruises offer transportation to and from the vineyards.  Speaking to a Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar can help you organize and uncover your needs specifically to a wine theme cruise as well as offer many suggestions on unique palates for food and wine.

Wine_cellarWine tourism has steadily increased over the last ten years where wineries worldwide now provide elegant tasting rooms with picturesque vineyard views, wine tasting dinners, and even open tours of the vineyards and cellars. A truly unique experience creating lasting memories.

Wine is a colorful element where the taste is as unique as the grape and the earth where it came from. It is a perfect complement to a meal, and a great way to unwind after a day of sightseeing and exploring while you are off the ship.  Imagine the conversations over a good glass of wine while while watching the sun dip below the rolling hills of vineyards in the corner gems of the world.

A few styles and flavors of wine to look forward to when you book your next wine & vineyard theme cruise and interesting images you will most likely see.

Red wine – Made from black grapes ranging from light to dark, dry to sweet

Popular red flavors:

  • Cabernet Sauvignon – Flavors: Bell pepper, green olive, herb, cassis and black cherry
  • Shiraz – Flavors: Blackberry, boysenberry, plum, pepper and clove
  • Merlot – Flavors:  Watermelon, strawberry and cherry
  • Zinfandel – Flavors: Raspberry, blackberry, black cherry, raisin and  prune

White Wine – A still wine produced from green and sometimes black even grapes

Popular white flavors:

  • Chardonnay – Flavors: Green apple, citrus, pineapple and papaya
  • Pinot Blanc – Flavors: Green apple and citrus
  • Pino Grigio – Flavors: Citrus, fresh pear and melon

Rosé Wine – Still wine from black grapes by removing the skins before they deeply color the wine.  Formed by blending red and white wine together. Both dry and sweet styles of rosé are common

Sparkling Wine – A style of wine making involving a secondary fermentation resulting in bubbles.  Sparkling wine can be red, white or rosé and can range from minerally to rich and sweet

Fortified Wine – A style of wine making involving fortifying wine with spirits. Typically a dessert wine, but many dry-style fortified wines exist such as dry Sherry

There are many other unique flavors of wine.  Here is a brief video including tips on mastering how to taste wine before you book your next wine & vineyard cruise.

To learn more about wine & vineyard theme cruises please contact Lona Lee Thull an Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar with www.FriendlyCruises.com – Contact:  480-358-1496

Relax on a spa cruise |Book a spa cruise

Posted by :lonalee@friendlycruises.com On : March 12, 2014
0

Category: Blog Home

Tags:, , , , , , ,

Spa - Photo - unnamedLet your stresses go at sea on your next vacation.  Are you ready for a spa cruise? Cruise lines are offering new spa services and treatments as a result of many new cruising trends related to health, centered wellness and spa services creating the cruise ship into a “virtual spa experience”.

Hot Stone - unnamedAs you research your next vacation or plan your adventure, you can look forward to lying down on a massage table with a soft silky sheet while hot stones soak into the muscles of your arms, legs, back and neck.  If this isn’t enough, continue to relax and release your stresses on a warm tile lounger, sauna and steam room.

A spa cruise offers a wide variety of health related services catering to people who want to cruise in style and stay healthy. Other services can include health food, salon services, fitness and even personal trainers.

Cruise-Ship-Spa

It is time to unwind, sink into these words and let your imagination take you on your journey’s next Port of Call.

Relaxation is a key component to a happier and healthier lifestyle.

As Paulo Coelho wrote:  “It’s a good idea always to do something relaxing prior to making an important decision in your life.”

Learn more about each of these services and amenities by connecting with an Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar before booking your next vacation.

The following spa services are some of the latest onboard amenities on many cruise lines:

Spa - Health - unnamedSpa Services & Treatments

  • Massage
  • Body treatments
  • Two-by-two massage
  • Optional massage enhancements
  • Treatment Journeys
  • Healthy Feet
  • Thermal therapies
  • Organic body wraps
  • Conditioning body scrubs
  • Medi Peel facials
  • Optional facial enhancements
  • Sauna
  • Steam room
  • Therapeutic pools

Cruises which offer spa services and treatments typically offer a number of other health, wellness and fitness services.  For example:

Spa - Pedicure - unnamedHealth & wellness related services

  • Exercise & Wellness
  • Treatments from the East
  • Acupuncture
  • Salon Services
  • Hair Services
  • Manicures
  • Pedicures
  • Beauty Essentials

There are a number of spa amenities and services to suit a number of different needs.  Below is a brief description of unique services from a number of different cruise lines.

