I've been working in the cruise industry my entire adult life... nearly 16 years now... and I think it's safe to say, I don't ever remember the industry being as exciting and progressive as it is today.
When I started working with CareVacations a number of years ago, I was asked to develop a program that would be offered to our cruise line partners for sign language interpreter services for Deaf cruise passengers. What seemed like a daunting task at the time turned out to be one of the best learning experiences of my life.
I've always said, I'm not an interpreter, and I don't pretend to have the knowledge of an interpreter. But now, well... I'm still not an interpreter, but I know a whole lot more about the trade, and I've met some of the most amazing and incredible people along the way.
So for the past few days I've spent some time reviewing all the interpreter assignments CareVacations has had the honor and privilege of fulfilling for our cruise line partners and cruise passengers who are Deaf. In 2007, CareVacations serviced 21 individual sailings, 3 Alaskan cruise tours, and two sales meetings; we worked with 42 interpreters, and excitedly began scheduling our 2008 assignments. WOW! What an amazing 2007! Oh, wait... we still had 2008 to look forward to!
In 2008, CareVacations fulfilled 29 sailings, 6 Alaskan cruise tours, we worked with 56 interpreters, and three of the cruise assignments were weddings! These were such special experiences and privileges for everyone involved.
And finally, in 2009, CareVacations fulfilled 37 sailings! Our interpreters worked cruise tours, they worked weddings, they worked with kids, they worked with service dogs, they celebrated holidays on board... they did it all... and it was AWESOME!
Now 2010 is here, we're booking our interpreters out like crazy; we've already scheduled 13 sailings including a wedding and a large group to the South Pacific!
It's been a great ride... it's only getting better, and CareVacations wants to thank everyone for making it happen. Thanks to our cruise line partners, thanks to the passengers, and a special BIG THANK YOU to all our awesome interpreters! It's the interpreters who make the difference!
Why am I telling this story? Because it demonstrates commitment and the evolution of the granting access to cruises for people who are Deaf. The cruise lines have made the commitment to accommodating the needs of Deaf passengers, the interpreters are committed to the quality of life on board, and CareVacations is committed to facilitating the possibilities.
If you're someone who needs an interpreter for your cruise, or you know someone who needs an interpreter, call your cruise line for their specific policies. You can also call us to learn more about where our interpreters will be and how we can help you.
Stay tuned to our blog and watch for our weekly interpreter profile highlights. Get to know CareVacations and get to know the interpreters we love!
Happy Weekend, Y'all!
Saturday, January 23, 2010
Monday, January 11, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Travel Agents Earn More Commission with CareVacations
Leduc, Alberta – CareVacations, the most trusted special needs equipment and services provider in the cruise industry, is pleased to announce a commission program for travel agents, payable on all CareVacations’ rentals and services.
“Travel agents are the lifeblood of our industry; we want to make sure travel agents know we appreciate everything they do for their clients,” says Don Stillwell, President of CareVacations. “We have developed this commission structure to thank travel agents for their dedication and hard work and for supporting us.”
Travel agents can call CareVacations and speak to a Care Team specialist for assistance with reserving and coordinating their clients’ medical travel needs. The travel agent will earn a generous commission on booked services, paid directly to the travel agent or agency. To date, CareVacations has paid more than thirty-thousand dollars in commission to travel agent partners.
“The great thing about our commission program is it’s easy for the travel agent,” says Liz Ross, Reservations Manager for CareVacations. “There are no contracts to sign, no quotas to meet, and no unreasonable expectations. Our program is simple. Book a service with CareVacations, and get paid… that’s it!”
From wheel chairs and scooters, Oxygen, shower benches, transfer equipment, bed rails, commodes, and other highly specialized medical equipment, CareVacations commission program applies to all equipment rentals and services.
“As a dedicated travel agent for many years, I know what it’s like to work for the best interest of the client,” says Susan Stilwell, Vice President of CareVacations. “This is our way of rewarding and thanking travel agents for working diligently to satisfy their clients’ needs and make their clients’ vacation a memorable one.”
CareVacations proudly services all major cruise line ports world-wide and is also available for non-cruise related travel in select destinations cities like Vancouver, B.C., Seattle, WA, Portland, OR, Los Angeles and San Diego, CA, the greater Central and South Florida areas, London, England, Barcelona, Spain, and more!
Find CareVacations on Twitter, Facebook, and the CareVacations Blog.
