Benefit Cruise & Travel

Apple Winter Fun

2011-10-26T16:18:00.002-04:00

Call Sue Ball @ Benefit Cruise & Travel 216-459-9094
or email: sball@benefitcruise.com

Apple Vacations Fall Finale!

2011-10-26T16:14:00.004-04:00

Call Sue Ball @ Benefit Cruise & Travel 216-459-9094
or email: sball@benefitcruise.com

Sandals Whitehouse Visit 5/2/10 - Gorgeous!

2010-05-10T11:21:00.004-04:00

Sandals Whitehouse is located on the southern coast of Jamaica. It boasts a beautiful two mile stretch of private white sand beach. As always, Sandals is ultra all inclusive - food, top shelf drink and wine, 24 hour dining, motorized & non-motorized water sports including diving and snorkeling. And now, featuring Martha Stewart weddings!

For more photos, click here:

Sandals & Beaches Discount for Military Couples & Families!

2010-05-10T10:40:00.003-04:00

Royal Caribbean and Universal Studios Team UP!!

2010-05-10T10:36:00.002-04:00

Newport RI - 08/18/09

2009-08-23T17:10:00.003-04:00

To view photo albums from my trip to Rhode Island this week - click on these links:

NEWPORT

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=101677&id=758768027&l=2812bfd8b1

Chateau-sur-Mer

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=101668&id=758768027&l=572784fa9c

The Elms

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=101657&id=758768027&l=0c3cbc5386

Rosecliff

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=101651&id=758768027&l=b9c267ed1c

The Breakers

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=101618&id=758768027&l=a3c31f02ad

Marble House

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=101636&id=758768027&l=17d6c3b29e

Newport is a fabulous destination - lots of history, culture, activities and of course, fabulous seafood (especially chowder at the Black Pearl!).

Girls Night Out Cruise

2009-08-06T11:07:00.001-04:00

Join our "Girls Night Out" cruise getaway on Holland America's Eurodam January 30, 2010. We'll depart from Ft. Lauderdale and visit Grand Turks, San Juan, St Thomas and Half Moon Cay.

"Girls Night Out" Lunch at the Pinnacle Grill with your choice of a manicure or pedicure while sipping a glass of champagne is included!

Plus, each stateroom will receive a $25 beverage credit as well as a serving of chocolate dipped strawberries and a bottle of champagne!

Inside stateroom from: $699pp
Ocean view stateroom from: $859pp
Verandah stateroom from: $999pp
Verandah Suite from: $1599pp

Prices are per person based on double occupancy and subject to availability. Prices do not include government taxes of $80.15pp, optional airfare or insurance. Holland America reserves the right to re-instate the fuel surcharge of $9 pp per day should the price of oil increase above $70 per barrel.

The Golf Included Vacation & Specials!

2009-07-08T16:46:00.001-04:00

Golf Included Vacation

Sandals and Beaches resorts invite you to enjoy year-round unlimited golf and replay rounds, use of the driving range and 10,000 square yard short game area, with complimentary green fees and transfers to the Sandals Golf & Country Club in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. Plus, experience the Caribbeans' best beaches, unlimited gourmet dining and premium drinks including wine from Napa Valley's legendary Beringer Vineyards. Any way you slice it, Sandals and beaches knows golf best! And for a limited time enjoy up to 65% off when you book your Luxury Included vacation at Select Sandals and Beaches Resorts!

PLAY PARADISE GOLF PACKAGE

Available year-round, this exclusive Golf Package includes:

One-day PGA Golf School Powered by Nike Golf
A Golf Club Fitting with the Nike 360 degree Fitting System
Complimentary Caddie, Cart Use and Advance Tee Times
Lunch Daily on Course at the Authentic Jamaican Jerk Shack
A complimentary bottle of wine off the Managers List

$395 per person

GET AWAY FOR THE PLAY PARADISE GOLF WEEKEND

Play Paradise year-round or join us for exclusive Play Paradise Golf Weekends on November 12 - 16, 2009 or January 14 - 18, 2010 for a 5 Day / 4 Night Golf Getaway.

Make your reservation for a Luxury Included Vacation at Beaches Boscobel Resorts & Golf Club, Sandals Grande Ocho Rios Beach & Villa Golf Resort or Sandals Dunn's River Villaggio Golf Resort & Spa. Add the Play Paradise Golf Package for these exclusive dates: Nov 12-18, 2009 or Jan 14-19, 2010.

