Since the 90s, casinos have been popular parts of commercial maritime adventures. In fact, up to 28% of the cruise’s revenue can come from onboard facilities like the casino floor. Among the different games available, poker tables are some of the most exciting. Some of the best cruise ships like the Cunard Queen Mary 2, Carnival Conquest, and Oasis of the Sea are well-known for their extravagant poker floors. The Norwegian Cruise Line even has dedicated poker tournaments, and poker stars like Chris Moneymaker have been known to take part in these tournaments.

The cruise industry has begun returning to full capacity as travel bans loosen and borders reopen in the first few months of the year. In anticipation of this, here’s a handy guide for serious poker players who want to become high rollers on the high seas:

Find out which poker is played onboard

Experienced poker players know there are many varieties of the game. Being that cruise ships operate on international waters, lines often offer different poker variations that not all players may be adept at. For instance, in cruise ships that sail mostly around the Americas, Texas Hold‘em will be the top game, while for European cruises there is a chance that Omaha may be more popular. To ensure that you’re playing without a disadvantage, it’s important that you research all the poker terms for the variation that will be played on your cruise. These can include UTG, which stands for “under the gun” in flop games like Omaha poker and refers to the position immediately left of the big blind, as well as GG, which is an expression meaning “good game” in poker. This way, you won’t be thrown off when more nuanced lingo comes up.

Prepare your bankroll early

Prepping your poker bankroll in cruise casinos requires a bit more foresight. First, casinos on cruise ships can only be accessed when the ship is sailing. Therefore, before you even join a game, make sure you’ve prepared payment options that align with your cruise operator. In some liners like the Holland America Cruises, you can pay in advance with a credit card. On the other hand, on Celebrity Cruises you must pay in cash or via your onboard cruise account. Second, as a high roller, you’ll be allowed to play on tables where you can exceed the maximum bets allowed—about $5,000. So, make sure to inquire about the buy-in and betting opportunities for high-stakes games since these aren’t usually as readily stated. Knowing this will help you determine how much you should have ready.

Arrange a poker table first

The availability of high-stakes poker tables varies across cruise lines. Among cruise ship operators who specialize in card games like Card Player Cruises and World Poker Tour cruise, there are usually high-stakes tables ready. However, since most other cruise liners offer poker as a more casual affair, you may have to ask the pit boss to arrange a high roller match for you. In many cases, like on the Royal Caribbean International, if there are enough high rollers present, the casino can prepare a special game for you. In certain casinos, you can even be invited into a more upscale area of the floor where you and your fellow high rollers will be given extra privacy and security.

Expect the gameplay and payout to be different

Most activities are scheduled around major cruise events like live performances. But as a high roller, the casino will be happy to compromise on a time and game length for your table. This is matters because you might not be in your best condition, given that the poker games might be played at a faster pace and held at odd hours. What likely won’t be changed, though, is the payout approach. On many cruises, only the top three players receive their payout. Plus, up to one-third of your cash prize can go to the house. This serves as a “cut” that they receive for every buy-in. This must be accounted for so you can estimate how much you’ll be making from the large sums you will be playing.

If you’re a high roller looking for a fresh poker experience, a cruise ship may be the change-up you’re looking for. Although it’s not too different from traditional poker, the maritime ambiance, exotic ports, and slightly tweaked gameplay will be sure to keep you on your toes. For more information on luxury cruise travel, please visit the blog here.

If you want to travel internationally in the next six months and you don't have a passport or yours is set to expire in that time frame, act now to apply for one or renew yours.

Due to increased demand, a shortage of appointments and delays with the U.S. Post Service, the State Department now says that those applying for a new or renewed passport should expect to wait up to 18 weeks for their document. That wait time drops to 12 weeks if you pay $60 extra for expedited processing.

The delays have taken prospective travelers by surprise and many have turned to their elected representatives for help.

Summer air travel:Expect competitive airfares, non-stop flights and more

Travelers caught off guard by passport application delays

U.S. Rep. Greg Stanton (D-Ariz.) said his office is getting a tremendous number of requests for help with expedited passports.

Typically, Stanton’s staff processes 10-12 emergency passport requests from Phoenix residents in a month. The office received 20 last week alone.

“We want to make sure that people are aware of the new State Department recommendation to apply for the passport six months before planned travel,” Stanton said.

That means if you hope to travel late this fall or early next spring, the time to apply is now.

“We want to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to go on their long-planned vacations or see loved ones. If your passport did expire during the pandemic, it’s going to take a while to get that new one so we’re asking people to plan ahead,” Stanton said.

Passport appointments are hard to get

There are several reasons for the delays. State Department offices were closed for several months last year during the worst of the pandemic, and some people decided to hold off renewing their passports since most travel was on lockdown.

Combine those factors with the resurgence of confidence in travel and you get a big demand for passports. 

Most passport acceptance facilities — like post offices, clerks of court and public libraries — are back open and accepting applications but may have limited appointment availability. 

“Passport demand is considerable at the moment as customers in Phoenix and across the country look forward to expanded travel opportunities. We’re working to increase passport application availability, but USPS isn't the only passport agent of the State Department,” Rod Spurgeon, spokesperson for the USPS in Phoenix, said.

He urged first-time applicants to check for appointments at county clerks, libraries or State Department passport offices. If you just need to renew your passport, the State Department urges you to do that by mail. 

Long waits for postal returns

Typically, the State Department estimates that those applying for routine services can get their passport through the mail within 12 weeks. That timeline is six weeks if you pay the $60 fee to expedite it.

However, the processing time begins the day your application is received, not the day you mail it, and that's where passport seekers also are seeing delays.  

“Some of our service providers have been experiencing operational issues which result in delays in applications getting to our passport agencies and centers. These service providers include the U.S. Postal Service and the intake facility that processes payments and enters applications into our systems,” a State Department official said via email.

The department said that due to those delays “routine service can take up to 18 weeks from the day a customer submits their application to the day they receive a new passport," which includes six weeks' mailing time. 

If you choose expedited service, you should expect to wait up to 12 weeks for your new passport to arrive. 

What to do if you have an emergency

With those delays in mind, Stanton's office is urging people who think they may travel in the next six months to start the application process now.

If you have more pressing plans or an emergency, you have a couple of options if you need a new passport.

You can go to one of the State Department's passport agencies and get same-day service. But, that comes with a couple of caveats. 

First, you'll need an appointment, which are mostly reserved for cases involving life and death emergencies. Appointments can be made online at passportappointment.travel.state.gov/.

In an emergency, you also can reach out to your congressional representative's or senator's office for help. They have staff who help constituents navigate issues with government agencies, including the Department of State. 

If you’ve spent any amount of time travelling in the last few years, it can hardly have escaped your notice that cruising has gone from being a niche interest at best to being big business, with close to 30 million cruise passengers a year and over a million jobs supported by the industry. It’s no longer a cheesy getaway for touristy families. Cruising has upped their design, improved their food offerings, expanded their ports, and enhanced their offerings. Thus, attracting a more diverse crowd.

So whether you’re hopping on a short-term cruise in your local harbor or whether you’re booking your place on a ship to tropical Jamaica, you’ve come to the right place! Here’s what you need to know about planning your first cruise vacation.

What to know about planning a cruise vacation

1.       You can order “off the menu”

Most cruise providers will offer up a standard itinerary for you to customize, but the very best will also allow you to further tailor your itinerary and to arrange your own excursions. You don’t have to book land excursions with the cruise line. Consider booking with local tour companies or making your own fun. Take a cab to the rainforest, or rent a Jeep to drive to the beach a little further to enjoy the sunshine away from the cruise crowd. Just bear in mind that if you’re late back to the ship, they might set sail without you.

2.     Pack a carry on

Many first time cruisers don’t realize that your luggage can take a few hours to arrive at your room. Be sure to pack a carry-on with your essentials so you can start your vacation as soon as you arrive on board. A few things you might want to pack- your reusable water bottle, sunscreen, your bathing suit, a change of clothes, medications and your toiletries.

3.     It’s all about the home comforts

Most cruise providers go out of their way to make your stay as comfortable as possible, but even the high-end ones can’t make up for the lack of home comforts. If you plan to cruise for more than a couple of days, consider bringing your favorite pillow if you have space so that you can create a home away from home.

4.       Booking early avoids disappointment

We’re not just talking about the availability of the cruises and the excursions here. As a general rule, the earlier you book, the cheaper it will be and the wider your choices will be when specifying activities and optional extras. Make sure to include flex time in your plans so that it doesn’t feel like you’re jumping from one thing to the next. “At Sea Days” are great for flex time.

5.       Planning isn’t an optional extra

As opposed to other types of holiday where you can often just arrive in a foreign city and explore at your leisure, cruises require a certain amount of planning. Consider taking advantage of apps – both free and paid – which are designed to make planning easier and more accessible. If you don’t plan, you’ll miss out on opportunities and fail to take advantage of everything that cruising has to offer.

