MailPound Blog

We strongly encourage agents to register on our agent only website gogowwv.com and subscribe to the “Deal of the Day” email - so they always have a great offer for whoever walks through their door.  Also, our Earn More Money section has great incentives from GOGO and our preferred partners.

Thank you Kelly for taking time to share more about GOGO Worldwide Vacations with us.   

Please feel free to submit comments below. Have an excellent day! 

Jessica: Welcome to MAC Chat, Thank you for joining us! Congratulations, Virgin Atlantic Airways was nominated in the 2009 MailPound Agents' Choice (MAC) Awards. 
Chris: We’re honored to be nominated for MailPound Agent’s Choice Awards – the travel agent’s opinion certainly means a lot to us since they are the eyes and ears of so many of our customers!

Jessica:  What is it that makes the Virgin Atlantic Airways experience so unique?
Chris:  Virgin Atlantic is known for exceptional service and value, and innovative product development. We were the first airline to offer individual televisions to business class passengers, and today every seatback has its own entertainment system.

Each of our cabins offer amenities that make traveling with us that much more enjoyable. These brilliant basics and magic touches as we like to call them include amenity kits with socks, toothbrush and toothpaste and a sleep mask, complimentary food and beverage and in-seat power outlets. 

Jessica: The Heathrow Clubhouse has everything a traveler could want. Can you share with us what the client will experience?
Chris:  The Heathrow Clubhouse is the ultimate preflight experience with salon and spa services from Bumble & bumble and Cowshed, numerous dining facilities, a spa pool, library and plenty of seating areas for business meetings and chatting with friends. 

It’s a lot like a five-star resort where guests can relax with a glass of champagne or a delicious entrée in between massages and manicures.

Jessica:  Congratulations on celebrating 25 years! What do you contribute as the main factors to your continued success?
Chris:  Since our launch in June 1984, over 65 million passengers have traveled with Virgin Atlantic. We have achieved this milestone by always listening to the customers needs and by developing innovative products that make travel a valuable and enjoyable experience. 

Jessica: Martin, you have over 50 years experience in the travel industry. We were so honored when you graciously accepted to be part of our Nomination committee. What was it about these awards that made you decide to join the committee?
Martin: Anything that helps the travel agent distribution system get closer to its suppliers is a positive at anytime, but especially in difficult economic times.  I believe that programs like this are extremely valuable in educating both travel agents and venders in what’s going on and what is coming up around the corner in terms of new services and products.  MailPound deserves a good deal of credit for creating such a program and I am not surprised by the successful response from the many travel agents who have cast their votes.

Jessica:  What are the key elements that distinguish The Original Home Based Travel Agent Show and Conference?
Martin:  Well, this 3-day program at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City, October 7 – 9 is designed to train and educate travel agents in the latest developments in the supplier community that will help them increase sales and, ultimately, their profits.

Jessica: How about the accredited training sessions being offered?  How do these sessions benefit the agents?
Martin:  There is accredited training being offered by CLIA, NCMA, and OSSN.  Seminars and panels will allow travel agent participants to bring home the bacon in terms of knowledge, newly-acquired expertise and in some instances higher commission levels.

Jessica:  What induced you folks at Travel Industry Shows to concentrate on the home based travel agent community? 
Martin:  We felt that this rapidly-expanding segment of the travel agent family was basically overlooked by existing trade shows.  This is a reality, now reinforced by the fact that we are the only such home based trade show in the travel industry.  As technology dictates the ability for agents to work from home, this market is only going to grow and strengthen in size and relevance.  And, remember that these events usually draw travel agents from more than 40 states and Canada.

Jessica: Do you have any special offers for MailPound subscribers who are thinking of joining you in Atlantic City?
Martin:  We sure do. The current rack-rate is now $69 for the total package, but beginning today and through Sept 8 MailPound travel agents will be able to sign up for the original Early Bird cost of $39. Click here to register NOW! And the special hotel rate of $89 at the Taj Mahal is available by clicking here and entering group code: BHOMEB9. Travel agents should keep in mind that Atlantic City is easily accessible by major highway systems, as well as by air and train.  Several airlines now fly directly into this entertainment and gaming capital on the South Jersey shore, or they can fly in from anywhere on the continent by way of Philadelphia and/or Newark, N.J. Amtrak provides convenient access from up and down the East Coast, and there is a new service available Friday’s – Sunday’s called ACES, that connects New York and Newark non-stop to Atlantic City.

