Trips by Ready 2 Go Travel

[ready 2 go travel]

Hello, my name is Tina Rinaldi and I am the owner of a travel agency. I see CruiseVirgin (Vinnie) has been on this board promoting like crazy. I just wanted to introduce myself - I am the "official" travel agent for The Cruiser's Club.

I am a Master Cruise Counselor and my agency is a registered CLIA affiliate, I have been in the travel industry for 15 years and have been an agency owner for the past 10 years. It would be my pleasure to help anyone on this board with individual or group cruises or vacation packages. And, I'm certainly happy to answer any questions and address concerns and doubts you might have about cruises.

I do have a website - Ready 2 Go Travel

My email is rdy2gotvl@aol.com

And my agency specials can be viewed at NEW SPECIALS

If you have any questions about the trips being promoted by CruiseVirgin (Vinnie) - I certainly would be happy to answer them since I am the booking agent.

I look forward to hearing from the members of this board!

Best regards,

Tina Rinaldi

Hi Tina,

We've never cruised and we're thinking about one for our 10th anniversary - we never had a honeymoon so we're looking to splurge a bit. I have no idea where to start or if cruising is even right for us.

Isn't it true that it's boring and mostly all you do is eat? Where do we go? How do you book if we even think it's something we want?

Complete novice here to any advice is welcome. Hope to hear from you.

VLD07006

[ready 2 go travel]

Hi VLD07006!

Well, hopefully I can give you the information you're seeking. First of all - the saying once went "cruising is for the newly-wed and the nearly dead" - that might have been true 15 or 20 years ago but, cruising has changed by leaps and bounds since then!

Let's start with what is included and what isn't -
The price of your ticket includes all of your meals and in-between snacks on-board; your stateroom, activities, parties and entertainment; plus, an exciting voyage to some of the most enchanting and culturally-enriching places in the world. Things that aren't included would be gaming (almost all cruise ships have an onboard casino), bingo, your drinks, and if there is a specialty restaurant onboard that is usually not included with the price - expect a surcharge of around $25 per person for this type of restaurant. If you compare the value of a cruise to the total cost of other vacations. You'll be amazed - cruising is an excellent value!

Being bored on board? Slim chance!
Cruise ships are floating resorts with all the choices fine resorts have to offer. You can lie back in a lounge chair, breathe in the sea air, soak up the sun, read good books, or watch the ever-changing seascape. If you're more active, join in exercise or dance classes, and sports contests (all free because these activities are INCLUDED in your ticket). Practice your golf swing (most ships have a golf pro onboard who offers lessons) or you could take some fresh air on the jogging deck. Or you can swim, stretch out in the sauna or work out in the gym. You can also see a feature film, attend an enrichment lecture by experts, play backgammon or bridge. Some MEGA ships like Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas take things even further like offering a Rock Climbing Wall, in-line staking, and ice staking (yes onboard).
So, there answer is that it's doubtful you'll be bored, there is something for nearly everyone. And by the way, you're never forced to join in - On a cruise, you do what you want, when you want. You can do everything or do absolutely nothing.

Like nightlife?
There's dancing, live entertainment, nightclubs and lounges, feature films, and there are many special events like the Captain's Cocktail Party, Passenger Talent Night, and Las Vegas-type revues. Again, you won't be bored! And, remember the entertainment is on the house. There's no cover, minimum, or charge for an admission ticket. It's all included in your cruise fare.

Where to go
Well first thing that would need to be determined is how of a trip would you like to book? If you live on the East Coast and have 7 days - I'd say start with a Caribbean Cruise - either Southern Caribbean which leaves out of San Juan, Puerto Rico or a Western Caribbean cruise which will leave out of ports in Florida, New Orleans and Galveston, Texas. I recommend these for first time cruisers because they are the most port intensive - in other words you're stopping at an island nearly every day, allowing you to get off the ship more often. If you live on the West coast, you're more limited with Mexico being the natural choice.

Cost
I'm not being evasive but, it really depends on several factors. A Caribbean cruise for 7 days during hurricane season can be as low as $399 per person, however, that very same cruise, going on the very same itinerary during the holidays can soar up to $1100 per person or more. Factors in cost include the length of the cruise, time of year, overall demand, and the itinerary.