Conclusion

These are just a few of my top tips for planning, prepping your carry-on and getting ready to head off on a cruise, but they should be enough to get you started. Now it’s time for you to finalize the last few details and to book your cruise. I’d also love to hear from you, so if you have any cruising tips of your own then be sure to share them. I’ll see you on the sea!

As you’ve probably heard, CLIA (Cruise Lines International Association) has voluntarily suspended operations of its member lines until September 15 due to Covid-19. If your cruise in the next few months has not been canceled yet, it soon will. With the virus very much alive - and even re-surging in parts of the U.S. - and so much future uncertainty, you may be wondering about the likelihood of any cruises taking place at all through the end of 2020 and beyond.

The good news is that Cruise Lines have Introduced temporary flexible cancellation and change policies and are even extending final payment dates, allowing guests options and more time to decide whether to postpone or cancel. This is a huge advantage over the normal policies usually in place, which only allow for cancellations or changes without penalty 90 days or more prior to departure.

Cruises Canceled by the Cruise Line due to Suspension of Operations:

If your currently-booked cruise has been affected by the suspension through September 15 due to Covid-19, or your cruise line has canceled any other sailing you may have reserved in the next few months due to port closures and the like, you have two options, depending on the cruise line:

• Change the sailing to a new future date with no penalty. In return for loyalty, the guest would be offered a generous amount of bonus future cruise credit toward the new cruise, and perhaps an additional amount of onboard credit. If the guest wants to cruise at another time, but is not sure when or where there next cruise will be, the cruise line would hold the funds as FCC (future cruise credit) which would be applied to the cruise once the guest decides on a new sailing, and apply bonus credits at that time.
• Cancel the cruise outright for a full refund. In this case, the guest receives return of the full fare, taxes and fees, plus any money paid for pre-booked excursion, pre-paid gratuities, etc. In most case, no bonus credits would be rewarded.

Cruise Booked for a Date Following the End of the Cruise Suspension

Let’s say you have a cruise booked for the end of 2020 or into 2021, but you are having doubts about whether or not it will depart, you’re anxious about the future of the virus situation, or your waiting for a Coronavirus vaccine to be introduced by the CDC. Maybe you’re wondering if the risk is too great or your financial situation has changed. Whatever your situation, most cruise lines have similar no-risk cancellation or rescheduling options in place should you decide later to cancel:

• Cancel up to 24-48 hours prior to sailing with no risk. Any penalty that would normally have been assessed would be given in the form of FCC (future cruise credit) to be used on any future cruise of the guests choice.

• Change the date to a new date without penalty. In return, and to keep the client coming back at another date, the guest would be offered a generous amount of bonus future cruise credit toward the new cruise, and sometimes an additional amount of onboard credit.

Don’t Rush to Cancel

If you have a cruise booked in late 2020, 2021 or beyond, and you are waiting to see how the world health situation pans out, that’s a valid choice. The relaxed cancellation/change policies will most likely remain in effect while the world waits to see how the Pandemic plays out. Pulling the trigger on a booking too soon, may cost you money - not necessarily with the cruise line given its lenient cancellation policy, but with any flights or hotels you have reserved. Cancelling a flight too soon, for instance, could trigger a hefty penalty. A better plan would be to wait until the cruise line cancels the cruise. If your cruise is cut by the cruise line due to Covid-19, the airline will then offer a penalty waiver, allowing you to cancel or change the flight to a later date.

It’s important to remember that the amended Covid-19 cancel/change policies are only temporary and may differ across the cruise lines. Before making a decision, it’s important for cruisers to review their cruise line’s Covid-19 cancellation policy to see exactly what they will gain or lose by cancelling or changing plans. In most cases, you’ll find updated policies posted on the home page of the supplier’s website.

If you have questions about canceling, it’s best to call your line directly (or your travel agent, if you’ve chose one to handle your cruise vacation) to discuss your options before making a decision. A word of warning: Due to shorter hours, understaffing and agents’ working from home, hold times for customer service are extremely long during these unprecedented times. Be patient, or if you are lucky, you might have a travel agent that has your back. It’s their job to contact the cruise line for you and assist you in obtaining your refund, making a change or otherwise advocate on your behalf. A travel agent might have a quicker route to your refund.

Refunds  

Don't expect an instant refund if you decide to cancel. In fact, a vast amount of patience will be required on your part. Due to the unprecedented number of cancellations, refunds are taking weeks to months. Allow up to 90 days for any refunds to be returned to your credit card.

