Chris Joins 'Gigi in the 561 '
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Chris Costello: Cruising to collectibles, and so much more
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Update, Feb. 1: "It's finalized and contracts have been signed with Crossroads Press in N.C. for "Lou's On First" in e-book format. PLUS, they're discussing also issuing as an audio book. Looks like 2016 is getting off to a good start!" -- Chris Costello, on her Facebook page.
By PAMELA BARKER Community Reporter/Social Media Editor North Palm Beach Life/ [email protected] “Sail on Sailor,” is not simply a groovy song by the Beach Boys. No, in the fascinating (trust me on this) world of California-based, gregarious Chris Costello, sailing is also her passion since she took her first cruise in 1983. Being a long-time lover of cruising myself, when I noticed this particular travel agent, I was intrigued. I had to know more. Being the curious sort, I began to seek more, and intrigue quickly morphed into fascination that stretched beyond cruising. I discovered that as a former flight attendant with United Airlines, Ms. Costello's travel involvement began early on, 1968-72. However, it wasn't until 2005 that she re-entered the world of travel professionally. "I enjoy this industry because travel is always changing. Clients are always changing, and I am happy to wake up and get into my office," she said. Currently, as a trained and CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association)-certified agent, she makes it her personal responsibility to ensure clients are treated like close friends and family, while having a fun and memorable travel experience. In her words, "I've always had that wanderlust, love travel, love experiencing new cultures, foods and the people." Wanderlust? Now, that is something I can relate to, but seeing to the travel needs of others? That takes a special sort of personality, and evidently it fits her like a stylish glove. "I enjoy introducing new people to cruising, working with the newbies. You can tell when they are new, they call the vessel a boat. I explain it is called a ship," she said, in a patient tone. Her vast travel expertise plays an important role as she helps plan vacations on such cruise lines as Princess, Celebrity, Royal Caribbean, Holland America, as well as all the others. Time, budget, destination restraints and requirements help steer the ship planning, if you will. "When people say that they don't want to go on a cruise because they will be seasick, bored, or don't think they will enjoy it, I ask them how they know this if they haven't tried it," she said. If you have been thinking customer service has completely expired, or at the very least, been sinking into the deep blue sea of oblivion, it seems to be very much alive and thriving over on the West Coast. Although her busy life includes much more than being a travel agent with the Long Branch, New Jersey-based firm, Excel Travel, Ms. Costello means business when it comes to travel and her clients. "When I was trying to decide what I wanted to do at one point, someone asked me what my passion was. I said cruising, and they said, then do it, and I did. But, when I decided to do this, I researched and got training. I wanted to do it right," Ms. Costello said. "Plus, the folks at Excel are great. Anything needed, they are right there." Judging by the positive comments I have seen from her clients, she is doing things quite right. But, there is still more to her story than travel. Much more. Grab a cup of coffee, or your other favorite libation, because I believe you are going to find this tiny slice of her journey, which she generously shared with me via a phone interview, as intriguing as I. Think back to the Sixties -- 1964 to be exact, the time of the British invasion to America, (Beatles, Rolling Stones, you remember them) and your future travel advisor is a singing/song-writing high school student who is also part of an all-girls group ccalled the Bootiques. "As it was the height of the London music invasion to America, Columbia Records decision makers were seeking a girls musical group from the United Kingdom," Ms. Costello shared. The suits erroneously (that's another cool story, entirely) believed the American-born Bootiques to be just that, and signed them to a five-year contract deal. Yes, even then Chris and friends knew how to get things rolling and make them fun at the same time. But, as you will see, in this particular case, the record executives were not the only ones to make a slap-dash decision. The Bootiques, wanting to flex their creative muscle, opted out of the song Columbia Records offered them for the A-Side of the single, and pushed to record their own material. Understandable, of course. "We said no -- egos and everything -- we wanted to record our own song," Ms. Costello said. They did just that and the proof of their endeavor, although difficult to find, does exist, thanks to an animated YouTube video created by someone unknown to Chris. While the animation is not theirs, the song, "Did You Get Your Fun," written by Ms. Costello in her best friend's bathroom (when she should have been studying for finals at her school, Marymount), is very much hers, along with the other singing members of The Bootiques. Click the link on the right -- it is a catchy tune and should be re-released because it could be a hit today. Toss in a few current dance moves, and you have a modern-day video. Oh, the song they opted out of? A little tune entitled, "Along Comes Mary," very successfully recorded by another up-and-coming group at the time called The Association. When I asked Ms. Costello about returning to the singing arena, her response was polite, emphatic and simple. "No," she quipped. Okay, moving on. Chris Costello seems to have never let the grass grow under her creative feet. Her jam-packed resume includes time as an entertainment publicist, handling make-up and special effects people in the film industry, and a singer with the Big Band sound of Bill Tole. Eventually, she was completely bitten by the cruise bug (yes, it can be contagious). Wait, there's more, which causes slight twinges of jealousy on my part. Ms. Costello is an avid garage sale fan -- vintage items are her favorite -- and given she lives in the heart of Hollywood-Land, she has many opportunities to take advantage of great garage sale finds. She and her friend, Brett, often find film industry items while trolling along in their shopping quests. Her strategy is typically to arrive late and take advantage of the absolute best deals. I was especially intrigued (totally jealous) of an item she acquired for a few measly bucks called