Weekend Bonus Include:

A Welcome cocktail Reception & Farewell Dinner for the Group
Poker Night with Cigars & Cordials
2-man Scramble Tournament

Weekend Gifts Include:

$250 Red Lane Spa Credit
10% Discount at the Sandas Golf & Country Club Pro Shop
Palm Drive Mgazine Gift Pack

From $995pp

To Book, call Sue @ 216-459-9094!

New from Palace Resorts - Save up to $400

2009-07-08T16:30:00.002-04:00

Receive up to a $400 Airfare Discount through the end of the year!

IT'S BEEN SUCH A POPULAR OFFER, WE JUST HAD TO EXTEND IT!

Now through the end of the year, all guests who book a package at any Palace Resorts destination throughout Mexico will also receive a travel air discount.

• Book a stay of 3 to 4 nights for a $100 air discount per room, per stay.
• Book a stay of 5 to 6 nights for a $200 air discount per room, per stay.
• Book 7 nights or more for a $400 air discount per room, per stay.

Just book by December 15 and travel by December 31, 2009.

Best of all, guests can combine this offer with the Palace Passport for savings on tours
and more, plus other valid promotions at the time of booking.

Call Sue @ 216-459-9094!

LATEST DISNEY & DISNEY CRUISE OFFERS!

2009-06-29T10:31:00.004-04:00

Drop in for FREE DINING! - For a package of 5 nights or more, you'll get incredible accommodations, 6-Day Magic Your Way Base tickets AND the Disney Dining Plan FREE! Book your vacation by 7/26/09 and travel August 22 through October 3, 2009.

Cool off at Walt Disney World Resort with refreshing room-only rates! For a savings of 35% per night. Book through August 8 and stay most nights 8/9 through 10/3.

Lucky Ducks... Kids Sail for 50%! Kids 12 and under get 50% off the prevailing cruise fare at time of booking. Available for 3-, 4- and 7-night cruises on most sail dates June 24, 09 through August 20, 2009 with two full-fare guests in the same stateroom for categories 8-12. Gov't taxes and fees not included.

CALL NOW! 216-459-9094

Captain's Orders - book a Verandah stateroom and receive up to a $700 Onboard Credit on most sailings 6/20 to 8/8, 09! Select a verandah stateroom during a 4-night sailing and receive up to a $400 onboard credit on most sailings 6/28 to 8/09,09 OR a 3-night sailing to receive up to a $300 onboard credit on most sailings 6/25 to 8/06.

2009-05-10T14:59:00.005-04:00

While we were in the port of Nassau during our recent Carnival Pride cruise, Terry & I stopped at the beautiful Sandals Royal Bahamian Resort. We had the opportunity to have a tour of the property as well as relax and "experience" it as well.

Due to a lack of time, we didn't get to pop over to Sandals' private island (maybe next time!) but still had the chance to relax on the beach and have a great lunch at their restaurant, Spices. Big Hello to Sandals Sales Manager, Cheddy Brown, recently transferred from Sandals Dunns River in Jamaica!

If you're thinking of an Ultra-All-Inclusive resort for your next vacation, consider Sandals. Give us a call! All of our agents are Certified Sandals Specialists and we can match the perfect resort to your vacation dreams.

2009-05-10T14:42:00.003-04:00

I just came back from the inaugural sailing of the Carnival Pride out of Baltimore. The Pride sailed out of the harbor with much fanfare after a luncheon onboard of local & state dignitaries including the governor of Maryland, Martin O'Malley. She'll be sailing 6 & 7 day intineraries to the Bahamas with select stops in Pt Canaveral, Freeport, Nassau, Grand Turk & Half Moon Cay.

This particular sailing, April 27th, was a 6 night cruise to Nassau & Freeport. We had remarkable weather - the Atlantic was like glass the entire trip - and beautiful sunshine (quite unlike the Cleveland weather I left behind!).

My husband, Terry, and I had the chance to dine in the specialty supper club, David's, while onboard. Even though the surcharge is $30, it is WELL worth the price. We had a spectacular meal and an unbelievable chocolate work of art for dessert! One of the best meals I've ever had in my entire life! Seriously, it was that good.