One day it will be safe to cruise again. Until then, it’s good to know you have some options if you decide to plan now and cruise later!

~~~~~~~~~

By Janice Neves, CruiseCrazies Authorized Agent

Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more

For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com

Cruising is an exotic way to explore different parts of the world after unpacking only once. While the journey is generally favourable, boarding into and alighting from the ship can be stressful. The early wake-up time, as well as the long queue to and from the port can prove to be exhausting. This is especially the case if you're used to a different time zone. To keep the excitement going, pre and post-cruise activities can come to the rescue. 

Immersive cultural tour

Spending extra time roaming the streets, conversing with locals, and trying out their cuisine is a remarkable way to immerse deeper into a nation’s culture. Additional two hours to a couple of days at your home port will allow your body to adjust to the new place, making the experience less exhausting.  Many cruise liners offer complimentary tours to different beautiful cities and museums just around your boarding site. For an ultimately convenient exploration, most of these packages also take care of luggage storage, transportation, and airport transfers. Make sure you get a souvenir on the way. As long as it reminds you of the beautiful place you saw and the people you've met, even an inexpensive find is good enough. 

Relaxing leisure activities

Activities that spell fun is different for everyone. What most cruise lines and travel agencies do is they vary the activities available for your choosing. Many packages for pre and post-cruise stays include golf at a choice country club, spa and fitness deals, a luxurious dining experience, and a remarkable hotel stay. If you are cruising with your family, certain packages include playtimes for children. This can be good for couples who need alone time while the kids are well taken care of. 

If you have a more unique idea of fun, you can take matters into your own hands. Retail therapy abroad is enjoyable in many ways, especially if you've got much cash to spare. After months of hard work, splurging on yourself is a form of self-love. With this, you get to enjoy limited edition stocks unique to a country without having to spend on a travel deal.

Hassle-free live shows and entertainment

If you are into live concerts, musicals, and theatre-plays, there are many packaged deals available for you! You can choose the show depending on your homeport or adjust your cruise to your favourite artist! If you're more of the nightclub guy and gal, worry not. Many hotel deals make the best bars and clubs accessible, giving you enough time to party and connect with both locals and other tourists! If you're up for a grander partying, you can organize an exclusive event for your friends from around the globe. Party houses to rent make partying and other celebrations possible anywhere you are. Although there's a lot of planning involved, connecting plans like these to your cruise's itinerary can be the best experience ever. 

Whether you're a newbie or a pro at cruising, tough embarkations and disembarkations can be exhausting. Elevate your experience from "just okay" to "OMG" through your favourite pre and post cruising activities.

However, while you are wandering around a new city or port it's easy to lose track of time - and cruise ships won't always wait.

Rules differ between cruise lines, but captains will take into account the number of people missing, the planned arrival times and other factors before deciding to leave someone behind.

(The exception is if you're on an excursion organised by the ship, in which case they will wait for you).

So what do you do if you lose track of time, and find yourself still ashore while your ship sails away?  It's understandably a stressful situation, but it doesn't necessarily mean your holiday is over, or that you're stuck.  Check out our guide - including top things to take with you each time you step off the ship.

Things you should carry

Copies of travel documents: Your passport, driver's licenses, credit cards (both sides). If you're planning on leaving any of these in your cabin, it's worth taking copies with you. Keep them separate just in case of pick pockets though!

List of important phone numbers: have the phone numbers of your cruise ship, port agent (these are often listed on the daily schedules on board), your cruise line/tour operator's customer service department, and your travel insurance provider.

What to do if you miss the cruise ship

You've missed the ship. So what do you do now? Here are the first steps to take...

1. Find the port agent

The ships' port agents will be able to help stranded passengers sort their onward travel, including flights and hotel bookings at the next destination where you can meet the ship.

Unfortunately, this will all be at your own expense.

2. Call the ship

No, calling the ship won't mean it will turn back to come and get you.

But it will be useful as they will know where you are, and you can find out where the ship is headed so you can catch it up.It's also worth asking what they've done with your belongings. Some cruise lines see that passengers are late and pack up their stuff to leave at the port, while others keep belongings on board.

Check so that if you do catch the cruise ship up at the next port of call, you don't find out your belongings were left back at the other stop!

3. Contact your tour operator and travel insurance provider

Get that list of phone numbers out, and contact your tour operator/cruise line's customer service, and your travel insurance provider.  They should be able to help you make arrangements to get to the next port of call including flights if necessary, as well as hotels when an overnight stay is required.  Again, unfortunately this will be at your own expense.

4. In some cases, accept defeat

You may want to accept defeat and make travel arrangements to get home. (Or, if you do need a silver lining, plan an impromptu stay at the port where you've ended up). If you do decide to return home and your belongings are on the ship, you'll need to get in touch with the cruise line.  They will usually ship these back to your address - but again, this will be at your expense.

There is nothing more likely to put you off your breakfast than waltzing into the ship’s self-service early one morning to see three crew dressed head to toe in protective clothing swabbing tables, chairs and carpets.

No one would tell me what had happened but I had a good idea.

Norovirus. Whisper the word, because it’s the one thing no one wants to talk about on ships as it could upset not just your tummy but also your cruise.

Known as the winter vomiting bug (although it can strike any time of year), norovirus causes projectile vomiting, diarrhoea, headaches and stomach cramps, and spreads like wildfire if given half a chance.

It’s dubbed a "cruise ship illness" because it makes the headlines when it breaks out on a ship, as it did at the end of last week.

Some 277 passengers and crew on Royal Caribbean International’s Oasis of the Seas – one of the world’s largest cruise ships – were struck down by norovirus while sailing the Caribbean. The cruise was cut short, passengers received a full refund and the crew set about deep-cleaning the ship before the next passengers arrived.

But to be very clear: the bug is just as prevalent in schools, retirement homes and hospitals – in fact anywhere with a lot of people in a confined space.

The Cruise Lines International Association (CLIA) said statistics show the risk of getting norovirus on land is one in 15. On a ship it’s one in 5,500.

Those are pretty good odds but bugs in hospitals are nowhere near as sensational as those on cruise ships.

The timing of the outbreak on Oasis was very unfortunate given just five days earlier the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that the incidence of norovirus on ships had halved in 2018 vs the previous year.

Can norovirus be stopped?

In a word, no. But cruise lines do their level best to prevent it. During the safety drills held before sailing, everyone is urged to wash hands often and use the sanitising gels provided before entering restaurants. P&O Cruises offers extra advice on a video on the in-cabin TV channels.

On one Holland America Line cruise, no one was allowed to serve themselves in the buffet for two days after embarkation. Once they were sure no one was showing signs of illness, normal service was resumed.

Crew are constantly cleaning surfaces and handrails (on Cruise & Maritime Voyages’ ships, one crew member is assigned to each stairwell and spends all day every day cleaning the banisters from top to bottom).

Several lines have outlawed shaking hands with officers at the captain’s welcome party. After all, the one person you really don’t want to get norovirus is the captain. He did on one river cruise I was on, along with about a dozen passengers.

I think we have a Code Red

That’s the not-so-secret secret term that indicates an infectious disease is on board and the ship is in lockdown. All meals in the buffet will now be served, doors to the public toilets will be left open so no one has to touch the handles, the library will be closed and the crew roped in to a non-stop cleaning and disinfecting regime.

Anyone diagnosed with the virus or feeling unwell will be requested to stay in their cabin. Meals will be delivered, but more important is to drink as much water as possible to avoid dehydration.

The good news is that most people get better within three days.

How do I avoid catching norovirus? The NHS says good hygiene will lower your risk, but admits there are “no guarantees” you will not get ill.

If there is a outbreak, step up the hand washing regime. It should be top of the hygiene list anyway - especially after using the toilet, before eating and when coming back on board after an excursion – but a few more washes won’t go amiss.

There are a few other dos: 

• Use the bathroom in your cabin wherever possible. If you do use the public facilities, open doors with the tissues provided. 
• Avoid touching banisters (keep a tissue handy to use if it’s a bit rocky).
• Use a knuckle to call lifts rather than touching the buttons with your fingers. Better still, use the stairs.

And a few don’ts:

• Don’t think hand sanitisers are an alternative to soap and water. They are an added precaution but they don’t fight the noro bug, according to the CDC.
• Don’t shake hands with anyone, not even the captain. On Azamara Cruise Club the officers “fist-bump” passengers. Frankly, a friendly hello is far better.
• Is there an element of paranoia here? For sure. But if they keep the bug at bay, surely that’s no bad thing.

By Jane Archer, The Telegraph
Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more
For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com

With the ever increasing rise of cruising in the Australian market, SureSave is passionate about ensuring all agents are well equipped to inform customers on the best travel insurance options to meet their needs.

Recently Australian Cruising News were able to sit down with Matt Endycott, Head Of Agency Sales At Suresave and ask him some of the questions that need to be answered when it comes to travel insurance and cruising.

Matt Endycott, Head of Agency Sales at SureSave, says,

“An increasing number of Australian travellers are either regular cruisers, or are considering a cruise for their next holiday. Travellers look to their agent for all sorts of cruising options, from booking the right type of cruise for them, through to the most suitable travel insurance policy. It’s essential that agents explain the importance of travel insurance, and its benefits in real-life cruise scenarios, to ensure customers are adequately protected against the unexpected.”

