414 10th Street Suite A
Alamogordo NM 88310
575-437-1700
Email: firsttravel@fnbalamo.com
PICK PHOTO FOR THE WEEK
FEATURED PORT!
FIRST TIME CRUISER CORNER
We offer cruise vacations with all of the cruise lines so if you don't see what you are looking for just ask, and we will work to get you the best cruise for you.
BRIDGETOWN BARBADOS
WHAT TO DO ONBOARD YOUR NEXT CRUISE
HOLLAND AMERICA LINE
CRUISE NEWS AND DEALS!
SIZZILIN HOT DEALS!
Every day, more and more people are discovering the all-inclusive pleasures of a cruise vacation. More singles, families, couples, honeymooners, second honeymooners, and groups of friends are sailing away on the vacation of their lives. Last year alone, approximately seven million people enjoyed a cruise vacation. When you add it all up, it's easy to see why. This section is dedicated to those thinking of taking your first cruise. Hopefully, it will give you an idea of what to expect once you make your decision to get on board and sail away.
WAVE SEASON IS HERE!
Anyone who has cruised before or is looking to take your first cruise should be familiar with the term Wave Season. From now until March 31, 2012 this is when you'll find the best deals offered by the cruise lines for the year to come. What is Wave Season? Well historically, the early months of the year are when a large percentage of cruise travelers book their vacations at sea. The reason being they have not started to fill up their calendars with things that must be done and the idea of a sunny island getaway versus below freezing tempatures causes cruise bookings to sky rocket. So to capitalize on this, the cruise industry rolls out their best deals during this time period.
During Wave season the cruise lines will offer such incentives as reduced prices, free cabin category upgrades, shipboard credits, and reduced deposits. These offers can be fleet wide on every sailing and destination on specific cruises. Cruises lines may offer different deals at different times during wave season to keep the excitement going.
The bottomline is if you love cruising, this is your chance to take advantage of some of the greatest cruise sales available. So don't be left behind.
Our first great offer is with Norwegian Cruise Line offering every guest free stateroom upgrades to every destination. That means, no matter where you like to cruise, you can book a Mini Suite for the price of a Balcony, a Balcony for the price of an Oceanview, or an Oceanview for the price of an Inside Stateroom.
Plus for these sailing, there's a 50% reduced deposit, and you'll receive over $400.00 in e coupon savings that you can use in the spa, at the casino, in specialty restaurants, and much more.
We'll have more great offers as the other cruise lines roll out their special promotions in the weeks to come.
OUR FEATURED SHIP
CARIVAL MAGIC
Welcome aboard the Carnival Magic, the newest ship in the Carnival fleet. The Carnival Magic is currently sailing round trip from Galveston doing both Western Caribbean and Eastern Caribbean itineraries. This is the sister ship of the Carnival Dream and has many of the same first in class features found on the Carnival Dream and some extra surprise specific to the Carnival Magic. The Carnival Magic can accommodate up to 3,690 guest on each sailing.
Some of the new features you'll encounter onboard the Carnival Magic include: The Seaside Theatre; the massive two deck Cloud 9 Spa; the WaterWorks aqua park with two water slides, a corkscrew and a bowl slide; and special family cabins designed to accommodate five passengers with two bathrooms. You'll also find new dining options Cucina del Capitano, an Italian restaurant serving up homemade pasta and singing waiters, and The RedFrog Pub a new Caribbean Themed watering hole with own home brew Thirsty Red Frog Ale.
You'll find the cabins on the Carnival Magic are larger than average, with even the smallest inside offering 185 square feet in space. Onboard there are 193 family cabins that can sleep up to five, as the staterooms are configured with two regular twins, two bunk style beds that hang from the wall and a sofa that converts to a twin. These cabins have two bathrooms, one with a sink, toilet, and shower and the other with a tub-shower combo and sink. These cabins are not offered with balcony but all have a large picture window. Families can also take advantage of dozens of connecting staterooms. Cabin decor is very clean with warm comforting colors.
You are never far from food on the Carnival Magic. There are many choices to tempt your tastebuds. There are two main dining rooms, the Northern Lights and the Southern Lights both serving diner at traditional 6:00 pm and 8:15 pm and your time dining available in the Northern Lights from 5:45 pm to 9;30 pm. Both serve similar menus. In the mood for a nice steak dinner. The Prime Steakhouse offers prime rib, surf and turf. The cost to dine here is $30.00 per person and make reservations early. If Italian is what you are craving give Cucina del Capitano a try. This family style Italian restaurant offers singing waiters and visits from the ship captain. Menu includes chicken parmigiano, spaghetti, risotto, braised short ribs, and a few fish dishes. This restaurant has a fee of $10.00 per person and again make reservations early. Among the other dining options you can try are Lido Marketplace for buffet style dining, The Oceanside Barbeque serving hot dogs and chicken, or a free Pasta Bar. You'll also find pizza and sushi options, as well as room service.
