Last week when I started to bone up on eco-friendly travel, I bookmarked this article about Boeing.

According to the article, the industry plans to have a viable, renewable source of bio fuel for aircraft by 2015 so they can wean off petroleum, or fossil based fuel completely by 2020. A bold objective to be sure, but if successful, it could make flying the friendly skies completely carbon neutral.

Boeing isn’t the only company looking into a renewable source of fuel for its aircraft. Australian based Qantas recently partnered with Solazyme to supply an unspecified amount of Solazyme’s algae based aviation fuel, “Solajet”. According to Solazyme’s website, Solajet jet fuel “has passed all of the eleven essential tested specifications required to meet the ASTM D1655 (Jet-A1) standard. It is the world’s first microbially-derived jet fuel to do so.”

The US Military is also getting into the act with aviation biofuels. The Air Force recently certified the C-17 Globemaster III for unlimited usage of renewable jet fuels. The Navy has also tested the “Green Hornet,” an F/A-18 Super Hornet fighter jet as part of its effort to confirm that this new generation of biofuel makes no difference in performance.

According to the report:

“The aircraft flew exactly as we expected- no surprises,” said Weaver, F/A-18 project officer for Air Test and Evaluation Squadron (VX) 23 and pilot for the Earth Day flight test. “The fuel works so well, all I needed to do was just fly the plane.”

Every report I’ve dug up over the last two years says pretty much the same thing. That’s important because, while I really like a lot of the new technology coming out, when it comes to transportation such as planes, trains and automobiles – we need to figure out a drop in replacement. Think about it. Electric cars for example are a great idea – but what do you suppose we do with the millions of cars already out on the road? I heard about a new propulsion system for ships on a podcast the other day. Great idea – but what do we do with the brand new cruise ships that were just launched? Scrap Royal Caribbean’s Oasis and Carnival’s Dream?

Don’t think so.

Aviation is no different. You may recall that Boeing has unveiled its latest ‘environmentally friendly’ passenger 747 jumbo jet. Granted, it’s ‘environmentally friendly’, but it’s still fueled by fossil fuel, not hydrogen, electric, or some high tech propulsion system. Here’s what aviation is looking for when it comes to “alternative fuels” according to the research I found last week.

• The fuels have to be chemically identical and perform the same as existing fuels, and be approved for use.
• Enough sources for the fuels have to be available and at a suitable cost.
• Airports must be able to handle the fuels without having to make major changes in storage tanks, pipelines and other infrastructure.
• Commercial production must start, and enough made at a price that compares favorably with petroleum-based fuel.
• The fuels have to be sustainable, and not compete with food sources

That’s not only the smartest way to approach this, but it’s also the cheapest. Based on news articles and reports I’ve been able to gather and read over the last few weeks, it looks as if we’re heading in that direction at a rapid pace – and it’s gaining momentum.

This could be a real game changer for the airline industry. Travel Agents have been hammering the airlines for the last decade because the industry cutting off commissions. More recently, the general public has been in an uproar as they reluctantly dish out added baggage fees with disdain. (Losing the baggage certainly doesn’t help matters, now does it?)

The industry doesn’t have the best reputation.

When the airlines do go green, it won’t change everyone’s attitude. Some can never forgive – or forget. But it will be a shining example in our country that cleaner and renewable energy can be done successfully without changing the entire infrastructure – which in turn will keep our world moving.

That’s human ingenuity at its best.

I’m looking forward to the chance of flying some 30,000 feet in the air on green fuel. I may not notice any difference in performance, but I will know the population below will be breathing a little easier as biofuel takes to the skies.

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I was working on our Newsletter to our subscriber base this weekend and regrettably had to give them a heads up that cruise “fuel supplements” may be back for another round in the months ahead. When gas prices went through the roof in 2008, cruise lines implemented a fuel surcharge to passengers to cover the rising price of crude oil. A typical charge would be anywhere from an additional $3 to $6 per person – per day to help these large ships stay afloat.

We’ve all noticed the prices at the pump. In January, I saw news about fuel surcharges returning in Europe. Then, last week, Cunard announced that they will be increasing its fuel surcharge from $6 a day to $9 per day for cruises booked after February 28th here in the States.

The cruise industry has held a very special place for me from the moment I first stepped into the Grand Atrium of the Imagination more than twelve years ago. After our first cruise experience I had been telling anyone who was willing to listen that “a cruise is the best vacation money could buy”. The value is one of the best in the industry, with pampering and service that’s hard to match. The reintroduction of fuel surcharges however, could very well put a damper on the value and allure cruising.