The majority of SureSave’s cruise claims (78.4%) relate to medical expenses. These claims range from relatively minor and common cases, including motion sickness and minor slips, to more serious conditions requiring further medical treatment. Luggage claims account for 13.4% of cruise claims, usually relating to lost property such as sunglasses and prescription glasses, and for damaged goods such as phones and cameras. In addition, the remaining claims consist of 6.7% for cancellation and 1.5% for delayed or missed transport.

Understanding travel insurance for domestic cruises.

“It’s important for travellers to choose a policy that provides an appropriate level of cover. One of the most common causes for confusion is medical cover on a cruise between Australian ports,” says Endycott.

While a domestic policy can provide cover for a range of other, non-medical expenses, an international policy can additionally offer cover for medical expenses incurred on board a cruise ship outside of Australian waters or overseas.

Although travellers might be cruising in Australian waters, once off-shore, they may not be covered by Medicare, leaving them to foot the bill if they’re uninsured. This is also true regardless of whether the cruise provider is an Australian company, or a foreign company.

This is because cruise ships often employ international doctors who may not be registered to practice in Australia, so any on-board treatment provided by them doesn’t meet the criteria for Medicare cover. To be sure, it’s worth contacting the cruise provider to confirm whether Medicare covers treatment on board their ship.

Medical treatment costs when cruising can quickly run into the thousands.

Whilst the average cruise claim is around $800, expenses can run into the thousands, or even hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the level of treatment required. One of the most expensive cruise claims we’ve seen came to over $270,000 which included transport from the cruise ship to a hospital at the nearest port, two months of hospitalisation and medical expenses for treatment overseas, then repatriation home with medical escorts.

Getting to a hospital from the middle of the ocean is a challenge.

If a traveller needs urgent medical treatment that can’t be provided on board the ship, it can be tricky to get them to the nearest medical facility from the middle of the ocean. Emergency helicopter evacuations and treatment at a foreign hospital tends to be very expensive and can put travellers out of pocket quickly if they don’t have travel insurance.

Cancellation cover: timing is everything.

Purchasing travel insurance at the same time as booking a cruise could protect travellers should they need to cancel a cruise prior to their departure, or should they need to cut their trip short.

“If travellers have to cancel their cruise at any time in the lead up to their holiday, there’s a chance they could be out of pocket for part or all of their pre-paid booking if they’re not insured. Cruises can be expensive holidays, so it’s worth taking the time to organise cover early,” added Endycott.

However, cancellation claims don’t just happen pre-trip. If a traveller has to cut their trip short, potentially missing out on pre-paid tours or shore excursions, then travel insurance could help recover some of these losses too.

“We had one cruise traveller fall ill during the early days of a back-to-back cruise holiday. He received medical advice not to travel for at least a month, meaning that he and his companion had to cut their trip short. Thankfully, we were able to cover his medical expenses on the ship, as well as the $19,000 in costs to cancel the rest of the trip.”

Additional benefits.

SureSave’s international policy can also cover a broad range of events that apply to cruising including:

•             Flight delays and getting to your cruise on time;

•             A cruise line becomes Insolvent;

•             A cruise is delayed from leaving due to mechanical problems;

•             Formal wear is lost, stolen or damaged;

•             Policy holder is made redundant prior to embarking on a cruise;

•             Missing a shore excursion due to a cruise delay; and

•             Medical evacuation from a ship.

“The value of travel insurance is not only financial; it’s about the reassurance of having a support team on hand at all times. Our Sydney-based emergency assistance team, WE Assist, has been involved in multiple cruising claims, liaising with on the ground services, navigating language barriers, coordinating transport and ensuring treatment facilities meet our standards of care,” said Endycott.

This is a brief summary of cover only and does not include full terms, conditions, limitations and exclusions. For more information on SureSave, please visit https://www.suresave.com.au/.

Information supplied by: Suresave and www.australiancruisingnews.com.au The HOME Of Australian Cruising!

Many people – including lots of older adults – will cruise into summer with a vacation at sea. Although exciting, an expert at Baylor College of Medicine says the elderly and their family members should plan in advance for their cruise trips.

“Cruises can provide a wonderful vacation experience for seniors, but it is important that they are aware of their health and safety,” said Dr. Angela Catic, assistant professor in the Huffington Center on Aging at Baylor.

Planning your cruise

When planning their cruise, elder adults should consider booking a room close to an area of the ship that they anticipate using most, such as the dining room or pool area, to minimize the amount they need to walk. Many ships also offer accessible staterooms with wider doors, walk-in showers, grab bars and other accommodations. If needed, elders should request these accommodations when booking.

“If elders have specific needs, they should discuss these with cruise staff prior to booking to ensure they can be accommodated. Elders traveling with family members or a companion may wish to request adjoining staterooms with a connecting door,” she added.

Cruise ships can be very large, and if elders use an assistive device such as a cane or walker for long distances, they should bring it on the ship. Some older adults may even want to consider a lightweight travel wheelchair to use for longer distances.

It’s also important to be prepared for a variety of indoor and outdoor climates. Catic suggests packing these items for protection: 

• Sunscreen
• Protective lip balm
• Sunhat
• Sunglasses
• Sweaters or wraps to keep warm
• Comfortable, non-slip shoes to reduce their risk of falling
• An extra weeks worth of medication in carry-on luggage

She also said that older adults should speak with their medical provider about treatment for possible motion sickness prior to embarking on a cruise.

Setting sail

Cruise ships offer guests a variety of excursions to choose from when they dock at their travel destination. When selecting an excursion, elders should select ones that they feel fit their physical abilities. If the cruise is lengthy in duration, elder adults may wish to consider forgoing excursions for one day to rest and take advantage of the ship amenities. This can help to prevent them from becoming overly tired.

For many people, the large variety of food is part of the fun of cruising. However, many people indulge in excess food and alcohol while on cruises. Elders should also be mindful that alcohol is more potent as we age. “They should be mindful of how excess food and alcohol can interact with their medications and chronic health issues and exercise moderation. If elders have special dietary needs, they should inform the cruise line of these at the time they book their cruise,” Catic said.

Back on land

Some individuals may feel dizzy or feel an ongoing rocking sensation after they return to land following a cruise. This may be accompanied by fatigue, unsteadiness, nausea and ringing in the ears. If impacted, elders should seek medical attention so that other causes of the symptoms can be ruled out and prescription treatment options considered. 

Once elder adults return from a cruise, they should take time to rest up from their adventure. “It is important for them to resume a healthful diet, get plenty of sleep and resume any routine exercise program,” she said.

By Jeannette Sanchez, Baylor College of Medicine
Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more
For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com

When it comes to planning a cruise, looking at the ship's dining options is as important (okay, almost as important) as deciding where you want to sail. Thanks to multiple onboard restaurants, there are more food choices than there are cruise ships, which can lead to information overload and lots of confusion about what is and isn't included with your cabin fare and what's worth the extra fee. For instance, Norwegian's Getaway includes six free restaurants with cabin fare, and allows cruisers to pay a la carte (or buy packages) for a whopping 16 additional restaurants. Lucky for you, we've eaten our way across a whole fleet of cruise ships and know the ins and outs of dining at sea. Read on for our tips and tricks on how to make the most out of your cruise ship dining experience.

Buy a dining package.

Are you the type of person who centers their vacation around trying new flavors or do you prefer tried-and-true familiar foods? Do you want to sit down at a reserved time for waiter service or would you rather eat whenever you feel like it at a self-serve buffet? Or, perhaps you want to enjoy a mix of both. Luckily, most major cruise ships cater to both types of diners, but to ensure you're getting the best experience for the best price, consider purchasing a dining package. Royal Caribbean offers packages that include three, four, five, or unlimited specialty restaurant visits with savings of up to 40 percent and special deals for kids. There are some limits on visiting the same restaurant more than once, and booze and soda will still cost extra (of course, there are beverage packages for purchase as well). It's easy to supplement the specialty dining with the free restaurants. Royal Caribbean's Allure of the Seas offers free dining at three main dining rooms, a cafe, bistro, and hot dog joint.

Free doesn't always mean casual.

Cruise ships have become very serious about providing multiple free and quality restaurants to their guests. Though you'll still find some less-than-stellar buffets (especially on budget cruises), most of the mid-range and up ships are in the gourmet game. Taste and Savor on the Norwegian Breakaway serve all-inclusive contemporary American and international dishes in semi-formal dining rooms with white tablecloths and cloth napkins. If you've ever dreamt of ordering the steak and the salmon entrees, this is your opportunity. And why not try every dessert on the menu while you're at it? Service isn't stuffy, but it's definitely a step up from the buffet line.

Make reservations before sailing.

Many specialty restaurants get booked up prior to the sailing. For instance, all Carnival cruise ships offer a 14- or 16-person Chef's Table experience for an extra fee. The reservation-only meal consists of eight courses served with Champagne and house wine. Diners are guided through each course, and some guests book this experience on every cruise they take. Other small restaurants, like show kitchens and sushi bars, also have limited seating and fill up well before the sailing begins. Another key aspect to watch for is at-sea days. Since every cruiser will be onboard, the most popular restaurants fill up fast.

Don't worry if you're a picky eater.