Jessica: Hi Noel, Congratulations! Windstar Cruises is nominated for MailPound Agents' Choice (MAC) awards.
Noel:  We are honored. The Nomination Committee is a very distinguished group of travel professionals. To be considered by them is a great compliment to Windstar Cruises. On behalf of Diane Moore our President and all of the incredible team at Windstar Cruises, we are very grateful for the recognition.

Jessica:  Tell me a little bit about the Windstar "180º From Ordinary" luxury cruise experience.
Noel:  Windstar Cruises operates three sailing yachts known for their pampering without pretense. The  ships are also known for their ability to visit the hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations.  Carrying just 148 to 312 guests, the luxurious ships of Windstar cruise to nearly 50 nations, calling at 100 ports throughout Europe, the Caribbean and the Americas. 

Jessica:  You were nominated for "Best Small Cruise Ship Fleet."  Share with us what makes Wind Spirit, Wind Star and Wind Surf so unique.
Noel:  I believe it is several things. We have been a leader in defining the small ship luxury cruise experience for the last 20 years. And yet Windstar has won the allegiance of a new generation of contemporary travelers who appreciate the line’s casual attire, alternative dining venues, rich mix of shore excursions, complimentary water sports program, deluxe spa facilities and luxurious accommodations.

And our ships are unique; teak-lined decks, towering sails. A vacation on Windstar is the ultimate affair for those who love the sea. On board, you'll discover a unique combination of romance with state-of-the-art luxury and convenience. Yet we feel Windstar is small enough to indulge the every whim of 148-312 guests.

On a Windstar ship you're free to do as you please, on your own schedule. There's no dress code. Five-star dining is informal and casually elegant (leave the ties and formal gowns at home). We offer cuisine that will delight your senses and complemented by a wide selection of fine wines. Our spontaneous and gracious service offers one of the highest crew-to-passenger ratios. Cabin amenities include BOSE(r) SoundDock(TM) systems, sleek flat-screen LCD TVs and plush new Sealy Euro Pillow Top beds 

I am proud to report that Windstar recently completed product enhancements which include new dining and spa offerings. Guests will be able to dine on five-star cuisine enjoying exquisite sunsets and the magic of the sea in new outdoor venues—Candles on all three ships and Le Marché on Wind Surf.  For those looking for the ultimate in relaxation, (and who isn’t?)  Windstar has partnered with The OnboardSpa Company for decadent, certified organic O SPA London spa and salon services in WindSpa. Some of the services guests can indulge in include facials, manicures, pedicures, massages, aromatherapy, body treatments, acupuncture, precision hair cuts and styling.

Windstar is truly an adventure in sailing, with a style all its own.

Jessica: One of the advantages of small ship sailing is the incredible ports of call.  Tell us a little about your favorite ports of call.
Noel:  Because they're smaller than most, our ships can stop at the more exclusive ports and beaches, accessible only by yacht. Windstar's sleek sailing cruise ships offer an extraordinary way to explore the Caribbean, Costa Rica, the Panama Canal, Greek Isles and the Mediterranean.

I would have to say that one of my favorite ports of call is Rhodes. We visit this on our popular Greek Isle Cruises.  I particularly love this port at is because our ships have the ability to enter into a harbor that once had the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the seven ancient wonders straddling the entrance. Our ships tie right next to the ancient wall allowing access for guests to the cobblestone streets, medieval cathedrals and charming cafes.

I also love our Costa Rica sailings. I really don’t have any particular port in this part of the world. I simply love the fact that ships have the ability to get so close to the islands and coves that make Costa Rica an incredible ecological adventure.  

Jessica:  Do you have any current promotions you would like to share with our travel agents?
Noel:  Right now if a travel professional books their guests on a 2010 Cruise before September 30, 2009 we are offering a $250 per person shipboard credit.

Windstar is also offering a gratuity package to guests who pay their 2010 or 2011 sailings in full 6 months or more in advance.  The gratuity package covers the daily $12 per guest hotel service charge with a value of $84 per guest on a 7-day cruise and $168 per guest on a 14-day cruise.  Final payment is normally due 90 days prior to cruise departure date, so this gives guests a great value for just paying 3 months earlier than when final payment is due.

For more information including brochures, rates and itineraries call Windstar at 1-800-258-7245.  Visit Windstar Cruises online at windstarcruises.com.