About CareVacations:
CareVacations is the most recognized and respected provider of special needs equipment and services such as wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, mobility scooters, medical beds and more for all major cruise lines. CareVacations is an international company with headquarters in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida – Leduc, Alberta - Seattle, Washington and the United Kingdom, as well as agent offices and warehouses in cruise ports worldwide. CareVacations has set the standard for providing services for travelers with special needs since 1988.
CareVacations takes the worry out of assisted travel. For more information on available travel services, call toll free: 877-478-7827 or visit: www.Carevacations.com.
Media Contact: Jennifer Alvarez, CareVacations, Ltd. (503) 779-9124
“Travel agents are the lifeblood of our industry; we want to make sure travel agents know we appreciate everything they do for their clients,” says Don Stillwell, President of CareVacations. “We have developed this commission structure to thank travel agents for their dedication and hard work and for supporting us.”
Travel agents can call CareVacations and speak to a Care Team specialist for assistance with reserving and coordinating their clients’ medical travel needs. The travel agent will earn a generous commission on booked services, paid directly to the travel agent or agency. To date, CareVacations has paid more than thirty-thousand dollars in commission to travel agent partners.
“The great thing about our commission program is it’s easy for the travel agent,” says Liz Ross, Reservations Manager for CareVacations. “There are no contracts to sign, no quotas to meet, and no unreasonable expectations. Our program is simple. Book a service with CareVacations, and get paid… that’s it!”
From wheel chairs and scooters, Oxygen, shower benches, transfer equipment, bed rails, commodes, and other highly specialized medical equipment, CareVacations commission program applies to all equipment rentals and services.
“As a dedicated travel agent for many years, I know what it’s like to work for the best interest of the client,” says Susan Stilwell, Vice President of CareVacations. “This is our way of rewarding and thanking travel agents for working diligently to satisfy their clients’ needs and make their clients’ vacation a memorable one.”
CareVacations proudly services all major cruise line ports world-wide and is also available for non-cruise related travel in select destinations cities like Vancouver, B.C., Seattle, WA, Portland, OR, Los Angeles and San Diego, CA, the greater Central and South Florida areas, London, England, Barcelona, Spain, and more!
Find CareVacations on Twitter, Facebook, and the CareVacations Blog.
About CareVacations:
CareVacations is the most recognized and respected provider of special needs equipment and services such as wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, mobility scooters, medical beds and more for all major cruise lines. CareVacations is an international company with headquarters in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida – Leduc, Alberta - Seattle, Washington and the United Kingdom, as well as agent offices and warehouses in cruise ports worldwide. CareVacations has set the standard for providing services for travelers with special needs since 1988.
CareVacations takes the worry out of assisted travel. For more information on available travel services, call toll free: 877-478-7827 or visit: www.Carevacations.com.
Media Contact: Jennifer Alvarez, CareVacations, Ltd. (503) 779-9124
Sunday, January 10, 2010
CareVacations Blog is a Officially A Work in Progress
So I've decided I have a love/hate relationship with blogging.
What I love about blogging is reaching out to anyone and everyone who is interested in learning more about us... learning more about CareVacations. It always amazes me how far a blog on the internet can reach. I love following blogs; I follow the blogs of my friends who are documenting their families and children. I follow local businesses. I follow international businesses. I follow people who just like to talk about random things. It's so great that we all have the ability to share whatever we want, with whomever we want, near and far.
One of my favorite blogs is written by an acquaintance of mine; she's 35 years old and is a breast cancer survivor. She started blogging when she was diagnosed, she blogged her way through treatments, she continued sharing herself through her second round of treatments, and now she blogs as a survivor and an advocate for breast cancer awareness.
She started her blogging journey so she could keep her friends and family updated on her progress and quickly her blog became so much more. With more than 3000 followers now, whether one can relate to her story or not, she's an inspiration to many. Ahhhh, the power of blogging!
I love writing in blogs, even on the days when I have a little bit of writer's block. There's always something that can be said, but is it always worth reading? Maybe not, but that's the beauty of a blog. Read it, skip it, come back to it... it's whatever the reader wants to do. As the writer, I can simply say how much I love the weather outside, and it's OK. I really love blogging.
OK... so now for the hate... I don't like that word. He's the extreme DISLIKE I have for blogging. As much as I love to write in a blog, I'm new to the whole process of managing a blog, specifically, the technical stuff. I see a lot of creativity in the appearance of the blogs I read, and I can't seem to understand how to get mine to do some of those same things! I'll be the first to admit, I am not a creative person when it comes to visual things; I can't paint, I can't draw, I don't have "an eye" for much of anything... I'm just not there. But more than not being creative, I am NOT a technical person. I don't know anything about codes, widgets, hosting... makes me crazy just writing this!