We get it, not everyone is a foodie. That said, many cruise ships have partnered with beloved chain restaurants and celebrity chefs to give passengers a taste of home at sea. Partnerships with celebrated chefs like Thomas Keller, Jamie Oliver, and Nobu have ramped things up for fine-dining. More casual options include Jimmy Buffett's Margaritaville on some Norwegian lines, Guy's Burger Joint on some Carnival lines, and Starbucks and Johnny Rockets on some Royal Caribbean ships. Even if your ship doesn't have a chain restaurant, try to think of the all-inclusive dining establishments (many don't allow reservations anyway) as several kitchens you can access. For instance, walk into Shanghai Noodle Bar on Norwegian Breakaway for some pre-dinner apps before having a lighter meal at Savor. The ship's sports bar, O'Sheehan's Neighborhood Bar & Grill, makes excellent nachos for a post-swim snack. And don't forget the kids' corner at the buffet station, where you can always find burgers, hot dogs, fries, fried fish, and soft-serve ice cream.

Look carefully at the menus.

While it may seem noteworthy that a cruise ship has several restaurants, keep in mind that some of them are serving the same food in different surroundings. The Emerald Princess has three main dining rooms: Michelangelo, Da Vinci, Botticelli -- each serving identical breakfast, lunch, and dinner choices. On the Norwegian Sky, guests can choose to grab their own waffles from the buffet at Garden Cafe or have the exact same waffles served to them at the Italian restaurant, Il Adagio. This isn't necessarily a bad thing, but it does cut down on the wow factor.

Befriend your waiter.

If you're on a cruise ship with assigned seating and meal times (available on Princess cruises), your table location, dinner companions, waiter, and waiter's assistant will remain the same for the entire trip. The best thing you can do in this situation (which cruisers tend to either love or loathe) is make friends with your waiter on the first night. Don't be afraid to tip right away, ensuring excellent service. Beyond taking your order, waiters can also help with dietary requirements and learn your preferences for food and wine recommendations. Let them know if you're celebrating something special, like a birthday. Cruise ship waitstaff is trained to go above and beyond, and you might be surprised how far they can go.

By Osyter.com via Good Morning America
Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more
For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com

It’s so easy for David Kirkland's family and friends to cruise for less, it seems like the cruise lines are paying them to take a vacation!

While they spend practically nothing, David just shakes his head in utter disbelief as he watches what others just like you are spending for your cruise vacation.  But now, the shocking truth will be exposed in David's revolutionary guide on how to cruise for less – the same guide that has the cruise industry trembling at the knees.

David was a hard-working 3-Stripe Officer for 10 years at a major cruise line…

…until he was forced to quit because he no longer wanted to trick passengers into spending obscene amounts of money!  He took a stand and his job was threatened.  This guide is his response to that threat.  With David's extensive industry knowledge, he has published this astonishing, one-of-a-kind guide on how you can save a boatload of money on every cruise you ever take – the secrets that could only come from someone within the industry.

David is absolutely certain that once you’ve read his guide, you will be left COMPLETELY SHOCKED AND SPEECHLESS at just how much you’ve been misled, overcharged and even flat out deceived by the cruise lines.

David guarantees you that this information will absolutely transform the way you cruise like nothing else out there.  Also, David insists that this guide will work with any cruise line, any ship, and any itinerary worldwide!

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It's pizza and croissants and desserts, Oh My!

There's nothing like luxury cruising. But as my husband Bill would tell you, "There's a cookie around every corner." It's absolutely no fun to disembark a ship when you're 10 pounds heavier than when you got on. Let's face it, when you travel -- even in lavish luxury -- your diet-and-fitness routine usually takes its own vacation.

It’s easy to see how it happens: In their desire to pamper and delight you, luxury cruise lines offer oceans of opportunities to eat, eat, eat – with belt-loosening breakfasts, lard-laden lunches, and calorie-ascending dinners, along with snacks and room service of pizza, ice cream, coffee drinks, cookies, and everything else on the fattening food chain. On all-inclusive cruises, your wine and fruity cocktails are also in the mix -- literally. Those tactics will certainly ensure that you never again fit into your made-to-measure Chanel suit or your custom silk jacket from a high-end Hong Kong tailor.

Keeping the pounds off and staying fit on any cruise line is always a challenge.  There's an old anecdote that the average weight gain on a cruise ship is one pound per day.  Yikes! So, how to not get fat on a cruise ship -- especially an extended cruise or World Cruise? Try these tips so you don’t get detoured on The Road To Sveltesville. Here’s how -- and believe me, you won't miss the bloat, especially when you wear all of your new designer resort clothes.

1). Prepare In Advance.

After booking your cruise and prior to boarding, let the cruise line know that you crave special dietary requests. Typically, my husband Bill and I, before boarding, ask for nonfat, 90-calorie yogurts, 30-calorie almond milk, and 35-calorie diet bread, to be available for us, and placed in the refrigerator in our stateroom. At lunch we will typically bring the bread with us, instead of being tempted by the oh-so-delicious hot loaf on the table that's fresh out of the oven. Edie Rodriguez, a veteran cruiser who's worked in the industry for more than 30 years, and Brand Chairman, Americas, for Ponant cruises, says, "Staying thin on a cruise ship is a constant battle and a challenge." Her strategy? Not eating any bread, and drinking lots of water.  She adds, "You can order healthy options on a cruise ship if you have the discipline -- and you don't order the chocolate lava cake."

When onboard, I also request nuts, fresh fruit and raisins to be delivered to my stateroom, so I always have options that I can indulge in, after skipping breakfast and having a light lunch. I'm a diehard dieter, and even at 62 years old I'm still a size four -- and these tactics really work for me. Believe me, it's not easy -- but it is doable if you set your mind to it.

2). Bring Your Own Slimming Snacks.

Yes, cruise ships offer an overabundance of food, usually loaded with calories. But if you want to indulge without the bulge, bring some of your own healthy snacks, so you’re not tempted by pepperoni pizza at 3 PM, an hour or so after you’ve eaten lunch. I always bring smart snacks when I travel, especially because I always require fuel before my 5PM daily one-hour workout. (At hotels, these are also very good choices instead of the overpriced and fattening selections in the minibar.)

3). Order Special-Request Foods.

Right after embarkation we typically meet with the chef, to tell him that we always crave low-calorie, non-fat foods, and to see what he can create for us. In fact, many luxury cruise lines even have a dedicated “special-request chef,” who is there to accommodate your needs – whether it’s for gluten-free, sugar-free or low-calorie foods. Here’s what else we do: Since we love a good tuna fish sandwich, we go on board with our own jar of lowfat mayonnaise, which the Food and Beverage department stores in their kitchen refrigerator. That’s what the chefs use when they make our special-order sandwiches for lunch, and they’re guilt-free and gourmet. It's just like having your own private chef.

4). Bring A Special Low-Cal Recipe.

Perhaps you have a favorite low-calorie item from the Hungry Girl website? Or you just love Grandma’s tomato sauce? Or want a beloved veggie burger? Bring the recipe onboard, because cruise lines are all-too-happy to accommodate your special requests and serve you something extraordinary. Luxury cruise lines love going the extra mile to offer you outstanding service and cuisine -- it's a point of pride.

5). Order Healthy Dinners.

Many cruise lines today offer special lowfat items on the menu. In fact, on Oceania Cruises, which has a Canyon Ranch SpaClub onboard, there are even delectable low-cal Canyon Ranch spa entrees on every menu (also listing the calorie counts and nutritional information). For example, a sample dinner is mixed greens and watercress with mustard-seed dressing (55 calories); clear capon broth (100 calories); and entree of steamed Maine lobster with saffron rice (330 calories). Try it – it won’t feel like a diet. Thereare also a huge variety of vegan options on Oceania -- everything from chocolate-cherry muffins for breakfast, lunch of gazpacho and lasagna, and dinner of stir-fried veggies in coconut milk and lemongrass. No matter what you order, you’ll get the full plate of fantastic. These healthy choices definitely do not feel like denial.

But if nothing on the menu floats your boat, just do what I do: I happily order lean protein (such as a grilled rosemary chicken breast or shrimp loaded with herbs), a dry-grilled vegetable, and a baked potato (yes, with butter) plus a bowl of fresh berries for dessert. Voila! You can also bring your own packets of fat-free salad dressing, and save calories, since many cruise line salad dressings can be high-calorie. I order my packets through  the travel-sized superstore minimus.biz. I also bring flavored water packets, so I’m not tempted by fattening umbrella drinks. I also typically have a standing order, every night, for lowfat ratatouille, the French dish of squash and eggplant in tomato sauce. This delicious vegetable side order makes taste without the waist. If you must indulge, and the creamy risotto is calling your name, try this: Take just two bites of something sinful and savor every mouthful. Your thighs will thank you for it.

6). Do What Veteran Cruise Experts Do.

Mary Jean Tully is the owner of Tully Luxury Travel, an award-winning travel agency that is the Number One luxury cruise seller in North America. What does this avid cruiser do to stay thin? Ms. Tully told me that she has the waiters leave the bread off the table so she obviates temptation, and usually orders the spa cuisine. Next, she pre-books and pre-pays her exercise sessions with a personal trainer on the ship, so that she’s committed to working out – and can’t back out. That tactic ensures that she stays fit and trim.

In addition, most luxury cruise lines have fabulous gyms where you can exercise to your heart's content, and even take complimentary yoga and Pilates classes to burn calories.

7). Walk The Decks.

Even if you hate to exercise, it’s fun and easy to walk the upper decks of a cruise ship, to show your body who’s boss. Tasting the salt air, admiring the view, moving your body – and still fitting into your Dolce & Gabbana bathing suit – that’s a good feeling. Afterwards, reward yourself with a professional massage in the spa. Another tip? Skip the cruise elevators and always take the stairs. Remember: One of the great benefits of exercising every day is that it lets you eat a little bit more, so you can treat yourself now and then.

8). Save The Best For Last.

Luxury cruising will seem even more special if you save your calories, and then indulge just one or two times with a favorite entrée, a fattening cocktail, or special dessert (or both). I usually plan on eating a high-fat food -- such as decadent carrot cake or Nutella gelato -- for the last day of the trip, or the second-to-the-last day, so I have something really noteworthy to look forward to throughout the sailing. The upshot? I get to return home – without any guilt – and without having to go on a diet. If you're like me, you'll appreciate that you can still fit into your skinny jeans, even when vacation's over.