While some will focus on higher fuel costs being the problem – frankly, I see an opportunity here to change for the better.

And maybe – just maybe – we’ll find a cruise line that will make it happen.

Back in 2007 Royal Caribbean had an opportunity to become the outright leader in the cruise industry surrounding environmental impact with alternative fuels. RCCL not only had a 7% stake with a company called Imperium Renewables, but agreed to purchase 18 million gallons of biodiesel from the company starting in 2008. Less than a year later however, Royal Caribbean not only pulled the plug on its contract, but sold its 7% share of the plant. Besides completely dropping the ball on this, I can’t help but wonder if the $13 million in sales the company threw overboard by cutting off a Top 50 Host Agency could have made a difference.

Typical of Royal Caribbean at the time – they were more concerned with perception rather than being bold or doing what was right.

Fortunately, there are smarter companies who are willing to invest in our Nation’s future and the need for renewable fuels. Today, Imperium Renewables refinery in Grays Harbor produces 100 million gallons of renewable fuel annually with an emphasis on aviation – not cruise ships.

Which begs the question (for me at least) that if we have the capability to produce 100 million gallons of biofuel for aviation – bunker oil for cruise ships would be a walk in the park – right? Bunker fuel after all, is a waste product. The dredge that remains after all of the refining processes and the high octane fuels have been produced and the diesel products have been extracted from the crude oil.

Which brings me back oddly enough to algae. Algae are not only naturally occurring in many oceans, but they happen to be the main reason we have the fossil fuels we’ve been burning over the last 100 years. Many think it was dinosaurs, but the truth is, it was algae that created this black gold millions of years ago. It not only multiplies at a very rapid pace, it’s capable of producing in excess of 30 times more oil per acre than corn and soybean crops. (On land or water not suitable for crops no less.)

Two companies that have caught my eye in the last year have been Solazyme and Sapphire Energy. Both have been working with the Department of Defense and last month Solazyme provided biofuel for the Navy for field test. According to the report, the Navy couldn’t tell a difference between the biofuel mix and the normal fuel. Within the next ten years, the Navy has plans to power its fleet using 50% biofuel. That means big money is dropping into companies like Solazyme and Saphirre Energy and with the help of Government backing from the DoD, these companies are well on their way.

Now imagine a cruise line that’s environmentally conscious. One Cruise Line who has stepped up to the plate in reducing our overall carbon footprint is Holland America. The cruise line won the 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards as Best Eco-Friendly Cruise Line. The Lines commitment to responsible environmental practices include, waste reduction and recycling, use of cleaner-burning propulsion technology and cutting-edge cleaning solutions. Holland America Line also has a history of embracing new environmental technologies such as shore power while ships are in port which not only saves fuel, but is far cleaner for the surrounding port.

A true Eco-Friendly leader such as Holland America could (or maybe should) jump at the chance to pick up were Royal Caribbean dropped the ball. What I also like about Holland America is they happen to be part of Carnival Corporation, which form the largest fleet of cruise ships out on our oceans today. If a green initiative with Holland America is successful using biofuels, it could spread rapidly to Princess, Carnival, Costa, and Cunard – which in turn will help the entire industry get off bunker crude oil to a much cleaner – renewable form of fuel.

But there’s still the problem of price with biofuels as it stands today. While Sapphire Energy would like to get the price down between $60 and $80 per barrel, the mass production to create a viable replacement isn’t there, and therefore the price is still not as cheap as fossil fuel. But what if a company like Holland America decides to increase its overall edge in Eco-Friendly cruising and uses the impending fuel supplement charges to change over to bio fuels instead of fossil fuel? Even if it’s going to cost more than an average of $3 to $6 per day per person per day?

Obviously, I can’t speak for anyone but myself on this issue, but the idea of paying a fuel supplement when I’m actually helping the advancement of biofuels and helping our environment at the same time brings the meaning of value and allure back to where it should be in an industry I love. The current situation of fuel surcharges actually creates a window of opportunity for a company that’s committed to being more responsible and eco-friendly.

I’ve always liked people and companies that take problems and turn them into solutions. It’s just the way I roll. Anyone committed to making this solution happen would certainly get my business. What about you?

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Before we had kids – Ronda and I went on a number of Valentine’s Week cruises. Our last cruise during this week was in 2003, when Ronda was pregnant with Brian. An eight day Southern Caribbean cruise on the Carnival Legend.

If you think cruising is romantic – you really should try it during Valentines. There’s nothing like it. We would do it again in a snap, but with the kids in school now it’s just not an option – for now. Oddly enough, leaving a bowl of food and water in the corner while we whisk off on another cruise getaway doesn’t cut it according to Ronda.