Well I hope I've begun to answer your questions - my answer to you is yes! Give cruising a try!

Tina

Tina,

Thanks! You've answered some of my questions - what can you tell me about Bermuda? We're thinking of that for next May or June? Is it good? Are we better off someplace else? We live in NJ (north jersey, near nyc). We like the idea of not having to fly. How much is a bermuda cruise going to cost? We know some ships are leaving out of Bayonne and that would be our first choice so we don't have to go into ny to the piers. What's your advice? Is this a good idea?

VLD07006

[ready 2 go travel]

Hi again VLD07006,

Bermuda in a word? BEAUTIFUL! Bermuda is extremely clean, extremely safe and extremely expensive... You have selected one of the most popular cruising destinations from NY/NJ and I don't want to sound like I'm giving you a sales pitch but, if this is what you really want - book early!!

Let me start with the few negatives about Bermuda

• Bermuda Cruises sell out fast, to assure the best cabin location, book early. Ships are often on waitlist status for Bermuda sailings and those who wait, often don't obtain the ship or date they wanted.
• I won't lie - seas can be rough, even very rough heading to Bermuda. If you are prone to seasickness, it isn't the best choice, especially for your first time cruising.
• It is expensive. Bermuda cruises are among the highest priced in the industry.
• If you like things to do - Bermuda is limited - water is the key ingredient in Bermuda - swimming, snorkeling, fishing, etc. If you don't like water based activities or are looking for nightlife while in Bermuda, I'd recommend another itinerary.

Now for the pluses

• I'm in NJ too, so, I understand how nice (not to mention easy) it is to sail out of Bayonne or NYC. Just that fact alone cuts down on your cost since you won't have to fly. And yes you are correct - Royal Caribbean and Celebrity will BOTH be sailing out of Bayonne in 2005 so you have choices. If I could make a recommendation, for you, I would suggest one of the 5 night cruises on the Voyager of the Seas since it is a shorter cruise, you won't commit to a full week and it's a good way to test the waters (pardon the pun). The Voyager is a HUGE ship and chances of motion sickness will be greatly reduced simply because of the size of the ship. Additionally, you won't be bored - there is so much to do on the VOS that it will take 5 days just to see everything!
• Bermuda is clean and it is safe. It is one of my personal favorites. Yes, I do recommend it - provided you are the type that does enjoy water.

Have I answered you questions?

Tina

Tina,

Again thanks!! This is exactly the advice I'm looking for - Ummm, I'm really embarassed to ask this but, what does inside cabin, outside cabin and balcony cabin mean? Can you give me a ballpark idea of what a 5 night cruise on the Voyager would be? What does late vs early dining mean? Sorry to hit you with so many questions, I'm totally new to this and I didn't want to be forced into something if I went into a travel agency. - We'd like to travel during the Memorial Day week if possible, cuts down on the days we need to take off from work.

VLD07006

[ready 2 go travel]

VLD07006,

I understand and no need to apologize - do you realize less than 15% of the American public has actually cruised? So no apologies needed about being a newbie!! Ok, on to your questions...

Inside Cabin
You have no window or even a port hole. Inside cabins are great for those on a budget or for those who know they are going to spend little time in their cabins. They are usually the same size as an outside cabin, but, on older ships they are often smaller. By older I mean ships built prior to 1995. These cabins will be located on the left hand side of the corridor regardless which side of the ship you select.

Outside Cabin
If you have a newer ship, like the Voyager of the Seas, you will have a full picture window. On older ships the windows are smaller. They are great for those who like to be wakened by the sun or for those who enjoy peaking out and watching the water.

Balcony Cabin
This means you have your own private balcony off your cabin. More expensive than an inside or outside cabin and very much a personal choice.
Personally, I love balcony cabins and, honestly, I won't book a ship for myself if I can't get a balcony. Your actual cabin size is usually not much bigger, if any, than an outside cabin - however the overall square footage is larger because your balcony is factored in...

Prices
Now since you're asking for ball park prices and it is "ok" to sell on this thread, I guess there is no harm in telling you. For the May 29, 2005 sailing, inside cabins are starting at $699 per person plus tax; outside cabins are starting at $849 per person plus tax; and balcony cabins are starting at $999 per person plus tax.