Entertainment onboard the ship will include the two level Showtime theater, which is featuring the show Destinations Unknown, the largest show ever staged on a Carnival ship. It is part magic show and part Broadway musical. Other productions include an ode to the 70's and a game show parody that combines music with audience participation. You'll find great places to party the night away including the new RedFrog Pub next door to Vibe, the Spotlight Lounge seats 400 and rotates between comedians and karaoke. Don't miss the Hat Trick Casino to try your luck at the slot machines or some Texas Hold 'Em poker.
Other exciting options onboard the Carnival Magic include the Cloud 9 Spa, a 22,700 square foot spa and fitness center. Offering classes from spinning to yoga, top of the line fitness equipment, and dozens of spa treatments including acupuncture, body sculpting, hot stone massages, and facials.
The Carnival Magic offers plenty to do outdoors with the Beach Pool, Waterworks with a splash park for the little ones, the Twister Waterslide, and the Drainpipe. The Power Drencher is a massive bucket that holds 300 gallons of water and dumps it every few minutes on the crowd below. SportSquare has a two level mini-golf course; outdoor cardio stations, basketball courts; and the new SkyTrack, and elevated rope course in which passengers fitted with a harness and clips navigate eight segments with various degrees of difficulty. This is not an activity for those afraid of heights. You can also see outdoor movies or concerts on the 12 by 22 foot screen that overlooks the Beach Pool. Don't forget about Camp Carnival offering age specific activities for your 2 to 17year olds.
The Carnival Magic is a great new ship offering great new options for everyone.
CARNIVAL MAGIC THE ATRIUM CHERRY ON TOP CANDY SHOP
INSIDE STATEROOM OCEANVIEW STATEROOM BALCONY STATEROOM
CUCINA DEL CAPITANO LIDO MARKETPLACE REDFROG PUB
SEASIDE THEATRE WATERWORKS SKY COURSE
7 DAY WESTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE
Sailing roundtrip from Galveston Texas on February 26, 2012. Visting ports of Montego Bay, Jamaica, George Town, Grand Cayman, and Cozumel Mexico.
PRICES STARTING AT $549.00 PER PERSON
ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS!
Entertainment onboard cruise lines these days is top notch. You'll find dancing, live entertainment, nightclubs and lounges, feature films, and parties with all your new friends. Most ships have casinos, and special events like Captains Cocktail Party, Talent Nights, Trivia, and Karaoke compitions. Other than casinos and drinks in lounges, the entertainment onboard cruise ships is free. There is no cover, minimum, or charge for admission ticket. Shows are live, films are first rate, and all included in your cruise fare.
Lets take a look at what the Norwegian Jewel has to offer. Boredom is not an option onboard the Norwegian Jewel. The challenge is choosing from among numerous daytime activities including cooking and dance classes, trivia contests, lectures on handwriting, perfume seminars, bingo, arts and crafts, volleyball, ping pong, tennis, and human chess play, as well as checkers, bridge and Scrabble. There is also martini clinic and margarita tasting for $15.00 per person.
Each night you'll experience a new show in the Stardust Theater, which will range from Broadway and Las Vegas style productions, comedy and magic acts, and Cirque du Soleil style aerial thriller called Cirque Bijou. This performance troupe includes gymnasts, acrobats, and bungee jumpers. Also, each evening you'll find live music at various locations on the ship, 13 bars and lounges to sit and enjoy a drink with friends or dance the night away. For night owls, there will be themed parties.
Don't forget Karaoke and Nintendo Wii are available at no charge. See some great movies while on board. So there you have it. You can participate in as much as you like or just find a quite deck chair and read a great book. Its all up to you.
7 DAY SAWYER GLACIER ALASKA
SAILING ROUNDTRIP FROM SEATTLE ON MAY 26,2012. VISITING PORTS OF KETCHIKAN, JUNEAU, SAWYER GLACIER, SKAGWAY, AND PRINCE RUPERT, BRITSH COLUMBIA.
PRICES STARTING AT $679.00 PER PERSON
GRAND TURKS, TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
KETCHIKAN SHORE EXCURISION
City Highlights, Totems & Creek Street: You'll travel through downtown Ketchikan and pass by bustling boat harbors, the lush city park, and beautiful Ketchikan Creek. You'll stop for an opportunity to photograph majestic totem poles up close and shop at one of Ketchikans finest stores carrying authentic native made items. Learn the history and culture of Ketchikan as you travel aboard a festive trolley. The trolley will take you on a city tour past some of Ketchikans most colorful landmarks. Then it's off to Creek Street where you'll have free time to shop and explore on your own.