Let’s face it. It’s cold outside and we’re thinking of some place warm. With the way this winter has hit everyone with snow, it’s probably more prevalent than in years past.

BandBVacations.com, YTB Travel Network, and Carnival Cruise Lines can help you out with those winter blues with a Winter Warm-up Sail-A-Thon right from the comfort of your own home.

Carnival and YTB was the first to offer this type of free webinar several years ago – and they’ve been a huge hit with clients, agents, and Carnival. I’ve lost count on how many we’ve done with them – but it’s super easy to do for them, and super easy for you to participate. Just hit our booking engine tomorrow night.

It all starts at 7:oo pm – 6:00 pm Central. YTB Travel Network President Kim Sorensen will also be interacting on Facebook with trivia questions and posting cruise pictures on his fan page. The broadcast will re-air each hour during the evening, so if you miss it at 7:00 pm, you can catch it again at 8:00 – 9:00 – 10:00 and 11:00.

This is a great time of year to be booking a cruise for the summer. Carnival has an Early Saver program that can save hundreds on the cost of a cruise.

Prior to launching year-round Caribbean service from Galveston, Carnival Magic will operate a series of seven-, nine- and 12-day Mediterranean voyages from Barcelona May 1 to Oct. 16, 2011; followed by a 16-day trans-Atlantic crossing from Barcelona to Galveston departing Oct. 28, 2011.

These European cruises will be going fast on this brand new ship – so if you’re looking for Europe, you’ll need to do it now.

If Europe isn’t your thing; Carnival has 19 ports they sail out of and 23 ships that are currently sailing this year. (The most in the industry.)

If you want to warm up and get yourself out of the winter blues – this is just the ticket.

Join us tomorrow night for this Winter Warm-up Sail-A-Thon and book what we consider is the best vacation money can buy!

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I mentioned Tuesday that YTB always has a number of blockbuster announcements during Coach’s Birthday Bash. Word has started to get out about some of the upcoming releases and the company isn’t wasting any time in getting out the good word.

Not only is the company gearing up for its annual Birthday Bash next week on January 11th – but a date has been set for another ZamFest party the last half of January – from the 17th to the 31st. (Also found on www.ZamZuuTV.com.) The theme for this party is geared around better health. With the New Year, we’re all thinking about New Year’s Resolutions. For many, that resolution centers on better health. To kick off the New Year, ZamFest is throwing resolutions out the window and focusing on solutions. We don’t just talk about improving our health; we’re actually doing it.

The company will close out the month with Carnival for a Winter Warm Up Sail-A-Thon January, 27 from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm Central with some great deals to Europe and the Caribbean in 2011 and beyond. More information can be found here, or on BandBVacations.com during the week of the event.

Speaking of Carnival – sales are up. We know that because YTB Travel Network’s commission percentage went back up to previous levels. (You can find the percentages in your Travel Portal.) All the doom and gloom last year from the peanut gallery (minus the “pea”) was nothing more than hype. They never can figure out which way is up or even accurate. We however, told you sales were on the rebound, and based on this commission percentage increase – we were right on mark. Regardless of right or wrong, it never would have happened if our Agents didn’t take responsibility on their own and give a little more love to a great cruise line that has taken very good care of us over the years.

We didn’t whine about it – we actually did something about it to rectify the situation so that everybody wins. That’s the YTB way.

And lastly, you’ll notice a change in our air, car and hotel products.

Back when we first started with YTB, I remember a bidding war between Priceline and Travelocity for the privilege to host these products on our sites. Priceline was a good vendor for us then, but Travelocity wanted it more. A bidding war broke out between the two and what ripped Priceline off our sites and slid Travelocity in was a better deal for the Agents.

After a four year relationship with Travelocity, Orbitz has now taken over the huge influx of air, car and hotel bookings made through YTB Travel Network.

Orbitz Worldwide has replaced Travelocity Partner Network as the provider of air, car and hotel products and is now the exclusive provider for these commodity products on the YTB Travel Network booking engine. YTB Travel Network has also negotiated a contract with Orbitz Worldwide that, effective February 1, 2011, will include a commission on airline bookings while continuing the elimination of a service fee. Please see the updated commission rates in the Commission section of the My Account tab in the Travel Portal.

Commissions earned on air, car and hotel products will now be paid based on the date of consumption, not the booking date. The date of consumption is defined as the date of completed travel. Nothing new there – as it’s in line with how the rest of the industry pays.