So I'm seeking help from those around me; I'm seeking advice on how to customize this blog. Hang in there with me... hang in there with our blog... as we go through some changes. We're still CareVacations; we're still going to keep posting all our exciting (and maybe not-so-exciting, to some) happenings here. But we're going to keep improving the look and usability for our readers and followers.
Here's to a successful blogging enhancement effort and here's hoping I learn a few things along the way!
HAVE A GREAT DAY, EVERYONE!
What I love about blogging is reaching out to anyone and everyone who is interested in learning more about us... learning more about CareVacations. It always amazes me how far a blog on the internet can reach. I love following blogs; I follow the blogs of my friends who are documenting their families and children. I follow local businesses. I follow international businesses. I follow people who just like to talk about random things. It's so great that we all have the ability to share whatever we want, with whomever we want, near and far.
One of my favorite blogs is written by an acquaintance of mine; she's 35 years old and is a breast cancer survivor. She started blogging when she was diagnosed, she blogged her way through treatments, she continued sharing herself through her second round of treatments, and now she blogs as a survivor and an advocate for breast cancer awareness.
She started her blogging journey so she could keep her friends and family updated on her progress and quickly her blog became so much more. With more than 3000 followers now, whether one can relate to her story or not, she's an inspiration to many. Ahhhh, the power of blogging!
I love writing in blogs, even on the days when I have a little bit of writer's block. There's always something that can be said, but is it always worth reading? Maybe not, but that's the beauty of a blog. Read it, skip it, come back to it... it's whatever the reader wants to do. As the writer, I can simply say how much I love the weather outside, and it's OK. I really love blogging.
OK... so now for the hate... I don't like that word. He's the extreme DISLIKE I have for blogging. As much as I love to write in a blog, I'm new to the whole process of managing a blog, specifically, the technical stuff. I see a lot of creativity in the appearance of the blogs I read, and I can't seem to understand how to get mine to do some of those same things! I'll be the first to admit, I am not a creative person when it comes to visual things; I can't paint, I can't draw, I don't have "an eye" for much of anything... I'm just not there. But more than not being creative, I am NOT a technical person. I don't know anything about codes, widgets, hosting... makes me crazy just writing this!
So I'm seeking help from those around me; I'm seeking advice on how to customize this blog. Hang in there with me... hang in there with our blog... as we go through some changes. We're still CareVacations; we're still going to keep posting all our exciting (and maybe not-so-exciting, to some) happenings here. But we're going to keep improving the look and usability for our readers and followers.
Here's to a successful blogging enhancement effort and here's hoping I learn a few things along the way!
HAVE A GREAT DAY, EVERYONE!
Friday, January 8, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Royal Caribbean Cruises Partners with CareVacations for On Board Medical Equipment on the World’s Largest Cruise Ship
January 6, 2010
Leduc, Alberta – CareVacations, the most trusted special needs equipment and services provider in the industry, recently partnered with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line to provide all on board wheelchairs and other specialty medical equipment for the Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship.
The Oasis of the Seas is the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world; an architectural marvel at sea, it carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy. “We are honored Royal Caribbean Cruises chose CareVacations as the consultant regarding special needs medical and mobility equipment for such a monumental ship,” says Don Stillwell, Owner and President of CareVacations. “It gives me great satisfaction to know they have the utmost confidence in our experience and ability to provide their passengers with the best medical equipment available. We commend Royal Caribbean’s dedication to the inclusion of passengers with disabilities aboard its ships.”
CareVacations consulted with Royal Caribbean’s purchasing department from the early stages of the ship’s development regarding the necessary safety and precautions needed for special mobility equipment aboard this major vessel. All wheelchairs, benches, transfer equipment, bed rails, commodes are state of the art and have been specifically chosen to accommodate an array of guests’ needs.
Find CareVacations on Twitter, Facebook, and the CareVacations Blog.
About CareVacations:
CareVacations is the most recognized and respected provider of special needs equipment and services such as wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, mobility scooters, medical beds and more for all major cruise lines. CareVacations is an international company with headquarters in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida – Leduc, Alberta - Seattle, Washington and the United Kingdom, as well as agent offices and warehouses in cruise ports worldwide. CareVacations has set the standard for providing services for travelers with special needs since 1988.
CareVacations takes the worry out of assisted travel. For more information on available travel services, call toll free: 877-478-7827 or visit: www.Carevacations.com.
