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Travel Talk
Area Cruise Expert Helps Travelers Navigate Economy for Great Value
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
Vellinga’s Travel / Cruise Holidays of Chatham-Kent-area travelers can take heart in knowing that the current economy has created some of the best values in many years when it comes to travel. Nowhere is this more evident than in the cruise industry, according to Grace and Bill Dieleman, owner of Vellinga’s Travel / Cuise Holidays, who today are citing cruise industry data showing 96% percent of all those who’ve taken a cruise say it provides moderate to very high value.Grace and Bill are also providing several reasons why travel opportunities are plentiful, even as many Canadians are becoming more cost-conscious.“When you break down the costs per day – which include premium to luxury accommodations, fine dining, plentiful entertainment and an opportunity to see numerous destinations all in one vacation, it’s difficult to top the value,” said the Dieleman’s. “Then, when you consider some of the amazing, far flung features being offered on today’s cruise ships, such as wine tasting, glass blowing, surfing, ice skating, mini-golfing, and even lawn bowling on real green grass, the value proposition skyrockets.”
The Dieleman’s also pointed out that a Cruise Lines Industry Association (CLIA) study recently compared the value of cruising as seen by consumers who have cruised versus those who have never taken a cruise vacation. Twenty-three percent of those who have cruised say cruising provides “very high” value. That contrasts dramatically with those who have never cruised with only 11% seeing cruising as providing a high value. “In other words, once consumers have experienced a cruise, they’re hooked on the tremendous value the style of vacation provides.”
Take Advantage of Current Economic Situation
The Dieleman’s went on to cite several reasons why travelers can feel more at ease in planning a vacation, even if on a budget.
“First, travel is actually more affordable now. Some cruise lines are now rolling back fuel surcharges they had previously instituted, and even the hotel you stay in the night before your cruise may be offering better pricing,” said the Dieleman’s. “Cruise lines are doing everything they can to reward customers, such as extending deposit deadlines or being flexible on final payment dates; reducing the cost of deposits; offering early booking discounts; and offering more perks to travelers, such as free upgrades, free spa treatments, other amenities or onboard ship credits. It is also important to point out that my clients are ‘priced protected’ should the price of the cruise they book goes down. That is a service, as a Personal Cruise Expert, I provide all my clients.”
“Believe it or not, travel is also easier,” said Grace. “Airport congestion is down significantly due to the airlines’ recent reductions in flights, making security screening much more efficient.”
“Finally, as a Personal Cruise Expert, I’m ensuring my clients are getting the most value for their vacation investment. With all the dramatic changes to the travel landscape, I can provide my clients with peace-of-mind in knowing that they’re getting the most value and the best service for their hard-earned dollar,” said the Dieleman’s.
For more information, call us at 519-352-5150, visit , or e-mail graced@ciaccess.com.
Vellinga\'s Travel / Cruise Holidays is a full service travel agency taking great pride in our relationships with our customers. We love travel and cruising, and it is our aim not just to satisfy our customers, but to exceed all their travel planning needs. We have been providing excellent service for over fifty years to the Chatham Kent area.