Debbi K. Kickham is author of 'The Globetrotter's Get-Gorgeous Guide.' Follow her on Twitter at @SATWgal.

By Debbi Kickham, Forbes
Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more
For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com

If your goal is to have a fun vacation while sticking to a budget, cruising is a smart option to consider. Cruises offer lodging, food, and entertainment for a single price. And since you get to avoid the costs of trains or air travel in between destinations, cruising is one of the most affordable ways to visit multiple cities (and even countries) in a single trip. If you're lucky and can drive to your departure port instead of flying, cruising can even be downright cheap.

There are plenty of ways to save even more on a cruise. For example, booze lovers can buy a drink package or look for cruises that offer drinks for free. Planning your own excursions can also help you save, since day trips are often cheaper when booked off the ship. Having a credit card that earns cruise rewards can be a big money-saver, too, allowing you to earn hundreds of dollars worth of discounts on cruises. (See also: Are Cruise Line Rewards Programs Worth It?)

Then there are things you can bring with you to save money. But what can you bring and what can't you? We reached out to frequent cruisers and travel experts to find out.

1. Laundry detergent

If you're going on a long cruise, you might need more clean clothing than you want to pack. In this case, it can help to bring your own single samples of detergent for hand washing.

"Packing your own detergent helps to save money in two ways — it allows you to do laundry in your cabin bathroom without the need to pay to use onboard laundry services, and it also helps to cut down on the amount of clothing packed, to help save on any baggage fees for those flying to port," says Colleen McDaniel, senior executive editor of Cruise Critic, an online publication featuring advice and member cruise reviews.

Also be sure to throw in some wrinkle release spray, says Lori Sheller, vice president of cruise development at Tourico Holidays, a wholesale travel brokerage company. "Most cruise lines have banned bringing travel irons on board for safety reasons, and on-ship prices for ironing are almost always exorbitant."

2. Beverages

Bill Hirsch, founder of the online publication CruiseHabit.com, says one of the best ways to save money is by bringing some of your own drinks – if you're allowed, that is.

"Most cruise lines don't permit you to bring a bunch of liquor on," says Hirsch. That said, most lines do still allow you to bring a little something. For example, Royal Caribbean allows two bottles of wine per stateroom, and Carnival similarly allows you to bring a bottle of wine per guest, says Hirsch.

For those who prefer nonalcoholic beverages, many cruise lines will let you carry on soda, says certified travel agent and consultant Ta-Tanisha Thomas, of travel agency Officially Crowned Travel. For example, Carnival will allow each stateroom guest to carry on one 12-pack of soda cans. If you're sailing on a four-day cruise and have four people in your cabin, the 48 cans you can bring may get you through until you return home. Considering that you'll often pay more than $2 a can on the ship, that works out to about $80 in savings.

3. Your own snorkel gear

If you like to visit beachy destinations and are planning a cruise to warm-weather destinations, it's worth considering buying your own snorkel gear. Travel and lifestyle writer Crystal Henry says she and her husband always bring their own snorkel gear when they cruise. This allows them to avoid paying for snorkel gear rentals on their cruise stops. In fact, having their own gear allows them to skip pricey snorkel excursions altogether and just snorkel on their own from the shore. 

4. Waterproof dry bag

Tanner Callais, founder of cruising blog Cruzely says one of his best money-saving tips is to bring along a waterproof bag. These bags only cost about $20 on Amazon. They're made of thick vinyl and can be rolled at the top to make them watertight.

Sure, they won't necessarily save you money on your cruise fare, but they can save you a fortune from ruining valuables due to water. "You can pop your phone and wallet in a bag, carry it with you to the pool or beach, and not have to worry about getting that expensive phone wet," says Callais.

5. Sunscreen, medications, and sundries

Most people know to bring sunscreen when going on a cruise, but you might be surprised by how much you'll actually need if you're in the Caribbean for a week, notes Callais.

"The bottles on the ship or in port can be expensive — sometimes double the price of back home," says Callais. Instead of getting stuck overpaying, head to the local pharmacy before your trip and buy plenty of sunscreen to bring along.

While you're at it, pick up your favorite hair products, especially conditioner. Cruise lines are notorious for not providing hair conditioner in cabins. Stock up on any medications you might need, too, including over-the-counter drugs. Medication for children is particularly scarce and pricey on cruise ships.

Also bring batteries along if you have a camera that requires them. If you have to buy batteries on the ship or at port, you'll wind up paying more than you want.

6. Cash

You'll often find that you can pay for whatever you need at port with a good travel credit card. But sometimes you'll need or want to use cash. Bringing cash for taxis and day trips will help you avoid pricey ATMs on the ship or at shore, says Hirsch. Ideally, you'll be able to estimate how much cash you'll need in different currencies for your cruise, then get it from your own bank with no fees required. (See also: 11 Ways to Avoid Bank Fees While Traveling)

Read your cruise line policy ahead of time
Ultimately, what you can and can't bring on a cruise to save money depends on your cruise line's policies and regulations. The best way to figure out what's allowed is to read through their policies thoroughly ahead of time and pack accordingly.

Remember that anything you can bring along is something you won't have to buy later on. Cruising has long been considered an affordable travel option, but the price can be even sweeter if you plan ahead.

By Holly Johnson, Wise Bread
Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more
For more cruise news and articles go to https://www.cruisecrazies.com

Do you ever wonder how some cruisers get loads of free credit to use for onboard purchases? For the benefit of you folks new to cruising, any added value in the form of cash for you to use on board your cruise - for things like beverages, shopping, drinks, shore excursions, the spa, and other for-fee extras - is known as on-board or shipboard credit. Some people get a lot of it, while others seem to get none. If you're looking to score maximum onboard credits for your next cruise, you just need to know where to look. Here are a half dozen tricks for finding free money for your cruise:

A Travel Agent. Don't expect an agent to fork over their whole commission to you in the form of credit so you can have a good time, but do expect them to know which cruise lines are offering some in the form of a promotion. The best way an agent can give you onboard credit is through a value-added offer (gifting you something rather than discounting your cruise), and many times this is done through group blocks the agent holds for the purpose of booking their clients. Either way, if you are dedicated and loyal to your travel agent, no doubt they will reward you. 

Cruise Line Promotions. Cruise lines run deal after deal, and many of them come with a specific dollar amount of onboard credit, usually tied in with the number of days sailing or the category of cabin booked. The more money you are willing to pay for your cruise, the more credit you could receive.

Book Your Next Cruise While On Board Another. Most cruise lines have an on-board booking program, either a Future Cruise Desk or an entire office staffed by crew members whose job it is  to entice you into booking your next cruise with them. After all, this is what builds their loyal customer base. To do this, you would place a small deposit ($100 per person, in many cases) on a future cruise, and the cruise line will reward you with onboard credit, again, tied in with the number of days or category of cabin you intend on booking for your next cruise. In fact, you don't even have to decide right then and there. Instead, the cruise line will give you a year or two to think about it.

Refer a Friend. Many lines will reward you for bringing them business in the form of your friends and relatives who may be new to cruising - or new to a particular cruise line - and want to see what they've been missing. 

Price Drops. This is hit or miss, but worth asking. If you find your cruise price dropped after final payment, the cruise line may issue you the difference in the form of onboard credit - or perhaps an upgrade. 

Register a Complaint. Did you have a bad experience on your last cruise? Write a letter to the cruise line, explain what happened, and you may receive a letter of apology in return with a certificate for a discount on your next cruise or for shipboard credit. The amount would most likely depend on the severity of the complaint. Some assistance from a travel agent will help to assure your letter of complaint gets to the right people.

Not all onboard credit is combinable, meaning you may not be able to combine onboard credits received from a promotion with those received as a loyalty reward. But it never hurts to explore all the options.

Photo Credit: Pixabay Free Images

No offense, parents, but this is a nightmare scenario for some cruisers: They book a cruise hoping for a little R&R, and instead find a ship full of screaming children trampling on their stuff, interrupting their trashy book reading and drenching them with Olympic-worthy cannonballs. But take a deep breath, people — there are ways to avoid other people’s children, even on a family-friendly ship. Though in some cases it will cost you more.

It’s not your imagination that children are everywhere on cruises: Nearly a third of cruisers bring their children along with them, according to data from Cruise Lines International Association — and that means thousands of kids take a cruise each month. Indeed, by some estimates, 1.6 million children under 18 take a cruise each year, and many lines actively promote their family friendliness with on-site babysitting, special kids activities (think SpongeBob roaming the decks), promotions where kids sail free, and more.

Of course, if kids are on your ship it doesn’t mean they’ll be noisy or bother you. And even family-friendly ships have areas of respite from children.

Still, many cruisers would prefer to avoid a ship in which there might be misbehaving minors (ahem MarketWatch commenters, we’re listening to you). Here’s how to do it.

Pick the right cruise line

Some cruise lines — like Royal Caribbean RCL, Carnival, and Norwegian -- are very family oriented, so they’re likely to have a lot of kids, says Rich Tucker, the marketing manager for CruiseDeals.com . Indeed, these cruise lines all recently ran kids-sail-free deals and offer up amenities like photo ops with Disney characters, rock-climbing walls, ice-skating rinks and more to attract families.

Cruise lines have been catering more and more to families, and the results have been paying off. But if the prospect of being trapped aboard a boat with screaming kids makes you recoil in horror, here are five ways to escape them and enjoy your vacation. (Photo: Getty Images)