Customer Profiles was a huge factor for years for the field and it looks like Orbitz came through for us here as well. The initial launch of the Orbitz Worldwide Customer Profile is coming in February 2011. The new profile feature will provide the ability to use a basic customer profile that will store the customer name and credit card. Later this year this feature will be greatly enhanced. The new functionality will allow:

• Storage and use of TSA-relevant information (including birth date) for booking
• Storage and use in booking of multiple credit cards
• Storage and use in booking of loyalty program information for Air, Hotel and Car

Other new features supplied by Orbitz are marketing and promotion which will also be rolled out during the year.

The Orbitz deal utilizes the NeatAgent application tailored specifically for traditional bricks and mortar travel agencies. According to their website “These traditional agencies provide comprehensive travel services for their clients in person or over the telephone and represent more than 60% of today’s travel distribution”.

In other words – when you read the hype from traditionalists – just know they use it too. Just tell them “Thanks for sharing” and get back to work. (An idea they may want to consider to rectify their own dismal existence.)

Speaking of traditionalists – they never dreamed YTB Travel Network would even see 2011. We were supposed to be long gone according to them. (Wishful thinking at this point.) YTB Travel Network is alive and well and as long as they let us – we’ll continue play the role of thorn in side. (It’s their choice after all – not ours.)

The way I see it – looks like YTB Travel Network is packing more powder to shoot more cannon balls across their bow to let them know we have absolutely no plans of going away.

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I spent part of my day yesterday reading up on the NFL’s Sunday Night Football match up between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Baltimore Raven’s.

Since late October, early November the League has been cracking down on “illegal hits”, threatening to suspend, but thus far only flagging and fining players in an effort to make the game safer. The cry from Pittsburgh (both fans and players) in recent weeks has been that the League has been playing “favorites” – or more succinctly targeting the Steelers unfairly.

When reporters asked Head Coach Mike Tomlin during last weeks Press Conference concerning any kind of fairness issue over penalties and fines his response was classic.

“Man, life isn’t fair. I’m not concerned about fairness. I’m really not. I’m concerned with preparing for the Baltimore Ravens.”

Two weeks ago Ben Roethisberger broke a small bone in his foot after being gang sacked by the Buffalo Bills. Sunday night during Pittsburgh’s first series of plays Haloti Ngata landed left to Big Ben breaking his nose, leaving it bloody and out of shape. (Giving new meaning to Nose Tackle.) Note – Ngata’s left was during an actual play – unlike the sucker punch right dealt by Richard Seymour after the play three weeks ago against Oakland that got Seymour ejected from the game.

While watching Ben exit the field with blood dripping and his noise badly disjointed I could hear the cry’s from Pittsburgh all the way down here in Atlanta. Having had my nose broken twice, I knew it wasn’t anything that would take Ben out of the game. (The guy was playing with a broken bone in his foot after all.)

The big question that comes up for Steelers fans time and time again is why the League doesn’t protect Big Ben like they do with Quarterbacks like Brady or Manning(s).

Personally, I wouldn’t want to be classed in the same category as a Brady or Manning. Not because I don’t think these Quarterbacks are worthy of the position – they’re Hall of Fame Quarterbacks in their own right. Reothlisberger plays on a completely different level however – and I wouldn’t want it any other way.

Take the play late in the fourth quarter for instance. Roethlisberger made one of the most athletic plays I’ve ever seen – escaping Terrell Suggs who was also swiping at Ben’s head grabbing his helmet – enabling Ben to throw the ball away and avoid the sack. If it were Brady or Manning, my bet is that both would have been whistled dead for being “in the grasp”. Saving that valuable real estate gave Pittsburgh the opportunity to score the go ahead touchdown just a few plays later that ultimately won the game and placed the Steelers in sole possession of first place in the AFC North.

When change your perspective about the game – suddenly what appears to be a liability turns into an asset – and winners find a way to do just that.

I’ve seen the same thing in business. Over the years, the Travel Industry has pulled every sucker punch they can come up with to cripple Travel MLM’s. The industry convinced one large cruise line to terminate it’s partnership with the most threatening Travel MLM at the time. When other vendors failed to follow suit, the industry rejoiced when California slapped a $25 million law suit on the company with claims that it was nothing more than a gigantic pyramid scheme.

Some call that unfair as well, but from my perspective it’s merely a nuisance that validates how dominant our model really is. In much the same way people get bent out of shape about Ben’s off the field shenanigans – when it comes to producing on the field, nobody can question his desire and heart on the field. The man finds a way to win – and so does the company I’ve been privileged to represent for almost 6 years now – YTB Travel Network.