With the Pride now sailing out of Baltimore - a short 6 hour drive or a cheap flight on SW airlines away - we now have access to our own close-in cruise port! Let's take advantage of it!

Ruby Princess is Here!

2008-11-14T12:15:00.016-05:00

RUBY PRINCESS INAUGURAL

On November 6 - 8, we were fortunate enough to sail on the inaugural voyage of Princess Cruise Line's beautiful new ship the Ruby Princess. Festivities kicked off with a Ruby Formal Attired gala with Trista & Ryan Sutter (from the Bachelorette show) officiating as godparents. One lucky couple was also given the opportunity to get married during the celebration.

The Ruby Princess is a gorgeous ship with a very intimate feel. You'd never know she can hold over 3,000 passengers. I loved the atrium with it's new features - wine bar, sushi bar, coffee bar and patissierie. It's a nice gathering place before dinner or in the afternoon to read the paper.

The best feature of this ship is The Sanctuary! It's a beautiful area designated for adults only. There's a pool, two hot tubs, sun lounging and shade lounging, private massage areas, access to the fitness/spa center below and special spa menus to enjoy during your stay. Each visit to the Sanctuary is in 1/2 day increments. There is a nominal charge per increment - but it's worth it!

Princess also has a fantastic Golf Program - not only are there two golf simulators onboard, there is also a PGA pro to assist you with your swing and also to accompany golfers to the course while in port. Gather up some of your golfing buddies and play some of the Caribbean's finest links! Or, you can simply enjoy Princess' small putting course onboard. No need to pack your clubs, Nike equipment is available for purchase and rental.

To see the full album of pictures click on these links:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=42538&l=29f86&id=758768027

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=43265&l=e0e55&id=758768027

Let me know what you think!

Remember, Princess is having their annual BALCONY BONANZA going on now until December 15, 2008. Book an oceanview and get an upgrade to a balcony cabin for free! Valid on many summer 2009 - Europe, Alaska and Caribbean sailings. Call now!

Fall 2008 Newsletter

2008-10-10T10:20:00.002-04:00

For the latest in travel & cruise news, click here for our October 2008 Newsletter!

October 2008 Newsletter

Bridges of Ashtabula County

2008-10-05T22:04:00.010-04:00

We've just returned from our first Bridges of Ashtabula County bus trip and I have to say it was a great success! Besides myself, Phyllis Rosewell and Linda Waldrop from Benefit Cruise & Travel, we had 40 Curves members from several NE Ohio clubs join us for the outing.

The day started a little cold and dreary, but, by the time we were all on board the sun was shining and the temperature was rising. Our guide to the bridges was Beverly Cowles, a local expert and architect. One of the four bridges we visited (pictured here) was actually designed by Beverly!

After touring the bridges, we stopped at Tarsitano Winery for a quick lesson on the history of the property and a sampling of three white wines. A delicious lunch and an extremely decadent double chocolate cheesecake dessert was served. The menu listed many more interesting choices so I'm thinking it might be worth a return visit sometime in the very near future - not only to sample more of their fantastic wines, but to maybe get another slice of that cheesecake! It was truly worth every calorie!

After lunch, we drove to the nearby Brant Apple Farm where we tasted their unique apple cider blend and apple cake donuts. I bought a small apple pie home for my husband who declared it to be "one of the best" he's ever had! No small praise coming from a self appointed apple pie connoisseur.

All in all, everyone agreed that the day was well spent - little bit of education, plenty of good food and lots of good friends. We're looking forward to another adventure - Amish Country, Ethic Cleveland and maybe Bridges Part II.

For a peak at my pictures click on: www.benefitcruisetravel.com/BridgesTour2008.wmv

If anyone has any pictures they'd like to share, please email me and I'll post them here!

~ Sue

Sandals Dunn's River Villaggio Golf Resort & Spa - WOW!

2008-08-27T19:16:00.008-04:00

My husband and I just returned from a week stay at the fabulous Dunn's River Villaggio Golf Resort & Spa in Jamaica (squeezed in the week between Hurricanes Fay & Gustuv!). The weather was perfect, the resort spectacular, the service outstanding and the staff extremely friendly.

Current Sandals promotion is FLY FREE/Air Credit and up to 35% off the room rates! Offer has been extended to October 23. Call us for pricing on your favorite Sandals Ultra Luxury Included Vacation.