On the flip side, the higher-end lines like Seaborn, Regent and Silversea are less likely to be filled with kids, in part because it can be pricey to take a whole family on ships like this and the ships tend not to have too many amenities that specifically attract young children, says Tucker.

The sweet spot for those looking for a deal on a ship with fewer children may be Princess and Celebrity cruises, he says. While these ships will have some families, they don’t tend to have as many kid-friendly amenities as Royal Caribbean and Carnival, which means they are far less popular with families.

And if you really want to avoid children (read: you never want to ever see one on your entire cruise — ever), look to one of these ships, which offer adults-only cruises: P&O’s Arcadia, Adonia and Oriana.

Hang out in the right spots

Even on child-friendly ships, you can find places to hang out where the kids don’t. For one, many of the ships have adult-friendly areas. Carnival offers the Serenity area on some of its ships that is available only to people 21 and up and has a bar and whirlpools; Royal Caribbean offers the Solarium pool area on 20 of its ships that’s available only for guests 16 or older; Norwegian offers a few adult-only areas on its ships including the Spice H20 area, for those 18 and older. However, Colleen McDaniel, managing editor of , warns that consumers should look at a ship’s deck plan (this is usually posted online) as sometimes adults-only areas on ships are quite close to kids areas and thus can be less relaxing (read: you can hear the screaming children from your supposedly child-free lounge chair) than a more isolated adults-only area.

Even if the ship doesn’t have an adults-only area, there are places to hang out where a lot of the kids won’t be. Many ships have spas where you can get a treatment and then enjoy the accompanying pools and relaxation areas, and others have libraries, quiet areas and rooms with private balconies that provide a respite from other people’s children. Tucker adds that some ships also have a class of rooms with their own private relaxation space that tend to be quieter: Norwegian, for example, offers the Haven rooms, which have their own lounge and pool; just get prepared to pay more for this.

Time it right

It sounds obvious, but because it’s so crucial for the kid-avoidant cruiser, it bears repeating: Cruise at a time when kids will likely be in school, says McDaniel. That means you should likely say no to summer, spring break and holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas, she says.

Take a longer-length or repositioning cruise

Booking a cruise that’s longer than a week is also good way to avoid kids, says Stewart Chiron, founder of CruiseGuy.com . That’s because “short cruises are great for families,” says McDaniel. But “parents are less likely to take kids out of school for a week or longer.”

Repositioning cruises — these take place when a cruise line moves the ship to a new port to take advantage of the upcoming high season at that port — may also be a good bet, says Chiron, as they tend to attract fewer families in part because they are longer lengths and tend to be in shoulder seasons (added bonus: they also tend to be great deals).

Pick the right dining experience

Tucker says that if you opt for the specialty restaurants on your cruise, you’re likely to encounter fewer children. The downside: These tend to cost extra on many cruise lines. If you’re on a budget and still want to avoid kids, pick the later dinner hour (usually it’s around 8 or 8:30), says McDaniel, as families with young children tend to eat at the 6 p.m. seating.

Select a room in the right locale

McDaniel says that cruisers should check out the deck plan of a ship before selecting their room, as some rooms are much closer to areas where a lot of kids will likely be (the baby-sitting area, arcade, major pool, etc.), while others are near adults-only or other quiet areas. Tucker says that some cruise lines also have “spa” rooms that are near the spa and tend to be relatively quiet, and others have clusters of studio rooms (meant for single cruisers) that may be quieter because they aren’t near families.

By Catey Hill, MarketWatch

For more cruise news & articles go to http://www.cruisecrazies.com/index.html

Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more

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There is a certain sense of pampering, pomp and circumstance that comes with eating in the main dining room on a cruise ship. An army of waiters and assistant waiters bustle about. Menus feature five or more courses and you can order as much as you like.

Cuisine is typically continental, with some international dishes and regional specialties (based on where you are cruising) along with fussy eater options such as plain grilled chicken breast, a vegetarian selection and other "healthy" choices.

Here are some of the best dishes to order in a cruise ship dining room...

Shrimp cocktail: This special occasion favorite is served with three to five plump shrimp – sometimes dramatically displayed in a cocktail glass, depending on the ship. Be sure to dip them in the traditional red cocktail sauce.

Soup: Maybe it's just that warmth tastes great at sea, or maybe it's that cruise ship chefs pay extra attention to soups, but they tend to be one of the most delicious menu items. Holland America Line is so proud of its traditional Dutch pea soup it's even served outdoors as a warm-me-up on glacier-viewing days in Alaska.

Signature Chef Dishes: If the cruise line's top chef, the ship's executive chef or a guest celebrity chef has his or her name next to an item on the menu then a lot of thought likely went into the creation of the dish.

Escargot: A cruise vacation is a great time to try something new. With a hefty dose of garlic, snails are actually quite delicious. Plus ordering this dish is a chance to impress your tablemates with your adventuresome culinary tastes.

Lobster: Chefs tend to take extra care with pricey ingredients. Lobster is a prime example, whether ordered on its own or as Surf & Turf. One caveat: If you are a Maine lobster fan, ask if that's what you're getting. You may find the ship subs Caribbean lobster, which is not as sweet.

Slow-cooked meats: Serving thousands of passengers, most cruise ship dining rooms are not well equipped for a la minute cooking. Save the request for a rare steak for the ship's specialty steakhouse. Instead go with the prime rib, a stewed meat dish such as veal saltimbocca, turkey dinner or roasted chicken.

Indian curries: If you're a fan of Indian cuisine and it's on the menu, definitely go for it. If it's not, try making a special request. Chances are your ship has Indian chefs onboard preparing authentic curries for the crew, and you can get in on the action. Carnival does a particularly good job with curries.

Fresh-made pasta: If your ship has Italian chefs, it's probably a safe bet to assume skill and fresh ingredients are involved in making such dishes as Spaghetti Carbonara and lasagna. Pasta is one of the best menu choices on Princess Cruises, Costa Cruises and MSC Cruises, among others.

Regional specials: Go with the crab legs and wild salmon (even if flash-frozen) in Alaska, the conch fritters in the Caribbean and the boeuf bourguignon or coq au vin in France. The chefs know you want to get a good taste of the cruising region.

Baked goods: It's vacation, go ahead and indulge! Desserts are prepared daily on cruise ships, and even if pre-prepared dough is sometimes used they are all freshly baked. If a soufflé is featured, that's often the best choice. Baked Alaska will be elaborately presented, but don't feel you have to order it if you're not a fan.

By Fran Golden, Special for USA TODAY

For more cruise news & articles go to http://www.cruisecrazies.com/index.html

Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more

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A cruise may be an exciting and unique way to escape from it all, and just like land vacations, you'll be expected to take care of the people who take care of you by leaving them tips.

Automatic Tipping

Most cruise lines now make it super convenient and automatically charge gratuities to the customer's onboard account, averaging an amount of around $12.00 per person/per day, covering service by your waitstaff and stateroom attendant. Some cruise lines charge your onboard account on a daily basis, while others add the tips at end of the cruise. Either way, you can feel free to approach the service desk and increase, decrease, or completely remove the auto gratuity, depending on the level of service (or lack thereof) during your cruise. These days, in fact, cruise lines are either requiring or making an option available to prepay your gratuities.

With an automatic gratuity, tip money is pooled and shared by all of the service staff. Before you run down to the service desk and reduce the amount to one you perceive as being more appropriate, keep in mind that members of the crew rely greatly on tips to supplement their otherwise meager income.

Cash Tips

However, there are a few other instances during your cruise vacation when you will need to show your appreciation with good, old-fashioned cash. So be sure to have a supply of dollar bills handy - a few fives wouldn't hurt, either.

Pre-cruise transport. Your first tip will probably go to the taxi driver or private chauffeur who had the honor of transporting you from home or hotel to the ship. If you took a shared shuttle from the airport, expect to part with a couple of dollars, as well.

Cruise terminal. Upon arriving, be prepared to tip the porters when you hand over your luggage to be transported to your cabin. Some porters make it easy by waiting with open hand, while others are less obvious. Either way, $1 to $2 per bag not only shows appreciation for the hard work these guys do, but also is a little added insurance that your bags will make it to your cabin in one piece.

Luggage delivery. Nine times out of ten, I've gotten off the hook with this one, as my luggage mysteriously arrives when out and about exploring the ship. But if you happen to be in your cabin when your luggage arrives, it's polite to tip the person $1 to $2 per bag.

Room service deliveries: Consider tipping the crew member who delivers your room service order. A $2 tip is a nice gesture.

Spa: It takes a lot of work to transform you into a beautiful, relaxed person during a spa treatment. A tip may be automatically added, but if not, a 1518% tip is appropriate.

Bar: Most cruise lines now add 15% to all bar bills, whether you've purchased a beer, a mixed drink or just a soda. If you spend a lot of time at a particular bar and get to know the bartenders, tipping an additional amount would surely be welcomed. Tip in cash or write in an extra amount on your bar bill.

Wine sommelier: If you are on a cruise which employs a wine sommelier to manage your finicky wine choices at dinner, $10 or $20 at the end of the cruise would be a fair amount.

Child care: Tipping is not necessary for the staff in the childrens centers. However, if you've used the services of an onboard private babysitter, a few bucks would be most appreciated.

Shore excursions: Whether you use the ship's tour or hire a private company, it's common practice to tip your guide $2 to $5. Don't forget the driver - he or she deserves an extra buck or two, as well.

The Envelope Gratuity

Some folks prefer the traditional - and more personal - practice of handing out envelopes of cash to the staff who served them throughout the cruise. If you choose that method, bring along a few envelopes from home - or ask for them at the customer service desk - and use the following guidelines when stuffing your envelopes. Basically, these amounts pretty much reflect how the automatic tip would be divided among the staff. Of course, as with all tips, they can be adjusted higher or lower depending on the service.