a Table Crumb Scooper. You will still see these used in upscale restaurants, but hers is vintage. When garage sales are not on her horizon, she simply casts an eye to the Holy Grail of great deal opportunities, EBay. "EBay is great," Ms. Costello said. "I tell people who can't find my book, to look on Ebay, they have everything." Did I mention, she wrote a book? Indeed, she did, and in the twenty-plus years since publication, it has yet to receive a negative review. More about that in a minute. When I suggested that her diverse life deserved another book, it was met with another polite, but firm, "No. I spent four years researching and working on my book. It was fun, but another one, no." All work and no play, well you know how that goes. And sometimes you just have to get away from it all, even your passion. For Ms. Costello, that means a trip to Las Vegas about once a year. "I love having a Bailey's straight-up, while playing the slots," she said, with a laugh. Although she does not opt for the high-stakes machines, she does like to have some room around her while playing, so she has specific places to frequent while in Vegas. "I also love roulette. I once sat at a roulette table so long, when I got up my knees started to buckle," she laughed. But, through all the work and a little play, Ms. Costello has three very special things in her life: Her animals -- dog Tyler, and cats Cody and Dugan. "I got my love of animals from my mother (Ann)" she explained. "My love of gambling from my father." Oh, her father? The legendary, Lou Costello. Well, I did tell you there was more and that she was fascinating. She is also funny and very down-to-earth. You can find out for yourself, by meeting her in person on the next Abbott and Costello Cruise in 2017 on Royal Caribbean, find her travel page on Facebook, search for her book, Lou’s on First, on Amazon or Ebay, or find goodies at the Abbott and Costello Website. When you meet this charming lady, go ahead and back me up on that suggestion to write another book. What a read it would be, I believe. Bon Voyage and sail on! Related: Abbott and Costello Collectibles Lou's on First (Available on Amazon Books) |
Chris Costello (Credit: Chris Costello)
I enjoy introducing new people to cruising ... You can tell when they are new, they call the vessel a boat." 
Ms. Costello's cat, Cody (Credit: Chris Costello)
Chris checks out Bed and Breakfast locations for clients in Ocean City, N.J. (Credit: Chris Costello)
While the animation is not theirs, the song, "Did You Get Your Fun," written by Ms. Costello in her best friend's bathroom (when she should have been studying for finals at her school, Marymount), is very much hers, along with the other singing members of The Bootiques.
Ms. Costello performing with the Bill Tole Orchestra in Los Angeles. Tole portrayed Tommy Dorsey with the band in the Liza Minnelli film,
"New York, New York."
(Photo courtesy of Chris Costello) Photos courtesy of Chris Costello
Sister Paddy, left, Chris, center, and cousin Sherry Saxe
I specialize in all cruise travel. I have a Master Certification with CLIA (Cruise Line International) and am affiliated with IATA and ASTA.
Reader Comments"Five months ago 11 Family members decided to take a Family trip to Disney World, Fla..for 7 days.. As most know it takes some planning, as there are many parks and hotels and it’s a bit of a challenge to arrange on your own...That being said, we of course turned to Chris Costello...She and my cousin worked together to plan what was right for our group... I can tell you we had zero issues...No stone unturned... no surprises (except good one from Chris ) Of course knowing her I knew everything would run smoothly... Attached is the note I wrote when we returned to Ted the Owner of Excel the Travel Agency Chris works with...This was a wonderful family trip...Make some memories with your families too."
“Hi Ted "On March 4th myself and 10 other family members ventured on a family trip of a lifetime to Disney World...As you I’m sure know this trip was handled completely by Chris Costello..I’ll start by saying this vacation was 100% on the mark.../Chris had every single step covered for all of us...She worked with my family on making all the arrangements and alerted us on “time sensitive” dates as we approached our trip.../We had a few questions as we were planning the trip...she immediately gave us the answers...answering any and all questions we had...We never had to go after her she was always contacting us...Nothing went wrong and for such a large group you never know...Chris’ attentiveness to all the little details amazed my family..We are not so used this care here in New York...For Myself I know her and knew just how thorough she is in day to day life...Now they know too...what else can we say as I’m speaking for the entire group...All this and as pleasant as can be... We couldn’t ask for more! perhaps this photo below sums it up... Thank You for having Chris as part of your team...looking forward to more trips with Excel and of course our hero...Chris😎 Thank you❣️ -- Ginny C. Just read your article - quite nice! Yes, Chris is quite the professional...and travel agent extraodinaire., but not just cruises - land excursions as well. Sent my wife and I to South Africa a few years back and although I've been around the globe a number of times - this trip was "life changing". Next up - a cruise if not Aussie-land. I learned some great things about Ms. Costello given your article...thanks! -- Rich Wow. What a great article and excellent interview. Lou Costello' daughter? Way to slay us with that one. What an interesting lady. -- Don G. Chris is quite the achiever.....and in many areas. Anybody who loves animals, loves meeting new people, loves to travel is at the top in my book! It just happens that I share the same passions, as well. Isn't life great? Congratulations on a job well done! -- Kerry S. Ms Costello has certainly had a very interesting life! Whatever she tackles she gives 120%. Chris has a heart of gold and a sense of humor! Your story painted such a heartwarming picture of Chris and her life. Love you Chris! PS: We went to the same Catholic Grammar School. -- Josephine C-B Chris Comments"Pamela- You were one of the BEST interviewers I ever spoke with --- I'm serious! Could have gone on for another hour or two just talking." --Chris Costello
"It's rare being interviewed on what I do, as it's mostly on A&C. It was fun, and Pamela is an amazing interviewer and writer. Thank you Pamela Barker!" --Chris Costello |
The 2015 Abbott and Costello Cruise aboard Royal Caribbean's Independence of the Seas. The next A&C cruise will be in 2017.
(Credit: Chris Costello)