Mike Tomlin is right – life is unfair – but you can’t get sidetracked with differing views or perspectives that don’t have any bearing on what’s played during the game. You find a way to win – despite how unfair it appears to be. While it’s frustrating, it really doesn’t matter come game time.

You too – need to be resilient from head to toe to win the game.

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Shopping for that perfect holiday gift?

What do you get for the person who has EVERYTHING?

What about the person that’s SO hard to shop for?

Have I got a stocking stuffer for you!

It’s that time of year again! Carnival Cruise Gift Certificates are available NOW through December 31, 2010.

Gift Certificates are a great way to save now, and cruise later. It also provides an opportunity for you decide on your own what cruise you might like, or even when you want to go over the next 18 months.

It’s your cruise right?

All Gift Certificates can be upgraded to ANY cruise of choice. Simply pay the difference. We have a certificate valid for a 3-4 day for two, but want to take the entire family on a 7 day this spring. The Promotions Department at Carnival will be extremely accommodating for any upgrade and use what you have to fulfill your dream cruise.

We’ve sold these certificates the last couple of years and they’re a HUGE HIT for just about anyone.

• Parents, Relatives & Close Friends
• Teacher & Administrator Holiday Gifts
• Holiday Party Giveaways
• Chamber of Commerce Luncheons
• Retirement gifts for years of service
• Great alternative to year end cash bonus!

Certificates range from 3 – 8 day sailings and are valid for 2 guests sharing a stateroom and start at just $518 for both guests!

*This price is for a 3 day cruise certificate on selected ships only, in an interior category 4A stateroom for Fall sailings only (9/1/11 – 12/16/11) and does not include Government Fees, taxes or gratuities. Ocean view and balcony certificates are available at an additional cost. Full payment is due at the time the certificate is sold.

Certificates will be customized with the name of the person buying the gift. Recipient can pay to upgrade the certificate for higher cabin categories, additional days of cruising or for travel outside of the Fall travel period. No minimum purchase required. Certificate is valid for 18 months unless otherwise required by law.

Regardless if you’re a seasoned cruise veteran like us, or a first timer, a 100,000 ton cruise ship could be the most unique stocking stuffer your special someone has ever seen.

Bon Voyage!

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It’s that time of year again – CLIA’s annual World’s Largest Cruise Night!

Every year in October, Travel Agencies from around the country round up clients in hotel rooms, office buildings, and even homes to promote what we’ve always considered “the best vacation money can buy” – a cruise. For Agencies it’s a great way to get a jump on sales for the coming year, and clients have an exciting vacation to look forward to.

CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) came up with the idea six years ago and both cruise lines and travel agents have fallen in love with the idea as a way to boost sales in what “was” traditionally the slowest month for travel sales.

Today, CLIA, cruise lines, and travel agents all come together in the month of October to make this time of year the single biggest cruise promotion of the year. Last years event generated $45 million in cruise sales and nearly $6 million in new commissions for travel agents.

This year, YTB Travel network teams up with “The Most Popular Cruise Line in the World” to bring both savings and cruise upgrades which are available on virtually all “Fun Ship” departures through December 2011. Carnival will not only be offering the Best Available Upgrades on the majority of their sailings, but up to a $200 onboard credit per stateroom for all Carnival Magic Europe voyages booked on October 13.

The best part of this sale is YTB and Carnival comes to YOU via the World Wide Web in a special webinar hosted Wednesday night at 7:00 pm Eastern, 6:00 pm Central to showcase the largest fleet of cruise ships available, from the largest selection of ports in the industry. A special rebroadcast will air during the evening, so make sure you log in at some point during the evening.

YTB and Carnival will feature “Best Available Upgrades” which are available on virtually all sailings through December 2011 – and when booked on October 13th, use Fare Code: PCN when booking. Carnival’s bonus offer includes the Best Available Upgrade PLUS up to a $200 onboard credit per stateroom on European sailings – just use Fare Code: OCL. The sale is valid on new individual bookings made on 10/13/10. Best available upgrade available on like to like categories (interior to interior, oceanview to oceanview and balcony to balcony). Promotion is applicable on all sailings between through 12/31/11.

Best of all this is a fun learning opportunity. Cruising is all about you. You can find adventure, culture and education or, relax the day away. Dine on fine cuisine. Indulge at the spa. Reconnect with family. Share romantic moments. All this, in the destination of your choice, for a few days, a week or more, on a cruise that’s right for you.

Do something that’s just for you. Join us tomorrow night from the comfort of your own home for the World’s Largest Cruise Night Carnival Sale event and take advantage of Carnival’s exclusive offers and special promotions.

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