Waiter: $3.75

Assistant Waiter: $2.25

Head Waiter: $.75

Stateroom Attendant: $3.75 ($7.25 if youre in a suite)

Stateroom Assistant: $2.25

Post-cruise: Just as with pre-cruise transport, if you use a porter to wheel your luggage to your car or motor coach once youre back in your home port, youll need to dip into your pocket one more time. The same goes for the private transport or shuttle driver who brings you and your bags to the airport, hotel or home.

By Jan Neves, CruiseCrazies Contributor

Please visit CruiseCrazies.com for more cruise news & articles.

Featured photo credit: D. Neves

Mega-Pegs were first inspired after being used on Cruise Ships to keep towels from blowing away off the sunbeds in the high winds at sea.

Mega-Pegs are the must have item to use on yachts, cruise ships, camping trips, caravans, boating holidays and even in the garden at home.

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At such a great value these pegs are the must have accessory for anyone travelling.

Mega-Pegs:

So many uses ... How will you use yours?

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Note: When you purchase your Mega-Pegs from outside the UK, make sure you select the correct dropdown box as postage costs vary by country.

Travelers looking for a cruise vacation have endless vessel choices. Which is right for you? A "big" ship or a "small" ship? Is one perfect for a romantic honeymoon? A family vacation? Will there be enough activities, or fine dining and wine?

For the sake of argument, in the "big" category I'll put the very large ships that can carry 3,000 passengers or more. Some, like the leviathan Oasis of the Seas (and its sister ship, the Allure of the Seas), can carry more than 6,000, plus a crew of almost 2,400. In the "small" category I am including cruise vessels that house fewer 1,000 passengers. However, most of the boutique ships carry far fewer, usually 300 to 600 passengers.

SO MANY CHOICES

"Mega ships absolutely give more options than any other ship -- with a wide range of cabin sizes, configurations and price ranges, to many dining options" says travel broadcaster Sandy Fenton. For example, the Norwegian Breakaway, which went into service last year, has 33 separate onboard dining venues.

FAMILY-FRIENDLY

"For families, this can be an ideal vacation, as kids and hard-to-please teens will be entertained," says Fenton. The Oasis of the Seas, for instance, has teen-only sessions in the FlowRider wave and surfing pool and a huge rock climbing wall. Norwegian's Breakaway has a miniature golf course, a bungee trampoline and a 24-foot enclosed climbing cage.

LOTS OF CABINS

On ships with thousands of cabins, guests have a wide range of choices and price ranges. They come in various sizes, configurations, with or without balconies -- even in different neighborhoods.

ENTERTAINMENT GALORE

Big ships really go all out on entertainment, with giant, state-of-the-art stages and Broadway shows such as "Mamma Mia" and "Rock of Ages." Others offer music cruises such as The Moody Blues Cruise, with guest Roger Daltrey, on the MSC Divina next month. Big vessels tend to have big casinos, too.

VALUE CRUISING (WITH A CAVEAT)

The big cruise lines regularly offer great sales on various voyages. But, beware -- all the small charges can add up (see below).

HOW BIG IS TOO BIG? You'll be traveling with 4,000-plus new friends, so if you don't like crowds, this isn't for you. For peace and quiet, look elsewhere.

KIDS, KIDS, KIDS If you aren't a kid-friendly person or just prefer the company of mostly adults, you'll be out of luck. With the value-pricing options and programs aimed at children and teens, there will be kids aplenty aboard big ships, particularly in the summer.

EMBARKATION AND DISEMBARKATION With so many passengers getting on and off at the start of a cruise, during shore visits and at the conclusion, this process can be extremely tedious.

NICKEL AND DIMED Large ships are not all-inclusive -- meaning passengers will pay for virtually every item, and not just alcoholic beverages. The cost of tips and shore excursions quickly adds up, and the bill at the end of an "inexpensive" cruise can be quite a shock. Onboard drink packages can save a lot of money.

DINING AND SERVICE With thousands of hungry people to feed every day -- the Oasis of the Seas' Opus Dining Room can seat 3,096 -- quantity often trumps quality. And those buffet lines can be ceaseless. The same goes for service; the endless stream of passenger faces, requests, issues and complaints can wear down even the friendliest crew.

ALL-INCLUSIVE

In some instances, that means virtually everything. Regent offers free round-trip air, free shore excursions, all gratuities, most wines and spirits, and included specialty dining on every cruise. You'll rarely need to tip or sign a bill.

LUXURY AND TOP NOTCH SERVICE

Many of the smaller, premium lines have experienced butler service for all suite guests. Sanjay, my butler on a recent Silversea cruise, went above and beyond, lending me a pair of cuff links so I didn't have to buy a pair. Embarking on these voyages is usually a stress-free boarding experience that ends with a glass of Champagne. Servers will remember your preferences and bring you your favorite appetizer or drink without asking.

FINE DINING

Smaller ships offer gourmet cuisine in the dining rooms and at the alternative dining restaurants such as Silversea's La Terrazza aboard the Silver Spirit -- the first and only Slow Food-approved restaurant at sea.

EXCLUSIVE ITINERARIES

Smaller cruises offer language and cultural programs, and some present posh culinary classes, art and literature courses, enrichment programs with world-famous lecturers and wine-themed cruises.

PEACEFUL AND LUXURIOUS

Smaller ships generally do not cater to families, and there will be few, if any children aboard. The cabins are appointed with high-end amenities and the vessels often display beautiful and expensive artworks throughout the ship.

IT'S TOO QUIET

Most smaller ships close up early and do not have much in the way of late-night bars, nightclubs or gambling. Most restaurants and dining stations close around 11 o'clock -- so no midnight buffet.

ENTERTAINMENT OPTIONS ARE LIMITED

Entertainment options consist of less-elaborate shows, solo entertainers, film screenings, trivia contests, bridge clubs and lectures.

KIDS MAY BE BORED

Smaller vessels have few options devoted to children and teenagers. The ships do have pools, but normal youthful play around them is discouraged. Onboard sports options usually are limited to golf practice, Ping-Pong, shuffleboard and gym workouts.

WE WILL MEET AGAIN

Since the size of the ship is small and the overall number of guests low, it is likely you will meet each and every passenger more than once. If this is a problem, you may want to sail on a larger ship.

ITINERARIES ARE LONGER

Many luxury cruise lines have itineraries beginning with 8-day voyages and longer. This can be too long or expensive for some travelers. Seabourn is one of the luxury carriers that runs shorter trips.

By BOB ECKER, Special to Newsday

For more cruise news & articles go to http://www.cruisecrazies.com/index.html

Re-posted on CruiseCrazies.com - Cruise News, Articles, Forums, Packing List, Ship Tracker, and more

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When we think of a cruise, we perhaps think of a week-long sojourn at sea, where time stands still, and the only thing we have to think about is what swimsuit we'll put on or what we'll have for lunch.

The 70's band Chicago got it right when they sang "Does anybody really know what time it is, does anybody really care?..." In all actuality, without a working watch or other accurate timekeeper, we could be in for a rude awakening. There are specific occasions on a cruise when watching the clock and careful planning is necessary to avoid unpleasantness later. Here are five of the most important instances when times does matter:

Flying to the ship. If you're booking the cruise-line's air, they will offer you flight times that coincide with your itinerary. However, if you're booking your own flights, you'll need to pay close attention to the flight times. While it doesn't matter much if you're flying in a day ahead of your cruise, it certainly will kill your cruise plans on embarkation day if you don't schedule your flight to the ship in a way that will have you arriving to the port on time. Generally, you'll need to arrive for check-in no later than one hour before sail-away. It's always wise to fly in a day in advance, but if that's not possible, try for the first non-stop flight of the day. If you must change planes, pay careful attention to the connection times. If your layover is super short and the first leg of the flight is delayed, you'll wind up on a later connection, increasing the possibility of missing the ship. A guideline of air arrival and departure times will be included with your itinerary. Be sure to read them so you can plan accordingly.

Fixed Seating Dinner. If you've chosen traditional dining, please arrive on time - especially if it's the first seating. Not only is it rude to wander in late, keeping everyone waiting, but it also disrupts the waitstaff who must get dinner served and cleared in time for the later sating. If you're tired from a long day of touring or you've chosen the evening to dine in a specialty restaurant, call the dining room ahead and let them know.

Independent Excursions. Are you meeting an independent tour first thing in the morning? Be sure to allow yourself ample time to meet them on shore, especially if you must tender in. I speak from experience. On a Carnival cruise many years ago, we were unable to get tickets on the first tender to port and missed our snorkel boat tour. If you are unsure whether you'll be able to meet up on time or if it's a tour requiring complicated or long travel, book a ship excursion. Or stay on board and enjoy the peace and serenity of an empty ship!

Returning to the Ship. How many times have we stood at the ship's rail and seen the latecomers running frantically for the ship at the last minute? Even more pitiful are the poor people left standing on shore as we wave a sorry goodbye. It's rare, but it does happen. First, it's important to pay attention to the stated time to be back on board - not the sailing time. Next, make sure everyone in your group is synchronized and that your watches or phones are set to the current time for whatever time zone you're in. Lastly, keep tabs on the time while you're out and about on your own. It's easy to lose track of time when you're having fun.

The Flight Home. If you are booking flights with the cruise line, they will offer you flights that will allow you plenty of time to get to the airport. If you are planning your own air, you will have to make sure you plan the flight home for the appropriate time that will give you a leisurely transfer to the airport. No one wants to end their cruise rushing and scrambling to get off the ship. That cheap 8:30 am flight may look attractive, but if the ship docks at 7:00 am and only begins letting passengers off at 7:30, sorry - you won't make it. Pay close attention to the time it will take to travel from the ship to the airport and the recommended minimum time to make it through airport security. Your cruise itinerary will state the earliest time you can book a flight home. Follow those guidelines, and you'll arrive to the airport with time to spare and in a peaceful state of mind.

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By Janice Neves, CruiseCrazies Contributor

For more cruise news & articles go to http://www.cruisecrazies.com/index.html