Media Contact: Jennifer Alvarez, CareVacations, Ltd. (503) 779-9124
Leduc, Alberta – CareVacations, the most trusted special needs equipment and services provider in the industry, recently partnered with Royal Caribbean Cruise Line to provide all on board wheelchairs and other specialty medical equipment for the Oasis of the Seas, the world’s largest cruise ship.
The Oasis of the Seas is the largest and most revolutionary cruise ship in the world; an architectural marvel at sea, it carries 5,400 guests at double occupancy. “We are honored Royal Caribbean Cruises chose CareVacations as the consultant regarding special needs medical and mobility equipment for such a monumental ship,” says Don Stillwell, Owner and President of CareVacations. “It gives me great satisfaction to know they have the utmost confidence in our experience and ability to provide their passengers with the best medical equipment available. We commend Royal Caribbean’s dedication to the inclusion of passengers with disabilities aboard its ships.”
CareVacations consulted with Royal Caribbean’s purchasing department from the early stages of the ship’s development regarding the necessary safety and precautions needed for special mobility equipment aboard this major vessel. All wheelchairs, benches, transfer equipment, bed rails, commodes are state of the art and have been specifically chosen to accommodate an array of guests’ needs.
Find CareVacations on Twitter, Facebook, and the CareVacations Blog.
About CareVacations:
CareVacations is the most recognized and respected provider of special needs equipment and services such as wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, mobility scooters, medical beds and more for all major cruise lines. CareVacations is an international company with headquarters in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida – Leduc, Alberta - Seattle, Washington and the United Kingdom, as well as agent offices and warehouses in cruise ports worldwide. CareVacations has set the standard for providing services for travelers with special needs since 1988.
CareVacations takes the worry out of assisted travel. For more information on available travel services, call toll free: 877-478-7827 or visit: www.Carevacations.com.
Media Contact: Jennifer Alvarez, CareVacations, Ltd. (503) 779-9124
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: CareVacations Serves Special Needs on the High Seas for More than Twenty Years
January 4, 2010
Leduc, Alberta – CareVacations, the most trusted special needs equipment and services provider in the industry, celebrates 20 years of offering travelers with special needs, worry-free travel on all major cruise lines.
CareVacations is the result of Don and Susan Stilwell’s passion for travel and their philosophy that travel should be equally accessible for people with disabilities. Susan Stilwell, a driven travel agent and recipient of the coveted “Travel Agent of the Year” award in 1987, developed a reputation for pushing the boundaries of travel for those who had special medical needs and challenges. Coupled with Don’s previous years of experience in the hospitality industry, medical emergency rooms, and physical rehabilitation, CareVacations became a reality for the Stilwells in 1988.
Within a few years the Stilwell’s drive and determination gave CareVacations a reputation for exemplary travel and medical equipment rental services. Soon after, cruise lines sought the expertise and services of CareVacations in an effort to better serve the special medical needs of their guests. As a result, CareVacations established exclusive partnerships with most major cruise lines for passenger rental and delivery services and continues to excel in meeting the needs of passengers and cruise lines. “I have always been a firm believer in living life to the fullest, regardless of what might be considered as setbacks,” says Don Stilwell, Owner and President of CareVacations. “If I can help one person with special medical needs take a trip they have always dreamed about, by taking a little more care and providing a little bit of help, then it’s all worth it.”
CareVacations is the preferred vendor chosen by most cruise lines for equipment maintenance, on board mobility devices, scooters for all sizes, hospital beds, patient lifts, and other highly specialized and sensitive medical equipment.
Since 1988, CareVacations has flourished and rapidly expanded into an international company with agent offices and warehouses in cruise ports worldwide and have helped thousands of cruise passengers enjoy a care free vacation. “Our highly trained Care Team staff gives each special needs traveler a sense of security… they are like guardians making the guests’ vacations comfortable and worry-free,” says Susan Stilwell, Owner and Vice President of CareVacations. “Don and I are passionate about helping cruise passengers enjoy themselves on their vacations, regardless of disability.”
Find CareVacations on Twitter, Facebook, and the CareVacations Blog.
About CareVacations:
CareVacations is the most recognized and respected provider of special needs equipment and services such as wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, mobility scooters, medical beds and more for all major cruise lines. CareVacations is an international company with headquarters in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida – Leduc, Alberta - Seattle, Washington and the United Kingdom, as well as agent offices and warehouses in cruise ports worldwide. CareVacations has set the standard for providing services for travelers with special needs since 1988.