Jessica: Dan, how do you define luxury?
Dan:  We’ve actually gone back-and-forth about the word luxury over the years because we think it can have different meanings for different people.  For some people, luxury means a certain standard of quality, service, indulgence and authenticity – and we have no issues at all with that sort of definition.  However, others seem to associate “luxury” with being over-the-top or ostentatious, without any regard to practicality or value.  That sense of the word luxury has always troubled us, and it’s never been an accurate way to describe our products.

At Tauck we work very hard to deliver an exceptional travel experience to our guests, backed by superior service and representing an outstanding value.  That means our itineraries typically feature, among other things, five-star accommodations in the best city-center locations, fine dining, insider access to special experiences, and the industry’s finest tour leaders.  Tauck trips are also among the most inclusive you’ll find. 

We’ve also worked closely with our hoteliers and other suppliers in Europe and western Canada to negotiate savings that we’re passing along to Tauck guests.  Couples traveling on any of our Yellow Roads of Europe land journeys will save $380, while guests traveling with us in western Canada will save up to $580 per couple.  These savings are for 2009 departures only, and details on these and other offers can be found at Tauck.com/special-savings.

Thank you Dan for taking time to share more about Tauck with us.   

Please feel free to submit comments below. 

Jessica: Welcome to MAC Chat Paul! Holland America Line is nominated for 2 categories in this year's MailPound Agents' Choice (MAC) awards. Congratulations! How many ships are there currently in the Holland America fleet and can you tell us a little bit about your most popular itineraries?  
Paul: It is hard to believe that in 2010 we will bring on our fifteenth ship,  the Nieuw Amsterdam.  When I started with Holland America in 1981, we had four ships and 3,400 berths.  The new ship will take us over 23,000 beds, all on mid-sized ships ranging from 800-2100 beds.  As most new ships for other lines are arriving with 3,000 to 5,000 beds, our ships can maintain their distinctive premium service levels serving fewer guests.  Holland America has always had one of the most extensive selections of itineraries.  We sail to all seven continents.  We have Grand Voyages from 35 to 114 days that really celebrate cruising in high style.  We have distinctive itineraries of 20 to 35 days that provide some great exotic vacations with roundtrip travel from US ports.  Our cruises to Europe, South America, and Asia make every major cruise destination accessible.  And our North America cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico, Hawaii, the Panama Canal, Alaska and Eastern Canada offer incredible value at a time when vacation dollars are being stretched.  We have something for everyone in cruise travel.

Thank you Paul for taking time to share more about Holland America Line with us.   

Please feel free to submit comments below. Have an excellent day!

Thank you John for taking time to share more about Travel Impressions with us.   

Please feel free to submit comments below. Have an excellent day!

Jessica:  Carnival Cruise Lines received 2 nominations for the MailPound Agents' Choice (MAC) awards.  Congratulations!
Edie: Carnival is honored to be nominated in Mailpound’s Agents Choice Awards.   The two categories for which we are nominated - Best Cruise Line for Families and Best Large Cruise Ship fleet – are areas that our company places a great deal of emphasis and to receive these nominations is a wonderful validation of these efforts. 

Jessica:  You were nominated for "Best Cruise Line for Families."  Why is Carnival such an ideal choice for families interested in a cruise vacation?
Edie: Families are an important part of our marketing mix.  In fact, Carnival Cruise Lines is the leader in family cruising, carrying some 625,000 kids a year. Families love cruising on the "Fun Ships" because we offer a wide variety of fun-filled activies for kids of all ages- all at one, all-inclusive price.  Carnival's ships offer something for kids of all agets- Camp Carnival for 2-11, Circle "C" for 12-14-year-olds and Club O2 for older teens-with expansive, modern facilities and enthusiastic counselors for each group.  Carnival's unmistakable brand of fun also extends to our top deck areas with our signature Twister Water Slides, deck games, sports activities and more.  We also offer a number of kid-friendly dining options-and don't forget about the 24-hour ice cream!  Combine all that with Carnival's value-oriented pricing, the greatest variety of short cruises in the industry and a wide range of embarkation ports and it's no secret why Carnival is number one with families. We'll build upon this reputation this fall when we launch our newest and largest ship, the 130,000-ton Carnival Dream, will offer the most elaborate children's facilities with more than 19,000 square feet of dedicated space for families.