Glad I was able to help!
Tina

Tina,

Again thank you for all your wonderful information - i really mean it! Can you tell me the difference between late sitting and early sitting? What deck is BEST when booking a cabin?

VLD07006

Also what things do you suggest doing in Bermuda?

For those of you asking prices for the Carnival Liberty are as follows:

$1523 per person Inside Cabin 4B
$1815 per person Outside Cabin 6B
$2173 per person Balcony Cabin 8B
Suites and other Categories please contact our TA at rdy2gotvl@aol.com

Contact TA at rdy2gotvl@aol.com for children's rates and 3rd and 4th passengers in cabin.

Prices include port charges and taxes.

Special booking amenities:
$100 per cabin onboard
1 Bottle House Brand Champagne
1 Box Deluxe Chocolates

Deposits are $400 per person without insurance or $569 per person with insurance. Air is available from most east coast cities for $999. Deposits are refundable! MONTHLY PAYMENT PLAY AVAILABLE!!

Booking Travel Agency:
Ready 2 Go Travel
New Jersey, USA
Phone: 877-597-6396
Fax: 877-383-6398
Email: rdy2gotvl@aol.com

Compare The Prices Above to the Competition!
*Comparison based upon category 4B

Cruise.com $1719 per person
Cruise411.com $1792.50 per person
CruiseBrothers.com $1785.07 per person
CruiseDirect.com $1801.07 per person
iCruise.com $1721 per person
Orbitz.com $1599 + taxes per person
Priceline.com $1599 + taxes per person

READY 2 GO TRAVEL $1523 per person AND WE'RE THE ONLY ONE'S WITH THIS SPECIAL AMENITIES PACKAGE.

[ready 2 go travel]

Booking Special - onboard credit if you book by 9/10

Valentine's Day on the Millennium - Inside cabins only $760 per person include taxes & port charges. Balcony cabins $1100 per person including taxes and port charges. Special amenity: bottle of champange in each cabin. Air additional. Deposits are $250 per person. Hurry this sailing is selling out! MONTLY PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE - BOOK TODAY! SALES SPECIAL! Book and deposit by 9/10/04 and receive $50 onboard credit AND 1 Gianduiotti Gold Box (chocolates). EXTRA SPECIAL! Book and pay IN FULL by September 10 and receive $100 onboard credit and 1 Gianduiotti Gold Box (chocolates).

BOOKING FORMS CAN BE FOUND AT http://www.geocities.com/ready2gotr...BOOKINGFORM.pdf

Tina Rinaldi, Owner
Ready 2 Go Travel
rdy2gotvl@aol.com
877-597-6396

[ready 2 go travel]

Book your Carnival Liberty cruise and receive up to $300** onboard credit! Email me for details at rdy2gotvl@aol.com

**Applies only to July 20, 2005 sailing

[ready 2 go travel]

One Day Sale - for just $850 per person you can book a Category 2A BALCONY CABIN on the Celebrity Millennium for the 02/13/2005 sailing. Taxes and port charges included! Special amenity: bottle of champange in each cabin. Air additional. Deposits are $250 per person. Hurry this sailing is selling out! MONTLY PAYMENT PLAN AVAILABLE - BOOK TODAY! SALES SPECIAL! Book and deposit by 9/10/04 and receive $50 onboard credit AND 1 Gianduiotti Gold Box (chocolates). EXTRA SPECIAL! *MUST BE BOOKED BY 9PM (EASTERN) ON SEPTEMBER 10, 2004 TO RECEIVE THIS RATE.

BOOK FORM CAN BE OBTAINED HERE (PDF)

WE CAN EMAIL YOU NON-PDF FORMS TOO!

CLICK HERE so you can see the ship and give you an idea of what to expect. This ship has received excellent reviews - so we hope you'll join us.

[patsea]

Every one of these blogs about Cruise Freeks and Tina Rinaldi is pure bull. Tina was a scam artist and anyone promoting her is either in on it or stupid. Do not believe anything good about Tina Rinaldi or her scamming Cruise Freeks website. She gave away free cruises and never paid not a one of them. She hired me for a job that didn't exist. No pay, no job and I almost lost the one I did have that I quit for hers.