Special Cruise Rates for 2008 & 2009

2008-07-29T10:16:00.002-04:00

Check out the list of special cruise rates posted on our website.

We've got Holiday 2008 & 2009, Caribbean Spring, Alaska & Europe 2009 for Carnival, Holland America, Princess Cruises, Cruise West and Cunard.

Check back often. Royal Caribbean will be added in September!

If you don't see the date you're interested in, please give us a call!

The website is: www.BenefitCruiseTravel.com - go to Cruise Promos.

NCL's Union Member Discount Program is Better Than Ever!

2008-07-29T10:01:00.002-04:00

NCL'S UNION PLUS PROGRAM JUST GOT EVEN BETTER!

The NEW PROGRAM is based on a graduated scale of discounts, based on how far in advance the reservation is made:

- More than 120 days prior 15%
- 120 to 61 days prior 10%
- 60 days prior 5%

Union members who book more than 4 months in advance can enjoy a 15% discount ON ANY SAILING. In addition, there are select sailings that offer even greater discounts - up to 25% ! (The list of sailings is updated weekly.)

Norwegian Cruise Line is the ONLY cruise line that gives discounts to all active and retired members of any AFL-CIO affiliated Union, and there are over 60 Unions affiliated with AFL-CIO. Their membership includes people from all walks of life including Airline Pilots, Stage Hands, Government Employees, Musicians, State, County and Municipal employees, Flight Attendants, Fire Fighters, and Bricklayers just to name a few.

Call us now and let your UNION MEMBERSHIP help you receive valuable cruise vacation discounts!

And the Winner of the $25 Gift Card is....

2008-06-17T16:10:00.000-04:00

The winner of our testimonial drawing is ..... ANGELIQUE BLAIZE!!

Thank you so much to everyone who sent such wonderful and kind testimonials. We appreciate the time and effort you took to write and send them in. (We always knew our clients were very special!).

The Webpage is now updated, so please take a moment to check it out.

Thanks again!
Phyllis & Sue

Special Invitation from Benefit Cruise & Travel

2008-05-20T16:45:00.000-04:00

Join us as we set sail on the Carnival Destiny, April 30, 2009 for a 4-night Spring Fling Getaway Cruise from Miami.

Why not make it a Spa/Cruise Weekend? Or maybe an early Mother's Day trip for Mom? Or, why not.... just because! (Do we really need an excuse to cruise?)

Invite your friends, your moms, your spouse, your kids, neighbors & friends - it's a Spring Fling - Everyone is Welcome!

We've got great prices: $309pp for an Inside Cabin - $359pp for an Ocean View and $439 for a Balcony. Taxes of $77pp are additional. Each cabin receives a Bon Voyage gift of Champagne & Chocolates AND $50 onboard credit!

We'll depart Miami at 4pm on Thursday, April 30th and visit Key West and Cozumel. We'll have one day at Sea on Sunday and arrive back in Miami Monday morning.

A small (refundable) deposit of only $50 per person is required.

Think Onboard SPA!
Think Fantastic FOOD!

Think Umbrella DRINKS!
Think FUN!

Think SPRING FLING 2009 with Benefit Cruise & Travel!

Call or email us today to book this great Carnival Cruise!

(216) 459-9094 Sue Ball

(440) 845-7572 Phyllis Rosewell

info@BenefitCruiseTravel.com

Cruise West

2007-10-24T00:34:00.000-04:00

Looking to book a fabulous Cruise West Small Ship Adventure? Benefit Cruise & Travel is a Certified Small Ship Partner and can offer 10-15% discounts on many of the most popular itineraries.

I've sailed on Cruise West to Alaska and it was fabulous. What they say about the Up-Close and Personal Experience is absolutely true. I woke up one morning and saw a humpback whale just swimming along side the ship about 35 ft away! What a thrill!

Because the largest ship is 200ft long with a draft of only 8 feet, most times you are sailing in shallow inlets and coves where none of the big ships can travel. You could amost throw a rock to the shore we were so close.

And the eagles and bears and seals and sea lions and on and on - the wildlife was incredible.

If you truly want to appreciate the grandeur, the sights, the sounds, the scenery and the wildlife of Alaska, consider the Cruise West experience. Call me anytime to chat about Cruise West - I really love this cruise line and believe that it is the BEST way to see Alaska. - Sue