Hydro pools - qehydrotherapypool-470x352Other spa amenities and services offered on a number of cruise lines include:

  • Hydrotherapy pools
  • Therapeutic air jets
  • Turkish-style steam bath
  • Therapeutic massages using clay, mud or salt
  • Herbal-infused treatments

There are a many cruise themes, cruise lines and Ports of Call which offer healthy services to spoil and pamper you and your family when you book a cruise.

Mud - Locations_Norwegian_Photo1Relax and let your stress fade away into the sunset on your next cruise by contacting an Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar from www.FriendlyCruises.com

To learn more about a spa theme cruise please fill out the contact form below and make sure you include the types of spa services which interest you, when you are planning your next vacation and your preferred destination.  Contact Lona Lee Thull 480-358-1496

Golfing and Cruising

Posted by :lonalee@friendlycruises.com On : February 6, 2014
0

Category: Blog Home

Tags:, , , , ,

3rd-Cruise-Voyager-of-the-Seas-Golf-CourseCan a vacation cruise improve your golf game?  The answer is YES, if you ask a cruise expert.  The following information gives specific helpful details on what to expect on your next vacation when you incorporate golfing and cruising to help improve your game.

Some people are unaware how extensive and prepared many cruise lines are in offering their clients top shelf golfing services, not only at each Ports of Call but, onboard the ship.

As Gary Player wrote, “The more I practice, the luckier I get.”

The following six highlighted golf cruise services and options lists specific details on what you can expect when you book your next vacation golf theme cruise.

Professional Teachers (PGA Golf Pros)
A number of cruise lines offer a PGA Golf Pro which covers many full aspects of the game, For example:

  • Private & group lessons
  • Access to the “V1” Digital Coaching system (Selected by PGA.com as their preferred teaching system software)
  • Basic golf mechanics (tips and tricks)
  • Full swing analysis
  • Irons (hands-on teaching including tips and tricks)
  • Woods – How to use your woods more effectively
  • Putting techniques to lower your handicap and improve your short game
  • Chipping and Pitching (tips and tricks)
  • How to play a variety of different sand shots
  • Equipment recommendations

What cruise lines provide golfers on board

When you book your next golf theme cruise you can expect the following amenities when you head out to sea.

  • KindnessMiniature golf (For adults and children)
  • Golf simulators
  • Driving range & practice cage
  • Onboard putting greens
  • Putting contests
  • PGA Golf Pro Lessons
  • High end golf equipment rentals
  • Golf equipment rentals include sets of both right-handed and left-handed clubs for men and women
  • Some cruises have PGA Pros that offer complimentary class both morning/afternoon during days at sea

Where is your golf equipment stored
For active golfers who prefer to use their own equipment you can store your clubs and bag in the ship cabin and many cruises offer special storage where guests can ship equipment to and from the ship with the luggage concierge to the golf course where they set their tee time at each Ports of Call.  This service is also referred to as a club valet and golf storage.

Caliber of courses
Golf Photo - Paul Bradley SmithYou will have a full range of golf courses to choose from for all budgets and skill levels at each Ports of Call you visit on your cruise.

Other helpful and important information includes:

  • Priority tee times to the finest golf courses
  • Guided golf excursions with an experienced Golf professional who knows the course quality, layout and destination
  • Round trip transportation is typically provided

Tips from the Cruise Pros
Many cruise lines have a PGA Golf Pro onboard for questions and answers.  To get the best tips from the pros and learn more about a golf theme cruise, schedule a consultation with an Elite Cruise Counsellor Scholar and book a Cruise

“I learn something new about the game almost every time I step on the course.”
~ Ben Hogan

Questions and comments welcomed.  For more information please contact an Elite Cruise Counsellor with www.FriendlyCruises.com

Contact Lona Lee Thull:  480-358-1496