Tour duration: 1.5 hours
Tour Cost: $39.00 per adult/ $19.00 per child
Grand Turks is the capital island of the Turks and Caicos. The atmosphere here gives new meaning to laid back. So upon arriving in the Turks and Caicos Island, prepare yourself for the really relaxed world of Grand Turks. Here Christopher Columbus first made landfall on his voyage to the New World in 1492. Almost 500 years later, US astronaut John Glenn discovered Grand Turk himself after he became the first American man to orbit the earth.
The center piece of the island is Cockburn Town. A wonderful selection of historical buildings and a rustic charm that is unforgettable. Grand Turk is one of the main historical points of Turks and Caicos. You'll find many Colonial style buildings and ruins to visit. The Turks and Caicos National Museum, which document the long history of the islands with its maritime roots along with the part slavery play in the islands colorful past.
One of Grand Turks main attractions is diving. There is an outstanding protected coral reef, which drops to 8000 feet and is close enough to shore for beach dives. During December through late April is the perfect time for whale watching as the entire pod of Humpback Whales pass through the shores on their annual migration route to the Mouchoir Bank just 20-30 miles away. Also during the summer, the waters are filled with Manta Rays that are cruising the waters and coral reef. Also encounters with dolphins is not uncommon.
Some other attractions worth a visit include the Grand Turk Cruise Center with direct beachfront access and first class facility nestled among nearly 14 acres of landscaped grounds. Offering convenient changing rooms, showers, and lockers for cruise line guest. Cruise center visitors also can swim either in the ocean's sparkling waters or in one of the largest pools in the Caribbean, stroll along the beach or relax in chaise lounges or covered beach chairs. The cruise center is also home to Jimmy Buffet's Margaritaville. In the coming year a 45,000 sq ft shopping center, which will include jewelry, unique and world renown apparel, and other souvenirs will be available. You can also visit the Grand Turk Lighthouse. Brought in pieces from the UK, the lighthouse and lighthouse keepers house is a prized historic site and protected by the National Trust. Also visit the John Glenn Exhibit Splashdown Grand Turk, a 3,500 square feet attraction celebrating the unique relationship of the American spaceflight mission and its important's to Grand Turk's history.
Weather in Turks and Caicos is typical Caribbean with average temperatures ranging between 85 to 90 degrees from June through October, 80 to 84 degrees from November through May. Water temperatures in summer average from 82 to 84 degrees and in winter from 74 to 78 degrees.
Grand Turks is visited on most Eastern Caribbean cruises by all major cruise lines, you will need a valid passport and the main language spoken is English.
PICTURE PERFECT GRAND TURKS!
7 DAY EASTERN CARIBBEAN CRUISE.
SAILING ROUNDTRIP FROM FT LAUDERDALE, ON BOARD THE HOLLAND AMERICA EURODAME FEBRURARY 25, 2012. VISITING GRAND TURK, SAN JUAN, PUERTO RICO, ST THOMAS U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, AND HALF MOON CAY BAHAMAS.
PRICES STARTING AT $549.00 PER PERSON
GRAND TURK SHORE EXCURSION
This high tech spin on snorkeling takes this already fun sport to a whole new level. The Power Snorkel excursion takes you to the amazing 7000 foot underwater drop off for which Grand Turk is famous. Your adventure begins at the cruise terminal where a friendly guide greets you. You will then board a comfortable bus for an informative island tour through historical Grand Turk on your way to one of the islands most beautiful beaches. Your guide will outfit you with snorkel equipment and a hand held power snorkel unit. After a safety briefing, you board a small boat and take off for the snorkeling experience of a lifetime. Minimum age is 12 years old.
Tour Duration: 2 1/4 hours
Prices: $50.00 - $100.00 per person.
POWER SNORKELING
DINNER IS SERVED!
ROYAL CARIBBEAN'S CHOPS GRILL
Most cruise lines offer programs for teens on board their ships. Princess has teens only exclusive Lounges, passengers ages 13-17 can make new friends while enjoying all of the coolest amenities. Lounges are packed with PS2/PS3 and Wii games, latest movies, music, and foosball tables. Teens can also attend exciting events including teens only dance parties, late night movies, sports tournaments, casino night, talent shows, formal dinners, mocktail competitions, D J workshops, teen makeovers, and hip hop dance classes.
Chops Grill is a guest favorite on board Royal Caribbean ships. Perfect for celebrating special occasions or simply a fantastic dinner. Enjoy juicy steaks, fresh seafood, hearty side dishes, and delicious desserts in an elegant atmosphere. From filet mignon to mesquite grilled salmon. Chops Grille offers much more than simple meat and potatoes. There is a $30.00 per person cover charge and reservations are highly recommended.
