The official newsletter of Departures Travel 6740 E. University Drive #105 Mesa, AZ 85205 11/14

Hello fellow travelers,

It has been 3 months since our last newsletter and as usual, we have many exciting things to tell you about.

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CURIOUS ABOUT RIVER CRUISING?

Departures and Viking River Cruises will be hosting a free presentation ON Jan. 20th, 6 pm, at the Red Mountain Ranch Country Club which is located at 6425 E. Teton, Mesa 85215. Please join Willy Beumer, from Viking, as he showcases the many exciting options with Viking River Cruises. See for yourself why river cruising has become so popular over the past few years. Take advantage of the specials and incentives and enjoy some Light refreshments. Mark your calendar. PLEASE RSVP TO DEPARTURES.

Many river cruises book up 12 -16 months in advance. Don’t delay, call departures today.

THE NEW KID.We would like to introduce our newest employee, Tami Knudson. Tami started with Departures in September and is quickly learning the travel bizz. Tami did her first “Grand Tour” of Europe with a backpack and a Euro rail Pass, as a 19 year old after spending a year as a Rotary Youth Exchange Student in Stockholm, Sweden. In 2004, she followed that up with another Grand Tour, this time with husband and kids in tow. As a local Rotarian, Tami worked for over 10 years with Rotary Youth Exchange, bringing kids from all over the world to Arizona for a year of cultural immersion in the U.S. Recently, she has caught the cruising bug and has cruised in the Caribbean and enjoyed a Trans-Atlantic cruise to Italy. Other places visited, sometimes by car and sometimes by motorcycle include Banff National Park in Canada, Jackson Hole, Wyoming and Orcas Island off the coast of Washington. Tami also has over 30 years of retail experience. Tami is very excited to join the Departures staff. Please stop in and meet Tami and welcome her to Departures.

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As we have said in previous newsletters, the travel business is always changing and always evolving. A travel agent today must stay on top of all the changes by attending advanced training and seminars, participating in webinars and going on agent familiarization trips. This is some of the training that Pat and Cheryl have completed lately.

CHERYL

Watch what you say to kids!

I promised my daughter when she was in Jr. High we would go to Orlando for Fall Break "one of these days", well we finally made it (she's 26)!! We had 2 full days at Universal Orlando to experience both parks and both sides of Harry Potter then on to Walt Disney World for 3 more very full days.   

At Universal the Hard Rock Hotel was our base, it is on the resort and a short boat ride to the entrances of both parks.  Universal Orlando has an amazing collection of coasters and 3D rides.  Also Harry Potter!  We rode the Hogwarts Express from Kings Cross Station (you really feel like you are in London) to Hogsmeade, hopped on the Dragon Slayer for a couple of 360 degree loops! 

At Walt Disney World we spend time in all 4 parks, it's been years since I was last there so the Animal Kingdom was new to us!  Epcot has great new rides like Test Track and Disney Hollywood Studios was as much fun as the last time or maybe more! We enjoyed our stay at the Port Orleans Hotel.  Transportation to everywhere in the resort a short (included) bus ride away.  

OASIS OF THE SEAS.Just off the Oasis of the Seas and what an amazing ship!  Our group of 30 had a great time exploring all the ship had to offer as well as port calls in Labadee, Haiti, Falmouth, Jamaica and Cozumel, Mexico.  Many in the group did the Dragons Flight Zip line at Labadee, very high and very long!  The food, shows and other entertainment were great.  Not many ships have a parade on the Promenade and an ice show!  Of course I got to know the Starbucks barista very well, this ship has everything!!   

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PAT

Recently, Departures owner Pat Fulton a member of ASTA's Executive Board for the Arizona Chapter recently attended ASTA's (American Society of Travel Agents) Global Conference aboard NCL's (Norwegian Cruise Lines) new Breakaway, sailing from New York City to Bermuda, round-trip. While on board, Pat attended several training sessions covering many travel related topics. 

She enjoyed spending a day in the Big Apple, riding on the double-decker tour bus and trying to flag down a taxi, like they do in the movies in the pouring rain. It was one of those days you look back on and think that really was fun. 

LOOKING FOR SOMEPLACE NEW & EXCITING?  BERMUDA!The Breakaway awarded best new ship and voted best Bermuda itinerary 6 years in a row is just the place to go for those who have already cruised the Caribbean or are looking for a unique destination close to home.  Only 600 nautical miles from the east coast, the ship has one-quarter mile oceanfront walkway lined with shops, restaurants and bars.  29 dining experiences, 5 multistory water slides and you can "walk the plank" yep right out over the water. 

Pat spent 3 days at the King's Wharf port at the beautifully restored Royal Navy Dockyard. The days included exploring the pink sand beaches, water sports of all types, horseback riding, shopping, caves and many opportunities to explore the island.  Adding Bermuda to your "bucket list" would be a great idea.

Our winter hours are Monday – Friday from 9:00 am till 5:30 pm. Saturday 10:00 am till 2:00 pm.

Don’t forget, Departures is on Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/DeparturesazTravel?ref=hl

www.departuresaz.com 480-830-8822