CareVacations takes the worry out of assisted travel. For more information on available travel services, call toll free: 877-478-7827 or visit: www.Carevacations.com.
Media Contact: Jennifer Alvarez, CareVacations, Ltd. (503) 779-9124
Leduc, Alberta – CareVacations, the most trusted special needs equipment and services provider in the industry, celebrates 20 years of offering travelers with special needs, worry-free travel on all major cruise lines.
CareVacations is the result of Don and Susan Stilwell’s passion for travel and their philosophy that travel should be equally accessible for people with disabilities. Susan Stilwell, a driven travel agent and recipient of the coveted “Travel Agent of the Year” award in 1987, developed a reputation for pushing the boundaries of travel for those who had special medical needs and challenges. Coupled with Don’s previous years of experience in the hospitality industry, medical emergency rooms, and physical rehabilitation, CareVacations became a reality for the Stilwells in 1988.
Within a few years the Stilwell’s drive and determination gave CareVacations a reputation for exemplary travel and medical equipment rental services. Soon after, cruise lines sought the expertise and services of CareVacations in an effort to better serve the special medical needs of their guests. As a result, CareVacations established exclusive partnerships with most major cruise lines for passenger rental and delivery services and continues to excel in meeting the needs of passengers and cruise lines. “I have always been a firm believer in living life to the fullest, regardless of what might be considered as setbacks,” says Don Stilwell, Owner and President of CareVacations. “If I can help one person with special medical needs take a trip they have always dreamed about, by taking a little more care and providing a little bit of help, then it’s all worth it.”
CareVacations is the preferred vendor chosen by most cruise lines for equipment maintenance, on board mobility devices, scooters for all sizes, hospital beds, patient lifts, and other highly specialized and sensitive medical equipment.
Since 1988, CareVacations has flourished and rapidly expanded into an international company with agent offices and warehouses in cruise ports worldwide and have helped thousands of cruise passengers enjoy a care free vacation. “Our highly trained Care Team staff gives each special needs traveler a sense of security… they are like guardians making the guests’ vacations comfortable and worry-free,” says Susan Stilwell, Owner and Vice President of CareVacations. “Don and I are passionate about helping cruise passengers enjoy themselves on their vacations, regardless of disability.”
Find CareVacations on Twitter, Facebook, and the CareVacations Blog.
About CareVacations:
CareVacations is the most recognized and respected provider of special needs equipment and services such as wheelchairs, oxygen equipment, mobility scooters, medical beds and more for all major cruise lines. CareVacations is an international company with headquarters in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida – Leduc, Alberta - Seattle, Washington and the United Kingdom, as well as agent offices and warehouses in cruise ports worldwide. CareVacations has set the standard for providing services for travelers with special needs since 1988.
CareVacations takes the worry out of assisted travel. For more information on available travel services, call toll free: 877-478-7827 or visit: www.Carevacations.com.
Media Contact: Jennifer Alvarez, CareVacations, Ltd. (503) 779-9124
Friday, January 1, 2010
A New Year... A New Decade... A New Blog!
The start of a new year always seems to get people thinking about making changes, making resolutions, embarking on new adventures, and looking forward to the year ahead. So CareVacations is going to follow suit and try some new things, too! To celebrate the new year and the new decade, CareVacations is going to start blogging... that's right... we've finally started our very own blog!
Wanna know what you're gonna read about on our blog? Well, truth be told, you're going to get a little bit of everything. You'll read posts from our owners, Don and Susan Stilwell, documenting their travels and adventures, you'll read about our latest and greatest products and programs, you'll learn about our partnerships with travel agents and cruise lines, you will follow our Care Team as they help our clients with special needs, and a whole lot more! In other words, you're going to get to know us like never before... and we want to get to know you!
So stay tuned... this post is just the first of many. We're just getting started and we can't wait to take you on this adventure with us!
HAPPY 2010 TO ALL OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!
Wanna know what you're gonna read about on our blog? Well, truth be told, you're going to get a little bit of everything. You'll read posts from our owners, Don and Susan Stilwell, documenting their travels and adventures, you'll read about our latest and greatest products and programs, you'll learn about our partnerships with travel agents and cruise lines, you will follow our Care Team as they help our clients with special needs, and a whole lot more! In other words, you're going to get to know us like never before... and we want to get to know you!
So stay tuned... this post is just the first of many. We're just getting started and we can't wait to take you on this adventure with us!
HAPPY 2010 TO ALL OUR FRIENDS AND FAMILY!
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